City of London Chamber officially launches in front of business leaders at The Guildhall

Last night, the newly created City of London Chamber was officially launched at the Guildhall in the presence of senior business leaders from across the City. The Chamber will provide a much-needed forum for businesses of all sectors, ranging from large multinational corporations to the over 24,000 SMEs who operate in the Square Mile, convening, supporting and championing them with a dedicated voice.

The City Chamber will campaign on the key issues affecting businesses in the City, including business rates, improving footfall after the pandemic, labour and skills shortages, business crime, and the City’s future international competitiveness.

The creation of this collaborative, business-focused organisation will also support businesses as they navigate more existential challenges such as post-Brexit arrangements and the City’s ongoing recovery from the pandemic.

The launch event was attended by senior business leaders from across the City and speeches were delivered by Alderman Prem Goyal, founding chair of the City of London Chamber Committee, Keith Bottomley, head of policy at the City of London Corporation, and Richard Burge, chief executive of London Chamber and Commerce and Industry.

Earlier in the day, a special market opening ceremony at the London Stock Exchange marked the occasion and heralded the official launch of the Chamber in the City.

Alderman Prem Goyal, founding chair of the City of London Chamber Committee, said: “The City of London Chamber will provide an important forum for the Square Mile’s businesses to collaborate and speak with one voice. Throughout my career in the City I’ve seen how difficult it is to tackle issues such as labour and skills shortages without businesses of all sectors and sizes uniting together.

"As founding chair of the Chamber’s Executive Committee, I look forward to working with the business community to champion the City of London and make the case for a City that is secure, competitive and flourishing.”

Chris Hayward, policy chairman at the City of London Corporation, said: “The launch of the City of London Chamber of Commerce is an important step on the road to recovery for the Square Mile. The City is a key driver of growth and employment in the Square Mile increased to a record high total in 2021."

Richard Burge, chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Businesses are the beating heart of our financial centre and the City of London Chamber will empower firms within the Square Mile to take the City forward in its future growth.”

Amy Green, insurance specialist at Specialist Risk Group and founding member of the City of London Chamber, said: “We are delighted to be founding members of the City of London Chamber, and I look forward to working alongside fellow local businesses to tackle many of the issues facing businesses like ours in the City.

"In a challenging economic environment, I look forward to working within the London Chamber community to secure a positive outlook for businesses.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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