London's Economic Resilience: Turning Global Challenges into Opportunies
How can the UK take advantage of the current global economic challenges?
This was the main question asked by the guests who attended the launch of our Quarterly Economic Survey at HaysMac on Wednesday 9 April 2025.
Although the Q1 2025 survey painted a mixed picture of economic confidence among London businesses – with overall UK business confidence continuing to decline, 51% of London firms expecting to raise their prices, and 36% planning to invest in training existing staff – a positive mindset emerged during the Q&A session.
According to our speakers, Cebr’s Chief Economic Adviser Vicky Pryce, Savanta’s Senior Director James Rentoul, and HaysMac’s Property Partner Ian Daniels, sectors such as AI, creative media, commercial property, and defence demonstrate strong performance. Green investment, though slightly reduced, remains a long-term priority.
Capital is still flowing, just more strategically and cautiously.
Additionally, with the US facing economic turbulence and new tariffs, the UK is being seen as a safer, more stable partner. This creates a real chance to strengthen global trade relationships, potentially even securing better deals with the US.
The UK’s reputation in research and higher education could also benefit from this landscape. With growing tensions in the US, more international talent, especially from Europe, may be drawn here instead.
In uncertain times, opportunity still exists. It’s all about knowing where to look.
Produced by Vittoria Zerbini, Media and Policy Assistant