Lets Talk Business May 24

Welcome to the Spring edition of our magazine.

The recent royal visit by Prince William to our borough was little advertised, so I quickly reached out to set up a visit for Sally and myself to The Hanworth Centre. I was amazed by the backstory of Darren and Siobhan which they revealed at our visit, kindly written up by Sally. You can read the full story on page five. In this edition we feature more success stories from around the borough, unveil Hounslow Council’s vision for driving investment for our communities, plus overseas opportunities to help your business grow and prosper. Also, this month we celebrate the regeneration of our boroughs, a brainchild of the late Steve Curran who we will live on in our memories.

Alan Rides Chief Executive Officer

West London Chambers of Commerce 13

Enquiries

West London Chambers of Commerce

Spring Grove House, West Thames College, London Road, Isleworth TW7 4HS

Tel: 07879 813817

Email: sallysmith@westlondonchambers.org.uk

Web: www.westlondonchambers.org.uk

Published May 2024 23

Publisher Ian Fletcher

Benham Publishing Limited

Aintree Building, Aintree Way,

Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ

Tel: 0151 236 4141

Fax: 0151 236 0440

Email: admin@benhampublishing.com

Web: www.benhampublishing.com

Media No. 2070

Editor

Sarah Dale

Email: sarahdale@benhampublishing.com

Tel: 0151 236 4141

Features

Karen Hall

Tel: 0151 236 4141

Email:karen@benhampublishing.com

Advertising Sales

Karen Hall

Tel: 07801 788880

Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

Production

David Wright

Tel: 0151 236 4141

Email: dave@benhampublishing.com

Centre honoured by Royal visit

The Hanworth Centre, based in Hanworth, were honoured to receive a visit by Prince William last week, and Alan and I went over to meet Darren and Siobhan, who are behind the initiative, to learn more about what they are trying to do.

By Sally

Two of the organisations based at the centre, Rise and Thrive and Perfectly Imperfect are not-for-profit organisations, based in Hanworth, and provide a safe space for local young people helping to divert them from crime. I was struck by something Siobhan said during our meeting, which is a proverb they align to ‘It takes a village to raise a child, but if they don’t feel they belong, they will burn it down to feel its warmth’. They are working tirelessly to make children from the community feel a sense of belonging. Last year they supported over 450 young people. Darren is an ex-offender and speaks movingly about his experiences and how it took him to reach rock bottom, to have the courage to take the first step on the road to recovery. He has now been clean and sober for four years.

During his school years, he found his escape in sports and this is where he excelled. He ran with Mo Farah and almost made it to the Olympics for powerlifting and boxed with Duke McKenzie (former 3-time world champion). He had his plan to be a boxer, but due to an injury he had to retire and life to a drastic change and lead to a life of criminality by his late teens. This later led to addiction, and he lost everything; his home, his family, his marriage and a meaning of life. His life only turned around through the help of a friend/mentor who introduced him to recovery, the 12 step program and this was the start of his journey of a new life.

Siobhan, who has served as a Youth & Community worker in the Hanworth/Feltham area for almost 20 years, heard Darren speak at an event and she saw how the young people were moved with the power of his story and saw potential that he didn’t see in himself. Through mentorship, guidance and training, Darren and Siobhan formed an invaluable partnership.

Darren and Siobhan recognise the importance of collaborative working to bring the community together. They work closely with the community, parents, local Police team, schools, businesses and other voluntary organisations.

To quote from their policy statement:

‘Rise and Thrive and Perfectly Imperfect are part of a collection of organisations who aim to provide a wide range of services to; improve the health and well-being of people in our community, improve the quality of life of local residents, provide support services for young people and families and offer crisis support. Through all these services we aim to reduce violence and create more peace in the West of Hounslow. We know that to tackle violence, we need to focus on the root causes of violence within our community.

We need to work with parents/carers, the wider family, with trusted partners and with the community so we can really move towards eradicating violence.’

They conducted research through their work funded by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), young people and the community shared their views on how violence could be reduced in the area;

• Improved relationships with the police

• Improved access to mental health provision

• Improved relationships with teachers (to reduce exclusion)

• More activities and safe spaces for young people to access

To respond to the needs of the community, they are seeking to secure a space in the heart of Feltham. This space will offer services which benefit the whole community;

• Youth clubs and activities

• Enterprise provision; dessert cafe and clothing brands to help provide income for sustainability as well as work experience and job opportunities for young people

• Schools provision (for students during the day)

• Boxing and fitness

• Adult classes and activities

• Activities for the wider community

• Volunteer training

The space will be for the community and run by the community - this is the model they use and has seen life changing results.

Prince William’s visit has given them much needed publicity, and a huge boost to the young people. They were only told about the visit three days before it happened and of course could not tell anyone. Days previous to the visit, Darren was fundraising with a team from the Police, climbing Pen Y Fan 10 times, which is the equivalent to Mt Everest. The visit went well with Prince William showing great interest in their work and there is now a handmade sign made by the young people in the communal seating area, showing where he sat!

In the words of Darren & Siobhan, ‘It was a surreal week and then all the follow up press interviews, but you don’t turn down a visit from Prince William, who was so easy to talk to and really laidback’.

If any organisation is able to support with the Community space initiative in Feltham, please do let us know.

Of course, they need money – they always do! But, they also need help with HR, accountancy, web design … All the things a small charity/business needs, and which an active Chamber of Commerce can help with.

Smith West London Chambers of Commerce

Image supplied by Kensington Palace

Image supplied by Darren Beecroft

2024 REGENERATION & REGROWTH CONFERENCE

Thursday, May 16th 2024 | 1:30pm - 10:00pm

Holiday Inn London - Brentford Lock, an IHG Hotel

This is an excellent chance to learn more about the exciting developments and projects across the boroughs, with stands and presentations from the major developers. There will be plenty of opportunity for networking during the afternoon and over dinner time

Presentations | 1:30pm - 6:00pm

The afternoon starts with presentations from major developers and stakeholders in the boroughs outlining their vision. There will also be exhibition/stand space.

Drinks reception and dinner | 6:30pm -10:30pm

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 gala dinner.

Pre-dinner drinks followed by a three course meal with keynote speakers TBA

If you’re interested in exhibiting, please contact Sally Smith at sallysmith@westlondonchambers.org.uk or 07879 813817.

The following companies are supporting the event:

Ballymore

Berkeley St Edwards

CW+

E&E Architect

Ealing Council

Earls Court Development Company

Hammersmith & Fulham Council

Hadley Property Group

Hounslow Council

Places for London

Segro

UWL

West Thames College

ASPIRE 2024

West Thames College plays crucial role in the community

Unlock Your Future: Connecting Education & Skills with Employment

WE’RE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF OUR ANNUAL ASPIRE

CAREERS EVENT THIS SPRING!

West Thames College has a key role to play within the local communities we serve, contributing to economic recovery and prosperity as well as social inclusion.

West Thames College will be hosting a day filled with industry talks, masterclasses, as well as a marketplace, providing information to hundreds of students who are eager to take the right steps in their career.

We want to make this event more successful than ever, and we are looking for local businesses to attend who can inspire the next generation of talent, as well as shining a light on their industry. There is also an opportunity to network with over 40+ businesses at the event.

We have won Education & Training Provider of the Year at the West London Chamber of Commerce Awards. It recognises and celebrates the positive impact the College has on the wider community, which includes the Aspire careers event.

Last year’s event was hugely successful with over 600 people in attendance. West Thames College formed many exciting opportunities with businesses such as Marriott, Metropolitan Police and EasyJet.

Our partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders enable our students to gain valuable work placements. This not only establishes the initial

If you are interested in finding out more and to attend this event, please scan the

connection between students and employers but also serves as a crucial stepping stone in shaping their future careers.

This includes working with local stakeholders from employers, local authorities, local community groups and local residents. We continue to proactively seek opportunities to contribute to local and regional economic prosperity, examples of successful projects include:

Here is what some of our employers said about our Aspire event last year:

• The College Collaboration Fund (CCF), a funded project in collaboration with the Heathrow Skills Partnership and member colleges focussing on virtual work experience, health and wellbeing and mentoring

Nikki from Blackjack Promotions said, “We were thrilled to have been part of the day and look forward to supporting the programme moving forward. It is so important that young people have the variety of opportunities that reflect the changing landscape of the workplace.”

• Skills Academies, are academies created in priority sectors, funded by the GLA and which require organisations to work together to develop the skills required for these areas to grow

Lily from Microso t said, “On behalf of the Microso t team, I would like to thank you and the event organiser for the opportunity to share our inspiring intern and apprentice career journeys. It is extremely rewarding to be able to touch so many students in a day.”

• Youth Hub, a partnership with Hounslow Job Centre, aimed at local residents aged 18-24, providing them with advice and support, employability skills, training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, access to employers that enables them to achieve their appropriate next steps.

• The NatSpec project, a funded collaboration between AaA and West Thames College, aimed at supporting SEND provision through FE Colleges working with a specialist SEND providers.

Date: Wednesday 20th March

Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm

Making connections to inspire global ambition

West

London Chambers of Commerce Director Samar Whitticombe talks to Karen McLauchlan and explains why networking is an essential ingredient to business growth.

When it comes to doing business, making connections is key. It’s something Samar Whitticombe has been doing throughout her career.

Working to support and connect business between the UK and the Middle East, she’s also brought that expertise to the West London Chambers of Commerce as a Director and International Trade Advisor.

Born in Iraq, Samar studied engineering at university before starting her career as a junior engineer. But London has been her home for almost 35 years.

Coming to the end of a business trip to the capital, she was at the airport waiting to fly back to Iraq. The date was August 2, 1990. As Samar waited at Heathrow, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait began – marking the start of the Gulf War.

“I was ready to fly home,” she explains.

“My then fiancé – who became my husband – was still in Iraq and was taken hostage. Thankfully, he was released a few months later and joined me here in London. It’s been home ever since.”

During her career Samar has worked for engineering, construction and project management company Bechtel as well as Amec Oil and Gas. She established her own firm, Somer Industrial Projects (SIP), in May 2008. She advises companies within the Middle Eastern region in matters such as strategy consulting, market entry into Iraq and knowledge-based training whilst ensuring compliance to standards and specifications. The firm works with a network of subcontractors to provide the skills and knowhow required – but also cultural expertise to ensure strong connections between the UK and the Middle East.

“Education and training is so important” she said. “But I also know the culture, I know the country, I can give firms that awareness - I love it, the culture is in my blood.”

Samar was awarded a Women of Excellence Award in 2017 for her work with communities. In 2018 she was elected Executive Member of the Al-Kindi Society of Engineers.

She has brought her years of experience to her role at the Chamber.

Joining in 2016 as a member, she was appointed Board Director in December 2019.

“As a member, the Chamber helped me such a lot,” she said. “They offered training and networking with like-minded people and connections in the local area.

“When I was asked to be a Director I wanted to help people, in the same way the Chamber helped me.”

As well as working with new and existing members, Samar’s role has extended to become an International Trade Advisor.

She organises seminars and workshops for overseas visitors, helping build relationships and strengthen economic ties between West London and overseas companies.

Samar also works hard building relationships with embassies including those for Morocco, Iraq, Lebanon and Pakistan.

In February, the Chamber held its annual Festival of Business.

“We welcomed overseas visitors,” said Samar, “and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce.

“Last year we signed an MOU with the Kurdistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.”

She added: “Companies want to export and make connections with West London, they want to find distributors and get help with the transfer of technology. We also provide training through the Chamber.”

There is a clear appetite from West London members for overseas expansion

“We carried out a survey and around 60 per cent of people wanted to expand because there are opportunities overseas,” added Samar, “but people need the right advice and the right connections – you must build those relationships.

“I’m a networker and can work with members to help them build high-level relationships, as I am doing by building relationships with embassies and their cultural attaches.

“I want to increase my contacts in overseas markets and look to arrange overseas visits, support training and market research.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the role is working with communities and our members. Throughout my whole career I have been recognised as a team player, so it’s great to work together and engage more with our members.”

The Chamber role is also one of personal pride for Samar.

“I am the first Iraqi board member, which makes me very happy. My mum is my inspiration because she was the first lady Manager of Rafidain bank in Iraq.

She facilitated merchandise for 42 of their branches. When I see my progress at the Chamber I always think ‘Mum, I’m following in your footsteps’.”

One of the most rewarding parts of the role is working with communities and our members. Throughout my whole career I have been recognised as a team player, so it’s great to work together and engage more with our members.

CYBER PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE

When it comes to cyber security, prevention is better than a cure. The Met’s Cyber Protect Team are experts in deterring cyber criminals and can show you how to protect your business for free!

The team deliver cyber security awareness training to members of the Chambers of Commerce and businesses across London.

We are taxpayer funded to train any of the following:

• Businesses with fewer than 250 employees,

• Charities,

• Schools, medical practices and other public bodies

If that’s you, you can receive our free training and we’ll even come to you, so you can make the most out of your working day.

OUR FREE SERVICES INCLUDE:

• CYBER AWARENESS PRESENTATIONS

One of our engaging experts will provide a presentation on the fundamentals of cyber security for general users, or business leaders in person or remotely.

• CYBER ESCAPE ROOM

Our fun, interactive learning experience will raise staff awareness about how to support your security.

• INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE

Our cyber leadership exercise will help you learn the foundations about how to protect your business from cyber incidents.

• NCSC EXERCISE IN A BOX

Our team is well versed in moderating the National Cyber Security Centre’s discussion based exercise. This is perfect for you and your leadership team to prepare your business for specific types of cyber-attack.

We also have a range of videos, booklets and leaflets providing elementary advice the cyber fundamentals, which you can find at: https://www.met.police.uk/littlemedia

Don’t miss out on this brilliant opportunity. Sign up here! https://www.met.police.uk/cyberprotect

Be sure to include Chambers of Commerce in your email.

OUR PARTNERS

Cyber Resilience Centre for London

The Cyber Resilience Centre for London are an impartial not-for-profit organisation focused on empowering people to take simple actions that can help make their businesses safer.

Learn more at:

https://www.londoncrc.co.uk/

Police Cyber Alarm

Police Cyber Alarm (PCA) is like a burglar alarm for your company IT.

A data collector connects to your firewalls allowing the PCA team to see which suspicious IP addresses are trying to connect to your systems.

No matter what time of day or night PCA will be monitoring your networks, and if you are attacked police will contact you so you can deal with the incident.

You will also receive a monthly report about any scanning attempts made against your network, and any vulnerabilities they have found in systems.

Learn more at:

https://www.cyberalarm.police.uk/

Putting people at the heart of development

Will Robinson, Chief Development Officer at Areli Developments, tells Karen McLauchlan why community is key to all its projects – and how being a Chamber Patron helps make this happen.

What’s most important when it comes to creating new communities to live, work and do business? It’s people.

For Areli Developments, putting people first is vital to making any vibrant regeneration vision a reality. The Areli Group was founded in 2018 by Rob Tincknell - best known for his 10-year leadership on the internationally regarded Battersea Power Station project.

The multi-functional real estate organisation has a number of strands to its operations and Areli Developments is now working on a host of transformative schemes across the UK and beyond. It specialises in vision-first, sustainable, urban regeneration and investment solutions, in collaboration with capital partners and clients. It has also conducted master planning work for East Midlands Development Company, has been appointed to a major project in Kuala Lumpur and has a senior living business which is in its infancy. Based in London, its team of around 10 staff have rich experience.

Will Robinson, Chief Development Officer at Areli Developments, said: “We have significant experience in the team and specialise in vision- led, mixed use residential developments. Collectively we’ve secured planning consent for around 50 million square feet of major regeneration projects and delivered over 20 million square feet.

“It’s all about putting people first – putting people at the heart of proposals, then creating a strong vision that wraps around that to create great places, combining social and environmental sustainability.

“Our proposals are focussed on creating a very strong sense of place, somewhere where people want to be.

“As developers we are the conductor of the orchestra – with a design team including architects, engineers all working together to deliver the vision in a commercially viable format.”

Areli has a long standing partnership with Tikehau Capital which has led to projects in Maidenhead, Orpington and Brentford.

Tikehau Capital and Areli Developments acquired what is known locally as the Sega Building, in Brentford in March 2021 and have been working with the Council, local stakeholders and residents

With larger scale regeneration there is inevitably a nervousness about change. One thing the Chamber does is they are really helpful with messaging.”

to shape proposals to complement the exciting projects happening in and around the Great West Corridor in Brentford in West London. Planning has now been submitted for the proposals on the site next to Brentford Football Club.

The project, Brentford Works, will deliver 916 apartments, shops, cafés and 90,000 square feet of commercial space, as well as improved transport connections and a new public realm - all of which will boost local spending by £10.7 million and create 512 jobs post-completion, due in 2028/29.

A key part of Areli’s work is public engagement and consultation. It’s here the Chamber has proved to be invaluable, with the company joining West London Chambers of Commerce in 2023 as a Patron.

Will explained: “We are really keen that whatever we promote, it’s embedded in the local community – both the community where people live but also the community where they work.

“Working closely with those communities – both business and residents – you come up with a product that people get behind and support which has great value.

“We certainly don’t go into any location and think we know more than the people there. That’s why it’s so important to join the Chamber in areas where we are working.”

He added: “At the early stage of formulating proposals we ensure they reflect what’s needed in the borough – but also benefit the local supply chain and community.

“Being a Patron has helped massively in terms of providing us with local business contacts, enabling us to embed ourselves in the area.

“They’ve supported us in tailoring the proposals to meet the needs of the local community.”

Areli exhibited at a Chamber conference last year

and has also made great connections through a host of networking events.

Will added: “With larger scale regeneration there is inevitably a nervousness about change. One thing the Chamber does is they are really helpful with messaging and providing reassurance to the local community.

“They’re not the developer, it’s coming from an independent body that everyone knows has the interests of the area they’re representing at heart, and that impartiality is really important and instils confidence in people.”

As an urban regeneration expert, having previously been a Director at Wilson Bowden, part of Barratt Developments, Will knows all too well how understanding how a community ticks makes all the difference when pioneering new developments. And creating passion and excitement about not just the project, but with the people you connect with, is something he’s found in abundance at the Chamber.

“The team is so enthusiastic,” he added. “That goes right through the Chamber from the Chairman to the members.

“To new Chamber members, I would say embrace it and embed yourself in it.

“Don’t just sit back, there’s a real opportunity –so take it.”

Areli’s Brentford Works development

Areli’s Brentford Works development

Areli’s Brentford Works development

Sam’s Waterside wins interior design award

Chamber member Sam’s Waterside has been announced as a winner at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards, which recognises exceptional hospitality spaces around the world.

The Brentford restaurant, which was officially launched at the end of last year, won the Interior Design Restaurant - Brasserie category.

“We would like to thank everybody who worked on this project with us and played their part in creating this beautiful new space for Brentford and the wider West London community,” said owner Sam Harrison, who also has a restaurant, Sam’s Riverside, next to Hammersmith Bridge as well as Sam’s Larder and Sam’s Kitchen sites in Brentford, Chiswick and Hammersmith.

Special thanks to DesignLSM, Nexus South East, The Brentford Project, Ballymore, PSE

Associates, Contract Chair Co, Inn Chair Solutions, Tomo Campbell, Francis Smith Flowers, DDD Lighting Design, NL Lighting, Felix Lighting, Original BTC, Domus Tiles, Nelson Kitchens.

To celebrate this achievement, Sam’s Waterside is offering all Let’s Talk Business readers a free cocktail when they dine at the Brentford restaurant. The offer is valid until 30th June 2024. Simply quote ‘Let’s Talk Business’ on arrival to claim your free drink, when dining. Valid for up to six guests per reservation.

www.samswaterside.co.uk

“We would like to thank everybody who worked on this project with us and played their part in creating this beautiful new space for Brentford and the wider West London community.”

GUNNERSBURY PARK SPORTS HUB

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

• State-of-the-art gym

• Sports hall

• Fitness studios

• Floodlit 3G pitches

• Floodlit tennis courts

• Football, cricket and rugby pitches

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

Shiuli, the only West London restaurant listed in City AM’s 18 best places to eat Indian food in London

Shiuli, in the heart of Twickenham, offers contemporary and healthy Indian food with relaxed, social dining, Emerging out of the pandemic, Shiuli, focuses on health and community and offers a safe, happy place for people to experience an old-world style of familiar community.

Led by Patron chef Alfred Prasad, who has held a Michelin star for many years, his culinary philosophy of heritage, health and happiness is reflected at Shiuli. Some of the signature dishes include Burrata Chaat, salad puchkas, black kale saag paneer, signature lamb chops, skinny makhni chicken, bone marrow butter naan, roasted broccoli. The menu has a wonderful balance of healthy options alongside classics and comfort food. They also offer a bespoke and expansive vegetarian and vegan menu.

“Whilst we know our food is the USP that drives guests to us, there is a lot more on offer. From the room fragrance, carefully curated sonic seasoning (music, playlist), warm inviting interiors with plenty of real plants and a wonderful city-meets-country vibe. Our attentive service design is a unique balance of professionalism and just being human and relaxed.”

The island bar is the centre piece of the dining room, offering an inventive beverage menu to pair with the eclectic food. Shiuli is child-friendly and pet-friendly. Apart from restaurant dining, Shiuli offers cooking masterclasses once a month that sell out very quickly and also host weddings and special events in the 80-seater space.

Shiuli proudly supports local, small, independent suppliers: Jawbone Brewery, Twickenham Fine Ales, Bone Idyll, Sandy’s Fishmongers, V3 Print, Soul, Memories, Corto Deli, Mediterranean, Curtain Call, Minuteman press Hampton, Sheldon Paints, RV Tass, Sadia Barlow Photography. They have also worked with CREW Energy and Better Futures to measure their carbon footprint and continue to make many changes – including cutting down dairy, tracking preparation and plate waste. Shiuli has said no to bottled water and uses filtered taps via Belu, with proceeds going to Water Aid.

“We were told not to open in the quietest part of Heath Road and particularly in a site that has not worked before. We are now little over two years old, still pretty busy most days and ranked no 1 among all restaurants in Twickenham, by Tripadvisor. In a very tough, turbulent business climate, with limited resources especially manpower, rising costs and constant uncertainties, we have created something quite special. We are incredibly grateful to our small and hardworking team who put so much heart into their work and to the wonderful community that surrounds us with their love and support.”

Shiuli was awarded Best Retail Business in Richmond at the Pheonix Business Awards

in Dec 2022. Alfred Prasad was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by Richmond Chamber of Commerce in November 2023. Google ranking 4.9. Tripadvisor 5 stars.

“We are pleased to be members of West London Chambers and enjoying spreading the word about Shiuli Restaurant.” www.shiulirestaurant.com

“Shiuli is our kind of place, where mindful food is served in a friendly, happy setting. An oasis for people who share our love for good food. What is not printed on the menu but very much on offer, is our ode to the high-octane Indian joie de vivre, the culture of hospitality and generosity of spirit.”

Empowering companies through digital technology

Since TV owner Dr Olena Sibiriakova talks to Sarah Dale about her latest business ventures and why partnership is key to success.

“Our data-driven insights empower companies to create targeted campaigns that lead to increased brand loyalty and increase their income through digital technology and interactive marketing content.”

“For me, business is about the partners you work with,” says Olena, who enjoys making new connections in the London business community.

“Partnership is a fundamental thing for me.”

Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Olena is a successful businesswoman who divides her time between her home country, Western Europe and London.

Olena has worked in the past as a Consultant and Public Relations Manager for both businesses and politics and is a member of the Aspen Ukraine Initiative.

She “loves London”, where she has lived for the past seven years, and plans to continue growing her businesses there, as well as globally.

Olena is co-founder of Since TV, an interactive television solution for the media and entertainment sphere.

“We are people who love London and plan to keep working here,” says Olena, who is an active member of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“The main idea of my SINCE platform was an idea that I patented, involving collecting, changing and analysing video data and video information, and sought to understand the phenomena of video and interactive applications for TV.

“At Since TV, we can make precise forecasting about various types of problems – whether social, political, or electoral. Today, data is integrated with other types of data and gives forecasting research for national economics and politics.

“Our data-driven insights empower companies to create targeted campaigns that lead to increased brand loyalty and increase their income through digital technology and interactive marketing content. For example, we will provide local authorities with advanced analytics in a few key areas:

logistics, retail areas and their development for city plans.

“One of our products, Wee4, virtual shopping arena, is an innovative digital solution designed to enhance operational efficiency and increase revenues in both retail and cultural venues. It also includes powerful analytical tools for understanding visitor behaviours and tailoring services to their needs, thereby increasing satisfaction and expanding audience reach.”

Olena is also part of WeeDoo (www. weedoohub.com), a company which focuses on the reconstruction of Ukraine

“We bridge the gap between clients’ constraints and market reality. On one hand we identify high-growth potential companies in Ukraine and helped them to expand and become international businesses. On the other, we help international businesses to understand the reality of the Ukrainian market and assist them to catch a market opportunity. It was founded 18 months ago as a new area for development that is “a bridge between the Western world and Ukraine”.

“The process of reconstruction requires support in the early stages, in the form of new infrastructure, new energy system balances and a new ecosystem that incorporates recovered components for Ukraine.

Two years ago, together with my business partner I started working on a project called Chayka (www.chayka.co.uk), about the unknown history of the Chayka racetrack on the territory of the modern Ukraine.

“It is officially regarded as a ‘big track’ which was built in the mid-1970s, making Ukraine a significant part of the growth and the history of classic auto and motor sports.

“This project gradually led to the idea of establishing the Ukraine Heritage Foundation.”

“At WeeDoo, we bridge the gap between Ukraine and the international business community.”

 

Searching for a ‘Comedy Club Near Me’?

The Chiswick Cinema is pleased to launch a new, stand-up comedy night hosted in the luxury of one of its screens, starting from May 2024.

Each month, a showcase of four brilliant talents will deliver material in the gorgeous surroundings of the cinema screen. Intervals will provide the opportunity to enjoy the cinema’s extensive snacks and drinks menus served across its two bars and its terrace.

The cinema’s Members get a reduced ticket price, with non-Member tickets costing £20.

This promises to be an innovative, and unique way of enjoying the cinema space as a community. The first two events are now on public sale.

Wednesday 29th May, 2024 - 7.30pm

Tickets

https://www.chiswickcinema.co.uk/films/ comedy-club-near-me-at-chiswick-cinema-1/

YOUR LOCAL CINEMA,

AND SO MUCH MORE...

Wednesday 29th May, 2024 - 7.30pm

Tickets

https://www.chiswickcinema.co.uk/films/ comedy-club-near-me-at-chiswick-cinema-2/

The Chiswick Cinema boasts a cafe-bar, a Lounge and terrace and five screens equipped with state-of-the-art Christie laser projectors making it a dynamic and adaptable space whatever your event.

The cinema is the perfect place for everything from a conference to an exhibitors’ screening, from a school trip to a post-film Q&A, from a private screening to a birthday party. It has been host to live TV link ups, filming and photography opportunities and so much more.

Contact us: events@chiswickcinema.co.uk

www.chiswickcinema.co.uk

@chiswickcinema

Mark Cram Compere

Prince Abdi Opener

Kate Lucas Middle Steve Day Headliner

Alexander Bennett Compere

Javier Jarquin Opener

Susan Murray Middle Jake Lambert Headliner

Turn your waste food into luxury compost

Probably you shop wisely and never discover festering stuff at the bottom of your fridge, but just in case... and for your orange peel, apple cores, lettuce stalks, plant waste etc... Bring them all to be biodigested and transformed right in the centre of Chiswick.

Abundance London is partnering with Room 2 to biodigest Chiswick’s waste food - yours! - with zero miles and turn it into luxury compost to grow plants for our lovely pocket gardens.

Room 2, who recently won the Award for Best New Business in the 2023 West London Chamber Business Awards, is Chiswick’s Hometel - a cross between a hotel and home - situated in Windmill Road, just off the High Road, built to extremely high sustainability standards. At the side of the hometel there is a state of the art biodigester - and it is very hungry!

We invite residents to bring their food and plant waste to the Special Bin situated on Windmill Road so that the Big Biodigester can get to work turning your waste into compost - a virtuous circle, turning rubbish into beauty.

We want ALL your food waste, apart from hard stuff like bones, avocado stones, coconuts. And obviously no plastic bits.

Vibrant jungle fun for children in Hounslow

Multi-award-winning indoor soft play centre Jungle VIP, located in the heart of Hounslow, offers a vibrant environment for children.

Jungle VIP is a dynamic facility which offers a range of colourful slides, assault courses, climbing frames, monkey bars, trampoline pods, interactive games floor and much more! Established in 2014, husband and wife duo, Mani & Eve Khan, built a haven for family and friends to enjoy and take comfort in, a home away from home ethos.

Jungle VIP has accumulated an array of awards over the years, including Accolade of Excellence 2024; Award of Achievement 2023; Business Persons Award 2023; Award for Finest Indoor Play Centre 2021; Best Employer 2017 and many more. In 2023 Jungle VIP was one of two runners up in the Advance for Growth competition, run jointly by JCDecaux, Hounslow Council and West London Chambers.

Jungle VIP are renowned for hosting unforgettable birthday parties and seasonal events! Jungle VIP has choice of 3 Birthday party packages which meets individual needs, allowing parents to relax and enjoy their child’s party. Party packages include: Exclusive venue hire, soft play party; exhilarating Laser Party, themed tableware, dedicated party hosts & so much more, all at affordable prices! The popular Laser Tag Parties not only offer exclusive venue hire but also a unique gaming experience of Laser on the play frame! Popular Sold-out events

include Halloween Parties, Christmas Disco and Summer Events, have been hosted for the past 10 years & continue to be very popular for both children and adults, thus returning year after year.

Convenience is a priority; a user-friendly online Booking System is available to book Birthday Parties and event tickets. As for visiting the centre, NO PREBOOKING NECESSARY for play sessions! So, whether a planned day out or a spontaneous visit, Jungle VIP will always guarantee entry within their opening hours.

Visit www.jungle-vip.co.uk and follow on Social Media, @jungleviphounslow

Room 2’s Barbara spinning the Big Biodigester.

Hospitality innovators Lamington Group achieve BCorp status

Lamington Group, family owned real estate investor and developer, and founders of the award-winning eco hometel brand room2, is delighted to announce that it is now B Corp Certified.

Joining 7000 other businesses globally, this milestone achievement reaffirms the brand’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility within the hospitality industry, and reflects its journey to become fully net zero by 2030.

The B Corp standards firmly align with Lamington Group’s company values of ‘People, Places and Planet’, which have been further recognised in its recent accolade of the coveted EG Sustainability Award.

After a rigorous assessment process, Lamington Group earned BCorp status for its pioneering sustainability initiatives and achievements.

Robert and Stuart Godwin, CEO and Managing Director of Lamington Group commented, “We pride ourselves on using our business as a force for change, and now it’s official. To achieve this status is a huge milestone for us, and reflects our commitment to sustainable hospitality, whilst reaffirming our values to always put people and the planet first. We believe that businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to society and the environment, and this certification affirms our dedication to these principles. As a company, we are dedicated to continuous improvement, so whilst this is an incredible achievement, we know that it is just one step in our journey.”

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, says “We are delighted to welcome Lamington Group to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a power for good. We know that Lamington Group is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward”. Lamington Group won Best Green Business in the West London Chambers’ business awards 2022. The year’s Business Awards will be launched soon. Businesses do not need to be Chamber members to enter the Awards, they just need to be based in one of our three boroughs. Chamber members can enter, wherever they are located. The Awards are free to enter and the Gala black tie dinner will be on 21st November 2024 at the GTech Stadium –it promises to be a great night!

Plane Saver’s Mental Health Seminar a great success

Amid nationwide cost of living concerns, West London Chambers and their sponsor Plane Saver cohosted a Workplace Mental Health seminar at Brentford Football Club earlier this year. Multiple speakers equipped employers with the tools and contacts to support their people during this difficult time.

Sally Smith, COO of West London Chambers and chair of the event, stated, “Mental health is a crucial topic. Poor mental health can significantly impact an employee’s wellbeing, making them less likely to be productive both inside and outside of work. Providing support within the workplace, where many of us spend much of our time, is key.

“It was fantastic that Plane Saver was able to sponsor the event. We had some great speakers, including Plane Saver’s own Sarah

Davidson, who spoke on financial wellbeing. She was joined by the amazing Elise Brown, the CEO of Mama Haven who addressed combating in-work poverty, Sanjay Vadhera, who discussed the impact of caring for someone with dementia, and Jakub Kotan on strategies to improve mental health in

the workplace. This is the second year we have held such an event, and it was very well received by employers and local businesses. It sparked a lively discussion and prompted numerous shared experiences.”

Rachel Downing, Head of Business Development at Plane Saver, remarked, “We know how essential it is to encourage people to open up and talk honestly about their finances. That’s why we were delighted to sponsor the event. According to the Money and Pensions Service, money is a daily worry for 9 million adults, and supporting workers through life’s ups and downs is a major part of what we do here at Plane Saver.

“Our research has found that workplaces that protect the financial wellbeing of their employees will have a happier and healthier workforce. It was gratifying to be in a room with business owners who recognize their responsibility in supporting the workforce in reducing financial stress.”

The WILDE Foundation H&F Writers’ Festival

Now in its fourth year, the Hammersmith & Fulham Writers’ Festival, for Female Authors of Colour and Indie Authors 2024 is set to take place across two days, produced by The WILDE Foundation.

Author and Festival Director, Rasheda Malcolm says, “this unique and inspiring festival, primarily platforms and celebrates marginalised women writers, and Indie authors from all backgrounds. It is an event that inspires and encourages the audience to start their own writing project. All this and they get to meet the authors.”

2024 is set to bring a unique mixture of literary debates, author events and workshops to encourage new writing and enrich reading.

The two-day festival, which takes place on the 5th and 6th July in London, offers a line-up of established authors. Sunday Times bestselling author, Candice Brathwaite, award winning author, Kelechi Okafor, Jendella Benson, and George the Poet, among many more.

We intend for H&F Writers’ Festival to become one of the most significant writing festivals for female authors of colour and indie authors in the UK, attracting thousands of people who share a passion for books, writing and reading.

The events focus on addressing the question of ‘the single story’, and what it means to be a female writer in the 21st century, with author interviews, panel debates and discussions.

TWF H&F Writers’ Festival is in part a reaction to the overwhelmingly homogenous view of contemporary writing presented

by UK literary festivals. In 2014, only 4% of the 2000-plus authors featured at the UK’s three largest literary festivals came from marginalised backgrounds; the other 96% were white.

The creation of the Writers’ Festival is a step toward empowering voices that are often absent in the literary mainstream. As the

festival director, Rasheda Malcolm states, “In a world where minoritised creative talent struggles to be recognised, we need to create something epic and magical to platform our own authors – this is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.”

www.handfwritersfestival.co.uk

We intend for H&F Writers’ Festival to become one of the most significant writing festivals for female authors of colour and indie authors in the UK, attracting thousands of people who share a passion for books, writing and reading.

New exhibition celebrates the simple spoon in creative ways

Ceramic sculptor Claire Ireland created a ceramic project during the pandemic to engage and help support her neighbours, local friends and their families in Brentford.

The idea evolved and the invitation to make a spoon in clay began to spread further afield and included artists and makers who chose to work in a variety of different materials. This has developed into a remarkable collection of diverse and eclectic handmade spoons, made by more than 120 participants, from all walks of life, all ages and including international contributions.

One maker has grown her spoon in sugar crystals, while another created a pair in casein, a plastic made from milk.

Claire explains: “I have always loved the notion of a spoon - a simple, ordinary tool, which is a part of our everyday life and has been around since Palaeolithic times. Prehistoric people adapted horns, shells and pieces of wood to make spoons and throughout history they have been made in so many different materials.”

Claire has been invited by Boston Manor House to exhibit the collection of handmade spoons. It will be on display in the Library Gallery from Easter 2024, with gallery spotlight tours of the exhibition scheduled

you

a

during the show. There are creative collage workshops planned for children and their families and ceramic workshops for adults to create spoons in porcelain inspired by the exhibition and the surrounding park. This project was made possible thanks to the generous support of the John and Ruth Howard Trust and Hounslow’s Thriving Communities Fund.

The exhibition at Boston Manor House is open from noon to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday from 28th March until 8th September 2024. Entry to the exhibition is free.

A very special visitor was spotted swimming and eating sushi in the River Brent – did you see him?

Henry the grey seal is one of Brentford’s latest and most popular residents and always causes a stir when he is spotted.

The team at nearby restaurant and bar, The Weir, videoed the seal and shared the footage on their Instagram and TikTok accounts.

After contacting the Canal and River Trust, the team at The Weir discovered that the seal appears to be “rather content” and enjoys sushi and they are hoping he will visit again soon!

www.theweirbar.com

“I

have always loved the notion of a spoon - a simple, ordinary tool, which is a part of our everyday life and has been around since Palaeolithic times.”

Claire Ireland

Unveiling Hounslow’s vision: Driving investment for our communities

Hounslow Council has set out ambitious plans for regeneration from the east to the west of the borough, creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that thrive economically and socially. Through strategic partnerships, Hounslow aims to attract investments aligned with its aspirations for a greener, healthier and thriving borough.

Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, recently unveiled ‘Opportunity Hounslow’, an investment prospectus outlining growth avenues and the Council’s vision for sustainable economic development.

After the launch, Cllr Rajawat reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to attracting strategic investments and forming partnerships that ensure sustainable growth. He stated, “I’m thrilled to have unveiled Opportunity Hounslow, spotlighting our borough’s enticing investment prospects. By capitalising on its strategic location near vital economic hubs like Heathrow Airport and central London, we have successfully showcased Hounslow’s appeal on a global scale.”

Opportunity Hounslow lays the groundwork for transformative projects poised to shape

the borough’s future. Positioned as the gateway to London and the world, Hounslow is ready to transform, with a focus on fostering sustainable growth, driven by unwavering determination to unlock its potential.

The prospectus outlines key investment opportunities focused on sustainable growth and improved community well-being, with

plans to deliver over 4,600 new homes and 2,500 job opportunities.

In addition, the Council unveiled visionary town centre masterplans for Brentford and Hounslow. These blueprints aim to revitalise urban centres, fostering regeneration, employment opportunities, and prosperity for local communities.

“I’m thrilled to have unveiled Opportunity Hounslow, spotlighting our borough’s enticing investment prospects. By capitalising on its strategic location near vital economic hubs like Heathrow Airport and central London, we have successfully showcased Hounslow’s appeal on a global scale.”

Cllr Shantanu Rajawat

Cllr Tom Bruce and Cllr Shantanu Rajawat

Ourregenerationvisionextendsbeyond development,reflectingaprofound commitmenttocommunity,innovation,and sustainability.Byfosteringpartnershipsand engagingwithstakeholders,theCouncilaims tobringtransformativeinvestmentsthat enhancecommunitylife.

The Council remains committed to engaging with partners and investors to bring its initiatives forward, promising tangible benefits for the community.

Oureconomiclandscapeboastsvibrantsectors suchasmedia,technology,andlogistics, supportedbystrategicconnectivityanda commitmenttosustainability.Investmentsin thesesectorspromisesignificantjobcreation andeconomicresilience.

HounslowisaleadingLondonboroughin climateaction.OneofourfocusesistheGreen EconomyActionPlan,partofLondonCouncils’ climatestrategies,aimedatdoublingthecity’s greeneconomyby2030.Throughinitiatives liketheLandManagementGreensSkill Bootcamps,inpartnershipwiththeMayorof London,we’veachieveda97%completion rate.Overathirdofparticipantshavefound greenjobs,withmoretocomein2024. Since2018,we’vecutcarbonemissionsin counciloperationsby10%,throughprojects likeretrofittingschoolsandcorporate buildings,greeningourvehiclefleet,and improvingrecyclingservices

OurNetZeroNeighbourhoodmodelis developingafundingframeworkforlowcarbonenergycommunities,contributingto borough-wideemissionsreduction.

We’refullycommittedtoreachingnetzero carbonby2030andcreatingagreener, cleaner,healthierborough CommunityBenefitsthroughPartnerships

Ourinvestmentapproachiscentredonour community.Bycollaboratingwithpartners acrosssectors,weensurebenefitsreach everycornerofHounslow.Whetherit’s creatingjobs,improvingpublicservices, orenhancinginfrastructure,oureffortsare designedtoupliftourentirecommunity. Discussionsandengagementsthroughout ourinwardinvestmentprogrammewill setthestageforafutureofgrowthand developmentinHounslow.

I’m looking forward to continuing to put Hounslow on the map and promoting the great offer of our borough at UKREiiF alongside Cllr Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development and senior council officers.

Cllr Bruce, cabinet member for Regeneration & Development added: “It’s an exciting time for Hounslow, and we’re eager to lead the borough into a future marked by robust growth, sustainability, and community well-being.

“Opportunity Hounslow and our Inward Investment programme are crucial for unlocking investment and driving regeneration and development across the borough and the Capital to accelerate economic growth.

We’re determined that this growth will benefit our residents and work hand in glove with the commitments we’ve made to Community Wealth Building. This can already be seen with our Youth Skills and Employment Guarantee (YSEG) – establishing an ‘Opportunities Alliance’ between the Council and local partners like Brentford FC, DWP, Heathrow, JC Decaux, Sky, University of West London and West Thames College. The aim of the partnership is to drive forward initiatives to ensure all our young people have better access to skills and employment opportunities across the borough.

“Hounslow is already one of the most economically productive boroughs in London, and the growth plans in place will bring benefits for all our residents. Opportunity Hounslow and our Inward Investment Programme is shining a light on the unique qualities and investment propositions we have to offer, and I can’t wait to work with our valued partners, stakeholders and communities to continue the Hounslow success story.”

In memory of

Steve Curran

1955 - 2024

Former councillor and Leader of the Council

I heard of Steve’s death with great sadness. I have lived in Brentford since 1985, and Steve seemed a permanent fixture, he was one of the first people to say hullo whenever I passed him in the street.

Our paths then crossed professionally through his role at the Council and mine at Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, now known as West London Chambers. Over the years the relationship between the Chamber and the Council developed, especially in the years of Steve’s leadership. Initially we classed ourselves as a critical friend, working on the Blenheim Centre. We then began to know Steve better.

I will remember him for being the driving force behind many of the developments across the borough. He instigated the Regeneration Conference, which is now an annual event. His commitment during the dark days of the pandemic was inspiring and his willingness to engage with the Chamber and the business community. He did not hide away.

Under his leadership, Hounslow was awarded the Council of the Year in the Local Government Chronicle Awards and we were proud to be part of that application. There are a number of plaques around the borough featuring his name – he will be missed but remembered.

Sally Smith

West London Chambers of Commerce

Celebrating Completion at Bell Road

In March 2024, Bugler Developments completed their Bell Road project called The Hue, in Hounslow, for long-standing client, A2 Dominion. The Hue is located in the centre of Hounslow and comprises 127 modern apartments with affordable rent and shared ownership options, as well as four additional spaces for commercial use.

The site is owned and managed by A2 Dominion and has been delivered in partnership with Bugler Developments. The design transforms a former hardware store and car park into high quality apartments accommodating different tenures of affordable housing.

The development on Bell Road has a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments and 2-bedroom duplex units that all surround a first floor resident-only terrace garden and play area. There is also an additional third floor rooftop garden terrace area, again, exclusive to residents.

Mike May, Director of Construction at A2Dominion, said: “We’re pleased to complete this transformative project with our partners at Bugler Developments. We have a strong-track record of delivering high-quality homes across the London

Borough of Hounslow and this modern development will help more people to live in an affordable property.”

Andy Bugler, Bugler Developments CEO, said, “All at Bugler are proud to have delivered 127 much needed new affordable homes in Hounslow, following the completion of The Hue on Bell Road.

“Having worked together for almost 25 years, we have a have a strong, longstanding relationship with A2Dominion and are pleased to have cemented this further at The Hue, a stunning development in the heart of the town centre.

“The Bugler team, together with those from A2Dominion and JRP, worked collaboratively to ensure that these high quality and spacious new homes were built to the highest standard ready for all future residents to enjoy for many years to come.”

The development on Bell Road has a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments and 2-bedroom duplex units that all surround a first floor resident only terrace garden and play area. There is also an additional third floor rooftop garden terrace area, again, exclusive to residents.

Celebrating the completion of The Hue on Bell Road in the heart of Hounslow

The Bugler Group are a family-owned multi-disciplinary construction and property development business with an enviable  track record spanning over four decades of creating high quality new build homes throughout London and the South East.

In March 2024, we celebrated the completion of The Hue, located in the centre of Hounslow and which comprises 127 modern apartments with a ordable rent and shared ownership options, as well as four additional spaces for commercial use.

The design transforms a former hardware store and car park into a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments and 2-bedroom duplex units that all surround a first floor resident-only terrace garden and play area. There is also an additional third floor rooftop garden terrace area, again, exclusive to residents.

All at Bugler are proud to have delivered this stunning development in the heart of the town centre. To find out more about us, get in touch with the team: enquiries@bugler.co.uk

Discover Fulham Business Update

Discover Fulham continue to work hard to deliver for the businesses that we represent. Over the coming months we will be launching our new website which will provide a key resource to visitors to our area, as well as giving our businesses an additional digital presence.

Following our successful inaugural Business Awards in 2022, we will once again be celebrating business excellence in our community. Keep an eye out for the opportunity to vote for your favourite local business, or to celebrate an employee or colleague who deserves special recognition. Networking is key for our businesses and we will be relaunching our business networking opportunities which will be a mix of both traditional networking, and also through different programmes such as our monthly Emergency First Aid Training and our Annual General Meeting which will be held in July. Tackling business crime is still at the forefront of everything that we do. As part of our Business Crime Reduction Partnership with Hammersmith BID and Safer Business Network, we will be launching our new crime reporting network, giving businesses the reassurance they need to know that every crime that is reported will be reviewed. To further support our businesses we will be offering WAVE and ASK FOR ANGELA training. We are pleased to announce that we are launching a new partnership with WalkSafe – a personal safety app to be used by employees, residents and visitors, that provides reassurance to users that they can get home safely.

Discover Fulham will once again be partnering with Hammersmith and Fulham Council for The Summer Festival on Saturday 22nd June North End Road will be closed to traffic as we play host to a number of traders, live music and entertainers. In Jerdan Place, Discover Fulham will be celebrating the summer of sport with an interactive Sports Day, giving visitors the opportunity to try some new activities.

As part of our Business Crime Reduction Partnership with Hammersmith BID and Safer Business Network, we will be launching our new crime reporting network, giving businesses the reassurance they need to know that every crime that is reported will be reviewed.

www.lbhf.gov.uk/ner-summer-festival

A chance to walk in the footsteps of heroes

The Hollywoodbets Supporters Cup is back with a bang and will take place on May 22nd this year, with 25 fans ready to set the field on fire! Friends, family and fans are welcome to support and cheer from the stands! The favourites are back, the Cup is up for grabs – will the BFTs emerge as the champions at the Gtech Community Stadium?

The inaugural Hollywoodbets Supporters Cup kicked off on 31 May 2023. As dusk descended on the Gtech Community Stadium on a Wednesday evening, 25 excited Brentford fans walked out onto the field to the lively tune of “Hey Jude”. The same tunnel used by the Premier League players three days prior for their home game against Manchester City. Each player’s kit was adorned with their personalised names and numbers as they walked in the footsteps of their heroes for an event courtesy of Brentford F.C.’s Principal Partner, Hollywoodbets.

The BFT (Brentford Fan’s Team) were up against the Hollywood All Stars, a team comprised of both Brentford and

Hollywoodbets staff members. Shirts were laid out with the players’ names and each cubby contained a Hollywoodbets goodie bag in the first team’s dressing room. The players shared the field with legends such as Sam Smith, Sam Wood and Jonathan Douglas. After a 4-4 score in 90 minutes, the game went into penalties to decide the ultimate winner. One penalty separated the sides, and it was the All Stars who were victorious! Medals were awarded to every player and prizes were given across various categories, including “Best Save”, “Best Goal” and “Best Moment”. The players were delighted to keep their kit and walked away with memories that will last a lifetime!

Medals were awarded to every player and prizes were given across various categories, including “Best Save”, “Best Goal” and “Best Moment”. The players were delighted to keep their kit and walked away with memories that will last a lifetime!

For more information, visit https://blog.hollywoodbets.co.uk/

Chamber member All Star Lanes provides perfect backdrop

We are delighted to announce that our venue All Star Lanes had the privilege of hosting a filming session for one of ITV’s renowned shows, Saturday Night Live.

We are thrilled to share that the episode aired on March 24th! Did you catch it? If not, be sure to watch the episode to see our venue showcased as the backdrop for this electrifying performance.

The vibrant energy and distinctive ambiance of our venue provided the perfect setting for Saturday Night Live’s dynamic performances. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment experiences and solidifies our position as a premier destination for top-notch entertainment.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ITV for choosing our venue and to all those involved in making this collaboration a success. We are excited for the opportunity to continue hosting such remarkable productions in the future. For those who missed the episode, you can find it through ITV iPlayer, and for those who did catch it, we hope you enjoyed seeing our venue on the small screen!

All Stars Lanes are Chamber members and a brilliant bowling venue.

www.allstarlanes.co.uk

Photo by Matthew Power

Congratulations to UK exporters which

have surpassed $1 trillion for the first time!

Alan Rides MIEx (Grad) Chief Executive

As a former British Government trade Officer for DIT, now DBT I am very pleased to see that the UK has now moved up to become the world’s 4th largest exporter! As per statistics from UNCTAD, (the UN’s permanent intergovernmental body) and is substantially down to our strong services exports. London is of course the main centre in the UK for service company exports

In case you missed it...

Legislation mandating the UK’s accession to the #CPTPP Indo-Pacific trade pact has passed into law and been welcomed as a “red-letter day” for British firms.

It comes after business and trade secretary Kemi Badenoch signed the accession treaty in July 2023 following two years of negotiations to join the market of over 500M people.

The UK is expected to be fully ratified to join the bloc later this year, making over 99 per cent of current UK goods exports to CPTPP nations eligible for zero tariffs, including cars.

United Kingdom free trade agreements update

Following its withdrawal from the EU in 2020 after 47 years of membership, the UK started to negotiate treaties around the world.

These treaties are divided into two types of free trade agreements: continuity agreements and ‘new’ agreements. Continuity agreements, also named rollover agreements, to quickly replicate the existing EU agreements. Those negotiated after Brexit are termed ‘new’, these agreements have been negotiated from scratch or have been renegotiated to enhance the deal since Brexit.

As of May 2023, the United Kingdom has 38 active free trade agreements with nations and trade blocs, covering 99 countries and territories. Five of these are ‘new’ trade agreements, such as with Australia and New Zealand. The remaining 33 are continuity agreements. Furthermore, the UK has a customs union with its three Crown Dependencies and further arrangements covering free trade with its 14 British Overseas Territories.

In addition, the UK has also reached an agreement as above to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which it signed in July 2023.

As of May 2023, the United Kingdom has 38 active free trade agreements with nations and trade blocs, covering 99 countries and territories.

NOVOTEL LONDON BRENTFORD

Hotel that makes every moment matter

Family- Friendly Novotel London Brentford is just a short drive from the beauty of Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, the historic avenues of Richmond and the roar of Twickenham Stadium. Home of Brentford FC is Brentford Gtech Community Stadium, a 15 minute walk from the hotel. Our contemporary 4-star West London Hotel lies less than 8 miles east of Heathrow Airport, and the centre of London is easily accessible by rail (Brentford or Ealing Broadway station) or by tube (South Ealing Station).

Whether you’re in the area for business or pleasure, we’ll have your every need covered.

Want to grab something to eat, or perhaps stop for a quick drink? Visit our Gourmet Bar & Restaurant which offers traditional and modern dining throughout the day. Fancy a quick workout? Head to the gym or indoor pool for a quick session. Our saunarium is the perfect place to unwind after a day of city sightseeing or boardroom meetings.

OFF for Chamber members on all private functions, birthday parties, Father’s Day and other business or pleasure events. Special code LTB17 to be mentioned at time of booking (Offer closes 5th August 2024)

Stay with us and you’ll be guaranteeing an experience you’ll remember forever!

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

Hotel that makes every moment matter

Novotel London Brentford

Great West Road, Brentford. TW8 0GP T:+44 20 7660 2230 E: H6995@accor.com www.novotel.com

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

Why smart businesses outsource their IT needs

by Chamber Patron Timeless IMS

In today’s business world, technology plays a significant role in almost every industry. It has disrupted the way we live, work, interact and collaborate. There are endless ways that technology can benefit a business like yours. Technology can help you automate processes, connect with new customers and improve communication within your company. Ultimately, technology can help you reach your business goals and be more successful.

However, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) often have more difficulty implementing new technologies than larger businesses. This is often due to a lack of resources, compatibility issues with existing systems or complications in managing new technology. You might also find it hard to keep up with the latest technological trends.

This is where you need to consider hiring an external service provider in addition to your existing IT team or simply rely on a managed service provider if you do not have an internal IT team. An IT service provider is a specialist who can act as your outsourced IT team and there are many benefits of outsourcing these services rather than hiring internally, including: More comprehensive support Outsourcing your technology needs can be a great way to get more robust support for your business. By outsourcing, you gain access to a team of professionals with a wide range of skill sets rather than just one person or a small group with a specific skill set. This can be beneficial for businesses looking for assistance in a range of areas.

On-demand

If you only have one person providing your IT services, you only get service when that individual is available. That’s why it’s crucial to look for 24/7/365 support and that’s where a service provider comes in. With an IT service provider, you have a team of experts who are always on call to help you with your technology needs. You can rest assured knowing that your systems are being taken care of and that you’ll never be without service again.

More reliable

When you hire a specialised service provider, you are basically hiring a team of experts. That means if someone from that external team leaves, your support will not suffer. You’ll continue to have access to the same level of support as before. Internal hires, on the other hand, don’t come with that same safety net. When someone quits or gets fired, your support abruptly dwindles. You’ll have to spend time training a new hire and getting them up to speed.

By outsourcing, you gain access to a team of professionals with a wide range of skill sets rather than just one person or a small group with a specific skill set. This can be beneficial for businesses looking for assistance in a range of areas.

Worry-free

A service provider will provide you with the necessary software, tools and staff to manage your entire IT environment. You can focus on your business and leave the IT management to them. This is an excellent option for small businesses that lack the time or resources to manage their own IT department.

A technology service provider like us may be exactly what your business needs. We can help you by providing a single point of contact for all your IT needs, right from industry-best software to support and maintenance. We can also provide you with access to resources you may not have otherwise, such as a broader range of software and skill sets, as well as security, compliance and backup services. Finally, we can help you stay up to date on the latest technologies, which can improve your business efficiency and competitiveness. Feel free to contact us today to take the first step towards solving your technology woes.

Walk the wellness walk

As an employer it can feel daunting to integrate a staff wellbeing strategy but if you want to combat the rising tide of absenteeism, presentism and minimise staff turnover then focusing on your team’s mental and physical health is key. Here at Silver Linings Wellbeing, we have been running events and retreats for nearly ten years and we know that businesses of all sizes see wide-ranging benefits when they focus on staff wellness.

In just a few simple steps you can create a more positive working environment and long-term cultural change by elevating staff wellbeing. It starts at the top, so managers and directors need to be prepared to ‘walk the wellness walk’ and give ‘permission’ for staff to integrate some simple steps into their weekly schedule.

Here are a few ideas that are inexpensive and easy to integrate into the working day and week

• Daily Meditation/Walk time – allocate just 15 minutes and encourage the team to put this in the diary

• Wellness Wednesday – allow a later start time or and earlier finish time to allow staff to head to a class or wellness activity of their choice

• Purchase some mats & gift them to your team – with so much fantastic free content staff can access online, why not give them the tools so that they have what they need to create a home wellness space for the days they are working from home or before and after work.

• Access SL by Chrissy and Silver Linings @Home – these are our free digital wellness channels dedicated to holistic wellness.

Our expert team deliver sessions to suit everybody and all you need is a mat to enjoy: Pilates, Yoga, HIIT, meditation, nutrition guidance and more!

https://www.youtube.com/ @slbychrissy

https://www.youtube.com/@ SilverLiningsHome-sp9vb

For more information or to connect with the Silver Linings team please visit: www.silverliningswellbeing.com

It starts at the top, so managers and directors need to be prepared to ‘walk the wellness walk’ and give ‘permission’ for staff to integrate some simple steps into their weekly schedule.

Chrissy Sundt Dolan

Mental health in the workplace Be SMART

Maintaining good mental health is crucial for productivity, job satisfaction, staff-retention, and overall wellbeing in the workplace. This is important for everyone, regardless of their life stage and whether they’re pushing for promotion, building a team, growing a family or investing in their hobbies. Through our work at Vitus Wellbeing (a private mental health clinic in South-West London), we see how hard it’s been for men in particular to reach out for help when they’re struggling, but, thankfully, times are changing.

In a professional environment, stress, anxiety and overwhelm can quickly accumulate, impacting individual performance as well as team dynamics and office atmosphere. Without adequate support and resources, such issues can lead to burnout, decreased morale, poor results and increased absenteeism. By identifying the early signs of stress, and receiving professional support in a timely way, you can spot your triggers and learn how to soothe your nervous system and overcome your personal difficulties. This benefits both you as an individual, and your employer.

We all carry with us our personal baggage –collated from challenges, events and relationships we’ve experienced in the past. It’s time we acknowledged the impact this has on the workplace and started supporting each of our employees with their own struggles. Only then can they thrive - both on an individual and a collective level.

In

a professional environment, stress, anxiety and overwhelm can quickly accumulate, impacting individual performance as well as team dynamics and office atmosphere.

In the garden of life, personal development acts as the sun, inviting us to blossom and reach our full potential. It is an inner quest to improve not just our skills, but our very being. This journey begins with selfawareness, understanding our strengths, weaknesses, and the unique contributions we can make to the world.

Setting goals is the next step. These should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. But beyond the acronyms, they should stir the heart and spark the spirit.

Learning is the lifeblood of personal growth. It could be mastering a new language, improving communication skills, or learning how to meditate. Each new skill weaves into the fabric of our character, making us more resilient and adaptable.

But personal development is not just about productivity; it is also about well-being. It is finding harmony in the hustle, peace in the productivity. It is the art of balancing ambition with mindfulness, ensuring that as we climb the ladder of success, we do not lose sight of the view.

Remember, the path of personal development is not a race, but a marathon - a commitment to continuous growth and well-being that enriches not just ourselves, but all those around us.

www.ishkama.co.uk

Carly Webb, Psychotherapist & founder of Vitus Wellbeing

photo by pexels-kampus-production

Fuller’s launches neurodiverse recruitment guide

Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC, the premium pubs, and hotels business, has launched a guide to recruiting team members who are neurodiverse or have intellectual disabilities (ID).

The guide has been produced with help and support from LVS Hassocks – a specialist school for children with autism owned by the Licensed Trade Charity – and Fuller’s corporate charity Special Olympics Great Britain.

While a handful of Fuller’s pubs – in particular, The Cabbage Patch in Twickenham – are already active in this space, Fuller’s identified an opportunity to build on this work. Team members with an ID may need shorter shifts and clear, often visual, instruction. They may also have a range of sensory needs, such as quiet spaces for respite, or the avoidance of loud, busy sessions.

Against the backdrop of these minor adjustments, the benefits of a more diverse team are huge – building camaraderie and pride while helping to enrich the life of the new team member and their family. It is also a step in tackling the 94% unemployment rate among the 1.5 million people with an ID in the UK. The guide covers all aspects of the process from the use of inclusive language and visual cues when recruiting, through interview, induction and making small, but suitable, changes to the working environment.

Written by renowned trade journalist Kate Oppenheim, the booklet is being rolled out to all Fuller’s Managed Pubs and will also be available to all Fuller’s Tenants.

Monique Samra, Fuller’s People Experience Manager with responsibility for DE&I, said: “This is such a great booklet aimed at giving our General Managers the confidence and skills to recruit team members from a whole new, and vastly underrepresented, section of the community.”

Chris Welham, CEO at the Licensed Trade Charity, commented: “We have been working with children with IDs through our schools LVS Hassocks and LVS Oxford for decades – and this collaboration with Fuller’s is just fantastic.”

Laura Baxter MBE, CEO of Special Olympics GB, added: “The statistics around employment levels for people with an ID are exceptionally low. There are 1.5 million people living with an ID in Great Britain and only 6% are in paid employment. It is just fantastic to see Fuller’s – which has been a prolific fundraiser for Special Olympics GB since 2018 – taking a further step on its support for those with IDs.”

Trust reveals exciting new plans for house and gardens

Chamber member Chiswick House & Gardens Trust has lots to celebrate having unveiled innovative designs to develop community facilities on site, being awarded £50,000 as one of 21 Rewild London Fund projects to transform a woodland and had a visit from BBC London to share their plans.

The Trust’s plans include creating a new learning hub, volunteer facilities and artists’ studios and turning an unused and overgrown 17th century walled garden into a fruit garden. Cedar Yards, the new creative and community campus at the heart of Chiswick House & Gardens, will enable the Trust’s volunteering and community activity to grow, create and sustain creative employment and support local entrepreneurship through the creation of affordable creative workspaces.

In 2023 the Trust worked with more than 50 community groups to support nature-based learning and wellbeing for more than 2,300 local people, but demand for its popular community and learning programme now exceeds what the Trust can currently offer.

Xanthe Arvanitakis, Director of Chiswick House and Gardens Trust, said: “We are excited to be reworking ‘back of house’ areas to fulfil local needs and bringing these historic spaces back to life. This ambitious project has been designed to directly impact the wellbeing of our local community as well as enhancing cultural and creative enterprise activity in London Borough of Hounslow. By creating more public green spaces for local people we can expand our learning and community programme which is currently running at capacity. With the introduction of affordable workspaces for artists and makers we will foster a local creative economy and generate much needed new income for the Trust.”

Cedar Yards Community & Creative Campus includes the Learning Hub, a new carbonpositive indoor space enabling horticultural and creative learning activities for 7000+ participants annually, alongside office and social space for staff, gardeners, and

volunteers; a new Volunteer Base to support more than 200 volunteers; the Fruit Garden will transform a currently unused and overgrown late 17th century ‘secret’ walled garden to provide a new garden for local groups, schools, and families to participate in horticulture-themed activities; and the Creative Campus will convert the currently underused historic back sheds and stables to create affordable workspaces for up to 100 artists and makers.

The proposals have been submitted to the council’s planning department and the Trust hopes to obtain planning permission by early summer.

The Trust is also one of three projects in West London to have been awarded a grant from the Rewild London Fund, as part of the scheme’s bid to help make the capital more resilient to climate change. The Trust has been awarded £50,000 for the Chiswick House & Gardens Trust Woodland Wilderness transformation.

The grant will help Chiswick House & Gardens begin to transform 3.5-hectares of two existing woodlands into species-rich, biodiverse areas. The first step will be to establish a baseline through ecological surveys to identify species with low populations to increase, and high population species to protect and enhance. The project will plant at least 100 trees and up to 250 shrubs.

The Trust welcomed BBC London on site to find out more about the Cedar Yards project. Rosie and Xanthe showed a BBC journalist around the Fruit Garden and Learning Centre, explaining how the new developments will provide opportunities for the community. www.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

The Kitchen Garden at Chiswick House

Clockwork Removals and Storage

Richard Lear

www.clockworkremovals.co.uk

ARELI Developments Ltd

Tom Forrester www.areligroup.co.uk

Aymer Clearance Ltd

Leo Guarrasi www.aymerclearance.com

Banner and Associates

Ron Banerjee www.banneracc.com

Baron Warren Redfern

Paul Bolton www.bwr-ip.co.uk

Bigger Picture Coaching & Learning

Carolyn Gillespie www.bpcl.co.uk

Brave New Girl Media

Lou Hamilton www.bravenewgirlmedia.com

Centeno International Ltd

Hozan Shoresh www.centeno-international.com

BAT Construction & Oil Fields Services

Mohammed Azeez www.batconstruction.co.uk

Core London Property Advisors Ltd

Robina Sorohan www.core.london

DDS Logistics Ltd

Milan Shingadia www.ddslogistics.co.uk

Developing Business Performance

Fergus Crockett

www.developingbusinessperformance.com

Ecode Networks

Nimit Shishodia www.ecodenetworks.com

Gemstones Services Ltd

Mounia Attiga www.gemstones-uk.com

Golden Wisdom

Jin Zhi www.goldenwisdom.co.uk

iFAST Global Bank Ltd

Mark Garrity www.ifastgb.com/en/home

Kensington Hospitality Services Ltd

Vaibhav Khandge www.khsl.co.uk

Liesel Bockl Photography

Liesel Bockl www.lieselbockl.co.uk

London Business Patnership

Chris Meachem www.londonbp.co.uk

Lookers Jaguar Land Rover West London

Tom Bennett www.lookers.co.uk/jaguar/contact-us/ west-london-jaguar

Lucky Jumper Films

Kerstin Craig

Luminosity Glitter

Lauren Jones

www.luminosityglitter.com

Muddy Barkers

Roshni Tulluri www.muddybarkers.co.uk

Noble Hair London

Heidi Nel www.noblehairlondon.co.uk

Pace Group

Tariq Mohammed www.gopa-pace.com

Rachel Mannix

Rachel Mannix www.rachelmannix.com

Right-Value Trading Co. Ltd

Malcolm Taylor

Ripple Show Limited

Ank Raj www.ripple.show

ROI E-Solutions

Sam Rathod www.roi-esolutions.co.uk

Sanderson Design Group

Charlotte Archer www.sandersondesign.group

Small Ceramics Ltd

Stefano Caso www.smallceramics.com

Sun Cap Visa Ltd

Mark Penney www.suncapvisa.com

The Well Group Ltd

Omar El Magowry www.thewellgroup.co.uk

West London Chambers of Commerce

Past Events

Your Chamber International Trade team have had a remarkably busy start to the year, with our Festival of Business attracting stands from Turkey, the USA, Italy, and Iraq which resulted in the signing of an MOU with the Federation of Iraq Chambers of Commerce.

Shortly after we had a visit to West Thames College by the Head of British Council Iraq who led a delegation looking to partner with UK colleges.

We also received a delegation from Sialkot, Pakistan and attended a reception for them at the Pakistan High Commission to understand more about their manufacturing base of surgical instruments, plus sporting equipment and leather goods.

Launch of BCC Global Britain Report

As Shevaun Haviland DG of BCC said: “This is about making sure that the UK is the best place to start, grow and invest in a business.”

We were proud to be at the launch of BCC Global Britain Report at Heathrow’s Compass Centre, the fourth of our ‘Future of the Economy’ project and hear comments from Lord Madelson on our place in the global marketplace.

The report recognises that the UK is starting from a position of great strength – it is currently the sixth largest economy in the world, the fifth largest exporter, and has the third largest stock of inward investment assets. However, to keep its seat at the top table, government, business, higher education, and cultural and societal institutions must work together.

We signed on line a MOU to promote trade with the Sri Lanka Chamber (SLASSCOM) via Jehan Perinpanayagam, a UWL Alumni and our member Sujith Wijesena of Hampton Brands

West Chambers of

Pakistan delegation and reception

Presentation to Iraq British Council on West Thames College

Pakistan high commission reception

Ealing Business Breakfast

Ealing Picturehouse on 14th February

We were really pleased that Cllr John

Ealing could be with us and he gave us a snapshot of how Ealing Council is wanting to hear the business voice.

International Women’s Day Event

19th March

Lookers Land Rover/Jaguar networking 10th April

We will be holding another event with Lookers in October when there will be another lucky winner

We can’t wait to see

Brentford Business Breakfast

Sam’s Waterside on 16th April

Women in Business Breakfast

The Greenhouse Therapy Rooms – 25th April

Acton BID Business Breakfast 26th April

Martin,

Sam Harrison spoke of the lows and highs of opening up his latest venue in Brentford. Do go check it out!

Such a lovely venue

These events are always popular and a great opportunity to engage with Acton businesses and meet Ealing Councillors.

Elsa Caleb of Elsa Caleb Ltd, Mojca Sanjenbam of Kingfisher SEC, and Jasmine & Alicia Karod of Wild Chai (who are this year’s winners of the Advance for Growth competition and were on the front cover of the February magazine.

of a Land Rover Discovery experience.

the pictures!

Forthcoming Events

West London Regeneration Conference 2024

16th May, 2024. 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Holiday Inn London, Brentford Lock, Commerce Rd, London TW8 8G

Inbound trade mission from Kyrgyt

Reception on 20th May

Business Resilience Webinar

22nd May, 2024. 10.00 am – 11.00 am, via Zoom

Private Art View & Networking

22nd May, 2024. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Gallery 475, 475 Fulham Road, London SW6 1HL

Acton BID Business Breakfast

7th June, 2024. 8:30 am – 10:30 am

Venue TBC - FREE to BID members

Summer Drinks and Barbecue

12th June, 2024. 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Brentham Club, 38a Meadvale Road, London, W5 1NP

Women in Business Breakfast

19th June, 2024. 08:30 am – 10:30 am Venture X, White City, 1 Ariel Way, London W12 7SL

Health & Wellbeing Webinar

20th June at 10.00 am – 11.00 am, via Zoom

Baghdad Chamber of Commerce Visit

27th June, 2024. 2:00 am – 4:00 am More details TBC

Acton BID Business Breakfast

12th July, 2024. 8:30 am – 10:30 am Venue TBC - FREE to BID members

Charity Golf Day

18th July, 2024. 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm Wyke Green Golf Club, Syon Lane, Isleworth, TW7 5PT

Ealing Festival of Business 2024

17th October, 2024. 7:45 am – 4:30 pm

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

Breakfast 7:45am – 9:15am – Exhibition 9:30am – 4:30pm

Please contact Sally Smith on sallysmith@westlondonchambers.org.uk or 07879 813817 or visit www.westlondonchambers.org.uk for more information.

West London Chambers of Commerce

Trade Mission Update

West London Chambers has now support from Embassy of Morocco, Department of Business and Trade to take a trade mission with a focus on Renewables, Agriculture and Sport.

We welcome applicants for this subsidised mission Apply via alanrides@westlondnchambers.org.uk

Acton BID Business Breakfast

Women in Business Breakfast

Think Global, Act Local

Dispatches from MIPIM, Cannes 2024, the largest property fair in Europe

By Paul Vick

MIPIM hosts a flow of capital and ideas that shape our physical world. With 20,000 in attendance, it was smaller than last year but still large.

What is on global real estate minds?

Road to net zero, global market and institutional investment risks and trends, rapid urbanisation, co-living, build-to-rent, energy supply, green finance, sustainable infrastructure, and post-pandemic healthcare were conference topics.

London’s trillion-dollar economy

‘Opportunity London’ invited investment into its trillion-dollar economy (yes in ‘dollars’). Earls Court and Old Oak are two out of nine areas highlighted and the website links to local, borough level strategic opportunities (opportunity. london).

London has the highest five-year investment volume in the world. London population growth is by size eight City of Yorks built over the next 25 years. London will grow to ~11.5m by 2050 from 8.9m in 2022 (29%) plus greater connectivity expanding its reach. The report states external capital in 2023 was mostly from US opportunism plus Middle East and Asian capital. Growth is in the air.

Net Zero Neighbourhoods and West London

In 1987 The Brundtland Report for UN identified that the barriers to sustainability are not technological but political and economic. Finally, they appear to be aligning. Low energy design and off grid homes have been around for centuries, across extreme climates, through C20th and C21st and inspire creativity. As architects, our practice has undertaken new build and retrofit low energy buildings (Passivhaus approach) and I drafted an 8000home zero carbon scheme in London prior to starting the practice.

West London Business launched ’Net Zero Neighbourhoods’ by AESG supported by LDN Collective at MPIM. The report details ten low carbon neighbourhoods, new build and retrofit, completed 1995 to 2024. It cites funding and development arrangements, heat network approaches, energy demand and storage, digitisation, automisation and supply chain.

Solutions will draw on different approaches to suit and will not rely solely on plugging into an improved national grid. The risk is that if it is done poorly it will need to be redone prematurely. Investing patterns show there is a flight to quality for good reason.

Chamber member Paul Vick’s talk at The Gresham Society in City of London ‘Are we asking the right questions about profit?’ is on 23rd May 2024 www.greshamsociety.org/webinar/11811/

Drone (UAS) sighting near Heathrow

Drones have been spotted flying near Heathrow in April 2024.

Do you call the police? If you did, and they tell you it’s nothing to worry about, then it’s probably Chamber member Ripple Show Limited carrying out an aerial survey in your area.

Managing stigma

West London Chambers of Commerce

The West London Chambers Annual Regeneration Conference is on 16th May 2024.

Lately, when you hear the term "drone" being thrown around you may immediately associate it with extreme terms such as 'war', 'terrorism' or even 'sabotage'. This is due to the safety concerns that have been highlighted through major news channels across the globe. We like to use the term "Unmanned Aircraft System". It is more representative of the professionals who offer services as a business by leveraging the capabilities of these systems. What can Unmanned Aircraft Systems do? The possibilities are near limitless, however, the sector is heavily restricted due to a lack of understanding by the general public. While regulation has established the groundwork over the past five years, public awareness is something that still needs to be addressed properly. Nevertheless, today, you can hire a “UAS” professional to conduct visual surveys of all kinds.

Is it safe for services near Heathrow?

Absolutely! Prior to the establishment of regulations, one of the main issues that restricted the use of UAS was a lack of communication between the pilots and relevant parties (If we knew who they were at all). Thankfully, presently the UAS Operators and Pilots have a semi-structured approach to follow. This involves active communication taking place between airports, local authorities, wildlife reserve management, the police, landlords and any other affected parties. Collectively, it is still a tedious process and productivity is limited by the uncertainty in turnaround times for submitted applications. If you want to keep up with the latest in the Drone (UAS) world, visit: blog.ripple.show.

Founder of Paul Vick Architects and a member of West London Chambers

Photo by Dr. Manoj Prasad

London Business Partnership offers free expert advice to SMEs

The London Business Partnership (LBP) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2012 to support the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across London.

With over 40 years of combined experience, their team of advisors provides one-on-one consultancy, group training, workshops and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions so their businesses can thrive.

LBP, founded and run by Naima Omasta-Milsom and Deryck Sealy, currently runs two free SME support programmes. Chamber members are encouraged to sign up for the below:

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Property Advice Service is a free ‘one stop shop’ offering expert advice to SMEs across all London boroughs on commercial property issues until March 2025. The service provides in-person and online guidance on renegotiating leases, rent arrears, energy efficiency ratings, business rate relief schemes and more. Pre-startups, start-ups and growing enterprises are eligible to access webinars, advice sessions, workshops, and one-on-one consultations with relevant legal and business support experts.

David Randall operates Maple Works and Canbury Works co-working in South West London, and after attending a Business Rates seminar he secured a rebate of almost £100,000. He says: “Had I not heard about LBP’s business rate relief seminar, then we would not have had that money. It is as simple as that. I would recommend that wherever possible, coworking space operators and other commercial property tenants seek out this brilliant expert advice.”

LBP also runs the E-Business Support Programme which helps SMEs in Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow leverage digital technology effectively. Through free expert advice, guidance, webinars, and events, participants can enhance their online presence, attract more customers, increase sales, improve operations, utilise e-commerce, strengthen cybersecurity, and more. The process involves an initial digital audit, a customised Digital Business Plan, one-on-one meetings, and educational webinars.

Naima, co-founder and Managing Director of London Business Partnership, explains: “We are committed to supporting SMEs which are key to London’s economic prosperity and growth. Sadly, many business owners often lack critical knowledge so we give entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed.”

LBP runs these programmes in collaboration with local authorities and the Business for London consortium to provide comprehensive support services that empower SMEs to overcome challenges, adapt to changes, and drive sustainable growth.

Protecting your intellectual property

By Jerry Bridge-Butler Chartered Patent Attorney and Chartered Trademark Attorney, and a Partner at Baron Warren Redfern

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, as the saying goes, but it usually does not feel that way in business when someone copies your products or brand names.

The actual Oscar Wilde quote is: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness,” which reveals he was actually being ironic, and that his true meaning was to demean those who copy. Protecting your intellectual property gives you the power to prevent your inventions, designs, brands, and original content from being ripped off. However, the numbers of businesses which do not bother is alarmingly high. Usually, the excuse is that it is too expensive, or that the threat is too low.

Neither of these things is true, but such concerns clearly lead many to turn away from IP protection. This is a problem because any business which ignores IP misses out on some serious benefits.

The most important of these is that it adds intrinsic value to your business. If you ever want to sell up, then a viable exit strategy can only be based on a secure business model, and if IP rights such as trademark registrations, design registrations and patents are not in place when they should be then that is a serious problem. This can bring the price down, or worse scupper the deal completely.

The same thing is true if you are seeking investment. One of the very first things an investor will ask is whether you have the monopoly rights needed to protect future growth. No-one will want to invest in your business if it can easily be copied. Whether you are into protecting your own intellectual property or not, you still must be wary of what your competitors have. Every business has a name, and you need to make sure yours is not too close to someone else’s.

If you sell complex products, you need to know if they infringe your rival’s existing patents. If you actively seek your own rights, then you find out about such potential risks as part of that process. Therefore, engaging with the IP system is not just about securing your own rights. It is also a prudent defensive strategy against being sued. Finally, IP rights can also generate value in other ways, such as through licensing the rights to others. There are also considerable tax benefits, such as Patent Box, which more than halves the corporation tax you pay on revenue generated from the sale of patented products.

So, rather than misquote Wilde and regard imitation as flattery, any business should recognise its own greatness and do whatever is necessary to defend itself from the mediocre. Not just to prevent copying, but because it adds value, increases your situational awareness, can generate an income, and save you tax.

For further information contact Chamber member Baron Warren Redfern at www.bwr-ip.co.uk

David Randall Naima Omasta-Milsom

5 minutes with...

Sunil Kalia

Who are you?

My name is Sunil Kalia. I am a Digital Advocate (Director) of AVA SEO LTD and Website Compliance LTD. My background is Senior Programme Management in cyber security, digital risk protection, and business change management. I hold professional accreditations, memberships, and CPD hours, demonstrating expertise in my services. I am an active NHS and St John Ambulance volunteer and hold a US and European private pilot’s licence.

What’s your business all about?

We help SME business owners create, manage, and grow an effective, engaging, and compliant online presence. Effective and engaging means visually compelling websites (considers accessibility and user experience) optimised for search engine visibility and call to action conversions. Compliant means helping our customers achieve compliance with GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, and equivalent regulations in other jurisdictions. Our customers receive compelling quantitative data and qualitative guidance, empowering them to make informed decisions with predictability.

Three words to describe yourself?

Analytical. Methodical. Competent.

Ideal customer?

Any business that relies on its digital footprint for success and reputation can benefit from our experience and expertise. We support our customers in achieving their online goals objectively whilst fostering trust with their audience in a privacy-centric digital world.

Biggest achievement?

After successfully delivering the British Airways Y2K (Millenium Bug) project, I was project manager for product and service development for British Airways’ flagship brand, Concorde. I was responsible for the design and delivery of the next-generation Concorde experience. Following the Air France Concorde crash and Concorde’s grounding, I was made accountable for the Concorde Return to Service Programme. When Concorde retired, I was responsible for British Airways First Class.

Biggest gripe?

Philosophy in business?

Everything requires effort. Pursue progress, not perfection. Just take action.

Sporting hero?

When it comes to establishing an online presence, SMEs often receive incomplete, incorrect, or outdated expertise. This leads to setbacks, wasted resources, and missed growth opportunities. It’s crucial for the digital marketing ecosystem to deliver auditable and transparent services and expertise. The impact of poor-performing websites that businesses depend on, stifle innovation and hinder the overall health of SMEs critical to regional or national economic growth.

Your inspiration?

Our independent SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) audit is ideal for existing website owners. Typically, the results are disheartening, sometimes alarming. These insights enable our audit service users to discuss the outcomes with their website provider. This leads to a website that meets their needs through their existing provider or a new site from us. Regardless, we’re pleased to help SMEs obtain the website they deserve.

Eddy Merckx is celebrated as the most outstanding cyclist in history. He represents the epitome of stamina and resolve. His achievements in the Tour de France, which I consider the supreme challenge of mental and physical toughness, underscore his excellence.

Biggest tip for success?

Stay current and hone your skills; the ‘compound effect’ will benefit you.

We provide results for our clients with clarity, thoroughness, and attention. We reduce technical complexities; we aim for simplicity. And remember, you can’t manage what you don’t measure.

•

•

•

•

•

Get your electricity costs under control and give yourself the chance to transform your costs into income.

Energy

Cost-Free Electricity

Say goodbye to soaring energy bills! Home EcoEarner allows you to generate cost-free electricity, covering up to the average annual UK household usage. Your home will be powered by clean, renewable energy, saving you money while reducing your carbon footprint.

Extra Income

But that’s not all! With Home EcoEarner, you can also earn an extra income. By harnessing the power of renewable energy, you can generate surplus electricity that can be sold back to the grid.

Imagine having a Home EcoEarner Power Generation unit installed in your home. With no upfront or net cost to you, this revolutionary system offers a host of benefits you won’t want to miss.