London’s small businesses are the heartbeat of our city and they deserve a Mayor that shares their dynamism, energy and commitment.

I am proud of our high streets, and believe they will be the key to our continued economic recovery. I am also proud of the support my administration has provided to small business in our first term.

We are currently investing £221m to support high streets across London, including the £50m Outer London Fund to ensure all Londoners are part of the recovery, and the £50m Regeneration Fund, which will make long-term improvements to areas affected by the riots. I also helped launch the £3.5m High Street Fund last year, which provides assistance to London’s shopkeepers and traders.

As well as financial support, my administration will continue to offer practical support to improve the business environment for SMEs. As your re-elected Mayor, I will tackle crime with the same vigour that has seen levels fall by 10% by doubling the number of special constables to 10,000 and through a renewed focus on business crime.

I will tackle transport issues with the same focus that has seen Tube delays fall by 40% since I came to office. I will look for ways to make life easier for small businesses, by reviewing of parking in strategic shopping areas, for instance. I have never shirked the hard but necessary decisions that have enabled us to invest in our future - in small business, in crime prevention and in transport infrastructure.

There are also The Olympics to look forward to. They will provide significant economic benefits not just to big business, but to small and medium-sized ones as well. The 5.5 million visitors expected will bring in a predicted £750m consumer spending boost for London’s businesses. As Mayor, I will deliver an Olympic legacy that brings a major and lasting economic boost for Londoners.

These investments have been possible by running London more efficiently, through cutting £2bn of waste over our first term. We were also able to secure a better deal from Number 10, including £70m delivered in last month’s budget to boost London’s economic growth. In recognition of what small businesses such as newsagents, greengrocers and small manufacturers contribution to London, I will invest £35m in low-interest loans that will encourage growth and create jobs. This will be a revolving fund - as loans are repaid the money will be used again to help more small businesses in London throughout my next term.

In comparison, my predecessor has no economic growth plan for London. During his time as Mayor, Ken Livingstone created a London Development Agency that lacked credible plans to create economic growth on a cost-effective basis and wasted millions. He plans to take over £1bn out of investment, which will threaten our status as the economic capital of the world.

I will implement a manifesto tailored to growth, jobs and investment. I want London to retain its position as the best city to live, work and do business in - and bring the village back to the city. Small businesses are a key part of that vision.

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