Lets Talk Business May 2021

ISSUE 6: May 2021

talkbusiness let’s

the official business magazine of hounslow chamber of commerce and west london local chambers: ealing and hammersmith & fulham

HOUNSLOW REGENERATION & RECOVERY CONFERENCE Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers

The Big Interview Nicholas Rose Nicholas Rose & Associates

INSIDE: Economy - Coming out of the pandemic: how will businesses fare?

The Big Interview with Nicholas Rose | Patron Focus – Dell, Building Connections | Spotlight Area Focus -Ealing, a great place to do business | International Trade – non-EU markets offer hope for exporters | Profile – Sam Leigh, Lampton Community Services (LCS) | Improving lives, improving the community | 5 Minutes with Janet Leatherland

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Winner

Contents & welcome

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08 43

32 35 36 After the lockdown, we are now opening up for business.

Contents

Please join one of our many Chamber webinars to help your business open and be ready for the year ahead. With the UK economy forecast, by the Bank of England, to grow by 7.5%, the highest level since WWII we are here to help you and can even assist with finance. In this edition you can read many articles about all sectors of our local economy plus how to expand globally. Your Chamber is here, as the voice of business, to help you on this journey which will be best summed up in our Regeneration

11 News

36-37 Profile

12-15 Skills

38-40 Regeneration & Recovery

& Recovery conference on June 24th featuring local education, employers, financiers, politicians, sport, and retail who are all featured in this issue.

We hope that you will enjoy the read.

4-6 Economy

32-34 International Trade

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35

Director Focus

18-19 The Big Interview 21 Patron Focus

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42 24-25 Spotlight Area Focus 43 Ealing Alan Rides MIEx (Grad) Managing Director

Technology

News Chamber Events Environment

28-29 Legal

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New Members

30-31 News

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5 Minutes with…

Some articles and images may have been originated prior to Covid-19 restrictions Enquiries Hounslow Chamber of Commerce Spring Grove House, West Thames College Campus, London Road, Isleworth TW7 4HS Tel: 020 8326 6416 Email: sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk Web: www.hounslowchamber.org.uk

Publisher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Web: www.benhampublishing.com Media No. 1835 Published May 2021

Editor

Advertising Sales

Features

Production

Jez Davison Email: Jez@benhampublishing.com Tel: 0151 236 4141 Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email:karen@benhampublishing.com

Michele Keeler Tel: 07715 641999 Email: michele@benhampublishing.com

Peter Wilkinson Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: peter@benhampublishing.com

Disclaimer: let’s talk business is published for the Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at the Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in let’s talk business are not necessarily those of the Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2021. Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

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economy

Coming out of the pandemic: how will businesses fare?

It’s safe to say that businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic. All but essential companies were forced to temporarily close due to three national lockdowns and, in many cases, revenue streams and profits were impacted severely. Now, however, as businesses begin once again to open their doors, there’s hope that the hugely successful vaccination roll-out means that, finally, the hardship of the last yearand-a-bit can be consigned to the history books.

Let’s Talk Business gets the views of three high-profile individuals on the challenges facing local businesses as they attempt to engineer a sustained economic recovery…

Cllr Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow Council

“In 2019 Hounslow was among London’s fastest-growing

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let’s talkbusiness

economies with growth in transport, distribution and accommodation, and information, media and communication.

“COVID-19 slammed the brakes on, with aviation, retail, hospitality and leisure hardest hit. Over 25,000 residents furloughed; more than 4,000 jobs lost (with young people twice as likely to suffer job losses as the over-

50s). An estimated 11.3% drop in GVA (London’s seventh highest).

Previously unimaginable job losses at Heathrow and associated businesses – concentrated in lower-skilled roles - hit women, those on low-incomes, the unemployed and those from BAME communities hardest.

“Following the pandemic, the future is daunting for many of

our businesses, but the council is committed to providing support.

“Oxford Economics published a 2020 analysis of COVID-19’s impacts on west London’s economy. Now, with greater understanding, they say London’s GVA contracted by 9.4% last year with some of our biggest sectors – travel, hospitality, and leisure – severely affected.

Now it’s about putting the plan into action. Work to renew local economies, tackle local inequalities, empower local residents and reimagine local places, while meeting environment and climate change challenges in a businessfriendly borough has begun.

“Against that backdrop, in March, Hounslow Council agreed a budget for a better future. With uncertainty about long-term government funding, the cost of COVID-19 and Brexit’s impacts, we’ll keep supporting those who need it and deliver our recovery ambitions without losing sight of those who face real barriers during the rebuilding.

“Hounslow lost an estimated 3,700 jobs. Another 5,200 may be lost in 2021 with hospitality most exposed. Accommodation and food services saw GVA almost halve. Transportation and storage may see GVA fall by 19% – demonstrating Hounslow’s exposure to Heathrow’s activity reduction. These two sectors alone will account for half of all job losses through 2020 and 2021.

“To some extent Hounslow’s economy is protected by information and communication activity. This sector accounted for over a third of GVA and a quarter of employment before the pandemic, and is among the least exposed, with a modest increase in employment expected.

Hounslow is positioning itself to be at the forefront of inward investment in the sector.

“The easing of restrictions is expected to help partial economic recovery in London, but we won’t see employment return to prepandemic levels until at least 2023, with 26,400 additional jobs to 2025.

“Now it’s about putting the plan into action. Work to renew local economies, tackle local inequalities, empower local residents and reimagine local places, while meeting environment and climate change challenges in a business-friendly borough has begun.

“We’re supporting a resilient, green economy and the establishment of an innovation district, encouraging green, creative and professional services businesses into town centre spaces and growth hubs. Naturally, we’re also supporting local small firms by promoting a “buy local” culture, and we’re looking to drive local entrepreneurship by expanding our support for start-ups.

“Meanwhile, our Reimaging Local Places campaign will redefine town centres and high streets to meet the challenges of communities, innovation, climate change and changing economic needs.

“We expect economic growth drivers to remain broadly as they were at the onset of COVID-19. We’re continuing to support aviation’s recovery and look forward to international travel resuming. We’re

maintaining focus on our Creative Enterprise West, Creative Enterprise Zone, and strengths in film, TV and digital.

Information and communication, professional and administrative services will be faster-growing sectors. Real estate activities and public services (particularly health and social work) will also contribute, supporting a growing population.

“Meeting the challenges, accelerating recovery and supporting our people and businesses through it is our prime focus. This was a very hard year, but with the right plans, good work and “One Hounslow” spirit, we’ll come through the better for it.”

Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston and shadow minister for employment

“Thousands of businesses and industries across the country have felt the impact of COVID-19, which has hit jobs and livelihoods hard.

Research shows that aviation communities have been worse hit.

“A collapse in passenger numbers and cargo at Heathrow has cost jobs at the airport and threatened jobs within aviation supply chains, affecting people dependent on this industry and jobs associated with the airport. At its peak, Hounslow had the highest number of furloughed workers in the country.

“As lockdown measures ease, many businesses will start to open up. The hospitality sector will see some recovery, albeit slowly, and others such as aviation will have a longer recovery tail when international travel slowly picks up. It’s estimated that air travel will not fully recover to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2024.

“When planes start flying again, this will have a knock-on effect on related sectors and supply chains. That’s why I’ve been advocating working closely with the airport and local businesses for measures to help get planes flying safely again. We need to do all we can to protect jobs and ensure skills are in place for when things change. In addition, for those who lose their jobs, we need support for upskilling and reskilling. That’s why I’ve been coleading a project with Unite and employers – the Unite Learning Hub @ Heathrow – on what skills are needed for future jobs and how to get easy online access to learning with face-to-face learning to follow.

“We also need to think about the future. As we look to a lowcarbon future, we need a new vision for our airport and local industry. We need to lead the way in achieving zero-carbon aviation

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economy to get any support. This has meant that businesses, from live events companies and catering suppliers to river-based boat businesses, have been unable to get the support they need. I have made sure to raise this issue several times directly with the government.

and reimagine the Heathrow area as a global hub for innovation and a green economic powerhouse.

“That’s why I have been working alongside West London Business and Hounslow Chamber of Commerce and West London Local Chambers of Commerce and local Councils, schools, universities and businesses on a new initiative as part of a place-based response to rising unemployment, and to launch the new London West Innovation District.

“West London is uniquely positioned to leverage its history and tradition of transport innovation. Over time, we want to see the new innovation district become the Silicon Valley of aviation, connecting people and places across the UK and internationally, nurturing new skills, new products and reshaping services.

“Aviation will be a key driver of our economic recovery – but it’s also an enabler of other sectors and industries. Innovation to drive forward our green ambitions to achieve net zero by 2050 and create the businesses and jobs of the future is where our focus should lie.”

“Moving forward, local businesses across Hounslow have told me that they want to make sure that their voices are heard when important decisions are being made by the government.

important that politicians and the government don’t take their eye off the ball when it comes to the challenges facing businesses.

“While the coronavirus has impacted many, here in Hounslow some sectors have been hit particularly hard – whether that’s the 600 hospitality businesses here or the large number of businesses in the Heathrow supply chain.

“The last 12 months have been so tough for so many businesses across Hounslow as I know from the emails and messages I’ve received, with some businesses sadly forced to lay off staff and others being forced to close.

“I’ve been particularly concerned about the lack of specific action to support communities that rely heavily on aviation for jobs and investment. That’s why I’ve been calling on the government to provide sector-specific support both to the aviation industry and to communities like Hounslow who have been hit hard by job losses. Back in 2020, the shadow transport secretary, Jim McMahon, called on the government to step in and support communities such as Hounslow; however, the government has sadly failed to act.

“While the coronavirus vaccine and the continued and gradual lifting of restrictions offers hope for many businesses, it’s equally

“I’ve also been concerned to hear that the strict restrictions on financial support have meant that some businesses have been unable

Ruth Cadbury MP for Brentford & Isleworth

“One way to do this is for the government to work closely with groups such as the West London Business, who’ve held useful forums for business leaders, council leaders, MPs and others to come together and discuss the important issues facing our economy locally. Last October I attended the Blue Skies Conference 2020, and which saw individuals across the sector come together.

It has been inspiring to be involved with the development of plans such as the Hounslow Recovery Plan where partners work together.

Strengthening businesses, and ensuring that employees and employers have the skills they need.

“Additionally, a central part of strengthening businesses over the next year must come through ensuring that employees and employers have the skills they need.

“Colleges and further educations schools such as West Thames College in Isleworth have played a leading role in ensuring that young people locally have workready skills. On top of that, we need to ensure that those who’ve been made redundant have the chance to learn new skills or

receive high-quality training to get back into work quickly. I know that Hounslow Chamber of Commerce has been acting as a gateway for the new apprenticeship program and I welcome the news that the first trainees are being recruited.

“Likewise, I hope that the government puts forward a bold, ambitious plan for our high streets.

I know that many businesses have found that the business rates system is complex, confusing and arbitrary – with some shops paying much higher rates than others, for no obvious reason.

“I’m also pleased that the shadow secretary of state for work and pensions, Johnny Reynolds MP, has outlined a bold, ambitious plan to ensure that every young person who is out of work has access to either a high-quality apprenticeship, job training or further education.

“It’s also vital that we ensure that crucial sectors of our economy such as engineering, IT and manufacturing are put at the centre of this.

“Likewise, the government needs to ensure that we focus on jobs in sectors that will be crucial in our efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions – whether that’s electric car battery plants or businesses helping to improve the energy efficiency of homes.

“As we continue to lift restrictions, businesses will play a huge role in ensuring that people locally have jobs, in providing a place for people to shop and spend money locally, and in ensuring that Hounslow remains a vibrant, thriving place in which to live.”

Moving forward, local businesses across Hounslow have told me that they want to make sure that their voices are heard when important decisions are being made by the government.

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let’s talkbusiness

Focus on Finance New business grants & loans There are plenty of government grants available for small businesses- saving you money, lowering startup costs and helping grow your business. Small businesses can get support grants and loans worth several thousands of pounds in grants and loans.

The pandemic has hit firms hard.

For a business loan, you will have to pay back within an agreed timescale or with interest. While, a grant is cash support that one doesn’t need to pay back.

Shankar Devarashetty, Managing Director of Oasis Accountants, sharing his financial expertise explains how new businesses look out for grants & loans.

Businesses are able to get financial support from the government or

Mortgage Matters

Choosing the apt mortgage and dealing with the conveyancing process when buying a property can be a complicated process.

More so if it’s your first time, hence there are some vital additional factors to get to grips with.

Shankar Devarashetty, Managing Director of Oasis Wealth, shares his financial expertise explaining all things ‘Mortgage’ and ways to get help to get onto the housing ladder.

If you’re planning to get a first toe on the property ladder, here’s what you need to consider to make your finances fighting fit.

council, so it’s worth reaching out for help. Look for ways to diversify the business, help with cutting costs or support on managing your financial health.

Most small business grants are awarded to help launch a startupnew business, aiming to generate jobs and stimulate the economy.

Types of new business loans & grants

Small business startup grants

New Enterprise Allowance

A range of startup business grants are available depending on the sector you want to go into. For example:

This gives you mentoring and an allowance if you want to start, or develop, a business if over 18 years of age. Your mentor will need to approve your business plan, with allowance of up to £1,274 over 26 weeks.

Innovate UK provides government grants to “develop and realise the potential of new ideas, including those from the UK’s world-class research base”.

Research and Development tax reliefs support companies seeking to research or develop an advancement in their field (even if the project is unsuccessful).

Plus, you can ask your local authority about grants available in your region and funding specific to your industry.

Grants for taking on an Apprentice You can get financial help from the government to train an apprentice in your small business. If your pay bill is less than £3 million a year, you won’t pay the apprenticeship levy, getting five per cent towards the cost of training.

Kickstart Scheme This gives funding to businesses who create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. You can get 100 per cent of the living wage for 25 hours a week for a total of six months, along with pension and NI contributions.

Start Up Business Loans – Much like the grants, these lower interest rate loans offer more liberal terms than varied lending arenas. Backed by the government, the Start Up Loans Scheme offers personal loans of £25,000 with a 6% interest rate, business support and mentoring within first year of trading.

Small business grants for young people

Affordability

value of loan could be less. So, a larger deposit can help, widening choice of properties.

gauge your credit history. Each lender has an individual scoring model, with an external credit check.

Deposit

If your number is high, it specifies you’ve managed credit well, lenders will be agreeable in future.

When home-hunting, you need to know how much you can borrow.

Previously, lenders worked on the source of income, however now they look at affordability in totality.

Taken into consideration are regular outgoings such as commuter costs, childcare costs and other loans, plus lifestyle, so you are not too stretched with interest rates changes. Typically, a lender may offer 4 or 4.5 times your income, if buying alone or jointly.

Consider loan to value To avail any fixed-rate mortgage, one currently requires a deposit of 10% of the property value, and 90% loan to value deals. The lender puts up 90% of the property value.

The lender accepts a lot of risk hence it comes at higher interest rates than dip LTV alternatives offered to those with higher deposits. With low earnings, the

The Prince’s Trust supports, funds, trains young people aged 18 to 30 to start and run their own business.

One can apply for low-interest business loans between £500 and £5,000, and small business grants in special circumstances.

With sky-rocketing property prices, perhaps the prime challenge is to build a deposit of 10%. Many rely on the bank of parents to help.

Otherwise, save hard, by snipping your bills, cutting back on nonessentials and rental costs.

Under 40’s can try set up tax-free Individual Savings Account to put your deposit money, saving up to £4,000 a year into either cash, stocks or shares with the government topping 25% when you buy your first home.

Remember, to hold it for a year and use the money for property.

Check credit score When finding a home, applying for a mortgage, be ready lenders will

Hounslow Chamber of Commerce is a Kickstart Gateway.

First, make sure you have registered to vote and having a credit card will work in your favour.

Take a longer mortgage term Struggling to meet your monthly mortgage repayments on a mainstream with a 25-year term?

You could opt for one that runs for 30, 35 or 40 years. If debt is spread over a longer period, monthly repayments are smaller, easing the pain when you start out.

Over time, your earnings are likely to rise, when you can afford it, makes sense to reduce your mortgage term, or try 10% overpayments yearly sans penalty.

Contact: E: hello@oasisaccountants.co.uk E: shankar@oasiswealth.co.uk T: 020-38189530 M: +44 7806 690596

director

focus

Chris enjoys colourful career It’s safe to say that Chris Durkin has enjoyed an eclectic career. After spending seven years in the engineering industry, he realised that this line of work wasn’t for him and transferred to the City, working for more than three decades as an insurance broker specialising in re-insurance.

Chris says: “I really enjoyed that part of my career and felt at home in the insurance industry. Our business did well until a couple of clients stopped paying us. We didn’t have enough paid-up capital so sadly we had to let 16 staff go and close the business. I learned a lot of lessons, particularly the importance of cashflow.”

In 2013 Chris became a director and vice-president of the Chamber before assuming the role of chairman in 2018. In this role he has a particular focus on building strategic partnerships with Hounslow Council and large corporates such as Heathrow Airport, and exploring the benefits of partnerships between businesses and education providers.

Chris took early retirement but still felt he could make a positive difference in the corporate world, so he took up the role of premises manager at West Thames College.

During his time there, he met Sally Smith and she persuaded him to get involved with Hounslow Chamber, believing that Chris’s vast experience of corporate life could benefit business ownermanagers who were only part of the way through their journey.

In addition to his Chamber activities, Chris is chair of the Medical Advisory Service, a charity that enables nurses who are unable to work physically due to work-related injury or illness to give professional advice over a dedicated telephone line.

He’s also the chairman of the Hounslow Town Centre Forum and involved in the NHS Hounslow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and various committees

that tackle key healthcare issues – which have assumed greater importance within the context of the COVID crisis.

As if this career path wasn’t colourful enough, he has also made an enjoyable foray into the world of gin imports.

“That was great fun,” Chris recalls.

“In reality I didn’t have enough money to market the business seriously and make it scalable.

Eventually I sold it for £150.

“I’m 76 and still quite active. My work at the Chamber keeps me occupied. I encourage other people to join the board and try to find ways of adding value for our members.

“Some people think that Chambers of Commerce are a bit old-hat but here at Hounslow we’re moving with the times. Throughout the

COVID pandemic we’ve hosted online events and webinars and we’ve remained visible to our members. This has given them the confidence that we’re here to support them in all weathers.”

Post-COVID, Chris believes it’s vital to ramp up business and, in particular, improve the fortunes of Heathrow Airport, which has been affected badly by the pandemic.

“The airport is central to the economic success of Hounslow and surrounding areas,” says Chris.

“In normal times I’d look out of my window and see planes flying from Heathrow every three minutes. Now there are hardly any planes taking off.

“I’m confident that once we get everyone vaccinated, activity levels will return to normal and London will once again be a gateway to the world.”

Some people think that Chambers of Commerce are a bit old-hat but here at Hounslow we’re moving with the times. Throughout the COVID pandemic we’ve hosted online events and webinars and we’ve remained visible to our members. This has given them the confidence that we’re here to support them in all weathers.

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Improve competitiveness in hard times The University of West London is committed to helping local businesses and the community to improve competitiveness that will enable them to survive and thrive during the hard time. We have developed a wide range of high-quality short courses that will enable attendees to build their learning in bite-sized chunks.

Professional training Our professional training provides vocational qualification and career readiness. It enables attendees to fill in the skill gap and advance their career. You can choose to customise your course to provide specific knowledge and skill tailored to your business.

Short Courses Our interactive short courses provide cutting-edge knowledge for individuals to develop their interest in depth. uwl.ac.uk/short-courses Summer camp Our summer camp provides teenagers with a taste of university-level study to develop their potential during summer break. uwl.ac.uk/summer-camp

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We also give In-Company training. We can deliver tailormade lessons at your company or organisation, either face-toface, or online. If you prefer, your employees are welcome to attend our school in Ealing Broadway.

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English, advanced English and proficiency. You can also choose to combine General English with IELTS exam preparation, Cambridge First Certificate in English or Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English.

All our general English classes are based on the communicative approach. This means there is a strong focus on speaking and listening skills, as well as reading, writing, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary.

Classes are learner-centred giving you the opportunity to practise your language skills with students from all over the world.

news

Supporting West London Businesses During the Pandemic The past year has been anything but easy. But, buoyed by the government’s ‘roadmap’ strategy, many entrepreneurs are now doubling down with renewed optimism and forging ahead.

The good news is, entrepreneurs in Hounslow benefit from an established business culture that has become known as a hub for creative industries, along with exemplary transport connections to Central and Greater London and the rest of the UK, providing fertile ground for growing businesses and start-ups.

Indeed, while it may seem strange to launch a business during a pandemic, that’s exactly what thousands of people are doing.

More than 101,000 new UK businesses were created between October and December 2020, 24% more than the same period in 2019 (ONS). This is for many different reasons, but among them, 69% of new entrepreneurs said that lockdown gave them the push they needed to start a business, according to Virgin Startup.

At UBC, we work with businesses of all sizes and industries from our offices in Brentford, and the west London

Chiswick Flower Market wins national accolade The Chiswick Flower Market has been chosen by the national High Streets Task Force as an example of the kind of project which is revitalising local communities.

Organisers of the market say they were “delighted” with the news.

A spokesperson said: “Revitalising the high road economy is exactly what we set out to do. We are really pleased to be able to share with others what we have learned.”

The High Streets Task Force was commissioned by the government in 2019 as part of its strategy for the high street – and in particular, to redefine high roads in the era of online shopping.

It has chosen the Chiswick Flower Market as a shining example of best practice. It is a community-led project

region has no shortage of innovative entrepreneurs who are continuing to adapt and rise to the current challenges.

We are seeing regular enquiries from businesses for our flexible office space in The Mille (Brentford), particularly from small business owners and start-up entrepreneurs who need flexible office space because they do not have a suitable or quiet enough space to work at home.

With short terms, affordable allinclusive pricing, and the ability to upsize (or downsize) quickly and easily, workplace flexibility is becoming an essential part of every company’s growth plan going forward.

The Office Time Share for flexible hybrid working World events have forced businesses of all size to rethink their work patterns causing a major cultural shift in how we work.

We are happy to have the opportunity to support the current needs and future growth plans of west London businesses, and we look forward to helping local business owners move forwards to a stronger ‘new normal’ in 2021, and beyond.

Surveys reveal that employees want to return to the workplace, but given the choice they would split their time between home and office. As a result businesses everywhere are exploring a new hybrid way of working. This leaves business owners with a dilemma.

If you are starting, running, or growing a business and want help with workspace or growth support, contact the UBC team at ubcuk.com.

UBC have responded by offering a Time-Shared office. Office timesharing is different to traditional office sharing, which involves different businesses using the same office at the same time. With office timesharing, you have exclusive use of the workspace on your designated days.

set up by a group of local residents on an entirely voluntary basis, with no public funding and it has been successful in bringing business to Chiswick High Road.

The market is the first new flower market to have opened in London for 150 years. The organisers held their first public meeting in the back of a pub in February 2020 to gauge local support and developed the idea from there.

It has been supported from the outset

by Hounslow Council and Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, with our H&S Director, Mel Bruneau, helping with the risk assessment report.

Leader of Hounslow Council, Cllr Steve Curran, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by Chiswick Flower Market to be recognised by the National High Streets Task Force as an example of best practice. It’s a credit to everyone involved and a great example of what can be achieved by working together for the benefit of our communities.”

For more information visit https://chiswickflowermarket.com/

Why pay for empty office space on home-working days?

Timesharing allows businesses to have both a physical office and a flexible working policy, without wasting money on office space that sits empty for significant periods.

Whether this is suitable for your business, depends on the nature of your work. If you need offices for client meetings or collaborative exercises, then it could be a great option.

Maintaining an office presence, even part-time, can show employees that you still value team culture and collaboration.

Office time gives the team a feeling of belonging that may suffer in a fully-remote scenario, whilst also giving access to the flexibility of remote working.

UBC’s Timeshare offices are on monthly contracts, minimum 2 days per week.

To learn more about Office Time-Share at https://www.ubcuk.com/ office-space/flexspace-and-coworking/, speak to UBC.

Contact Andrew Billson Email: brentford@ubcuk.com Tel: 0800 169 9822 www.ubcuk.com/locations/brentford let’s talkbusiness

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skills The initiative is a COVID response programme to support unemployed people in receipt of benefits to re-enter employment. It is a national contract working to help develop employment skills and capacity, especially for those most affected by the pandemic.

JETS - JOB ENTRY TARGETED SUPPORT PROGRAMME It has been a tough year for everyone. However, Chamber member New London Educational Trust (NLET) is working hard to help London Borough of Ealing residents through our new office at the Lido Centre in West Ealing where we are pioneering the West London Alliance (WLA) and Shaw Trust Job Entry Targeted Support programme, or JETS for short.

NLET aims to help residents gain employment via a range of integrated employability support, personal development skills and information broadcasts.

Our light touch employment support is linked to vocational upskilling and reskilling opportunities, preventing individuals from becoming long term unemployed or economically inactive.

We support participants to identify and overcome barriers to work, helping recognise transferable skills and career alternatives, providing up-to-date employability tools and rekindling motivation, drive and confidence, enabling more effective job searches and aiding in progress towards sustained employment.

Interventions include:

• Employability skills training • CV Sessions - all levels • Tailored support • Personal Development modules • Post Covid-19 support • One-to-one, group and remote training • Participant forums including peer led discussions • Employer Insight Sessions from Labour Market Analysis • Broadcasts including NHS opportunities

The Lido Centre, where NLET delivers its Ealing services, is a base for over a dozen Ealing charities.

It is a community resource and venue for meetings, training and support services for Ealing residents.

NLET is delighted to partner with the Lido Centre to widen our network of support. (#lidolife)

If this is the right opportunity for you or someone you know, please speak to your local Job Centre Work Coach and ask to be referred onto the JETS Programme.

For more information please email us on jets@nletrust.org NLET Lido Centre, 63 Mattock lane, Ealing W13 9LA European Union - European Social Fund

West London Alliance

lJM, o,

shaw trust

I�

Department for Work& Pensions

An exciting new project has been launched to help and support employees* in West London to develop their job-related skills, impro ve their technical knowledge and build their career prospects.

NLET is proud to offer a new and exciting opportunity that will enable eligible employees to gain units towards a qualification and knowledge in a flexible and accessible way fro m basic skills English/Maths to sector­ based units at Levels 1, 2 & 3.

This project is co mpletely FREE to all eligible employees and their employers.

Please contact us to discuss your eligibility for London Learning.

Contact us at londonlearning@nletrust.org or call on 020 8570 7766. *If you are currently furloughed, you may still be eligible to study.

European Union - European

i, • nlet

New London Educational Trust

Social Fund

NLET Sceptre House, 75-81 Staines Rd, Hounslow lW3 3HW www.nletrust.org

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let’s talkbusiness

skills

HCUC Apprenticeships & Skills West London’s Largest College Apprenticeship Provider from Harrow College & Uxbridge College HCUC Apprenticeships & Skills is an industry leading training provider in west London brought to you by Chamber member Harrow College and Uxbridge College (HCUC).

We offer an enhanced provision of high-quality apprenticeships with various flexible delivery modes, recruitment and training for employers and online professional development courses for individuals.

Build back better with the extra funding to recruit new apprentices Due to the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, launched an incentive scheme to encourage employers to recruit new apprentices.

This scheme was recently extended and the incentives were increased. Employers can now claim £3,000 for each new apprentice recruited between 1 April and 30 September 2021. There is a further £1,000 incentive for 16-18 year old apprentices. Terms & conditions apply.

We offer apprenticeships in over 28 sectors. So now is the best time to take up the chance to access the extra grants to recruit and build a skilled and efficient workforce to help you boost productivity in your company.

We will promote your vacancies for free and our recruitment officers will ensure they line up the best candidates to match your requirements. To recruit an apprentice, call 01895 853780.

Online courses & blended learning apprenticeships for business and individual needs

Online & On Campus Apprenticeships: HCUC Apprenticeships & Skills has created a

The awards, which this year were presented in a virtual ceremony in place of the customary black tie gala dinner, were announced in advance of National Apprenticeship week.

National Apprenticeship Week 2021 success at HCUC!

flexible blended learning platform for Online & On Campus Apprenticeships to minimise disruption at your workplace. Industries include Accounting, Team Leading and Operational Management and more.

The blended study platform means apprentices do not have to attend college as frequently as with traditional delivery models. So it’s the perfect opportunity for employers to enable their ambitious employees to upskill without any interruption on-site. Read more here: https:// apprenticeships.hcuc.ac.uk/apprenticeships/ online-and-on-campus-apprenticeships/ Blended Human Resources Apprenticeship: We are offering a Human Resources Apprenticeship with blend of online study and campus attendance for individuals and businesses. If you are keen to train your existing HR staff or hire new staff, call 01895 853780 for more information.

Employability Courses: We are also offering various employability courses with a blended learning option to help individuals increase their skill sets. Whether it is for job opportunities, plans for a career change or to simply gain in-depth knowledge in a specific topic of interest, these qualifications enable people to access support to make their next step in life. Find out more here: https:// apprenticeships.hcuc.ac.uk/jobseekers/

West London Business Awards 2021We are Highly Commended!

HCUC Apprentices have also secured yet another round of successes in the annual West London Business Awards. For the seventh consecutive year, two Apprentices completing their training with HCUC Apprenticeships and Skills - the employer training arm of the college group have scooped awards at the prestigious event.

As west London’s top College provider of Apprenticeships, we celebrated a highly successful series of virtual activities for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week.

The events organised by Harrow College and Uxbridge College (HCUC) included virtual presentation sessions from a range of high profile apprentice employers talking about how companies have benefitted from HCUC apprentices, apprentice funding and Levy pot sharing plus post Brexit / Covid survival tips and west London’s build and recovery plans.

Employers and business organisations taking part in HCUC’s virtual apprenticeship week included HS2, Menzies Aviation, Shaw Trust, Willmott Dixon, Higgins Partnerships, Harrow Council, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and West London Business.

Work with us - we are a trusted provider With over 50 years of combined skills and experience we help companies as well as individuals build worthwhile futures.

To find out more on how to get started, visit www.hcuc.ac.uk/employers or email employers@hcuc.ac.uk or call 01895 853780 today!

Two Advanced apprentices, Sally Sturgess, a Business Administration Apprentice at Anand Financial Architecture in Uxbridge, and Michael Westwood, a Mechatronics Maintenance Apprentice at Reach Printing Services in Watford, received Highly Commended Awards.

let’s talkbusiness

13

STUDENT WORK PLACEMENTS

CONFERENCE ROOM HIRE

APPRENTICESHIPS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

There are many ways employers can get involved with West Thames College through programmes such as Work Experience and Industry Placements.

Spring Grove House is a spacious and elegant grade II listed building located within the campus of West Thames College in Isleworth, West London.

At West Thames College we aim to provide our apprentice’s the skills & knowledge they need to help them get their career started.

You can also get involved in our West Thames College Aspire Careers Fair or Employer Advisory Board.

The house is available to hire per room, per day and is popular for business meetings, conferences and training events. Catering can be provided as required.

An Apprenticeship can be a pathway to get your business growing with a new apprentice as well as having options to up-skill your current staff.

If you’re interested and would like to know more, please contact us on wex@west-thames.ac.uk

Email conferencehire@ west-thames.ac.uk

Email Jasmine.

Matthias@westthames.ac.uk to find out more.

news

Allotments provide social haven for youngsters Community stalwarts have used the pandemic to convert allotment sheds into chicken runs to provide a unique service for local disadvantaged schoolchildren.

The Hatton Road Allotments in Bedfont have been a vital part of the local community for more

community spirit, strike a bond with the animals and gain vital social skills. We also enjoy their company and it’s good to do something that benefits the local community.”

However, in recent times there has been a spate of chicken thefts – on occasions more than ten at a time.

than 100 years, allowing greenfingered gardeners to grow fruit and veg and, latterly, rear chickens and roosters.

In recent times, the gardeners have formed a special bond with Marjory Kinnon School, which caters for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Manager of one of the allotments, Steve Gilbert, said: “The kids regularly come to our allotments to socialise in the fresh air and appreciate the natural surroundings. They enjoy seeing the chickens and collect eggs which they then take to their neighbours.

“All of this benefits the children.

They learn the value of good

“It’s very sad,” said Steve. “One of my friends had 18 chickens stolen, another had 16 taken away.

Not only is it bad for my friends, it means that we can’t continue to provide a vital community service to the schoolchildren.

“I would urge the public – and it is only a small minority – to consider the consequences of their actions.

“The pandemic has been awful for so many people but we’ve tried to create a positive out of it by converting more allotment sheds into chicken runs and strengthening our bond with the local school and its pupils.

It’s really important that this continues in future.”

Investing in the most vulnerable children in Hounslow means investing in everyone

We want for every single child, a future, and we won’t give up until we achieve this.

If we can engage our most vulnerable children early enough in a vocational area of interest, we will keep them engaged into their early adulthood, leading to a greater chance of a lifetime of productivity. This will benefit the whole community who will spend less on later retrograde interventions, from costs to the welfare state, to intensive public service support.

New Chamber member Woodbridge Park is Hounslow’s local authority maintained Alternative Provision Service. We have 5 sites across the Borough. Our mission is simple – to provide an outstanding curriculum and support to every child and young person so that they can move on and lead the fullest and most productive life possible. A life full of freedom and choice and to have a good standard of living. This is no mean feat given the multitude of challenges that the children in our care have faced and continue to face. Most of our children and young people come from a point of extreme childhood adversity, having witnessed or been victim to a range of traumatic life-changing events.

We are wanting to partner with local employers who want to join us on our mission to change the world for these vulnerable children and young people. We want to trial 1-2 days per week, full year, work-based internships for a group of our 14-16 year olds from September 2022, with a goal of extending this to even more from September 2023. The vision is to establish a large scale programme, supported

by local employers where we give life-changing opportunities to our most vulnerable children and young people; opportunities to shine and build a more productive future. We will achieve this, and when we do, it will be ground-breaking and will set Hounslow up as a leader in provision for vulnerable 14-16 year olds. We will invest in support for employers and the young people who partake in this initiative and always be available should a problem arise.

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting vision and our plans – please contact Ian Berryman, Headteacher of Woodbridge Park on 020 8289 4684 or email: office@woodbridgepark.hounslow.sch.uk.

Our website: www.wpes.org.uk clearly presents our extensive service offer.

Join us in mapping out a brighter future for the most vulnerable children and young people in Hounslow.

let’s talkbusiness

15

Creating pathways into work for young people, whilst building diverse talent pipelines for employers.

Spark!’s vision is of a society in which all young people are ready, equipped, motivated, and able to enter the world of work.

Formerly the Education Business Partnership in Hounslow, Spark! is now a charity working across West London and beyond, with more than 40 years of experience, partnering with schools, communities and alongside a large and diverse range of local and national employers.

In collaboration with businesses and employer volunteers we enhance young people’s employability skills, knowledge, and experience, so that they are better prepared for and able to effectively transition into the workplace, finding and keeping a job.

In addition, 60% of businesses state that school leavers lack the skills to succeed in the workplace, and two-thirds state they want to recruit those with some level of work experience. However, only 38% of businesses have ever offered work experience to young people and young adults. (CBI, 2019).

To effectively recover, West London needs to take a place-based approach to youth employment issues. Bringing together businesses, education, public sector services, and voluntary sector organisations, to collaborate in identifying need and service gaps, and acting together to design robust and resilient solutions, across the 7 boroughs.

To achieve this we build and develop long-term relationships between education institutions and employers, from global organisations to micro local businesses. These relationships create the means for all young people, particularly those who will most benefit, to have access to meaningful employer engagement, work readiness skills development, and employment opportunities, enabling them to transition into sustained work and rewarding careers.

In this way Spark! provides • a range of employability skills development opportunities and events •

high quality work experience placements

•

inspiring careers mentoring relationships

•

an online careers and skills development platform

At the same time we work with employers so that they are able to better and more sustainably access young people in their communities, raising the profile of their organisation and their sector, and building diverse talent pipelines made up of local young people.

This joined-up and collaborative approach is good for young people, good for businesses, and good for the whole community.

With West London working to effectively recover in a post-covid landscape, and aiming to sustainably regenerate the area, our work has never been more important.

63% of people made unemployed since the start of the pandemic are under 24 years of age, and employment opportunities for young people leaving school are at the lowest since the 1980s.

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let’s talkbusiness

The role for business Spark! are actively seeking new partners to join us in our vision, changing the landscape forever on youth unemployment in West London, whilst also supporting businesses to meet community value priorities, and to build their relationships with potential future employees.

If you are interested in volunteering your employees in school based activities or mentoring, hosting work experience placements, or simply would like to speak more about possible partnership with Spark!, please get in touch with our Head of Partnerships, Rachel McAdam at rachelmcadam@sparkcharity.org.uk.

Apprenticeships, Recruitment & Training... from Harrow College & Uxbridge College Online & On Campus Apprenticeships Upskill your employees and minimise disruption at your workplace with our flexible blended learning apprenticeships.

Accounting Level 2-4 Team Leading Level 3 Operational Management Level 5

Technical & Professional Training and Apprenticeships We have a proven record of success in running specialist training by our expert staff, in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Accounting Management & Leadership Industry Compliance First Aid & Food Safety Education & Childcare HR (blended learning) Learning & Development Digital Marketing Business Administration CIPD Qualifications

Get started today

01895 853780

https://apprenticeships.hcuc.ac.uk

Advice & Career Guidance Health & Social Care CPD Engineering Pathways Electrical Installation Plumbing Beauty Therapy & Hairdressing Assessor & Internal Verifier Awards Infrastructure Technician Customer Service

the big

interview

Positive wellbeing is vital for workplace productivity The importance of positive mental health has never been showcased more than in the last year. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused suffering and hardship on a monumental scale, and this has had an adverse impact on the wellbeing of millions of people.

According to the charity MIND, one in four people experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, and one in six people experience a common mental health problem such as anxiety and depression in any given week in England.

These figures are likely to have become even more stark in light of the pandemic – creating a gap in the market for professionals who can provide a service to help people who are struggling with their mental health.

Chamber member Nicholas Rose is one of those professionals whose services have been called upon during the pandemic.

A qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, he established Chiswick-based London Counselling Practice in 2009 to help individuals and businesses work through problems and tackle mental health issues.

Services offered include inhouse therapeutic support and consultancy at times of acute stress or crisis – when

bereavement or redundancy strikes, for example – and group sessions on how to manage stress and anxiety.

Nicholas says: “From a business perspective, positive workplace mental health is vital to ensure that staff remain healthy and productive and businesses remain competitive and profitable.

“In the current climate organisations benefit from building staff resilience. The way to do that is to be proactive and flexible and show strong leadership. While working patterns have changed during the pandemic – possibly for good – managers should recognise that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Some people may enjoy working from home, for example, while others may crave the social aspect of the office.

“The challenge for managers is to support staff in different ways, to recognise their individual needs and to incorporate this within a strategy that benefits their organisation. How do managers

involve everyone in the business to give them the opportunity to contribute? Does the business strategy give staff a strong sense of direction? Does everyone know what their role is within the organisation?

“These questions have become even more important in the pandemic.

The COVID crisis has taught many managers the value of positive mental health and wellbeing. In the US, many companies have a chief wellbeing officer who is as important as the chief financial officer. Perhaps we will start to see this more in the UK.” Before he started his current venture, Nicholas enjoyed a career in various marketing and business strategy roles. He developed a keen interest in change management and how change can affect people in different ways.

In the current climate in which people’s lives have been turned upside down by the COVID crisis, the ability to adapt has been crucial. Nicholas himself has had to be agile; he moved many

of his company’s services online when COVID restrictions meant he couldn’t see clients in person.

Nicholas says: “We’ve seen some interesting trends during the pandemic. For example, part-time staff who’ve been asked to work from home have often coped with this better than full-time staff who are used to being based in the office from 9am to 5pm, five days a week.

“Going forwards, our aim is to work with more organisations to help them manage change and ensure the positive wellbeing of their staff. We have clients in Hammersmith, Ealing and other parts of London as we widen our reach, and we’ve won plenty of new work through word of mouth.

“We’ve been fortunate in that there has been a huge focus on psychological wellbeing. When someone is hit by a tragic event, such as a bereavement, they tend to get a lot of support initially and then that fizzles out as life carries on. It’s important for organisations to realise that this person may be suffering long after the event has happened.”

In the current climate organisations benefit from building staff resilience. The way to do that is to be proactive and flexible and show strong leadership 18

let’s talkbusiness

Nicholas Rose: the inside story: Favourite food? Homemade pizza.

Favourite tipple? Aperol Spritz in the heat, a glass of Barolo in the winter.

Favourite holiday? Spending time with my family on a deserted sandy beach with clear, warm waters.

Describe your family life? I enjoy quiet and simple times at home, sharing meals with my family.

How do you spend your downtime?

Having a good chat about life with a friend, listening to audiobooks and sitting in our garden contemplating life. I also enjoy a spot of bellringing at my local church.

What are your key strengths as a manager? I see my job as a facilitator of meaningful relationships.

And your limitations? Time and energy

Best thing about doing business in the borough? Its diversity and how it has retained such a strong sense of identity.

Famous person you’d most like to spend dinner with? The presenter and broadcaster, Moira Stuart.

Most interesting fact about yourself?

I’ve been given insight into thousands of people’s personal lives from torture survivors to CEOs.ustry leaders and celebrities.

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19

WE HAVE LANDED! of pounds of theft…but not to worry as the Shredinator heroes from Identity Destruction are here to save the day!

Tree huggers anonymous!

Identity Destruction Ltd, new members of the Hounslow Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce the opening of their brand new ‘SHREDINATE-AS-YOU-WAIT’ Facility in Feltham! Based at Unit 13 Maple Industrial Estate, whether you’re a householder or business, you can pop into the shredding branch with your confidential paperwork and hard drives and watch it all get securely shredded right in front of your eyes!

Identity theft on the rise!

Since Covid hit the UK in 2020, identity theft has risen to record highs and it’s now more important than ever, to protect our confidential data!

Identity thieves victimise over 100,000 people a year in the UK and are responsible for millions

Often, the misconception on shredded paper is that it’s not actually recyclable…but this couldn’t be further from the truth! At Identity Destruction, after cross shredding your confidential paperwork into teeny tiny confetti sized pieces, they compact all the shredded paper and send it off to the paper tissue mills to be 100% recycled! Upon arrival your paper is weighed on digital scales and prices start from just £12 + VAT up to the first 20KG and then 60p + VAT per KG thereafter.

Big brother’s watching!

Whether we like it or hate it, we cannot escape the fact we all live in a digital world and every area of our lives is on the interweb…from our national insurance number, NHS details, online shopping and online banking and 1000’s of our digital photos. All this digital information is often stored on our hard drives within old PCs and laptops and it’s a treasure trove of data for digital criminals. But fear not! You can bring your old PCs and laptops into the Feltham branch and Identity Destruction remove and shred the internal hard drives into tiny shards of metal which annihilates all held digital data! The old PC and laptop carcases then get fully recycled too! Hard drive shredding is just £12.50 + VAT per PC/laptop.

Certainly Certified!

Identity Destruction come highly accredited and are Certified to the UK security shredding standard of BS EN 15713 and issue a Certificate of Destruction for your GDPR records.

3,2,1 come on down!

So if you’re concerned about your household or business data falling into the wrong hands and are drowning under a pile of paperwork and old computers, come on down to London’s premier shredding facility @ Identity Destruction in Feltham and get your ‘Shred on’!

No appointment necessary… Open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Unit 13 Maple Industrial Estate, Maple Road, Feltham TW13 7AW

020 3150 1124 | info@identitydestruction.co.uk | www.identitydestruction.co.uk If you are unable to get out to the Feltham ‘SHREDINATE-AS-YOU-WAIT’ facility, Identity Destruction provide a secure collect & shred service from your home or office…prices start from just £25 + VAT per collection.

patron

focus

Building connections Jane Jones, executive assistant to the UK senior vice president at Dell, explains how the company is strengthening its roots in the local community…

We’ve built up strong relationships with the Chamber and local businesses, and as one of the larger companies in the borough, we’re keen to share our wealth of knowledge to help other companies in the area, whether that’s a well-established company or a young start-up.

At Dell Technologies, we’re strong advocate for young people of all genders and backgrounds,

Most people will be familiar with the name Dell from the back of their laptop or monitor screen.

But Dell Technologies is much more than devices; we’re a leader in digital transformation, dedicated to creating technologies that drive human progress.

You may recognise our office in Brentford by the iconic clock tower on the Great West Road.

This is going through a significant refurbishment and will be unveiled later this month to reveal brand new LED screens, hopefully making a welcome addition to the regeneration of the Brentford area.

We’ve had the honour of being a patron of the Hounslow Chamber for several years, and for the last two years I’ve been on the advisory board representing Dell Technologies. I’m executive assistant to the UK senior vice president and general manager, and I’m also the Brentford site lead.

As such, I’m in the unique position to ensure that the most appropriate Dell team members meet the requirements of Hounslow Chamber.

particularly those considering a career path in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). We run several development programs across the UK to attract and build the future workforce. STEMAspire, for example, is our 12-month mentoring programme designed to support girls and underrepresented minorities who graduate from STEM degrees and help them become future tech leaders.

Volunteer mentors pair up with second-year university students and provide them with one-to-one support and guidance to help them bridge the gap between education and employment.

Encouraging skills is vital to our local area and the future of the British economy. We take that to heart at Dell Technologies, with many individuals volunteering to highlight the various routes into

a STEM career on visits to local schools. Recently, we collaborated with supermarket chain Asda to provide 7,000 laptops to schools across the UK. These devices will help children who haven’t had access to technology during the pandemic to remain connected and continue their studies.

We’re currently working with the local Hounslow Regeneration project to develop the west London start-up ecosystem, fostering new businesses and investment opportunities. We’re continuing to expand our relationships with other prominent stakeholders along the Brentford Golden Mile.

And, true to our commitment to drive human progress and our Progress Made Real 2030 goals, we’re using our reach, technology and people to create a positive and lasting impact on our community.

let’s talkbusiness

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Local Company with Global Reach Cavalier Logistics UK Ltd is a privately owned small business; we are a young company which means we can be agile and flexible and can provide a full service logistics solution that can be adapted according to your needs. The UK team has extensive experience in Global Logistics, specialising in Time Critical, Biopharma and Dangerous Goods. Our experts will ensure that all of your time and temperature sensitive shipments are handled correctly and according to their individual requirements.

We are part of the wider Cavalier Logisitcs group, which enables us to havea global reach and offer a seamless end to end service.

Cavalier Logistics Group is committed to working within established quality procedures to provide each customer with the most reliable personalised service, we are dedicated to the continuous development of both our people and our services.

We pride ourselves in providing a flexible and innovative approach to achieving solutions for our customers, helping them in turn to meet the increasing demands of their own customer base.

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Global Logistics Biopharma Logistics 24/7 Time critical – when it needs to there yesterday Storage to International shipping MHRA Approved Pharma Warehouse

www.cavlog.com

connect@cavlog.com

+44 (0)20 3887 1350

REASONS TO INVEST in Ealing, the Capital of West London

BUSINESS AND GROWTH 4 4 4 4

A pro-development council with shovel ready sites An OPDC and Park Royal business park borough A top London retail destination with thriving independent high streets The office corridor – flexible workspace at competitive rental levels

CONNECTIVITY

4 Crossrail – 12 minutes to Bond Street and Heathrow* 4 One of the world’s biggest airports – Heathrow – on the doorstep 4 Three underground lines to central London and beyond *Average time from Ealing’s five Crossrail stations

CULTURE

4 The long running Ealing Summer Festival – jazz, blues and comedy 4 The new eight-screen Ealing Filmworks cinema 4 A film heritage borough with working film and production houses

HOMES AND EDUCATION

4 17,000 + students 4 University of West London – one of the capital’s top-ranking modern universities 4 Broadway Living - a multi-million-pound council investment in affordable homes

PLACE

4 A diverse borough – over 100 different languages spoken in Ealing 4 Council commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 4 A fifth of the borough is green and open space

Talk to us today about investing in the Capital of West London SPONSORS

B A R R AT T LONDON

@Ealinginlondon1 EalinginLondon Ealing In London Ealing In London

www.ealinginlondon.com

spotlight

area focus

Ealing

Ealing is one of London’s biggest and greenest boroughs and has thriving, diverse town centres, creative industries, a rich cultural heritage and is a great place to do business.

Ealing’s strategic location, land values, pool of well-educated and trained residents and first-class connectivity, have made the borough an attractive location for developers and businesses over the last decade.

sector partnerships have brought new investment, amenities and public spaces in areas such as Acton, North Acton, and Southall and the areas that surround the borough’s five new Crossrail stations.

International companies, such as Berkeley Homes, developers of Dickens Yard and the eight-screen Picturehouse Filmworks site, and US company Greystar, which are building the UK’s largest build to rent development in Greenford, have made Ealing their premier choice for investment. Important developments in the pipeline include the council’s Perceval House site as a new mixed-use civic centre and office redevelopment on the office corridor, in the heart of the borough.

Over the coming years, Crossrail will make Ealing effectively a zone one borough with average journey times of 12 minutes to the West End and Heathrow, and fantastic links further west to the Thames Valley. This unrivalled transport connectivity will be further enhanced by the delivery of London’s first HS2 terminus at Old Oak Common, immediately north of North Acton as part of the UK’s largest and most ambitious regeneration programme at Old Oak Common and Park Royal.

As an authority, Ealing Council is committed to encouraging development of the best quality and mix in the right location to improve opportunities and quality of life for its residents. The council’s private

Global businesses, such as Brompton Bikes and Bombay Halwa, are increasingly attracted to Ealing, citing the borough’s international spirit, unrivalled transport connections, and

quality of life including award winning green spaces and local amenities, as reasons to have their UK HQ’s in the borough.

“We have a brilliant record for partnership working and delivering on big ideas, so I urge you to come and talk to us with your ideas.”

Connor McDonagh, Assistant Director of Growth and Sustainability, London Borough of Ealing, said, “As we move further into our recovery, our focus is on supporting our communities and businesses, expanding our genuinely affordable housebuilding programme and growing our green economy. Over the coming year, we will be working with our partners to put into practice our ‘Greenprint’ economic recovery priorities.

Ealing is one of the best places in the capital to work and live offering an eclectic mix of popular chain and independent restaurants and bars plus cultural spaces, such as the Grade I reimagined Sir John Soane’s Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery, and green spaces along with good schools. There is a loyal community presence which has helped create beloved events such as the Hanwell Hootie and the everpopular Ealing summer festivals.

“We are also looking at how we can unlock the potential of new sites and bring those forward with partners in the private sector as an integral part of our recovery.

Importantly, we want to work with partners who share our vision and values and who want to invest in Ealing in the long-term.

Ealing has a certain kudos – it was here that the legendary Ealing comedies were produced at its studios in the golden age of British cinema - and by joining the many investors working here, you too can say you’re ‘Made in Ealing’.

To find out more visit www.ealinginlondon.com

We want to work with partners who share our vision and values and who want to invest in Ealing in the long-term.

Connor McDonagh, Assistant Director of Growth and Sustainability

let’s talkbusiness

25

My Bees: 2021/22 Brentford FC Memberships My Bees Members will be at the front of the queue for Match Tickets at the new Brentford Community Stadium next season.

It has been a period like no other at Brentford Football Club; we have said farewell to Griffin Park, reached a Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final, kicked the first ball at our new stadium. We then enjoyed a record-breaking run in the Carabao Cup and reached another Sky Bet Championship Play-Off. It has been a memorable chapter, but a key ingredient has been missing: YOU! This is your time.

Next season, our new and improved My Bees Memberships will be for all fans without Season Tickets or Premium Seats. Becoming a My Bees Member will be the only way to gain priority access to our matches at our new stadium.

We have had to wait longer than expected to welcome you all to our new home, but that day is now in sight. With restrictions in England beginning to ease, we are very hopeful that the 2021/22 campaign will banish ‘football without fans’ to the history books.

A record number of Bees fans have snapped up 2021/22 Season Tickets and Premium Seats for what we hope will be an historic and emotional campaign. With Match Tickets expected to be extremely limited in supply, a 2021/22 Membership is a must for people who want to watch The Bees at Brentford Community Stadium and do not have a Season Ticket. As well as a range of other exclusive benefits, My Bees

Members will be given priority access to home Match Tickets.

Should any further 2021/22 Season Tickets become available, Members will also have exclusive access to the first sales window.

Our new My Bees Memberships will be for all fans: from Adult (18+) and The Swarm (11-17) to BeeTeam (3-10) and Babees (0-2) for the youngest fans in the family!

Become a 2021/22 My Bees Member as soon as you can and give yourself the best possible chance to buy tickets for our home matches next season. Believe, belong, be first. Find out more at brentfordfc.com/membership Alternatively, if you are interested in our seasonal Premium Seats, you can find more information at brentfordfc.com/premium

let’s talkbusiness

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Sponsor of Hounslow Festival of Business 2020

Solicitors and Notaries since 1882 Garner & Hancock is West London’s longest established and most reputable law firm. We have the expertise to provide a full range of legal services for you and your business.

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“was happy to place my full faith in Garner and Hancock and having legal partners that I could fully rely on made a huge difference.” “from the beginning they have been fantastically professional in their approach and were always on hand to take my calls and give advice.”

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legal

Has the Covid-19 pandemic changed what you do?

As a result of the pandemic, many more people have become aware that their personal affairs need to be in order. This kept our team extremely busy in the past year.

What sort of threshold?

We all have a £325,000 inheritance tax free threshold. Inheritance tax would become payable if you die with assets in excess of this figure.

Having said this, inheritance tax law is quite complex. For example, transfers between spouses are tax free and your threshold can be increased if your leave your house to your children. However, you can also reduce your threshold by making financial decisions during your life such as making gifts or setting up trusts.

Can I transfer my home to my kids to avoid inheritance tax?

What do you advise on?

Garner & Hancock is a full-service firm. I personally deal with private client matters. This includes wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts and estate administration. I specialise in international estates and related tax issues.

What sort of tax do I need to worry about?

It is important to plan how your assets may be affected by tax, not only during your life,

but also on your death. People should consider when and how capital gains tax, income tax and inheritance tax will be paid.

What is inheritance tax?

Often referred to as ‘death duty’, inheritance tax is payable on your assets when you die (or potentially during your life if you are thinking of setting up trusts). The tax rate is 40% and is payable when the value of your assets exceeds a certain threshold.

Please do not, if you can help it.

If you give your home away and continue to live there, your estate could get taxed twice. First, the value of your home will remain in your estate for inheritance tax purposes. Second, your children will have to pay capital gains tax when they sell the property. This is commonly known as a gift with reservation of benefit.

What do you mean by paying capital gains tax?

We often buy assets (e.g. properties) hoping that they will increase in value. When you sell those assets, the gain in value can

be taxed. Unless you are selling your primary home, you should always take capital gains tax into consideration.

Should I put my property in trust?

Trusts are still very popular tax saving vehicles. However, again, this is a complex area of law. I would say that it is important to consider what tax would be paid.

This can be on the transfer into a trust, during the trust’s life, and when the asset leaves the trust.

What is a trust good for?

It can protect assets from excessive tax, irresponsible beneficiaries and so on. A trust can be created during your life or on death through a will. I recommend that anyone wishing to set up a trust fund seeks legal advice.

What do you mean by protecting assets from irresponsible beneficiaries?

Certain forms of trusts such as discretionary or disabled persons’, enable your trustees to make decisions as to how and when the trust fund may be paid. This can provide long term benefits for your chosen beneficiaries.

The article is intended only to provide an overview of the position. It should not be relied on in place of specific advice. For more detailed advice, please email the author jkotan@garner-hancock.co.uk . We look forward to speaking with you in relation to your individual requirements.

let’s talkbusiness

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news

One year on: How coronavirus has changed workplaces One year on, and everything has changed.

Employees no longer attend their traditional workplace because they are furloughed, remote working or redundant.

And for those still attending, it often looks and feels different. Lance Hobbs from HR Dept Ealing assesses some of the changes with an optimistic nod to the future.

“Furlough and redundancy have taken work away from millions of people. The expectation is, when we come out the other side, jobs will return. Remote working has been an eye-opener: the crash-course in technology as home workstations were set up and people navigated the etiquette of VCs. “This has broken down barriers to flexible working. Some may switch to a remote working model. There will be cost savings but with many issues to consider from H&S to company culture, data security and more. Businesses which manage flexible working are destined to thrive.

“With the gender pay gap already persistent, women fared badly at the start of the pandemic. A study by the IFS (mid-2020) found that working mothers were 14% more likely to be furloughed than fathers, and 47% more likely to have lost their job.

Redundancy Pay – Did you know the Government will pay if the company you work for goes out of business?

The number of redundancies has spiked sharply due to Covid-19.

Redundant employees have some statutory rights, including getting redundancy pay. Normally the employer pays this. But what happens when a company goes out of business? The answer, which many are not aware of, is that the Insolvency Service (a Government agency), will fund the redundancy payment.

What can employees apply for when made redundant?

Employees made redundant due to the insolvency of the company they work for can apply for: • Statutory redundancy pay, providing the employee has worked for their employer.

“The restrictions we have faced leave a mental health crisis in their wake. There was already a momentum for managing mental health at work, and there is an opportunity to build on this with more businesses understanding the benefits of offering support in this area.”

For enquiries on any aspects of the effects of the pandemic on employers contact Chamber member Lance Hobbs from The HR Dept, at Lance.hobbs@hrdept.co.uk

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• Outstanding holiday pay.

• Unpaid wages, overtime, and

commission.

• Statutory notice pay if the employee has worked for the employer for at least one year.

What about Company Directors?

Directors are entitled to the same redundancy payments when a business becomes insolvent as employees. The criteria are: • Does the director have a

contract of employment?

• Has the director worked for

at least 16 hours per week?

Serving Our Superheroes In April we celebrated one year of Serving Our Superheroes.

“However, a flexible working approach may make the workplace more accessible for mothers. Building this into your hiring processes will reap dividends through widening your talent pool.

“Not everyone has been banished from their workplace. NHS staff have been doing a wonderful job. The nation has also found new appreciation of many professions and trades, keyworkers, who keep the country going.

for at least 2 years. The claim must be made within 6 months.

It was on 13th April 2020 that, I started the project Serving Our Superheroes.

We started off with laundry bags for front line care staff to (hospitals, hospice, paramedics, and care homes) to prevent the spread of the infection via uniforms. At the time we were also trying to source medical grade PPE for hospitals, where there was a shortage. We raised a small amount of money for our local hospitals trust.

We had lots of support from the local community sewing bags and we provided 2,400 laundry bags to frontline staff. When these were no longer required, we then moved onto fabric bags for foodbanks with the aim to reduce the use of plastic bags.

We provided fabric face masks and have provided over 14,000 face masks that have been given out to the community for free.

We were also asked to make toiletry bags for the NHS, which we did. We filled the small bags with essential hygiene items (toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel / soap, body lotion, shaving kits etc). We then started providing these to the homeless, along with walking boots, sleeping bags, blankets, clothes etc.

We also started to provide baby items and kids clothes to those in need and have provided toys and games consoles to hospices, hospitals, and baby banks. During

• Has the company been incorporated for over two years?

• Was the director genuinely carrying out a practical role for the company?

It is our job to save businesses – and jobs.

It is the job of insolvency practitioners and restructuring specialists such as Antony Batty & Company to save businesses (and jobs) as well as implement insolvency procedures. As the most recent R3 survey shows, where insolvency practitioners were involved, 40% of insolvent businesses were saved. https://www.antonybatty. com/insolvency-practitionersachieve-positive-outcomes/ Part of the service Antony Batty & Company offer to businesses in financial difficulties is to talk to their employees on the directors’ behalf – removing the emotional tie directors may feel to them – to give them practical help and guidance.

the second wave, we started providing treat bags to NHS staff and other key workers.

We have recently started collaborating with two other charities to provide new clothes to the homeless and we are hoping to start providing uniforms to schools, for parents who have lost their jobs and can no longer afford them.

On 22nd September 2020 we became a registered charity. To date we have donated 39,809 items to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Serving Our Superheroes has received an International Stevie Award, The Hounslow & West London Chamber of Commerce Business Award for Best Charity and has been shortlisted for the Thames Valley Business and Community Award out of over 1,000 nominees (we are awaiting the results – due end of April).

We have a just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/sarah-gardner-2 Follow us on Facebook to find out more; https:// www.facebook.com/ servingoursuperheroes.

I can imagine what comes to mind when you hear the word ‘tax’. When I started working in R&D tax credits, my perspective changed – a government legislation that gives instead of takes. I became passionate, passionate helping clients receive money back for all their hard work.

Passionate to see the difference it makes for them, and passionate to have a front row seat to the exciting innovations happening in the UK. The Latin root of ‘innovation’ comes from the word ‘novus’ – translated as new, fresh, and unprecedented, a word that embodies my intention to start a company where I can provide my unique touch to the service. A service that is focused solely on a client’s needs in a way that will create the most value for them.

Tighter emissions standards for heavy vehicles The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a tightening of Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards for heavy vehicles across London.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses and coaches must now meet Euro VI NOx (nitrogen oxides) and PM (particulate matter) emissions standards or pay a daily charge of up to £300. These new standards apply to heavy vehicles across most of Greater London and match the emissions standards of the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

The LEZ was established to encourage the most polluting heavy diesel vehicles driving in the capital to become cleaner. It covers most of Greater London and operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The tougher LEZ is already having an impact, with new data from City Hall showing that almost 90% of vehicles are complying with the new standards ahead of their introduction, compared to around 70% in May 2019.

The introduction of tougher standards for the LEZ, alongside the expansion of the ULEZ later this year, is expected to reduce

NOx emissions from road transport by around 30% across London in 2021.

Novus Tax’s mission, with a combined professional experience of more than ten years, is to raise awareness of schemes that over 90% of eligible SMEs are missing out on and build lasting relationships to support companies in their R&D journeys.

I already claim R&D tax credits, why should I bother with a free assessment?

We’ve had clients in the past who have made claims with their accountants. In one case, the accountant had failed to include a substantial qualifying expenditure in the claim, misclaiming a laboratory as a capital allowance expenditure when in fact it qualified for R&D tax credits. In another case, the client was informed that there was no claim to be made that year when they had failed to realise the private pension that was being paid into qualifies. It’s always good to double check.

Sadiq Khan said: “Toxic air pollution causes long-lasting harm and is a national public health crisis. I’ve moved fast in London to implement the most ambitious plans to tackle air pollution of any major city in the world – showing what we can achieve if we are brave enough.”

If I already claim R&D tax credits, what would a free assessment entail?

With Novus Tax, and some other specialist R&D tax consulting companies, this entails a detailed technical assessment to identify whether in fact all eligible expenditure has been included in the past two claims.

If there was anything missed, you are able to go back and make a new claim for these.

The tighter LEZ restrictions have been welcomed by the London Assembly.

What are the pros/cons of having a free assessment?

Free assessments have no strings attached. Even if we are able to identify missed expenditure, you are under no obligation to make a claim for it with us. It’s a great way to find out if you’ve been making the most of the government incentive. The only thing you have to lose is the time it takes to have the meeting. Some clients are also wary about sharing their company’s details; we maintain utmost confidentiality practices with all our clients.

Caroline Russell AM, chair of the assembly’s environment committee, said: “As our city continues to battle through the pandemic, the mayor must look at how Londoners live and if our way of life is impacting our own health and the health of others. Measures like tightening the emissions restrictions for heavy vehicles is one of many steps that will be needed to bring down the levels of air pollution on our streets.”

Please get in touch by info@novustax.co.uk or call Asif directly on 07557957102

let’s talkbusiness

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international

trade

Falling sales but non-EU markets offer hope for exporters The British Chambers of Commerce’s Trade Confidence Outlook for Q1 has revealed the stark issues facing UK exporters in the first months of this year.

The survey of more than 2,900 UK exporters showed that the percentage of firms reporting lower export sales had increased to 41%, up from 38% in the previous quarter.

The percentage of businesses reporting increased export sales fell to 20%, down from 22% in Q4 2020.

The historical percentage balance data for this indicator shows that the proportion of firms reporting increased export sales remains at a historically low level and has, in fact, worsened compared to the previous quarter. The balance of manufacturers reporting increased overseas sales was down to -9% from -8%, while the balance of services firms for this indicator dropped to -26% from -22%.

For advance orders from overseas customers, the picture remained broadly the same. More than eight in ten (81%) hotels and catering firms reporting

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decreased advance exports sales, alongside 59% of retail and wholesale businesses.

Worryingly, this suggests that exporters are not seeing signs of the situation improving in the short term.

Respondents cited Brexit and the impact of COVID-19 as the biggest causes of problems in trade. Firms told of issues such as shipping delays, increased cost of transporting goods and extensive paperwork requirements, with many seeing the problems they were facing as structural in nature rather than short-term issues likely to alleviate as companies adjusted to the changes in the UK-EU trading relationship.

Alan Rides, MD of Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, says: “First came the pandemic in 2020 which meant that the UK imported huge volumes of PPE from Asia. With little cabotage, these containers piled up around the ports, causing congestion. Then in 2021 came the gridlock after the Suez blockage resulting in a tidal wave of freight arriving in the UK to compound the container port congestion problem. This has resulted in our port of Heathrow handling over 40% of UK’s exports.

“With export documentation and inspection issues relating to goods travelling to and from the EU, freight to the EU was down to less than half (49%) of UK exports in Q1 2021.”

Recent ONS headlines show that exports of fish and meat recorded another month of steep declines in February as UK producers faced the burden of checks and regulations.

Whereas in 2020 it took only 12 hours from fish being caught to delivery in the EU, now it could take two days or longer – much longer if there’s even the smallest of documentation issues with any of the total groupage consignment.

Add to this a dramatic increase in costs, because instead of an EU export being a two-point process, it’s now a laborious 23-point process of inspections, documentation and certification.

THE EFFECTS OF POST LOCKDOWN FOR BUSINESS

the best opportunities may lie further afield than the EU. Alan says: “The ONS figures also show that exports to the EU are at 2010 levels, whereas exports to markets outside of the EU are at 2017 levels.

Our advice, therefore, is to look for markets outside of the EU for best growth, but beware of risks.”

For best advice, contact Queens Award-winning Alan Rides at alanrides@hounslowchamber.org.uk and see the Chamber’s international trade webinar recordings on https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC7UehhkBGqDfJyZZkFV0a3w

Mark Hayward No-one can deny that 2020 and 2021 have been catastrophic for businesses, but we are moving towards easing of restrictions and importantly vaccination for all adults in the UK. The assistance that the UK government has done for the economy has been significant with furlough, grants and stamp duty holiday.

The UK property market has withstood the impact of the pandemic. Since last July, the UK property market has been on the rise, largely fuelled by the government temporarily cutting stamp duty. The result of the pandemic has meant that Land Registry says the average price of a property in the UK rose by 8.6% year-on-year in February 2021 to reach £250,341.

Alan Rides MIEx (Grad) “The net result is that UK-EU trade in both directions is down by more than 12%,” says Alan. “The good news is that exports (down 8% overall) are recovering faster than imports but when you look at these figures in more detail you realise that car, machinery and medical exports are now down only 5% compared with meat, dairy and fish, which are down by 30%. This will decimate this industry if we are not careful. The government needs to act.”

With the UK currently enjoying a V-shaped economic recovery – due in part to confidence gained from the successful COVID vaccination roll-out – and the Bank of England forecasting strong GDP growth of 7.25% this year, it’s clear that there will be trading opportunities for exporters. However,

Chamber MD

The truth is that when the furlough scheme ends there will be unemployment, it is projected this will rise to about 2.2 million people or 6.5% of the population. The industries which have been most affected are hospitality, retail and entertainment. Also, large numbers of young people have been impacted by the pandemic. The youth unemployment rate in the United Kingdom was 14.3 percent in the three months to February 2021, an increase of 2.6 percent when compared with the same period of 2020.

To survive retailers pivoted their business model and went online, those that couldn’t or wouldn’t closed. The number of chain stores in the UK fell by almost 10,000 last year, as the coronavirus accelerated the decline of the high street.

New figures from PwC and the Local Data Company show that 17,532 shops shut last year and only 7,655 opened, meaning there was a decline of 9,877. No-one has been immune with John Lewis closing flagship stores and Top Shop Oxford Street for sale.

A side effect of the lockdowns in the UK has been that households have saved around £100bn. How this money will be spent could speed up Britain’s economic recovery.

This “huge pent-up demand”, and big spending spree could help the economy bounce back more quickly than forecasters expected.

People in the UK in 2021 will need a growth mindset to build successful businesses, the ability to adapt is important in a post pandemic economy. Most people in the UK have been impacted by the pandemic, whether losing people or losing jobs. The outward looking British economy will need patience and ingenuity to rebound in 2022.

Please ask me any questions about building business on mark.j.hayward@outlook.com www.absolutebusinessmindset.com/abmcoaching-services let’s talkbusiness

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international

trade

LOGISTICS IS OUR BUSINESS FROM BASIC TO COMPLEX MES Consultancy & Training Services Limited is an established company bringing over 30 years’ experience to the areas of Health & Safety and the transportation of Dangerous Goods for both warehousing, manufacturing and distribution.

We are an expert provider in all areas of the logistics industry.

We thrive on the challenges that encompass our industry every single day and across every mile cargo is transported.

Our industry can be a “minefield” of paperwork, legislation and health and safety hazards.

We pride ourselves in keeping our knowledge up to date as well as our efficient and quick response to any areas in which your company needs assistance.

From the basics to the complex, we are here to make any of your logistics needs work for you and your customers.

If you need a guiding hand, sound advice or just a sounding board then this is where we can help. We have qualified experts in transporting Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO/IATA), Road (ADR) and Sea (IMDG) as well as qualified trainers to deliver all your health & safety and transport training needs.

All of our trainers hold an AET, PTLLS or equivalent professional training certificate. We have fully qualified and experienced Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors (DGSA) as well as approved CAA instructors. With this in mind, you have the reassurance that not only do your trainees receive up to date and correct information delivered at a very high standard, they also receive practical knowledge from experienced professionals.

We are able to provide ‘in-house’ training courses, offering maximum flexibility. With a ‘free of charge’ initial consultation, we pride ourselves in delivering certified training that meets the requirements of the Regulations, as well as the needs of your business. All trainees will receive the knowledge required to become competent in the functions for which they are responsible for.

We also have qualified professionals for all areas of the transport industry, from Health & Safety consultation and training through to the completion of Material Safety Data Sheets, Shippers’ Declarations and Dangerous Goods Notes, therefore providing our clients with all relevant information and training for the smooth running of their business. We really are a ‘one-stop shop’ for all your logistics needs.

Our DGSA and Health & Safety consultancy services gives clients peace of mind that all regulations are being adhered to and staff are kept up to date with all relevant changes.

For more information on all of our services, please contact us on: +44 (0) 7895 432404

Insecure workers almost ten times more likely to receive no sick pay More than two thirds of insecure workers in the UK receive zero pay when off sick, a new survey has found, prompting calls for greater protections and a ban on zero-hours contracts.

The shocking disparity in sick pay between workers in secure and insecure employment was revealed in a recent poll by TUC and Britain Thinks. The research showed that 67% of insecure workers say they receive no pay when off sick compared with only 7% of secure workers who didn’t receive financial protection. Effectively, this means that insecure workers are almost ten times more likely than their securely employed counterparts to not receive any pay when off ill.

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Insecure workers are defined as those whose contracts do not guarantee regular hours or income or those who are in low-paid selfemployment. Some of these workers who took part in the poll said they feared their employer would find someone else to do their job if they didn’t turn up to work. Fears about job security and income levels have been cited as a key driver of workplace stress in the pandemic.

The TUC said: “[This poll] provides a stark example of how inadequate employment protections compel insecure workers to continue working throughout the pandemic.

Insecure workers who need to self-isolate or take time off sick have to continue going to work in order to pay the bills.”

The TUC has called for several measures designed to protect insecure workers, including a ban on zero-hours contracts and an increase in sick pay entitlement. In particular, the TUC wants: • an abolition of the earnings threshold for statutory sick pay

• removal of the waiting period for sick pay for all absences • an increase in sick pay to £330 a week – the equivalent of a week’s pay at the real living wage • provision of additional funds to ensure employers can afford to pay sick pay • unions to have access to workplaces to tell workers about the benefits of union membership and collective bargaining • new rights to make it easier for working people to negotiate collectively with their employer • the establishment of new bodies for unions and employers to negotiate across sectors, starting with hospitality and social care • the effective abolition of zero-hours contracts by giving workers the right to a contract that reflects their regular hours • at least four weeks’ notice of shifts • compensation for cancelled shifts

technology How important is your data to you?

As a business owner, what would it mean to your business should your supplier or client’s data be for sale on the Dark Web? Let’s talk a bit about the Dark Web The first time you heard “Dark Web,” what was your perspective? You may simply imagine it as a shady web; you’re right, but trust me, it’s wider than you may have thought. For example, in July 2019 alone, over 150 million Capital One credit card applications and accounts were compromised in a cyberattack which left the user’s vital information vulnerable and exposed to the dark web. What does that tell you? To hit the nail on the head, your business and employee information may be exposed or sold on the Dark Web without your consent.

What is the Dark Web? As the name implies, it’s the compilation of all hidden sites which are inaccessible through the regular or main search engine (Google, Bing, Yahoo, Baidu, AOL, Ask.com, Excite, DuckDuckGo, etc). In more explanatory terms, this part of the web is a tiny section of the internet that people use to stay hidden from the public. To operate on the dark web (encrypted network) requires some distinct software and authorisation which makes it almost impossible for a tech novice. The main benefit the dark web provides is anonymity which is why many users trying to cover their tracks adopt the platform.

Most often, users are majorly cybercriminals, drug dealers, human traffickers, terrorists, whistleblowers, and people willing to hide their data from anyone.

The US Naval Research Laboratory was the pioneer of a program and the aim was to enable government secret agents to transmit classified information without been exposed.

But little did they know that criminals and others would find out the clues and use the program in carrying out their unlawful activities while remaining anonymous.

Should I be bothered?

Yes! Remember that the Dark Web houses so much of data stolen in several cyber attacks such as Operation Shady RAT, World of Hell, Red October, WannaCry Ransome attack, and many more. And this data is later traded to criminals who have other destructive motives.

How will I verify my credentials are in the Dark Web? Dark Web monitoring tool is a means to ascertain if your business or employee credentials are saved or accessible on the Dark web.

For personal use, one site “Have I been Pwned” (www.haveibeenpwned.com) is a specific tool that enable users to input their private mail address to see if it has been compromised by any form.

If you’re wondering if your password has been compromised, use Google’s Password Check-up to find out. Apart from disclosing the result, it can also check if your password may be susceptible to future attacks because the password is weak.

For Business use, Timeless IMS have a comprehensive tool which can give your business live visibility on whether your business has been compromised.

What is Dark Web monitoring?

Simply, Timeless IMS technology has the means of checking the dark web for contents, credentials, or pieces of vital information associated with your business, personal life, or employees on the Dark Web. These varieties of data include social security numbers, debit or credit card numbers, passports, medical records, or complete information of the user which includes birthdate and account numbers.

Dark Web Monitoring runs regardless of your IT infrastructure status, its core is designed to connect to different Dark Web network (botnets, black market sites, forums, private networks, malicious page, chat room, blogs, etc) scanning for compromised information which is related your business or employee. As you might have thought, it isn’t an easy task; it takes several hours of searching and exploring.

If a piece of compromised information is found in the end, it makes provision for the recovery.

How can we help?

The Timeless IMS Dark Web Monitoring service is an advanced system designed to help you identify and counterattack any form of cyber invasion on your adored information (emails, passwords, etc). Our IT Support integrated human and updated artificial threat intelligence to make our services outstanding, which is why it continuously monitors the Dark Web in real-time.

Chamber Patron, Timeless IMS has what it takes when it comes to full-time protection (All-yearround). Immediately something smells fishy, we alert you and recommend a way out as well as things to put in place to avoid the same scenario in the future. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and should you want to know more, please review other articles on our website

Kickstart in Feltham!

New Chamber member, Identity Destruction Ltd…home of the ‘SHREDINATORS’ based in Chichester, West Sussex has boldly embarked on a new business venture in no other than Feltham! The family run business, established in 2016 provides a confidential paper and hard drive shredding service, collecting from homes and offices all across London and the South.

The new Shred-as-you- wait facility for Identity Destruction in Feltham is located at Unit 13 on the Maple Industrial Estate TW13 7AW and provides a truly secure and remarkable experience for both householders and businesses alike!

Customers are able to bring their confidential wastepaper and hard drives into the new shredding branch and actually watch it all being shredded right in front of their eyes!

There’s a Covid safe reception area where paper is weighed on digital scales and then cross shredded in full view within ‘SHREDTOP’ the paper Shredinator!

Hard drives within PC towers and laptops are carefully removed in front of the customer and then shredded in ‘DATA’ the hard drive Shredinator! The hard drives are shredded into tiny shards of metal which annihilates all held digital data, 100% eliminating the risk of identity theft.

Identity Destruction’s Founder Johny Cauchi spoke to ‘let’s talk business’ saying, ‘With identity theft on the rise we are delighted at the opening of our new Feltham shred as you wait branch to protect householders and businesses across London. We are excited also to have signed up to the Government ‘Kickstart Scheme’ to employ a couple of young people to work at our new London based shredding branch to help the local community employ young people and get them trained and back into the workplace’.

For more information on the Identity Destruction Feltham shred as you wait branch go to www.identitydestruction.co.uk/feltham or contact them on info@identitydestruction. co.uk or call on 020 3150 1124.

A quick reference link is provided here: https://bit.ly/2PIGKun Timeless IMS use a unique consultative approach to providing businesses with the right set of technology tools to grow. Email us at help@timelessims.co.uk or call us on 0800 3282852.

let’s talkbusiness

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profile

Improving lives, improving communities It’s fair to say that Sam Leigh has been busy. She’s the managing director of Lampton Community Services (LCS), a diverse organisation that’s helping to improve the environment and the lives of people in the borough of Hounslow.

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We’re looking to take more work in-house so we can create jobs, and we’re seeking to further strengthen our relationships with local businesses. LCS is a member of Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, which is very well connected in the business community. That will be a major help to us

Wholly owned by London Borough of Hounslow, LCS is made up of three distinct businesses. GreenSpace 360 provides an efficient parks and open space maintenance service, and Recycle 360 offers quality recycling and waste collection services. Meanwhile, new Chamber members Coalo is effectively the facilities management arm of the council. It carries out ground maintenance work and a wide range of repair work to maintain the local housing stock.

With 750 staff, LCS is a major employer in the area and Sam has her hands full trying to grow the business, innovate and continuously improve services to benefit the local community.

She says: “We try to put the customer at the heart of everything we do. We strive to achieve high service standards every time and look to do things that have a positive social or environmental impact. If we can get this right, more people will come to live and work here and we can create more value for communities and the local economy.”

Sam has been making her presence felt within local communities since she came into her current role six months ago. A dynamic, visionary business leader with extensive experience across private, public

and not-for-profit sectors, she has spent many years in the social housing sector and has a passion and commitment towards service excellence, community development and social inclusion.

She’s also someone who thrives in environments of change and innovation and has led on the successful delivery of several large-scale award winning transformation programmes that have delivered outstanding results.

A commercial leader with a wide range of business skills within her portfolio, Sam has led international multi-site operations and is someone who inspires engaged and empowered teams to deliver exceptional performance and business growth. She’s recognised for building cultures that embrace diversity and creates business strategies that deliver step change and positive cultural shift – ideal qualities that she brings to her current role.

The challenge now for Sam and LCS is to adapt in the face of great change.

She says: “The COVID pandemic has forced us all to change the way we do things, such as working from home more and communicating with colleagues via Zoom. We’ve had virtual quiz nights and made sure we’ve kept in touch with staff who’ve had to work remotely.

“Our frontline staff have kept going during the pandemic to maintain the housing stock so we’ve invested in PPE and other welfare facilities to ensure they’ve been supported throughout.

“Going forward, there are a number of exciting opportunities for us to expand. We want to look at our vehicle fleet to see how we could reduce carbon emissions.

Hydrogen is embryonic but is likely to play a significant role in the future.

“We’re looking to take more work in-house so we can create jobs, and we’re seeking to further strengthen our relationships with local businesses. LCS is a member of Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, which is very well connected in the business community. That will be a major help to us.

“When we do need to subcontract work out, I think it’s important for us to direct this work to local businesses wherever possible.

Many of them have been adversely affected by the pandemic so it’s vital that we do our bit to support the local economy.

“Our main aim is to continue delivering excellent services that have a positive impact on both the environment and our communities but to grow our business further an create even more jobs for local people.”

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regeneration

HOUNSLOW REGENERATION & RECOVERY CONFERENCE our first live conference since March 2020!

Holiday Inn London – Brentford Lock Thursday 24th June 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm & 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm In collaboration with Hounslow Council, this two-part event is to mark the many developments across Hounslow borough and to start our recovery.

To quote Steve Curran, Leader of London Borough of Hounslow,

“The purpose of the conference is to build on the partnership and relationship between the Council and business in the Borough. Without question, the relationship between Hounslow Chamber and businesses has gone from strength to strength as we have all worked together for one aim (#1Hounslow) to protect and support businesses, and secure employment during the most difficult economic and social threat to the Borough we have ever seen.”

Presentations (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm) The afternoon starts with presentations in two rooms running concurrently from all the major developers and stakeholders in the borough. Please see full list below.

Peter Matthew, Executive Director of Housing, Planning & Communities, Hounslow Council.

Seema Malhotra MP for Feltham and Heston Richard Burge, Chief Executive - London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Becky Coffin, Director of Communities and Sustainability, Heathrow Anj Farmah, TfL, property development manager Ian Berryman, Headteacher - Woodbridge Mark Ormiston, Ormiston Wire There will be also exhibition/stand space and presentations from those listed below. If you would like come along please contact Sally Smith on sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk or 07879 813817.

Companies taking part include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

AJAR Technology Bugler Berkeley Group Barratt London Ballymore BV-Air Sanitisation Coalo EcoWorld E&E Architect Fairview New Homes Inland Homes Segro Starbones The Access Group University of West London West Thames College Woodbridge Park Education Service

Entrance free of charge for pre-registered companies/attendees.

The two parts of the event are separate, but, you are able to attend both if you would like. Naturally, there is a cost involved for the drinks.

Drinks Reception (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm) Post presentation drinks with keynote speakers: • Justin Urquhart Stewart: Regionally • Cllr Steve Curran: Leader of Hounslow Council • Niall Bolger: Chief Executive of London Borough of Hounslow Ticket price is £15 plus VAT and booking fee for members and £30 plus VAT and booking fee for non -members per place.

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regeneration

The Access Group – Supporting the Construction Industry and transforming businesses with their Award-Winning ERP Construction Software solution.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) are pivotal to the UK, with over 52 Chambers supporting businesses and more importantly start-ups. We all know that 2020 has been a tough year for business of all sectors, that is where the local Chambers have stepped in to provide regular update and advise provided by government and other local bodies.

The construction industry is a highly competitive environment with tight margins and where the role of technology can make a difference with smoother processes and flawless operations.

Especially within the last 12 months, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been elevated that technology is an enabler, especially when it comes to the construction industry.

“Being a member and a board director of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce (HCC), I have experienced first-hand the benefits what chambers and their staff provide to their community” said Carol Massay, Head of Construction at The Access Group, “from online webinars, to sector specific panels for business to keep in touch and provide much needed support. We all know that there is a “recovery plan” underway and providing the much needed support and information to businesses large and small will be the key focus to enable us to bounce back better than ever before.”

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From a construction perspective, businesses are introducing advanced technology, to remove the role of complicated and time-consuming paper works.

Meanwhile, some customers are still struggling to adapt to the changing business models and use of technology.

This is where The Access Group— a leading provider of business management software—is creating an impact in the construction industry. Access construction suite comprises of four years award winning Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) EasyBuild and ConQuest Estimating. Both delivering technology to enable construction businesses to better manage estimating for contracts and for managing project and financial costs.

The Access Group is a pioneer in delivering intuitive construction software that is trusted by estimators, quantity surveyors, and finance teams, while used by main contractors and subcontractors to cut admin, reduce errors, and win more business.

The company’s award-winning EasyBuild brings together procurement, commercial, and finance data into one system.

Designed to address the needs of construction companies, EasyBuild’s specialist software provides an end-to-end view of projects, from estimate to completion, with data available instantly whenever needed.

on-screen take-off feature. They can quickly import and create bills of quantities while making the project’s first principles estimating and trade packaging easy.

EasyBuild was acquired in December 2020 by The Access Group to grow the construction offering to the sector over the coming months. As member of the local chambers and Carol Massay as a board member, Access Group will continue to provide support and insight to local business who are looking to enhance how they run their business digitally.

Another unique offering from the team is the Access ConQuest Estimating software that’s packed with time-saving features that help remove admin from workloads. The solution enables to create and send hundreds of subcontractor inquiries in less than an hour, make revisions to quotes in seconds while enabling to pull up detailed project reports and audit trails instantly.

“When I was asked by Sally Smith to be a guest speaker at the Hounslow Regeneration & Recovery Conference in June, I felt honoured at the opportunity, not only to contribute on the day, but to network with some other great guests” said Carol Massay.

“I look forward to meeting you all on the day, as we move to the first stages of recovery with this event.”

The solution is designed to offer a clear view of high-level cost plans and bills of quantities. Operational teams can easily manage bespoke and one-off projects with an added

Find out more: Search EasyBuild or email enquiries@easybuild.com and one of our Construction team will be in touch to see how we can support your business needs.

news Direct Vision Standard comes into force A road safety scheme that requires all freight operators to obtain free safety permits has now been enforced on all roads in London.

Transport for London (TfL) has worked with the London boroughs to launch the pioneering Direct Vision Standard (DVS), which is designed to improve road safety in the capital, save lives and prevent serious injuries.

The lorry safety scheme is now operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is enforced on all roads in London, with standards set to tighten further in 2024.

The DVS scheme reduces lethal blind spots by introducing a free permit system that assigns vehicles a star rating based on how much the driver can see directly through their cab window. TfL said more than 30,000 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) have been made safer as a result of the scheme.

All owners of HGVs over 12 tonnes now need a valid permit to operate in London. Those without a permit face a fine of up to £550. To date, more than 90,000 permits have been issued, including more than 3,000

to five-star vehicles which provide the highest levels of direct vision.

Christina Calderato, head of transport planning at TfL, said: “We know that the DVS will protect all Londoners who walk and cycle by ensuring that the most dangerous vehicles on our roads have effective safety measures.

This will prevent needless death and injury on our roads.

“We are immensely proud that our DVS – a world-first for lorry safety – will not only save lives in London, but in the UK and all over Europe as operators upgrade their entire fleets, sometimes upgrading hundreds of vehicles. This vital step is core to our Vision Zero plan to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads.”

Alan Rides and Sally Smith, enjoy the first tour of Brentford Football Club’s new stadium.

Unlocking Hounslow West’s Potential Inland Homes has exciting plans for the Cavalry Barracks

Join us on 24th June to find out more at the Regeneration & Recovery Conference After more than two centuries, in 2019 the Ministry of Defence announced that it would be moving out of the Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow West.

Inland Homes, a specialist brownfield developer with an established trackrecord of delivering outstanding schemes on former Ministry of Defence sites, is proud to be working with the London Borough of Hounslow and local community to unlock the potential this unique site presents.

Following extensive consultation, Inland Homes has submitted plans to create over 1,600 new homes, more than 2,600 square metres of business and community space, an expansive public park and sports fields, and much more. All this will be achieved whilst retaining, refurbishing, and celebrating all Grade II listed buildings on site.

Visit Inland Homes’ stand at the Regeneration & Recovery Conference to find out how our shared vision for the Cavalry Barracks is set to unlock Hounslow West’s potential.

www.cavalrybarracksconsultation.co.uk

CAVALRY BARRACKS

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events

25 27 May 02 June 03 June 09 June June 10 16 June th

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Digital Wellbeing & cultures around new digital trends: Health & Wellbeing Business webinar programme: Landlord Negotiation Digital Wellbeing & cultures around new digital trends: Leadership Business webinar programme: Digitalisation of your business Digital Wellbeing & cultures around new digital trends: Hybrid working model – home & office Business webinar prog: Options facing liquidation or insolvency Business webinar prog: Import/Export

Regeneration 3.0 Conference

Holiday Inn London - Brentford Lock Commerce Road, Brentford, TW8 8GA

24th June 2-8pm

We are sticking our heads above the parapet and have set a date for Regeneration Hounslow 3.0.

Join us at our live event to learn more about the exciting developments/projects across the borough.

SAVE THE

DATE

See page 39 for more details.

Hounslow Festival of Business September 2021 The Hounslow Festival of Business is part of that celebration, showcasing and promoting our diverse business community.

Business Awards 2020/2021 25 November 2021 The Hounslow Business Awards recognise and celebrate the success of companies of all sizes across a wide range of industry sectors.

Events are being added and changed all the time, especially during these difficult times, so please check our website for more details Please contact Sally Smith on sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk or 020 8326 6416 | 07879 813817 or www.hounslowchamber.org.uk for more information.

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environment

Hounslow firms join fight against climate change Right now, tackling climate change is high on the political and business agendas.

Governments and companies across the world are working out ways of reducing their carbon footprint and greening up the environment.

Hounslow Chamber of Commerce and West London Local Chambers members are doing their bit to ensure that the borough is a more environmentally friendly place in which to live and do business.

Zapp World, for example, has developed an innovative method to sort out waste. A west London Social Enterprise, it sets out to tackle the global climate change and waste management crises by empowering transformational change at scale. Its fuel-less ClearWaste technology treats all kinds of waste, anywhere, at no harmful cost to the environment – an impressive feat.

Zapp World sponsored a recent Hounslow Chamber webinar, which brought together businesses across the borough to discuss the green economy and the impact of climate change.

The green economy is defined as “a system of economic activities connected with the production, distribution and consumption of

goods and services that results in a better human wellbeing in the long term, to avoid exposing future generations to significant environmental risks and to the ecologic shortage”. Meanwhile, the circular economy represents “a development strategy that provides for the economic growth without increasing the consumption of resources and reducing the impact on the environment”.

Ensuring that the next generations can live in a more environmentally friendly world is perhaps the biggest challenge – and businesses are being asked to contribute towards this goal.

The Green Chilly company has a keen interest in this issue and was a keynote speaker at the webinar.

Philip Ingam, spokesperson at the company, says: “It was great to have the opportunity to speak at the green circular economy webinar and really pleasing to see so much interest in such an important topic.

“The Green Chilly company is a green technology pioneer in cooling solutions. Using patented

EcoWorld London partners with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to deliver Community Learning Programme EcoWorld London, the London residential developer, has announced its partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as the official sponsors of Kew’s annual Community Open Week and its Community Learning Programme.

The three-year partnership will act as a gateway to attract and engage new and diverse audiences, including those from low income and under-represented groups. Participants will visit and discover Kew Gardens and its incredible plant collections and scientific work, with learning programmes offered on and off-site.

Heng Leong Cheong, CEO, EcoWorld London said: “Connecting people with nature is hugely important to EcoWorld London – as you can see by the central role played by green spaces in our communities –

so we are delighted to be supporting Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the valuable work it does.

Investing in the communities in which we build is a vital part of the EcoWorld London DNA. As our Kew Bridge Gate development moves towards completion, it has never been more important that we work in partnership with valued institutions such as RBG Kew, to deliver, and assist in the delivery of, meaningful programmes, to leave a lasting legacy for London and the people who live and work there.

technology designed and produced in the UK, we’ve developed the Frozen Wrap or Fwrap® to cool products down and keep them cool (chilly) while being environmentally-friendly (green). Our innovative solution is 100% eco and is made from recycled paper and any type of water (tap to sea), while being compostable and recyclable. It’s also highly energy-efficient.

“We’ll be launching the Fwrap® for use in beverage cooling this year. The Fwrap® cools drinks down quickly, keeping them cool for hours. It’s more effective than an ice bucket, using far less water than ice, and freezes quickly because it requires so little water. The Fwrap® can be used for any type of bottle and can even chill specific wines to a desired temperature.

“Another market for us is vaccines. The Fwrap® will keep vaccines at below 6° centigrade for hours outside a refrigerator, keeping them cool through the delivery process, from international shipping to local delivery. It’s lightweight and low-cost to produce and can be moulded to suit specific shapes or sizes, reducing shipping time and cost. Instead of using plastic crates to transport vaccines, Green Chilly can create environmentally friendly bespoke packaging.

Beyond vaccines, the Fwrap® can be adapted to a host of medical scenarios, such as treatment of injuries and sprains.

“We are very excited by the Fwrap® which gives exceptional performance while being good for the planet, yet offering a low-cost solution.” workshops, school engagement programmes, and 2,500 admission passes for pupils at local schools to visit Kew Gardens with their families.

As part of EcoWorld London’s longstanding relationship with local schools, Green Dragon Primary and Isleworth & Syon will be working in partnership with RBG Kew to deliver educational assemblies on the importance of plants and on careers in science. RBG Kew will also contribute to the ongoing works at Green Dragon School to support the delivery of inspirational learning in the outdoor wooded learning area. https://ecoworldlondon.com/

Community Open Week is a seven-day event offering under-represented communities across London the chance to explore the relevance of plants and fungi to their lives via online, outreach and on-site events and activities. The partnership will also support activities such as online music and nature

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Sarah Gardner Serving Our Superheroes 07808 732480 sarahjaneowen@live.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/ servingoursuperheroes/

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DHD Import Export Ltd Falcon House 257 Burlington Road New Malden Surrey KT3 4NE 020 8432 6373 07950 005005 www.dhd.co Cadem Rubie D&S Modular Buildings UK Ltd 113 Cumberland House 80 Scrubs Lane

Tony Franks Pocket Films Limited 5 Corunna Ct Corunna Rd Warwick CV34 5QH 07931 741419 tony@pocketfilms.com www.pocketfilms.com Herdeep Singh Har Gobind Investments Ltd 97 Kingsley Road Hounslow Middlesex TW3 4AH 020 8577 1644 hsingh8593@aol.com Kuljit Singh London Aluminium Glazing 7 Hurstfield Drive Taplow Maidenhead SL6 0PF 07894 032397 jpkuljit@gmail.com www.londonaluminiumglazing.com

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45

5 minutes

with....

Janet Leatherland shopping centre manager, The Treaty Shopping Centre, Hounslow.

Three words to describe yourself?

Happy, confident, organised.

Ideal customer?

One that spends and leaves with a smile on their face.

Biggest achievement?

Making the move from an admin role to centre management

Biggest gripe?

Bad drivers.

Your inspiration?

All of the successful businesswomen out there.

Philosophy in business?

Don’t ask anyone to do a job you aren’t prepared to do yourself.

Who are you?

Janet Leatherland, shopping centre manager, The Treaty Shopping Centre, Hounslow.

What’s your business all about?

A local community shopping centre in the heart of Hounslow.

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let’s talkbusiness

Sporting hero?

David Beckham…but possibly not for his sporting achievements!

Biggest tip for success?

Just get through one day at a time, keep smiling and do the best you can at the time!

TRUS T US TO MOVE YOU R PROJ EC T FORWARD

Why use The LK Group?

We reduce risk, save money and add value. Whatever your environmental needs, our team of specialists is here to guide you through every stage of your project.

Our services: Geotechnical Contaminated Land SuDS & Flood Risk Land Drilling Japanese Knotweed Project Management Contact us: info@thelkgroup.com www.thelkgroup.com Head Office 0161 763 7200 Welwyn Garden City 01707 909059

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