London businesses have been urged to help tackle regeneration in the capital's most deprived areas.

Business organisation London First and London Sustainability Exchange, a charity promoting sustainable development in London, are today calling on business to do more to promote regeneration in the capital's most deprived areas.

Forum Response: London First

Richard Buckingham, executive director of the sustainability unit at London First, told ePolitix.com: "These schemes not only present companies with an excellent opportunity to invest in their local communities and help open up new markets, but also give hope to those who live in areas blighted by poor housing, services and jobs.

"London's pre-eminence as a financial capital, masks pockets of real deprivation. These initiatives break down the barriers of raising finance for businesses in run-down areas, and the wealth generated by these opportunities can benefit the people who need it most."