"London remains the best place to do business despite Brexit"

London remains the best place to do business despite BrBaroness Sandip Verma hosted the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Asian Business Association reception at the House of Lords on Friday 22 July 2016. The event was compered by the London Chamber of Commerce Deputy President Subhash Thakrar, who gave a befitting introduction to their organisation, the host and Chief Guest, London's Deputy Mayor of Business Rajesh Agrawal. Present was also a reputed lawyer in the UK-Vijay Goel, who is the Chair of LCCI's Asian Business Association (ABA).

LCCI has a diverse history of 140 years, while ABA with its tremendous success of 20 years has proved to be a jewel in the crown.

The reception was attended by members and businesses of all sizes and proportions, as well as journalists. Rajesh, who is London's first ever Indian born deputy mayor for business, spoke about Brexit and its effects, but assured the present guests that he has pitched for greater financial autonomy for the British capital, underlining that it “is open for business, as Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London has emphasised.” He himself stressed that the city still remains the "best place to do business" despite the EU Referendum result. 

Agrawal, who came to this country with £200 in pocket, is a self-made millionaire and founder of foreign exchange giant Rational FX. He reiterated that London's Mayor is committed to ensure that city's voice is heard during Britain's negotiations with the European Union (EU) over an exit strategy.

He added, "London was, is and will remain the greatest city in the world and best place to do business. 

"We will make sure London gets a seat when negotiations start (with the EU). It is about time London gets a bit more autonomy and more say in how its contributions to the GDP are used.”

Agrawal, who is from Indore, in India, grew up in humble surroundings. Believing in London which embraces diversity with open arms, he added that his new role was an opportunity to "serve London, which has served me so well". 

"I arrived in this city in September 2001 with £200 in my pocket. I did not know anybody but this city gave me all the opportunities. Now, it is my opportunity to make a difference," said the 39-year-old, who stepped down from his businesses to focus on his new role at City Hall in London last month.