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London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Riots Poll

A poll of London based businesses on behalf of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Date Published: 09 Aug 2011

Categories: Professionals | Social | UK

Description

Businesses say riots have damaged London's reputation
 
A poll of London firms conducted by ComRes on behalf of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has shown the business community's reaction to the riots in the capital. Most notably, 83 per cent of London firms believe the riots have damaged the capital's reputation as a place to do business. Furthermore, 73 per cent of firms agreed that these riots have highlighted the potential threat of civil disorder during the Olympic Games next year.
 
In other findings, over a quarter of businesses (27 per cent) were considering closing early in order to protect their premises and staff from the riots, and a similar amount (26 per cent) have increased security at their business premises.
 
Almost half of London firms (48 per cent) were worried that the riots might spread to their part of town and, of those, 59 per cent were making contingency arrangements for that possibility. 25 per cent said that the riots were already taking place in their part of London.
 
London's businesses will be pleased that there was a much bigger police presence on the streets last night, as 91 per cent agreed that the police should be allowed to use greater force to stop the rioters.
 
Commenting on the results, Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of the LCCI said:
 
"These figures highlight the fact that the riots could not come at a worse time for the capital. With the Olympics only a year away, the eyes of the world were already turning to London and unfortunately the events of the last few days are what international audiences have seen.
 
"These figures also show that businesses have struggled to cope with the immediate impact of the riots. At a time when the capital's businesses should be focusing on growth and job creation, the riots have prevented them from going about their day-to-day business. Many firms have had to put contingency plans in place, with some forced to close early in order to save their property from possible criminal damage."
 

ComRes interviewed 134 businesses in London online between 9th and 10th August 2011. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

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