BEING FORWARD-THINKING AND INCLUSIVE will boost the economy

James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, talks to Sarah Dale about the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and the highlights and issues affecting the London business community.

Being a forward-thinking, inclusive Chamber is extremely important to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

This is demonstrated in several ways from its work with the Metropolitan Police to make London’s streets safer for women and girls to its call for the implementation of new policies to ensure that the inclusion of women in the negotiations of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will increase.

“I think in years gone by equality, diversity and inclusion was a nice to have and not seen as functional to business growth,” said James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact at LCCI.

“But if you scratch the surface, we must have inclusion. My colleague Esenam Agubretu has said there were too many barriers to BME businesses that were holding back business growth and creation.

“What we are saying is equality, diversity and inclusion is not just a moral imperative, it’s fundamental to business growth.”

The LCCI’s policy proposal calls for the implementation of new policies to ensure that more women are included in the negotiations of FTAs will push forward women’s roles in trade agreements and could in turn lead to an economy boost, more jobs, and lay the foundations for the advancement of gender equality in business and decision-making settings.

Cabinet reshuffle

The Cabinet reshuffle has seen various high-profile changes including the sacking of the Minister of London, Paul Scully, MP for Sutton and Cheam.

“I want it on record how much respect we have for Paul and what he did,” said James.

“He is an expert negotiator and he brought people from different political parties together and worked with the business community. We wish him the very best for the future.”

The LCCI welcomes the appointment of James Cleverly, the new Home Secretary, and says the appointment of David Cameron, former Prime Minister and now Lord Cameron, as the new Foreign Secretary, is a “chance for a refreshed look at the Government’s Ukraine policy”.

Crime in London

The LCCI recently had meetings with the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police not only to address business crime but also women’s safety. They will continue to work closely with both police forces on these issues.

“We want women and girls to be safe and feel safe in all London boroughs,” he said.

“There have been some horrific incidents involving the police too in recent times. The Metropolitan Police said they take this very seriously and have suspended 1,000 officers for misogyny and racism.

“London overall is an incredible city for many people who don’t see crime on a regular basis but crime does happen.”

LCCI’s partnership with Ukraine

The LCCI’s work with Ukraine continues and the partnership was celebrated at the City of London Lord Mayor’s Show, an event that has been running for 800 years. ‘London and Kyiv: Two Cities United’ was the theme of this year’s “stunning” float.

“Everybody was so excited and exhilarated by the whole experience,” added James.