London Development Agency Plans More Support for Business and Jobs

11th December 2008

The London Development Agency is giving top priority to keeping London working - given the current economic downturn - and has announced plans for an additional £23 million package of public sector support for small businesses in the capital. 

This will bring forward a range of access to finance programmes so that it can provide even better support to start-up companies and small and medium sized businesses who have good prospects.  This will be in addition to the £150 million the London Development Agency invests in London’s jobs, skills and business support this year.  

The new programme includes a series of LDA-sponsored business recovery seminars run by KPMG & Deloitte and coincides with an LDA market awareness campaign, with pamphlets in local borough papers setting out where to get advice on jobs and training, as well as supplying contact details for support and guidance.

The announcement coincides with a campaign to make sure Londoners know about the range of support available for businesses and skills across the capital.  Many people in London are not aware of the help that could help them get through this period and prosper.

The LDA is reminding people of the support available through Business Link in London, JobCentre Plus and the specific LDA-funded schemes in London.  These include Relay London Jobs, a network of job brokerage services that aims to match individuals to jobs across the capital.

London Development Agency Chair, Harvey McGrath said:

“The LDA recognises the significant challenges faced by London's businesses in the current economic downturn and is treating this with the highest priority. By investing public money in support programmes that will help London’s businesses survive and prosper and that will help Londoners get and keep a job, the London Development Agency is at the forefront of maintaining London’s economic success.”

The LDA is also looking to target those people who have lost - or are about to lose - their jobs, to help get them back into work as quickly as possible.  Another programme - Personal Best - aims to get people closer to the job market through volunteering - using the excitement building toward the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games - and providing the basic skills needed to get a job.  The LDA is also working within the framework set by the London Skills Employment Board to get a coordinated and business focussed approach from the agencies working on skills and employment in London.