The City is a world leader in international finance and business
services.
Financial services generated a trade surplus of more than £40bn
and professional service firms a surplus of £6bn in 2009. London's
share of the UK’s gross value added was 21% of the UK’s total GVA
in 2009.
The City of London Corporation is the organisation that supports
and promotes the City and financial services in the capital and
UK-wide. It helps sustain the needs of this vital industry and
position it for the future.
It is committed to serving the needs of international business
and maintaining an environment in which organisations and companies
from all over the world can play their part in financing global
trade and development.
It aims to ensure that the City continues to thrive and retain
its place as Europe's financial capital and its position at the
heart of the world’s financial markets.
The City is a vital asset to the British and European
economies. Its markets are innovative, competitive and
internationally focused. The best companies in the world do
business here because this is the place to do business
best.
The City of London provides a dedicated service to the
Square Mile, from essential infrastructure maintenance to strategic
economic development. But it also provides a host of other services
of benefit to London and the country as a whole. The City of
London
- provides first class local government services for the Square
Mile, rated ‘Excellent’ by the Government
- promotes London as the world leader in international finance
and business services, particularly through its Lord Mayor
- is working with partners to establish a strong single voice for
the UK financial services industry
- protects City interests in Westminster, Whitehall and
Brussels
- tackles social exclusion in partnership with neighbouring
boroughs
- welcomes world leaders on behalf of the UK Government
- provides advice and assistance to occupiers to obtain and
retain the buildings they need
- is one of the most significant art sponsors in the UK,
including the Barbican Centre, the Guildhall School of Music &
Drama and the Guildhall Art Gallery
- operates as the City of London Police authority
- works as port health authority for the River Thames
- maintains over 10,000 acres (4,047 hectares) of open space in
and around London, including Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath
- runs Smithfield, Billingsgate and Spitalfields markets
- runs London’s largest grant-giving charity, the City Bridge
Trust
- provides affordable residential housing across London
- provides facilities for the Central Criminal Court at the Old
Bailey