News

Net zero can feel overwhelming for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs). Heart of the City knows that from its 21 years of working with SMEs. But they also know that SMEs can do great things and have a real impact.

The City of London Corporation last week welcomed the Government’s announcement that Plan B measures will not be extended after 26 January. The announcement that working from home guidance will be lifted is very welcome news for the many businesses in the Square Mile which have been seriously affected by the recent drop in footfall. The green shoots of recovery can now thrive again.

I’m extremely pelased that the City of London Corporation has agreed to launch a new grant scheme to support Square Mile businesses that have been hit by restrictions introduced in response to the Covid-19 Omicron variant. Together with a group of fellow Councillors, including my ward colleagues Alastair and Nick, I’ve pushed hard to make this happen. The scheme of up to £10 million will be targeted at businesses that primarily operate in the City of London in the retail, hospitality, leisure and medical sectors.

Residents, businesses and City workers based in the Ward of Cheap are invinvited to join an unique virtual event with the new City of London Police Commissioner, Angela McLaren on Thursday 13 January. The event is organised by Ward of Cheap Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, and Common Councillors Alastair Moss, Nick Bensted-Smith and Tijs Broeke, together with the Cheapside Business Alliance.

When I was elected as one of the three Common Councillors representing the Ward of Cheap I promised to keep everyone in the Ward informed of my work as councillor. Despite the challenges of Covid19 over the last 24 months I’ve kept this promise. Together with our Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, and my Ward colleagues Alastair Moss and Nick Bensted-Smith we’ve stayed in touch with City workers and residents, through my blog, regular updates, face to face and virtual meetings and our newsletters.

City of London Corporation figures show a 42% drop in Square Mile nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels since 2016. Square Mile air quality is expected to improve further, helped by the City Corporation’s Air Quality Strategy, which aims for over 90% of the City to meet the 2005 World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for nitrogen dioxide by 2025.

I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and very happy New Year. Despite the challenges of covid19 our team of Alderman and Common Councillors in the Ward of Cheap have delivered on our commitments. You can read more about this in our latest Ward newsletter – click here.

Wondering where to start with your business journey to net-zero? Join Heart of the City for an online information session about their “Climate Action for SMEs: 4 Steps to Action” training programme. Information Session – Climate Action for SMEs: 4 Steps to Action. When: 10am to 10.45am on Thursday 9th December 2021. Where: Zoom.

The City of London’s new civic leader has set out his ambition for his year in office as London welcomed back the Lord Mayor’s Show.The parade, which dates back to the 13th Century, will see 128 floats parade from Guildhall to the Royal Courts of Justice.It was cancelled last year for the first time since 1852 when it made way for the Duke of Wellington’s funeral.

This week we got confirmation that the Waterloo & City line will provide a full weekday service from Monday 22 November 2021, as London continues to recover from the pandemic. As local Councillor for the Ward of Cheap I’ve lobbied the City Corporation and TfL to resume normal service.