Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors support the Chamber in several ways. In this issue we feature the first of a series shining a spotlight on our Directors and the invaluable support they provide. Page 11
Patron Focus
Paul Cole, Senior Regional Manager at Access Self Storage, talks about being a longstanding Patron member of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. Page 13
The Big Interview
Trudy Eastwood, from Wandsworth Children’s Services, and long-term foster carer Veronica Miller speaks about the rewards, challenges and joy of watching young people reach their full potential in loving, supportive homes. Page 18
Jenni Falconer host of the 2025 Wandsworth Business Awards announces the winners at a spectacular gala dinner. Page 4
Welcome to the Summer Edition of Business Connexions!
As we approach the midpoint of the year, it can be a powerful moment to pause and reflect. With the summer season upon us and the pace shifting for many, it’s a good time to take stock — to look at what’s been achieved so far, and what still feels important to accomplish before the year’s end. The holiday season will come and go in a flash, leaving us with the final months of the year — so now might just be the perfect window to reset your focus and intentions.
At Wandsworth Chamber, we’ll be doing just that! We’ve just wrapped up one of the most significant moments in our calendar — the Wandsworth Business Awards — and what a night it was! Held at the iconic Clapham Grand, this year’s event was a true celebration of the innovation, resilience, and talent that exists within our business community. A huge congratulations to all of the incredible winners and finalists — you’ve made us all proud.
A massive thankyou goes to all the sponsors but in particular, I have to mention Enable, who not only sponsored the awards but generously provided event support staff — their help made the evening run incredibly smoothly and truly made our lives easier behind the scenes.
I also want to thank my brilliant colleague Alexandra Wyatt, who worked tirelessly throughout the entire seven-month awards process, from launch to judging to event delivery. Her passion and attention to detail have been second to none. And on a personal note, I’m thrilled to share that Alex is expecting a baby in October — a huge congratulations from us all!
And quietly keeping everything ticking over was our wonderful colleague Anne, who supported the process behind the scenes with expert handling of all things finance — thank you, Anne!
Before we head into our August event break, we still have two fantastic summer events coming up: our Summer Party at Eden Court and the ever-popular Summer Netwalking in Battersea Park. You can find the dates and details later in this magazine, or visit our website for more information.
It was also a real pleasure to work with the wonderful Jenni Falconer, who brought such warmth, energy, and professionalism to the evening. She did a fantastic job and was an absolute delight to meet.
Here’s to a season of sunshine, fresh thinking, and meaningful progress — whatever that looks like for you and your business.
Warm wishes,
Beverley Corson Chief Executive Wandswor th Chamber of Commerce
Enquiries
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Wandsworth Business Awards 2025
An incredible time was had by all at the 2025 Wandsworth Business Awards at The Clapham Grand on Wednesday 11th June.
This year, we managed to break last year’s record of entries with an impressive 191 entries! As always this makes the shortlisting and judging extremely challenging.This year we also added an extra category for the Best Creative Sector Business to celebrate Wandsworth being the London Borough of Culture.
A huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners. Each business should be very proud of their achievements, it was truly inspiring to see the venue filled with an array of such fantastic SME Wandsworth based businesses.
Wandsworth Chamber would like to thank everyone who made the event possible, including all of this year’s sponsors, The Clapham Grand for hosting the event, Charlie Round-Turner for the photos, The Quick Brown Fox for filming, Jackie Filmer for the catering and Cremoloso Gelato for the dessert. A special thank you to the host Jenni Falconer and the amazing band Hand Fulla Soul who got everyone up dancing at the end of the evening and played some fantastic music throughout.
Once again, we would like to congratulate all the winners and finalists.
Another stunning night ! I just wanted to say congratulations and what a wonderful job you did with the Business Awards.
The businesses I spoke to had a wonderful time, I thought Jenni did a great job and the food was fab. The band was great as usual.
All in all, a very enjoyable evening.
Julia Pittman, Head of Customer Strategy at Beaver Pest Control
WANDSWORTH BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS AND FINALISTS 2025
Innovation Award
Winner: Petit Pli
Highly Commended: South West Podiatry Commended: Ascetic Aesthete Perfume Creation
Environmental/Sustainability Champion
Winner: Cognito Hair
Highly Commended: Switched on London Commended: Work and Playscrapstore
Diversity and Inclusivity Champion
Winner: Northcote Church
Highly Commended: South Thames College Group
Commended: Business Launchpad Tooting Works
Health and Wellbeing Award
Winner: Soma Yoga Studio
Highly Commended: Kidz4 and Bourne Fitness
Just to say, well done on organising a wonderful awards evening last night!! It was a great event and you both should be delighted!! The band was fab as usual!!
Brian Albuquerque, Economic Development Office, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Epic evening, huge congratulations to you both. And everyone on my table loved the food – and there was masses of it. A great Wandsworth tradition has been born!
Sarah Banham, Head of Community and Sustainability, Battersea Power Station
Commended: South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust Charitable Fund
Best Customer Service
Winner: Spirohealth
Highly Commended: Live Free Wellness Chiropractic & Sports Injuries and Mix and Munch Limited
Highly Commended: Florentina Boutique and Robbies Photographics Ltd
Commended: Lockdown Bakehouse
Best Charity Award
Winner: Age UK Wandsworth
Highly Commended: Samuel's Charity and BeyondAutism
Commended: Power to Connect and Learn to Love to Read
Best Start Up Business
Winner: Chapmans of London
Highly Commended: Bourne Fitness Commended: Furzedown Builders and Whirlylicious ltd
Best Micro Business
Winner: Graveney Gin
Highly Commended: The Avenue Cookery School and The Quick Brown Fox Commended: Vintersol Distillery
Best SME Business
Winner: Switched on London
Highly Commended: Minar Jewellers Commended: Lanop Business and Tax Advisors
Best Large Business
Winner: Assael Architecture
Highly Commended: Roehampton University
Commended: Park Hyatt London River Thames
Business Owner/Entrepreneur of the Year
Winner: David Lyons Whyte from Switched on London
Highly Commended: Nathan Bourne from Bourne Fitness and Nazmin Choudhury from NC Law
Commended: Zainab Abdul Ghani from Florentina Boutique
Best Overall Business
Winner: Switched on London
Photography: Charlie Round-Turner
It was a fantastic evening that truly represented the business community in Wandsworth. Watch this space for plans for the 2026 Wandsworth Business Awards!
The Wandsworth Business Awards would not be possible without the generous support of the sponsors and we would like to say a big thank you to all this year’s sponsors.
Photography: Charlie Round-Turner
Eden Grange named Top 20 Care Home in London
Firstly, they have been officially recognised as a Top 20 Care Home in London according to Carehome.co.uk, the Trustpilot of the care home industry. This is a significant accolade given there are 1,213 homes in London.
Secondly, Cinnamon Care Collection, which owns and manages 23 luxury care homes including Eden Grange, has been named a Top 20 Care Home Group by Carehome.co.uk, for the 8th consecutive year.
Carehome.co.uk’s Top 20 listings are based on the number of reviews, the average of each of the ratings and the size of the care home. All ratings are based on reviews by residents, their friends and relatives, who scored the care homes in terms of facilities, care/support, cleanliness, residents being treated with dignity, food and drink, staff, activities, management, safety and security, accommodation and value for money. Eden Grange scored an impressive 10/10.
Yetty Adepegba, Retirement Village Manager, Eden Grange comments: “We couldn’t be prouder! We always aim to go above and beyond for our residents and take great pride in providing the highest quality care and a stunning, luxurious environment. To be recognised as one of the Top 20 care homes in London is a major
Located in the heart of Battersea, Eden Grange is a luxury care home, which provides residential and dementia care. The care home has 67 spacious en-suite rooms and 6 deluxe care suites, as well as excellent facilities including a piano bar, and stylish communal areas. For further information, please visit www.cinnamoncc.com/edencourt or call 020 4571
achievement, testament to the dedication, hard work and positive attitudes of our team here at Eden Grange. Cinnamon Care Collection sets extremely high standards across its care homes – and we are so proud that Cinnamon Care Collection has been officially recognised yet again as a top care home group in the UK.
Amanda Hopkins, Reviews Manager, carehome.co.uk comments: “We now have over 360,000 reviews of care homes on carehome.co.uk, which means we can give a really good insight into the kind of care and facilities offered by thousands of UK care homes. It is a huge achievement to be featured in our Top 20 care home lists, based on feedback from the residents and their families who have experienced for themselves the quality of care and support given at the care home. We would like to congratulate Cinnamon Care Collection and Eden Grange. Our awards, celebrate the excellent care given by care homes, and Cinnamon Care Collection has been recognised for giving first-rate care across its homes.”
Meet the Directors
Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors support the Chamber in several ways.
In the first of a series of features shining a spotlight on our Directors and the invaluable support they provide, we speak to Reeta Minhas-Judd, Ian Mitchell and Julia Pittman.
Reeta Minhas-Judd Founder of RMJ Wellbeing Board Director of Wandsworth Chamber
I feel honoured to be a part of this journey. I chose to join the Board because as a sole trader I can engage and empathise with other Chamber members and, hopefully, encourage their journey to growth.
I started my business, RMJ Wellbeing, in January 2019 and have enjoyed every minute of the journey. I initially started the company offering Bespoke Customer Service Training, however this was not fulfilling me and therefore I retrained in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). Once qualified, I rebranded the company and now offer Therapy and Personal Development & Business Coaching Sessions and thereon continued expanding the business further with additional services including Wellbeing Retreats, Wellbeing Podcasts and Public Guest Speaking Services including Wellbeing Within the Workplace Talks.
My motivation for my business is my own experiences of suffering with my mental health after being bullied at secondary school and not seeking help to deal with my emotions. After running my business for the past six years, I am proud to share that we are now a multi-award-winning health and wellbeing business with a total accomplishment of 10 awards. This motivation encourages me to help clients to live their best life!
I have also written my first book called Brown & Proud. It is an autobiographical journey of how my family and I faced racism as an Asian family living in a western society.
Please visit my website rmjwellbeing.com and as we only have one life, why not ensure you are living it to the best?
Ian Mitchell
Chief Executive of Enable
Board Director of Wandsworth Chamber
I was born and raised in Bromley, south London and then moved on to spend some time in Essex, Buckinghamshire, Kent and Guildford. I have worked primarily in London for over 30 years, leading several charitable organisations within the leisure, health and cultural sector.
During my career, I have been fortunate to take my passion for community wellbeing and engagement over to Europe and further afield.
I joined Enable in 2018 supporting organisation growth and enriching Wandsworth lives, something I am very passionate about and which gets me out of bed in the morning!
I am passionate about the Wandsworth area and I feel very privileged to be working alongside such enthusiastic and dedicated people in the borough.
It is a privilege to be a Board Director at Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce and to offer my knowledge and support to the great work in connecting businesses to the Wandsworth community.
Julia Pittman Head of Customer Strategy at Beaver Pest Control
(now part of Orkin UK)
Chair of Wandsworth Chamber
I have spent the majority of my career working in the service industry. My passions are driving business and service excellence, including looking at how business processes connect and support people to deliver for the customer.
Having attended Furzedown Secondary School, now Graveney School, in Wandsworth, I have worked in Wandsworth businesses over the past 20 years.
I also serve on the Executive Board of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and am Chair of its Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee, helping to improve access to careers in pest control.
It’s a privilege to serve as a Board member of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, where we work to support and empower local businesses of all sizes.
As Chair, I’m committed to supporting Beverley, Alex and the Board to create opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation across our vibrant community.
Wandsworth has an amazing energy, and I’m excited to help shape a future where businesses can thrive.
FAMILY LAW ADVICE to Meet Your Needs
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Investing in technology and staff is integral to Access Self Storage
Paul
Cole, Senior Regional Manager at Access Self Storage, talks to Sarah Dale about being a longstanding Patron member of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, how they stay ahead
of their competitors and their new security system for customers.
Investing in both technology and its people has been key to Access Self Storage’s plans to futureproof the business and stay ahead of its competitors.
The national storage provider has 58 sites from Bristol up to Manchester and three within the Wandsworth borough in Battersea, Balham and Wandsworth, where London’s exclusive supercar dealer, Joe Macari, has a showroom. It employs more than 350 members of staff across the business with 11 employed across the Wandsworth borough.
Over the past few years, the company has undergone an extension programme and has other sites in the pipeline with work starting next year.
Paul Cole, Senior Regional Manager, says:
“It’s becoming a very competitive market and we want to try and earn our slice of the cake – and make it a big one! We have updated our technology with a new app to enhance our security. This makes it a lot more difficult to get in without the app, making it a lot safer option.
“We have also introduced new software to develop our staff training with more coaching and mentoring opportunities. Our staff retention levels have increased extensively over the past 12 months, as our staff feel more invested in and more valued. Learning helps staff become more effective, which makes them more productive, which in turn leads to more bonuses.”
Paul says recruitment is a challenge, particularly with the national minimum wage increase and the fact that most of the firm’s sites are in London.
“We believe we pay a competitive wage but disposable income, especially in London, has decreased with costs going up,” says Paul, who joined Access almost 25 years ago.
“We are fishing in a limited pool to get the best candidates.”
However to combat this challenge, Access has increased its starting salaries and made its packages more competitive with clear routes for career progression.
“People are joining and staying so we must be doing something right,” adds Paul.
“But recruitment is expensive and finding the right partner is difficult. If anyone in the Chamber works in recruitment, please get in touch with us, we would love to have a chat.
“It’s a very competitive industry and our competitors are all very close to us. It’s a niche market; people either need storage or they don’t.” Customers comprise short-term house movers and long-term businesses with a variety of storage needs.
“The housing market is our biggest challenge for house-movers looking for storage,” he says.
“The housing market is a struggle since the freeze on stamp duty was lifted at the end of March and it’s stagnated. Then you have the world economy and political situation. Uncertainty increases fear. We need first time buyers to buy to allow the rest of the chain to progress. The middle tiers are not moving because they need the first-time buyers to be able to get onto the property ladder.”
Paul joined Wandsworth Chamber in 2003-2004 and Access held its first event with the Chamber in 2007 at its Battersea site. They regularly sponsor Chamber events.
“We joined because the competition started to increase and we saw an opportunity to meet local businesses and we wanted to support local businesses more,” he says.
“It is a place of likeminded people where you can talk about struggles, exchange ideas and form great relationships. Our relationship with Beverley is fantastic. It is an organisation that has always been there for us and given us opportunities to make business friends. We have formed several collaborations over the years from caterers and events organisation to marketing and we cross promote with a local gym.”
Despite the challenges which businesses up and down the country face, Paul says the key to staying resilient is being flexible and adaptable.
“You have got to be flexible and keep your finger on the pulse to know what’s going on in the local area and what your competitors are doing,” he says.
“That is another benefit of being a Patron member of the Chamber – they always know what’s going on in the local area.
“Our customers stay with us because we are adaptable, flexible and sympathetic. We have gone through Covid and recessions together and we will adapt and support businesses which may need to shrink and then grow again.”
Paul’s advice to new Chamber members is: Get involved.
“You have to fully commit when you join the Chamber,” he adds.
“You’re not going to get any benefit from the Chamber unless people know who you are and they won’t know who you are unless you go to events and get to know people.”
Find out more at www.accessstorage.com
Pestana is pushing forward with purpose to celebrate 15th anniversary
Ash Sarswat, General Manager at Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa,
tells Sarah Dale why being a Patron member of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce has proved “invaluable” to the business.
Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa celebrated its 15th anniversary this year and loves being part of Wandsworth’s “thriving economy”.
They opened their doors in February 2010 and joined Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce later that year.
At the time, the Pestana Group already had a significant international presence, and Pestana Chelsea Bridge represented their first venture in Europe outside of Portugal.
To mark its significant milestone this year, the hotel is undertaking major refurbishment works to elevate guests’ experience and align with its sustainability goals. So far, they have replaced carpets, curtains and lighting in all 218 bedrooms; installed both USB and USB-C charging points beside beds; and upgraded their health and leisure offerings in the gym, spa and pool. They have also committed to replacing sofas, lighting and bathroom fixtures in all public areas and bathrooms by year-end. The hotel is also partnering with innovative startups and established providers to digitise guest services to enhance the customer experience.
“These are exciting times at Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa – we’re pushing forward with purpose, celebrating our heritage, and embracing the future,” says Ash Sarswat, General Manager.
“As a Group, we believe strongly in the power of local business networks to drive growth, foster collaboration, and enhance community engagement.
“Joining the Chamber enabled us to connect with other businesses, stay informed about local developments, and actively contribute to Wandsworth’s thriving economy.
“Becoming a Patron of the Chamber has been incredibly valuable. The networking opportunities at Chamber events have allowed us to forge strong relationships with local business leaders, suppliers, and potential partners. Hosting the ‘Big Business Breakfast’ at the hotel showcases
our venue and creates meaningful connections with SMEs and corporate stakeholders. I also had the privilege of meeting our local MP, Marsha de Cordova, at one of these events –she subsequently hosted a hospitality roundtable in Parliament to discuss the challenges posed by Brexit. Being able to speak there was very fulfilling and reaffirmed the tangible benefits of our Patronage.”
Ash advises new Chamber members to “be visible and engage actively” by attending events, participating in forums and taking full advantage of the Chamber’s resources.
“Building relationships is key – introduce yourself confidently and explore collaboration opportunities. While day-to-day business tasks can feel overwhelming, sometimes the most meaningful ideas come from casual conversations. You have to be present to win the prize!”
The hospitality sector has experienced several challenges in recent years and had to pivot accordingly to combat setbacks. Ash says rising operational costs, staffing shortages, and hiring and retaining talent in hospitality is “tough”.
“These are trends that have persisted since Covid,” says Ash.
“Hiring and retaining talent in hospitality is tough – our business often demands evenings, weekends, and flexibility.
“At Pestana Chelsea Bridge, our HR team champions flexibility, supporting staff with multiple commitments – students, part-time carers, and those working specific shifts –ensuring they feel valued and supported. The Chamber can amplify our efforts by promoting our vacancies and contemporary working models.
“To stay resilient personally, I prioritise adaptability – keeping up with industry trends, investing in team development, and maintaining strong guest relationships. As a business, we continue to refine our operations, invest in technology, and reinforce our hotel culture, ensuring that we’re agile, guest-focused, and ready for future challenges.
“We applaud every hospitality business that survived the pandemic – it made our sector stronger. We embraced efficiency, operated with lean staffing without compromising guest experience, and accelerated digital transformation to bridge workforce gaps. The outcome has been fantastic.”
Building relationships is key – introduce yourself confidently and explore collaboration opportunities. While day-to-day business tasks can feel overwhelming, sometimes the most meaningful ideas come from casual conversations. You have to be present to win the prize!
River Walk Market returns to Battersea Power Station this Summer
Battersea Power Station is delighted to announce the return of the River Walk Market this summer. Launching on 22nd June 2025, the open-air market will offer a variety of independent traders selling delicious artisanal produce, natural wine, baked goods and more between 11am – 4pm every Sunday until 31st August 2025.
The River Walk Market will be hosted along the picturesque riverfront on the south bank of the Thames next to the iconic Grade II* listed Power Station and will showcase some of capital’s most exciting independent makers and producers to stock your cupboards. The lineup of traders will vary each weekend, offering visitors the chance to experience something different with every visit, while enjoying the lively atmosphere and stunning views on offer. Foodie highlights will include Mercanti di Calabria’s cured meats, pecorino and anti pasti, Biltong Boss, purveyors of authentic Biltong made from high quality British and Irish beef; hand crafted artisan cheeses from Cornish Gouda Co and Sylt Pickling, offering crafted pickles, chutneys and condiments with inventive flavour pairings.
Those with a sweet tooth are in for a treat with highlights from Asian cookie and pastry experts, Midnight Pantry; artisanal chocolatier, Diana’s Chocolates, specialising in delicate flavours lovingly made in London; BeeHappier, offering everything from jars of golden honey to artisan nut butters and preserves straight from the hive to your home; Italian Recipe, the multi-award winning Italian patisserie inspired by family recipes; and TOSKA’s Cakes.
Kate Boothman-Meier, Head of Communications & Marketing at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: “We’re excited to welcome the River Walk Market back to Battersea Power Station this summer. The market celebrates brilliant small businesses and independent makers, while adding to the vibrant weekend atmosphere that has
become part of the DNA of the riverside neighbourhood. Its unique mix of traders will complement the existing array of restaurants, shops, cafes, bars and leisure venues already open in and around the iconic landmark, making a visit to Battersea Power Station the perfect day out with friends and family this summer.”
To discover more about the River Walk Market at Battersea Power Station, please visit https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events/river-walk-market
Image credit: Charlie Round-Turner
Image credit: Richard Hanson
Supply Wandsworth extended to 2026
London Borough of Wandsworth commits to another year of Supply Wandsworth with the aim of expanding its reach across the borough
This is great news, enabling the programme to continue supporting local businesses whilst convening large public / private sector buyers of goods, services and works to be embedded as part of the wider discussion for building an inclusive, sustainable borough.
The Supply Wandsworth programme continues to grow, building its business support offer for Wandsworth while growing the supplier network within the borough. Our 2025 updated supplier directory will go live and be available for downloading in Sept 2025. It will feature suppliers in Wandsworth, Richmond and the surrounding boroughs of Croydon, Sutton, Merton, Kingston. We will continue our mission to host Meet the Buyer events and deliver targeted business support for those seeking to become approved suppliers.
Looking beyond the Supply Wandsworth programme is the focus on developing a strategy for strengthening private / public sector relationships within the borough. The Supply Wandsworth Buyer’s Breakfast convenes corporate decision makers and influential leaders in a conversation on ways to develop a cross-sector stakeholder group of partners to drive innovation, change and impact.
Our call to action is simply: We want you, as corporate organisations , to be part of the conversation; we want your input on the development of a cross-sector stakeholder leadership group; we want your small value contracts for our Supply Wandsworth Contract finder webpage; and, most importantly, we want your commitment to working with us to empower local procurement spending as a tool for driving economic growth.
New Mayor for Wandsworth
Cllr Jeremy Ambache has been elected as the new Mayor of Wandsworth.
Cllr Ambache takes over from Cllr Sana Jafri, a Tooting-born immigration lawyer and mum-of-two who was the borough’s first Pakistani Muslim mayor.
Cllr Jafri championed several local charities, including Home Start Wandsworth, Rackets Cubed, and Tooting Community Kitchen, focusing on family support, youth development and combating food insecurity. She also revitalised the Wandsworth Civic Awards, introducing new categories to celebrate community champions, environmental heroes, and cultural contributors.
Cllr Ambache has a long and distinguished career in social care, having worked as a social worker, manager and director for both children's and adult services across multiple local authorities. He has also provided expert advice to central government on health, social care, and tackling the abuse of vulnerable adults.
“I am honoured to once again serve Wandsworth as Mayor for the coming year,” he said.
“Along with the Deputy Mayor, we will work closely with colleagues and community groups to bring Wandsworth together, especially in this special year as London Borough of Culture.”
The Deputy Mayor was also announced as Cllr Rosemary Birchall, who has lived in Wandsworth for over 30 years. Her professional background is in early years education with special interest in SEND.
A total of eight young people from across the borough stood for election as this year's Youth Mayor, with a week-long vote taking place at youth clubs in early May.
Kwasi Agyekum-Koranchie, 15, was elected as Youth Mayor, while Sophia Dyson, 16, was elected as Deputy Youth Mayor.
"As someone who has been attending school in Wandsworth for a number of years, I have been witness to the undeniable and incredible potential young people have to make a real difference and to catalyse change," said Kwasi.
Deputy Youth Mayor Sophia added: "By working together - through creativity, persistence, and strong youth representationwe can and will push for meaningful change."
Hundreds of jobseekers get support at Employ Wandsworth
More than 700 residents attended the Employ Wandsworth jobs fair held in the heart of the Roehampton community.
They were able to chat to more than 50 companies looking for local talent. There was also the opportunity to get advice on training and career development and take part in workshops. Companies taking part included Gravity, Hyatt Hotels, Marks and Spencer, Abelio and Taylor Wimpey – all seeking to recruit local people to local jobs.
This year Employ Wandsworth moved away from the borough’s town hall and was held at Whitelands College in Roehampton, organised by Work Match.
Deputy Council Leader Kemi Akinola said: “Employ Wandsworth is always a brilliant event that showcases local jobs, and this year we were determined to hold it where local people said it was most needed. If you weren’t able to go along don’t worry – you can still get in touch with our Work Match team and get help with your job search.”
The Wandsworth Council-run Work Match service is a jobs brokerage matching up local people and Wandsworth-based companies with job opportunities. The free service also provides support, guidance and training on searching for work.
Help make Wandsworth a more colourful biodiverse borough
Green-fingered businesses, community groups, schools and residents are invited to enter Wandsworth in Bloom.
Wandsworth in Bloom is about bringing people together, celebrating neighbourhood pride and contributing to a more biodiverse, sustainable Wandsworth, as part of London Borough of Culture 2025.
Schools are encouraged to plant a seed and watch your sunflower soar with a dedicated category for nurseries and primary schools. Local businesses can watch their business flourish and grow by transforming shopfronts into welcoming green spaces. Neighbours and community groups can team up to transform their street, to show how gardens – big or small – can strengthen neighbourhood connections and support local wildlife.
Whether you're growing plants on a balcony or tending a community allotment, there’s a category for every kind of gardener. This year’s categories include:
• Best Allotment Plot
• Best Business in Bloom
• Best Balcony or Container Garden
• Best Community Food Growing Site
• Best Community Facility Garden
Best Front Garden
Best Street
• Tallest Sunflower (nurseries and primary schools only)
• Best in Show
• People’s Choice
• Most Vibrant London Borough of Culture Garden
Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Wandsworth in Bloom is about more than flowers. It’s about local pride, creativity and connecting with their community. In this special year as London Borough of Culture, we want to celebrate the people who make our borough greener, more colourful and more welcoming through gardening.”
The deadline for entries for the free-to-enter competition is Monday 30 June 2025, and judging will take place in July.
‘My goal as a foster carer is not only to see children blossom but reach their full potential’
More foster carers are needed across Wandsworth and the surrounding boroughs to provide short-term and long-term homes for children and young people. Trudy Eastwood, from Wandsworth Children’s Services, and long-term foster carer Veronica Miller talk to Sarah Dale about the rewards, challenges and joy of watching young people reach their full potential in loving, supportive homes.
Veronica Miller became a foster carer 20 years ago and has welcomed 10 children – ranging in age from a day old to teenage – into her home.
“My goal in fostering is to see children and young people not only blossom but reach their full potential,” says Veronica, who also has two grown-up children.
“I have looked after 10 children over the years, a lower number than some foster carers but that is because some have been long-term – the twins have been with us for 13 years. Children have come and gone, some came for a night or a week and some for a year. I fostered on and off while my own children were growing up, providing short-term care for children ranging from babies to teenagers. When they were grown up, I became a permanent foster carer.”
Now, Veronica has 19-year-old twin girls, who moved in with her and her partner when they were six, and a one-year-old baby, who has lived with them since he was just a day old.
“I’m working with the baby’s dad and the local authority to assess if he can live with him longterm,” says Veronica, who has been a foster carer with Wandsworth Council’s foster services for the past 10 years.
“I’ve an open house policy where families can come and see and work with their children. I want good outcomes for the children. That’s why I came into it.
“When I was small, I was in and out of extended family members houses and was parented by the community and my partner was the same – he was parented by someone other than his parents. So we believe that we should be part of the community and give back. I wanted to give back; I didn’t want to be a spectator. We had a spare bedroom and knew we could care for children who needed support.”
The baby and the twins, like all Veronica’s foster children before them, are part of the family and have many ‘cousins’ and ‘aunties’ who love and support them.
“My family completely embraced fostering,” says Veronica, who is known as ‘Auntie’ to all her foster children.
“We have an extended family. Our Jamaican culture means that everyone is a cousin or an auntie. You wouldn’t know the twins are foster children; they are just part of the family. Everyone loves the baby and is willing to look after him. Children need a family.”
Trudy Eastwood, Team Manager of the Fostering Recruitment & Assessment team and Agency Advisor to the Fostering Panel at Wandsworth Children’s Services, is passionate about matching children and young people with dedicated, caring foster carers and says Veronica is one of the “best” she has ever worked with.
“Veronica is a very nurturing person,” says Trudy.
“She fully absorbs children into her household, so they have a real sense of belonging. Her commitment to achieving best outcomes for children is second to none. Given what we know about the outcomes of children in care, having foster carers who provide the extra commitment of offering them a caring home and going above and beyond is invaluable.
“What we all love in a foster carer is a very skilled and robust carer. Veronica has excellent strategies for managing children at their different ages and stages and knows that it is not a one size fits all.
“To give children that sense of security, you have got to be strong and confident yourself and be a role model.
“She is so open to anything we have thrown at her, whether it has been weekend respite or long-term support to supporting birth parents.”
Fostering brings its challenges from managing childrens traumas and behaviours to advocating for young people to different authorities.
E.g. extra curricular activities, education and therapeutic support.
“Foster carers need to be respected more; they know the children well,” says Veronica.
“I’m a big advocate for children and young people and will always advocate and challenge school or authorities on their behalf. These children come with baggage and behaviours and issues. Foster carers see the children all the time, you understand them and sometimes you have to intervene with authorities. One challenge is working with other professionals and them taking you seriously.
“Another challenge is the children’s behaviour. Sometimes it’s really challenging. Where a child is moved on because it has not worked out, we know that we have set a scene for how family life can be so the next time they can hopefully settle.
I’m comfortable with children moving on. If it’s in their best interests, it’s the best thing for them.
“With Wandsworth Council, I feel valued because they listen to me and they are open to hearing my views and take me seriously.
“These girls have done really well. They’re reaching their milestones. That to me is success. When the baby goes to Dad, that’s success.”
Trudy says that the service is very inclusive in foster carer recruitment and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.
“Gay or straight, young or old, single or married, it doesn’t matter,” she adds.
“We have foster carers ranging from their twenties to their eighties. You need childcare experience and a spare bedroom. We will support you with training.”
As Prestige members of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce for several years, the council can support any members with any questions they may have regarding fostering.
This year’s theme of Foster Care Fortnight (12-25 May) was the ‘power of relationships’, which as Trudy says, is key to long-term fostering success. Foster carers are supported financially, emotionally and with regular training.
Fostering offers children and young people an opportunity to live with a safe, stable and caring family at a time when they are unable to live with their own.
There are several ways people can foster, including short-term, emergency, long-term,
respite and parent-child placements. Ages can range from babies to ‘staying put’ placements, which are for young people between 18 and 21, as 18 was deemed to be too young for people to move out of care and live independently. Veronica’s twins are staying on with her as a staying put placement.
“The twins both received a bursary to go to university and will get a flat of their own at some point, but I am in no rush to push them out,” adds Veronica.
“They have been in care for a long time and they deserve the best outcomes.”
In Wandsworth, 56 per cent of children and young people needing foster carers are boys, 44 per cent are girls; 60 per cent are BEM, 40 per cent white; 72 per cent are teenagers; and only 2.7 per cent are babies.
“The majority of young people needing foster placements are mostly black or brown teenage boys who need fostering and also siblings,” says Trudy. Since the pandemic, the foster carer population in England has decreased by over 1000 foster carers, while there has been a higher demand for foster placements for childrenincreased by 5,690, Fostering Network, May 2024. That’s the same trend in Wandsworth and the need for more foster carers remains high.
“We want to encourage more people to become foster carers; it could be a weekend once a month or a more long-term placement.”
For more information about fostering, visit www.fostering.wandsworth.co.uk
Veronica fully absorbs children into her household, so they have a real sense of belonging. Her commitment to achieving best outcomes for children is second to none. Given what we know about the outcomes of children in care, having foster carers who provide the extra commitment of offering them a caring home is invaluable.
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP UNIT
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Unlock your workforce potential
Our free Business Partnership service is here to help support you and your business with:
• ACCESSING FUNDING and making the most of new government initiatives
• APPRENTICESHIPS from Level 2 to Level 6 (GCSE to Degree Level)
• EMPLOYEE TRAINING – upskilling and retraining of your employees using our extensive online and training packages
• LEVY SUPPORT and guidance.
You can place your trust in our exceptionally talented team, to build a bespoke plan that meets the specific needs of your business.
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UNLOCK STAFF POTENTIAL with Online Apprenticeship Training
Apprenticeship training has evolved, and online learning is now more readily available. Employers now have the flexibility to upskill their workforce without taking employees away from the workplace. With remote training options, apprentices can complete their programmes more efficiently, gaining valuable skills while remaining productive on the job.
Hiring apprentices is a smart investment for businesses looking to grow talent from within. Apprentices bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn, while gaining hands-on experience tailored to your organisation.
By training staff to meet specific business needs, employers can fill skills gaps, improve productivity, and build a loyal, skilled workforce for the future, all while benefiting from government funding and support. It's a cost-effective way to shape the next generation of your industry.
Online Apprenticeship Training offers a smarter, more flexible approach that benefits both apprentices and employers.
Why Choose Online Apprenticeship Training?
• Train from Anywhere – Apprentices can learn without leaving the office, making it easier to manage the required 20% off-thejob training with no commuting time.
• Work-Friendly Flexibility – Training can be scheduled around business needs and the working day.
• Access to Enhanced Resources –Learners benefit from a wide range of digital materials and additional modules to support skill development.
• Tailored Support – Every apprentice receives a personalised training plan, ensuring they get the help they need to succeed.
• Consistent Quality – Online delivery ensures all apprentices receive high-quality training across all levels and courses.
If you're interested in offering high-impact Apprenticeship Training for your staff, we’d love to help you, please contact us:
Charlotte Howard • 07485 313539 • charlotte.howard@stcg.ac.uk
At South Thames Colleges Group, we’re excited to offer a range of fully remote Apprenticeship Programmes, giving employers and apprentices maximum flexibility and value, including:
Business Administrator – Level 3 Develops and improves administrative services while engaging with various teams and customers. Ideal for roles supporting operational efficiency across the organisation.
Data Analyst – Level 4
Analyses data across departments such as finance, sales, HR, or marketing in sectors from retail and banking to government and media.
Digital Product Manager – Level 4
Perfect for organisations managing digital products including websites, apps, or services, this role supports delivery in tech-driven environments.
Why AI Matters for SMEs
–
and
how
to make it work for you
By Sofia Simaria, White Pebbles Consulting
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is dominating headlines, and for many small and mediumsized businesses, it's still unclear what it actually means for their day-to-day operations. The hype is loud, the terminology can be intimidating, so it’s easy to wonder: is this really for us? The short answer is yes — and the opportunity is bigger than many realise.
SMEs vs. Big Business: Different Challenges, Different Wins
Large corporations have teams of AI engineers, deep pockets, and plenty of IT support, but that doesn’t mean they have it easier. Their biggest challenge is usually navigating internal complexity: disconnected systems, endless sign-offs, and resistance to change. Innovation can be painfully slow.
SMEs, by contrast, are lean, agile, and close to their customers. That’s a huge advantage. With just a bit of guidance and the right tools, small teams can start using AI right now — to save time, improve quality, and make better decisions.
In recent months, I’ve helped several Wandsworth businesses with AI roadmaps, content automation, and intelligent recommendations — projects that once felt out of reach for smaller budgets are now entirely doable, thanks to tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot.
From Quick Wins to Big Shifts
For most SMEs, it starts small: summarising long documents, speeding up emails, or creating proposals. But that’s just the beginning.
AI can help you reimagine how your business operates — from generating leads and tailoring marketing to forecasting demand or designing new products. Today’s tools go beyond
paperwork: you can use image recognition to inspect products or flag quality issues, voice assistants to help teams log updates on the go, or AI to instantly translate and respond to customer queries in multiple languages.
This isn’t about replacing people. It’s about making your team’s expertise go further, with AI powering the back-end and your insight steering the ship. Just make sure the foundations are solid — when working with sensitive data, I always recommend consulting an expert. In this issue, data security specialist John Mc Loughlin shares essential advice to help companies stay secure and compliant — a must-read alongside any AI journey.
AI Essentials for SMEs: A Training Series to Get You Started
To help SMEs get started confidently, I’m launching a 4-part online training series with the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, starting in July. Each session is practical, interactive, and jargon-free. Here’s what we’ll cover:
• Session 1: Demystifying AI
- Cut through the jargon and understand how AI works
- See real examples that matter to SMEs
• Session 2: The Art of Prompting
- Learn how to “talk to AI” effectively and get high-quality outputs
- Build your own library of prompts for emails, social posts, research, and more
• Session 3: Leveraging Your Data
- Discover ways to combine AI with your own information
- Explore tools for extracting insights and visualising business data
• Session 4: Embracing AI Responsibly
- Develop an AI strategy tailored to your resources
- Learn how to use AI ethically, securely, and with your team on board
Whether you’re new to AI or already exploring it, these sessions are designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Let’s Make AI Work for You
It’s been a pleasure getting to know the Wandsworth business community — and I’m genuinely excited about what we can build together.
AI isn’t just for big firms or tech startups — it’s for people who know their business and want to work smarter. For SMEs, the impact can be transformational.
Hope to see you in July!
Contact: sofia@whitepebblesconsulting.com
Cybersecurity in 2025: Cutting through the Noise to Build Real Resilience
The recent high profile attacks on the retail sector in the UK has raised awareness of a problem we see every day. Small, medium and large businesses are victims and the criminal gangs do not discriminate.
By John Mc Loughlin, Group CEO, J2 Software
If you think it won’t happen to you, you are wrong. If you use traditional anti-virus to “stay safe” you are not secure. If cyber security is an IT problem, you simply do not understand the high risk that cyber threats pose to your business, your customers and your staff.
The cybersecurity landscape has evolved dramatically, with threats becoming more sophisticated. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is both a powerful tool for defence and a formidable weapon in the hands of cybercriminals. As we navigate this complex environment, it's crucial to distinguish between a cyber security provider and an IT support business that resells somebody else’s tools. Businesses of all sizes need a practical cyber resilience strategy to keep them in business.
The Escalating Threat Landscape
Cyber threats are no longer limited to rudimentary phishing emails or isolated malware attacks. Today, we face AI-driven campaigns that can mimic human behaviour with alarming accuracy. Recent reports highlight how AI chatbots are being used to craft flawless phishing emails, making them harder to detect and increasing their success rates. Additionally, AI-powered tools are automating various phases of cyberattacks, from identifying vulnerabilities to exfiltrating data. This results in automated attacks at scale. Where previously an attacker could target 20 businesses a day, they can now have hundreds of fully automated attacks running simultaneously. It is the same as in sales, this is a numbers game, the more people you get to you speak to, the more you sell. AI's dual-use nature means it can be harnessed for both protective and malicious purposes. While organisations deploy AI to make things
easier, threat actors leverage the same technology to develop more effective attack strategies. The criminals just do this faster. These advanced threats make traditional defence mechanisms, and traditional IT support businesses ineffective. We cannot continue to defend in the same way when the attackers have changed the way they target us. The attacks have evolved, so should your security.
The rapid advancement of AI technologies necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Organisations of all sizes must stay ahead by understanding how AI can be weaponised and implementing measures to counteract these evolving threats.
The Approach to Cybersecurity
At J2 Software, we recognise that traditional IT measures are not good enough to combat modern cyber threats. We understand that people will make mistakes and while we prevent as much as possible, detection and response is a major area of focus to keep our customers and partners secure. We do t his by building cyber resilience. You cannot protect what you cannot see. Resilience provides visibility. Visibility provides the capability to respond.
When you have practical cyber security controls to secure the five key areas of digital risk in your business you can focus on doing the things that make your business money.
Cyber security is not an IT issue, it is a business risk and if you think that having some tech in place will keep you secure I am afraid that you are simply waiting for the breach notification from the criminals to appear on your screen.
Selecting the Right Security Partner
Choosing a cyber security partner is a critical decision that can significantly impact your organisation. Here are some key considerations:
• Transparency: Ensure the provider offers complete visibility into their processes. If they cannot show you how they protect their own infrastructure they won’t be able to protect yours.
• Proven Expertise: You do not want to have a security partner that only did IT support until very recently. Good security partners work well with IT support businesses. The goal is to protect you and your business. Select a partner with a long track record of effectively managing and mitigating cyber threats across various industries.
• Customised Services: Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches, or those simply reselling some other big business’ tools. Your security partner should tailor solutions to your specific business needs and risk profile.
• Continuous Improvement: Cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Select a partner committed to continuous monitoring, assessment, and enhancement of your security posture.
IT vs. Security: Understanding the Difference
It's essential to differentiate between IT and cyber security. While IT focuses on the infrastructure and systems that support business operations, cyber security is dedicated to protecting those systems and the data they handle.
A good cyber security partner gives you immediate access to a team of security experts at a fraction of the cost of building your own team.
Please do not wait for a breach to take action.
Phil Clark founded consultancy and training business, Fillip Communications, two years ago.
An experienced journalist, Phil uses his expertise to provide specialist support for the media industry, as well as large membership organisations focused on developing their teams and businesses. His clients have included the Financial Times, the British Medical Association and the University of the Third Age (U3A).
“I use my expertise in journalism and publishing to help navigate organisations through a period of rapid changes in technology and audience behaviours and consumption,” says Phil, who teams up with other freelancers and experts on projects.
“My training and support responds to the industry’s specific needs and challenges – such as how media and publishing is currently being impacted by the onset of AI. My goal is to make publishing companies AI-resilient so they’re able to take advantage of the opportunities this technology offers them whilst protecting themselves against the risks that AI presents for content-rich organisations (such as copyright theft).”
Phil has spent most of his career in trade/ B2B publications and in 2023, he decided to set up his own business.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the massive disruption that digital technology has brought upon the media sector so am channelling that in providing independent advice and support for the sector,” he adds.
“Growing my base of clients is my main aim this year to build on the successes I’ve made in my first two years in business. I’m also looking to work more with other small businesses and start-ups so I can offer wider services to clients.
Fillip Communications fills the gap to support businesses to be AI-resilient
“My proudest achievement in business is happy clients! Also developing the training side of my offering, which wasn’t in my initial plan when I started in 2023, but it became clear quite quickly that this was a service my target client base needed.”
Due to tough economic conditions across the media industry, securing new work can be “challenging”.
“A lot of this is down to tough economic conditions across the media industry as well as the shift in publishing to digital which continues to be painful for many businesses,” he says.
“This means you have to be agile and fleet of foot and be open to new types of opportunity.
“You learn quite quickly that setbacks and challenges are an inevitable part of running your own business – and also that the highs are never that high but the lows should never be that low. I find working in different locations really helps – I’m lucky to be in
❛❛
Wandsworth where there is a great mix of spaces across the borough from free to use (such as libraries) to great co-working spots.
“Outside of work, I like to keep active with a mix of daily dog walking, cycling and swimming and I am a complete culture nut –I love music, books, films and the theatre.”
Phil joined Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce 18 months ago after he attended an “excellent” networking event.
“The hosts and other attendees were very welcoming and generous with their time,” he recalls.
“I like the mix of events they run which are both relevant to being a small business owner as well as to the wider work I do for clients. It also keeps me close to what is happening in my borough which is another great benefit. My advice for new members is to stick at it and don’t expect immediate results (such as work or referrals).”
You learn quite quickly that setbacks and challenges are an inevitable part of running your own business – and also that the highs are never that high but the lows should never be that low. I find working in different locations really helps – I’m lucky to be in Wandsworth where there is a great mix of spaces across the borough from free to use (such as libraries) to great co-working spots.
Heartfelt Care
• Wednesday 25th June
• Wednesday 24th September
Pestana Hotel 8 - 10.30am
Please visit the events page of our website regularly to see what’s on and why not join us as we network through 2025. For further details go to www.wandsworthchamber.org/events
CHAMBER EVENTS
• Tuesday 1st July
AI Essentials for SMEs
Online 3 – 5.30pm
• Wednesday 2nd July
Wandsworth Business Forum
Online 8 – 9.30am
• Thursday 3rd July
Wandsworth Chamber
Summer Party at Eden Court 6 – 9pm
• Wednesday 9th July
Business Networking at Hannah in Clapham Junction 6 – 9pm
• Tuesday 15th July
Summer Netwalking in Battersea Park with Enable 6 – 10pm
SUMMER BREAK FOR AUGUST
• Wednesday 10th September
Business Networking in Earlsfield at The Earlsfield 6 – 9pm
• Tuesday 16th September
AI Essentials for SMEs
Online 3 – 5.30pm
• Wednesday 1st October
Wandsworth Business Forum, Online 8 – 9.30pm
• Wednesday 8th October
Business Networking at Hannah in Clapham Junction 6 – 9pm
• Tuesday 14th October
AI Essentials for SMEs
Online 3 – 5.30pm
SCAN THE QR CODE
(Caltrics.com) with your phone camera to see our events and get them in your calendar app.
I started Bourne Fitness with one mission—to build a safe, inclusive fitness community in Balham and Tooting where everyone feels welcome, supported, and empowered. I’m passionate about making high-quality training accessible to all, and helping people understand not just how to move, but why it matters.
What began as a few personal training sessions outside of my 9–5 has grown into something much bigger: a thriving community rooted right here in Wandsworth. Just one year ago, Bourne Fitness was a mobile gym bringing sessions to local parks and clients’ homes.
Today, we’re celebrating nine incredible months of Bourne Fitness: The Studio — a place where you’re not just welcomed, you truly feel it.
The Bourne Fitness Community Grows Stronger
Nathan Bourne and his dedicated team are building more than a fitness class—they’re building a movement rooted in community. Recognised as Wandsworth’s Business Owner of the Year 2024 and with Bourne Fitness shortlisted for Best Micro Business at the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Awards. This year, they’re proud to be three-time finalists—a reflection of the powerful, growing community they’ve created.
Statistically, over 50% of us have been prevented from keeping fit because of our jobs. But it’s not just our jobs, it’s our time, children, finances and intimidating environments.
There are so many barriers to exercising regularly, yet we know how important regular exercise is for our physical and mental health. In building Bourne Fitness, the vision was to remove barriers to fitness and enable exercise to be more accessible and affordable for as many people as possible.
My journey towards Bourne Fitness began some years ago when my busy corporate role in the finance industry began to take its toll on my physical and mental health. I struggled to find the time and energy for good wellbeing habits, and I knew something had to change. I was determined to not only reclaim my own wellbeing, but support others’
Corporate Wellness Days
health and wellbeing journeys too. A commitment to improving member’s health and wellbeing is at the core of Bourne Fitness. Holistic wellbeing, and particularly the interaction between physical and mental health, is something that has been personally significant to me and I wanted Bourne Fitness to reflect this. Thankfully, I was able to make the leap to running Bourne Fitness full time sooner than I had planned to and I left the finance industry behind me (or so I thought). I dusted off my business degree and became an expert in all things essential to getting Bourne Fitness where it is today: data analysis, marketing, administration, operations, HR, customer service and…finance!
Bourne Fitness began as a mobile gym, utilising high-quality, gymgrade equipment, bringing the gym to the local community. Operating conveniently from green spaces
Looking to energise your team and boost morale?
Bourne Fitness offers bespoke Corporate Fitness & Wellbeing Days designed to refresh, reconnect, and inspire. From group workouts to mindfulness sessions, we bring the energy to you.
Get in touch at contact@bournefitness.co.uk and let’s
happier workplace together.
Exclusive Reader Offer
Scan the QR code now to unlock 5 classes for just £45— your chance to experience the Bourne
and clients’ homes, this enabled exercise for those who couldn’t easily access other fitness facilities. Nine months ago, I was fortunate enough to open Bourne Fitness: The Studio, a ‘home gym away from home’ – an inclusive and welcoming training studio where everyone can enjoy high-quality exercise.
Our friendly and experienced team—specialising in pre- and post-natal exercise, Pilates, Boxing, and HYROX—are here to offer you a safe, supportive space to train, connect with your local community, and most importantly, enjoy yourself!
The long-term vision for Bourne Fitness is to keep growing and nurturing our safe, inclusive fitness community right here in Wandsworth. We’re just getting started—keep an eye out, we might be popping up in your local park soon!
Becoming a Healthier You
Having worked in the food industry for more than 50 years; managing restaurants in Europe and running her own successful London-based catering company, before venturing into healthy nutrition, Jill Swyers can truly say she has seen it all.
For many years she had been overweight, unwell and exhausted, battling food addiction and a variety of illnesses coming up constantly. Something had to change!
She began to experiment with food combining, what to stop eating, what to replace it with. It was not easy, but Jill persevered. Then everything changed in 1997, when Jill learned of the Hippocrates Health Institute in Florida, USA.
In 1998, she became a Hippocrates Health Educator, and has since dedicated herself to not only living, but teaching a PlantBased and mostly Raw Food Lifestyle, with emphasis on Healthy Nutrition. Jill has been a passionate and tireless advocate in sharing what she knows, through her company Jill Swyers, Living Foods for Health, based in the UK and Portugal. Here Jill shares with you two of the foundational concepts to changing your nutritional lifestyle.
Why Eat PlantBased and mostly Raw Foods
Our bodies can’t make all essential nutrients themselves. Vegetables provide these for us. In fact, most dark green leafy vegetables contain protein, along with nine of the important amino acids needed to break this protein down. Leafy greens are also highly alkaline. The comfort foods we enjoyed in the past can make the body highly acidic, so eating green alkaline foods every day will calm the body and reduce acidity.
It is amazing how vegetables can contain minerals, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and natural sugars, when eaten or juiced as a living food. They rejuvenate life within the body, and the feeling of energy received by the body is amazing!
A PlantBased and mostly Raw Foods Lifestyle is Not a Diet!!
The word Diet can be very off putting!! You do not want to deprive yourself of nutrition. It is rarely a good idea to try to change everything all at once, and expect results on the very first day. Changing nutritional lifestyle can be difficult and challenging, but not impossible. Be patient with yourself – you want to change the way you eat but you need to do this gradually, One Step at a Time, and preferably with Guidance.
For some, this lifestyle change might be 100% Living (Raw) PlantBased Foods; for some it might be 80% Living (Raw) PlantBased and 20% Cooked. There is no one size fits all path to a healthier you, each person should go at their own individual pace to strike a balance that will fit them and that they can incorporate and adapt to their lives.
The ultimate goal is a lifestyle that you can maintain without sacrifice, that you can adapt to your needs, that gives you joy and that contributes to your improved health. Jill is available for talks, events, consultations, courses and workshops. Visit www.jillswyers.com for more information
Be patient with yourself – you want to change the way you eat but you need to do this gradually, One Step at a Time, and preferably with Guidance.
u BitesizedGenius
Shimron Walters Flat 4, 42 Upper Richmond Road
London SW19 2HT 07350 581800
u Cassava Consulting
Jacquiline Auma 71 – 75 Shelton Street
London WC2H 9JQ 07544 388815
u Chapmans of London
Tolani Agoro
Unit 21 Battersea Business Centre London SW1 12DT
u Dawn Automation
Mr. Oli Rae
37 Kellino Street Wandsworth
London SW17 8SY 07961 095062
u Free Birds Interior Design Studio Ltd
Rachel Ennis
32 Salterford Road
London SW17 9TF 07531 952460
u Goodsells Family Law
Donna Goodsell
16 Old Town
Clapham
London SW4 0JY 020 76222 2221
u Lock Terrace Limited
Tariq Usmani
50 Havelock Terrace
London SW8 4AL 020 7401 8777
u ONPRINT
Emran Hoque
Arch 33a Patcham Terrace Battersea Exchange
London SW8 4EX 020 3005 3217
u PC Man Ltd
Michael Holland
144 Cheviot Road
London SW19 2HT 020 3369 0669
u Sceats Business
Growth
William Sceats
13 Richborne Terrace
London SW8 1AS 07803 045649
u Sticks'n'Sushi
Luke Harris Sticks 6 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AL 07908 730697
Find us on the Chamber Directory: https://www.wandsworthchamber.org/directory
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 3633 6575 enquiries@wandsworthchamber.org
DAVID SMITHSON-RUDD
Consult DSR
Starting UP
Q1 In a few words tell us a bit about your business?
Consult DSR exists to make being a business owner or leader that bit easier. I support leaders with their business fundamentals: from HR and business planning to communication, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, health and safety, and information security. It’s all about building stronger foundations so they can evolve and succeed with confidence.
Q2 What gives your business 'the x-factor’?
The service is unique in that business leaders can access a ‘wrap-around’ form of operational support; they receive hands-on, practical help in a multitude of areas, rather than having to contract out or recruit individually for various specialisms. Being an experienced generalist means I can support across a wide range of areas and make sure they’re operating in a joined-up, efficient way.
Q3 What motivated you to set up in business ?
I realised some time ago that SMEs are calling out for straightforward and cost-effective support with their day-to-day operations. This is particularly true in businesses that are starting to hire their first few employees, or that are looking to keep their operations stable while they look forward to the future.
Q4 What do you like most about working as a start-up ?
The variety, and the ability to be agile, both as a business and for clients. I can adapt the service to meet the needs (and budgets) of clients without needing to go through a long and complex process. Better still, clients can see results in the short, medium and long-term.
Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date ?
It always goes back to the first project I completed, which was a full review of policies, procedures and employment contracts for a founder-led PR business, here in South London. The review ensured that their business fundamentals were fit for purpose and sufficiently conveyed the founder’s vision and ethos. While I knew the methodology underneath my services was sound, putting it into practice is another thing entirely, and early projects can set the roadmap for the success of a business. Hearing how happy the client was with the results was both amazing and a huge relief!
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Q6 What has been your lowest moment ?
It’s a tie between losing out on a project I was passionate about, or the moments of loneliness as a founder of a small business. That’s why I’m a member of various networking groups, such as the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce –I feel far less lonely knowing that we’re all in this together, and we all have highs and lows.
Q7 In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years ?
I aim to develop a ‘next generation’ of consultants, who can support SMEs with their business operations from the word go. This new group will have received management training from the very start, rather than have to learn on the job, as too many managers in the UK must do. The lack of proper leadership training is (in my opinion) one of the key reasons that the UK suffers from relatively stagnant economic growth.
Q8 What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business ?
Set aside at least an hour a week to review your short-term plan and make sure it’s going to deliver the results you need. Then spend another hour somewhere away from your usual work setting to think about the long term. You don’t need to solve everything at once; steady, thoughtful planning goes a long way, and you’ll feel better for it.
I aim to develop a ‘next generation’ of consultants, who can support SMEs with their business operations from the word go. This new group will have received management training from the very start, rather than have to learn on the job, as too many managers in the UK must do.
Q1 Who are you?
My name is Simone Stronati CEO and founder of Markets Italia
Q2 What's your business all about?
At Markets Italia we are committed to delivering quality products paired with impeccable customer service. We specialise in sourcing and distributing premium ingredients with a strong focus on truffles, a symbol of Italian culinary excellence and of course a proud product of my home region Marche. Beyond truffles our business is about connecting chefs, hospitality professionals and food enthusiasts and building trusted relationships.
Q3 Three words to describe yourself?
Bubbly, Passionate and Stubborn.
Q4 Ideal Customer?
My ideal customer is someone who values quality, authenticity and personal connection. A loyal and happy customer!
Q5 Biggest achievement?
Earning the trust of some of the most renowned chefs, restaurants and luxury hotels in London.
minutes with ...
Simone Stronati CEO and founder Markets Italia
Q6 Biggest gripe?
When people cut corners on quality, it's also very frustrating when you are judged only on price, rather than the true value and story behind the products we offer.
Q7 Your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from a deep love for food, tradition, and my roots…the family.
Q8 Philosophy in Business?
Uncompromising quality and a genuine passion for what we do.
Q9 Sporting Hero?
It has to be Alessandro Del Piero, former captain of Juventus.
Q10 Biggest tip for success?
Always give 100% of yourself in everything you do, and never give up especially when things get tough.
❛❛ Biggest Gripe? When people cut corners on quality, it's also very frustrating when you are judged only on price, rather than the true value and story behind the products we offer.
Struggling to Make Let’s Fix That.
A Track Record of Excellence
Sense of Your Growth?
At Lanop Business & Tax Advisors, we help ambitious £0.5M – £10M turnover companies navigate growth with expert-led financial strategy, smart tax planning, and hands-on Virtual Finance Director (VFD) support.
Whether you're building a finance function from scratch, preparing to raise funds, or just want better visibility on performance, we act as your CFO without the full-time cost.
