It’s easy to get dragged down by the gloom surrounding London’s economy. But those running enterprises in the capital — be they blue-chip boardroom titans or budding entrepreneurs — are far from downcast.
Speaking to them on a daily basis, as I’m lucky enough to do, is as good a tonic as the birdsong on that daily lockdown walk in the park. More brilliant new business ideas are spawned in recessions than in times of plenty as bright, creative people are forced to strike out on their own.
Uber, Airbnb, Slack, and 20 other billion-dollar “unicorn” businesses were founded in the financial crisis of 2008-09.
After the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday we know shops will be able to start reopening next month.
Here at the Evening Standard, we want to recognise and help London’s army of inventive souls who are set to triumph from the current adversity.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be featuring their new ideas and services, giving advice and perhaps even helping you win the investment you need to bring your idea to reality.
We celebrate the innovators and free thinkers who embody the Spirit of London.
