East London businesses urge crime crackdown

The survey, by inward investment agency Gateway to London (GtL), found that 33% of businesses see crime as the most important issue, while nearly a quarter of businesses in Daggenham believe the area has got worse.

The survey, which questioned businesses in the London Boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Bexley, City, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, and Tower Hamlets, also revealed half of businesses believe cutting crime and policing is one of the top three most important issues the government needs to address.

However, firms also said they were pleased to be doing business in the region, with eight in ten saying they are happy with their location, and nearly 70% saying they are ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the area.

‘Keeping it local’ was cited as one reason for their satisfaction, with eight in 10 saying some of their suppliers are local, while more than 10% said three quarters of their suppliers are from the region.

Aman Dalvi, GtL’s chief executive, said those living in the region are ‘relishing’ the opportunities for growth the area provides.

“We were also delighted to see that a high proportion of firms are using locally based suppliers. This is crucial to the ongoing development of the local economy,” he added.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008