We must all work together to stay safe and keep London out of Tier 3 restrictions December 14, 2020 With the festive period now underway and a Covid-19 vaccine being rolled out across the country, this feels like the light at the end of the tunnel for many people. I am proud to say that this includes some of the Square Mile’s older, most vulnerable residents, many of whom have endured a tough year [...]
Preparing the City for a very different Christmas — and beyond November 30, 2020 Many businesses across London will be breathing a collective sigh of relief: subject to parliamentary approval, the decision to put the capital under Tier 2 restrictions means that they will be able to trade in the run-up to Christmas. Nonetheless, the festive period this year will be a very different occasion for all of us [...]
Our recovery from Covid-19 is a chance not to build walls, but to cooperate November 15, 2020 As we make our way through the second round of national Covid-19 restrictions, life today is very different to what we expected 12 months ago. The UK last week passed the tragic milestone of 50,000 deaths linked to this terrible virus, while many businesses and households across the country continue to struggle due to the [...]
Travel may be banned once more, but the City of London continues to look outwards November 2, 2020 Overseas travel is set to be heavily curtailed once again over the coming weeks. But despite this restriction, international trade will remain a vital driver for the global economy as it emerges from the shadow of the pandemic. In particular, the green revolution and transition to digital offer huge investment opportunities worldwide as we look [...]
The City can act now to help see London’s creative sector through its darkest hour October 19, 2020 Now that London has moved into tighter local lockdown restrictions, I urge all individuals and businesses across the capital to act responsibly by following the new rules. This is vital to slow the spread of the virus, save lives, and protect the NHS. Londoners must continue to work together in response to the pandemic. I [...]
London may be empty but community spirit must stay strong October 5, 2020 Just over six months since lockdown restrictions were first imposed, life today is very different for all of us with workplaces in the Square Mile. My workplace – Mansion House – would normally be buzzing with activity, hosting delegations from around the world and major set-piece events. The government’s recently revised guidance on working from [...]
Lord Mayor: Delayed Dragons will shine a light on responsible business September 21, 2020 John Lennon once said: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”. That famous quote is more apt now than ever. The Mansion House should have been a hive of activity today, with preparations in full swing for the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards ceremony, which was supposed to take place tomorrow. [...]
The Square Mile is welcoming Londoners back to the City September 7, 2020 Every week, we are seeing more people trickling back to the City of London for work, school, or simply to visit this world-class destination. Despite the sights across the Square Mile remaining strikingly familiar, those who have already returned will have noticed a number of changes. A new dawn has begun in the City. A [...]
The City’s partnerships abroad will help drive the Covid recovery — whatever its shape August 24, 2020 There has been much debate in recent weeks as to what the Covid-19 recovery will look like. But whether the shape is V, U, W, or even a “Nike swoosh”, one thing that will be integral to any economic rebound is international trade. In normal circumstances, I would visit over 20 countries during the year [...]
Welcoming Londoners back to Finsbury Circus Gardens August 10, 2020 This month, the Square Mile’s largest open space and London’s first public park is opening once more after being closed for 10 years due to Crossrail works. We are delighted to reopen the beautiful Finsbury Circus Gardens for the public to enjoy this summer, as staff begin to return to the City for work. Finsbury [...]