We have partnered with the CBI and UCL to launch this year's London Business Survey, which canvasses views of nearly 200 of the capital's business leaders on topics including Brexit, Covid-19, sustainability, diversity and equality.
The survey findings reveal how deeply coronavirus has impacted on London’s economy in 2020, and how much uncertainty remains within many businesses' prospects for recovery. However, the survey also shows reasons for longer-term optimism, and demonstrates that London businesses have set their sights on rebuilding a fairer, greener and more inclusive economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, despite two thirds of firms in the capital experiencing lower output this year.
Travers Smith's contribution was particularly notable in the fields of diversity, allyship and the concept of engaging with the majority to help drive positive change for the minority and/or underrepresented. The findings indicate that diversity and inclusion (D&I) is a key focus for businesses in the capital city, demonstrating their commitment to fairness, and, critically, a determination to improve further.
A number of businesses are recognising the importance of allyship and employee network groups in helping them achieve their D&I ambitions. 45% of business respondents stated that they have a formal or informal allyship programme and/or policy in place, with an additional 19% stating they would like to develop a programme. Companies also articulated the desire for partnership working, with 61% of respondents stating that they believe government and business should work in equal partnership to reduce inequality across society.
