Lets Talk Business August 26

talkbusiness

Marta Gajewska

Welcome to the Summer edition of Let’s Talk Business.

What a day, the day the King attended a joint event with our Chamber to promote trade with Jordan, attended by the King of Jordan.

In this summer issue, we also link educators and apprentice employers to help more young people into employment and support our members’ businesses to grow. Grow locally and internationally with better skills, more securely and with confidence.

Our Big Interview is with Marta Gajewska of West Thames College who talks about shaping skills for West London’s future. We feature an article on procurement and how SMEs can gain

Enquiries

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ground in public procurement.

An update on Hounslow’s Heart BID six months in and all the news from across our boroughs.

Please book for our Ealing Festival of Business in October and look out for our Business awards in November, which are setting record levels of applications, up 25% on last year’s record year.

I hope you enjoy the read

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Chief Executive Officer, West London Chambers of Commerce

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Media No. 2169

Published August 2026

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Features

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SMEs gain ground in public procurement – but a twospeed system persists

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are gaining momentum in public sector procurement, but the latest Tussell and British Chambers of Commerce SME Procurement Tracker 2026 shows that progress is far from evenly distributed.

The headline figure is encouraging. In 2025, SMEs secured 21 per cent of direct public sector procurement spend, equivalent to £45.2 billion – the highest proportion recorded in six years. After a prolonged period of stagnation, this marks a clear upward shift and signals renewed opportunity for smaller businesses looking to access Government contracts.

Yet beneath the headline, a more uneven picture emerges, one that highlights a widening divide between high-performing Local Authorities and a Central Government system still struggling to keep pace.

The scale of SME involvement is significant. In 2025 alone, 137,191 SME suppliers invoiced the public sector, accounting for 77 per cent of all suppliers engaged. This underlines the critical role smaller businesses already play in delivering public services and supporting supply chains.

The two-percentage-point rise in spend represents a break from recent stalling performance. According to the report, this reflects growing policy momentum alongside increased recognition of SMEs as agile, innovative partners.

However, the topline numbers mask deep structural imbalances across the public sector.

Local Government remains the standout performer, continuing to set the benchmark for SME engagement. In 2025, Local

Authorities directed 34 per cent of procurement spend to SMEs, which is significantly higher than any other buyer type, amounting to £29.1 billion.

Importantly, this is not a one-off spike. Both the proportion and total value of SME spend have risen consistently since 2020, pointing to sustained change rather than short-term gains.

A key driver has been increasing demand within Health and Social Care. As Local Authorities face mounting pressure to deliver essential services, SMEs, which are often embedded in their communities, are well placed to respond quickly and flexibly. There is also clear evidence that procurement is being used more strategically to support regional economies. Councils are increasingly prioritising locally based SMEs, widening the gap between spend on local versus non-local suppliers. In contrast, Central Government departments continue to lag. Despite the introduction of new three-year SME spending targets, performance remains well below expectations.

The scale of SME involvement is significant. In 2025 alone, 137,191 SME suppliers invoiced the public sector, accounting for 77 per cent of all suppliers engaged. This underlines the critical role smaller businesses already play in delivering public services and supporting supply chains.

Key SME procurement figures (2025)

77% of suppliers invoicing the public sector were SMEs (137,191 SME suppliers)

£45.2bn was spent by the public sector directly with SMEs

On average, departments are 8.4 percentage points short of their targets, a significant gap within a limited timeframe. More concerning is the longerterm trend: Central Government’s share of SME procurement has declined since 2020, suggesting deeper structural challenges remain unresolved.

The NHS presents a similarly subdued picture, with SME participation holding at around 10 per cent, reinforcing the sense of a two-speed procurement landscape.

The report warns that without “concerted action”, many departments are unlikely to meet their targets. This raises questions about whether current procurement models, often characterised by large, complex contracts, are limiting SME access.

Contract size is a central issue. SMEs tend to perform best where contract values are lower and barriers to entry are reduced. In contrast, sectors such as IT, waste management and defence, where large, bundled contracts dominate, remain difficult to access directly.

Tussell points to contract fragmentation as a solution, arguing that breaking projects into smaller lots would make them more accessible. This aligns with wider evidence that procurement design, rather than

21% of direct public sector spend was with SMEs

reform is still needed to create a level playing field.

Ultimately, the SME Procurement Tracker 2026 reflects a system in transition. Progress is evident, particularly at the local level, but there remains significant work to be done.

As Tussell founder Gus Tugendhat notes, meaningful improvement will require a willingness to “back smaller suppliers” and rethink long-standing procurement practices.

supplier capability, is often the primary barrier to SME participation.

The introduction of departmental SME targets signals renewed ambition, but the gap between policy and delivery remains.

While frameworks exist to encourage SME engagement, procurement in practice often favours incumbents. Risk aversion, administrative complexity and limited capacity all contribute to slower change, particularly within central departments. As the report highlights, one of the most effective ways to increase SME participation is reducing average tender values, an approach already embedded in Local Government. Replicating this more widely could prove critical in closing the gap.

For SMEs, the outlook is mixed. Opportunities are growing, and a £45 billion market presents substantial potential. However, access remains uneven, and success depends on navigating procurement complexity, building relationships and targeting accessible sectors.

Initiatives such as the British Chambers of Commerce’s Great British Supply Chain project are helping to bridge this gap by connecting SMEs with major infrastructure opportunities. However, broader systemic

For policymakers, the priority is clear: turn ambition into outcomes. For procurement teams, the challenge is embedding SME-friendly approaches into everyday practice. And for SMEs, the message is one of cautious optimism: opportunities are expanding, but persistence remains key. In a challenging economic climate, public procurement has the potential to act as a powerful engine for SME growth. The question is whether the system can evolve quickly enough to unlock that potential at scale.

“The tracker confirms what we see every day through Branduin’s Fit To Bid® programme delivery for Local Authorities across London and the South East: SMEs thrive when procurement is designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. Local Authorities are demonstrating that smaller, well‑structured contracts unlock real competition and better outcomes. Yet SMEs still face two persistent barriers – oversized, bundled contracts and procurement processes that unintentionally favour incumbents. If we want a genuinely level playing field, the next phase of reform must prioritise breaking contracts into relevant, low‑value work packages and adopting simpler, more proportionate tendering.”

Nauzar Manekshaw Managing Director – Branduin

Inspiring the next generation of data centre talent

by Emma Fryer Director Public Policy Europe

Data centres underpin our daily lives. They enable the digital services we rely on every day, from supermarket logistics to weather forecasting.

As digital demand continues to grow, so does the need for data centres - and a skilled workforce to design, build and operate them. In addition to the engineering and technology roles that are usually associated with this industry, data centres rely on a vast range of additional specialisms, from acoustic modellers to ecologists. But the industry is still facing a growing talent shortage, partially due to widespread lack of awareness of the career paths that the sector offers. The 2026 EPI Global Data Center Survey validates this issue, with 87% of employers reporting that hiring has become significantly harder

For many students, a career in the data centre sector may not be something they have considered, simply because they are unaware of the breadth of opportunities available within the industry. So to bridge this gap we regularly work with universities and schools and engage with students directly. We manage workshops and run tours of our data centre sites to ensure young people can see for themselves how the internet really works and are aware of the different career paths available.

Our most recent engagement saw over 160 sixth-form students from Featherstone High School in Southall spend a morning learning about the sector. Southall is where we are in the pre-development stage for our newest proposed UK data centre. The event, which took place in April, aimed to introduce students to the industry and familiarise them with some of the job opportunities available, while fostering community ties and challenging stereotypes about traditional paths in maths and science.

Students were divided into small groups and took part in quick-fire quizzes to explore – and debunk- some of the most prevalent

myths about data centres, the internet and the sector’s water and energy use. They also participated in interactive sessions and hands-on reasoning and decision-making tasks where they had to design a data centre that integrated successfully with its host community. These activities provided insight into real-world technology careers and we hope this will spark inspiration and help us build a local talent pipeline for future employment. The design task also depended on collaboration and teamwork; demonstrating that success isn’t just about individual brilliance but relies on people working together effectively.

Nathan Walters, Executive Headteacher at Featherstone Highschool said, “The proposal to provide a hyperscale data center will provide a significant number of skilled jobs on the currently under-utilised brownfield site. The multiplier effect will undoubtedly lead to further jobs being created within the local community. Many of these jobs will be accessible to students leaving Featherstone High School and will help ensure that they do not become part of the ever-growing cohort of young people in London who are not in employment, education or training.”

The data centre sector is a buoyant, fast growing industry that is stimulating growth and employment throughout a large, complex and high-value supply chain. There are jobs in architecture, graphic design, carbon accounting, arboriculture, hydrology, biodiversity, professional services, security, and community liaison – to name just a few - in addition to construction and operation. Most importantly, it’s a sector that is evolving rapidly as technology changes – the first job I had – pressing vinyl records – no longer exists, and the job I have now didn’t exist when I left college. So it’s critical that we maintain this dialogue to keep our future workforce up to date with the opportunities awaiting them.

Images courtesy of CyrusOne

CyrusOne

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Brentford FC success at national awards

Specialist events and hospitality teams from more than 70 football, rugby cricket and athletics venues across the UK came together to recognise and celebrate their ‘off the pitch’ successes at The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2026.

These accolades recognise the dedication and hard work of the catering, conference, and event teams across the UK’s leading sporting venues.

The sold-out event welcomed over 500 industry professionals representing conference and events, matchday hospitality, chef teams, public catering, operational departments and senior management from stadium venues across the country.

The hard work off the pitch at Brentford Football Club matches the hard work the players are committing on the pitch and this has resulted in this being recognised at the awards. Not only was the football club the overall winner of the Non-Matchday Sales & Marketing Team of the Year Award but they also received two further silver runner up awards within the matchday hospitality award categories.

WINNER: Non-Matchday Sales & Marketing Team of the Year Award

SILVER: Matchday Hospitality Award –Medium Stadium

SILVER: Overall Matchday Hospitality Award

The Non-Matchday Sales & Marketing Team of the Year Award recognises the very best non-matchday sales and marketing team in UK stadium venues. Winners demonstrate strategies for growth, new ideas for unique

and different events, creative use of their spaces, and overcoming challenges.

The Matchday Hospitality Awards are judged by experienced chef and hospitality experts who are part of chef industry associations such as The British Culinary Federation, Craft Guild of Chefs and more. Judges visit each venue to experience their full matchday offering. This award is split into 3 categories (small, medium and large) based on the number of hospitality seats on a matchday to compare similar sized matchday operations.

Stadium Experience Chair, Collette Salmon, commented:

“Every year, these awards remind us of the extraordinary talent that exists throughout the stadium events and hospitality industry. It is a privilege to bring so many professionals together to celebrate success, share best practice and recognise the hard work that often takes place behind the scenes. We are immensely proud of all this year’s finalists and winners.”

The Hammersmith Belle now has hotel rooms

Operated by Belle Pubs & Restaurants, The Hammersmith Belle reopened in November 2024 following a significant three-phase restoration programme.

And now in 2026 there are 13 glorious hotel rooms, for which bookings are going extremely well. The Hammersmith Belle stands as a premium neighbourhood destination, offering exceptional hospitality, stylish interiors, outstanding live sport, versatile event spaces, a dedicated darts lounge, a family beer garden with children’s play area.

The addition of the boutique hotel has strengthened the business by increasing footfall and generating additional food and beverage revenue. The bedrooms names are inspired by precious gemstones and include single, twin and family accommodation offering comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, daily housekeeping and competitive rates, with breakfast included.

The business is led by an experienced General Manager, supported by a team of 13 highly trained employees under the guidance of the Managing Director, whose family has deep roots in Hammersmith & Fulham. Continuous investment in recruitment, training and employee wellbeing has created a positive

workplace culture, resulting in an impressive staff retention rate of 80%—well above the industry average.

Trading seven days a week, The Belle serves breakfast, lunch and dinner using fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients delivered daily and prepared in a semi-open kitchen. Success has been built on genuine hospitality and a hands-on, traditional management style. By engaging personally with guests creating lasting relationships, the venue welcomes approximately 1,500 customers each week, including local residents, families, office workers, sports fans, tourists and corporate groups.

www.bellepubsandrestaurants.co.uk

Sam’s Waterside, Brentford — A new local for West London business

Set in the heart of The Brentford Project, right on the water, Sam’s Waterside is fast becoming the go-to spot for local businesses — for client lunches, team catch-ups, or simply a well-earned break between meetings.

We’re proud to support fellow West London businesses in how we source: working directly with Phoenix Farm and Chiswick House Gardens for seasonal produce picked at its peak. It keeps our menu fresh and full of flavour, and keeps our supply chain right here on our doorstep.

It’s great value too: our set menu is one of the best value in West London, £20 for two courses and £25 for three. And we now offer our breakfast deal during the weekdays. Fresh juice, eggs on toast, and a coffee for just £10, plus the perfect spot to work or hold a meeting.

We’re evolving too, with curry nights and steak nights launching soon — ideal for informal team dinners or catching up with contacts over something a little different. Need somewhere for a bigger occasion?

Our restaurant is available for private events; client entertaining, team celebrations and product launches or gatherings, with our terrace and bar offering a setting your guests won’t forget.

Our terrace is one of Brentford’s bestkept secrets — a relaxed, riverside spot to network, unwind, or entertain clients without leaving West London.

Come and see what makes Sam’s Waterside special: locally sourced food, warm hospitality, and a setting built for curating business relationships locally.

Ready to book a table, plan a private event, or arrange a business lunch? Visit us at Sam’s Waterside in Brentford — we’d love to welcome you and your team.  www.samswaterside.co.uk

Supporting horticulture, community and excellence at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

One of the great privileges of my role as a Trustee of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is the opportunity to support an organisation that inspires millions of people to garden, grow and connect with nature. The RHS is a gardening charity that plays a vital role in education, scientific research, community engagement and promoting the wellbeing benefits that gardens and green spaces bring to our lives.

As a Trustee, I help provide strategic oversight and governance, ensuring the charity remains focused on its mission while continuing to evolve and reach new audiences. It is a fascinating role that allows me to work alongside passionate and talented people who are dedicated to making gardening accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

A highlight of the RHS calendar is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The show is an important charitable fundraiser for the RHS and is recognised around the world as the pinnacle of horticultural excellence. Every year, the show demonstrates not only

incredible creativity and craftsmanship but also the growing importance of sustainability, biodiversity and green infrastructure in our communities.

This year, I had the pleasure of welcoming colleagues from Berkeley Homes’ Green Quarter to RHS Chelsea and accompanying them around the show. It was a wonderful opportunity to explore the many inspirational gardens and exhibits on display while sharing ideas and strengthening local relationships. For Berkeley Homes, whose developments increasingly recognise the importance of high-quality green spaces, RHS Chelsea offers valuable inspiration. From innovative, climateresilient planting schemes and balcony gardens to sustainable landscaping approaches, there was much to discuss and learn. The conversations throughout the visit reinforced how important well-designed outdoor spaces are in creating places where people want to live, work and thrive.

What I particularly enjoy about hosting visitors at Chelsea is seeing their reactions to the creativity, ambition and attention to detail that make the show so special. It is also an opportunity to highlight the broader work of the RHS and the positive impact horticulture can have on health, wellbeing and the environment.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show remains one of the UK’s most celebrated events, and I am proud to play a small part in supporting the organisation behind it. Sharing the experience with like-minded partners such as Berkeley Homes makes it even more rewarding and demonstrates the important connection between horticulture, placemaking and thriving communities.

Sally Smith was very pleased to introduce Jags Sanghera of Berkeley Homes to Ruth – the power of connections via West London Chambers!

Yakult UK relocates London headquarters to Chiswick’s Power Road Studios

Yakult UK has relocated its London headquarters to Power Road Studios in Chiswick, marking a significant milestone for the business as it enters its 30th year operating in the UK.

The move sees Yakult take up residence in a revitalised workspace designed to better support its current operational needs, offering a modern, functional environment that encourages more collaborative ways of working. After many years at West Ruislip, its new 3,200 sq ft office is now home to the company’s London team and is secured on a long-term lease.

Power Road Studios, which forms part of Feldberg Capital’s Akoya venture, is a refurbished 1930s former factory that has been transformed into a creative and sustainable campus. The scheme has become a standout destination for forward-thinking occupiers seeking high-quality, characterful workspace in West London. The campus offers occupier amenities including an on-site café

and gym, alongside landscaped external areas across the wider estate.

Yakult UK’s relocation reflects growing confidence in London’s office market, particularly in West London, where Chiswick is fast becoming a high-growth global business hub. The area is attracting a strong mix of established multinational brands as well as start-ups, supported by ongoing local investment and infrastructure improvements. The relocation also coincides with a leadership transition, with Shinji Yamaguchi recently appointed as Managing Director of Yakult UK & Ireland, succeeding Hiroaki Yoshimura, who has taken on the role of Managing Director of Yakult Europe at the company’s European headquarters in the Netherlands. Since entering the European market in 1993, the company has been at the forefront of introducing the concept of gut health to consumers across the region.

Shinji Yamaguchi, MD of Yakult UK and Ireland, comments: “Relocating to Power Road Studios marks an exciting new chapter for Yakult UK operations. The space reflects how we work today: more collaborative, more

flexible and better connected. As we celebrate 30 years in the UK, this move demonstrates our continued commitment to growth, innovation and investing in our people and operations in the country .”

Rebecca Hore, Associate Director, Asset Management, Feldberg Capital, comments: “Yakult’s decision to relocate to Power Road Studios underlines the strength of demand for high-quality, design-led workspace in wellconnected west London locations. Our Studio 5 development delivers new build, high quality office space with ESG at the heart of the design to ensure we are meeting the evolving needs of modern occupiers. We are very excited for Yakult to join our ever-growing campus.”

Sally Smith, COO West London Chambers of Commerce comments:

We are really pleased to welcome Yakult to Chiswick and west London. They have chosen a great borough in which to be based, with a proactive Council with regard to business, great transport links and probably the most active Chamber of Commerce! We are very much looking forward to working with Yakult.

L to R: Jags Sanghera - Head of Business and Community Engagement, Jessica LewisGroup Head of Sustainable Places , Ruth Willmott –Small business owner and RHS Trustee

West Thames College: Shaping skills for West London’s future

One year into her role as CEO and Principal, Marta Gajewska reflects on strengthening employer partnerships, embracing innovation and preparing learners for a rapidly changing economy.

Across West London, businesses are facing growing demand for skilled people as the economy continues to evolve. One year into leading West Thames College, CEO and Principal Marta Gajewska is focused on equipping learners with the knowledge, confidence and adaptability employers need while strengthening partnerships that will help shape the region’s future. At the heart of that ambition lies an important question: where will tomorrow’s workforce come from?

“Our role is to prepare learners not only for today’s jobs, but for careers that may look very different in five or ten years’ time,” she says. “Building on the College’s Outstanding Ofsted judgement and strong track record, we have continued to strengthen our partnerships with employers and ensure our students leave with the knowledge, confidence and adaptability they need to succeed.”

The West London Local Skills Improvement Plan identifies construction, transport and logistics, engineering, health and green industries as priority sectors where demand for skilled people continues to grow. Marta says these findings reinforce what she hears in conversations with employers across the region.

“Listening comes first,” she explains. “Before we develop new provision or adapt existing programmes, we spend time understanding what employers need now and what they anticipate needing in the future. That dialogue helps ensure our students develop the skills businesses are genuinely looking for.”

Working in partnership with business

Over the past year, West Thames College has strengthened employer engagement through initiatives that connect businesses with emerging talent. Aspire 2026, the College’s flagship careers event, brought together more than 50 employers and around

1,400 students, creating opportunities for learners to explore career pathways, build professional networks and gain valuable insight into a wide range of industries. National Apprenticeship Week further reinforced those relationships, highlighting the opportunities apprenticeships create for both employers and learners.

Employer partnerships extend well beyond individual events. Through Employer Advisory Boards, curriculum development, work placements, apprenticeships, guest speakers and industry projects, businesses play an active role in shaping education while students gain meaningful workplace experience.

“The strongest partnerships are built when education and industry work together,”

Marta says. “Businesses understand the challenges they are facing and colleges understand how to develop talent. When those two perspectives come together, everyone benefits, particularly our students.” That collaboration is evident at the College’s Skills and Logistics Centre in Feltham, where students learn in industry standard facilities shaped by employer input. This year the College hosted Understanding Logistics, bringing together organisations including Royal Mail, Evri, TVS Supply Chain Solutions and the National Institute of Couriers. Women in Logistics also celebrated female role models across the sector, helping inspire more women to consider careers in logistics and supply chain management.

Preparing students for success

Alongside technical expertise, employers increasingly value communication, resilience, teamwork and problem solving. Marta believes developing these qualities is just as important as building vocational knowledge.

“Employers consistently tell us they value confidence, resilience, communication and problem solving alongside technical ability,” she says. “Our responsibility is to help students develop both, so they leave us ready to contribute from their very first day in employment.”

Through careers events, employer engagement, work placements and industry projects, students develop the practical experience, confidence and professionalism that employers expect.

This year also saw the opening of the new Independence Hub, providing specialist facilities that support young people with high needs to develop independence, confidence and employability skills. It reflects the College’s belief that every learner should have access to meaningful opportunities and clear progression routes.

Partnerships that deliver results

These relationships continue to grow across aviation, logistics, construction, engineering, healthcare and professional services, giving students valuable workplace experience while enabling businesses to influence future skills development.

As an active patron of the West London Chambers of Commerce, West Thames College works alongside the Chamber to support initiatives that strengthen connections between education and business, including the West London Festival of Business and the Regeneration Conference.

“Employers are not simply supporting education,” Marta explains. “They are helping to shape the talent they will need in the years ahead. That collaboration ensures students gain relevant experience while businesses have the opportunity to influence the skills being developed.”

The College’s commitment to employer engagement has also been acknowledged nationally. Earlier this year, it was named a finalist in the Association of Colleges Beacon Awards for Excellence in Careers

and Enterprise, reflecting its success in supporting learners into employment and building strong links with industry.

For Marta, however, the true measure of success lies elsewhere.

“Awards are encouraging because they reflect the hard work of our staff, students and partners,” she says. “What matters most is the impact we have on people’s lives and the difference we make to employers and our local communities.”

Looking ahead

As West London continues to grow, education providers have an increasingly important role to play in helping businesses respond to changing economic demands and future skills shortages.

There is also a clear invitation for employers to become part of that journey. Whether through apprenticeships, work placements, curriculum development, guest lectures or strategic partnerships, businesses have much to gain from working more closely with education.

“Colleges and employers achieve far more when they work together,” she says.

“We want to build partnerships that create opportunities for learners while helping businesses develop the skilled people they need. Investing in skills is one of the most important investments any organisation can make, not only for its own future but for the prosperity of the wider community.”

As West London’s economy continues to evolve, West Thames College remains committed to working alongside employers to develop the skilled, adaptable workforce the region needs. Through initiatives such as Aspire 2026, National Apprenticeship Week, Understanding Logistics and Women in Logistics, together with longstanding partnerships across the business community, the College is helping shape the next generation of talent for West London. The College welcomes opportunities to work with organisations that share its commitment to developing skills, supporting learners and strengthening the region’s economy. Whether through apprenticeships, work placements, curriculum collaboration or employer engagement, businesses are encouraged to get in touch to explore how they can become part of that journey.

Businesses understand the challenges they are facing and colleges understand how to develop talent. When those two perspectives come together, everyone benefits, particularly our students.”

PinkSEO Founder invited to Downing Street reception celebrating UK small businesses

In June, Silvia Del Corso, founder of Isleworth-based SEO agency PinkSEO, was invited to a reception at No. 11 Downing Street after PinkSEO was shortlisted as a finalist in the national “Digital Star” category at The Small Awards 2026.

The Downing Street reception brought together inspiring small business owners to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Small Awards and recognise the resilience and innovation driving the UK’s small business community.

Organised by Small Business Britain, The Small Awards celebrate outstanding small businesses across the UK and recognise their contribution to the economy, employment, and local communities.

PinkSEO was shortlisted in recognition of the digital impact and measurable results it delivers for clients, helping businesses get found online, attract more qualified enquiries, and grow through search engines and AI search tools. During the evening, Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP met with guests and spoke about the crucial role small businesses play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening communities.

For Silvia, the evening was both inspiring and deeply personal.

Originally from Tuscany, Silvia moved to the UK ten years ago and built PinkSEO from scratch. What began as a one-woman consultancy has grown into a multi-award-winning specialist agency with a team of eight, supporting businesses across the UK, Europe and the USA, particularly in sectors where trust, credibility, and visibility directly influence business growth. Reflecting on the event, Silvia said: “Meeting so many inspiring business owners was incredibly motivating. Despite working in different industries, many of us shared similar challenges and a strong commitment to making a positive difference. As someone who moved to the UK and built a business from the ground up, being invited to Downing Street felt surreal and deeply rewarding.”

What a vintage bicycle can teach us about leadership

by Ash Sanjenbam, Founder of Kingfisher SEC

As business leaders, we often talk about resilience, determination and pushing boundaries. We discuss growth strategies, performance targets and overcoming obstacles. Yet some of the most valuable leadership lessons are learned far away from the boardroom.

Recently, I took part in the Red Bull Goni Pony Challenge in Slovenia. The challenge is deceptively simple: ride a vintage Pony bicycle with no gears up the famous Vršič Pass, climbing more than 800 metres over 14 kilometres of relentless mountain road. For me, the climb took 1 hour and 43 minutes.What struck me most was not the physical effort, although that was considerable. It was the mental battle. Every rider faced the same mountain, the same gradients and the same discomfort. There was no shortcut, no advanced technology and no easy way out. Success depended entirely on determination, discipline and the willingness to keep moving forward, one pedal stroke at a time.

In many ways, business is no different. Every organisation faces its own mountain. Economic uncertainty, staffing challenges, increased competition and changing customer expectations can often feel overwhelming. Yet success rarely comes from avoiding difficulty. It comes from developing the resilience to keep progressing when conditions become tough.

Crossing the finish line was an incredibly proud moment. Not because of the time achieved, but because of what it represented. Thousands of riders of different ages, backgrounds and abilities came together to test themselves, support one another and achieve something difficult.

Looking around at fellow riders, I saw the same mixture of exhaustion, relief and pride. The challenge was individual, but the achievement felt collective. It reminded me that when people embrace challenge rather than avoid it, remarkable things become possible.

Looking back, the experience was never really about cycling. It was about discovering what lies on the other side of self-doubt, discomfort and perseverance. It was about proving that limits are often far greater in our minds than in reality.

As leaders, business owners and professionals, perhaps we should all ask ourselves: when was the last time we deliberately chose a challenge that tested who we are, not just what we do?

Pain is temporary. Results are forever.

New logo for Ealing Council

Ealing Council has a new logo which will be seen across all its services and communications.

The council decided it was time for a new logo because the old logo had been used for decades, with only minor alterations over the years, however, it was no longer fit for purpose. It did not meet national accessibility standards that the council is required to follow and predated the development of digital media.

The new logo is still a tree, maintaining a link to the borough’s historic coat of arms. It has been created to have seven components, reflecting the seven towns in the borough. The distinctive ‘fingerprint’ shape reflects that, while the council supports those distinct seven towns and their communities,

it also believes in respecting the individuality of each of the people it serves. The wording has also changed from ‘Ealing’ to ‘London Borough of Ealing’ to reflect the whole borough, rather one town or just the council.

A key requirement of the new brand was that it should be produced and introduced at minimal cost, so it was developed by the council’s own design team. And all signs, and logos on equipment and council vehicles, will only be replaced on an as-and-when basis –for example, when a vehicle lease comes to an end.

TechStart and Justice for All:

Creating opportunities through meaningful engagement

Over the past year, the Justice for All series has become one of the most thought-provoking public discussion programmes. Hosted at the Old Bailey and led by the Sheriffs and Recorder of the City of London the series brought together senior judges, government ministers, legal professionals, business leaders, academics, charities and those with lived experience to explore a fundamental question: why does justice for all make economic sense?

Across five events, the series examined some of the most important issues facing society today, including the rule of law, access to justice, support for victims, rehabilitation and reducing reoffending, and the future funding of justice services. The discussions highlighted the critical role that an effective justice system plays in creating safer communities, supporting economic growth and maintaining public confidence in institutions.

Behind the scenes, TechStart has been proud to support in delivering the series.

Founded by entrepreneur Sam Liu, TechStart exists to create meaningful opportunities for young people through real-world projects, professional development and exposure to influential networks. The Justice for All series has been a powerful example of that mission in action.

Working alongside the Sheriff’s team, TechStart supported the development of the Justice for All website, communications and event delivery. In doing so, young professionals were given the opportunity to contribute directly to a major public affairs initiative while developing practical skills in digital communications, project management and event operations.

The impact, however, extended far beyond the logistics of delivering events.

Through their involvement, young people gained access to experiences that would ordinarily take years to encounter. They attended events in the historic surroundings of the Old Bailey, heard from senior ministers and leading figures from across the justice sector, and observed first-hand how complex policy discussions are conducted and how partnerships are built to address major social challenges.

For Sam Liu, creating these opportunities has always been central to TechStart’s purpose.

“One of TechStart’s core beliefs is that young people learn best when they are trusted with real responsibility,” he says. “Supporting the Justice for All series has given our team the opportunity to work alongside senior figures from law, government, business and the voluntary sector while contributing to a project of genuine public importance. Seeing young people engage directly with these discussions at the Old Bailey has been incredibly rewarding.”

The legacy of the series extends far beyond the events themselves. It has forged new partnerships, encouraged important conversations and generated fresh thinking about the challenges facing the justice system. It has also demonstrated how organisations from different sectors can work together to create opportunities for the next generation.

As a Director of the West London Chamber of Commerce, Sam Liu’s involvement in the series reflects the Chamber’s commitment to helping young people access employment opportunities and encouraging employers to play an active role in supporting their local communities.

For TechStart, supporting the Justice for All series has been about more than helping to deliver a programme of events. It has been about creating opportunities for young people to participate in important conversations, develop valuable skills and become active contributors to initiatives that shape the future of society.

Supporting the Justice for All series has given our team the opportunity to work alongside senior figures from law, government, business and the voluntary sector while contributing to a project of genuine public importance.”

Sam Liu founder of TechStart

Photo by Andy Green

L to R: Becca Smith, Prof. Arad Reisberg (Brunel University), Elsa Caleb (Chair) , Blanche Andreani-Slee and Alan Rides (CEO)

focus on hounslow

Opportunity Hounslow: Moving into delivery

by Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council

There is real momentum across Hounslow. From the Golden Mile London and Future Feltham to improvements in town centres and neighbourhoods, investment is helping to shape the borough’s future.

The priority now is ensuring that growth delivers lasting benefits for residents, businesses and communities in every part of Hounslow.

As projects move from planning into delivery, Hounslow has been sharing this story with investors, businesses and partners across the UK and internationally, helping to position the borough as London’s Borough of Opportunity.

Earlier this year at MIPIM, Hounslow launched the vision for Golden Mile London, a £7.5 billion programme that will create up to 14,000 new homes and 25,000 jobs while transforming the Great West Road into a world leading Creative-Tech Innovation District. Endorsed by Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, the launch showcased one of London’s most significant innovation and growth opportunities and generated strong interest from investors and partners.

At UKREiiF, the focus shifted from vision to delivery. Through the Opportunity Hounslow programme, the Council highlighted progress across major projects including Brentford Works, 980 Great West Road, Future Feltham and the London Motorsport Campus. Among them, Future Feltham was showcased as one of West London’s most significant

regeneration opportunities. Backed by a pioneering partnership between Hounslow Council, the Ministry of Defence and the Greater London Authority, the £950 million programme will deliver around 3,000 homes and 9,000 jobs while transforming the MoD site into a new green, intergenerational neighbourhood. Together, these projects demonstrate the scale of opportunity across the borough and the progress already being made.

The conversation will continue at the London Real Estate Forum in September, where Hounslow will showcase progress across regeneration, economic growth,

housing and infrastructure, including plans for the proposed West London Orbital and the emerging West London Regional Park Partnership, while continuing to build the partnerships needed to unlock future growth. In October, Opportunity Hounslow will bring that conversation home. The conference will bring together investors, developers, businesses, community organisations, cultural partners and public sector leaders to explore the future of the borough.

Built around five themes – Live, Work, Visit, Invest and Grow – the event will focus on how Hounslow can deliver growth that benefits residents, businesses and communities alike. It will also see the launch of the Opportunity Hounslow Ambassadors Programme, bringing together organisations and local champions to promote the borough, attract investment and strengthen civic pride. By working together, residents, businesses and partners can help ensure the benefits of growth are felt across the whole borough.

Golden Mile London Vision at UKREIIF 2026

The Golden Mile London Vision was showcased at UKREIIF this May, marking a significant milestone in the effort to transform one of West London’s most strategically important economic corridors into a globally competitive Creative-Tech Innovation District.

by Adam Shepherd Vision and Planning Director ARELI Developments Ltd

The Vision sets out a bold but grounded ambition for the district, framed around five delivery themes: establishing clear governance and partnership structures; upgrading infrastructure to support future growth; creating distinctive, mixed-use neighbourhoods; scaling the creative technology ecosystem; and improving the environmental quality and identity of the corridor. The accompanying prospectus, released at the event, sets out a programme of transformation with the potential to deliver up to 14,000 new homes, 25,000 jobs and approximately £7.5 billion in public and private investment.

The event was hosted by the Golden Mile Business and Developers Forum - a publicprivate partnership between the London Borough of Hounslow and private sector

organisations operating along the 4km corridor between Chiswick Roundabout and Syon Lane on the A4/M4. It brought together a packed audience to hear about the future plans for the Golden Mile as London’s next major opportunity, with time set aside for questions from the floor. To support the discussion a panel of key stakeholders - drawn from development; technology innovation and place and environment leadership - was assembled to discuss what the Vision, and its drive to create a global Creative-Tech Innovation District, means for each of their respective industries. The discussion focused on the opportunities ahead and how the Vision could deliver real, beneficial change for businesses, communities and the environment.

It was clear from the discussion that the Golden Mile Vision has significant potential to build on the area’s existing strengths, be that heritage, blue and green infrastructure, skills

base or culture, and that delivery is already well under way. Examples of this included Hounslow Borough Council’s commitment of £1.15 million in seed funding through its Cabinet-approved Golden Mile Investment Framework - underlining the seriousness of intent behind the Vision, as well as major place making initiatives such as Brentford Works and the West London Orbital transport infrastructure proposals being developed. To conclude the event, the panel called on public and private partners to join the effort: to invest, collaborate and help shape what comes next in this exciting new chapter for the Golden Mile London. www.areligroup.co.uk

West London takes centre stage at UKREiiF 2026

by Majeed Neky Assistant Director - Economy, West London Alliance

West London arrived at UKREiiF 2026 with a clear message: this is one of the UK’s most exciting places to invest, innovate and grow.

Borough representatives from across the sub-region joined developers, investors, anchor institutions, and businesses in Leeds to showcase a collective vision for growth. From major regeneration schemes and infrastructure investment to world-leading innovation districts and creative industries, the strength of West London’s offer was on display throughout.

West London’s presence could be seen across the programme. Hounslow highlighted opportunities around the Golden Mile and creative technology growth, while borough leaders and partners contributed to discussions on strategic regeneration, innovation districts, transport connectivity, social value, data centres, and the future of the UK economy. Representatives from Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Barnet and Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation were among those showcasing major development and investment opportunities.

Through their “West London Voices” activity, West London Alliance (WLA) sought to bring these conversations together, highlighting the breadth of activity taking place across the sub-region and the shared themes connecting them.

A highlight of the week was WLA’s fringe reception, Connected West London (co-hosted by WSP), which brought together senior public and private sector figures to launch the new Opportunity West London Investment Prospectus. The prospectus presents a collective offer to investors, highlighting a £70 billion economy with more than 100,000 businesses, over one-third of London’s brownfield land and some of the UK’s most significant development opportunities. Many boroughs already have, or are developing, their own investment propositions and prospectuses – including Hounslow’s established inward investment programme, Opportunity Hounslow. The West London prospectus amplifies these local offers, bringing together opportunities from across the seven boroughs while setting them within a wider story of connectivity, innovation, and growth.

At Old Oak and Park Royal, one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects, plans include 25,500 new homes and 56,000 jobs centred around the transformational arrival of HS2 at Old Oak Common. Meanwhile, Golden

Mile London in Hounslow is positioned to become the UK’s largest creative technology innovation district, attracting an estimated £7.5 billion of investment, supporting up to 25,000 jobs and delivering around 14,000 homes.

Throughout UKREiiF, partners highlighted the importance of collaboration between local authorities, investors, developers, and businesses in turning ambitious visions into deliverable projects. The discussions also reinforced West London’s unique strengths: global connectivity through Heathrow, worldclass universities and research institutions, thriving creative industries, and more than £80 billion in transport investment helping secure the area’s future growth.

As conversations move from conference halls to investment decisions, West London is increasingly speaking with one voice. UKREiiF 2026 demonstrated a connected and ambitious sub-region, with a pipeline of opportunities ready to deliver tens of thousands of homes and jobs, drive innovation, and generate billions of pounds of economic value for London and the wider UK.

We look forward to continuing those conversations at the London Real Estate Forum (LREF), where both Hounslow and West London Alliance will be showcasing the next chapter of West London’s growth story.

hounslow’s heart BID

Six months in: What Hounslow’s Heart BID does (and why you should care)

Welcome to the neighbourhood

If you’ve ever walked through a town centre and thought, “Someone really should do something about this,” — well, good news. In Hounslow, someone is. Since December 2025, Hounslow town centre has had its very own Business Improvement District, going by the rather charming name of Hounslow’s Heart BID.

But what exactly is a BID? Think of it as a neighbourhood watch, but instead of keeping an eye on suspicious characters, it’s focused on keeping streets clean, businesses thriving, and the whole town centre feeling like somewhere people actually want to be. BIDs bring local businesses together to pool resources and tackle shared challenges — from safety and cleanliness to marketing and community events. Less a scattered jumble of lease renewals and lonely lampposts, more a coordinated, purposeful neighbourhood effort.

How did we get here?

Hounslow’s Heart BID grew from genuine grassroots enthusiasm — a steering group of local business owners, West London Chambers of Commerce (formerly Hounslow Chamber of Commerce), and key stakeholders who sat down, rolled up their sleeves, and asked: what does Hounslow actually need?

Funding comes primarily from a levy of 1.75% of each business’s rateable value, collected by the London Borough of Hounslow, supplemented by grants, sponsorships, and partnerships. Think of it as the town centre’s collective piggy bank — except with a five-year strategic plan attached.

Six months in: what have we actually done?

Quite a lot, as it happens. The BID has already delivered two well-attended Business Breakfast networking events — one at Barclays Bank, another at Hounslow Arts Centre. Speakers covered a brilliantly eclectic mix of topics, from the effects of staff physical fitness on mental health, to retailer rights around self-defence and detaining suspects. Informative, practical, and — we’re told — the pain au chocolat weren’t bad either.

The BID also threw its support behind ‘Level Up’, a careers event targeting older teenagers and young adults not in education, employment, or training. Because a thriving town centre isn’t just about footfall — it’s about young people having genuine opportunities within it.

Coming up next is a fire safety campaign, helping high street businesses understand their obligations under the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022 — both pieces of legislation born from the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower disaster. It’s serious, important work, and exactly the kind of thing individual businesses often struggle to navigate alone.

The Youth Hub: our proudest project

Perhaps the most exciting development is the Youth Hub inside the Treaty Centre. From table tennis and football to DJ training and gaming tech, we’ll be creating genuinely engaging spaces for young people — practical alternatives to anti-social behaviour on the high street. With three local secondary schools releasing hundreds of teenagers onto the town centre at 3:30pm every weekday, this isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a targeted intervention that local retailers are already cheering on – after all, they are the ones at the front edge of doughnut and energy drink theft, as well as suffering the abuse and attitude.

A neighbour worth envying

Need proof that BIDs work long-term? Look no further than Hammersmith, practically next door, celebrating 20 years and £16 million invested into its town centre, with £5 million more pledged ahead. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Hammersmith should be blushing. By our second term, we aim to be like them.

Keeping

it honest

No model is perfect. BID levies can feel heavier for smaller businesses, and governance must ensure every member — national chain or single nail bar — feels genuinely heard. Transparency and inclusive decision-making aren’t optional extras; they’re the foundation everything else rests on. That is why, as manager, I regularly visit businesses on the high street and my (redtactical vested) Marshals do welfare checks literally every day.

What comes next

Hounslow’s Heart BID grew from genuine grassroots enthusiasm — a steering group of local business owners, the West London Chambers of Commerce, and key stakeholders who sat down, rolled up their sleeves, and asked: what does Hounslow actually need?

Six months in, Hounslow’s Heart BID is just warming up. As retail habits shift and sustainability moves centre stage, the vision remains clear: a town centre that’s cleaner, safer, more vibrant, and genuinely worth spending time in.

A place with, as someone once put it, a touch of neighbourhood swagger.

Bill Miller is the Manager of Hounslow’s Heart BID Limited.

Bill Miller (right) and Alan Rides – West London Chambers of Commerce (left) and Vanisree Byrepalli – Project Operations SME. (Centre). At the Arts Centre Business Breakfast.

From contract to community: Halfway through a 25-year journey

When Hounslow Highways mobilised in January 2013, the ambition was clear: to transform the borough’s infrastructure through long-term investment, innovation and partnership.

More than a decade later, and now past the halfway point of a 25-year contract, that ambition has evolved into something much greater than roads, pavements and street cleansing.

It has become a story about people place and partnership.

Since 2013, Hounslow has experienced significant growth and continues to do so. New developments, increasing demand on public services and rising expectations from residents have all reshaped the borough.

Throughout that journey, Hounslow Highways has continued to adapt, evolving from a traditional highways contractor into a service that supports the wider ambitions of the borough.

Today, our role extends far beyond maintaining infrastructure. We work alongside the London Borough of Hounslow, our local communities and businesses to help create cleaner, safer and more sustainable places where people can live, work and thrive.

What makes this contract unique is the strength of those relationships.

Over the years, the partnership between Hounslow Highways, the Council and the SPV has matured from a contractual arrangement into a genuinely collaborative relationship. Challenges are tackled collectively, successes are shared, and decisions are made with a long-term view of what is best for the borough and its residents.

That spirit of collaboration has enabled us to continually improve, innovate and adapt to changing circumstances.

“When we started this journey in 2013, the ambition was always bigger than the contract itself. It was about creating and delivering a service that could evolve with the borough—bringing together public stewardship and private sector innovation to deliver real, lasting value. What I’m most proud of is how we’ve adapted while building strong relationships with our partners, residents and communities. This isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about people, place and pride.”

One of the most significant changes over recent years has been our commitment to sustainability and innovation.

As environmental expectations have increased, we have invested heavily in making our operations greener. This includes expanding our electric fleet and introducing lower-emission plant and equipment to help reduce our environmental impact and contribute towards cleaner air across the borough.

However, sustainability is about more than vehicles. It is also about rethinking the way services are delivered.

We continue to invest in digital tools and data-led decision-making to improve how work is planned, scheduled and delivered. By digitising processes and embracing smarter systems, we are creating greater efficiency, improving accuracy and ensuring resources are deployed where they are needed most. Innovation also means being willing to challenge traditional approaches. We actively work with suppliers, innovators and startups to trial new technologies, equipment and methods that could improve service delivery. From testing smarter operational tools to exploring alternative approaches to weed management, we are constantly looking for ways to deliver better outcomes while reducing environmental impact.

While innovation and sustainability are important, what matters most is the impact we have on the communities we serve.

Beyond our day-to-day services, Hounslow Highways supports a wide range of community initiatives that create lasting social value. From community litter picks and school engagement programmes to volunteering, blood donation campaigns and inclusive employment opportunities, our people are committed to making a positive contribution across the borough.

These activities are not separate from what we do—they are part of who we are.

As we look towards the second half of the contract, the opportunities and challenges ahead are significant. The borough will continue to grow, expectations will continue to evolve and the demand for smarter, greener and more responsive services will only increase.

However, we are excited about what comes next.

The foundations built over the last thirteen years—strong partnerships, a culture of innovation, investment in sustainability and a commitment to our communities—place us in an excellent position to continue delivering for Hounslow.

Looking back, we are proud of how far we have come.

Tim Hurley, Service Director, Hounslow Highways

Our search for alternatives to chemical weed treatments is a good example of this commitment. By trialling new solutions and exploring emerging technologies, we are seeking approaches that balance operational effectiveness with our responsibility to protect the environment.

Looking forward, we remain committed to ensuring that Hounslow Highways continues to be more than a service provider.

We will continue to be a trusted partner, an innovator, a community champion and a proud contributor to the success of one of London’s most vibrant boroughs.

Earls Court partners with Imperial for action on climate change

The Earls Court Development Company and Imperial College London have announced a new partnership that will help establish Earls Court as a leading centre for climate innovation, enterprise and skills. For Earls Court, this is an important step. It connects one of central London’s largest development opportunities with one of the world’s leading universities, recently ranked first in the UK and Europe, and second globally by QS World University Rankings 2026. Imperial’s strength in science, technology, engineering, medicine and business brings deep expertise to the challenge of climate change, and creates a powerful platform for collaboration with the businesses, founders and communities that will shape the future of the area.

The partnership brings Earls Court into WestTech London, the growing innovation ecosystem connecting world-class research, local government, entrepreneurs, investors and businesses across west London. It also builds on the work of Hammersmith & Fulham Council and Imperial through Upstream London, which has helped turn White City into one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation districts.

At the heart of the partnership is the opportunity that using Earls Court as a realworld test bed for climate innovation brings to scale start-ups in this sector. The 40-acre site offers something rare in central London - space. Before the full development comes forward, Imperial’s researchers, students, start-ups and entrepreneurs can test new technologies in live urban conditions. That could include innovations that reduce pollution, improve energy efficiency, manage water more effectively, reduce overheating, reuse materials or support lower-carbon construction.

This matters because new ideas need places where they can be tested, refined and evidenced before they can be adopted more widely. Earls Court can help bridge that gap between research, prototype and commercial deployment.

That work is already beginning. The site has supported trials including stormwater

technology that filters pollutants at source and sends real-time monitoring data, helping explore how urban drainage can be cleaner and smarter. ECDC has also worked with innovators developing waste-energy capture systems for buildings, radiative cooling coatings to reduce overheating, recycled materials in public spaces, and low-carbon construction approaches.

For local businesses, the significance is wider than any single trial or technology. Earls Court is being shaped as a place where climate-focused enterprise can grow, supported by long-term links into Imperial’s research, talent and innovation networks. The masterplan includes up to 2.5 million sq ft of workspace, with a focus on innovation, skills and the green economy. As the development progresses, this creates opportunities for businesses across construction, design, engineering, technology, professional services, retail, hospitality and the wider local supply chain.

The wider Earls Court masterplan will deliver around 4,000 homes, 12,000 jobs, three cultural venues, retail and leisure space, and 20 acres of public realm and green space. It is London’s foremost development opportunity, transforming the former exhibition centre site into a new future-facing district to power London’s next era of growth.

The economic impact is substantial. Once complete, the development is expected to generate up to £3 billion a year for the UK economy and support thousands of jobs, both on site and across the national supply chain. The partnership with Imperial strengthens that long-term proposition by helping connect Earls Court’s future commercial development to the sectors, skills and ideas that will drive the next phase of London’s economy.

But the local opportunity is just as important. Through the partnership, ECDC will work with Hammersmith & Fulham Council to embed Upstream London and the Pathway Bond programme, helping connect local people to skills, training and employment opportunities in growing sectors such as climate technology, engineering and sustainable development.

For now, Earls Court is not waiting for the future to begin. The site is already being used to test ideas, support innovators and build the partnerships that will define its next chapter. The result will be more than a new neighbourhood. It will be a place where homes, jobs, culture, public space and climate innovation come together, supporting a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for London and beyond.

ECDC is a valued and supportive Chamber member.

Illustrative CGI of the Earls Court proposals

Chiswick Park - where work and wellbeing go hand-in-hand

Jason James, Event and Experience Lead at Chamber Patron Chiswick Park, explains why the visionary business campus’ holistic philosophy means it’s a place where work thrives – and people do too

Chiswick Park is one of the UK’s most progressive and distinctive business parks – with its “Enjoy-Work” ethos placing people, wellbeing and productivity at its core.Put simply: If people enjoy work, they do better work – and if they do better work, you have a better business.

The 33-acre site off Chiswick High Road in West London has been leading from the front for almost 30 years, creating a workplace where people feel supported, connected and inspired by their surroundings.

Wellbeing is now a cornerstone of the world we live in. But back in the year 2000 when Chiswick Park was designed – a collaborative vision between developer Sir Stuart Lipton and architect Lord Richard Rogers – it flipped the idea of traditional office planning.

Built on the belief that people matter more than the offices they work in, the pioneering design transformed the former bus maintenance depot into a vibrant community of 12 buildings set in a landscaped park, gathered around a tranquil lake.

A workplace model that was ahead of its time – this campus environment continues to foster collaboration and community today.

Jason James, Event and Experience Lead at Chiswick Park, said: “It really is a wonderful place to be. We were market leaders back in 2000 and there’s still nowhere quite like Chiswick Park. It really is a utopia in the heart of West London.”

It’s an ethos that has proved attractive for many companies. Today its 1.8 million sq.ft. of accommodation is home to a mix of global organisations across media, technology, consumer goods, professional services and innovation businesses.

With its modern workspaces, great transport links and lively on-site community, the campus has become a place where companies know their teams will feel supported, connected and happy to come to work.

The site’s events programme is designed to bring people together, encourage interaction and create moments that lift the working day. People step away from their desks, recharge and return to work feeling more focused. Wellbeing sits at the heart of the programme. A running club, yoga sessions, mindfulness workshops and outdoor activities help employees look after their physical and mental

health. Live music, outdoor screenings of big sporting events, a film festival, family fun day and a food market are also in the calendar.

The site’s landscaped gardens and central lake become natural venues for events – including some for those seeking an adrenaline fix, such as the park’s hugely popular 980ft zip-line.

“We host over 80 activations a year that engage all our guests on park. We have created a huge sense of community here,” added Jason. “We are reinforcing why it’s great to be at work. We have created a place that makes people smile, they feel good about being here.”

Work is underway on next year’s events. While keeping details under wraps, Jason said some big “wow” events are planned.

Chiswick Park also works hard to support the wider community – and that includes being a Patron of West London Chambers of Commerce.

“We’ve been a Patron for four years and that’s important to us,” explained Jason. “We’re very committed, not just to the community here on the park, but also the wider community. The Chamber is there to offer help and support to local companies – and being part of that community matters to us.”

Other initiatives include the W4 Club, Chiswick Park’s scheme which encourages people to shop local and build loyalty.

Inclusivity is also woven into the fabric of its community as a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to be themselves - not just at work, but throughout their day-today experiences on site.

“We’re working with some amazing organisations beyond the park, such as the

West London Queer Project,” said Jason. “That’s been great.”

Events supporting LGBTQ+ communities include Park Pride - helping create a welcoming, visible and supportive presence across the campus.

Chiswick Park’s commitment to sustainability is also embedded in the way the campus is designed, operated and continually improved.

The gardens, central lake and pedestrian friendly layout create a calm, green environment that encourages people to spend time outdoors and connect with nature throughout the working day. Biodiversity is actively supported through careful planting, wildlife friendly habitats and ongoing investment in maintaining the park’s natural spaces.

These environmental features aren’t just aesthetic – they’re part of a longterm strategy to create a healthier, more balanced workplace that benefits both people and the planet.

And it’s an ethos that has paid off – almost 80 per cent of people at Chiswick Park say the physical environment benefits their work life.

“When the vision for Chiswick Park was first taking shape, developer Sir Stuart Lipton and architect Lord Richard Rogers described it as ‘a community within a community,’” Jason said.

“We’ve always seen ourselves as custodians of that idea, carrying the torch forward. When the site opened in 2000 it was genuinely innovative – and it still is.

“The moment you step onto the park you feel part of something special, and that’s what makes this place extraordinary.”

How to get the most from YOUR Chamber

Students to embark on trip to MIT after winning national competition

A glittering awards ceremony held in central London in June celebrated the talent of aspiring young innovators.

Led by Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Industrial Liaison Program (MIT ILP), and with Amazon as the Platinum Sponsor, the National Innovation Challenge received submissions from students across the UK on the theme of Sustainability and AI.

Held at the Institution of Engineering and Technology in London on June 25, among those attending the awards evening were BBC presenter and STEM ambassador Konnie Huq and Department for Education Senior Manager Girma Ejere.

The shortlisted entrants represented the breadth of the UK, from London to Belfast, from Fife to Bridgend. With an exceptionally strong standard of entries, the judges faced a tough decision to choose the finalists. This year’s panel of independent judges included Amazon Senior Chief Engineer Thiloshini Ellary-Bachu, BT Sustainability

Director Sarwar Khan, MIT ILP Director Steve Whitaker, The Education Space Chief Executive Iqbal Vaza, Pearson Vice President Helen Walker, and Director of One Care IT Pally Randhawa.

Timothy, Ollie and Wojtek from St Bede’s Catholic High School in Ormskirk, Lancashire, were named the winners of the schools category. Their project, the DuoPod, aims to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes. The DuoPod automatically regulates blood sugar by predicting future highs or lows, helping to keep levels stable without the need for manual monitoring.

In the colleges category, it was Shlok, Xainaldo and Faithon from Uxbridge College, London, who came out on top. Their submission impressed the judges with their proposal for a smart road hump, named Road-IQ, which recycles the mechanical force created by vehicles into useable electricity.

The winning teams will embark on a once-ina-lifetime trip to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States later

this year, where they will have the opportunity to collaborate with world-leading researchers.

Keith Smith, CEO of HRUC, said: “I would like to say a huge well done to all our remarkable finalists and a big thank you for all those that entered and showcased their own personal vision of a more sustainable future.

“I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our brilliant judges and our sponsors, whose support makes events like this possible.”

Yaseen Akhtar, Managing Director of the West London Institute of Technology, HRUC, said: “The National Innovation Challenge is about identifying young people who can see problems differently and develop solutions with real world impact. On behalf of the organisers, I would like to congratulate the teams for their outstanding achievement.”

During their trip to the US in 2025, the winners of last year’s Challenge enjoyed an immersive visit to MIT, sightseeing in New York, and even some whale watching. The trip also gave them the opportunity to experience a presentation at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, and an event hosted by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

This year’s Challenge winners are now looking forward to the chance to explore innovation, research and entrepreneurship alongside world-leading scientists and engineers, together with a spot of sightseeing, when they visit MIT later this year.

Growth starts local: Give London’s local Chambers a seat at the table

We now have a new Prime Minister whose emphasis could be seen to be concentrating on devolution. We must make sure that London is not overlooked. To that end our CEO, Alan Rides penned an open letter:

Dear Prime Minister,

On behalf of the West London Chamber of Commerce, I would like to congratulate you on becoming Prime Minister and wish you every success as you lead the country through this important new chapter.

Businesses across the UK will be looking to your Government to be firmly on the side of enterprise, recognising that sustainable economic growth can only be achieved by creating the right conditions for businesses to invest, trade, innovate and create jobs. We hope your administration will work closely with the business community and see Chambers of Commerce as trusted partners in delivering that growth.

As someone who has long championed the North of England, I know you understand the importance of ensuring every part of the country has the opportunity to prosper. In doing so, I hope London will not be overlooked. The capital generates around 25% of the UK’s GDP and remains the country’s leading centre for international trade, finance and inward investment. A thriving London does not come at the expense of other regions, it provides the

economic engine that helps drive prosperity across the whole of the United Kingdom. For businesses in West London, international trade is fundamental to growth. Heathrow Airport is one of our nation’s greatest strategic assets, connecting British businesses with global markets and attracting investment from every corner of the world. Protecting and strengthening Heathrow’s role as the UK’s premier international gateway will be essential if Britain is to remain globally competitive. Chambers of Commerce have a unique role to play in supporting this ambition. We work directly with businesses every day, helping them export, access new markets, attract investment and overcome barriers to growth. The West London Chamber of Commerce is the second largest Chamber in London representing three boroughs, Hounslow, Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham.

We are proud of our contribution. Last year we delivered 95 business events, including 50 supporting local trade and 45 with an international focus. We welcomed inward trade delegations from China, Algeria, Turkey, India, Turkmenistan, Morocco, Libya, the United States, Iraq, Vietnam and France, and we are leading trade missions to China, Vietnam, Turkey, the United States and India.

However, we believe there is an opportunity to strengthen the voice of London’s businesses

through greater devolution within the Chamber movement. At present, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the sole London representative within the British Chambers of Commerce, despite predominantly serving businesses in central London. Chambers serving the wider capital, including West London, are excluded from membership, even though we represent substantial business communities. We welcome your governments serious intent to partner with business to drive growth, exports and investment.  We believe London’s wider Chamber network should be recognised as part of that solution. Giving suburban Chambers a stronger voice would ensure businesses across the whole capital - not just those in the City - are properly represented and better equipped to support your economic agenda.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you or your colleagues to discuss how the Chamber network can work alongside your Government to help deliver growth, strengthen international trade and ensure London continues to make its full contribution to the success of the UK economy.

Yours sincerely,

Alan Rides, Chief Executive West London Chamber of Commerce

West London Regeneration & Skills Conference showcases the partnerships driving the capital’s economic future

West London’s public and private sectors came together last month to demonstrate how collaboration, investment and skills are shaping one of the UK’s fastestgrowing economic regions at the annual West London Regeneration & Skills Conference.

Held on 17th June at the Holiday Inn Brentford Lock, the conference brought together developers, local authorities, infrastructure organisations, education providers and businesses to explore the major regeneration projects transforming West London and the opportunities they present for local companies and communities.

Organised by the West London Chambers of Commerce, the conference has become a flagship event for the region since it was first launched in 2019.

The conference featured presentations from major developers and strategic organisations including Ballymore, Hadley Property Group, CyrusOne, AJAR, Ackroyd Lowrie, Hounslow Council, Hounslow Highways, West London Orbital, Kingfisher SEC and West Thames College, highlighting billions of pounds of investment taking place across the boroughs of Hounslow, Ealing and Hammersmith & Fulham.

A central theme throughout the day was ensuring that local businesses and residents benefit from regeneration through improved skills, stronger supply chains and greater opportunities for SMEs to engage with major developments.

Vic Chetty, Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Heathrow Airport, spoke about the importance of aviation as a driver of economic growth across West London. He highlighted the wide range of opportunities for local SMEs to become part of Heathrow’s extensive supply chain and underlined Heathrow’s commitment to working collaboratively with local partners to

support economic prosperity and community development.

The conference also explored wider issues affecting businesses, including social value, public safety and the role that colleges and employers play in developing the skilled workforce needed for future projects.

The conference concluded with an evening networking dinner attended by around 60 business and civic leaders.

Guests heard a keynote address from John Bason, Finance Director of Associated British Foods, who reflected on the importance of responsible business leadership, supporting communities and creating long-term economic value. Drawing on his work with FareShare and Business in the Community, he highlighted the role businesses can play in strengthening places through partnership and investment.

Former UK Small Business Commissioner Liz Barclay closed the evening by emphasising that investment in skills is fundamental to economic success. Speaking on the theme “Better skills mean better talent, better products and services and more investment,” she encouraged businesses, educators and policymakers to continue working together to ensure West London’s workforce is equipped to meet the demands of future industries.

Alan Rides, Chief Executive Officer, at the West London Chambers of Commerce,

who is also a local Queens Award-winning businessman with 40 years of experience in commercial enterprise, said:

“West London continues to be one of the UK’s most dynamic economic regions, with significant regeneration, inward investment and infrastructure projects creating enormous opportunities for businesses of every size. What was clear throughout the conference is that collaboration is key. By bringing together developers, local authorities, educators and businesses, we can ensure regeneration delivers lasting benefits for local communities, supports SMEs and creates the skilled workforce our economy needs.”

He added:

“The conference has grown year on year and remains a unique opportunity for businesses to engage directly with the organisations shaping West London’s future. We are grateful to all our speakers, exhibitors and delegates for making this year’s event another great success, and we look forward to continuing these conversations over the coming year.”

The annual West London Regeneration & Skills Conference has established itself as one of the region’s leading business events, providing a platform for collaboration between the public and private sectors while showcasing the investment opportunities driving West London’s continued growth.

New partnership joins forces for ‘transformative’ regional park

Ealing Council’s plan to create a regional park has moved a step closer, thanks to a new partnership formed across west London to help the project become a reality.

The council has linked up with a number of organisations to progress the project, which covers more than 500 hectares of parkland and waterways (equivalent to the size of 2,500 football pitches) and stretches through the boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow. Stretching from Horsenden Hill in Greenford through Osterley Park to the River Thames in Brentford, the future West London Regional Park would create new connections between existing parks, cultural landmarks and waterways. It builds on work by Ealing Council that is already under way to connect its green spaces into a wider regional park. ‘Truly transformative’

Council leader Peter Mason said: “What began as a simple but powerful idea by Ealing Council to connect our green spaces into a regional park for our residents has grown into something far larger than

any one borough. By joining forces with our neighbours and partners, we now have a shared ambition to create a truly transformative West London Regional Park for millions to enjoy.”

Partners include Hounslow Council, the Mayor of London, the National Trust, the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust. The groups met recently for a formal signing event at the National Trust’s Osterley House, marking the next phase of what could become one of London’s largest new green spaces.

What could the park include?

The initiative is backed by almost £2.5million in funding to date, including £1.5million from the Mayor of London and close to £1million from Nature Towns and Cities, which is helping to shape the early design and community focused development work.

Plans for the park could include:

•An extended 13-kilometre walking and cycling trail linking parks, waterways, art and landmarks from Horsenden Hill in Greenford to the Thames in Brentford

• New sports and wellbeing spaces

• Improved access and signage

• Enhanced wildlife habitats

• Outdoor venues for cultural events.

After the event, Mete Coban MBE, deputy mayor of London for environment and energy, added: “Access to thriving and nature rich blue and green spaces across London is an issue of social justice, and I’m determined to bring more Londoners within reach of the benefits these spaces provide. That’s why I’m delighted to be a part of the West London Regional Park Partnership and help deliver this vision which puts communities at the heart of a new regional park for all Londoners to enjoy.”

Hammersmith & Fulham’s Young People’s Borough of Culture launches its first programmes

Hammersmith & Fulham’s Young People’s Borough of Culture has announced the first details of its programme, including July’s School Arts Week and the launch of applications for the Our Place participatory grant programme.

The workshops include: Circus by Turtle Key Arts; Inclusive Dance by Amici Dance Theatre Company; Acting by LAMDA; Contemporary Dance by DanceWest; Devising by White City Theatre Project; Costume Design by Lyric Hammersmith Theatre; Comedy by Care to Culture; Pottery by WEST Youth Zone; Photography by Sands End Arts & Community Centre; Anime & Manga by IDEA Design Hub CIC; Storytelling/Creative Writing by Bush Theatre.

Applications are also now open for the first round of the Our Place participatory grant

scheme. Young people aged 13 to 25 who live or learn in Hammersmith & Fulham can submit an idea for a creative project they want to realise in their community. Successful applicants will be invited to present their idea at a live Voting Event in the borough, where young people will vote on those projects they wish to receive up to £3,000 in funding. Funding for Our Place grants is from the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Kings Coronation Youth Fund and the deadline for applications is Monday 14 September.

The theme for this round of Our Place is ‘belonging’, which was chosen by the Young People’s Borough of Culture Youth Board. Sixteen young people who live and/

or learn in Hammersmith & Fulham have been appointed for 18 months to steer the direction of the programme. These youth leaders will also be provided with training, mentorship and support throughout their tenure to ensure opportunities for skills development and future career pathways.

Harris Bokhari OBE, Chair of Where Culture Connects H&F Cultural Compact, said: “The Young People’s Borough of Culture brings to life our collective ambition to be a borough where children and young people can achieve their full potential. By aiming high and working with a true spirit of collaboration, the business, education and cultural partners in H&F have designed a programme that establishes the conditions for all our young people to flourish as creators, audiences, participants and leaders.”

Samuel, Chair of the Young People’s Borough of Culture Youth Board, said: “As the world seems more and more desperate to move online, to have a programme so dedicated to local community action that prioritises the voice and needs of our youth has never been so important.”

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Pop-up pub is a big hit

The summer heatwave saw a number of businesses having to pivot from their regular plans in order to continue trading.

From Transport For London warning against non-essential travel to schools closing early, staff could not necessarily be in the business for their regular hours.

But with it came opportunities – but only if you have a nimble business plan and flexibility over your budget to react to a changing market. At Discover Fulham, our plans and budgets are set out annually in September, with our events largely based around a successful partnership with the local authority who pay for North End Road to be closed for a street market with festival-style entertainment twice a year. Traditionally we have developed a ‘fringefestival’ which over the years have included a professional stage to showcase local acts and dance schools through to a BMX halfpipe with demonstrations and opportunities for young people to try a different sport.

This heatwave gave us an opportunity, at short notice, to pivot from a one-day event to provide a bit more of a sustainable opportunity for the area, but also to act as a trial for future years. Working in partnership with a local pub – The Wolfpack, and with our trusted event delivery partners White Egg, and with the support of the local authority, we pivoted the budget which was allocated for a one-day event, to a four day pop-up pub with entertainment, drinks, food and a

New website for launched www.discoverfulham.co.uk

Discover Fulham are pleased to announce the launch of their new website at www.discoverfulham.co.uk –a new online home for all of the businesses within the BID boundary.

Each business we represent will have the opportunity to be listed within our business directory, this will give smaller independent businesses the same chance to develop an online presence alongside the larger established high street chains. Discover Fulham are working on plans to further market and promote the website to ensure maximum exposure for the business of Fulham and the events that happen in the surrounding area.

The biggest attraction to the Fulham Broadway area is obviously Chelsea FC who have recently announced that Chelsea FC Women will play all 13 of their Women’s Super League matches at Stamford Bridge. Discover Fulham are working towards getting more of the Chelsea football family to spend on with our shops on a matchday.

children’s play area. Bringing an al-fresco setting to Jerdan Place.

Being a residential area, we were respectful of the residents, finishing the musical entertainment at 8pm, with the whole site closing at 9pm. There was a great atmosphere throughout the four early evenings, which we are hoping will give us the opportunity to develop the concept next year to provide more opportunities for our businesses to trade in a different way.

Emergency First Aid Training

In our continuous aim to make the Fulham Broadway a safe place to live, work and do business, alongside our Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) work Discover Fulham funds Emergency First Aid Training for our businesses. So far we have delivered Emergency First Aid Training to over 250 participants.

The one day training, delivered by fellow West London Chambers of Commerce member – No1 First Aid – includes the fundamentals of Emergency First Aid training, defibrillator usage and EpiPen administration.

We are pleased to say that a life was potentially saved by one of our business owners administering an adrenalin shot via an EpiPen to an employee in a local shop. Held monthly at a local venue in West Brompton, the Lillie Langtry, spaces are available for businesses within the Discover Fulham boundary through https://discoverfulham.co.uk/events

A vibrant lifestyle hotel in the heart of West London...

The ibis Styles London Ealing 120 bedrooms boasts a prime location in the heart of West London, known as the Queen of Suburbs as it provides a welcome combination of greenery and historic buildings, as well as an excellent shopping scene.

As a design-economy hotel, you can guarantee a high quality experience for family, leisure and business guests, to enjoy all that London has to offer on your next adventure or prepare you for a busy week of meetings.

Boasting an exciting array of movie-themed rooms, each individually inspired by on-screen classics of past and present to provide a captivating experience for movie lovers and an exciting twist to your travels on a budget.

Walking through the giant revolving doors, you will be met by a stylishly decorated interior, where you will be introduced to the ‘cast’ who are always on hand to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Treat yourself to a drink on arrival in their excellently stocked Studio Bar, or head on up to your room and find out which Hollywood hero will welcome you for a calming and comfortable stay.

“I am thrilled to lead my wonderful team at ibis Styles London Ealing, where we have put our best foot forward in providing a unique yet highly enjoyable stay in this leafy West London district.

“I have been lucky enough to spend 29 fantastic years in the hotel industry across various roles and locations around the world. I have a passion for developing and coaching talents and delivering a great service at every hotel I have been responsible for.

“As a General Manager I am responsible for creating the vision for the hotel and the atmosphere it provides for guests, so when it all pays off and there is a hotel full of happy guests there really is no greater reward.

“You will not be disappointed during your stay at ibis Styles London Ealing, as the combination of our prime location, helpful staff and entertaining decor, provide a unique yet highly enjoyable stay.”

General Manager, Sylvie Gallon

Why MFA is not the finish line: What session hijacking reveals about modern access security

by Michael Ramlakhan Chamber Patron Timeless IMS

For years, organisations have been told that multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the answer. And in many ways, it is. MFA is one of the most effective controls available to reduce account takeover risk.

But what if the real problem is that we have started treating MFA as the destination, rather than one checkpoint in a much longer journey?

That question matters, because a recent phishing campaign showed just how fragile “secure login” can be once attackers move beyond passwords and target the session itself. Instead of trying to break through the front door, they simply waited for someone to open it, then followed them inside.

That is the uncomfortable reality of modern cyber risk: attackers do not always need to defeat your security controls. Sometimes they only need to work around them. The illusion of safety

There is a dangerous comfort in controls that appear definitive.

MFA feels definitive. A warning banner feels definitive. A security awareness course feels definitive. But cyber security rarely offers clean endings. It offers friction, delay, and layered resistance. The moment a business starts believing one control has “solved” a problem, attackers usually begin looking for the next weakness.

This is why access security is no longer just a technical discussion. It is a question of how much trust we place in digital identity, and how much of that trust is based on assumption rather than verification. What this says about the modern workplace

The modern workplace is built on speed, convenience, and connectivity. We move between devices, apps, browsers, and cloud platforms constantly. We approve logins on mobile phones, receive verification prompts in real time, and join meetings from locations that change day by day. That flexibility is useful, but it also creates a security model that is increasingly dependent on human attention.

And human attention is limited

People are not failing security because they are careless. They are failing because the environment is noisy, fast, and designed for convenience. Attackers understand this. That is why their messages are often calm, professional, and ordinary-looking. They do not need to trigger panic. They only need to create enough familiarity for someone to click once. That single click can become the start of a much larger compromise.

A bigger question for business leaders If access is now the new perimeter, then what are we actually protecting?

Are we protecting usernames and passwords, or the trust relationship that exists after someone logs in?

Are we measuring security by whether users can authenticate, or by whether their sessions can be trusted?

Are we investing in controls that stop attacks, or controls that simply make compromise look less likely?

These are not abstract questions. They are board-level questions, because the answer affects fraud, data exposure, customer trust, operational continuity, and regulatory risk. In a cloud-first world, identity has become the gateway to everything. That means identity protection can no longer be treated as a narrow IT function. It is now part of business continuity.

The real weakness is often not technical One of the most revealing things about access-based attacks is that they exploit a gap between policy and behaviour.

A company may have excellent security tools on paper, but if staff are trained to trust messages that “look internal,” to approve prompts without checking context,

or to move quickly without pausing, then the human layer becomes the soft point attackers are waiting for. This is why security awareness should not be reduced to “don’t click suspicious links.” That advice is too shallow for today’s threat landscape.

A better question is: what would make a reasonable person trust this message?

What organisations should rethink

The answer is not to abandon MFA. The answer is to stop pretending MFA is enough on its own.

Organisations should be asking harder questions:

• Are we using phishing-resistant authentication where possible?

• Are our conditional access rules aligned to how people work?

• Do we monitor for unusual session behaviour, not just failed logins?

• Are unmanaged devices and long-lived sessions creating hidden exposure?

• Would our staff recognise a realistic internal-style phishing attack?

• If an identity were compromised today, how quickly would we know?

These are difficult questions, but they are the right ones. Because the goal is not to create perfect security. The goal is to create a security posture that assumes an attacker may already be inside the boundary and still makes compromise hard to turn into damage.

The broader lesson

This is bigger than one phishing campaign. Across the world, businesses are becoming more digital, more distributed, and more dependent on third-party platforms. That makes access security one of the defining issues of our time. The more we rely on digital identity, the more valuable that identity becomes to criminals.

So perhaps the question is not whether MFA works. It does.

The real question is whether we have built our security strategy around the assumption that MFA alone can carry the load. If so, we may be one step behind the attackers already. This Topic is covered within the ‘Essentials Of Cyber’ series.

Image by pixabay

The power of being better connected

by Karan Elvin

Over the past six months, being introduced to the West London Chambers of Commerce has made a real difference to my business, my confidence and the way I see opportunity.

I came into the Chamber through the TechStart Entrepreneur’s Programme, which connects early-stage founders with practical support, advice and business networks. At the time, I was building NoMoreRecruiters. com and looking for people who could help me turn an idea into something real. NoMoreRecruiters.com is designed to reduce the need for traditional recruitment agencies by giving employers a more direct and costeffective way to connect with job seekers. We started in the residential care sector, where recruitment costs are a real challenge. Within the first six weeks, we had more than 100 care homes signed up, over 420 job

West London

seekers registered and more than 150 job applications submitted through the platform which has lead to multiple interviews and hires.

Through the Chamber, I have met people who have helped me think more clearly about the business and what it needs to grow.

Shankar Devarashetty, a Director within the Chamber, has since become my accountant and has helped me tremendously. I have also been introduced to investors through rosary.capital, which has helped me think more seriously about funding, growth and

scaling the platform, as well as senior representatives from Brunel university who have agreed to promote my platform to their students to increase their chances of being hired post studies.

I have also been fortunate to spend time with Alan, CEO of the West London Chambers of Commerce, whose advice and experience have been invaluable. Travelling to China with members of the Chamber also gave me a much wider view of business and relationships.

What has stood out most is the culture of the Chamber. People are busy, but they still make time to help, and without these amazing connections, my ideas for my business may have just stayed as they were from the very beginning. Ideas with no real connections who are helping drive the business forward.

As NoMoreRecruiters.com grows, I hope to give back to the Chamber in the same spirit. in such a short time, and I hope to give back to the Chamber and its members in every way I can.

Chambers of Commerce hosts Jordan–United Kingdom Business Forum to strengthen bilateral trade and investment

London, UK- West London Chambers of Commerce welcomed senior government representatives, business leaders and industry experts from the UK and Jordan for the Jordan–United Kingdom Business Forum, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein.

The high-level forum brought together senior ministers, UK Government representatives and leading business organisations to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, creating new opportunities for trade, investment and long-term commercial collaboration.

His Majesty King Abdullah II addressed delegates, highlighting the importance of deepening economic partnerships at a time when international collaboration, innovation and resilient supply chains are becoming increasingly important to global growth.

The event focused on strengthening cooperation across key sectors including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, ICT and digital services, textiles, chemicals and detergents, and infrastructure. Through a programme of keynote speeches, panel discussions and dedicated business-to-business meetings, delegates explored new commercial opportunities and developed relationships designed to support future investment.

The forum recognised that modern economic partnerships are no longer measured solely by trade volumes but by the ability of businesses

to innovate, expand internationally and build sustainable networks across global markets.

Jordan continues to offer significant opportunities for British businesses, with its strategic location, highly skilled workforce and strong connections to regional and international markets. At the same time, Jordanian businesses are increasingly seeking partnerships that provide access to UK markets, investment and expertise to support international growth.

West London Chambers of Commerce hosted the event as part of its commitment to promoting international trade, supporting exporters and inward investment, and helping businesses across West London build lasting global partnerships.

Alan Rides, Chief Executive of West London Chambers of Commerce, said:

“International trade is built on relationships, and forums such as this provide the foundation for long-term partnerships that benefit businesses in both countries. We were delighted to host the Jordan–United Kingdom Business Forum and welcome

such an influential delegation of government representatives, business leaders and investors.

“West London has always been one of the UK’s most internationally connected business communities. Through Heathrow, our diverse business base and our strong international networks, we are uniquely placed to help businesses forge new trading relationships and unlock opportunities around the world.

“Jordan is an important trading partner with considerable strengths in sectors including technology, healthcare, manufacturing and innovation. Bringing together organisations from both countries creates opportunities that extend far beyond a single event, encouraging investment, knowledge exchange and commercial partnerships that will support sustainable economic growth for years to come.

“ West London Chambers of Commerce is proud to play its part in strengthening these international relationships and looks forward to continuing to support businesses from both the UK and Jordan as they develop new opportunities together.”

The forum reinforces the shared ambition of both countries to deepen economic cooperation, encourage innovation and create practical commercial partnerships that support longterm prosperity. It also reflects the West London Chambers of Commerce’s continuing commitment to championing international trade and providing businesses with the connections they need to succeed in global markets.

Historic UK-India free trade agreement is now in effect

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) one of the biggest trade deals of modern times, came into force on 15 July 2026. Following this WLCC will be taking a trade mission to 4 Indian cities Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Goa in October, before Diwali.

UK and India total trade, worth £48 billion in 2025, is set for an immediate boost with consumers now enjoying cheaper, quicker, and easier access to the best of British and Indian products and services across both countries. From now on, 99% of Indian goods entering the UK and 90% of UK goods entering India will either be duty free or reduced in tariffs. It will benefit a wide range of sectors on both sides including automotive, manufacturing, consumer goods, creative industries, and medical technology as it marks the biggest milestone in the bilateral economic partnership. In the long run, the deal is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, Indian GDP by £5.1billion, and UK GDP by £4.8billion every year.

For our members to make the most of this opportunity our Chamber signed an agreement with Federal Association of Small Indian Industries (FASII) in India House to better align our members to meet similar companies across India and grow their business.

Alongside the CETA, the UK and India have negotiated a reciprocal Double Contributions Convention (DCC). The DCC will support business and trade by ensuring that employees moving between the UK and India, and their employers, only pay social security contributions in one country at a time for up to five years. These arrangements are standard internationally and the UK already has agreements with a range of other partners, including Japan, South Korea, and the USA. The CETA and DCC have entered into force on 15 July 2026.

Why this deal matters

The UK and India are two major economies with deep commercial, cultural and people-topeople links. This agreement gives businesses greater confidence to trade, invest and collaborate across a fast-growing economic corridor, with UK-India bilateral trade already worth £48 billion in 2025. It is one of the most comprehensive trade agreements India has ever done, and the UK’s most economically significant bilateral trade deal since leaving the European Union.

• Boosting trade: forecast to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion a year in the long run.

• Reducing costs: liberalises 99% of UK tariffs and 90% of Indian tariffs.

• Supporting growth: expected to raise UK GDP by £4.8 billion and India’s GDP by £5.1 billion a year in the long run.

• Helping businesses: simpler customs, digital processes and clearer rules to make exporting easier thus supporting cheaper, quicker, and easier exports and trade between the markets.

What businesses can expect

Now, businesses in both countries will benefit from improved market access, lower tariffs, streamlined customs and stronger support for digital trade, making day-to-day trade more predictable and especially beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To access preferential tariff rates, UK businesses must complete a one-time registration with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) through the Origin Registration portal and should registeropens bit.ly in a new tab as soon as possible.

• For UK exporters: India has removed or reduced tariffs on 90% of its tariff lines for UK products; 64% of products will become duty-free immediately, covering about £1.9 billion of current UK exports. Over time, 85% of products will become duty-free.

• For Indian exporters: duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports to the UK.

• For consumers: wider choice and better access to goods, services and innovation from both markets.

• For supply chains: simpler processes and stronger economic links between two complementary economies.

Key benefits of the UK-India trade deal

The UK-India FTA will deliver practical benefits: lower tariffs, simpler customs, stronger digital trade commitments and clearer rules for businesses operating across both markets.

Lower tariffs and reduced trade barriers

The agreement significantly reduces tariffs on the majority of goods traded between the UK and India. 99% of UK tariffs and 90% of Indian tariffs will be liberalised, supporting exports and greater trade across both sides. This means UK shoppers will benefit from access to a greater variety of clothes, shoes and renowned food and drink imported from India. On the other hand, Indian consumers will also have better access to iconic British goods, including Scotch Whisky, cosmetics, and cars (including electrical vehicles).

WLCC signing an MOU with CEO Alan Rides, Deputy Chair Dr Renu Raj, Director Shankar Devarashetty with School Pani Patel FASII Delhi as witnessed by Dr Vijit Patel - First Secretary India High Commission London.

Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia at the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai on 15 July 2026

International trade and home events round-up

Alan Rides and Samar Whitticombe were pleased to welcome Minister Yarub Alqudah, together with Ala Al louzi, from the Jordan Embassyamar Whitticombe and Chris Durkin and Peter Hampson

CEO Alan Rides and COO Sally Smith attended the BCC Global Annual Conference.

Nepal Embassy negotiations ahead of MOU signing with Bipin Duwadi

Reception for Vijay Sardesai former deputy Chief Minister of Goa and Cllrs Shantanu Rajawat, Pamila Rodrigues Ranjit Gill, Mayor of Hounslow

India delegation and MOU signing with CIDC

Libyan Charge D’affairs UK, Ghassan Attiga Bank - ABC, Peter Millet - LBBC

London Local Chamber’s Deputy Chair with two Chamber CEOs, Amar Nota and Alan Rides meeting Jo Filimore-Boonstra from L&P

Meeting with HE Mr. Manar Dabbas, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom

Congratulations to Sriram Elango from Oasis Accountants on his ILR!

FCDO Young Entrepreneur Event as invited by Minister Seema Malhotra FRSA

Hounslow Phab charity and others locally including Hounslow’s Promise with Fahim Modak

CEO Alan Rides and Office Manager Lisa Rides met with Libyan Delegation in Parliament.

CEO, Alan Rides and Chair, Elsa Caleb attended the Justice For All Series at The Old Bailey Organised by our director Sam Liu

CEO Alan Rides met with Indian Chamber Minister London Tech Week 2026

Libyan Businessmen Delegation Reception 22 June 2026

Outbound Trade Mission to Türkiye27th - 30th April 2026

Turkmenistan Trade Reception at Spring Grove House - 11th May 2026

Annual General Meeting Hounslow Council - 26th May 2026

China, Shaanxi Province - Delegation Reception at Spring Grove House27th May 2026

Nepal Embassy Meeting - 3rd July 2026

Nepal Embassy Meeting - 3rd July 2026

Libyan Businessmen Delegation Reception 22 June 2026

FCDO Young Entrepreneur Event as invited by Minister Seema Malhotra FRSA

The cost of doing nothing

No matter who you are, whether a business owner, an employee, retired or just starting out, one thing remains true. None of us will ever receive more than 24 hours in a day.

Time is the great equaliser. It doesn’t care about your title, your bank balance or your ambitions. Every morning, we’re all given exactly the same amount, yet by tomorrow today’s allocation has gone forever. Unlike money, time can’t be borrowed, invested for later or recovered once it’s been wasted. That’s why I believe time is our most valuable asset. Over the years, I’ve noticed something about the most successful people I’ve met. They understand that time rewards those who make informed decisions, but it rarely rewards those who delay them. Not rushed decisions or reckless decisions, but informed ones. While others wait for the perfect moment, they gather the facts, seek expert advice, weigh up the risks and move forward. They understand that waiting is a decision in itself, and that waiting often comes with a hidden cost.

In finance, those costs are rarely obvious. Inflation quietly erodes the purchasing power of cash sitting on the sidelines. Investments miss valuable years of compounding because someone was waiting for the “right” moment. Homeowners continue paying more than they need to because reviewing a mortgage

stays on next month’s to-do list. Businesses remain exposed because insurance is seen as something to deal with later. None of these decisions feel expensive at the time, but over five, ten or twenty years, their impact can be extraordinary.

I’ve never met anyone who regretted becoming better organised. I have, however, met countless people who wished they’d acted earlier not because they made poor decisions, but because they underestimated the cost of delay. The truth is that success, whether in business or personal finance, is rarely built on one life-changing decision. It’s built on hundreds of small, informed decisions made consistently over time. That’s where experience matters.

At M & M Group, based in West London, we work with business owners, professionals and families across wealth management, mortgages and insurance. Our role isn’t to predict the future, no one can. Our role is to help people make informed decisions today that put them in the strongest possible position tomorrow.  We don’t believe in complexity for the sake of it. We believe in understanding

your objectives, analysing your options, giving honest, independent advice and then helping you implement it. Because ideas alone don’t create wealth, action does.

The future will always contain uncertainty. There will always be another market headline, another budget announcement or another reason to wait. The people who build lasting success aren’t those who eliminate uncertainty, they’re the ones who refuse to let uncertainty stop them from making progress

“Time is the only asset we’re all given equally, yet it’s also the scarcest resource we have. Once it’s gone, you’ll never get it back. Use it wisely today and your future self will thank you for it.”

Zach Matai, Managing Director, M & M Group

Zach Matai, Managing Director, M & M Group

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Three courses£48pp Threecourses+glassofwineor prosecco £53pp Christmas bookings now being taken

Our contemporary West London hotel lies less than 8 miles east of Heathrow Airport, and the centre of London is easily accessible by rail (Brentford Station) or via the Elizabeth Line (Ealing Broadway) as well as by tube (South Ealing Station).

Visit our Gourmet Bar & Restaurant which offers traditional and modern dining throughout the day. Our 4-star Hotel boast 202 modern bedrooms, seven fully-equipped meeting rooms

Three courses £50pp Three courses with glass of wine or prosecco for only £55pp

catering for up to 60 guests, an indoor heated pool, a saunarium and fitness centre, plus complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.

Family-Friendly Novotel London Brentford is just a short drive from the beauty of Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, the historic avenues of Richmond and the roar of Twickenham Stadium.

Home of Brentford FC is Brentford Community Stadium, a 15 minute walk from the hotel.

Novotel London Brentford is a proud member of West London Chambers of Commerce

Hotel that makes every moment matter

Novotel London Brentford

Great West Road, Brentford. TW8 0GP

T:+44 20 7660 2230 E: H6995@accor.com www.novotel.com

https://all.accor.com/hotel/6995/index.en.shtml

Listen up - This article will change your life...

Pandiculation & Pilates

21st Century life has made us poor creatures – bad backs; bad postures; rounded shoulders; shallow breathing; suffering from hundreds of aches and pains brought on by our sedentary lifestyle; hunching over laptops; worse still, dropping our heads over mobile phones! Professional life works against us with interminable meetings, both on and off line becoming an endurance event of sitting; WFH with a bad work set-up or going into the office for an intense day of continual, stressful work – no breaks, more meetings! Back aching, stabbing pains in your upper back, stiff hips, tight jaw and everything feeling locked when you try to stand. What a way to live!

The answer is to move more! Not just the 30 - 60 minutes spent at the gym a couple of times a week. In the UK the recommendation is 150 minutes of exercise a week, that means you could do 30 minutes a day but sit for the rest. It’s the time spent sedentary that is the problem. Canada and Australia have changed the setting to how much do you move in 24 hours. Extracting the time spent sleeping, calculate the amount and the length of time you are inactive. If you are doing your 30 minutes workout but spending the rest of the time sitting in a vehicle, at a desk and then watching TV, your body and brain are not getting the stimulation they need to function properly – no wonder you’re stiff and in pain.

Our bodies are designed to move! We have joints! We have muscles! We need to use them or we lose them!

Being German, during the First World War Joseph Pilates was locked away in the ‘enemy alien’ camp on the Isle of Man; he watched his fellow internees sink into apathy and physical decline, every day weaker, with only the starving cats to watch. It was the cats that did it! How did the cats remain in such good shape? Lithe and springy and efficient at catching their prey. Pilates observed and analysed their movements –when they had nothing else to do, stretching their legs out, stretching when they woke, stretching to keep their muscles limber. Contracting and releasing. He began working on a orderly series of exercises to stretch all the human muscles. By the time he had set up his studio in New York and developed

his apparatus he had created a system of movement to work the whole body, based on shortening, lengthening and releasing muscles.

Joseph Pilates had discovered Pandiculation before the science could catch up! And this is the bit that will change your life!

Pandiculation is described as the act of stretching oneself and yawning, especially on waking, however our automatic response has greater significance. Is a fundamental part of our neuromuscular function, and when it comes to maintaining health, equal to exercise and eating a healthy diet. When we stop pandiculating our muscles become tight, we experience pain, poor posture, limited movement and over time the structure of our body breaks down. Pandiculation is our nervous system’s natural way of waking up our sensorimotor system and preparing us for movement. It may look like stretching but when we pandiculate, we’re actually contracting muscles that have been inactive. Contracting, lengthening, releasing. Our brains want to help us be the best we can! If you sit a lot, your brain will tell your body to develop the structures to help you stay in that position by creating fascial scaffolding to support the muscles, over time the fascial structure thickens, making it harder to move the body. By breaking the fascia we keep our bodies mobile – how do we do this? By pandiculating! Stretching – contracting, lengthening and releasing muscles. Pandiculation is the movement

Pandiculation is described as the act of stretching oneself and yawning, especially on waking, however our automatic response has greater significance. Is a fundamental part of our neuromuscular function, and when it comes to maintaining health, equal to exercise and eating a healthy diet.

to prepare the body for movement. If you are waking up stiff with a tight jaw in the morning, you need to pandiculate in bed BEFORE you get up and stand. If you are stiff when you stand, you need to stretch before you get up.

Pandiculation is the big stuff, wiggling is for the small, tight areas. How many times do your shoulders feel tight, for example? Get them wiggling! Move in any way to ease the tension. If your jaw is tight, wiggle it! Self-massage is also a great way to loosen stiff areas, it helps with the neuromuscular connection, if the brain feels it’s safe, it will release tension.

We were born to move! Babies do it; children do it, but somewhere it gets lost on our journey to adulthood and it causes us so many problems. Maybe it’s the teacher at school telling us not to fidget, that sitting still is good, but if you want a healthy body you need to move! Don’t be formal, the more you incorporate any movement into your life the better! Watch the cats! Watch the dogs! To keep in shape – act like an animal, it will change your life!

At Pilates Now! studio we change lives by getting you to move safely, reducing pain, improving breathing and posture. We focus on healthy ageing and clients with specific conditions in our 1-1 and small classes of 4. All our sessions are personalised to make sure you get the movement you need.

Ris Widdicombe is the director of Pilates Now! studio based in Chiswick. Pilates Now! Is a proud Chamber member

GUNNERSBURY PARK SPORTS HUB

We have something to keep the whole family active and entertained including:

• State-of-the-art gym

• Sports hall

• Fitness studios

• Floodlit 3G pitches

• Floodlit tennis courts

• Football, cricket and rugby pitches

Discover more at better.org.uk/gunnersbury-park

Jordan Henderson and Roman Kemp come together for open conversation on mental health

Brentford FC has brought together Jordan Henderson, TV presenter Roman Kemp and Bees sports psychologist Michael Caulfield for an honest conversation around mental health, pressure, vulnerability and the importance of talking.

As part of the club’s ongoing Talking is the Best Tactic initiative, the special film explores how football can help to break stigma around mental health and encourages fans to take the time to check in on others and help make a difference to their mental wellbeing. It also highlights Brentford’s involvement as one of ten pilot clubs in the Premier League’s ‘Together Against Suicide’ programme, which aims to provide support for fans experiencing suicidal thoughts and advocate help-seeking behaviours.

Jordan reflects on dealing with pressure throughout his career, while Roman shares his personal experiences and why one conversation changed – and saved – his life. The trio came together to speak on one of Brentford’s benches, first installed at the training ground by Michael to give players, coaches and staff a safe and confidential place to talk. This season, Brentford installed a collection of benches in west London to encourage its local community to open-up about mental health. Each bench, delivered in partnership with London Borough of Hounslow, includes information signposting to professional mental health support services, as well as crisis support for those experiencing a mental health emergency.

LOCAL SUPPORT

Our Talking is the Best Tactic initiative sees the club and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust utilise its platforms and community outreach to raise awareness of suicide prevention measures, highlighting the importance of conversation and encouraging those in need to seek help.

As part of Brentford’s work in this area, free monthly drop-ins are hosted by the Community Sports Trust to provide attendees with access to mental health expertise, while the Trust also offers free support through the

• West London Mental Health Single Point of Access –speak to a trained advisor, available 24/7 on 0800 328 4444

• HFEH Mind Safe Space – Hounslow Helpline: open 11am-11pm every day. Call 020 3475 5185 for urgent mental health support

BeeActive Football or Comedy for Thought sessions which are facilitated by experienced talking therapists.

The video launched ahead of Mental Health Awareness week in May with the support of all Premier League matches that weekend (11-17 May) dedicated to raising awareness of mental health. The League and clubs used this period to help promote positive conversations around mental wellbeing, highlighting how simple, everyday actions can help people feel more connected, positive and supported.

To embed the video onto your website, the YouTube URL is: https://youtu.be/zB6ssjvWTSg To read the full article scan the QR code.

Libya Reception at Marble Arch Hotel

By Thistle - 22nd June 2026

Networking Evening at Earls Court Development Project - 28th May 2026

Hounslow BID Business Breakfast at Barclays Bank28th May 2026

Networking Evening at The Golf Rooms14th May 2026

Acton BID Business Breakfast at The George & Dragon - 5th June 2026

Global Tech Week featuring companies from TürkiyeHilton London Kensington - 9th June 2026

Charity Golf Day at Wyke Green Golf Club4th June 2026

Women in Business Networking Evening at The Weir Bar - 9th July 2026

Acton BID Business Breakfast at Club des Sports - 10th July 2026

Hounslow’s Heart BID Business Breakfast at The Hounslow Arts Centre - 10th July 2026

Women in Business Breakfast at The Hammersmith Belle - 11th June 2026 Regeneration Conference at

Conference

events

Forthcoming Events

Networking Evening at Gunnersbury Park Museum

Wednesday, 9th September, 2026

6:30pm – 9:00pm

Gunnersbury Park Museum, Popes Ln, London W5 4NH

Booking details to follow

Acton BID Business Breakfast

Friday, 11th September, 2026 8.30am – 10.30am

David Lloyd Acton Park, East Acton Lane, London, W3 7HB

Hounslow’s Heart BID

Business Breakfast

Thursday, 17th September, 2026

8:30am – 10:00am

Metro Bank, Hounslow

Advance For Growth 2027 Launch

Thursday, 24th September, 2026 9:00am – 11:00pm

By invitation only

Ealing Festival of Business 2026

Thursday, 15th October, 2026

Breakfast 7.30am - 9.15am

Exhibition 9.30am - 3.00pm

University of West London, St Mary’s Road, Ealing W5 3TX

Stand - Chamber member: £395 + VAT

Stand - Non-Chamber member: £495 + VAT

To book a stand, please contact: gerryholden@westlondonchambers.org.uk or ayanouwailati@westlondonchambers.org.uk

For those would like to come along to the event, it is free to attend. All you just need to register!

HEADLINE

SPONSOR

Atlanta Georgia Trade Mission

Tuesday, 29th September - Saturday, 3rd October, 2026

Email Alanrides@westlondonchambers.org.uk for further information

UK - India Trade Mission

Friday, 23rd October - Friday, 30th October, 2026

Email Alanrides@westlondonchambers.org.uk for further information

Acton BID Business Breakfast

Friday, 13th November, 2026

8.30am – 10.30am

More details TBC Business Awards 2026

Friday, 20th November, 2026

6:30pm – midnight

Novotel London West,1 Shortlands, Hammersmith W6 8DR

Booking details to follow

SPONSOR’S MESSAGE

“iFAST Global Bank is proud to support the West London business community as a member of the West London Chambers and a sponsor of the Ealing Festival of Business.

As a fully regulated UK bank with a global outlook, iFAST Global Bank understands the opportunities and challenges businesses face when operating internationally. Our banking solutions are designed to help businesses manage their international finances with greater confidence, enabling them to focus on serving their customers and pursuing new opportunities.

Business customers can access current accounts, multi-currency solutions and international payment capabilities. A distinctive benefit offered by iFAST Global Bank is the payment of interest on business current account balances

without any underlying conditions. This allows businesses to earn returns on their operational balances while retaining full access to their funds.

By sponsoring the Ealing Festival of Business, iFAST is pleased to contribute to an initiative that celebrates local enterprise and encourages collaboration across West London. We value the Chamber’s role in representing and connecting businesses, and we look forward to building stronger relationships with its members.

iFAST Global Bank remains committed to supporting businesses trading internationally through practical banking solutions and a long-term partnership approach. We are delighted to play a part in West London’s continued business growth and success. “

www.ifastgb.com

For further information on any of our past or forthcoming events please contact Sally Smith on: sallysmith@westlondonchambers.org.uk or 07879 813817 or visit www.westlondonchambers.org.uk. West London Chambers of Commerce

Business Awards 2026

EXCLUSIVE black-tie event including the unveling of all the Business Awards winners!

Friday 20th November 2026 - 6:30pm

Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, Hammersmith W6 8DR

“A fantastic night celebrating West London’s finest. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Well done West London Chambers on hosting a fantastic event”

The Mulberry Centre

Scan the QR code for further details or to book your ‘Early Bird’ tickets

Prices from £125 + VAT and booking fees

Early Bird price available until 30.09.26

West London Chambers of Commerce

Ealing Festival of Business 2026

Mark your calendars - The Ealing Festival of Business is back for 2026! Get ready for one of the biggest business networking events in the borough.

Thursday 15th October 2026

Breakfast 7.30am - 9.15am | Exhibition 9.30am - 3.00pm

University of West London, St Mary’s Road, Ealing W5 3TX

Don’t miss the chance to connect with Ealing’s thriving business community and put your business in the spotlight.

The event starts at 7.30 am with a stakeholder’s breakfast. We are very pleased to announce that Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business will be our keynote speaker at the breakfast, before the exhibition opens at 9:30am with 40 stands showcasing local businesses, products and services. The Festival this year has an emphasis on understanding apprenticeships better. Our aim is to bridge the opportunities for employment of young people from educators into especially the services, tech and construction industries, in which London leads locally and globally.

This year’s event includes:

• 40 exhibition stands showcasing local businesses

• Stakeholders’ Breakfast with Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business as keynote speaker

• Hundreds of opportunities to network, collaborate and grow

• Free entry for visitors

Stand costs:

Stand - Chamber member: £395 + VAT

Stand - Non-Chamber member: £495 + VAT

Book your tickets now

The Stakeholder’s Breakfast is £38 + VAT and is a great opportunity to network before the exhibition begins, over a hot breakfast.

To book a stand, please contact: gerryholden@westlondonchambers.org.uk or ayanouwailati@westlondonchambers.org.uk

Our headline sponsor:

Reimagine Banking

“We are proud to sponsor the Ealing Festival of Business and help local businesses grow internationally with costeffective payment and foreign exchange solutions” iFAST Global Bank

Keynote speaker Deputy Mayor for BusinessHoward Dawber OBE

Welcome to our New Members

AWAKEN London

Louise Gwynne

www.awaken-london.com

Holistic wellbeing provider

Beauty Bar

Bal Gill

www.beautybaruk.co.uk

Holistic

Doubtfyre Technologies Ltd

William Young www.thelivingcard.co.uk

Living card – helping lower income families save money

Fulham Football Club

Evan Gartland www.fulhamfc.com

Sports club

IBIS Styles London Ealing

Sylvie Gallon www.ibis.com

Hotel

John Martin Design Associates Ltd t/a JMDA Design

Christopher Raynor www.jmdadesign.com

Product design & consultancy

KRISTIANSTUDIO

Kristian Ordona Bates www.kristianstudio.com

Photography / videography production

LendoCare

Solomia Boretska www.lendocare.com

Mobility equipment rental

Light Foundations

Esther Chimfwembe www.lightfoundations.org

Empowering young people aged 16 - 24 to achieve their potential

Lion Group Home Design & Build london

Bilal Mirza

www.lionhdb.co.uk

Construction and builder

Margin Management Consulting

& Business Coaching Ltd

Andy Marr

www.marginconsulting.co.uk

Management consultancy

Mayfair Business Exchange Ltd

Matteo Perfetti

www.mbesteelpro.com

Steel trading company for both raw and semi finished products

Miacorpuk Ltd

Ali Onuralp Unal

www.tripy.mobi

Telecommunication & information technology service activities

Movivan

Ivan Bogdanov

www.movivanremovals.co.uk

Removals and storage services

New Content Marketing

David Fairman

www.newcontentmarketing.com

Digital agency encorporating the latest AI technology

No More Recruiters

Karan Elvin

www.nomorerecruiters.com

Web platform

Nostrac Shipping limited

Parisa Kaveh

www.nostrac.co.uk

Freight forwarding/logistics/shipping

One Stop Solution

Mohamed Husan

www.ossaccountants.co.uk

Accountant & Tax Advisor

P31 Consulting Ltd

Audrey Linton

www.audreylinton.com/p31consulting.html

Learning and development consultancy

Sentraviz Limited

Peter Pearson

www.sentraviz.org

AI consultancy

Senwo International (Hong Kong) Ltd

Yanan Zhang www.senwo.group

Engineering consulting, design and management

ShenYang HenYI Enterprice (UK) Ltd

Xiaxia Jin

www.henyi.co.uk

Retail sale of medical and orthopaedic goods in specialised stores

Skiniri London

Lettica Phillips www.skiniri.com

Natural skincare brand

St James Place Wealth Management

Galina Bezuglaya www.partnership.sjp.co.uk/partner/ galinabezuglaya

Wealth management

Tea Coins Ltd

Sade Rashida Djadi www.teacoins.co.uk

Tea Brand

Threat Evolution

Ameer Petkar www.threatevolution.co.uk

Cyber security consultancy

Urban Flyers CIC

Simon Melbourne

www.urbanflyers.co.uk

Community focused innovation

Video-Dvd Ltd

Mark Simmons

www.videonhd.co.uk

Specialise in converting your old tapes, audio media, and cine films into highdefinition 1080P video

Wisteria Bridge Ltd/Deresina Headwear

Seda Miranoglu www.deresinaheadwear.com

Headwear for hair loss

5 minutes with

5 minutes with...

SYLVIE GALLON

Who are you?

I am Sylvie Gallon, General Manager of Ibis Styles London Ealing. I am a hospitality professional with 29 years of international experience across multiple countries, focused on creating memorable guest experiences, developing people, delivering strong business results, and building meaningful community connections.

What’s your business all about?

Located in the heart of Ealing on Uxbridge Road, our hotel opened in June 2018 and offers 120 rooms just a six-minute walk from the Elizabeth line. We are a hotel, bar, and restaurant that welcomes both visitors and the local community, providing a comfortable place to stay, dine, meet, and relax. We also offer a secure indoor car park with 18 spaces, providing added convenience for guests travelling by car.

Inspired by Ealing’s rich cinematic heritage, the hotel’s design celebrates the area’s historic connection to film while creating a modern and welcoming atmosphere. Whether guests are travelling for business or leisure, enjoying a meal or a drink, or attending a local event, our focus is on delivering genuine hospitality and memorable experiences for everyone who visits us.

Three

words to describe yourself?

Driven, resilient, authentic.

Ideal customer?

Everyone. We welcome all guests, whether they are travelling for business, leisure, visiting family and friends, or exploring London. Our aim is to provide genuine hospitality, a comfortable stay, and a memorable experience for every guest who walks through our doors.

Philosophy in business?

We also attract guests who value responsible and sustainable travel. As a proud Green Key certified hotel for the past 3 years, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. Sustainability is an important part of our guest experience and reflects our commitment to both our community and the future of our industry.

Biggest achievement?

Building diverse, high-performing teams and creating opportunities for emerging talent through partnerships with local universities and colleges, while consistently delivering strong business performance across international markets.

Biggest gripe?

Seeing potential go unsupported. I believe great leadership is about developing people, encouraging growth, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Your inspiration?

I am particularly inspired by people who lead with authenticity, embrace change with courage, and strive to make a positive impact on others at any time. I believe in not judging a book by its cover, and in valuing people for who they truly are.

Great hospitality starts with people. When you invest in your team, embrace diversity, and support your local community, success naturally follows.

Sporting hero?

Mo Farah. He is one of Britain’s greatest long-distance runners, winning multiple Olympic gold medals and inspiring people through his determination, discipline, and work ethic. His famous “Mobot” celebration made him instantly recognisable around the world.

I chose Mo not only because of his sporting achievements, but also because I had the pleasure of welcoming him to one of my hotels on two occasions. He was humble, approachable, and generous with his time, which made him even more impressive to me as both an athlete and a role model.

Biggest tip for success?

Stay true to your values and lead with purpose, even when things get challenging. Success is built through consistency, discipline, and the ability to adapt. Progress is rarely linear, but resilience and commitment to excellence, day after day, are what truly make the difference.