Official Magazine for Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce | Issue 6 | June 2019
Inside
• Chamber takes
the next big step Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce has undergone some dramatic changes which will see the organisation do more than ever before to support its members. Page 4
• Big Interview
Mike Parker CEO of The Smart Clinics approach that is changing healthcare. Page 14
• Spotlight on Wandsworth
5 Minutes with....
Gemma Oaten Be kind to others…
Page 34
Officially a Great Place for Business. Page 16
• Ask the Expert
Converting your Systems to Digital? What are the key considerations. Page 27
COULD YOU
FOSTER A TEENAGER? Be there for a child in Wandsworth... ...and we’ll be there for you
Come to one of three events taking place on the dates below (10am - 12noon or 2pm - 4pm or 6pm - 8pm)
Thursday 20 June 2019 Thursday 18 July 2019
Call us now on (020) 8871 6666
Read about our foster carers’ experiences at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/carer_experiences
To find out more: wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering carerrecruitment@wandsworth.gov.uk wandsworthfostering
Designed and produced by Wandsworth Design & Print. wdp@wandsworth.gov.uk AD.1226 BusCon (5.19) Photos: signelements.com
Welcome and Contents
Welcome to the latest Edition of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Magazine
WELCOME to Business ConneXions, a quarterly magazine focused on promoting some of the best our business community has to offer.
This edition focuses on Wandsworth Chamber and the new offering we have for the community. We are also delighted to feature Gemma Oaten on the front cover. Gemma is a TV Star but also plays a vital role in supporting SEED, a charity her mother set-up for people with eating disorders. We look forward to working with Gemma to promote her charity and the work of all our local charities. The new chamber website has a unique lead generation system for our members and a greater focus on Community. Members who have logged in and set-up their systems
Inside :
tell us they are very impressed with the new digital capability to promote their businesses and are tracking many, many page views and connections from prospective customers.
Our other new partnerships have already started to benefit Chamber members. The Risk Dashboard trial has been very successful in identifying and providing solutions to business risk and legal compliance. Another partner, Direct Route, Account Assyst are offering chamber members zero cost B2B Debt recovery and can save businesses thousands in potentially lost revenue and legal charges. Strategic Web Solutions are helping members’ businesses to garner and manage positive reviews online in as many as twenty different directories.
I hope you will enjoy this edition of Business ConneXions and thank you to all those who have given some very positive feedback. If you’re business is not already a member, there has never been a better time to benefit your business. Why not join Wandsworth Chamber and help us to create a better business environment. If you are a member, thank you for your support and belief in what we strive to achieve and please tell more businesses about us. We are all so much stronger when we work together, and we achieve so much more when we help each other. Steve Pinto CEO Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce
June 2019 4-7 8-10 12 13
Chamber Focus News Legal Business Awards
14
Big Interview
20 21-23 25 26 27 28 31
32 33 33 34
Our Patron Members
Spotlight on Wandsworth
Economy Skills News Finance Ask the Expert Fostering The Person Behind the Business Chamber Events Starting Up New Members 5 Minutes with...
Enquiries Studio F8 (Le Bureau) Battersea Studios 80 Silverthorne Road London SW8 3HE t: 020 3633 6575 e: enquiries@wandsworthchamber.org w: www.wandsworthchamber.org
Publisher Benham Publishing Limited, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ t: 0151 236 4141 e: admin@benhampublishing.com w: www.benhampublishing.com
Published June 2019 © Benham Publishing
Editor John Dean e: deangriss@btinternet.com
Advertising and Features Karen Hall e: karen@benhampublishing.com t: 0151 236 4141
16 29
Health & Wellbeing
Studio Mark Etherington e: studio@benhampublishing.com Media No.1675
Disclaimer
Business Connexions is mailed without charge to all Chamber members and distributed to businesses in the Borough.
All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in publication are not necessarily those of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2019.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.
Business Connexions | 3
Chamber Focus
Chamber launches dynamic lead generation tool
Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce has launched their ambitious new website which raises the bar for business growth and innovation. With new chamber technology being used for the first time in the UK, Wandsworth business members now get a gigantic digital boost and competitive advantage.
4 | Business Connexions
Be User Friendly!
By Shelley Routledge, Director of Narratorial
“The link up with Chamber Nation is a massive step change for us as we build on the work we have already done. It will allow us to grow our membership and dramatically improve the services that we offer our members.”
The new Wandsworth Chamber website has been much anticipated.
When it launched, I was eager to use it. To my surprise, it had a fully integrated dashboard for you to upload your business details and link this to your website and social media networks. As a business owner who regularly updates her website content and has a strong social media presence, I’ve been utterly delighted by how the new Chamber website is driving traffic to my site. On average, one click has resulted in several page views and numerous enquiries. Once you become familiar with the interface and dashboard, you can apply yourself to the advanced tools and features, which Its support for Working with Chamber Nation, a can help to create more actionable page views of your site. local businesses membership support organisation It is early days, but I am thrilled with the click from start-up through based in the United States, through rate, and this alone is worth the to multi-nationals, across Chamber membership fee. Wandsworth Chamber has come all sectors, is recognised by up with exciting new ways to local Government for its connect businesses with each diversity and representation of other and raise their profile both business issues across sectors online and at events, including and at all levels. the development of a new website. “One of the big advantages for Chambers In addition, the Chamber’s local like ours is that we can help build a knowledge is helpful to its members and For Steve Pinto, the Chief Executive community of businesses. Bringing them places the organisation as a key influencer Officer, the partnership with Chamber together is a vital part of what we do. and voice for business in the borough. Nation builds on a solid track record “One of our big campaigns is to ensure Steve Pinto said: “The link up with of achievement. that local businesses of all size benefit Chamber Nation is a massive step He points to the Chamber’s wellfrom investment in the area by making change for us as we build on the work established status as an organisation our members aware of opportunities. we have already done. that supports Wandsworth as a great “We have good relationships with “It will allow us to grow our membership place for start-ups and scale-ups to many of the big developers working in and dramatically improve the services showcase their businesses, obtain London and have already, for example, that we offer our members. advice and generate more leads. brought about opportunities for local “A key part of that is improving our At the heart of the work is a sense of companies at Battersea Power Station. members’ digital presence. We live in community and the more established a digital age and the changes will “We want Wandsworth Chamber of members, including the Chamber’s increase our members’ presence by Patron members, are already working Commerce to grow to be one of the giving them a landing page on our new to champion local business engagement biggest membership organisations website which they can populate with through participation at hosted events, in London. information about themselves. That will, meetings and shared corporate social “Wandsworth Chamber already has in turn, be communicated onto the web. responsibility strategies. an influential voice in the local “However, we are about much more Hosting more than 60 business decision-making process. We enjoy than a digital presence, important as events annually, the Chamber offers a close working relationship with that is. We will also continue to offer something for everyone, ranging from Wandsworth Council and its senior our members the opportunity to meet breakfast meetings and other regular officers. Our Partnership with the potential suppliers and clients in networking events through to seminars, Council provides information, person at our networking events. masterclasses and workshops. contacts and many opportunities that are invaluable to members. “The Chamber is invited on to many steering groups and working parties and is represented at town centre “One of the big advantages for meeting, council initiatives, co-hosted events and collaborations. This is helpful Chambers like ours is that we to our members as it places the Chamber as a voice for business in the borough. can help build a community The link-up with Chamber Nation is the of businesses. Bringing them next step in our development.”
together is a vital part of what we do.” Steve Pinto Chief Executive Officer
Business Connexions | 5
Chamber Focus
How our partnerships can help your business
Membership has numerous other benefits where we can help you protect your business, save money and grow:
• Risk And Compliance - Do you know what polices and safeguards you lawfully need to run your business? Through a simple tick box assessment, you can find out where your policies are strong and areas you need to work on. Work through a modular system at your own pace with guidance and informative links readily accessible. Keep all your information in one safe place, print reports and schedule reviews to keep your business lawful and compliant.
How will our partnership with Chamber Nation benefit Wandsworth?
Chamber Nation has provided Wandsworth Chamber with a digital suite of promotional opportunities for our members and a complete back office dashboard, helping members to manage their membership effectively and track the Return on Investment (ROI) of membership. Chamber Nation is a membership support organisation that already helps hundreds of chambers of commerce across the globe to manage and promote tens of thousands of business members. Steve said: “Our partnership with Chamber Nation now delivers a complete community engagement platform for Wandsworth borough and a tested Digital Marketing system for Wandsworth Chamber members. “In a nutshell, Chamber Nation will help Wandsworth Chamber to build an engaged community, promoting the
services of our trusted members across mutiple channels, especially in the emerging digital marketplace. We are working smarter for your business.
How Wandsworth Chamber provides a voice for your business
Being a member of the Chamber of Commerce gives credibility and easy access to a dynamic business community. It provides ideal opportunities to network in one of London’s largest boroughs, with some of the biggest developments in Europe, in a flourishing local economy. Wandsworth is the place to be to enlarge your footprint, develop partnerships and meet suppliers and prospective customers. Wandsworth Chamber holds more than 60 networking events annually. These events provide opportunities to meet and collaborate with key stakeholders and influencers from within and beyond the borough to gain the support your business needs. Members and their guests attend at free or very preferential rates.
“Wandsworth is the place to be to enlarge your footprint, develop partnerships and meet suppliers and prospective customers. Wandsworth Chamber holds more than 60 networking events annually.” 6 | Business Connexions
• Strategic Web Success – Online Reputation Specialists - What you say about your business is your story. What your customers say about you is your reputation. Your reputation is the foundation of your business. SWS will help you build your online reputation the correct way; with real customers & real reviews. This foundation is what supports your growing business & client relationships. SWS offers you simple ways to collect reviews and feedback using customised feedback/review pages, methods to contact past satisfied customers to collect their feedback/reviews, a custom media centre with ready-to-print marketing materials and much, much more.
• Direct Route & Account Assyst – Offering chamber members, zero cost debt recovery, and credit management systems to save your business time and resource when evaluating your potential new business customers. Pursuing your outstanding debts is the core service that we offer. For more than 20 years, more than 12,000 UK businesses, ranging from sole traders to FTSE 100 PLCs, have repeatedly benefitted from Direct Route recovering their commercial debts and overdue invoices - swiftly, efficiently and professionally.
Chamber Focus Focus Chamber
Risk Dashboard
Part of something bigger
We are part of London’s Local Chambers of Commerce forum which brings together chambers from across London, promoting closer communications and sharing ideas and aspirations. Collectively, the LLCC, engages with more than 50,000 London-based business executives which give our members greater choice and an even stronger voice.
Offering support
Wandsworth Chamber has been working with Engineering Business Growth since 2013 to provide quality-assured business support and are delighted to offer support to help you: • Take your business forward • Plan and deliver the growth you want • Resolve any issues you have within the business • Manage your finances and make a big difference to your bottom line. This support programme is for those thinking about starting a new business, for newly-formed businesses and for established SME businesses who have been trading for some time. If you are looking to improve your business, we can help. The business support programme includes: • Training and educational masterclasses • One to one virtual business clinics • Next level Business Club Battersea An intensive group coaching programme For more information and to register your interest and be informed of exactly what is happening, call us on 020 8189 1287 or email Beverley at:
beverley@engineeringbusinessgrowth.com
How you can support Wandsworth Young Chamber
Wandsworth Young Chamber was launched at Roehampton University on the 27th September 2017 and is a part of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce
focusing on the business interests of Wandsworth’s younger generation in schools, colleges and Universities and as they take first steps into employment and entrepreneurship. The aim of the Young Chamber is to help younger members of society to become inspired, make their own local business connections and through this develop business mentoring and work placement opportunities with other Wandsworth Chamber Members’ businesses. How we will help: Wandsworth Chamber runs a series of events for Young Chamber members, delivering useful business information and opportunities to network and develop business contacts throughout the borough. We work with the South Thames College’s ‘Take One’ programme to encourage employers to work with young people, offering work experience, mentoring, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
How to join Wandsworth Young Chamber: The age range to be a Young Chamber Member is between 16 to 25(ish). Young Chamber members would typically be students, young start-up entrepreneurs and employed business people. Young Chamber membership is free. Business wanting to support the Young Chamber: We encourage all local businesses to support the aims of our Young Chamber through sponsorship, hosting events and attending Young Chamber events and meeting and encouraging our younger generation. They have so much to offer and perhaps a fresh outlook and approach may be mutually beneficial to your business.
Finding out more
You can find out more about the Chamber at its new website at https://www.wandsworthchamber.org
“The aim of the Young Chamber is to help younger members of society to become inspired, make their own local business connections and through this develop business mentoring and work placement opportunities with other Wandsworth Chamber Members’ businesses.”
As part of our commitment to our members, Wandsworth Chamber are constantly looking for innovative ideas and solutions, that can assist our members to develop their businesses and provide robust solutions that are of genuine value. Accordingly, our partnership with Risk Dashboard now provides our members a business audit, guidance and task management system that focuses on a number of key business objectives, including; 1. Operational Risk Management 2. Delivering Solutions to areas of 'non-compliance' with selected member partners 3. Identifying areas of potential business growth 4. Document storage and repository For more information on how your business can use Risk Dashboard to map legal compliance and minimise risk, visit the Wandsworth Chamber website or email steve@wandsworthcahmber.org
Battersea Power Station Development Company was asked to trial the new Risk management Tool as part of our continuing engagement with the local community and Council through Commerce Wandsworth and the Chamber. This forum is there to support new and existing Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) as they set up and expand within the borough.
The Risk Management Tool trialed Risk Dashboard, aims to assist businesses to better understand the risks they face and provides output in the form of recommendations to address noted gaps in governance, regulation and compliance over a broad spectrum of areas including, but not limited to: Information Security; Business Continuity; Financial Reporting; Human Resources; Management Leadership; Business Strategy; Insurance; Health and Safety and Sales and Marketing.
This is a hugely useful tool for businesses that do not have a dedicated ‘Governance or Risk Function’. That being said, not all actions on the reporting function need to be mitigated from a compliance standpoint. They are more a guide to best practice and horizon planning to ensure a compliance and risk framework that is fit for purpose over a longer time-frame. This will enable companies themselves to grow and expand, instead of the need to continually re-address key governance areas during this process, particularly when considering that meeting service and customer demands are so critical to business success that the important internal structures and oversight are sometimes overlooked.
Thomas Etchells Senior Manager - Risk and Compliance - BPSDC
Business Connexions | 7
News
Project announces new Head of Brand
Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) has appointed Carlin Fier to further raise the profile of the development. Carlin, who becomes Head of Brand, will join the Battersea Power Station project in July and have overall responsibility for Marketing, Events and Placemaking.
Exciting times beckon as gallery announces move Wandsworth is set for an exciting programme of international contemporary art following confirmation that Matt’s Gallery is moving to a new space in Nine Elms.
A 25-year lease has been signed to house Matt’s Gallery in new buildings on Ponton Road, SW8. In addition to having double-height gallery space, the complex will provide two galleries, two artists’ studios, a gallery shop, a project and events space and a publiclyaccessible archive dating back to the 1960s. As the latest cultural organisation to sign up to moving into Nine Elms, Matt’s Gallery's reputation for cutting-edge exhibitions will give a boost to the growing art galleries cluster which runs through the opportunity area from Battersea and Nine Elms up to Vauxhall. Director and Founder of Matt’s Gallery, Robin Klassnik OBE said:
This is a newly created role aimed at strengthening the Battersea Power Station brand in the UK and globally, helping to put the new destination for London firmly on the world map.
Carlin joins Battersea Power Station following nearly eight years at Brookfield Properties, where she has been Vice President of Marketing and Communications overseeing the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Simon Murphy, CEO of BPSDC, said: “Carlin’s wealth of brand and sector experience will prove invaluable as we continue to shape our brand story. I have no doubt that she will bring a huge amount of energy and vision to this iconic project and will play an integral part in ensuring we are successful in creating a new and thriving destination for London.”
Carlin said: “Battersea Power Station presents a unique opportunity to deliver something extraordinary in terms of eyecatching campaigns and content, given its rich heritage, and to transform this iconic regeneration project into a globally-recognised brand. “As a native New Yorker who has spent the past few years working on landmark projects across London, Berlin and Dubai, I am extremely proud to work on such an internationally renowned scheme.”
Carlin’s appointment follows a series of senior promotions and external hires which have further strengthened the team.
8 | Business Connexions
The new pavilion has been handed over to the council by Tideway, the company building London’s new super sewer, and is a modern replacement for the previous changing facilities, offering visitors bigger and better gym space plus a new café.
Part of the site at Barn Elms is being used for construction of the 25km tunnel, which will help tackle sewage overflowing into the River Thames. The new changing rooms
"We're excited about moving to Nine Elms. We are keen to get started and hope that Wandsworth locals embrace the gallery as their own. It is truly encouraging to see Wandsworth Council and Bellway delivering challenging and radical contemporary art to Nine Elms.” Currently located in Bermondsey, registered charity Matt's Gallery is now preparing to fit out the new Ponton Road complex ahead of a public opening in spring 2020. Working closely with Wandsworth Council and Bellway Homes, who are providing the community space at The Residence, they are working with local residents through three projects ahead of the opening, including ‘UNSUNG SONGS’ with artist Silvia Ziranek.
The agreement follows news in October 2018 that Arts Council England are providing a £200,000 capital grant to assist the gallery to move to their permanent home in Nine Elms. Matt’s Gallery are fundraising to reach a total of £1.15m to fully fit out the building. Emma Hamlett, Sales Director for Bellway London, said: “The Residence is more than a development of new apartments, it is now also home to a fantastic collection of art for enthusiasts across Nine Elms to enjoy for years to come. We're delighted to house Matt's Gallery at The Residence, which really sets this development apart as something special.”
Company supports leisure centre upgrade Work has been carried out to provide new changing rooms at Wandsworth Council’s flagship leisure and fitness complex at Barn Elms.
are part of Tideway’s commitment to work closely with the local communities near its sites. Barn Elms covers 52 acres and offers residents, youth groups, clubs and local schools the opportunity to take part a huge range of sports and leisure activities. It offers grass pitches for rugby, football, cricket, Aussie rules and rounders as well as 16 tennis courts, along with specialist
facilities for archery, athletics, field events, a gym and a boathouse for rowing.It also has artificial surfaces for netball and hockey. After the London Olympics, and as part of the 2012 Games legacy, 1,000 tonnes of sand was transported from the beach volleyball venue in Horseguards Parade to Barn Elms to so that the sport would have a permanent home in the Capital.
Wandsworth a bright spot for employment of women
The latest research by Cuckooz Nest, a flexible workspace with integrated creche facilities, has identified Wandsworth as one of the best areas for the employment of women in London. Statistics show that 66.5% of all women in the Capital are registered as employed, lagging behind the 68.5% across the UK as a whole. Wandsworth, Lambeth, Hammersmith and Fulham, Lewisham, Havering, Merton, Sutton, Bromley and Croydon are home to some of the highest employment rates for women. Richmond is home to the highest female employment rate with 77% of all women from the borough registered as employed.
Women account for 16.1% of all employees in the Human health and social work sector within London, 13.5% of the workforce in the professional, scientific and technical activities sector, while 11% of the retail and wholesale workforce is compiled of women. Co-founder of Cuckooz Nest, Charlie Rosier, said: “There are some outstanding women in the London workplace and the city attracts great talent from all over the world, but we need to do more
to cultivate this talent and make London a more desirable place for women to work and live. “Maternity leave is one of the predominant factors behind these lower levels of female workers and it is often used as a justification for lower wages. We have seen some movement on this, and flexible workspaces are a great way to get women back into work sooner if they should so choose, but there is still a huge disparity between both men and women.”
Relaunching Careers
Link UP London, a Wandsworth organisation, connects skilled volunteers with under-resourced local charities.
Through their work, they revealed that the skills of professional women who are out of the paid workforce are vastly under-utilised, at a loss to the community. To address the situation, Link UP London created a programme of workshops called ReLaunch, to help women understand the value of their skills and plan their next steps. Heather Paton, the new programme coordinator for ReLaunch, said: “I have spoken to many professional women in our community who have taken a career break for diverse reasons and who want to return to work but are unsure of how to do so and what they want to do.
Many had lost confidence in their abilities and were worried they did not have the skills required in today’s workplace.” Each ReLaunch programme consists of four workshops led by experienced coaches and are designed to help participants identify their strengths, focus on their goals, action plan and increase self-confidence. Nathalie attended the ReLaunch programme in summer 2018, after a career break of almost nine years to raise her three children. She decided to join the programme to consider what kind of work would provide a more balanced life. She said: “The Relaunch workshop forced me to take time for myself to think deeply about what I wanted for my life. The coaches were welcoming and inspiring. Their approach helped me to identify my personal strengths and goals. In just four sessions, I muted the little voice saying, ‘I am not good enough’. I was empowered to launch my own brand, Love Light Life Candles.
RESOLVING DISPUTES
“My business reflects my passion for candles and aromatherapy. These 100% natural candles are made with soothing essential oils and the feedback so far has been positive. It is off to a very promising start.” Nathalie also benefits from being a member of the ReLaunch community, which provides continuing support with regular coffee mornings, inspirational events and newsletters. ReLaunch matched Nathalie with a mentor who has given her valuable advice about developing an effective social media strategy for her business. ReLaunch is for any professional women out of the workforce who are looking to take their next steps. To book your place on the upcoming programme, fill out the form on the website at: www.linkuplondon.org/relaunch Sessions will be running in September and November 2019. For any additional information please e-mail heather@linkuplondon.org
Wandsworth Mediation Service (WMS) is a charity based in Clapham Junction, founded in 2004 by internationally-renowned mediator Stephen Ruttle QC. As well as providing free community mediation, they offer commercial and workplace mediations for businesses and individuals. Their mediators are highly acclaimed lawyers with successful private practices of their own, who support the charity on a pro bono basis. This enables WMS to offer access to top mediators at discounted rates with mediations starting at £100 per party (no VAT). All revenue received supports their community work. WMS resolves a full range of disputes without the cost, stress and time of litigation or involving solicitors. Their mediators have
expertise in all areas of law, including contract, property and inheritance disputes, and they offer workplace mediation to resolve issues between colleagues or management to enable people to work better alongside each other, or to “leave well.” In 2018, WMS won the award for Best Charity in the Wandsworth Business Awards. A recent case involved a dispute between an employment agency and a client who was not happy with the candidate they employed.
It was impossible to get the parties together because of summer holidays so WMS set the mediation up over Skype between France and England. This was successfully resolved, as were 90% of their cases in 2018.
An attempt at mediation is actively encouraged by courts before proceeding a case and law firms recognise that WMS offers an excellent and cost-saving service for their clients, hence the repeat business from them.
If you wish to find out whether mediation would be suitable, please contact Selina Roberts at commercial@wandsworthmediation.co.uk or 020 7223 7744. They offer a 10% discount for members of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce.
Telling the right story
Join Us Today News
Whether you are part of a large organisation or work from an office at home, there are many good reasons for joining the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce.
As the business hub of Wandsworth, your Chamber is influential in helping to create the right business environment for local companies to flourish. Through membership you have the ability to use our "business voice", the opportunity to meet key stakeholders, network and do business with many other local businesses that you won't find anywhere else.
So, do it now, online, and start enjoying the many benefits on offer.
www.wandsworthchamber.org For more information or to discuss how we can help you, please contact us at: Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce
020 363 36575
enquiries@wandsworthchamber.org
Narratorial is a PR and Content Marketing agency based in Battersea Reach.
The core of their business is storytelling, which they combine with innovative SEO techniques. Since their launch in 2017, they have gained publicity for their clients in both grassroots and mainstream media, including local press and magazines to national press, television and radio. These include The Wandsworth Guardian, The Voice Newspaper and Time & Leisure Magazine.
All these publications have an impressive distribution, and the agency places great emphasis on nurturing relationships with editors and journalists. Narratorial also assist local businesses, social enterprise schemes and start–ups to develop unique stories for their websites including landing pages, personal bios and mission statements, alongside narrative strategies to get that crucial sale. All their content is written with a 20-point SEO checklist, to ensure that it ranks favourably to all search engine algorithms. Director Shelley Routledge said: “Being a member of the Chamber
has been a huge advantage. I have gained many clients from the regular meet-ups and I’ve also made some great friends. Having a business support network has been crucial to Narratorial’s ongoing success. “We are now in a steady period of growth, and this is largely due to the clients we have acquired from the Chamber meetings. We provide a bespoke service that gets fantastic results. Word of mouth within the Chamber has been our most effective advertising tool.” Contact Shelley Routledge narratorial@gmail.com or vist www.narratorial.co.uk
AN APOLOGY Wendy Rose
An article on page 27 of March’s edition of Business Connexions, titled 19 Top Tips for Switching Off after Work, omitted the name of the author Wendy Rose. This was due to a production error and we apologise for the error.
For further information on Wendy Rose visit www.wendyrose.co.uk
Business Connexions | 9
Good Neighbours & Talking Families Project
News
4 Free Workshops to learn new ways of communicating
The Neu Dad on Riverside Radio
Whether or not you’re a parent, there’s a new dad-themed radio show on Riverside Radio that you won’t want to miss.
Mike Oldham, a dad blogger (neudad.co.uk) from Edinburgh and now based in Earlsfield, has been writing about fatherhood for almost three years, ever since the birth of his son Marley. Whether it’s parenting tips, hilarious stories and mishaps from his own experience, or even advice on how not to dress like a dad, it all goes in there. And now, it will all be going on the air too.
The borough’s on-street charging infrastructure has been boosted as part of £400,000 project which means that Wandsworth remains on course to meet its target of delivering up to 900 on-street charging points in total. The latest 220 additional sockets have been fitted to lampposts as part of a tie-in with electronics giant Siemens and leading EV charging provider ubitricity. The investment has been funded mainly via the Government’s Go Ultra Low City Scheme (GULCS). It gives EV owners two options in terms of connection. They can either use a special Ubitricity cable
10 | Business Connexions
The fortnightly show first aired on Sunday 26th May will have a much wider scope than the dad blog, but whatever The Neu Dad covers, including interviews with local Wandsworth business owners, it will all be through the unique perspective of the modern dad. You can listen to The Neu Dad show on Sunday afternoons from 14:00-15:00 on Riverside Radio.
Neighbour disputes? Tension in family relationships? Are there arguments at home all the time? Is it difficult to agree with your partner? Conflict can cause stress, anxiety, worry and it can affect your health. Would you like to learn new skills to express yourself and listen to others?
In June and July on Monday mornings from 9.30 to 11.30am we will be running free workshops at St James' Centre, 1 Florence Way, Ouseley Road London SW12 8EW
This is funded by a grant from Wandle Housing Association. Everyone is welcome, although Wandle residents have priority.
Free Workshops
Mondays 9.30am-11.30am June 17th & 24th July 1st & 8th Please come to one or all of the sessions. 17 June: Improving your 1 July: Straight talking: how to listening skills get results by saying things that people might not want to hear This workshop will help you to learn how to listen to others in In this workshop you will learn a a new way, which will help you to powerful technique to say difficult understand them better, and it will things to people in a constructive give you tools to take home. way, to achieve a positive outcome. 24 June: Expressing yourself: understanding and expressing 8 July: Dealing with conflict: your needs and feelings so that managing how you react to others can understand you disagreements This workshop will help you This workshop will help you think understand your thoughts and about conflicts that have affected feelings when communicating you using interactive exercises with others, and develop skills and you will learn tools to equip for clearly expressing yourself you to deal with disagreements. so that you can be heard.
Another 220 electric vehicle sockets fitted to Wandsworth street lights
Please register at wms@wandsworthmediation.co.uk to reserve your place.
People living in Wandsworth are in the ideal position to make the switch to electric vehicles with the completion of a project to fit charging sockets to another 220 street lights across the borough.
which also brings the customer’s own electricity tariff or they can use a standard cable, scan the QR code at the charge point with their mobile phone or tablet and charge via DirectAccess, the pay-as-you-go-option. Wandsworth council will also shortly begin the process of assessing lampposts in two pilot zones in parts of Putney and Battersea immediately adjacent to the proposed extension of the Mayor’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This could see more than 300 extra sockets being installed in these two areas. If these two pilot schemes prove successful, it could see lamppost charging extended to other
residential areas in Wandsworth. Another EV charging company, Source London, is also providing about 200 charging points at various locations across the borough. More are available at supermarkets and in local petrol/service stations. And for those who don’t need to own a vehicle but want to enjoy occasional eco-friendly motoring, two new e-car clubs are now operating in Wandsworth – offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to car ownership, providing electric vehicles to hire by the hour, day or week. The car club EVs will use the Source London charging points and allow residents to hire an electric car by
the hour, day or week. Wandsworth already has one of the highest take-up rates of car club membership in London with nearly 22,000 members and this will give local people a more eco-friendly option. The number of electric vehicles bought by people living in the borough has grown from 127 at the end of 2015 to nearer 800 today, with numbers rising by around ten per cent every three months. Current projections indicate that approximately 6,000 electric vehicles will be registered in the borough by 2025 – but with enhanced infrastructure and more charging points that number could rise to nearer 10,000. Existing
analysis indicates that Wandsworth already has one of London’s the highest EV take up rates in London. The council’s own fleet of cars and vans is also in the process of being replaced by electric versions. Transport and environment spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: “By providing the right infrastructure to make it a realistic and viable option for people to switch to electric we can reduce harmful vehicle emissions and help tackle London’s air quality problems. “By creating such an extensive network of charging points we are removing one of the biggest hurdles facing people thinking of changing from petrol and diesel to electric.”
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WHAT TO CONSIDER when negotiating Heads of Terms for business premises
Legal
So you’ve found that perfect space for your business in a brilliant location for a rent you’re happy with. Or you have finally found a tenant for that empty unit.
Russell-Cooke’s Robert Lusher reviews the issues to consider when negotiating heads of terms to avoid misunderstandings and save time and costs when agreeing a business lease. The parties
Identifying the contracting parties from the outset can avoid wasted time and effort. The landlord may be expecting the parent company to be the tenant but sometimes, for valid business reasons, it may need to be a subsidiary or a new corporate entity entirely. If the landlord is doubtful that the prospective tenant has the financial strength to pay the rent for the entire term, there are ways around the problem such as rent deposits, bank guarantees and/or third party guarantors.
The property
The extent of the property should be described; if possible by reference to a plan. A tenant may expect to have exclusive use of parking spaces, toilets and/or storage areas whereas the landlord may consider them communal spaces. The extent of the demise is also important in determining repairing obligations.
The term
The length of the lease has probably been agreed but is the lease ‘inside’ or ‘outside’ the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954? A lease ‘inside’ the 1954 Act gives the tenant an automatic right to renew at the end of the term (subject to certain criteria). In certain circumstances it also entitles the tenant to compensation if the landlord wants the premises back.
Rights to break
The parties must agree if either or both have a right to break the lease early and if so when and on what basis. It may be a specified date or a rolling break exercisable at any point after a certain date. The parties also need to agree the notice period and any conditions (or penalties) when exercising the break.
12 | Business Connexions
Rent and rent review
The parties have concentrated on agreeing the initial annual rent but should also clarify whether this is inclusive of rates, service charge, utilities, and/or insurance costs. If there are rent reviews when will they occur and on what basis? Also, consider rent payment dates. Traditionally rent is paid quarterly on the usual quarter days but we are increasingly seeing monthly rents being agreed.
Service charge
Service charges may be payable in addition to the principal rent. If so, how will the service charge be calculated, what is included, what are the likely costs, will any significant expenditure be required to the building during the term of the lease and should there be a cap?
Assignments and subletting
The parties must agree how the tenant can deal with its premises. An absolute prohibition on all dealings may be appropriate if the lease term is quite short. Alternatively assignments and sublettings of the whole (and sometimes part) are permitted subject to obtaining prior written consent. A landlord may want the outgoing tenant to act as a guarantor for its immediate assignee under an Authorised Guarantee Agreement (AGA). If the tenant has a surety the landlord may want that surety to guarantee the tenant’s covenants in the AGA. Both parties should agree these issues early on to avoid later complications.
Repair
The tenant is usually responsible for maintainance and repair. It is therefore important to clarify what parts of the property are demised to the tenant. For example, is the air conditioning the tenant’s or the landlord’s responsibility? Is the tenant obliged to keep the property in good and substantial
repair and condition or is the repairing obligation to be limited by a schedule of condition?
Alterations
The parties should establish what alterations a tenant can make and whether the landlord’s consent is required. A landlord may want an absolute prohibition on structural and/or external alterations but such alterations may be imperative to the tenant’s brand. The landlord may want to make it clear that any alterations must be removed at the end of the term.
Telecommunications
Does the property have sufficient telecommunications infrastructure to enable the tenant to operate effectively? If not, the landlord will need to agree to new cabling being installed. It is wise to check the infrastructure capabilities early on as agreeing necessary works, wayleaves and easements can be time consuming and costly. Leases are complex documents with legal consequences for both parties. Consequently obtaining legal advice before entering into such a legally binding document is advisable.
Insurance
Normally the landlord insures the building and the tenant pays a proportion (or the whole) of the cost. Again the tenant needs to know the cost and the landlord may have to check with its insurers as to whether its cover will be affected by the tenant’s proposed use.
Permitted use
The tenant must ensure the property has planning permission for its intended use. However, the tenant may want the ability to change the use throughout the term of the lease if its business develops or it wants to assign/sublet the lease. Conversely, the landlord may want to control what the tenant uses the premises for to ensure that the tenant mix in the building/estate does not affect its reversionary value.
russell-cooke.co.uk 020 8394 6409 robert.lusher@russell-cooke.co.uk
Is your business the best in Wandsworth?
Business Awards
Businesses across Wandsworth are once again being invited to put themselves forward to compete for the coveted accolade of Wandsworth’s Best Business. The annual awards programme, which has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Wandsworth business calendar launched in April, and culminates with a glittering awards ceremony at the Roehampton Club in October.
The awards, which are hosted by Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, are open to any sole trader or business with a trading address in the London Borough of Wandsworth. There is no cost for entering SPONSORED BY
the awards and companies are invited to enter as many categories as they think are appropriate to their business.
There are 12 categories that businesses can enter, all of which have been designed to suit a business of any size. Steve Pinto, Chief Executive of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, said “These awards allow businesses the opportunity to promote themselves and their achievements over the past twelve months. The awards help acknowledge and reward the entrepreneurial flair that
categorises our great borough. But the awards are also a fantastic opportunity for companies to promote their achievements. We know that businesses that are successful in these awards (and then heavily promote their success) do incredibly well at securing new customers and growing their business further. My message to companies across the borough is don’t be modest shout about your achievements - and promote your business to your local audience”.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PRODUCED BY
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The twelve categories you can enter are:
• Best Business for Marketing & Social Media
• Best Business for Customer Service • Entrepreneur of the Year
• Best Charity or Social Enterprise • Best New Business
• Best International Business of the Year
• Employer of the Year
• Independent Business of the Year • Best Eatery
• Innovator of the Year
• Best Business with under 50 Employees
• Best Business with over 50 Employees
Business Awards
2019
Wandsworth
IS YOUR BUSINESS
THE BEST IN WANDSWORTH? Enter now, it’s FREE and easy to do, at www.wandsworthawards.biz
#wandsawards @wandsawards2019 Business Connexions | 13
Mike Parker CEO
Big Interview
“The way we approach healthcare is proving to be increasingly popular with everyone from busy professionals to mothers with young children, who need to be able to see a GP or dentist whenever is convenient to them.�
14 | Business Connexions
The forward thinking that is changing healthcare The UK is witnessing dramatic changes in the way that it treats illness and one of the organisations at the forefront of this revolution is The Smart Medical Clinics, which offers immediate appointments with highly experienced and competent medical practitioners.
The organisation has a private clinic in Wandsworth and a super-centre in Brompton Cross, with three further clinics opening in the area this year. All clinics deliver instant medical advice and treatment to patients during a 30 minute consultation. Smart Life is also available; this is a programme for personal medicine which is the way medicine is heading in the future. Smart Life is a programme designed to predict how the body will perform in the future, and then treat it in advance of future illnesses. It is tailored to individuals to enable them to live a longer and more fulfilled life. It’s DNA medicine at its best and whereas historically we’ve visited our doctor as a result of being unwell, the Smart Life programme is about preventative health medicine which is treating and preventing health issues long before they occur. The result is an approach to private healthcare that is helping patients to receive swift and effective treatment for existing illnesses while also allowing them to make more informed decisions about the future, thereby improving quality of life and extending longevity. When it comes to reactive medicine, the big advantage of signing up to The Smart Clinics is immediacy, provided by an approach which ensures that patients see a doctor or dentist within hours rather than days as happens with the NHS. Patients are treated rapidly regardless of their symptoms. Currently, the organisation has two clinics. The supercentre at Brompton Cross is its largest and busiest centre. The clinic was extensively refurbished in the summer of 2018, offering a professional yet comfortable environment for patients and their families. As well as a team of friendly and experienced private GPs, it offers an impressive dentistry facility with orthodontics as
well as providing crowns, bridges, cosmetic dentistry and general check-ups and care for all the family. The Wandsworth clinic is conveniently located on Bellevue Road. Again, as well as friendly and experienced private GPs, it offers an extensive team of medical specialists, travel health, children’s services and more. The Smart Clinics is also expanding and is soon to announce the location of a second clinic in Wandsworth, as well as opening another one in Fulham and South Kensington and one in Battersea planned for 2020. CEO Mike Parker said: “The NHS is a fantastic institution but it has its limitations. If you wake up feeling unwell in the morning, it could be a week or more before you get to see your NHS GP. “The big advantage with us is that, if you are a member, you will see a GP or dentist within a matter of hours at a time to suit you. “Why does that matter? Well, take as an example someone who wakes up with an ongoing foot bunion which has become very sore to walk on, who needs to go on a business trip the next day. “If they waited for an NHS appointment, the appointment would not happen before they went and they would have to walk around whilst in pain. “Alternatively, if they had the benefit of Smart Medical membership, they could be seen and treated on the same day and go on the business trip without experiencing pain.
“Or for example, say you wake up with and a painful toothache. We can ensure that you see someone and are treated within hours. “If your symptoms suggest something more serious, we can immediately refer you to one of our specialists. According to a recent article in the Observer newspaper: “the average length of an NHS GP consultation is little more than 9 minutes” when you’re lucky enough to get an appointment. “The way we approach healthcare is proving to be increasingly popular with everyone from busy professionals to mothers with young children, who need to be able to see a GP or dentist whenever is convenient to them.” The clinics can deal with a wide range of ailments but the team is also increasingly interested in an approach to medicine that detects illnesses long before the symptoms occur. Mike said: “A lot of medicine is reactive. We wake up feeling unwell and we go to see the GP and the illness is diagnosed and treated. “Our view is that predicting illness is the future. By using the latest technology, such as DNA and blood testing, we can identify and treat conditions a long time before the symptoms show themselves. “Our aim is to extend the quality of people’s lives. You hear of people who spend many years dying from an illness. How much better if we can take action long in advance? We cannot stop people dying but we can extend and improve the quality of their lives.”
“The NHS is a fantastic institution but it has its limitations. If you wake up feeling unwell in the morning, it could be a week or more before you get to see your NHS GP.”
Big Interview
A groundbreaking approach to mental health The Smart Clinics and one of its sister companies, Smart TMS is also leading the way in treating mental health conditions, using a technique known as Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
The company’s teams are dedicated to helping people with mental health or addiction issues and Smart TMS specialise in using transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat a wide range of conditions. Patients come to them for a variety of reasons: • Not wanting to take antidepressants • Antidepressants and CBT not working for them • A desire to be rid of their symptoms • A desire to kick their addiction once and for all TMS is a highly effective treatment and can often help patients even where antidepressants, CBT or rehab have been unsuccessful.
It is a technological breakthrough in medical and psychiatric treatment. The treatment utilises pulses of magnetic energy to stimulate or dampen down areas of the brain known to contribute to medical or psychiatric conditions. TMS has been approved by NICE (the government health body) as effective and safe for the treatment of depression.
TMS therapy has also been shown in research studies to be effective in reducing the symptoms of Drug Addiction, Depersonalisation Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder.
The Smart Clinics also has a new sister company, Smart Save Minds which is the only healthcare provider in London that is licensed to use ketamine as a treatment that can prove remarkably effective to counter suicidal thoughts in patients.
Mike Parker said: “Twenty-five per cent of Londoners suffer from depression at any one time. Through our approach we are tackling the symptoms and saving lives using all the latest advances in medical technology and medicine.” Business Connexions | 15
Spotlight on Wandsworth
Wandsworth - Officially a Great Place for Business As Wandsworth surges in national business rankings we explore the developments and support that are driving this.
With more than 17,000 registered businesses, 119,000 employee jobs and 38,000 self-employed people, Wandsworth’s economy is big business that’s heavily driven by micro-enterprise: 94% of businesses hosting nine employees or less. Against this backdrop, a wealth of new development and investment is taking place - helping to make Wandsworth the UK’s 9th most competitive business location according to a recent study*, boosting standards of living and building resilience in to the local economy.
Wandsworth has also been identified as the UK’s most productive area due to its highly productive business services sector, ongoing significant real estate development in Nine Elms, and the growth of the local tech scene**.
16 | Business Connexions
The range of activity in council teams to support this and create the best business conditions possible is extensive. Read on for a snapshot…
Wandsworth Town on the right road
Work to transform Wandsworth Town Centre through the removal/ redesign of the one-way system has been progressing with TfL undertaking surveys to inform future groundwork.
environment for the town would boost business and help ensure the town plays its full role as the centre of its community. The Council has been pressing TfL to get on with the works required to make this crucial project happen after plans to start work slipped to late 2021.
The Wandsworth contribution to the funding for the scheme has been generated through housing developers in the area via S106 and the Community Infrastructure Levy which is applied to physical development projects, with most coming from the developers of the Ram Brewery site.
The proposed scheme would reroute cars and lorries via a route to the north of the town centre, via Swandon Way and Armoury Way, with the centre accessible for busses, cycles and pedestrians.
Landscaping and wider pavements would make the whole town more welcoming and pleasant, and healthier for shoppers, residents and visitors. The enhanced *UK Competitiveness Index 2019 ** Cisco UK Productivity Index 2019
The map illustrates the proposed traffic flow around the town.
Spotlight on Wandsworth
“Competitiveness is defined as the capability of an economy to maintain increasing standards of living for those who participate in it, by attracting and maintaining firms with stable or rising market shares in an activity. As such, the competitiveness of a region will depend on its ability to anticipate and successfully adapt to internal and external economic and social challenges, by providing new economic opportunities, including higher quality jobs.” Supporting small businesses
With about 3,000 new businesses registering every year, it’s no wonder that the appetite for high quality business support is so evident – as expressed in the popularity of ‘Wandsworth Enterprise Month’ – an extension of Wandsworth Council’s flagship initiative ‘Enterprise Week’ which launched in 2014. Enterprise Month took place throughout March and featured more than 50 events including practical workshops, 1-1 advice sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities. It also featured a fringe programme – which saw several local businesses run their own events and Schools Week. More than 2,000 people – pre-starts, start-ups and established business owners – attended sessions across the month. Highlight events included Start-up Wandsworth run in partnership with Enterprise Nation; a meet the journalist panel discussion and ‘Women’s Enterprise Day’, which took place on International Women’s Day and featured founder of Planet Organic, Renee Elliott. More than 100 women attended this event, demonstrating the thirst for inspiration and support amongst female entrepreneurs.
To be amongst the first to hear about similar support opportunities and business news, register for the Council’s newsletter via
wandsworth.gov.uk/open4business
Designs on Battersea’s enterprise future
New workspace, talent and business support are on the cards for the borough after the council secured a share of an £8m funding bid. The successful joint funding bid from the London Boroughs’ ‘Strategic Investment Pot’ will create a ‘South London Innovation Corridor’ to focus on boosting the Creative and Digital Industries across Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham. Each borough is identifying opportunities for new workspace and business incubators helping to boost the chances of success for new enterprises with real potential. A priority is to integrate this with programmes to promote diversity in these business sectors, with a particular focus on increasing the number of female founders and those from black and minority ethnic communities. Alongside this, the Council is exploring the potential to nurture a new ‘design quarter’ in Battersea, capitalising on the area’s potential for digital and design-focussed enterprise, with Apple’s arrival on the horizon.
Women’s Enterprise Day
Town Centre Businesses in the Driving Seat
Clapham Junction has become the latest of the borough’s towns to launch a Business Improvement District – a ‘BID’ – following a successful ballot of businesses. A BID enables businesses in town centres and other areas to define, fund and deliver a range of activities to enhance the business environment. Many of the initiatives and events residents enjoy in their town would be delivered by the BID and there are over now over 300 BIDs around the country.
Clapham Junction’s BID follows successful establishment of BIDs in Putney and Wandsworth Town and the Council is working with local businesses to develop a BID proposal in Tooting. The Council’s support for BID development is intended to help businesses and town centres to harness their full potential, with businesses themselves taking the lead.
More than Four Chimneys
It’s hard to miss the rapid transformation under way at Nine Elms. As part of the Vauxhall Nine Elms and Battersea Opportunity Area, the development is providing new opportunities for people to make their home, build their business or spend leisure time.
More than 25,000 jobs are being created across the opportunity area, which offers over 6.5m sq ft of commercial space and highquality locations to accommodate new and existing businesses.
This Travel Zone 1 neighbourhood has attracted a package of transport investment, including two new Tube stations, riverboat piers and improvements to Nine Elms Lane. The Thessaly Road area is benefiting from public realm improvements and a redesign of the railway underpass commissioned by Wandsworth Council during London Festival of Architecture.
Creative industries play a key role in the emerging South London Innovation Corridor, with Battersea Design Quarter plans enriching the reputation for tech and design alongside institutions including the Royal College of Art and Foster + Partners.
Forming a new town centre, the Battersea Power Station development will consist of shops, restaurants and Apple’s London campus. The US Embassy at Embassy Gardens will be joined by Penguin Random House UK and Dorling Kindersley along with restaurants, shops and cultural organisations.
“A BID is an organisation set up for and by businesses in a defined area. Typically a five -year plan is drawn up with business input, focusing on key initiatives and improvements over and above what a council provides – such as enhanced events, marketing, business cost-reduction schemes, networking and environmental projects. Businesses vote through a statutory ballot on whether to adopt the proposed plan and jointly fund its delivery through a BID levy. If the vote is successful a BID company is established, led by representatives of businesses that pay the levy.”
Business Connexions | 17
Wandsworth Town WandsWorth visiting! Spotlight on Wandsworth
Wandsworth Town BID has recently successfully completed its second year in operation, with its main objective being to make and develop the existing town centre to be more vibrant and attractive for those who work, live, visit and shop in the area.
With recent developments springing up, the town centre has had some much-needed swagger injected, especially with Ram Quarter opening.
Ram Quarter is a stunning mixed-use development located on the grounds of the old Young’s Brewery, providing striking homes and a vibrant retail, food and leisure destination.
Last month it was announced that immersive cinema pioneer Backyard Cinema has picked Ram Quarter as its first long-term home – with screenings due to start in September. Further brands coming to the town centre are set to be announced in due course.
18 | Business Connexions
Ram Quarter has also started to welcome its new residents to the heart of Wandsworth. Most recently, Greenland – the developer behind the scheme – has launched sales of heritage apartments within Coopers’ Lofts, the beautifully restored heritage buildings at Ram Quarter. The finished scheme will deliver 713 homes ranging from studios to 4-bedroom duplexes. Alongside Old York road and West Hill – both now bustling hubs filled with coffee shops, inviting bars, and independent cafés and restaurants with the added bonus of being extremely safe and family friendly, Wandsworth Town is fast becoming a destination location in itself.
Wandsworth Town residents and visitors enjoy a charming and bustling town centre and local traders are proud to boast an impressive range of independent shops selling unique gifts, crafts and products as well as an impressively modern shopping centre – Southside on Wandsworth High street - which houses one of London’s busiest cinemas with an impressive number of screens and a 4DX and Screen X cinema experience you won’t find anywhere else. Whether shopping for groceries or a special gift, you'll get a great service from independents and national chains throughout the town centre and if you need a break, there's a fantastic choice of restaurants, cafes and pubs,
many of which serve locally sourced food and drink.
If you are a business in Wandsworth Town and would like to know about the BID or to see how we can help you to maximise your potential please email Caryl Davies, CEO of Wandsworth Town BID.
If you are a visitor to the town centre and want to know more about what’s going on and when as well as local offers and all our wonderful businesses, take a look at our fantastic website designed by our very own town centre business – Naked Ideas. You can find the website on – Wandsworth.town
Spotlight on Wandsworth
Events
There are always exciting new events taking place in Wandsworth Town to browse through the forthcoming days, weeks and months take a look at our events page on the Wandsworth Town website – wandsworth.town
Wandsworth Town loyalty card
Introducing the Wandsworth Town loyalty card for Wandsworth Town businesses, staff, residents and visitors. The card provides holders with unique access to offers, discounts and events for Town centre businesses in the Wandsworth Town area.
We’re always busy reaching out to businesses to see if they’d like to submit an offer or discount to be part of the card. Since the card launch we’ve had applications for and sent out over 1000 cards around the borough with new applications coming in each and every day.
We’ll also be looking into ways to make these cards available digitally if you don’t want to add something else to your wallet, purse or pocket.
That means any offer that your business submits will go out to every card holder each month through a targeted email campaign; always listed on the wandsworth.town website and backed up by a comprehensive marketing campaign to boost take up.
Interested in submitting an offer? Or want to register so you can have your own card?
Get in touch through the website – Wandsworth.town or email info@wandsworth.town and the BID team will be in touch.
Ram Quarter is to host a big screen showing the live action from this year’s Wimbledon Championships. Visitors can enjoy what is likely to be Andy Murray’s final Grand Slam tournament in the beautiful surrounds of Ram Quarter, on the banks of the River Wandle. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Wandsworth Town train station, be sure to invite friends and family to share in the excitement from SW19 between July 1 and July 14.
experience for our visitors and as such we would really like to hear what our businesses feel the BID has been successful in delivering over the previous 2 years and identify what we would like to see over the next 3 years. To ensure that the BID objectives capture the thoughts and expectations of the local business community, the BID team would be grateful if you and your colleagues could spare the time to complete a short survey listed under the ‘About the BID’ section of our website.
Southside update
Sustainability at Southside As Ram Quarter is set on the site of the former Young’s Brewery, in between matches explore the icon of Wandsworth’s industrial past – the River Wandle. Once London’s hardest working river, supporting the brewery as well as up to 90 mills, today you can look out for the abundant wildlife that also calls Ram Quarter home. The BID will be playing all the games at this year’s Tennis Championship for everyone to see surrounded by deck chairs; street food and bars from 11am-9pm. Game, set and match to Wandsworth Town!
Business Consultation
Wandsworth Town BID is always looking for ways to improve its service to its businesses and its
“Our aim is to ensure that Wandsworth Town increasingly is regarded as one of the best places to visit, work, live and do business by delivering positive change and improvements to the Town Centre that enhance its competitive position.” Caryl Davies CEO
Southside aims to provide a great space for its customers and community. And being sustainable plays a major part in this.
As the Southside team work hard to embed sustainability in everything they do, they continue to look for new and better ways of doing things to help them deliver the very best experiences for visitors.
Through their solar panels and rain water harvesting system they’ve managed to make tremendous improvements to how natural resources are used; not only minimising their impact on the environment, but also improving resilience as a business and lowering operational costs. A major new waste and recycling campaign led by Centre Manager Pieter Strombeck last year, unveiled a raft of new measures to boost recycling and cut waste. Until late last year most waste had been taken to an off-site facility for reprocessing, this campaign has brought all recycling in
house with zero waste going to landfills. With the help of industry specialist Grundon Waste Management retailers have made a concerted effort to make this work and they are now at an impressive recycling rate of 65%. Supporting the rise of sustainable dining Wandsworth Town has recently welcomed Street Cube – a revolutionary sustainability-focused street dining concept. Street Cube aim to serve the best in sustainable food-to-go while being committed to reducing CO2 levels, eliminating plastic waste, and developing a better food system that’s both regenerative and healthier for people and planet.
Housed in recycled shipping containers the zero carbon kitchens operate partly using solar energy and are home to beautiful living walls feed using the cubes rain-water harvest reservoir. Visit Street Cube on the piazza at Southside to experience and taste for yourself the future of sustainable dining. Looking ahead, Southside are focusing on making their internal mall spaces more efficient and sustainable and as you visit Southside over the course of the next 6 -12 months you will see this come to life. Keep up to date with all their sustainable work on southsidewandsworth.com
WANDSWORTH TOWN
The heart of Wandsworth. #WandsworthTown
@WandsworthTown
Wandsworth.town
wandsworthtownbid Business Connexions | 19
Economy
Researchers found that 5.3 million people (10 per cent) dream of becoming their own boss by embracing a career as a freelancer.
This is in addition to the 8.6 million (16 per cent) who currently freelance and are either full-time self-employed or carry out contract work alongside their main jobs. A further one in eight (12 per cent) Brits have previously freelanced.
However, according to the research, going freelance is something that many people will only consider if they have a nest egg saved up, especially if an initial contract or client has not been secured.
Overall, 71 per cent of self-employed workers saved up money before going freelance, leaving 29 per cent who admitted that they had nothing saved before starting their business. The average freelancer saves up £16,000 before setting up their own enterprise.
Most do this to allow for potential shortfalls in monthly income (43 per cent), to ensure they have funds to purchase essential business goods (34 per cent) and to build up a fund for holidays or sick leave (16 per cent). For more than two thirds (69 per cent) of the selfemployed people who saved up money before going freelance, the finance was enough to meet their needs.
20 | Business Connexions
Freelance dream ‘alive and well’
The entrepreneurial dream is alive and well in the UK, according to new research for Direct Line for Business.
On average, self-employed workers spend seven months and three weeks preparing to go freelance. The majority (73 per cent) spend time preparing to become self-employed, whether that is by reading up on tax implications (27 per cent) or identifying target markets and audiences (25 per cent).
However, nearly one in three (30 per cent) spend less than a month getting ready to go it alone.
Jazz Gakhal, Managing Director at Direct Line for Business, said: “Going freelance is an exciting prospect, with the idea of becoming your own boss extremely tempting.
“Going freelance is an exciting prospect, with the idea of becoming your own boss extremely tempting. There are pros and cons, of course, as independent contractors can often earn more by charging day rates, but don’t benefit from paid holiday, pensions and sick leave.”
“There are pros and cons, of course, as independent contractors can often earn more by charging day rates, but don’t benefit from paid holiday, pensions and sick leave.
Any budding entrepreneur should consider the value of these additional benefits as well as any change in salary before making the leap.”
Dealing with tax issues is one of the biggest concerns for freelancers before setting up, with 33 per cent seeing this as a major hurdle for going it alone.
Other issues include not getting paid when on holiday and being able to meet existing financial commitments (both 26 per cent).
One in five (20 per cent) worries about marketing and bringing in new clients and the same amount again about not being able to save for a pension (19 per cent).
Jazz Gakhal said: “If you do provide a professional service to clients, either as a contractor or freelancer, it’s important to have the right insurance in place.”
The research was conducted by Opinium amongst a nationally representative panel of 2,007 UK adults. Eleven per cent were self-employed, 12 per cent had been self-employed in the past and five per cent occasionally work as a freelancer. This produced a panel of 566 freelancers.
Discover the University of Roehampton and support your short or long term recruitment needs: n n
n
Local, graduate talent Placement students available for HR, marketing, business, media and psychology roles Bene t from our part-funded internship programme, supported by Santander
For an informal discussion about these opportunities or to nd out more about venue hire, training, supply chain and consultancy email internships@roehampton.ac.uk
Workforce Training
South Thames Colleges Group Business Centre
South Thames Colleges Group Business Centre works with local employers to support them with training and development needs. Our Business Centre is your one-stop shop for:
Apprenticeships • We’ll identify how and where an apprentice can benefit your business. • We’ll help you recruit the right candidate. • We’ll assist you to access appropriate funding and grants.
Workforce skills We can help you identify skills gaps, recommend training and professional development for your staff, and help access funding where appropriate. We can design Government funded pre-employment courses to help you fill vacancies and support your recruitment.
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Contact our Business Centre Team today
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020 8918 7272 business@stcg.ac.uk
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SOUTH THAMES COLLEGE
Skills
learning inside and outside of the College
In July and August, undergraduate, GCSE, and many other South Thames College students, as with students across the country, will receive expectantly their exams results. No doubt, those results will open doors for the future, and in some disappointing cases, make those doors a little more difficult to push open but not impossible. Achieving a First Class honours degree, an A*, a Distinction* and other well-deserved grades will indeed allow colleges, universities and employers to make decisions about who to select and employ. However, do those grades say all that needs to be known about a student or an applicant for a job? The answer is, of course, “no”, and the future of those leaving the College (and other education providers) will be determined by their skills, their behaviours and their attitudes. At South Thames College, supporting, motivating and guiding students to maximise their grades is an essential part of their study but not everything. Skills – whether a student is studying on an art, business, computing, engineering, hairdressing, performing arts, public services or sports course students will alongside the knowledge needed, develop the skills required to be successful on their course and in their future careers. The engineering and construction workshops, computer labs, hairdressing salons, gym and the sports hall will be the places that those skills are learnt, practiced and developed. Behaviours – the world of work and the world of higher education are different and challenging places. The College understands its responsibility to prepare students for those future experiences. For our younger learners the College’s ABC
policy – Attendance, Behaviour and Commitment – requires them to perform to a high level and fully understand the expectations of future employers and higher education institutions. For our more mature learners who may be aspiring to progress to university, often after a gap since their last education experience, it’s all about helping them become familiar with those all-important study skills. Helping them to manage the challenges of academic life including deadlines, research and referencing alongside the realities of home, family and work life, to say nothing of the odd night out. Attitudes – the College is a very large institution and a very diverse one. Respect, positive behaviour, mutual support and aspiration is the lifeblood of the College. Skills, behaviours and attitudes develop in all sorts of places inside the College and outside. The skills, behaviours and attitudes of the College’s students are tested, developed and stretched in the “real world” outside of College. This is a more important part of the learning of College students than ever before. Work experience is not just a “taste” of working life. For South Thames College it is an essential element of the programme of study that all of our 16-18 year old learners experience and will provide the opportunity for real skill, behaviour and attitude development as they are exposed to workplace managers, fellow employees , customers and the rigours, and joys of a working life. Some students will have the opportunity for an Industry Placement, which is an integral part of their programme of study and will involve during an academic year no less than 45 days of employment in the real life world of work. South Thames College have collaborated with some large and well-recognised employers, including Debenhams where business students on work experience become aware of the range of job roles within a retailer away from the shop floor. Sir Robert McAlpine, the 150-year-old building and civil engineering company, provided the opportunity for students to work on the Battersea Power Station site and learn about the
complexities of commissioning and tendering. Other well-known building companies including Mace, Waites and United Living, in the heart of Wandsworth, offered electrical and plumbing students the chance to put their skills acquired in the College workshop to full effect on real life building sites. Successful collaborations have also taken place in the not for profit sector. More than twenty stores operated by the Royal Trinity Hospice, Wandsworth Oasis and Oxfam have benefited from the administrative and retail skills of South Thames College students and Wandsworth Oasis will also shortly enjoy their input as they launch their first ever Fashion Show. The breath and impact of South Thames College students as they undertake their work experience can be very clearly seen at 12 Rounds Boxing, a small independent boxing club in Clapham Junction. Students from a range of courses have lent their various talents to help this business develop. • Sports students have developed their training skills as they provided supervised training to members. • Business students have delivered customer service and administration support to maintain the everyday operation of the gym. • Construction students have been involved with painting and decorating the gym floors. • Art and design students are creating and installing wall murals. • Games design students have created a 3D model of the club to promote it on its own corporate website. This is how South Thames College hopes that the businesses of Wandsworth, and South West London more broadly, can further help and benefit. As our world seems to change faster than ever what better an opportunity is there for a business to benefit from the fresh ideas, energy, and freshly learned knowledge of a College student. In many cases that energy and enthusiasm may well develop into a full time employee who will have grown under the influence of that business and be fully equipped to hit the ground running.
Whether you are able to offera week or a fortnight’s work experience placement, a 45-day industry placement or would be interested in offering a South Thames College student a “live project” to help your business grow or overcome a problem our Head of Employability, Chris Dodd and his team would be delighted to speak with you. At a “Thank You” event at the Taste Restaurant at Merton College employers received the thanks of College staff and governors for their contribution to the development of the employability skills of students and heard stories of achievement and pride from the students themselves. Sam Raffique, Director of Little Kickers, a business providing football training to children in Southfields, explained how the business had hosted 5 sports students on 45 day Industry Placements and their success and hard work has been rewarded by part time employment opportunities and one student being guaranteed a permanent full time role on completion of his course. Sam endorsed the College’s programme and explained how Little Kickers planned to offer 12 placements for the coming academic year, 2019/2020, and not just in sport but also business. On the day of writing this article, the College has launched the Employer Advantage (EA) scheme, which offers four levels of employer involvement – Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. The scheme offers benefits to employers joining including; • access to the College’s talented pool of students, • free advertising opportunities to students via our social media platforms, • advice with funding bids and interpreting latest Government employment policy, • networking opportunities with other employers and stakeholders, • discounts on hiring College facilities including conference and meeting rooms, and at the College’s hair and beauty salons • and a selection of free accredited courses and training.
Please contact our Head of Employability, Chris Dodd (chris.dodd@stcg.ac.uk) about how your business and South Thames College can work together to develop your employees of the future.
Business Connexions | 23
New scheme to help women over 50 get on in business launched in Wandsworth Enterprise Month
Skills
BREW, run by Wandsworth Council’s Lifelong Learning Team, offers free advice and training to women over 50 on how to start or grow their own business.
BREW stands for Building Resilience and Enterprise in Women and develops entrepreneurial and digital skills underpinned by coaching in resilience, confidence building and motivation.
Around 65 women went along to the March 15 event and heard from successful female entrepreneurs who shared their experiences including Jenny Holloway, Chief Executive of Fashion Enter, Jane Milton, Food Industry Expert and
Daksha Mistry, former MasterChef finalist and owner of Daksha’s Gourmet Catering. There was also a chance to meet other women who are at different points in establishing their business idea, plus interactive workshops and information on further training and support available. Wandsworth Enterprise Month is organised by the council’s Economic Development Office (EDO), and an officer from the team ran a session advising attendees on the various type of support offered by the EDO to start-ups. Feedback will be used to further develop the project and included comments such as: “Listening to the speakers gave me goose bumps – very inspiring and made me feel hopeful” and “Thanks for
providing this support for older women. I’m over 60 and need lots of support with digital skills and social media”. The council’s skills and employment spokesman Cllr Rory O’Broin said: “We are keen to tap into the potential of women and turn their years of experience into successful and profitable local firms. I hope this event inspired women and gave them the knowledge they needed to take the next step. The BREW project is funded by the European Union Erasmus+ fund. Run in partnership across Europe. To find out more visit www.BREWproject.eu or if you would like to chat through your options you can talk to a Lifelong Learning adviser on 020 8871 8618
Worth enquiring. Ashley A Ashle Ashl Ash s Redman R Re Red Redm Redma - 07966 0 07 079 0796 2 21 218 2185 21859 218591 email: apps@wandsworth.gov.uk www.wandsworthlifelonglearning.org.uk
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Worth its weight. 24 | Business Connexions
Empower your Employees
Investment Minister comes to Battersea Power Station
Graham Stuart MP, Minister for Investment, visits Battersea Power Station to see the excellent progress being made on the project which is expected to inject more than £20 billion into the UK economy. Minister for Investment at the Department for International Trade, Graham Stuart MP, visited the Battersea Power Station construction site last week to witness the huge progress that is being made on the restoration of the Grade II* listed building, a direct result of inward investment by a consortium of Malaysian shareholders. On the site tour, Graham Stuart MP, met with construction workers from a wide range of trade contractors based in the UK, Europe and more globally. Over £367 million of international contracts have been procured so far from key regions including Europe, the United States and Malaysia. The recent completion of the £1.6 billion transfer of the commercial assets in the
Power Station to long-term asset holders is another demonstration of the continued commitment by the shareholders in the iconic project and the UK more broadly. Graham Stuart MP, Investment Minister, said: “It has been fascinating to visit the Battersea Power Station project and see firsthand the positive impact Malaysian investment is having in the UK. “This investment has produced real, tangible benefits including creating new jobs and homes, not just in London, but also further afield. The new 1.3 million brick order from Gloucestershire and the UK steel fabricator bringing 24,000 tonnes of steel demonstrates the scale of investment and how the development will support business across the whole of the UK.
News
Graham Stuart MP, Minister for Investment with operatives working on the Battersea Power Station construction site Credit: Charlie Round-Turner “As well as being a strong “My department will continue to indication of the confidence and ensure the benefits of foreign attractiveness of London as an investment are felt in all four investment opportunity, their corners of the country, and that long-term commitment and the UK maintains its position unwavering support ensures this as the number one destination historic building is in safe hands for FDI in Europe.” for future generations to come.” Simon Murphy, CEO of Once completed, the restored Battersea Power Station Power Station building will Development Company (BPSDC), include over 250 apartments, said: “On behalf of our Malaysian over 500,000 sq ft of office space shareholders, it was a pleasure that will become Apple’s new to have Graham Stuart MP London Campus and business visiting one of Europe’s largest member’s club, No18. There will regeneration projects which is also be over 100 shops, restaurants currently employing thousands of and cafes as well as new events people and businesses on a local, space for London. The Power national and international level. Station will open to the public in “Since buying the Battersea 2021 and is at the heart of the wider Power Station site in 2012, our 42-acre redevelopment site that is shareholders have invested expected to insert over £20 billion huge amounts into this £9 billion into the UK economy once complete project and continue to do so, and provide 20,000 new jobs. evidenced by the recent completion of one of the largest Visit batterseapowerstation.co.uk real estate transactions in the UK. to find out more.
Opportunities for Wandsworth young people who have been in care
We need your support!
Co-founded by two Wandsworth based business owners; The Jerk Shack SW15 & Caribburton in Battersea The Caribbean Food Collective is a new organisation; supporting, connecting and promoting Caribbean Food & Drink Businesses in the UK.
We invite you to our prestigious
Summer Launch Evening Thursday 27th June 2019
held on the stunning outdoor roof terrace of The Food Exchange, New Covent Garden Market The New Hub for Food.
Limited spaces available for tickets so book now on https://cfclaunchevent.eventbrite.co.uk For more information Contact Dawn (07946 669 397) or Marsha (07946 373 054)
Young people who have been in care do not always benefit from family support and networks. Currently, in Wandsworth, there are 239 care leavers aged 18-25, of which many live with foster carers or in supported accommodation. As corporate parents, the Council has responsibility to act as any ‘good parent’ would in enabling our young people to achieve their career goals.
Working in partnership with businesses and the local community, we try to help our young people to access opportunities, develop networks, realise their strengths and raise their aspirations. We are seeking support from yourselves as local businesses, to reach out alongside us to help create one or more of the following opportunities: • Advice and tips on how you achieved success • Taster sessions and job shadowing • Work experience • Employment • Apprenticeships Your involvement could make a huge difference to the life of a Wandsworth care experienced young person.
We would really like to meet with you if you may be able to offer such opportunities, so please contact amelia.willis@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk and we will gladly pop out to see you.
“Working with Amelia has been a truly enlightening experience for our entire organisation. We knew we wanted to help but didn’t know how to or in what context we could make a difference. Amelia introduced us to a young person in her care and we all got on from day one. We now have a new part time member of staff who is an absolute pleasure to have in the office and we can see that the experiences she is gaining from a busy office environment will make a significant difference to her long term work prospects. Our only regret is that we didn’t find Amelia sooner!” Steve Trew, CEO, GreenZone Cleaning & Support Services Ltd.
Business Connexions | 25
Solve Financial Disputes with Pre-Action Protocol
Finance
Since October 2017 the Ministry of Justice for England and Wales has updated their small claims process. Businesses and landlords can have debts and need to recover them. This new procedure called the “Pre-Action Protocol” is intended to clarify and speed up the process of collecting monies owed. The idea behind it is to encourage creditor and debtor to communicate, and thus avoid having to go to court. The procedure is quite specific, which can be helpful, but some commentators feel it will add another level of bureaucracy to something that is a slow process anyway.
How It Works
If you have a business debt from an individual, or a sole trader, you should obviously contact them first to try to arrange repayment, before you attempt to start the court process. The court will want to see that you tried to avoid court action if possible. If the debtor does not reply, refuses to pay the debt, or claims they do not owe it then you have the option to turn to the civil court.
The Pre-Action Protocol or Letter of Claim
This is a legal document setting out the debt being claimed and attaching information (such as bills, account statements) to show that the debt is
The business specialists
valid. Then the debtor gets 30 days to reply to this. The Letter of Claim must include vital information including the amount of debt, whether interest is being added to the bill, the basis of the agreement, i.e. oral or written, and evidence of this, details of any assignment of debt, explanation as to why any regular instalment offer is not acceptable; details on how payments can be made; and an up-to-date statement of account. Attached to this must be the court’s reply form which has four sections initially on whether the debtor owes the debt or not. Then assuming the debtor fills in A, B, or C – saying they owe some or all of the debt then the rest of the form is about how they
will pay this off, whether they are receiving debt advice, and what documents they should supply or request from the creditor. The two methods include claiming on paper and the online claims service (which is cheaper). There is a court mediation service, which might be more appropriate and less costly than going to court. Of course, then the next step, assuming that the debtor doesn’t pay, would be to move to court action. There are fees to pay, which range from £25 online for a debt of under £300, to 5% of the claim or £10,000 for more than £200,000 debt. As most claims will be at the lower portion of the scale and the Small Claims Track is for payment under £10,000 in England and Wales, this is probably the method that is appropriate. If the debtor does not settle in advance of the court date, then the issue is tried and if the claimant wins, then the debtor will haveto settle, usually within a month, or the debtcollection process will be instituted. The debtor will also have a blemish on their credit record which may cause other difficulties and this is worth pointing out to them at an early stage to increase the likelihood of an out-of-court settlement, which saves both parties time and money.
Julian Jackson is Wandsworth Chamber’s blogger: https://julianj.journoportfolio.com
Steve Pinto, CEO of Wandsworth Chamber says, ‘A simple and alternative solution to remedy B2B debt is to work with our partners, Account Assyst and Direct Route. They do all the work and you get all the money. …and best of all there is a ZERO cost option for Chamber members.’
Direct Route
AccountAssyst are delighted to be part of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce and working successfully with a number of its members.
B2B Credit Management and Debt Recovery are never far from the front pages of our press currently, with an increasingly large number of big names running into financial difficulties, be it a large department store or a well known TV chefs chain of restaurants. The ramifications of these failures can have a severe impact on the supply chain, especially those further down it. In essence B2B latepayments simply finance the cash flow of larger companies at the top of the chain (often with access to cheaper funding from the financial sector because of their size) to the expense of the smaller suppliers lower down the chain. We couldn’t walk out of a supermarket with a trolley load of unpaid for groceries saying “It's Ok, I’m not stealing – I’ll pay for them in 60 days time!” they’d have you for shoplifting in a flash. And yet the major supermarkets will not entertain many small suppliers unless they accept their often lengthy payment terms. AccountAssyst monitors your B2B customers for any changes in their daily credit rating alerting you instantly to any late payments, CCJ’s etc as well as running your daily invoice chasing for you and offering super-fast new customer account opening. Direct Route is the answer should the invoice fail to be paid on time, offering ZERO COST debt recovery through various levels of our service, with our flagship Platinum Club also including court and legal fees on uncontested debts. We are actively working with the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce to help all local businesses in the area with their Credit Management and bad debt problems, with the added bonus that we donate 10% of our commission back to the chamber to help with their running costs.
To find out more please call David Barker on 07766 545 871 or email dbarker@directroute.co.uk to discuss you companies needs and to activate your credit management package worth in excess of £5,000 to your business.
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26 | Business Connexions
Ask the Expert
What are the key considerations WHEN CONVERTING YOUR SYSTEMS TO DIGITAL?
ASK THE
EXPERT
Francois Souyri
Founder and Director of PAPERBLADE LTD
A major challenge for today’s businesses is to transform themselves from companies that rely on paper-based systems into ones that take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital technology. Digital disruption, as digital transformation is also known, is the change that occurs when new digital technologies and business models affect the way goods and services are produced and supplied. It is inevitable that even small companies will have to confront it, be it those with staff working in shops, those with of cebased teams, those with staff working remotely or those sending goods sent directly from warehouses to consumers. Another area in which change is inevitable is MTD (Making Tax Digital), where SMEs need to transform their systems, whether they wish to or not. So, it’s important that businesses make the change. Digital technology makes life easier as staff switch from unwieldy systems that waste a lot of their time to ones that are streamlined and automated and ensure that businesses are not left behind by their competitors.
At PAPERBLADE LTD, we help businesses with the development of their internal systems, starting from existing business processes and turning them into digital systems. We also carry out training to upskill team members to use the new tools and offer ongoing support. But how do you go about achieving the change? What are the main considerations? Here’s a few thoughts:
FOLLOW THE FLOCK
When considering a new system, look at the platforms that are well known in the market. We do not build a software system in-house, instead we nd a package that is unlikely to disappear in the next decade. It will then be easier to nd a workforce who have already used it. Start small with a quick win, something that will improve the tasks of some people immediately, then add more on top Adopt a Tech-mindset so that your business does not fall behind the competition. Embrace change; digital transformation may well be the best thing that will happen to your business. Do not resist new ways of thinking. Change will come so work with the ow rather than against it.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS NOT A DESTINATION, IT’S AN ONGOING JOURNEY The key is to never stop your digital transformation. Constantly question what you could do better in order to continually improve. Be exible. Do not assume that a software/ app will ‘do it all for you’. For instance, one company’s system may be different from another so be prepared to adapt to the needs of your clients and suppliers.
EMPOWER PEOPLE EDUCATION IS KEY TO SUCCESS Businesses need to check if their staff have the skills they need to succeed in the workplace so be prepared to invest in people’s skill. You should have a training budget for your staff (from management to the lowest level). Technology concepts are not obvious to understand and not everyone will be comfortable to say when they do not get it. Do train them! Francois Souyri is Founder and Director of PAPERBLADE LTD Consulting and Training, which advises companies on how best to transform their systems from paper to digital. More information is available at http://paperblade.com
Of ce 365 Training & Consulting Digital Transformation specialists info@paperblade.com
Tel: 0208 123 7796
https://paperblade.com Business Connexions | 27
Advertorial Feature
Fostering Teenagers
Rewarding, interesting and thought-provoking young people.
Teenagers in care may have experienced neglect, abuse or trauma and will have built a protective shell around themselves to prevent further hurt.
As their foster carer, you have an unrivalled opportunity to help them build trust, explore their potential and have a positive influence over their future and the futures of their children, grandchildren and so on.
Find out how you could change teenagers lives….
Despite the fact that nearly 60%* of young people in care are aged 10 years and above, teenagers really are the “Cinderella’s” of fostering.
Often overlooked and branded ‘difficult’, these young adults have usually faced trauma, neglect or abuse. Stability, boundaries and plain old- fashioned parental care may not have featured in their young lives. Physically, they may have grown, but emotionally, they are still children.
The key skills you will need:
• A sense of humour is key in fostering. Many potentially difficult situations can be diffused with a smile or little joke.
• Maturity - and we don’t mean age-wise! Sometimes, teenagers relate well to younger foster carers, sometimes they need someone older, but the bottom line is that you will need to be comfortable in your own skin and confident in your handling of situations.
Lucy and Barry Lucy Pook (pictured) and her husband Barry from Streatham started fostering ten years ago.
“We had no children ourselves at the time but I had looked after nephews and nieces” said Lucy. “I missed them when they started school, but saw an advert for foster carers. I applied and went on a course.
28 | Business Connexions
• Patience. Usually, you will not have known your foster child from babyhood so much of his or her life experience is a mystery. One thing you can be sure of, at some point, he or she will open up to you or a member of your family. Their life story may come out in dribs and drabs or as one big declaration.
• A flexible approach. A flexible approach to their care often reaps rewards! Keeping an open mind and being prepared to adapt and accept changes as they happen will help you to remain resilient and committed.
We believe helping these young people to find their way in life, to achieve and to reach their potential isa privilege and we will always tailor their care to meet their needs and help them realise their goals.
So, what does a teenager’s foster carer look like? Well, in all probability, they look like you!
Your most valuable assets will be that you genuinely like teenagers, you understand what makes them tick and you treat them as you would treat your own child.
"Initially I wanted to look after younger children but we had a spare bedroom and were asked to take a teenager. Before long we had three teenagers and we have been fostering teenagers ever since. Some have stayed with us as long as 3 or 4 years, and we are still in touch with most of them.
"You need to be very supportive, have a good sense of humour, be a good listener and not easily shocked. Sometimes you need to step back a bit, but it is always important to be a friend as well as a carer.
"We have converted our garage into a flat so that teenagers who reach the age when they move out of the care system have a home to start their adult lives. We have an 18 year old living there at the moment.
"For new carers there is lots of help and support from social workers andthere are plenty of groups you can join. I am part of a buddy system where new carers have an experienced carer at the end of a phone when they need help or advice.”
To find out more: visit wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering
carerrecruitment@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
Health and Wellbeing
Almost one in three stressed workers back a four-day working week Thirty per cent of stressed UK employees think that introducing a four-day working week would be the best way to tackle their stress, according to new research.
The 2019 Resilience Tracker by management consultancy Lane4, which surveyed 2,005 UK employees about workplace stress, business resources and coping mechanisms through YouGov, found that 34% feel more stressed now than they did two years ago. More than half say that this rise in stress levels is due to a higher workload (66%). With 30% putting it down to changing relationships in the workplace, and 27% because of a lack of
The survey, which questioned 2,000 workers across the country about their financial well-being, revealed the huge pressures facing employees in terms of soaring living costs, transport fares and heating bills.
One in ten (13 per cent) said they were planning to skip a day of work in the next month to avoid paying for train fares.
Meanwhile, 59 per cent said that personal financial concerns were the biggest causes of stress and anxiety in the workplace. Additionally, 34 per cent said money worries have kept them awake at night at least three times a week. Nearly half (44 per cent) said they were not getting enough
control over their work. When asked what would most relieve their stress at work, nearly a third (30%) said a four-day work week – the most popular option. This is followed by: • More support from their manager (25%) • Changes to their role (i.e. less responsibility) (13%) • Training on managing stress (6%) • Regular exercise (5%) • If they didn’t receive emails outside of working hours (5%)
Adrian Moorhouse, Managing Director, Lane4, said: “It’s interesting to think about the working week and how it’s evolved over time. A four-day working week today probably equates to the traditional five-day week of 30 years ago in terms of the amount of information we digest and the outputs we produce.”
The research also found that 29% of employees struggle to know how to relieve their stress, and one in five (20%) don’t know how to challenge negative
thinking when they become stressed.
Adrian said: “The best approach to helping employees be resilient will be different for every company. However, organisations with resilient workforces do have things in common such as a culture where high levels of pressure are matched with high levels of support, managers who are skilled at providing that balance and easy access to relevant resources for all employees.”
One third of workers ‘have mental health issues due to money worries’ Thirty two per cent of UK workers have admitted to suffering mental health issues due to money worries, according to a new poll from GettaSub, the short-term employee finance provider.
support from their employer for financial advice.
When questioned about what support is currently offered to them, more than a third (37 per cent) believed that their HR department does not provide the right standard of support for employees with financial problems.
“Sitting back and doing nothing is no longer an option - bosses must recognise that they have a duty of care beyond the traditional pay cycle, offering practical advice and options
of financial support for those who need it most. It’s shocking that so many people in full-time work find themselves cash-poor when so much can be done to ease the burden.”
The research found that 57% of employees believed employers should do more as an organisation to financially support workers.
Ann Marie Bell, director, GettaSub, said: “It’s clear that rising living costs and economic uncertainty is taking a heavy toll on workers and employers need to get a grip on this crisis. Business Connexions | 29
s i h t K C U P I’m off to
Rebound! * %
2f0f o
*Present this voucher to receive 20% your total bill at Rebound Bar. Offer is valid from Sunday to Friday until 25.08.19 (we’re closed on Mondays). Only one voucher can be used per person, per visit. This voucher can not be used in conjunction with any other offer. Rebound retain the right to modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
www.ReboundGaming.com hello@ReboundWandsworth
The Person behind the business That is what has happened with the newly-opened Rebound Gaming Hall, which offers everything from shuffle-board to foosball as well as good food and drink and which has opened in the Wandsworth area. Rebound, which opened at the site of the former Pizzastorm restaurant in the Southside Shopping Centre, represents a new concept in evenings out, combining dining out and drinking with the opportunity to play games.
Paul Reynolds, who runs the venue, which opened in March, said: “Rebound is a new idea and one that we wanted to bring to London. We hope that our Wandsworth venue will be the first of many.
“We selected the site partly because we liked the building and partly because we liked the area, not just Wandsworth and the surrounding areas but the blend of shops at Southside.
“One of the big attractions of the building was that it had the space we wanted. You need plenty of space for shuffleboard and the building has two levels – the Mezzanine is a great place to book for a private party.
The game is on for groundbreaking new venue
Every so often, a new idea comes along that changes the way people think about entertainment.
“We also looked at other areas around London and decided that Wandsworth, with all its recent development, is growing and will continue to do so in the coming years, which meant that there was the potential to attract our customers.
“In the early days after we opened, we had people saying ‘let’s play a game then find somewhere to eat’ and we were saying ‘you can do both here!’
“Rebound was launched to give people another place to get out and socialise and provide an opportunity to escape the stresses and strains of living in London. We believe the added fun of shuffle-board, pool, table football and retro arcade games is the perfect way to take the stress out of London life. “We were also very clear that we wanted to immerse ourselves in the local community; we have partnered with a fantastic local charity based in Garratt Lane called BeyondAutism. Rebound give money from most menu items sold direct to BeyondAutism.
“We are also working with South Thames College art faculty to design our finished interior wall designs. Our beer suppliers are also very Londoncentric with beers from London Beer Factory and By the Horns Brewery based down the road in Wimbledon. “We’ve worked incredibly hard to develop an offer that is authentic and meets the needs of the local Wandsworth community and we hope residents will love it as much as we do. If the early signs are anything to go by, that is already happening.
“The fact that Wandsworth is not central London was an attraction as well. People do not want to have to come home from work and change then head back into central London again. We can offer it in the area near to where they live.”
Paul said: “Because the concept is a new one there has been some education of people but once they are introduced to the game they get the idea.
“Before we set up, we looked round London and saw that some venues did food well, or drink, others provided games, but we did not see people pulling them all together in the way we do.
“Rebound was launched to give people another place to get out and socialise and provide an opportunity to escape the stresses and strains of living in London.”
Business Connexions | 31
Chamber
Events June
Putney Business Hub
Wednesday 19th June 6-9PM Venue: Barclays Bank Putney
Fore Business Network + Golf Thursday 20th June 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey
August
Rosslyn Park RFC Business Club in association with
Fore Business Network + Golf
Earlsfield Business Network
Putney Business Hub
Wandsworth Chamber Wednesday 7th August 6-8.30PM Venue: Rosslyn Park RFC Wednesday 14th August 6-9PM Venue: TBC
Thursday 15th August 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey Wednesday 21st August 6-9PM Venue: TBC
July
September Metro Mondays
Putney Business Hub
Rosslyn Park RFC Business Club
Rosslyn Park RFC Business Club in association with
Fore Business Network + Golf
Metro Mondays Monday 1st July 6-8PM Venue: TBC
in association with Wandsworth Chamber Wednesday 3rd July 6-8.30PM Venue: Rosslyn Park RFC
Earlsfield Business Network Wednesday 10th July 6-9PM Venue in Earlsfield: To Be Confirmed
Drive your business to the next level Tuesday 16th July 08.30 AM - 1 PM Venue: Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel
Putney Business Hub & Chamber Summer Party Wednesday 17th July 6-9PM Venue: Roof Terrace Bar at Revolution Bar Putney
Fore Business Network + Golf Thursday 18th July 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey
Wandsworth Big Breakfast with Mary Murtagh PR Wednesday 31st July 9-10 AM Venue: TBA
Monday 2nd September 6-8.30PM Venue: Scratch Hub at Battersea Arts Centre Wandsworth Chamber Wednesday 4th September 6-8.30PM Venue: Rosslyn Park RFC
Earlsfield Business Network Wednesday 11th September 6-9PM Venue: TBC
October
Rosslyn Park RFC Business Club in association with
Wandsworth Chamber Wednesday 2nd October 6-8.30PM Venue: Rosslyn Park RFC
Metro Mondays
Monday 7th October 6-8.30PM Venue: TBC
Earlsfield Business Network Wednesday 9th October 6-9PM Venue: TBC
Wandsworth Business Awards 2019 Friday 11th October From 6 PM till Late Venue: Roehampton Club
Wednesday 18th September 6-9PM Venue: TBC
Thursday 19th September 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey
Wandsworth Big Breakfast & AGM Wednesday 25th September 8-10.30 AM Venue: TBA
Putney Business Hub Wednesday 16th October 6-9PM Venue: TBC
Fore Business Network + Golf
Thursday 17th October 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey
Lunch & Learn with the London Small Business Network
Expert talk on Images for Social Media Thursday 17th October 12.30 - 2.30 PM Venue: TBC
For further details go to www.wandsworthchamber.org/events
32 | Business Connexions
New Members Starting Up
Q1 Tell us a bit about your business?
As a life and success coach, I empower busy professionals to transform their lives and achieve more! I help people with all kinds of goals, but I mostly help people through improving their confidence, mindset and time management. I offer 121 coaching, courses as well as talks/workshops.
Q2 What gives your business 'the x-factor’?
I am on my own personal mission to live life to the full, and I want to help people along the way. Too many of us are not reaching our potential, so I am here to help people do more, be more and achieve more. I know because I used to be someone who lacked confidence, didn’t like myself, battled mental health issues and really wasn’t living the life I could.
Q3 What motivated you to set up in business?
When I was younger, I always knew I wanted to own my own businesses and I wanted to help people, but I had no idea what that was going to be!
Like a lot of people, I suffered a whole host of difficulties that caused me to step back into myself and hold myself back. But after overcoming a decade of struggles with an eating disorder, depression and relationship issues I started to live the life I wanted and started becoming the person who I wanted to be. I knew if I could do it, others could too! There wasn’t anything special about me. I look back at that decade or so, knowing that is time I am never going to get back, so I set off on my mission to live the best life I can, and wanted to help everyone live up to their potential too, whatever that might look like.
At this time, I “accidentally” found coaching. One weekend I saw a Facebook advert for a two-day course in London for coaching. In all honesty, I think I was more interested in going to give me something to do, because at the time I was living with my nan to save for a house (my husband was in the marines and was always away) and I just thought it would be good to have some time doing something interesting! As cheesy as it sounds, it was like something sparked inside of me that weekend – I found something I was naturally good at, I loved and felt passionate about…
New Members
WELCOME The Adventures of Alice in Businessland to new members
Alice Dartnell Alice Dartnell - life and success 1-2-1 coaching and courses www.alicedartnell.com I suddenly realised, THIS is how I was going to have my business and help people! That was three years ago, and after studying for my diploma, I am now officially launching my business this year.
Q4 What do you like most working as a Start-Up?
Everyone always tells you that starting your own business is hard. They aren’t wrong, but I don’t think people celebrate enough how exciting it is. I have never felt prouder, but I have also never learnt so much, or met so many amazing people! Whether my new education is technical skills such as suddenly having to understand everything from accounting to marketing, from social media to branding, or discovering more about me as a person, I have learnt more now that I ever have!
Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date?
I am still so early into the business journey so it is really hard to say! I think the greatest success to date is actually just starting it! That is a feat in itself I think sometimes! I am just excited thinking about the future and all the amazing people I am going to help to empower.
Q6 What has been your lowest moment?
When people say that starting a business is hard, I think the hardest thing to overcome is what is going on inside your head! Us business start ups must make it so much harder for ourselves with the mental chatter that goes on! There is always a little voice that pops up with a bit of doubt, worry or fear, so you really have to learn to control that! My lowest moments to date haven’t been triggered by an external setback or issues, but just a frustration in myself! For me, positive affirmations, exercising, my vision board and visualising myself in a year and what things could look like, keeps me focused and determined. I am a huge believer you have to keep your mind and body strong when it comes to starting a business!
Q7 In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next year 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I will have helped thousands if not millions of people achieve their goals, whether that is through 1-2-1 coaching, my talks and workshops, my
courses my free offers such as webinars. Or my books!
I have already started planning my book “The Adventures of Alice in Businessland” which will feature the honest behind-the-scenes insights about what it is like to start a business, as well as a book to help those that can’t coach directly with me. This book will help people discover the things that are holding them back to reaching their potential. It is my ambition to feature as a TedX speaker and I want to use my business to continue to support the current voluntary work I do to support charities around mental health as well as dyslexia support and those struggling with eating disorders. I think it is important for business to give back too!
Q8 What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?
Oh I have more than one! Can I give more?
Firstly, know your “why”. Because when you are tired, need a cry, had a knock back, or made a stupid error you need to remember why you started in the first place! Otherwise it will be too easy to feel sorry for yourself, get demotivated or even worse, to give up! If your “why” isn’t strong enough you won’t do it! Also, don’t be afraid to tell people what you are doing, because otherwise they will remember you for what you did before (ie your old job). Plus, you never know who might be able to help. A friend of mine who I haven’t spoken to for a little while actually sent me a great article about time management the other day as she has seen this is one of the specialist areas I focus on. People generally are helpful, and so you have to shout out about what you are doing and what to achieve. I don’t think there is any ‘right time’ to start your dream or your business, so you just have to jump in, and you will figure it out as you go. I am actually three years ahead of schedule in terms of when I thought I would start my coaching business but then I realised there is no perfect time! A lot of what you will learn you have to learn by doing, and you will figure it out as you go (or YouTube tutorials will tell you!)
Alice Dartnell Life and Success Coach
19-21 Swan Street West Mailing Kent ME19 6JU Alice Dartnell 07506363394 alice@alicedartnell.com https://alicedartnell.com Training and Personal Development
Dance Grooves
18 Hotham Road London SW15 1QB Emily Reed 07956235248 emily@dancegrooves.dance http://www.dancegrooves.dance Dance Classes
Digital Beth
18 Sherwood Avenue London SW16 5EW Bethan Howe 07966692212 digitalbethmedia@gmail.com www.digitalbeth.com Marketing
Home & Gardens
14 Caraway Place Wallington Surrey SM6 7AG Richard Pinto 07944713375 Building Services
London Small Biz Network
18 Hotham Road London SW15 1QB Emily Reed 07956235248 emily@lsbn.london www.lsbn.london
Business Services NEEDS Africa
389 Staines Road West Ashford Middlesex TW15 1RB Nigel Lurrie 07944564157 nigel@leadershipbuilders.co.uk www.leadershipbuilders.co.uk Charities
RMJ Training
7 Bramston Road Earlsfield London SW17 0JR Reeta Minhas-Judd 07539470012 welcometormjtraining@gmail.com www.rmjtraining.com Training and Personal Development
Scotchmist Services Ltd
3 St Francis Place Clapham South London SW12 8ER Mike Steuart 07899791900 mikesteuart900@gmail.com Financial Services
Square Foot Property Rescue
Battersea Studios 80 Silverthorne Road London SW8 3HE Jerry Fiore 020 7043 1679 jerry.fiore@sq-foot.co.uk www.sfpropertyrescue.co.uk Property Services
Word of Mouth Training
85 Montholme Road London SW11 6HX Nathalie Webb 07787188330 nathalie@wordofmouthtraining.co.uk www.wordofmouthtraining.co.uk Training and Personal Development
XTid Associates Architects & Consultants
Studio 419, The Lightbulb, 1 Filament Walk Wandsworth London SW18 4GQ Jose Aizcorbe 020 3509 6610 info@xtintegratedesign.com www.xtintegratedesign.com Architects
Business Connexions | 33
5 Minutes with...
with... Gemma Oaten
Be kind to others… Q1 Who are you?
I starred in Emmerdale for four years and currently play the recurring role of Sydney Somers in Holby City.
I now have my own company. I am also an Ambassador for SEED, my parents’ eating disorder charity, which was set up as a result of difficulties that I experienced as a child during my 13-year battle with Anorexia.
Q2 What's your business all about?
I founded Amigo Productions with a clear aim of supporting the arts and the talent of the future, including workshops, coaching, performances and public speaking.
Q3 Three words to describe yourself?
Honest, bubbly, caring.
Q4 Ideal Customer?
Someone who is open minded and prepared to discuss possibilities.
Q5 Biggest achievement?
Still being alive!
Q6 Biggest gripe?
People who tell lies.
34 | Business Connexions
Q7 Your inspiration?
My parents for the way they brought me up. They taught me to care for other people even when they had nothing.
Q8 Philosophy in Business?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We recently started working with Wandsworth Chamber and their members and I am amazed at how friendly and helpful they have been. They helped to raise over £13K sponsorship for Arnold Isaccson, Partner at Russell-Cooke Solicitors, when he ran the London Marathon a few weeks ago for my charity.
This money will go a long way to helping people with eating disorders and I am very grateful to Arnold and the Chamber who we will continue to work with.
Q9 Sporting hero?
Sally Gunnell. I come from a family of massive sports fans and my Dad and I are obsessed by the athletics at the Olympics.
Q10 Biggest tip for success?
Preparation is the key, whether it be for auditions, job interviews or meeting clients. •••
Amigo Productions
www.amigoproductions.co.uk
SEED Eating Disorder Support Services www.seedeatingdisorders.org.uk •••
“Always be kind. I think if you are kind to people, you earn their trust and respect.”
“It’s smart, modern and slick.” This RIBA award winning building offers excellent room spaces ideal for your meetings, networking events and conferences. Our spaces are adaptable so we can work with you to fully utilise the spaces available for your event. Our bright and modern venue has everything you need to deliver a professional and impressive event: I Audio Visual and IT facilities I Wi-Fi throughout I A dedicated, friendly team I Cost-effective pricing structures
I Full on-site catering facilities offering a range of options I Facilities fully accessible to wheelchair users
Our location has excellent transport links and is just a short stroll from Earlsfield Station and local bus routes. There is a small on-site car park and cycle rack for visitors.
The WPDC is open 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, but can accommodate bookings up to 9.30pm. Saturday bookings are also accepted. For more information, to arrange a visit, or book an event please email: wpdc@wandsworth.gov.uk or call Angela Blake on: 020 8871 8784 Download our full colour brochure for further details. http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/file/13524/wpdc_brochure
For all of your medical and dental requirements, become a member of Smart Medical Clinics. Same day appointments, at a time that suits you. For one simple monthly direct debit payment, you can cover yours and or your family's medical and dental requirements. Unlimited visits, including Saturday mornings. For more information, either call us on 0207 052 0070 or visit one of our clinics today. • Also learn about Smart Life, your personal medicine plan to enable you to live a longer, more fulfilled life, http://smartlifeuk.com/
• Have you heard of Smart rTMS:
https://www.smarttms.co.uk/ A depression treatment.
• Smart Clinics has an inhouse nutritionist and
provides IV infusions, supervised by our inhouse anaesthetist.
• Introducing our latest treatment: https://saveminds.co.uk/ Ketamine treatment.
• Smart Clinics offers aesthetic treatments, including botox and fillers (by two of the country’s top aesthetic experts, Dr Richard Sibthorpe and Dr Ross Perry) together with Coolsculpting (https://smartcoolsculpting.com/)
These are just a few of the services available to our Smart members. For private or corporate membership, please contact The Smart Clinics on 0207 052 0070 to find out more information. Alternatively, you can email us on: info@thesmartclinics.co.uk
GP and Consultant Services
Dentistry & Cosmetic Dentistry Services
Personal Medicine
Fat Freezing
Depression Treatment
Ketamine Infusion Treatment