The City of London Corporation has set out how the Square Mile can help the incoming chancellor pursue economic growth across the country, emphasising partnership with business as central to national prosperity.
City frames itself as a national growth partner
Addressing the immediate economic context — which includes a May GDP update recording growth of 0.1% — City voices stress that government and business must cooperate to generate the sustainable growth necessary to fund public services.
Speeches and discussions at the recent Financial and Professional Services Dinner at Mansion House underlined the Corporation’s argument that the Square Mile’s expertise matters beyond its boundaries. The City points to its contribution to employment nationally, claiming the financial and professional services sector supports more than 2.5 million jobs across the UK, with roughly two-thirds of those roles outside London.
Security and investment credentials
The City Corporation also highlighted distinctive local assets. The Square Mile’s own police force — tasked with tackling threats including cyber, fraud and economic crime — was presented as a factor in attracting inward investment by maintaining a safe environment for firms and workers.
Alongside policing credentials, the Corporation is promoting a new investment initiative. InvestConnect is described as an AI-enabled, digital-led platform that will showcase curated infrastructure and property opportunities to professional investors, typically for projects exceeding £100m.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| May GDP growth | 0.1% |
| Jobs linked to financial/professional services | 2.5 million (majority outside London) |
| Target project size on InvestConnect | From £100m |
| Investors committed so far | Representatives of more than $3 trillion AUM |
What this means locally
For residents and businesses in and around the Square Mile, the Corporation’s pitch signals an intent to link local strengths — regulatory knowhow, specialist policing and capital markets — to national recovery efforts. If InvestConnect attracts its stated investor base, the platform could channel sizeable capital into major projects affecting the capital’s built environment and infrastructure.
- City policing will remain a selling point in discussions on inward investment and business security.
- Large-scale investment opportunities promoted via InvestConnect may prioritise projects typically above £100m.
- The Corporation underscores that growth in the Square Mile supports jobs across the UK, not only within London.
As a new cabinet forms, the Corporation is urging a collaborative approach between Whitehall and the Square Mile, arguing that only co-ordinated action between government and finance can deliver the level of growth required to sustain public services across the country.
The Corporation’s proposals now await response from ministers and potential investors, while local stakeholders will watch for how any forthcoming policies or deals might affect jobs, development and services in the City and beyond.
