The 693rd Lord Mayor of London, Vincent Keaveny, will deliver a speech at the Business and Industry Dinner to be held at The Mansion House on Thursday night (7 April 2022). He will call for business to meet the growing demand for a more vibrant impact investing market to help with cost of living and tackle sustainability and socio-economic diversity issues.

Addressing an audience of senior political and business figures, he will speak alongside the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the Lord Bilimoria, CBE DL, President, Confederation of British Industry.

An extract from the Lord Mayor’s speech is found below. Please check against delivery.

“Phasing out the use of Russian oil, implementing sanctions on business and individuals, outlining how we can become economically independent from Russia and supporting Ukrainian refugees. These are big decisions, which have been put in place quickly and effectively, and I am pleased to say the City of London Corporation is working in harmony with both national government and our business sector issuing financial sanctions and helping find peaceful diplomatic solutions.

“We donated over a quarter of a million pounds to the Disasters Emergency Committee and to UNICEF and – through our charity funder City Bridge Trust – are helping refugees who arrive here from Ukraine.

“As the world continues to drift towards new circumstances – with energy prices rising and the cost of living increasing – it is imperative that our economy doesn’t falter, and that our businesses remain resilient.

“…when a business is more diverse – whether that’s race, class, or age – that translates into better performance. Yet we also see the same type of people as CEOs or business leaders. Without tackling this issue, we will waste talent, which is neither good for our society or sustainable for our economy.

“If we really want to level up, then we need an equality of progression – a society where more people can excel in the workplace.

“Financial return shouldn’t just aim to avoid a negative impact – but try to create a positive change, as well.  Some companies are already embracing this type of impact investment – but I know we can go even further.

“The City of London Corporation has been working tirelessly to support green finance, ensuring our business sector gets the capital it needs to fund these crucial innovations. As the IPCC said earlier this week, it’s now or never – so, let’s act now.”

--ENDS—

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk