Results from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) third quarterly economic survey reveal London business confidence has stalled. Despite an ease in inflation businesses expect the London economy to worsen. Inflation remains the number one concern for businesses, with 66% saying they were more concerned about inflation in Quarter 3 than in the previous three months. Despite the slight easing in the borrowing costs net balance, 41% of companies said they were more concerned about interest rates in Q3, up from 36% in Q2.

LCCI was at the political party conferences in September and October. This provided an important opportunity for policymakers and influencers to set out their stalls and foster key relationships ahead of a much-anticipated General Election in 2024. A senior LCCI delegation attended each of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrats conferences to represent the interests of London’s business community and advocate for the policy solutions required to secure UK-wide economic renewal and prosperity.

LCCI supports the London Climate Resilience Review and has requested a series of steps to be adopted by the Greater London Authority and the Government so that the capital can adapt and cope with the extreme weather conditions caused by climate change.

LCCI member The Greeting Card Association (GCA) was established in 1919 by leading greeting card publishers to bring together all parties interested in the healthy continuation of the industry. Today GCA embraces publishers, retailers, suppliers and individuals working in the community, representing its members to government, the Royal Mail, the media and anyone who impacts the industry. The GCA provides information and material to schools and colleges, promoting the habit of card sending among the young and encouraging design innovation. Key facts include £1.7bn annual UK spent on greeting cards; 2 bn cards bought each year in the UK; £73m. spent on Mother’s Day cards in the UK each year, and 500 businesses represented by the GCA.