By: Chris Hayward

Chris Hayward is the Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, in which capacity he acts as a spokesperson, political leader and advocate for London as a global financial and professional services capital. With over 40 years’ experience founding and leading businesses across aviation and construction, he combines commercial leadership with a lifelong commitment to public service at both local and national levels

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Strong and certain regulatory regimes are the backbone of investment in London

October 24, 2022

If you have seen the movie “Wolf of Wall Street”, you will remember when the main character starts selling stocks in “Aerotyne International”: he claims it to be a cutting-edge high-tech firm, but in reality it is a workshop in a garden shed.
The Square Mile’s reputation as a no-go zone on weekends needs to be overhauled

October 10, 2022

We must seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine the Square Mile, just as the Elizabeth Line is connecting more people to the City than ever before.
Tax cuts won’t bring us growth unless coupled with a dedication to competition

September 26, 2022

Our financial and professional services sector drives growth, supports investment and facilitates trade. But this contribution must never be taken for granted.
The monarchy’s strength is the foundation of our prosperity in choppy waters

September 12, 2022

The City is united in grief after learning of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. The Lord Mayor of the City of London spoke of our immense sadness and mourning. But it was also a time to reflect on Her Majesty the Queen’s momentous reign, one which was characterised by an unfaltering commitment to [...]
Let’s ensure London’s job market stays an attractive proposition for this year’s cohort

August 30, 2022

We all remember that nervous feeling on exam results day. No matter your age, that trepidation never leaves you. This year’s A-Level and GCSE students faced challenges most of us could barely imagine. Months of learning remotely and little previous exam experience added to the usual pressure. Yet, this year’s cohort demonstrated remarkable tenacity to [...]
The City must once and for all leave behind its reputation for being just for work

August 15, 2022

The City used to be seen as a staid place where people simply came to work before going elsewhere to have fun. The reality today is a transformed Square Mile in terms of access to retail, hospitality and culture. The next phase of this reinvention will kick off later this autumn with our a “Destination [...]
Britain’s sporting success will help economic growth

August 1, 2022

Sport has had a busy summer in the UK as we marked England’s victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro and the start of the Commonwealth Games last week. It was with great pride that people across the country watched the Lionesses’ incredible performance and did us all proud. For many, it has brought back fond [...]
Public money, tied to political decisions won’t save us from the climate challenge

July 18, 2022

We are now just over 100 days from Cop27 in Sharm el-Sheikh. It only feels like yesterday that many of us in the Square Mile made the journey to Glasgow for Cop26, working hard to ensure that financial and professional services played its part in helping keep climate change goals within reach. Yet with just [...]
Construction in the City will be sabotaged by a skill shortage without a long-term plan

July 4, 2022

Two of the biggest long-term challenges we face are climate change and the labour market. The problems are well-known: holding to 1.5 degrees increase from pre-industrial levels and a shortage of appropriately skilled labour. For too long, problems such as these have been viewed in isolation, rather than stepping back to see the bigger picture [...]
Our labour market has been squeezed for the right skills and jobs for young people

June 20, 2022

Right now, one of the most pressing concerns for City businesses is a shortage of workers with the right skills. According to research by London Councils, almost a quarter of all vacancies in the capital are due to a lack of applicants with the necessary talents. Meanwhile, the number of cases where employers have been [...]

Shabana Mahmood set to be named Chancellor by Burnham

Delicious Orie: The boxer who swapped sparring for spreadsheets

Jamie’s Italian is awful but don’t worry, there are some great new Mediterranean restaurants too

By: Chris Hayward

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