Women to lead London business drive

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has kept to one of his election manifesto pledges by appointing a new Business Advisory Board, to 'tap into the capital's business expertise to help grow London's economy'. Tipping his hat to another stated commitment to gender equality, Khan has given 10 out of 16 places on the board to leading business women.

The board includes the chief executive of Lloyds of London, Inga Beale (pictured), the vice president of Facebook for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Nicola Mendelsohn, and Debbie Wosskow - founder and CEO of Love Home Swap. Five members of the board are from a black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background.

Announcing the Business Advisory Board at the Bloomberg’s UK Investment Summit today, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will say:

“I promised to be the most pro-business Mayor London has ever seen – and now I’m delivering on that promise. Having helped to run and grow a business, I know at first hand the challenges that our business community faces. However, London is home to an unrivalled pool of business talent, and of business leaders who want to use their knowledge and experience to the benefit of our city.

"My high-quality Business Advisory Board will bring great insight, innovation and creativity to bear on developing ideas that increase our competitiveness and prosperity, and spread the opportunity that brings to all Londoners.

“London business is still coming to terms with the recent vote to leave the European Union and I am looking forward to working with the Business Advisory Board to strengthen London’s shield against the expected blows from Brexit and to seize the opportunities to show how London is open to jobs, growth and investment.”

Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange plc, said: "Being at the heart of London's financial community, London Stock Exchange Group is committed to supporting access to funding for British and international entrepreneurs and businesses. I look forward to being part of the Mayor's Business Advisory Board, as it champions London’s vibrant business and entrepreneurial community, supporting London’s status as a world leading global financial centre and a dynamic place to do business.”

According to the Mayor's Office, the board will advise on the how policy can deliver positive outcomes for London’s businesses, growth and job creation, and on how policy proposals from the Mayor’s Office or elsewhere might affect them.

The board will meet four times a year and will also provide insight on the impact of economic conditions, and policy decisions taken elsewhere, on business in London. The Mayor will chair meetings of the Board and the Deputy Mayor for Business, Rajesh Agrawal, will also attend. In addition, the Mayor or Deputy Mayor for Business may call upon members of the Board, individually or in small groups, to provide advice on specific matters.