Poor transport and high costs are the key concerns about doing business in London according to new research carried out by MORI for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

The survey of 500 London CIMA members, many of whom are senior financial managers and directors, shows that around half believe transport/travel and costs (58% and 48% respectively) are 'the worst things about doing business in London'.

Particular concerns are focused on:

• The Underground (29%).
• Traffic congestion (27%).
• Buses/trains (23%).
• The cost of living (26%).
• The cost of property (23%).

Half of members (48%) think that improving transport is the factor that would have the biggest positive impact on their business.

Moreover, the current threat of terrorism in London is considered the key risk to do doing business in the capital, double the proportion of the second most mentioned risk (40%).

On a more positive note, however, the overwhelming majority of London CIMA members (89%) say they are satisfied with London as a place for business from the point of view of the company they work for.

A plentiful labour supply and location are cited as the two main strengths to doing business in London. Between one in four and one in three members mention access to good quality employees, being close to 'the City' and other financial institutions and convenient access to facilities as the best things about running a business in the capital.