Let’s Talk Business September 2021

ISSUE 7: September 2021

talkbusiness let’s

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

THE ECLECTIC ENTREPRENEUR Andrew Ross Venture X

Director Focus Chris Greenwood Hounslow Chamber of Commerce

INSIDE: Travel & Tourism – As restrictions in this sector ease travel and tourism fights back | The Big Interview with Andrew Ross | Patron Focus – Chamber welcomes Inland Homes as its new Patron | Spotlight Area Focus – Hammersmith is a hive of activity | International Trade – Chamber signs two MOU’s to boost overseas trade | Profile – Mrinal Madina 2K Tiger | 5 Minutes with John Coles

Contents & welcome

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26 34 43

Welcome to our Summer edition. Contents in our parts of London including an area focus on Hammersmith. We should also congratulate the hard work our team has put into making a success of the Kickstart scheme, with one of our young people being offered a full time job following their six month Kickstart placement.

With COVID restrictions largely lifted and the vaccine doing its job, life feels like we can return to the new normal.

For many we have had our summer holidays in the UK which Sally, Lisa and I have been doing visiting the four corners of our British Isles where “No Vacancies” signs are ubiquitous.

We also hope that many will use our own staycation site www.InHounslow.com In this edition, we look forward to Heathrow Airports recovery and the effects that this will have on our local economy. Additionally, we highlight educational opportunities, showcase the Digital Dock initiative for SMEs and update you on the £4bn+ developments

Finally, we celebrate signing two new Chamber trade agreements to help exporters and support bilateral trade.

We hope that you will enjoy the read and take the opportunity to apply for a business award.

Alan Rides MIEx (Grad) Managing Director

4-7 Travel & Tourism 11 News 12-13 Skills 15 Digital Dock 19 Patron Focus 20-21 The Big Interview 22-23 Director Focus 24-25 Spotlight Area Focus - Hammersmith 26 Sport and Leisure 29 Legal 30-31 News

32-33 International Trade 34-35 Profile 36 Technology 37

Chamber News

38

Festival of Business

40

Chamber Events

41

Business Awards

43 Environment 44

Ask the Expert

45

New Members

46

5 Minutes with...

Some articles and images may have been originated prior to Covid-19 restrictions Enquiries Hounslow Chamber of Commerce Spring Grove House, West Thames College, London Road, Isleworth TW7 4HS Tel: 07879 813817 Email: sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk Web: www.hounslowchamber.org.uk

Publisher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Web: www.benhampublishing.com Media No. 1836 Published September 2021

Editor

Advertising Sales

Features

Production

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

Karen Hall Tel: 07801 788880 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com Peter Wilkinson Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: peter@benhampublishing.com

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

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travel &

tourism

Travel and tourism fight back Travel and tourism are worth billions of pounds each year to the London economy.

Millions of people travel to the capital from other parts of the UK and abroad, generating a significant proportion of an estimated £237.6 billion-a-year UK travel and tourism sector. London is also a globally recognised gateway to the world, with Heathrow and Gatwick strategically important hubs for international trade.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the country into multiple lockdowns, inevitably had a dramatic effect on travel and tourism. According to data analyst Statista, this sector’s contribution to UK gross domestic product (GDP) plummeted to £89.6 billion last year, as hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions shut their doors and travel to and from the UK fell off a cliff.

Now, though, the picture is brighter. COVID restrictions have been eased, tourism firms are open for business again and individuals and business professionals are beginning to travel again.

The question is whether or not travel and tourism will return to pre-pandemic levels

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again. Right now, it’s too early to say, but there’s a sense that optimism and confidence are gradually returning.

We’ve also automated routine tasks to minimise time spent on administration and help us work more efficiently with more time for our guests.

Hilton Garden Inn (HGI) Heathrow hotel, who is a supportive Chamber member and is based at Heathrow Airport, spent the initial phases of lockdown putting in place safety and cleanliness measures to ensure people were safe. Now, as the country moves into the COVID recovery phase, the management team has taken the opportunity to look at the business and plan for the future.

Richard Lee, general manager of Hilton Garden Inn Heathrow, says: “We’ve invested a lot in technology and enhancing our digital experience at every stage of the guest journey.

Richard Lee

“We’ve had to adapt our ways of working to operate with a smaller team, and to be more adaptable to cope with sudden changes. We’ve encouraged our team to become multi-skilled and learn roles in other departments so they can support when needed. We offered apprenticeships to all our team with support from Hounslow Council so everyone can develop their skills at work. We’ve also moved to a more agile and less hierarchical management structure so the team are empowered to take quick decisions and can keep up with the pace of change.

“Finally, at the start of the first lockdown we were part-way through a refurbishment so after an initial pause we were able to complete this work quicker than planned and tackle several other investment projects. We’ve spent £4.3m on refurbishing the public areas and bedrooms and a further £750,000 on upgrading our plant and equipment, including adding new green technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps and a better building management system.”

Predicting the future is a difficult ball game – the last 18 months have taught us this – but Richard says there’s much more confidence in the market compared to last year, due mainly to the successful vaccination programme.

“We can see that as soon as restrictions are lifted there’s an immediate demand for hospitality,” he says. “Perhaps people value hospitality more now than they did before the pandemic. The last 18 months have been incredibly tough for the hospitality industry and we’re still dealing with several challenges as we reopen, but I think if we get this right then we have an opportunity to reinvent our industry for the better.

We’ve invested a lot in technology and enhancing our digital experience at every stage of the guest journey. We’ve also automated routine tasks to minimise time spent on administration and help us work more efficiently with more time for our guests.

“Realistically, we all know it will take some time to get back to 2019 numbers, especially for international markets like Heathrow, but it’s also clear that there’s a huge pent-up demand for travel and as soon as people can travel safely and easily again, they will. Again, I think people have seen the value of travel as an enriching experience which is more than just a holiday and that’s a powerful motivator for people to travel again.

do the high-value relationship building work which cannot be done easily from home.

“Customer behaviour is changing. Individual guests want more personalisation and they expect technology to be seamlessly integrated into their journey in a way that adds value and isn’t just a gimmick.

“Finally, guests are looking for more authentic local experiences which is why I’m excited by the launch of the InHounslow brand so we can promote all of the great things on offer in our local area and all the hidden gems of the borough.”

“For business guests, the trend towards homeworking will change how businesses use hotels, and more people will combine business and leisure trips. In addition, companies will use hotels as a place to bring people together and

Hounslow Council has launched a new website to support and promote the local visitor economy

help visitors and locals discover the best of the borough and plan great days out.

To register your business, please go to: https://inhounslow.com/.

www.inHounslow.com is the new place for local businesses, attractions, and venues to

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travel &

tourism

Another hidden gem in the borough is the Creative Mile Art Trail: a celebration of the creativity that, like the mighty River Thames, flows right through the heart of Brentford.

This year’s event took place on September 3-5 and was led by locally based artists with support from Creative Enterprise Zone funding. Co-chaired by Brentford-based artist Mr Mr Pearce and Robin Vaughan-Williams of Creative Network West, this exciting event showcased the remarkable array of artistic talent in this unique borough.

When people strolled along the Brentford Art Trail, they saw a signposted one-mile pedestrian route that connected eight art venues exhibiting more than 50 artists including painters, ceramicists, printmakers and sculptors.

As it meandered alongside The Thames, the Creative Mile not only offered visitors inspiration (and the opportunity to make a shrewd acquisition), it also afforded them a rare glimpse of Brentford’s industrial past as well as a snapshot of today’s vibrant, creative riverside community.

The truth is, if you threw a stick out of a window in Brentford, the chances are you’d hit an artist, a musician, designer or performer.

But for too long it’s been London’s hidden secret – and organisers of the event thought it’s high time that changed.

As co-chair and artist, Mr Mr Pearce says: “Brentford has a great creative community, which many people are unaware of. This event gave artists working in the area a chance to showcase their work to a wider audience. It has the potential to become an annual event that will grow year by year.”

Brentford photographer and head of marketing for Creative Mile, Gwen Shabka, also sees great potential.

She says: “Our proximity to three waterways – The Thames, The Brent and the Grand Union Canal – plus our privileged access to an industrial waterway infrastructure that’s

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largely intact not only binds our artistic community together but also has a way of uniquely influencing our work.”

It appears that Brentford is the place to go for art lovers. The Creative Mile began at the Museum of Water and Steam, the former Kew Pumping Station, which previously provided 70% of London’s water supply. This fascinating building, well worth visiting in its own right, now houses artist studios in the former workshops.

Next up was the Musical Museum, where entry was free all weekend. Visitors enjoyed a specially curated photography exhibition and perused the museum’s splendidly eclectic collection of self-playing musical instruments.

Swooping down through a relaxing riverside greenspace, the trail wound its way to Watermans. This famous local landmark, launched in 1984 with a performance by Beatles collaborator and musical inspiration, Ravi Shankar, is now the focal point for an extensive program of interactive arts events.

As part of the Creative Mile, it also hosted Mark Farid’s exhibition, “Seeing I”, in its main gallery as well as a pop-up exhibition in the Waterman’s Park building next door.

The walk between these venues was invigorated by outdoor work by local artists from the exhibition “Future Visions”. This inspiring collection of work, curated by members of the local community and facilitated by Creative People & Places Hounslow, originally appeared on advertising boards in the Treaty Centres and Hounslow and Chiswick high streets, and highlighted the positive impact art can have on wellbeing and in reinvigorating our town centres.

Heading back down to the waterside, the trail took in Simon Packard’s imposing steel sculpture, “Liquidity”, as it made its way along the delightful riverside promenade that leads to one of the UK’s oldest, and West London’s biggest, working boatyards.

Dating from the mid-1800s and currently managed by MSO Marine, the site was formerly a key trading trans-shipment junction linking to the Grand Union Canal and the Great Western Railway. Today it offers an atmospheric insight into Brentford’s vital role in London’s industrial past.

Following a brief detour back up to high street and down again (where visitors could make a mental note of which of Brentford’s many characterful and character-filled pubs to visit later), the trail wound over a footbridge

Our proximity to three waterways – The Thames, The Brent and the Grand Union Canal – plus our privileged access to an industrial waterway infrastructure that’s largely intact not only binds our artistic community together but also has a way of uniquely influencing our work that crosses Thames Lock before arriving at Johnson’s Island, where there was a gallery and a variety of studios that threw open their doors to welcome visitors.

The last stop on this artistic ramble, designed to exercise the mind just as much as the body, was Catherine Wheel Road, where artists’ studios, boutique businesses and food, drink and music awaited the happy traveller.

Set in a vibrant creative hub that has organically taken over the undeveloped industrial spaces, visitors found a warm welcome at the Lôft art studio and the various pop-up galleries that have taken advantage of this unique environment.

For those of you who didn’t manage to make it this year, fear not: organisers are planning to repeat the Creative Mile next year!

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SHOP LOC Hounslow Council continues to support business as ShopLocal campaign reaches new heights The Government’s lifting of many restrictions across the UK set in motion the steady return to a sense of normality, but for our businesses many are still coming to terms with what has been a turbulent 18 months.

Hounslow Council is committed to doing everything it can to support businesses bounce back and thrive.

We are working to boost the circular economy in Hounslow.

Many of the Hounslow business owners are also residents who will shop with local businesses themselves, resulting in money staying within the borough.

Hounslow Council is continuously looking for new and innovative ways to support the local economy and protect the Hounslow pound.

Alongside this the Council is committed to giving residents the confidence to come back to their local shopping areas and support the businesses at the heart of their community.

Here is just some of the unique tailored support local businesses can receive from Hounslow Council...

VOUCHER INITIA Hounslow Council is offering every household in the borough a £20 voucher to spend in participating local businesses from September to early December.

Funded by the Government’s COVID-19 Additional Restrictions Grant, the ShopLocal voucher will be a free opportunity for businesses to raise their profile with residents and encourage them to spend more money locally in the future.

Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: “We have a fantastic variety of shops throughout the borough, and the last 17 months have been extremely difficult for them and their staff.

“By shopping locally, we can all do our bit to help Hounslow recover from the pandemic and foster a longer-term culture of supporting our high streets.

“This ambitious initiative is designed to give a much-needed boost to the shops and businesses on Hounslow’s streets.

“It is free for businesses to take part and I’d encourage them to get involved in this opportunity to increase sales and build repeat business with local shoppers.”

How can Hounslow Council’s #ShopLocal voucher scheme help you bounce back?

It aims to: •

Raise your profile in the area with free advertising to residents

•

Increase footfall to your business

•

Encourage residents to shop locally

Participating businesses will be promoted to every household via an interactive map and free advertising by the Council.

From September residents will then choose where to spend their vouchers locally. Businesses could also consider attracting customers to use the vouchers by creating a special voucher only package or promotion.

CAL

To sign up for FREE or find out more visit retailers. evouchers.com

ATIVE To engage with this initiative with no obligation and the potential to drive some additional sales please visit www. hounslow.gov.uk/shopsafeshoplocal

inHounslow – the brand-new visitor website that puts Hounslow on the map!

Sign up, raise your profile and promote Hounslow’s visitor economy for FREE!

Hounslow Council is proud to launch inHounslow.com microsite, the new place for Hounslow’s attractions, tourism businesses and visitors to showcase events and unique places to visit in the borough.

With international travel plans continuing to be uncertain or costly due to COVID-19 and many families planning UK ‘staycation’ visits this summer, Hounslow is placing itself in the spotlight as a visitor hotspot.

The brand-new website will allow anyone to explore Hounslow’s Hidden Gems whether they are planning a weekend away, or a fun-filled day.

By promoting organisations linked to hospitality, leisure, food and beverage, inHounslow will help the Hounslow visitor economy to thrive and showcase some of the amazing locations and events our borough has to offer.

Rowland Omamor, Managing Director of Lampton Leisure said: “We are really excited to be supporting the free Hounslow Council ShopLocal campaign. The ShopLocal voucher initiative and inHounslow website provide residents with everything they need to start exploring their local area again after the pandemic forced so many businesses to close.

“At Lampton Leisure we are so excited to be welcoming residents back to all our leisure centres.

All of our staff are on hand and ready to help people restart their fitness journeys, staying active and healthy while having lots of fun. We hope our voucher initiative offer will help even more residents try a new activity that benefits their physical and mental wellbeing.

“It has been really simple to sign-up to the voucher initiative and upload our profile onto the inHounslow website, we’d encourage all local businesses to sign up and benefit from the free promotion and support from the Council to build back stronger after the pandemic.”

Here’s how it works: •

Organisations sign-up and load your profile with information, photographs, and events.

•

Organisations and visitors suggest itineraries for visits.

To find out more and sign up visit www. inhounslow.com

W E N

JAL is registered with:

THE ART, STYLE & PRACTICE OF COMMUNICATION CONFIDENCE – High Performance Techniques For DWP Kickstart Employees –

COURSE DETAILS: BRING OUT THE BEST TRAINING DAYS

Do you need to train your Kickstart Employees?

Do your Kickstart Employees need more knowledge and skills?

Experiencing difficulties adjusting to face to face engagement?

If your answer is yes, you are not alone...

Recent survey data shows that over 80% of companies report a substantial decrease in human communication skills in the last year.

• Your company will improve business efficiency and communication through a one- day action packed experiential training programmes in London.

• At Jasper Alliance London (JAL), we have been working alongside companies, organisations and businesses like yours and with the European Union, United Nations, government organisations and communities.

• It will be a ‘laugh and learn day’, a ‘knowledge share’ on rich details of communication and presentation skills with case studies and 1-to-1 training, as well as group interaction.

• Your trainer is Jay Purcell, a communications and presentation professional, a qualified teacher and specialist trainer, who will guarantee to improve knowledge and confidence!

Jasper Alliance London Registered in england and Wales. company number 8405520

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE BOOK NOW via Eventbrite:

tinyurl.com/8978vu72 Contact: purcell@jasperalliancelondon.com M: +44 (0)7884413305

Venue: One Kew Road, Opposite Richmond Station, TW9 2NQ Or call us to discuss your preferred office or venue, or to book live digital training.

Upcoming 2021 Dates: 26 Aug: Advanced Communication and Presentation Skills 16 Sep: Public Speaking and Developing a Presence 23 Sep: How to Develop your Personal Brand 30 Sep: Presenting to Win Favour Time: 10am – 4pm Receive Accredited International Certificates for your chosen course.

Refreshments provided.

Price: £130 per person, per course Limited places due to social distancing regulations.

Concessions available for DWP Kickstart Training

Jay Purcell, Qualified Teacher

Meet our DWP Kickstart Team:

Hasib, Ryan, Julianne & Kishan

Allan Spink M.A. Cambridge (Chairman)

www.jasperalliancelondon.com

Organiser reserves the right to make necessary changes

news

starting up In-Person Meetings are Back on the Agenda Filipi Nascimento CBA Rope Access Ltd In no more than 50 words tell us a bit about your business?

CBA Rope Access Ltd is specialist high rise cleaning and maintenance company based in London established in 2019.

We are proud to provide professional high rise commercial and residential cleaning and maintenance services which fully comply with strict Health and Safety legislation. We can use abseil or cradle techniques to reach higher areas or cherry pickers and reach and wash systems to clean and maintain residential and commercial properties across London What gives your business ‘the x-factor’?

We strongly believe that there is always room for improvement when it comes to providing “Bespoke Rope Access Solution” and most importantly doing it SAFELY, our technicians have an exemplary safety record.

What motivated you to set up in business?

The company was founded by two rope access technicians with more the 25 years’ experience in the industry who believed that they could profit from it and generate employment.

What do you like most about working for start-up?

Everything started from scratch, from health and safety forms to tendering documents, marketing, sales campaign, this is all so exciting.

What has been your greatest business success to date?

CBA was stablished in 2019 by two ambitious technicians who are now employing 3 other technicians plus an admin staff to assist with all back office workload, this is due to increase with a winning of a contract of an iconic site in East London.

What has been your lowest moment?

To be fair at the beginning of the pandemic as a new business we were quite unsure of what could happen but thankfully it proved to be completely opposite of what we thought and we are so thankful and grateful.

In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years?

We are aiming for 1 iconic site contract per year to strengthen our portfolio employing over 40 people (We are working on it as we speak).

What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

First you need to love what you do to make it become a success and never be afraid of starting your business, you will learn as you go, there will be ups and downs but what I can say is that is been a dream coming through and I would do it all over again.

CBA Rope Access Ltd is a new Chamber member. www.cbaropeaccess.co.uk

It’s been a while, but in-person meetings are back on the agenda.

And it seems businesses in Hounslow can’t get enough of them.

Here at UBC we’re seeing a marked rise in demand for our Brentford meeting rooms, both from existing clients and local businesses.

Why? We’ve all heard the expression ‘Zoom fatigue’, and it’s clear that digital communication and hours of screen time is taking its toll.

But it’s also because we’re human, and social interaction is part of our natural construct.

According to a recent survey, over 80% of business professionals believe we miss something important when we can’t clearly see body language or other visual clues (Chubb survey, April 2021).

That’s why, with restrictions lifting, many workers are now eager to meet face-to-face.

Based on conversations UBC is having daily, we know that entrepreneurs are ready to resume in-person meetings. Our Brentford meeting rooms are Covid-safe and professionally managed, with helpful onsite staff ready to support your transition to the ‘new normal’.

But remember this: even though restrictions are easing, your health and safety is paramount at UBC. We provide spacious areas enabling a safe, socially distanced experience, giving you the opportunity to relax and meet productively with your colleagues and visitors in a friendly yet professional setting.

Why not try one of our meeting rooms and see for yourself?

As a special welcome, we’re currently offering 15% discount on meeting rooms when you book online!

Book online at ubcuk.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interventions include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

West London Alliance

lJM, o,

shaw trust

I�

Department for Work& Pensions

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

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

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

Please contact us to discuss your eligibility for London Learning.

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

European Union - European

i, • nlet

New London Educational Trust

Social Fund

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

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skills

HCUC Apprenticeships & Skills West London’s Largest College Apprenticeship Provider from Harrow College & Uxbridge College

it is for job opportunities, plans for a career change or to simply gain in-depth knowledge in a specific topic of interest, these qualifications enable people to make their next step in life. Find out more here: www.hcuc.ac.uk/jobseekers

Work with us - we are a trusted provider With over 55 years of combined skills and experience we help companies as well as individuals build worthwhile futures.

HCUC Apprenticeships & Skills is an industry leading training provider in west London brought to you by Harrow College and Uxbridge College (HCUC).

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

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

Blended learning apprenticeships & employment courses for businesses and individual needs

Build back better with the extra funding to recruit new apprentices

Blended Learning Apprenticeships:

Due to the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the government launched an incentive scheme to encourage employers to recruit new apprentices. This scheme was recently extended and the incentives were increased. Employers can now claim £3,000 for each new apprentice recruited between 1 April and 30 September 2021. Plus, there is a further £1,000 incentive for recruiting 16-18 year old apprentices. Terms & conditions apply.

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

HCUC Apprenticeships & Skills has created a flexible blended learning platform to minimise disruption at your workplace. Industries include Accounting, Human Resources, Learning & Development, Mentoring, Team Leading and Operational Management.

The blended study platform means apprentices do not have to attend college as frequently as with traditional delivery models. So, it’s the perfect opportunity for employers to enable their ambitious employees to upskill without any interruption on-site. If you are keen to train your existing staff or hire new staff, call 01895 853780 or visit www.hcuc.ac.uk/employers for more information.

•

We are one of the top colleges in London with consistent success rates

•

We provide you with a dedicated Account Manager until the completion of the apprenticeship

•

We are trusted experts in delivering specialist training. We are one of only 12 institutions in the country to be an Institute of Technology, recently established by the government

•

We are proud to offer top-quality part-time and full-time qualifications including HNCs & HNDs, training and apprenticeships in STEM subjects though our West London Institute of Technology

•

We were the first FE college in London to deliver T Level qualifications

•

We create strong industry links. We work with over 1200 employers such as Brunel University London, London Borough of Ealing, Martin Baker Aircraft Limited and Skanska

•

We support you to recruit locally and find the right talent - free of charge

•

We work with you to increase productivity by filling in skill gaps for present and future

•

We help you to progress your existing high performing staff to enhance efficiency.

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

Employability Courses: We are also offering a blended learning option to help individuals increase their skills set. Whether

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13

STUDENT WORK PLACEMENTS

CONFERENCE ROOM HIRE

APPRENTICESHIPS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email conferencehire@ west-thames.ac.uk

Email Jasmine.

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

digital dock

Digital Dock Brentford Digital Dock is Hounslow Council’s first affordable co-working space in the heart of Brentford. Supporting small businesses, freelancers and homeworkers looking for a creative, modern and inspiring space to work. Digital Dock will act as a hub for Brentford’s flourishing creative industries and provide much needed facilities for media and digital tech players.

Digital Dock has been developed in response to changes in how we are all working – digitalisation and globalisation had already driven radical shifts in how we worked, further accelerate by the pandemic, changing our working lives beyond anything we could have imagined. By delivering a cost effective, flexible working arrangement we aim to attract a range of people – from those adapting to hybrid models of working between home, office and co-work space, to those just looking to escape their kitchen tables, connect and be inspired.

The new space delivers a stylish, flexible and inclusive co-working space and collaborative hub for entrepreneurs, start-ups, micros or businesses needing a desk

or meeting room or break out space at affordable prices. The digital studio provides a space for workshops or even professional content creation (photography, video and streaming).

We intend to bring people together and build a community by providing access to a great environment and excellent facilities. Digital Dock’s downstairs co-working area has desk space for 30 users, all benefitting from superfast fibre broadband, break out areas and kitchenette (with free tea and coffee); two meeting rooms are also available for hire (or time included as part of a package) on the ground floor. Four microoffices for one or two people will be available to rent on Digital Dock’s first floor, which also contains its own kitchenette and toilet.

Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council “Helping Hounslow recover from the effects of the pandemic is one of our key priorities. We know that small businesses will have an important role to play in the borough’s economic growth and the space offered by Digital Dock should offer an important helping hand for start-ups and SMEs. We hope the Digital Dock will be the launching pad for local entrepreneurs to set them on their path to success.”

Digital Dock will build a space that boosts engagement between different communities and fosters a culture of networking and support by holding events and enabling people access to digital skills, business growth and capacity building training. We purposefully

located the new hub in the town centre, responding to the vision documents co-created with the local communities through our Reimaging the Town Centres project – converting a two storey vacant shop on Brentford High Street, bringing in footfall and further spend.

The co-working space offers Pay as you go, monthly and annual flexible contracts through an online booking system with the option to book workstation desks, hire private offices, meeting rooms and the digital studio.

Please visit our website www.digitaldockbrentford.com to find out more. If you any questions, please email us at enquiries@digitaldockbrentford.com or call us on 020 8583 5556.

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Specialist Recruitment Agency

TIME TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF RECRUITING Hours spent sourcing. Constantly checking different recruiting channels. Sifting through a sea of CVs. There’s no denying that the current hiring landscape is time consuming, and full of frustrations. How easy would your workload be if you had more time to get your job done, and had someone else take great care of your hiring needs?

We specialise in recruiting n junior and entry level roles. n Junior management roles. n Apprenticeship. n Graduate roles and kickstart hires.

With specific focus on support functions including Accounting, Marketing, HR, IT, Customer service and Facilities

Time to hire committed, engaged and talented individuals.

Have you experienced retention issues?

Did you know 33% of new hires look for a new job in their first 6 months? Too many new hires fall off the productivity wheel because their initial experience has been unsupported, unclear and unmanaged. This could cost your business We make sure the first 6 months of your new hire experience does not leave them wanting to leave.

Time to partner with a business that is committed to helping you do more than just recruit.

After recruiting comes the onboarding. Great onboarding sets each new hire up to have a positive, rewarding and engaged start in your business.

Managers are under increased pressure to manage their people and productivity and most of the time there is NOT enough hours in the day.

Supporting managers to onboard new hires and work on essential skills can help them drive productivity and drive the right outcomes from their new hire. This is vital.

Our recruitment and onboarding service help you address these hotspots.

Get the right talent. Develop the right talent. Keep the right talent. Call 07957338810 or email recruitment@edworkation.co.uk to discuss your hiring requirements.

Building a brighter and safer future for our most vulnerable young people At Woodbridge Park, we aspire to equip all the young people who attend with us with the confidence, knowledge, skills and selfawareness to be able to build a bright, safe future for themselves. A future full of freedom, choice – a good standard of living. We are Hounslow’s Alternative Provision service and we are making a significant difference to some of the most disenfranchised young people in the UK. We want to partner with local businesses and other interested partners to create something unique.

We have a trailblazing model for supporting our young people that is leading to a key change.

We are not only interested in hearing from local businesses and organisations who want to support our exciting plans to offer all our 15-16

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year olds with a 1 day per week, year-long internship in an area of vocational interest.

We also want to hear from entrepreneurs and socially-minded organisations who want to explore sponsorship opportunities and those who think they can add value to our offer; perhaps through mentoring schemes.

We believe in a better future for our vulnerable young people. A future full of opportunity, where they are given the chance to thrive and grow while contributing to their community and the wider world. We believe that everyone benefits in the long run, if the most disadvantaged are supported and encouraged to succeed and sustain engagement in productive training and employment. With all the odds arguably stacked against our young people at Woodbridge Park,

it is going to take the whole community, public, voluntary and private sectors to wrap around them and step up to the mark. Great change will come from thinking big, dreaming big. If we can partner with a range of local businesses and organisations – our fight becomes so much easier. Together we can build that brighter, safer future.

If any local businesses and organisations are interested in hearing more about our aspirations for vulnerable young people in Hounslow, want to support or explore sponsorship opportunities – please get in touch with Ian Berryman, Headteacher on 07880 742876 or email iberryman.313@lgflmail.org.

Build your future with Apprenticeships & Specialist Training through Harrow College & Uxbridge College Blended Learning Apprenticeships Upskill your employees and minimise disruption at your workplace with our flexible blended learning apprenticeships.

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Accounting Management & Leadership Industry Compliance First Aid & Food Safety Education & Childcare Human Resources Digital Marketing Business Administration

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01895 853780

www.hcuc.ac.uk/employers

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

WORK

WORK HOUNSLOW

If you would like to reskill or upskill for work, come along to one of our Information sessions to find out more.

Find out how Work Hounslow can help you re-skill or up-skill to improve your employment prospects at one of our information sessions.

Our interactive information sessions take place once a week.

Register onto an information session to find out your options with us today.

To find out more or register, talk to one of our advisors.

Email skillsescalator@hounslow.gov.uk or call 07790359392.

Visit the website to register onto an information session: www.workhounslow.co.uk

WORK HOUNSLOW

How can we support you with jobs & training opportunities?

We can offer FREE information, advice and guidance to residents who are unemployed, in low paid work and seeking work, training or up-skilling opportunities.

To find out more, contact one of our advisors today : Email work@hounslow.gov.uk or call 020 8583 6174 18

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WORK Take a look at our current opportunities: www.workhounslow.co.uk

patron

focus

Inland Homes becomes Hounslow Chamber’s latest Patron A property developer has become the latest member to become a Patron of Hounslow Chamber of Commerce.

Inland Homes signed up for Patron status to grow its presence in the Borough and make new connections with like-minded businesses.

For Mark Gilpin, Group Planning Director at Inland Homes, it was a logical step to take given that Inland Homes is undertaking a major development at the Cavalry Barracks at the centre of Hounslow West. Once complete, the scheme will see the creation of over 1550 new high-quality, sustainable homes as well as 2,673 square metres of non-residential floorspace for community and commercial uses.

Under the plans, Inland Homes will retain and refurbish fourteen statutory and nine locally listed buildings and create new public open spaces, landscaping and play areas. There will also be 490 car parking spaces, including electric vehicle charging points, a cycling mobility hub and a new car club.

Mark says: “With this development, we recognise that Inland Homes will be a significant contributor to the Borough of Hounslow. We will be around

on the site for eight to ten years so we want to be visible and are keen to help in the Borough Recovery Plan. That is one of the key reasons why we decided to become a Patron of the Hounslow Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will undoubtedly help us forge links in a Borough which is perceived to be very proactive and receptive to development and with our main head office not being far away in Beaconsfield, it all seemed to come together as a really positive step for us”.

“Hounslow Cavalry Barracks, which is based on Beavers Lane in West London, is the biggest development in Hounslow – a residential led development with more than 1,550 new homes, a large area of new parkland, commercial and retail units

and community buildings. The opportunity to purchase the land arose when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) relocated the 1st Battalion Irish Guards to Aldershot. The site has over 30 or so listed buildings so we’re keen to retain the character of the place; it’s not without its challenges, though!”

Mark was impressed with the Chamber’s vision for Hounslow and it’s proactive, can-do attitude towards doing business.

He says: “The Chamber has a big influence and voice in the area. We reached out to them, took them on the site and we instantly had a good rapport.

“They are clearly positive about economic development and see the benefits of bringing regeneration

into the area. They will be able to help us to get a proper foothold in the community and interact with people to find out what they want from developments. The reality is that you can’t beat having people on the ground and meeting people face-to-face and if we find the right way of doing things as a developer, we’ll gain more credence and hopefully do what is right for Borough and for local people.”

Inland Homes is passionate about building homes and communities that people will be proud to call home. The company’s range of high-quality homes offers a contemporary specification in wellconnected locations across the south and south east of England.

For more information visit https://inlandhomes.co.uk/

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the big

interview

The eclectic entrepreneur In pursuing a colourful career that has taken him halfway across the world and seen him work in several industries, Andrew Ross has built up a wealth of invaluable experience that’s helping him in his current role. After co-founding a number of real estate investment businesses in Australia and Europe, spanning healthcare, residential development, and student accommodation, he sold these businesses and branched out into the co-working industry.

Together with hotel industry veteran Tom Foster, Andrew opened a co-working space in the UK and became a master franchisor for Venture X, which provides high-quality, flexible shared office space and a boutique concierge-style service to a wide range of business professionals.

Being a master franchisor not only gives Andrew and Tom the opportunity to open future franchises on their own, it also gives them the right to sell new Venture X franchises throughout the UK, a strategy that allows them to scale their operations quickly with sacrificing quality.

Andrew says: “After selling the real estate businesses I was searching for my next challenge. There was a major shift towards co-working at

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the time and I knew it would provide opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. Tom and I secured a deal with US-based United Franchise Group, which owns Venture X, and our journey began.”

Since assuming the role in early 2019, they’ve been extremely busy and the borough of Hounslow has been a key target for them. They’ve invested in Chiswick Park, taking 13,998 sq ft of space at the flagship West London location as part of a wider plan to expand Venture X’s presence across Europe.

Now, in a historic move, Andrew and Tom are preparing to bring co-working to Westfield London for the first time ever, with all of 20,000 sq ft of Venture X White City to open later this year. White City is a creative, technology and

In future years, we want to grow Venture X’s presence throughout the UK. Globally, our brand aims to be the largest pure franchise operator of flexible workspace in the world.

life sciences hub and well known as a thriving retail destination and home of the BBC’s Television Centre. White City has recently been reenergised with 700,000 sq ft of new office space, and thousands of new homes.

Andrew says: “White City is becoming a major retail destination for co-working space. The coworking space at our upcoming Westfield location is already more than 30% pre-let which highlights the popularity of the shared office culture. We’re also opening a studio room at White City where you can do podcasts and videos. It’s just another string to our bow.

“As with Chiswick Park, all of our office space is high-end in terms of its fit-out. It’s not just about the bricks and mortar, though. Venture X provides modern workspace communities that are inspiring, diverse and collaborative. We offer a space where individuals and businesses can grow, share ideas and achieve success. By getting our offer right, members have a sense of belonging within these communities.”

Born in Scotland, Andrew spent his formative years in Australia when his family emigrated to Coffs Harbour near Sydney. After returning to the UK at the age of 22, he took up a management consulting role for a couple of years before going back Down Under to start a business in real estate, investing in healthcare.

The business did well and after a few years Andrew sold his assets and relocated to London.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next,” he recalls. “One of my friends asked me if I’d be interested in going to Barcelona to invest in residential property. We bought a property together and the next thing I knew I was owning 12 of them! We almost accidentally built this business. It was a challenge, though; the properties needed gutting and the only people who lived in them were squatters!

“Then the Catalonian crisis came along and it spooked us a bit, so we sold the properties in 2018.” That paved the way for the next chapter in Andrew’s colourful career: his current journey with Venture X. Despite the COVID crisis, which

has sparked a huge rise in homeworking, he believes that business professionals need the flexibility of being able to share ideas faceto-face and be a part of a physical community that enhances the quality of working life.

Andrew says: “Some people either can’t work from home or find it difficult to separate their home and work life. They enjoy the community aspect, mixing with people, and want a physical shared space where they can do their day job. “Companies will realise this and many will look to offer a flexible working model. This benefits the company, too. They might not want to sign up to a 15year lease and prefer a less costly pay-as-you-use service instead.

“In future years, we want to grow Venture X’s presence throughout the UK. Globally, our brand aims to be the largest pure franchise operator of flexible workspace in the world. However, we’re also conscious that whatever region we invest in, the needs of local businesses come first and we must offer a service that reflects and caters for these needs.”

Andrew Ross: the inside story: Favourite food? Victoria sponge cake.

Favourite tipple? Sitting somewhere in the Med drinking an Averna with a slice of orange.

Favourite holiday? When I got married in Ibiza – and while there took my mum to one of the island’s super-clubs for her 60th birthday!

Describe your family life? My wife is a busy obstetrician who often works a 24-hour shift or longer. I have a dog called Prudence Victoria (partly named after the sponge cake) that enjoys going to the pub as much as we do.

How do you spend your downtime? Working out with my wife in our new backyard rig that we installed when the gyms shut, followed immediately by sharing an ice-cold beer.

What are your key strengths as a manager?

Fostering strategic and long-term relationships and finding creative solutions to problems.

And your limitations? Multi-tasking, impatience.

Best thing about doing business in the borough?

Meeting all types of businesses and leaders who come through our workspace, and the social networking that we do via organisations such as the Chamber.

Famous person you’d most like to spend dinner with? Pink.

Most interesting fact about yourself?

I once held a Guinness world record and featured in the book.

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director

focus

Sailor Chris puts Hounslow firms on the right track

Denise Quinlan – Insightful Images

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It’s fair to say that Chris Greenwood has enjoyed an unusual, eclectic career.

Previously he was the managing director of Brentford-based MAPMECHANICS, a company that specialises in mapping and logistics optimisation for businesses around the world. In November 2017 he sold the business and since then he has been sailing across the Atlantic in his boat, Sea Candy.

Chris says: “We spend the

winters sailing around the Caribbean, which is great. The COVID crisis had an effect on us though. We ended up in quarantine in Granada this year, at a time when the hurricane season was coming. We sailed without stopping to Martinique, a Caribbean island that’s part of the Lesser Antilles and an overseas region of France. When we arrived, due to quarantine rules we weren’t allowed to touch land, so we moored and got a taxi straight to the airport. It was an interesting time!”

The word “interesting” doesn’t begin to describe Chris’ career.

After studying physics, he took a research degree in plasma fusion and then joined PerkinElmer, a US biotechnology company, to develop a range of analytical instrumentation. At MAPMECHANICS his skills in innovation and the application of technology to mapping and logistics have been instrumental in the company’s success. Chris

has also managed a number of significant key sales including the introduction of a new mapping system for Experian and a sophisticated prescription and drug delivery solution for Boots.

On top of that, he’s a citizen scientist who conducts research into eel migration.

Chris says: “Eels are born in the Sargasso Sea and they end up somewhere in western Europe.

With the industrialisation of rivers, they get to weirs and there’s nowhere for them to go.

The Environment Agency has installed eel ladders to address this problem; they are a type of fish ladder designed to help eels swim past barriers, such as dams and weirs or even natural barriers, to reach upriver feeding.

One day I counted about 3,500 eels in the River Brent. Other rivers have about ten. It’s a proper scientific experiment.”

Chris’ relationship with Hounslow Chamber of Commerce started

about eight or nine years ago,

determine whether children

when he was driving forward the

need to go into care or not – how

success of MAPMECHANICS.

innovative is that?

“MAPMECHANICS was a member of Hounslow Chamber,” he says.

“The Chamber was running a scheme on logistics training and I was interested in getting involved.

I was subsequently asked to become a director of the Chamber and I was delighted to say yes.”

“There’s a lot of growth and

Since working with the Hounslow business community, Chris has been impressed with its resilience and diversity.

He says: “Hounslow has an issue

in that it has an overdependence on Heathrow Airport. Until flying and international travel gets going again, that’s going to be a problem in the short term.

“That said, there are lots of innovative small companies in the borough and that’s helping to broaden the scope and capability of the business community.

I met with one company that uses artificial intelligence to

investment in Hounslow so that bodes well for the future.

Also, the borough’s proximity to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports boosts the appeal of the borough internationally. Eventually, tourism and international travel will get going again and Hounslow will be well positioned to capitalise on this.

“Working with Alan, Sally and the team at Hounslow Chamber has been brilliant. They are forward-thinking and proactive and they go the extra mile to ensure that local businesses are supported. This has been particularly important in the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses have really needed some guidance. I’m proud to be a director of Hounslow Chamber and will do all I can to support businesses as they come through the COVID crisis.”

There’s a lot of growth and investment in Hounslow so that bodes well for the future. Also, the borough’s proximity to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports boosts the appeal of the borough internationally. Eventually, tourism and international travel will get going again and Hounslow will be well positioned to capitalise on this.

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23

spotlight

area focus

It’s happening in Hammersmith

White City was earmarked for regeneration several years ago. There’s a lot going on so it’s an attractive location

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Hammersmith is a hive of activity.

There are several developments underway in the area, schemes that are creating jobs and economic prosperity.

Notable developments include those in the White City Regeneration Area, which sits within Hammersmith and Fulham and covers 110 hectares, including Shepherds Bush Town Centre, the BBC and Queens Park Rangers Football Club.

It’s a major £8 billion regeneration programme, which was launched after the site was recognised as an Opportunity Area in the London Plan 2016. It covers three distinct sub-areas: White City East, Shepherd’s Bush Town Centre and the estates in White City (White City West).

In terms of new developments, Hammersmith & Fulham Council is focused on sites to the east of Wood Lane and north of the existing Westfield London shopping centre, including the BBC Television Centre.

Regeneration of the historic Shepherd’s Bush Town Centre is also in the pipeline.

The impact will be huge. The entire £8 billion project is expected to create 10,000 jobs, deliver 6,000 new homes and further improve the local retail offering. It will also grow key sectors, such as bio-medical, technology and the creative industries. Imperial College’s new White City campus is already making a positive difference by bringing creative businesses and innovative biomedical research to the area.

Venture X, which provides highquality, flexible shared office space, is preparing to open up 20,000 sq ft of co-working space near the BBC studios at White City later this year.

Andrew Ross, who is a master franchisor for Venture X, says: “White City is becoming a major retail destination for co-working space. Our co-working space is already more than 30% pre-let, which highlights the popularity of the shared office culture. We’re also opening a studio room at White City where you can do podcasts and videos.

It’s just another string to our bow.

“White City was earmarked for regeneration several years ago.

There’s a lot going on so it’s an attractive location for us. The developments will improve the quality of life for local residents, create jobs and bring more people into the area. There’ll be significant demand for flexible co-working space and we can provide this.”

Apart from White City, there are regeneration projects underway or planned in several other areas.

These are: • Hammersmith Town Centre – The Local Plan identifies Hammersmith town centre as a regeneration area capable of delivering 2,800 new homes and 10,000 new jobs • Earls Court and West Kensington • South Fulham Riverside • Old Oak Common New homes could also be built on Hythe Road and Wormwood Scrubs near the border with Kensington and Chelsea.

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sport and

leisure

Brentford announced their arrival in the Premier League by kicking off the 2021-22 season with a 2-0 win over Arsenal.

West London beat North London on the opening evening of the campaign with The Bees scoring a goal in each half. Brentford’s first top flight game since 1947 finished with a well-earned victory thanks to goals from Sergi Canós and Christian Nørgaard.

Canós struck midway through the first half, becoming the first Brentford player to score a top division goal since Len Townsend more than seven decades ago.

Nørgaard headed home in the second half to seal a win that The Bees deserved. David Raya, in the

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let’s talkbusiness

home goal, made one spectacular save late on, but Bryan Mbeumo hit the post for The Bees and there was little doubt that the better team won on the night.

For Brentford head coach Thomas Frank, it was a hugely satisfying evening. He joined a very select club during the evening, becoming only the second person from Denmark to lead a team in a Premier League game.

He’s certainly following in special footsteps. Michael Laudrup took charge of Swansea City and helped

them win the EFL Cup in 2013.

In an interview with Sun Sport, Thomas discussed his admiration for Michael Laudrup and also Peter Schmeichel, who is best known for his time as Manchester United goalkeeper. He mentioned that Schmeichel had been in touch in recent weeks.

Thomas told SunSport: “I’ve always loved English football. I started watching in the mid1980s and used to love Danish midfielder Jan Molby when Liverpool dominated. Then in the 1990s, I also followed

Schmeichel. He was a fantastic keeper. He was named world’s best twice and won us the Euros in 1992 single-handed.

“Michael was one of the greatest players in the world with everything he achieved at Barcelona and Real Madrid. Denmark is a small nation, so I’ve met Michael a lot of times.

For a Danish person, it’s huge that I’m going to be the only person with Michael to have managed in the Premier League. Peter has been in touch since we got promoted and texted me: “well done, congratulations” and about how he is looking forward to following Brentford.” www.brentfordfc.com

Unlocking Hounslow West’s Potential Inland Homes has exciting plans for the Cavalry Barracks After more than two centuries, in 2019 the Ministry of Defence announced that it would be moving out of the Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow West.

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

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

Visit www.cavalrybarracksconsultation.co.uk to find out how our shared vision for the Cavalry Barracks is set to unlock Hounslow West’s potential.

www.cavalrybarracksconsultation.co.uk

CAVALRY BARRACKS

MEANINGFUL SOLUTIONS We seek to find meaningful solutions for clients by promoting and conducting mediation services.

A demotivated workforce can lead to reduced productivity, high levels of sickness absence and staff turnover. Such issues will deter employees and management teams from achieving the organisation’s goals.

When conflict is challenged professionally, fairly, quickly and efficiently, ensuring all concerned can maintain their dignity and respect, it can open up a whole new world of productivity and creativity for a company.

Tel: 07980 917864 | Email: info@erexpert.co.uk | ER Expert Ltd: 1 Parkshot, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2RD

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27

Sponsor of Hounslow Festival of Business 2020

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

What our clients say about us:

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

Our Services include: • Family Law

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Tel: +44 20 3879 4259 | www.garner-hancock.co.uk

Garner & Hancock Solicitors: 4 Church Street, Old Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6BH

legal

Claims against your estate

Daniel Flynn answers some of your questions As well as leaving those you wanted to benefit with less, this can also lead to your estate being tied up for a year or more after your death in costly litigation.

Who can make claims after my death?

Is my will the last word?

It’s easy to put it off, but once you’ve made a will that’s the end of the matter, right? You can rest easy knowing that your assets will go to who you want after your gone, right? Not necessarily, advises Daniel Flynn, a partner at Garner & Hancock Solicitors.

Daniel was involved in one of the leading cases in this area, Banfield v Campbell, which was reported in the law reports and the Times and Daily Mail in 2018.

He takes you through some of the issues from that case so that you can make sure that your estate isn’t tied up in litigation after you pass.

What can possibly go wrong after I am gone?

As property prices continue to rise, the value of estates continues to rise with them and so claims against estates become more valuable and more worthwhile. We have seen a real increase in claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 over the last few years. This piece of legislation gives certain people the right to ask the court to change the terms of your will after you die. Alternatively, if you die without leaving a will, a claimant can ask the court to change the terms of the intestacy.

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 is a piece of legislation made to ensure that people who might reasonably expect financial provision from your estate aren’t left penniless after you die. There are specific categories of people who are entitled to claim, namely spouses, children, people who were living for two years as a spouse with the deceased, and people who the deceased was treating as children such as step-children or foster children, and former spouses who haven’t re-married. There is then a catchall clause for anyone else who the deceased has been financially maintaining before they died.

In order to make a claim against an estate, it is not enough just to be in one of the classes of entitled people. The claimant also has to show that the estate does not make “reasonable financial provision” for them. This could mean that they have been left nothing, or else that they have not been left enough to meet their reasonable needs.

What can they claim?

The 1975 Act gives the court the power to order that the estate should make “reasonable financial

provision” for a claimant. What constitutes reasonable financial provision is going to be different in every case and has to take into account the size of the estate, the circumstances and needs of the claimant, the circumstances of any other beneficiaries of the estate, and the terms of the will or intestacy. This does not mean that the court has to decide what would be fair or make it up to someone who is disappointed not to receive anything. The 1975 Act is about meeting the claimant’s financial needs, not giving them a bonus or windfall.

If the court decides that the will or intestacy doesn’t make reasonable financial provision for the claimant then there is a broad range of what the court can do to vary the will. The court could order a lump sum to meet the claimant’s needs, or order a transfer of property or creation of a trust to provide income for a claimant.

How can I make sure my estate goes where I want it to?

There is no single answer to this question because every claim depends on all of the facts about your personal circumstances.

The best thing to do to make sure that you have as much control as possible over your estate is to speak to a solicitor in detail.

We can advise you about what potential claims there might be and how you can go

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

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news

The Mulberry Centre West London cancer charity The Mulberry Centre has been supporting cancer patients and their loved ones for the last 20 years. Executive director Raj Athwal highlights the vital work she and her colleagues do.

“Our mission is to provide support for people affected by cancer who live in west and southwest London, offering practical ways to enhance physical, psychological and emotional well-being,” Raj adds.

“We support people through their cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and then post-discharge. We help them re-build their lives and promote self-management.

We also support carers and family members to deal with these changes.”

One of the tragic impacts of the global pandemic has been a delay in cancer screening and diagnosis. Cancer charity The Mulberry Centre, in west London, worries this problem will get worse before it gets better.

“Many people have deferred getting screened during the pandemic, and treatments and operations have been delayed,” explains Raj Athwal. “We anticipate a significant increase in the need for our services as the pandemic eases, and as people are diagnosed with more advanced stage cancers. Sadly, there is likely to be an increase in cancer deaths because of the cancer backlog, so our bereavement service will be there to support anyone who has lost a loved one.”

Based on the grounds of West Middlesex University Hospital, in Isleworth, the Mulberry Centre has been helping cancer patients and their families since July 2001.

Their dedicated team work closely with cancer nurse specialists at the hospital, as well as with other local hospitals, GPs, community groups and healthcare providers. This year, their volunteers have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, along with a special designation for their support during the pandemic. Over the last two decades this award-winning charity has helped over 15,000 people affected by cancer. All their services are provided free of charge.

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Some of the services offered by the centre include counselling, emotional support, legal information, end-of-life support, and complementary therapies such as massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki, shiatsu and emotional freedom technique.

There are meditation, yoga, and tai chi classes, and art, creative writing and book clubs. Online workshops run on topics such as cancer nutrition, managing stress, sleep management, grieving, and aromatherapy.

There is also a peaceful space for relaxing and meeting up, and a tranquil garden.

But now the Mulberry Centre needs support from the local community. Next summer – a year later than planned due to the pandemic – they will be marking their 21st birthday by celebrating with their many beneficiaries and the local community.

The centre is asking locals to spread the word about the services they offer.

They need volunteers, fundraisers and donations. And they are looking for corporate sponsors to help fund future work and birthday celebrations. Anyone interested should contact them via email (talk@themulberrycentre.co.uk) To quote Sally Smith: “Having gone through bowel cancer about 10 years ago (I really can’t remember now, which is a good sign!) I wholeheartedly recommend the Mulberry Centre – they are terrific and such a support in difficult times.” www.themulberrycentre.co.uk

Regeneration progress in Hounslow celebrated with topping out ceremony Local dignitaries including the Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Steve Curran, joined Barratt London on Thursday 19th August to celebrate the topping out of Kempton Tower, the tallest building at its High Street Quarter development. To mark the completion of the 27-storey tower in the centre of Hounslow, Cllr.

Curran placed the final brick and was presented with a ceremonial trowel.

The topping out ceremony also marked the opening of Smithy Lane, the retail aspect of the mixeduse development. Smithy Lane will comprise of 134,000 sq. ft of new commercial space, including a new 10-screen Cineworld cinema and a range of

A challenging year for charities It has been a challenging year for charities and organisations that deliver community projects or services to beneficiaries.

Inspire Hounslow is a charity that provides support funds to such organisations.

While applications for funding were slightly reduced this year, we did manage to support many organisations.

Our financial contributions help community groups provide programmes that make a difference to the lives of young people in Hounslow.

Much of our focus is on disadvantaged or disaffected youth. However, we also support programmes aimed at educating

young people, providing sport and cultural opportunities, or improving health and social care.

We hope, that with the end of the Covid lockdown, we will see even more applications from organisations and community groups.

Our goal is to improve the lives of young people in the Borough. We can only achieve that through other organisations’ activity.

If your organisation has a community focus, you may like to apply for funds to support your beneficiaries.

Apply on-line, via our website inspirehounslow.co.uk which has detail on the range of programmes we fund.

We are also keen to hear from potential trustees, who share our values and aspirations. We would particularly like to hear from people who live and work locally and are from the many diverse community or ethnic groups in Hounslow.

Services Provided

restaurants, cafés, and shops, including Kokoro, Starbucks, Wok & Go, and Heavenly Desserts.

Councillor Steve Curran said: “The topping out of Kempton Tower at High Street Quarter is a key milestone in the completion of the development, and the opening of Smithy Lane is an indicator of its contribution to the community of Hounslow.

The large retail space will create a new hub of activity for residents in Hounslow to come to shop, eat and enjoy themselves.

We’re working closely with Barratt London to ensure the regeneration of Hounslow is a success, and that the community at High Street Quarter has a place they are proud to call home.”

Danny Farenden, Projects Director at Barratt London, comments: “High Street Quarter is about far more than just building homes. It’s about the power of construction to transform whole communities. The development will not only provide 588 high quality homes for the people of Hounslow, but it will help regenerate the whole area, to the benefit of everyone in the wider community.”

CBA Rope Access Ltd

Our close relationship with clients, the highest standard of services and competitive rates has helped us to grow quickly. CBA Rope Access is a family run business. Our operatives are fully trained and experienced by IPAF and lrata. We are based in London.

We can offer you the best advice and work method for your individual circumstances you can be sure of the quality of our work services.

Hounslow Chamber of Commerce was immensely proud to be part the Topping Out ceremony.

We had to put our skills and experience together to form a highly successful operating company, whilst remembering the intention is not merely to emulate previous success in the industry, but to take on board and build on the professional aspects while leaving behind the old philosophies of what is a good services.and so to create a company with a service focussed attitude and the flexibility accommodate individual client needs.

For more information about Barratt London visit www.barrattlondon.com

www.cbaropeaccess.co.uk

85 residents have now moved into the new homes at High Street Quarter, where prices currently start from £326,000 for a onebedroom apartment, with two and three-bedroom apartments also available.

• Building Repairs • Banner & Signage • Painting and Decorating • Eyebolt Testing • Eyebolt Installation • Inspection and surveying • Pest Control • Bird Nesting • Window Cleaning • Jet Washing • Gutter Cleaning • Reach and Wash • Builders Clean • Brick Cleaning • Atriums and Structures Clean • Cladding and Facade Clean • MEWPS

let’s talkbusiness

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international

trade

Chamber signs two MOUs to boost overseas trade Calling all London-based exporters: are you struggling to get the right support to help you find new overseas markets for your products and services? Then look no further, because your local Chamber of Commerce has struck two agreements to boost international trade in countries that might just be the perfect places for those products and services.

The first agreement – or memorandum of understanding (MoU), to give it its proper name – is with the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Pakistan. The idea is to increase cooperation and improve trade and economic activities between Pakistan and the UK. On a more practical level, the aim is to increase trade and investment opportunities for members of LCCI and Hounslow Chamber.

LCCI president Mian Tariq Misbah and Hounslow Chamber chairman Christopher Durkin signed the MoU, witnessed by the Pakistan High Commission and DIT Lahore, which is designed to build on healthy levels of trade already seen between the two countries.

In 2020, the bilateral trade volume of goods traded between the UK and Pakistan stood at $2.34 billion. Pakistan’s exports to the UK were around $1.73 billion, while the UK sent an estimated $611 million of goods and services to Pakistan.

Locally, there’s also a lot of history between Hounslow and Lahore, as Alan Rides, managing director of Hounslow Chamber, explains:

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let’s talkbusiness

“Hounslow has had a twin-town agreement with Lahore for quite a few years. For various reasons, this relationship has been rather inactive for some time so this agreement is a good way of revitalising this relationship.

There’s also a significant number of people from Lahore and other areas of Pakistan within the Hounslow and wider west London community.

“The MoU will help facilitate quicker trade between the two countries and we’ll have closer and better links between Lahore and Hounslow. There are many synergies between both business communities in areas such as environmental trade, manufacturing, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals.

“If Lahore companies need products and services in these areas, we can put them in touch with companies here. For example, I understand that Lahore firms require products such as air flow, landfill incineration and water purification equipment as Pakistan looks to make its economy more environmentally friendly. We’re alerting relevant companies in Hounslow to this

£500 billion a year. Hounslow, Ealing and Hammersmith & Fulham share of this is a not inconsiderable £40 billion.

These statistics will act as a magnet to countries all over the world, including EU countries despite the well-documented trading issues arising from Brexit.

Mark Hayward

Alan says: “Hounslow Council also has amongst other a twin-town agreement with Issy-les-Moulineaux, a suburb of Paris, and delegates from this region will be visiting the borough later this year. As part of the visit the Chamber will discuss ways of making trade easier between the UK and EU.” Ease of trade depends to a large extent on having the right infrastructure in place to support businesses as they enter and grow their presence in overseas markets. But there are fears that recent developments could prevent many London-based businesses from getting access to that help.

to see if they can help. This could open doors to new export markets for several of our companies here.

“A traditional problem for exporters is finding an overseas market for their products. For suppliers of environmental goods, we’ve already found a market for these products and can give them the support they need to secure trade within these markets.”

West London Local Chambers and Hounslow Chamber has also struck an MoU with the British New Zealand Business Association (BNZBA) in Auckland.

Again, the idea is to explore synergies between the two business communities, connect like-minded businesses and find ways of boosting bi-lateral trade.

Alan Rides says: “In practice, it means we can find local companies who want to export to NZ and introduce them to the BNZBA, and find out which BNZBA members want to send goods to the UK and connect them with businesses here.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) has advised London companies that from the end of September it will no longer offer 1 to 1 support in London so many of its London-based advisors will lose their jobs and has recommended that exporters should contact their Chamber for support which we are able to deliver.

Alan says: “Around 40% of UK exports are sent from companies in London and the south-east, and 40% of UK exports go from Heathrow Airport so it’s vital that this support is there for these businesses.

BUILDING YOUR IDEA INTO A BUSINESS

“We are receiving referrals from DIT and HM Treasury; we have experts who can provide that one-to-one support to fit your needs, whether that’s face-to-face or online, we are here to help.

n Move your idea from a side hustle to business

“Many companies, smaller ones in particular, say they have trouble getting the necessary tailored support to send their goods to overseas markets. As your Chamber signs other trade agreements between towns across the globe, that will help smaller exporters in particular.

It will also enable us to bring companies from your Chambers closer together and connect them with relevant markets.”

“We introduced a small brewery in the UK because we discovered that businesses here were seeking new non-EU markets to sell their products into. New Zealand offers an attractive option in this respect.”

For overseas exporters, London is an eye-catching market. London city is one of Europe’s main business hubs, generating

Alan Rides MIEx (Grad) Chamber MD

n Do you want to start up a business?

n We provide you with the building blocks of business n The 7 stages of start ups n Innovative techniques for entrepreneurship n Results driven coaching Please ask me any questions about building business on mark.j.hayward@outlook.com www.absolutebusinessmindset.com/ abm-coaching-services

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profile

Sporting passion fires Mrinal’s career success As a youngster, Mrinal Madina had high hopes of becoming a professional cricketer but, as is often the case, it didn’t quite turn out that way. While he didn’t get to fulfil his dreams of scoring a century at Lords, he used his passion for sport to establish his current venture. 2k Tiger is a business growth specialist that helps clients manage all manner of events, including sporting occasions and corporate get-togethers.

Mrinal founded the company in 2019 after gaining specialist experience in running golf, cricket and charity events. Overall, he has built up 20 years’ experience in event creation and management, from running global sales training programmes to small-scale conferences.

He recalls: “I wanted to be a professional cricketer. I took up the game at the age of nine and two years later I was in the county team in Derbyshire, but I didn’t really get many chances in the team. My face didn’t really fit so, although I loved sport – cricket and golf in particular – I knew I had to do something else with my career.”

He went to the University of East Anglia and studied business management before heading to London to find work. After landing a job in IT, the credit crunch came along but Mrinal’s resourcefulness and eye for a business opportunity eventually saw him create a new start-up venture, Cadin.

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he was there, he was approached by a couple of guys to launch a new marketing agency, The Ad Store. Mrinal comments, “This was great experience but eventually I decided to take the plunge and go solo”.

In launching 2k Tiger, Mrinal was motivated by his passion for events and a vision for building a business based in Chiswick, West London, closer to home, that serviced the needs of businesses in the local area. Even the name of the company is a nod to his passion for sport.

“I love golf, and was inspired to start playing by Tiger Woods,” he says. “There weren’t many ethnic minorities playing elite-level golf when Tiger entered the profession. He has changed the game and taken it to another level. I wanted to recognise this within my own company. He has shown that sometimes you fail but you can better yourself by learning from your mistakes.

“It was an online platform that connected coaches and golfers,” he recalls. “It was the wrong time and we didn’t have the money to build an app so it didn’t work out as I’d hoped.”

“I’m constantly learning and developing. As time has evolved, I’ve realised the importance of building a really strong team. I actually built the team and then brought the work in, not the other way round.”

In 2014 Mrinal joined a Chiswick-based creative learning consultancy, Deliverers, where he managed corporate training and events and built e-learning projects for prestigious companies such as Vodafone, Saks Fifth Avenue, Welding Alloys and Merck. While

Alongside Mrinal’s personal development, 2k Tiger has also evolved. It started life as an events management firm and has now morphed into becoming a business growth specialist, helping clients to win new work, build relationships and conduct staff engagement activities.

let’s talkbusiness

“We’ve branched out,” Mrinal says. “Now we’re involved in strategy, content and production, venue finding, event management, business clubs and the delivery of effective tailored training solutions through our 2k Tiger Academy.

We also connect business golfers globally and we’re creating golf clubs in cities such as Munich and Oslo. I’m involved with the World Golf and Business Club, which is a platform connecting business golfers regionally, nationally and locally. We’re also creating a property technology company to build a support infrastructure of professionals in this space.

“When the pandemic hit, it was challenging but I switched to virtual events and this worked well.

We’ve run 30 virtual events in the last 18 months, including the Hounslow Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

“I want to help people realise their dreams, whether that’s supporting them to grow their business or get into a position where they can sell their business.”

“I enjoy my work and I love meeting people and building long-lasting relationships with them.

Building trust and respect are important. If people believe you can solve their problems and add value to their business, they will work with you.”

Mrinal is now part of the Chamber’s advisory board

I want to help people realise their dreams, whether that’s supporting them to grow their business or get into a position where they can sell their business.

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technology Be careful on social media; Holiday photos tell fraudsters you’re away!

Whilst most of us engage in some form of social media, Identity theft is still the easiest way to gain access to your personal information. We also see frequent incidents of identity theft for shorter periods when people are away or on holiday. debit card receipts with your bank statements to check to see any unusual activity. As more transactions are done online or by contactless someone may have made unauthorized purchases that are not reflected on the receipts.

So, at the current time of writing, COVID-19 restrictions have been removed across the United Kingdom and other countries around the world are doing the same.

This short article provides some information you can apply to limit identity theft or breaches to your personal information as you look forward to a well-deserved break or holiday.

Pre-holiday The following are highly recommended before you go on your holiday.

Book your holiday trip from a reliable agency Make sure you use an agency or provider that has security around your personal information. Ensure you make payments via secure methods such as a personal credit card and holidays are ABTA and ATOL protected.

Inform your bank of your movement or plans Contact your bank and inform them of the time you will be away.

This can avoid bank triggers when spending from other locations, but it also makes them aware to flag any unusual activities that may be requested from your bank.

Trick everyone into believing you are still at home You should arrange for someone you trust, to constantly empty your mail so that sensitive information is not left in your mailbox. Some people have embraced technology by using video (doorbells, cameras) etc. to monitor deliveries, movements in the property perimeter.

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Protect your phone with a password Most modern mobile phones have various methods of protection.

However, not everyone uses more than one on their mobile. As we use contactless payments more frequently and we can access our banking on our mobiles, it is very important to keep them secure.

Avoid posting your holiday pictures on social media Social media users around the globe are estimated to be about 4.20 billion, and growing, which is almost 53% of the world population.

However, social media accounts are frequently compromised and hacked.

Posting holiday plans & pictures can also be seen as inviting strangers into your home and that normally leads to some compromise.

The holiday Your passport Passports hold key information on your identity and are recognized worldwide. Consider handing over your passport very carefully. If your identity is copied or stolen, they may use the information then, store it for a later compromise or even sell the data on the Dark Web.

Utilize the hotel security system Most hotels have a secure safe in your room. How many holiday makers use the Safe in the room to store sensitive documents, money, or valuable property?

Be vigilant if you use your debit or credit card On holiday you will probably be making contactless card payments.

Do you get notifications on your mobile phone when making payments? Credit card cloning is an art, so be vigilant and make sure you always have sight of your card.

Don’t just connect with any wi-fi Secure wireless is a sspeciality at Timeless IMS. It is not recommended that you connect with any public networks or computers simply because you want to take advantage of it being free. Therefore, before joining a wireless network, ensure you confirm that they are secure and avoid open networks at all costs.

Post-holiday Check your receipts Cross-check all the credit and

Check your credit report As credit report checking becomes more popular by mobile applications, you should also check your next credit report to see if someone had attempted or even successfully taken out a loan or any form of credit in your name that you do not know about.

Conclusion Prevention is always better than trying to resolve an identity or financial theft afterwards.

Looking after your technology is very important to preserving your identity. At Timeless IMS we look after your tech and provide clear advice. Our clients rely on our advice, and we always remind them about the identity theft topic.

If someone has had their personal information stolen it can make the security services we provide them vulnerable. In business, stealing someone’s identity is the easiest way to breach company systems.

As your trusted provider, Timeless IMS aim to accelerate our client’s business growth. If you believe your current provider is not assisting your business to fulfil its potential then talk to us.

Our aim is to keep you and your business Safe - Secure – Running - Growing.

For the full article please visit www.timelessims.co.uk/latestnews/

chamber

news

Kickstart scheme offers young people a great opportunity Back in September 2020, the Government launched the Kickstart scheme, which provides funding to employers to create new six-month placements for young people, aged 16-24 who are currently on Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Andy Horn, Managing Director with Kalai Sivayokarajah The scheme gives young people a six-month placement, at national minimum wage, for a 25-hour week, work experience and support to develop their

employability skills. The employer increases capacity, which is fully funded and hopefully at the end of the six months, they have a new, fully trained, keen member of staff.

Hounslow Chamber saw this is as a great opportunity to help our young people. We registered as a Gateway, to help the smaller companies and were pleased to be amongst a handful of greater London chambers of commerce to be accepted. To date we have placed 95 young people into placements from 27 companies, ranging from roles in social media to visitor assistants for Paws in Work, puppy therapy specialists. Their sessions provide a chance to ‘switch off’ from mental stressors.

Sally Smith said “The scheme was introduced incredibly fast

by DWP so there were some initial problems, but things have now settled down and I

am so pleased that one of our employers AV Rental Services, has now offered a permanent role to one of their Kickstart employees. After all the hard work it is gratifying to see that the scheme is working, as are our young people.”

Andy Horn, AV Rental Services said: “As with any scheme introduced at pace, we were expecting it to be a slow process, however this was not the case.

After initial conversations and support from Hounslow Chamber of Commerce on how the process worked, we were quickly receiving numerous applicants for both the roles we were advertising for. From the interviews we held in February I was delighted to be in a position offer a junior technician role to Kalai Sivayokarajah starting March 1st. Kalai showed us from day one a desire to work hard and learn, becoming a valuable member of the technical team, as such we have just offered Kalai a full-time role and he has accepted! It is so pleasing to see this scheme go full circle, with both the business and Kalai benefitting, it works, as such we have just applied for a further two kickstarters. Our thanks to DWP and Hounslow Chamber of Commerce for both the scheme and support from start to finish.”

The initiative ends in December.

Please contact Sally Smith on sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk for more details.

we have just offered Kalai a full-time role and he has accepted! It is so pleasing to see this scheme go full circle, with both the business and Kalai benefitting, it works, as such we have just applied for a further two kickstarters

let’s talkbusiness

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festival of

business

2022

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

24 February 2022 Breakfast 8:00am - 9:15am - Exhibition 9:30am - 4:00pm

We’re back!

Come and join us for the Hounslow Festival of Business

Hounslow is the borough of business – our economy is strong, made up of nearly a third of a million people (270k), over 18,000 businesses. It is an economy of nearly £20bn, one of the largest economies in London.

Having said that, so many of our businesses have been hit hard by Covid-19 and now is the time for regrowth. Start the autumn with new sales, with a spring in your step, ready for the downhill run to Christmas!

The Hounslow Festival of Business is part of our regrowth, showcasing and promoting our diverse business community. The day starts with a stakeholder breakfast and keynote speaker Nigel Milton of Heathrow, Chief of Staff & Carbon. The business exhibition will open at 9:30am, with up to 40 stands.

The event is free to attend, you just need to book.

Book your stand at a starting price of £245+VAT!

The Stakeholder’s Breakfast is £25+VAT for members and £35+VAT for non-members.

All booking links below.

Stakeholder Breakfast

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hounslow-festival-of-business-stakeholders-breakfast-tickets-161916048259

Exhibition Stands

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hounslow-festival-of-business-stands-tickets-161922854617

Visitors

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hounslow-festival-of-business-visitors-tickets-161925155499

For any queries contact Sally on sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk

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let’s talkbusiness

We are delighted to once again be working with Hounslow Chamber of Commerce in hosting the Festival of Business event in February 2022. We look forward to welcoming all stand holders and attendees to the hotel; we hope you all have a successful event with us.

Now we have the small talk aside… is it too early to talk Christmas? We would love to invite all attendees to one of our ever-popular Christmas Joiner Party events Joiner Christmas Party Nights #1

Ho

3

C

To Start £49.00

pp Let your hair down with your friends or colleagues and celebrate on a fun Commerce Road, Brentford, England, Thursday 16th night filled with festive magic. Leek Enjoy& potato soup TW8 8GA, United2021 Kingdom December a delicious three-course mealOnion and bread croutons 0208 232 2000 live band entertainment, followed by Formal 3 course sit down dancing to classic party tunes from events@hibrentfordlock.co.uk our resident DJ. Curry roasted cauliflower Christmas Menu

Ho

a Christmas Joiner F Party Nights #1

Let your hair down with your friends or colleagues and celebrate on a fun night filled with festive magic.

Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and live band entertainment, followed by dancing to classic party tunes from our resident DJ.

La

o H Joiner Christmas

Welcome drink: 6.30pm Bar opens: 7.00pm Dinner served: 7:30pm

Carriages: 1.00am Dress code: Dress to impress

Party Nights #2

Ho Price & Availability

£49.00 pp Thursday 16th December 2021 Formal 3 course sit down Christmas Menu Inclusions: Arrival drink, three course meal, 1 drink voucher, live band followed by DJ, dancefloor/ disco, photobooth, cash bar available

Price & Availability

£49.00 pp Friday 17th December 2021

To book, call: 0208 232 2000 or Email: events@hibrentfordlock.co.uk For those who want something more relaxed.

Come and celebrate with a festive filled night including a live band and disco entertainment.

a

Price & Availability

Welcome drink: 6.30pm

Buffet Dinner Inclusions: Arrival drink, buffet meal, 1 drink voucher, live band followed by DJ, dancefloor/disco, photobooth, cash bar available

& chickpea salad Inclusions: Toasted coconut and chilli lime dressing

Arrival drink, Welcome drink: 6.30pm three course meal, Bar opens: 7.00pm Chicken liver parfait 1 drink voucher, live band toasts, red currant and red onion Dinner served:Brioche 7:30pm followed by DJ, dancefloor/ chutney, endive and fine herb disco, salad photobooth, Carriages: 1.00am Dress code: Dress to impress cash bar available

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Joiner Christmas Party Nights #2

Price & Availability

Salad Bar£49.00 Hot To Follow To pp

For those who want something more relaxed. Come and celebrate with a festive filled night including a live Tossed mixed leaf band and disco entertainment.

Friday 17th December 2021Traditional roa

Traditional roast Theanp & fine herbturkey salad breast Sage Sage and red onion stuffing, Buffet Dinner rosemary Creamedand coco g bacon wrapped chipolata, Heritage tomatogoose fat honey roast Inclusions: roasted potatoes, honey baked roots Vanill & red onion salad bacon wr Arrival drink, Poached fo buffet meal,(vegetarian Welcome drink: 6.30pm with fresh basil sausa 1 drink voucher, Bar opens: 7.00pm Pistachio baked sea bass fillet shor band followed by DJ, Dinner served:Truffle 7:30pm scented gratin dauphinoise Quinoa, spring onionlive potato, Butte dancefloor/disco, Carriages: 1.00am celeriac puree, red pepper tapenade Choco & red kidney bean salad harissa,

Dress code: Smart/causal

photobooth, cash bar available

Coco feta Rich mushroom Curry roasted & puy lentil cottage cauliflower salad pie Crispy skin Topped with vegan cheese salm Price & Availability topped mashed Asianpotato, style vegetarian Italian Follow style s gravy, honey baked roots coffe Join us as we welcomered thewine West coleslaw

Faulty Towers Dining Experience

£65.00

pp End Cast of Faulty Towers the Dining Experience. Catch Basil, SybilCouscous and tabbouleh Tuesday 14th Manuel in the fully immersive, highly salad December 2021 interactive, 5-star phenomenon that’s been entertaining audiences (v) denotes vegetarian Includes 3 course meal, on London’s West End since 2012! youstart have concerns regarding food allergens Salad 2-hour show and please ask a Chaos reigns right fromIfthe asany Toppings and you will be provided with onion, pickled cocktail onions, DJ tilldetailed late information o your hosts serve a tasty Crispy 3-course meal and you get a belly fulljalapenos, of laughs.crispy vegan bacon bits,

To

Vegan da Cho

grated parmesan seasoned with parsley,

For full details and to garlic bookand thyme croutons, sesame seeds tickets, please speak tomixed a member of the team.

Salad Dressings Chilli lime dressing, garlic mayo, classic French dressing, spicy

Individual str Forest

7.00pm232 2000 or Email: events@hibrentfordlock.co.uk To book, call:Bar opens: 0208 let’s talkbusiness Dinner served: 7:30pm

Price & Availability

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chipotle mayo, basil oil

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Follow

chamber

08

th

events

September 8.30am-10.30am

Business Awards

Chiswick Business Breakfast Venture W, Building 7, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Rd. Chiswick, London W4 5YG

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th

September

10.00am-11.15am ZOOM

Tourism Stakeholder Engagement meeting The meeting will explore how the tourism group can help local businesses in this sector.

Please contact Sally Smith for more information.

23 September rd

Tee reserved 1:30pm-2:30pm

NHS Charity Golf Afternoon Wyke Green Golf Club

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th

November

Business Awards 2020/2021 Clayton Hotel Chiswick

24

th

Feb 2022

8:00am-4:00pm

Hounslow Festival of Business Holiday Inn, Brentford Lock, Commerce Rd. Brentford TW8 8GA

Events are being added all the time, so please check our website for more details Please contact Sally Smith on sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk or 07879 813817 or www.hounslowchamber.org.uk for more information.

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Businesses in Hounslow, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham are being encouraged to submit their entries for this year’s business awards as there is still just time to enter.

let’s talkbusiness

The awards are open to all businesses in the London Boroughs of Hounslow, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and all Chamber members wherever they are based, • Best Business for Health & Wellbeing • Best Business for Hospitality & Leisure •

Best Business for Marketing and Social Media

• Best Business Support & Advice/Service Company • Best Charity/ Social Enterprise • Best Exporter of the Year • Best Green Business • Best Micro Company • Best New Business (your company must be under two years old) • Best Retailer • Best Security Business – cyber & physical • Best Tech Business

SPONSORS

business

awards

Hounslow Chamber of Commerce has given businesses some handy tips on how to produce an award-winning entry: • Give yourself enough time. A judge knows immediately who spent time preparing a thoughtful award submission and who didn’t!

• Stay on point. Make sure your answer addresses the question directly and stay on topic.

• Don’t skip questions. Sounds obvious, right? You’d be surprised how many people skip questions! Every question left unanswered results in a judge marking down your application.

Business Awards presentation, 8th July

The Gala Dinner, where we will announce the winners, is being held on 25th November at Clayton Hotel Chiswick.

Please be assured that we will be adhering to Government guidelines to ensure we are all safe.

• Stick to the word count. Be concise – you have a limited space to grab the attention of the judges!

If you are interested in sponsoring the Business Awards in any way, please contact

• Quantify results. Give facts and figures.

Winning entries always show proof of the claims they’re making.

Sally Smith on sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk, sallysmith@westlondonlocalchambers.org.uk or 07879 813817

• Involve your staff and co-workers. Collect evidence, metrics, examples, testimonials or anything else needed for your application.

• Include the extras. Don’t forget to include achievements or activity in areas such as community involvement, staff training, health and wellbeing.

let’s talkbusiness

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Specialists in growing business Growing business can be a challenge. At 2k Tiger we thrive on solving business problems and using our creativity and expertise to deliver results.

When we work with you on devising strategy, inspirational content, imaginative venue-finding or event planning and production, we become an extension of your team. Our team have all the skills you might require and are experienced in working with both SMEs and blue-chip corporates.

So, whether you need a professionally produced video, a well-managed event, you want to develop your own business club, or you would like to know more about the 2k Tiger

Why not visit www.2ktiger.com or contact us at hello@2ktiger.com for an initial chat about how we can help grow your business?

Academy, we are ready to get passionate about helping you grow your business.

“I cannot recommend 2k Tiger highly enough. Mrinal and his team were brilliant with all the behind-the-scenes stuff at the Hounslow Chamber of Commerce Business Awards event, so we could concentrate on the Awards” Sally Smith, Hounslow Chamber of Commerce “Brand development advice, introductions to new contacts, planning our company event and promotional video - these are just a few things 2k Tiger have helped us with. The results are first class and the projects 2k Tiger have delivered are proving crucial in driving our business to the next level” Rollo Miles, CEO, Agent and Homes

environment

Carbon footprint a mystery to nine in ten small firms Only 11% of businesses are measuring their carbon footprint, research published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and O2 has found.

This figure falls to 9% for small businesses and 5% for microbusinesses with fewer than ten employees. By contrast, 26% of larger firms with more than 50 employees are measuring their carbon footprint.

The research also showed only one in seven (13%) have set targets to reduce their emissions – down from one in five (21%) when firms were surveyed before the pandemic in February 2020.

In addition, almost two thirds (64%) of businesses surveyed said they don’t see net zero targets as a high priority in the wake of the pandemic, although half (49%) admit their customers are worried about the environment.

The findings also show that one in five businesses (22%) don’t fully understand the term ‘net zero,’ and almost a third have yet to seek advice or information to help

them develop a net zero roadmap or improve their environmental sustainability.

With the impacts of the pandemic and other priorities weighing heavily on small and mediumsized businesses, the research found that smaller firms were far more likely to be behind on climate action. When it came to setting carbon reduction targets, 27% of larger firms have done so, compared to just 9% of microbusinesses.

The main barriers preventing respondents from making their business more sustainable are high upfront adaptation costs (34%) and a lack of finance (30%).

Getting access to grants (28%), tax allowances (14%) and reducing the costs of making adaptations (14%) were cited as the three steps businesses would most like to see to help them reduce their

carbon consumption within the next six months.

In response to the findings, the BCC and O2 have launched a free online hub to help businesses find out how to measure their carbon footprint, set targets and develop an overall net zero strategy. The new hub provides a one-stop-shop for businesses to find out everything they need to know about net zero. It is packed with information on how to apply for grants, where to seek specialist advice and practical tips from firms that have already taken action.

Jo Bertram, managing director, business & wholesale at Virgin Media O2, said: “In May, the Government called on small businesses to lead the charge and pledge to reach net zero by 2050 or sooner, but our research shows that to do this, they need more support. From microbusinesses to larger firms, SMBs have told us they’re concerned about the environment, but in the wake of lockdowns and growing economic pressures, the majority are understandably facing barriers to improving their sustainability.

“That’s why we’ve launched the Net Zero Hub: to provide

businesses of all sizes with the free online resources they need to accelerate their net zero journey.”

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the BCC, said: “This research is a real eye-opener and shows just how big a challenge the UK’s net zero target is. The dual impacts of the pandemic and Brexit have been a huge body-blow to many businesses, so it’s unsurprising that targeting emissions has taken a back seat.

“But change has to come, and our Net Zero Hub makes clear that the earlier firms adapt then the greater the advantages will be – they cannot afford to get left behind.

“The climate challenge is one that affects every single one of us and business has a big part to play in tackling it. But the government must also recognise that smaller firms will need access to grants, subsidies and other financial support to help them take effective steps on the journey to a greener future.”

To find out more about how the new Net Zero Hub, visit https:// www.britishchambers.org.uk/ page/net-zero-hub-2

let’s talkbusiness

43

the expert Why should local businesses and councils care about branding, and how do you help? ask

We are experts in all areas of branding, but we particularly focus on using design to connect brands, businesses and organisations with people and communities through their physical environment and the places they live, work and play.

We are passionate about design, and the potential for good design to change and improve the world and the society we live in.

We want to create work that makes people feel better about the places where they live and work, and more connected to the people that they share those places with.

We understand that branding and design, as part of a wider people-centred placemaking strategy, can help to improve neighbourhoods and build stronger communities, so we have recently really enjoyed having the opportunity to work on a number of projects with Hounslow Council which have focused on just that, like the “Welcome Back” murals in

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let’s talkbusiness

Brentford and the branding for “Reneighbouring Hounslow, Estate Regeneration Programme”.

We believe that as designers we have a responsibility to try and create positive change.

We use the skills, experiences, and insights that we have gained over years of working within the commercial design sector to help to create places and experiences for people which will help them to become more engaged with the organisations that shape their communities.

And those same principles apply to projects for commercial businesses too.

We love creating branding and marketing for businesses which are centred around people and places and creating really engaging communications and environments which help them connect to their customers and stakeholders.

We look at the physical environment as a potent opportunity for businesses to communicate their brand and tell their story through the experience that their customers and staff have when they connect with them. And that is not just about feel-good warm-and-fuzzy, it can have tangible business and commercial benefits too.

Creating an attractive and visually stimulating workplace helps to boost staff morale and loyalty, and generate a sense of shared values, personality, and identity. An inspiring working environment has been shown to improve employee well-being and a happier and more

energised workforce. And of course, it helps to create a more enjoyable and memorable experience of your brand for visitors too.

Away from the office, we all know that retail has been going through a particularly tough time over the past few years. Environmental branding is one of the most impactful yet cost-effective ways that retailers and shopping centres can reach out to new customers, and help to retain existing customers, by creating immersive and invigorating experiences for them. And recent research in the US has shown that people are ten times more likely to share their experience in stores with unique design features on social media than those without.

And in cultural environments too, branding, and in particular environmental branding and wayfinding can really help to engage and stimulate visitors and audiences in theatres, museums, galleries and at sporting events, and make the experience that those visitors have so much more enjoyable.

In short, branding is about building relationships with communities, stakeholders, and customers, and we do that by improving their experiences with the places, spaces and culture that are most important to them.

Simon Cohen Simon Inc. Ltd

new

members Welcome to our New Members

Abdul Majid Qazi Avizone Aviation UK Limited Merton High Street Wimbledon SW19 1A 07913 898498 www.avizoneaviationuk.com Deepak Nangla Brightsun Travel uk Ltd 14 Hanworth Road Hounslow TW3 1UA 07785 971798 deepak.nangla@brightsun.co.uk www.brightsun.co.uk Nima Eskadari Telinsol 16 Grant Avenue Walton-on-Thames Surrey KT12 2FL 074474 33823 Nima@telinsol.co.uk www.telinsol.com Filipi Nascimento CBA Rope Access Ltd 32 Dorset Avenue Southall UB2 4HG 07977 505239 info@cbaropeaccess.co.uk www.cbaropeaccess.co.uk Rachel Brownbill E.R. Expert Ltd 1 Parkshot Richmond , TW9 2RD 079809 17864 rachel@erexpert.co.uk www.erexpert.co.uk Diane Edwards Diane Edwards: food, bars, props 30 Station Road Feltham TW14 9BQ 07737 392609 dianeedwards@gmail.com Ala Sungoor Trent Smart Solutions ltd Sutton Business Center House Restmor way London SM6 7AH 079102 16170 ala.sungoor@tsmartsolutions.co.uk tsmartsolutions.co.uk Raheela Narchoor Centre for Human Development 447 Redford Close Feltham TW13 4TN 07780 785539 raheela07@gmail.com

Amrik Arora UK Accessories Ltd. Unit D 7 Charles House Bridge Road Southall UB2 4BD 077929 29446 amriksuk@gmail.com

Cassandra Hamilton EdWorkation Ltd 20-22 Wenlock Road London N17 GU 079573 38810 cassandra@edworkation.co.uk www.edworkation.co.uk

Maqbool Ahmed BSO-Fintax Ltd. Legacy Centre Henworth Trading Estate Hempton Road West Banbury TW13 6DH 020 8755 5821/079475 83773 info@bso-ft.co.uk www.bso-ft.co.uk

Chris Lukins FW White City Ltd Venture X White City 1 Ariel Way Westfield London London W12 7SL 074290 19679/074766 84890 andrew.ross@venturex.uk www.venturex.co.uk

Louise Page-Jennings Yoo Capital Investment Management LLP 2 Bentinck Street London W1U 2FA 0207 009 0261/07539 096459 louise@yoocapital.com www.yoocapital.com

Ayesha Ibrahim Honey Corn 30 Elsham Road London W14 8HB 073750 47296 info@honeycornuk.com www.honeycornuk.com

Georgina Firmin LAMDA 155 Talgarth Road London W14 9DA 07919 030245 georgina.firmin@lamda.ac.uk www.lamda.ac.uk Kim Benson The Grove Neighbourhood Centre 7 Bradmore Park Road Hammersmith W6 0DT 020 8741 3321 gnc@groveneighbours.org.uk Nicoleta Melut Vista Image Ltd 18 Katherine Court Hanworth TW13 6AQ 07837 644560 contact@nicoletaphotography.co.uk https://londoncommercialphotographyandfloorplan.co.uk Norma Bresciani Kanso Facilities Management Ltd 107 Bell Street London NW1 6TL 075455 68875/07970 425187 norma@kansofm.com www.kansofm.com

Michael Nyananyo Taasai 4638 Spaces Charter Building Uxbridge UB8 1JG 074213 46254 michael@taasai.com www.taasai.com Fernnando Salvador STEM the Violence Flat 16 Pine House 197 Townmead Road London SW6 2HF 0208 968 6237/07592 150999 stemtheviolence@gmail.com www.stemtheviolence.org Kim Gottlieb Lochstill Ltd 135 Hammersmith Road London W14 0QL 0207 602 1000/0783 123 2324 kimg@lond.co.uk Edward Crouther Agent and Homes 3rd Floor Newcombe House 43-45 Nottinghill Gate London W11 3LQ 020 3598 0808/07872007983 ed@agentandhomes.com www.agentandhomes.com

Rikesh Nichani Expense Reduction Analysts 20 Clovelly Road London W5 5HE 0794 6576894 rnichani@expensereduction.com https://uk.expensereduction.com/ Casmiro Sequeira CBK Freight Limited 50 Salisbury Road Hounslow London TW4 6JQ 0208 004 5440/074246 56279 casmiro@cbkfreight.co.uk https://www.cbkfreight.co.uk/ Su Yuen Ho Communications Manager EcoWorld London Development Company Ltd 25 Victoria Street London SW1H 0EX 07976563930 Suyuen.ho@ecoworldinternational.com https://ecoworldlondon.com/ Puja Dalal, Director Forstal Technologies Pvt Ltd 24 Holborn Viaduct London EC1A 2BN 07401 651215 pujapatel79@gmail.com Summer Obaid Abstract House Unit 142 Clock Tower Industrial Estate Isleworth TW7 6GF 078026 34322 Summer@abstracthouse.com www.abstracthouse.com Jennifer Fry Inland Homes Burnham Yard, London End Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 2JH 07747 214 029 JFry@inlandplc.com Stephen Trulock Prestolite Electronic Ltd The Metropolitan Park 12-16 Bristol Road UB6 8UP 020 8231 1119 strulock@prestolite-eu.com www.prestolite.com Shafali Shown-keen

McDonalds - Brentford 322 High Street Brentford TW8 0JS 07717 537649 shafali.shown-keen@uk.mcd.com

let’s talkbusiness

45

5 minutes

with....

John Coles Founder and Director, Kew Bridge Travel Limited, Brentford.

Who are you?

Biggest gripe?

An aeronautical engineer who decided to make a career and lifestyle change. Now a small business owner.

Politicians who refuse to answer questions.

What’s your business all about?

Experiences and memories. I help clients create, plan, and enjoy inspiring tailor-made holidays.

Three words to describe yourself?

Analytical, committed, integrous.

Ideal Customer?

One who shares my curiosity for exploration and enthusiasm for discovery.

Biggest achievement?

Finding the courage to leave secure employment, ending a 33-year engineering career. Taking that brave decision was necessary before I could fulfil my dream of starting my own business.

Your inspiration?

All the people whom I have met on my travels, who shared an insight into their lives and gave me an appreciation for our fascinating diverse world.

Philosophy in Business?

Treat everyone with respect: suppliers, partners, and clients.

Sporting Hero?

Mo Farah whose commitment to long distance running gave London a fitting finale to our fabulous Olympics… and gave Isleworth a gold postbox!

Biggest tips for success?

It is important to set clear goals and establish a plan. However, the past eighteen months have taught me the need for flexibility and a willingness to amend the plan. So persevere and believe in your vision.

Sally Smith adds and join your local Chamber of Commerce.

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let’s talkbusiness

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