Page 4 | <strong>Christmas</strong> <strong>2016</strong> CITYMATTERS.LONDON
CITYMATTERS.LONDON <strong>Christmas</strong> <strong>2016</strong> | Page 5 Weak pound favours expats LONDON has tumbled down the list of most expensive cities to live in for expatriates. The latest Cost of Living Survey by ECA International said Brexit’s weakening of the pound has made the Capital a much more inviting place to put down roots. In the 2015 study, central London was ranked in the top 50 most costly places to live (46th), but has now dropped to 103rd. “This is the first time central London has not featured in the top 100 since the Cost of Living rankings began,” explained ECA’s production manager Steven Kilfedder. “The weakened pound means that UK businesses are paying more when sending staff to work overseas, although it is cheaper to bring staff to the UK. “London is now cheaper than Paris, Berlin and Brussels thanks to the weak pound.” At the other end of the spectrum, Tokyo is the most expensive destination for expats. Reach for the sky LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan has given the green light to the building of two new skyscrapers in the heart of the Square Mile. Major developments at 22 Bishopsgate and 1 Undershaft were approved by the Will famous bells keep ringing out? THE bells may have tolled for Britain’s oldest manufacturing company. Whitechapel Bell Foundry first opened during the reign of Elizabeth I in 1570 but is closing its present premises in east London – where it has operated since 1738 – after owner Alan Hughes made the decision to sell up and retire. Some of the globe’s most famous chimes were forged at the foundry, with London’s Big Ben, the 1752 Philadelphia Liberty Bell, the bells of the Armenian church in Chennai, south India, and the Bell of Hope that commemorates victims of the 9/11 terror attacks in New York among its most noted and distinguished exports. Landmarks The foundry also cast the bells for Christopher Wren’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral and numerous other landmarks across the country, including Westminster Abbey. “We have made this decision with a heavy heart, but in response to the changing realities of running a business of this kind,” explained Mr Hughes in a statement to community website Spitalfields Life. “The Bell Foundry in Whitechapel has changed hands many times, but it has always been a family business. “My own family has owned the foundry Princess a real class act PRINCESS Anne gave staff and students at the <strong>City</strong> of London Academy Islington the royal seal of approval earlier this month, presenting the school’s annual achievement awards. The Princess Royal visited the school on 8 December, handing out awards to top performing staff and students from the 2015/16 cohort in recognition of their achievements throughout the academic year. The royal visit caps a stellar <strong>2016</strong> for the academy, which celebrated its “best ever” GCSE results earlier this year. More than 90% of students achieved A*-C in English and 68% picked up 5A*-C passes, including English and mathematics. The Saddlers’ Student Achievement Award, sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, was given to 17-year-old Tanjeeb Ahmed for making outstanding progress under challenging circumstances. Meanwhile, the Saddlers’ Staff Award was won by Pauline Cox following an unprecedented contribution to the academy. Proud Clare Verga, principal at the academy, said it was an “honour” to welcome the Princess Royal, who also holds the title of Master of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers. Benefits “We are exceptionally grateful to Saddlers for their dedication and commitment to the academy, its staff and students. “It is a partnership that has gone from strength to strength in recent years and the academy benefits significantly from the company’s active involvement and support.” Henry Colthurst, chair of governors at the school, added: “The visit of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has capped off a wonderful year for the school and its staff, led by Clare Verga, and students – all of whom have worked so hard to achieve success. “We are proud to be working in partnership with The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, a combination which is rewarding for both the livery company and the school.” Corporation earlier this year but have only recently been approved by <strong>City</strong> Hall. Mr Khan said: “These two projects represent a significant investment in the heart of London’s economy and are a clear sign that the Capital is open for business. “They will be highly visible signs of London’s enduring appeal as a place to invest.” since 1904, but other families have run the firm through its history, which stretches back to 1570. “The business has been at its present site over 250 years. So it is probably about time it moved once again. We hope that this move will provide an opportunity for the business to move forward in a new direction.” Mr Hughes has set a May 2017 target to find a buyer for the business, and confirmed a deal to sell the Grade II-listed building where Whitechapel Bell Foundry currently resides has already been struck. Mr Hughes up for sale: Photos by Evo Flash photography cited rising costs as the reason for deciding to put the Whitechapel Road premises on the market. He said he recently had to spend £20,000 to repair a leak in the roof. In an additional statement, the foundry confirmed it would be honouring any existing contracts. It added: “[The company] will not be entering into new contracts for the time being whilst discussions with the company’s staff and other parties regarding the future direction, ownership and location of the company are ongoing.” News <strong>Matters</strong> Southern strike slated by LCCI THE pre-<strong>Christmas</strong> strike action by Southern Railway has been slammed by leading members of the <strong>City</strong>’s business community. Industrial action is estimated to be costing the economy £45million per day during the walkouts, with more than 300,000 passengers affected by the disruption. Damaging Chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Colin Stanbridge said: “These strikes are highly damaging to the economy, with staff being delayed or not even able to get into work at all. “And at this time of year there is undoubtedly an effect on retailers and the night time economy as people may be reluctant to travel into central London. “We would urge all parties involved to sit down and try and come to some resolution. Commuters have suffered enough.”
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