London's response to the changing economic situation at City Hall Seminar

14th November 2008

On Wednesday 10 December 2008, the Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee is holding a seminar examining London's response to the changing economic situation at City Hall.  This free seminar will take place in London’s Living Room from 10:00am until 12:30pm, followed by a buffet lunch.  It will focus on what is happening to London's economy and the role the Mayor, the London Development Agency (LDA) and other public bodies should be playing to support London's economy and maintain its competitiveness. 

Speakers will look at a range of possible scenarios as to how the crisis could develop and how London can prepare for changing economic circumstances.  This will be followed by a panel discussion. Guests will have the opportunity to submit in advance of the seminar questions to ask the panel on the day.

Places at the seminar will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Places can be secured by contacting Natalie Arthur (email: Natalie.Arthur@london.gov.uk or telephone: 020 7983 4397).

Confirmed keynote speakers:

• Will Hutton, Chief Executive of the Work Foundation;
• Anatole Kaletsky, Associate Editor of The Times; and
• Nicola Horlick, Chief Executive Officer of Bramdean Asset Management.

Confirmed panel members:

• Peter Rogers, Chief Executive of the London Development Agency;
• Nigel Bourne, the Director of CBI London;
• Colin Stanbridge, the Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry;
• Stuart Fraser, Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee at the City of London Corporation;
• Nick Winch, London Policy Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses; and
• Adam Lent, Head of Economic and Social Affairs at the Trades Union Congress.

Key issues for discussion:

• Is the current economic downturn a recession or a slump and is London more or less vulnerable than the rest of the country?
• What is going to happen to the City? How far will it contract? How can it remain successful as a global financial centre in the light of the recent upheaval?
• What are the implications for London’s job market, skills needs and business support?
• What role should the Mayor and the LDA play to support London’s economy and help maintain its competitiveness in the light of the turmoil in the global financial markets?

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