A ‘more positive future’ for London and Ukraine

James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, talks to Sarah Dale about issues affecting London from the rise in business confidence to a fashion show highlighting the talent of Ukrainian refugee

A groundbreaking fashion show showcasing the work of Ukrainian refugee designers was a beacon of “hope, opportunity and a more positive future”.

“The Fabric of Freedom fashion show is part of our wider work to make sure we support Ukrainian refugees living in London and businesses in Ukraine,” says James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

“We are determined to do what we can.

“They are enduring a very traumatic time with the continuation of the war in Ukraine, yet they are showing great innovation and creativity.”

Organised by the LCCI in collaboration with London Metropolitan University, UA in UK Community, fashion curators Olenka Martynuk and Nataliia Bartkiv, and Creative Headshots London, the spectacular show was held at London Metropolitan University. Amongst the movers and shakers of the fashion industry gracing the front row was Bridget Jones author Helen Fielding.

The event showcased the talent of Ukrainian refugee designers Galushko, Mandyradzhy, Selera, AG Studio and Tetyana Palchinska.

Confidence growing in London

The LCCI recently published the results of its latest quarterly economic survey, The Capital 500, which seeks to gauge private sector performance and confidence levels among businesses of various sizes across the capital.

It found that despite a “muted start to 2024”, businesses who took part in the survey were “upbeat about their own prospects for the remainder of the year”.

James adds: “It’s good to see that despite economic headwinds, business confidence has gone up again.

It shows the determination and entrepreneurial spirit across London and is testament to what we’re achieving. We are making a difference.”

James hopes that the rail strikes are resolved quickly as they “hold up business growth”.

“Small businesses are already hit by high inflation, the legacy of Covid, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. We now need that stability and need a transport system that works seamlessly. We hope with the new term of office for Sadiq Khan that more progress will be made and

The recent mayoral campaign saw Sadiq Khan re-elected for a third term as London Mayor.

“We’re happy that the London Assembly’s Economy Committee will meet, in its new term of office, at the LCCI’s offices,” says James.

“That’s testament to the impact the LCCI is having. We are looking forward to working with the Mayor and his team. Sadiq has pledged a growth plan for London and will include LCCI with the development of the plan. It is fundamental to the deprivation that exists in parts of London. We are looking forward to working with Sadiq on these issues.”

Reducing crime

During his election campaign, the Mayor outlined his 10-point action plan to reduce violence against women and girls.

“I think it’s a good step forward,” says James. “It’s important that all the mayoral candidates are focused on crime and violence in London, especially against women and girls. During the campaign, we met with the Police Minister and Metropolitan Police officers and raised this issue as part of a discussion on business crime. I get the sense there is a desire to face this issue once and for all, and we’re going to be at the forefront of this campaign, so all women and girls feel safe in our capital.”

The LCCI was part of a campaign to regulate pedicabs and the Pedicabs (London) Bill has been given Royal Assent.

“It’s great that we won,” says James. “There were too many scary incidents of people being fleeced and even acts of physical violence. It is fundamentally important that these pedicabs are regulated. I know there are many reputable ones but there are a few that are not. It brings down the global image of London. Now they will be regulated and a loophole that lasted 100 years has finally closed.”

International students

The LCCI sent a joint letter to the Home Secretary and Education Secretary to emphasise the need for international students to boost the economy.

“International students should not be counted in the immigration figures,” says James.

“People often think of London for its tourism and financial services, but actually London is a university city too with many university institutions. Many are reliant on international students.

“If there were greater restrictions on international students, it would have a massive hit on the economy, and we fear it will lead to job losses. We will continue to press on this issue.”

A greener future

The Government’s announcement of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate for the UK, which aims to secure 10 per cent of all jet fuel from sustainable sources by 2030, has been welcomed by the LCCI.

“SAF remains critical for the London economy because London’s economic success has always relied on its global connectivity,” says James.

“London is fairly unique in so many ways; it is a global city because of all those airports.

“Whoever comes into Government at the next General Election, the two main parties will work towards SAF. It is critical for UK and the London economy.

“Our Green Skies report called for greater expansion of SAF production in the UK and for passengers to be protected from higher travel prices throughout this process. We are pleased to see the Government putting its weight behind the aviation sector by incentivising production and reducing the cost of SAF, which in the long run will accelerate the vital transition to a greener future.”