CBI survey: London remains attractive for business leaders but fears over future linger
Over four in five firms see London as an attractive place for business leaders, according to new findings released today by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
But the CBI has also found that close to a third of the survey’s respondents feel there is potential for London’s position to weaken overall and in specific industries against the backdrop of globalisation and growing international protectionism.
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“Despite the continuing Brexit turbulence and uncertainty, we must never forget just how many underlying strengths London has – from our booming and innovative creative, technology and financial services sectors to our world-leading universities,” said CBI London director Eddie Curzon.
He added: “It’s vital that firms, politicians and City Hall work together to protect and support the diverse skills and talent that abound in the capital and London’s hard-earned reputation as one of the world’s greatest cities for firms to grow and invest in.”
Beyond Brexit, people, infrastructure, skills and the environment were cited as the top policy priorities for the capital’s business community.
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The findings come a week after the latest financial index published by researchers at consultancy Z/Yen showed that London has kept its second place in a ranking of the world’s top financial centres.
However, its position in the top tier is under threat amid Brexit chaos and other global geopolitical shifts.