We are living through extremely challenging and uncertain times. As we work together across the City Corporation and more widely with partners across London and with central government in response to the significant threat of COVID-19, I have been struck by the resilience, commitment and collective effort being seen across the City of London.
Our Square Mile community of course looks very different at the moment, but we are adapting to this new normal. We are continuing to engage with our business community (which is now largely working remotely), we are supporting key workers who now represent a much smaller daily commuter group and, we are ensuring our residents are looked after, safe and secure and are reassured as much as possible.
The City of London’s businesses, led through our Business Improvement Districts and voluntary partnerships, are playing a vital role. The Cheapside Business Alliance is working with the Corporation and wider partners to keep the communication channels open, promoting businesses that are able to keep trading, advising employees and residents of the support and advice available and, crucially, already planning for the recovery which will inevitably come.
On behalf of my colleagues at the City Corporation – members, officers, the police, I urge people to stay strong, listen to the advice being given by the Government and dig deep to find the strength and resilience to come through these dark days. The impact on the City – our way of life, our thriving economy, our business and residential communities – will of course be significant, but we will overcome this. More than ever, in due course London and the UK will look to the Square Mile as a beacon of hope for the future, helping to kick start the nation’s economy and showcasing the power of innovation and collaboration.
In the meantime, please stay well and I look forward to welcoming you back to the City as soon as possible.