In your manifesto you pledge to “improve provision for diverse needs and types of business – including specialised offers for social enterprises and community-owned or cooperative business models.” Could you provide me with details of what work you have done on this, and what kind of specialised offers you have provided to date?

The GLA is currently undertaking a review of our business support offering, as promised in my manifesto, including looking at how we can best support social enterprises and community owned or cooperative businesses.

I have also provided funding towards the Boosting Community Business London pilot, delivered by Co-operatives UK, which supports the growth of community business in London. New or growing community businesses are equipped with the knowledge to refine their business models to take the next steps in successfully raising alternative finance, such as community shares.

The pilot was launched in February 2021; with application deadlines extended to enable alignment with High Streets for All Challenge applications. 14 organisations have been supported with development grants to date, representing diverse businesses ranging from housing to music venues, pubs and an urban farm.

My officers are in regular contact with colleagues at Co-operatives UK to explore opportunities to encourage more democratic, worker-owned and co-operative business models. My officers will continue to review the offer for diverse types of businesses to ensure appropriate and accessible provision can be made available.