London Business Matters
3
Letter from the editor
The fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square, Lady in Blue created by Tschabalala Self, is part of a modern tradition hailed by the Mayor of London as perhaps the most important artistic commission in the world. The current incumbent, due to remain in place until 2028, is certainly a striking image – and the most memorable LBM cover of the year – you can compare the competition on page 12. The fourth plinth project has been going since 1999 and has included the work of renowned artists as Antony Gormley and Rachel Whiteread. Read more about its provenance on page 10.
Growth and prosperity
The availability of such art – not to mention such contrasting offerings as the display of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum( p 14) and Banksy’ s latest creation( p 17) – is another reason, one might argue, to‘ choose London’, the choice to be made by businesses, tourists and students about the UK capital. Choose LDN. is the title of LCCI’ s campaign( p 6) which aims“ to make London the best city in the world to do business in, helping to deliver growth and prosperity across the country.”
Boosted
Hospitality plays its part in that ambition too and on page 23 Vince Burke focuses on eating and drinking. He observes that many new outlets opened in the capital this year and that their activities were boosted by England’ s progress in the football World Cup and the prolonged spell of hot weather.
Trade gap
There is much emphasis on economic growth, rightly so, but less is heard about reducing the country’ s trade gap, or maybe even an ambition to achieve a trade surplus. It is important then to promote exports and look at key markets for UK companies. On page 27, John Taylor gives LBM readers the benefit of his decades of experience in the Middle East while Josh Leuenberger( p 30) advises on expansion into the USA.
Documentation is key in international trade and on page 28 I report on the British Chamber of Commerce’ s trade facilitation forum in the thriving port city that is Liverpool. Global trade rules must be fit for purpose, however, and William Bain( p 33) fears that the World Trade Organisation still has much work to do.
Inspiring
Finally, a word on Médecins Sans Frontières, the inspiring charity that attempts to make a real difference around the world. On page 20, LBM covers their response to one of the most significant health emergencies of the year – the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Peter Bishop editor @ londonbusinessmatters. co. uk
Official Publication of London Chamber of Commerce
33 Queen Street, London EC4R 1AP Tel: 020 7248 4444 www. londonchamber. co. uk
Membership, partnership and media enquiries membersupport @ londonchamber. co. uk 020 7203 1713
London Business Matters is published on behalf of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry by
Crosby Associates Media Limited 632 / 634 Birchwood Boulevard Birchwood, WA3 7QU Tel: 0330 124 3780 www. crosbyassociates. co. uk
PUBLISHING CONTACTS
Advertising sales Gina Forshaw – 020 7846 4809 gina. forshaw @ crosbyassociates. co. uk
Production / design Coral Sheekey coral. sheekey @ crosbyassociates. co. uk
ISSN 1469-5162( Print) ISSN 2051-9524( Online)
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in London Business Matters, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher.
London Business Matters is printed and distributed by Buxton Press. © 2026 Crosby Associates Media Limited