Mayor outlines plans to support capital’s small shops.

 Mayor of London Boris Johnson today honoured a key election pledge to support London’s small businesses when he outlined measures to ensure that more affordable small shops are provided for in new retail developments.

Last month the Mayor launched “Planning for a Better London”, which set out his proposed changes to the London Plan and included a commitment to ensure a diverse and dynamic retail sector across the capital.

Under the new measures developers will enter into legally binding agreements to provide an agreed number of affordable small shop units when major retail schemes are proposed. Work has already started on developing the details, which are proposed to be brought forward as alterations to the London Plan in the next eight months or so.

Johnson was speaking at City Hall as he chaired his first business summit since he was elected which was attended by representatives from across London’s business community.

Johnson said that he was not going to go back on his election pledge to small businesses. He said, "our small shops add real character and diversity to the Capital’s high streets but they are finding themselves squeezed out by competition from supermarkets and rising unsustainable rents. My proposals aim to help reverse this trend, offering small retailers the opportunity to make a success of their enterprise both by making more suitable premises available and taking steps to level the playing field by securing affordable rents.”

Stephen Alambritis of the Federation of Small Business welcomed the news. He said, “new retail developments will always be springing up in London. The key is to ensure that small businesses are part and parcel of those shopping sites. By emphasizing the need for suitable premises and affordable rents Boris Johnson is definitely travelling in the right direction.”

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