While over a third of business are more confident about London’s economic recovery than they were in 2020, businesses have been unable to shake the fear of new lockdowns - with half of all respondents to this year's Business 1000 survey citing a potential new national lockdown as the most significant risk to the post-pandemic economic recovery.

London Councils and London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have been polling London businesses every year for the past five years and the most recent survey, conducted by YouGov, provides insight into the challenges faced by businesses and employers as the capital enters the new normal of the post-pandemic economy.

London Councils Executive member, Business, Economy and Culture, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, said: "Recovery from the pandemic is the biggest concern for London’s businesses, and so it is imperative that boroughs continue to champion the thousands of successful firms we have here in the capital.

“This year’s survey shows that although London businesses are hiring again, they are struggling to get the skills they need. In addition, the apprenticeship uptake remains disappointingly low. We welcome [the] Budget's investment in skills and are committed to working with government to reform the apprenticeship levy to support young Londoners into their future careers.

“The survey also highlights business leaders’ enthusiasm for more sustainable practices. It is encouraging that over two thirds of London businesses are doing at least one thing to reduce their environmental impact. The private sector will be vital in addressing climate change.

“London’s businesses are a huge part of what makes our city so unique. We must listen to them and work with them to secure London’s environmental and economic future.”

The chief executive of LB Hillingdon, Fran Beasley, has announced that she will retire at the end of the year.

Announcing her decision last week, she said: "It has been an absolute honour to serve the residents and elected members and I couldn't have asked to work with a better officer team.  

"It is the right time for me to hand on the baton and I leave the council in safe hands, with an exciting future ahead. I have every confidence that the council will continue to go from strength to strength."

LB Hounslow has been named as the 'Council of the Year' in the 2021 LGC awards. At the 25th annual awards organised by the magazine, judges said: “This council consistently delivers high quality services and shows it is making significant improvements to the lives of its residents."

The success of a number of London councils was recognised across various categories in this year's awards, with winners including: Waltham Forest (Campaign of the Year); Enfield (Diversity & Inclusion); Newham with Keep Britain Tidy (Environmental Services); Hammersmith & Fulham (Future Places); Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington (Health & Social Care) and Lambeth (Innovation).

The fifth anniversary of the Croydon Sandilands tram derailment was marked at a civic ceremony yesterday.

Croydon leader Councillor Hamida Ali said: “The Croydon tram derailment was a devastating incident in which seven residents lost their lives, many more were injured and countless lives were changed forever. We will always remember them, and stand united in support of their friends, family and wider community.”

Being fully vaccinated and getting the booster when offered is the best way of protecting yourself and others this winter.

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