The Reader: For the City to thrive, staff need to be in the office

Quiet commute: Many office workers have not yet returned to the office
Daniel Hambury
14 September 2020
WEST END FINAL

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The essence of the City is not just as a marketplace, but that it hosts all the specialities the financial industry can offer — an offer unrivalled in Europe, and probably the world. What Covid has shown is that this strength, and the back-up services that support the Square Mile, have proved reliable.

Effective working and good team spirit, though, require a central hub where staff can meet and exchange ideas. The young need to make contacts and learn from their peers. That can’t be done by working remotely. Banks, brokers, solicitors, accountants must show the City remains a leader — and that means maintaining a hub for teams to swap initiatives and build on innovation. I was a stockbroker before I retired, and the market has changed beyond recognition. The focus needs to be on benefits to clients — and that is best served by a working Square Mile, in which the highest standards are offered.
Hugh Marsden

Editor's reply

Dear Hugh
The City is at its competitive best when it is at its busiest. When the network of bankers, brokers, lawyers and insurers hunt for fresh deals. When people learn from each other, as you say. But

I don’t think there is too much danger that the Square Mile won’t get back to what it was, with a few tweaks. Its infrastructure has been built over decades. Culturally and politically, supposed rivals like Paris or Frankfurt aren’t cut out for it. Britain doesn’t have that many world-class industries, but financial services is definitely one.
Simon English, Senior City Correspondent

A matter of trust

The Tories pride themselves on being the party of law and order, economic stability and the Union. Now the Government is willing to break international law and pave the way to a no-deal disaster. How can the Conservative and Unionist party jeopardise peace in Northern Ireland? The Prime Minister’s actions threaten not only his party’s reputation, but that of the UK as a trustworthy nation.
Naomi Smith

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