spotlight focus - park royal
Ealing becomes a Borough of Sanctuary Ealing Council has been awarded Borough of Sanctuary status by the City of Sanctuary organisation in recognition of its work to welcome and support people fleeing war and persecution.
Council Leader Peter Mason said: “Ealing is home to one of the most diverse communities in the UK and has a history of welcoming people. “Our seven towns tell the story of countless generations of families who have made the move to our great city, whether seeking out a better life or fleeing from war or persecution. By becoming a Borough of Sanctuary, we set out our commitment to create a place for people who are fleeing violence and persecution.” Blerina Hashani, the council’s Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, added: “I am proud that we can officially call ourselves a Borough of Sanctuary. The accreditation is a recognition of all the amazing work already being done to support sanctuary seekers in the borough who are looking for safety and a new start.” Among the refugees who shared their experiences was Layla, a mother-of-four who has made her home in the borough since fleeing the civil war in Syria in 2018 with her
family. Layla is now training as a Teaching Assistant and volunteers as an Ealing Council Community Champion and as a mentor to support other Syrian refugees. She said: “I often witness refugees achieving remarkable things as they strive to rebuild better lives for themselves and their families. This is important because there is always something missing when you begin again in a new country. I think that with resilience and kindness, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society for those seeking sanctuary.”
Empowering business growth through financial expertise By Elsa Caleb. Elsa Caleb Ltd and Director of West London Chambers
The Forge@ParkRoyal is a business support, recruitment and upskilling service dedicated to supporting businesses and connecting them with a local talent pool of jobseekers in Brent, Ealing and Hammersmith & Fulham. It offers bespoke support through a panel of specialists in marketing, finance, business operations, and specific advice for creative and food manufacturing sectors. Elsa Caleb is one of five specialists that were commissioned by the The Forge to deliver support to local businesses. Elsa is a Financial Specialist, and her role focuses on strengthening businesses by addressing financial and operational challenges, paving the way for long-term growth and success. She has supported a range of
Elsa Caleb
businesses, from startups to well-established enterprises. Elsa’s expertise lies in guiding businesses through funding processes, offering tailored advice for securing loans, grants, and sponsorships. She assists in preparing financial forecasts, cash flow analyses, and business models to help businesses present strong cases to potential funders. Moreover, Elsa advises businesses on the importance of legal frameworks. She guides them through changes in company status and clarifies the responsibilities of different legal structures, enabling informed decisionmaking. Startups benefit from her guidance on market research, marketing strategies, and financial planning, building a robust foundation for their ventures. For established businesses, she optimises operational procedures, identifies expansion opportunities, and creates sustainable business models. Working with The Forge, Elsa combines workshops, personalised sessions, and strategic planning to address current business issues while promoting sustainable growth. The solutions equip businesses to compete in the market and achieve future success. Elsa’s dynamic and impactful role not only fosters business resilience but also contributes significantly to organisational success.
“Our seven towns tell the story of countless generations of families who have made the move to our great city, whether seeking out a better life or fleeing from war or persecution. By becoming a Borough of Sanctuary, we set out our commitment to create a place for people who are fleeing violence and persecution.” Council Leader Peter Mason
18
let’s talkbusiness