Riots have ‘damaged London's reputation' ahead of Olympics

11 August 2011 by
Riots have ‘damaged London's reputation' ahead of Olympics

The London riots have damaged the capital's business reputation and highlighted the threat of civil disorder during the Olympics next year, according to a new report released today.

A poll of 134 London firms conducted by ComRes for the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) revealed 83% of businesses felt the city's reputation as a place to do business had been damaged following the unrest.

In addition, 73% agreed that the riots had had the knock-on effect of highlighting the potential for civil disorder during the Olympics in 2012.

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."

He added: "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."

The research also found that 91% of business owners questioned felt the police should have used greater force to quell the rioters.

Owners of uninsured businesses damaged in riots can claim compensation >>

London hoteliers face riot threat >>

VisitBritain says it's too early to asses impact of riots on inbound tourism >>

London restaurants come under attack by rioters >>

By Emily Manson

E-mail your comments to Caterer News here.

Tabletalk
Tabletalk
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk

Caterersearch.com jobs

Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs

Blogs on Caterersearch.com ](http://www.caterersearch.com/blogs) Catch up with more news and gossip on all Caterer's blogs
[E-newsletters](http://www.caterersearch.com/email-newsletters.htm)[ For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our E-newsletters
The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking