Leading entrepreneurs and top business figures in London – the majority of whom are women – will form Mayor Sadiq Khan’s new Business Advisory Board.

Sadiq Khan  fulfils a manifesto pledge to set up the board, the first if its kind to be chaired by the Mayor, which will tap into the capital’s business expertise as he works to help London’s economy grow.
The Mayor hailed the ‘high-quality’ line-up which he said would help the capital ‘seize new opportunities’.
Membership comprises business leaders and entrepreneurs who want to contribute their ideas and experience to helping to boost London in the wake of the Brexit.

The board includes Nicola Mendelsohn, Vice President of Facebook, Inga Beale, Chief Executive of Lloyds of London, Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive Officer of the London Stock Exchange and Debbie Wosskow – founder and CEO of Love Home Swap.
The Mayor is determined to challenge the underrepresentation of women in senior roles and, in line with his commitment to gender equality, 10 of the 16 Board members are female. Five members are from a black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background.

Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange plc, said: “Being at the heart of London’s financial community, London Stock Exchange Group is committed to supporting access to funding for British and international entrepreneurs and businesses. I look forward to being part of the Mayor’s Business Advisory Board, as it champions London’s vibrant business and entrepreneurial community, supporting London’s status as a world leading global financial centre and a dynamic place to do business.”

Debbie Wosskow – founder and CEO of Love Home Swap, said: “London is one of the most forward-thinking capitals in the world. It is the home of the sharing economy, has fostered an environment for many entrepreneurs to setup and grow businesses, and with the help of the Mayor, it is now on a mission to be a fairer capital by supporting initiatives that make the UK the best place in the world to be a female entrepreneur.
“In this period of change, it is important to have initiatives and boards like this to advise and guide businesses as well as shape policy to ensure London retains this positive position and continues to be a progressive capital that is fair and full of opportunity for all.”
The board will advise the Mayor on the how policy can deliver positive outcomes for London’s businesses, growth and job creation, and on how policy proposals from the Mayor’s office or elsewhere might affect these.

It will meet at least four times a year and will also provide insight on the impact of economic conditions, and policy decisions taken elsewhere, on business in London.

The Mayor will chair meetings of the Board and the Deputy Mayor for Business, Rajesh Agrawal, will also attend. In addition, the Mayor or Deputy Mayor for Business may call upon members of the Board, individually or in small groups, to provide advice on specific matters.