Southwark Business Today, Feb 2015

Southwark

Business Today Issue 2: February 2015

Interview Irvine Sellar p18 Spotlight

the Mayor of Southwark p12

Up Close

Deano Standing p23

Hospitality Reviews p26

School of Business

There isn’t much we can’t help you with. You just need to get in touch and tell us all about your business.

Email business@lsbu.ac.uk Telephone 0800 923 8888

Welcome

Welcome to

Contents

Southwark Business Today

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he Southwark Chamber of Commerce and Industry magazine for all Business in Southwark Our publishers Benham, have done a splendid job for us but Southwark Business Today needs your support with articles, comment and your advertising.

One of the Southwark Chambers’ on-going projects last year was to raise awareness for the need of a Southwark Visitors Bureau to promote Southwark as the place to stay if you are visiting London on Business or Pleasure.

I want to wish all businesses in Southwark a successful and prosperous 2015 and welcome to the second edition of Southwark Business Today.

The magazine was launched at our 90th Anniversary party on the 31st October and happily was very well received.

At last Southwark has a business publication worthy of our dynamic business community and prosperous Borough.

It is your portal to keep in touch and work with your fellow traders, to question Council and Westminster on the best use of our business rates and taxes and to see what is going on in Southwark to prosper your business.

Disclaimer

Southwark Business Today is published for Southwark Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members businesses in the Borough.

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I am pleased to say that London Southbank University have taken up the cause with us and will be conducting a research and a study paper on the project.

Cllr Sunil Chopra Mayor of Southwark, Barry Martin Chairman of Southwark Chamber, at the 90th Anniversary Party in the Hop Exchange.

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15 16 18 21 23 26 31 34

The figures are stark and show that if we can promote Southwark to increase overnight stays by a modest 100,000 per annum this will bring to the local economy an extra £18,500,000 per year, a payment of £5,500,000 extra taxes and most important 75 new jobs will be created for Southwark.

Cage Rattlers UpFront news Remember when.....

Spotlight On the Major of Southwark Property Trading with Russia Big Interview Voice from Westminster UpClose Hospitality Business News LastWord

Enquiries

Southwark Chamber of Commerce Southbank Technopark 90 London Road, London SE1 6LN +44 (0)845 680 1946 Email: admin@southwarkcommerce.com www.SouthwarkCommerce.com

We hope to bring this project through to fruition in 2015 but we need to hear comment from all interested parties - Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, Theatres, Museums, Shops, Transport operators and attractions. As indeed we look forward to hearing from you all on all subjects affecting Southwark Business Today.

Editor

John Dean Email: deangriss@btinternet.com

Publisher

Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com

Published

Barry Martin Chairman Southwark Chamber of Commerce & Industry

All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Southwark Chamber of Commerce.

Views expressed in publication are notnecessarily those of Southwark Chamber of Commerce.

Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2015.

January 2015 © Benham Publishing

Advertising and Features

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

Studio

Mark Etherington Email: mark@benhampublishing.com Media No.1443

Whilst every effort is made to ensure theaccuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and itsagents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions inadvertising or editorial content.

Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

Southwark Business Today

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Cage Rattlers

The Chambers Cage Rattlers he Chamber examines some of the big issues facing our businesses - and demands action!

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Better Bankside Bid Arrangement.

Are you unlucky enough to be in a “BID” Area?

‘We’ are included in the Better Bankside “BID” Area.

First of all why should there be a BID at all – surely their brief is already covered by the Council’s obligations under your horrendous Business Rates.

The BID is only doing the councils job. That aside the summary of their proposal for the forthcoming Elections is not too clear.

Unless you have time to get a lawyer to go through it with you certain points do not immediately hit you. They will - when it’s too late.

For instance they have to get more than 50% of the votes to win, but if you don’t read the document properly or feel it’s not for you your non vote does not count as

a no vote but reduces the total of the electorate helping their yes vote get the majority in a small number of voters.

As usual with elections those not in favour tend not to vote and ignore it – well we are all busy running our businesses.

The result is a majority yes vote in a small number of voters giving the BID the right to proceed.

Now here comes the extra cost to your business.

Two points on the Summary Proposal that need scrutiny: “BIDS are funded through a BID levy which is a percentage of the rateable value of the eligible business in the BID area” “ A successful BID ballot would mean that the BID levy would be Mandatory for eligible businesses”

Lack of replacement temporary or otherwise Bars in the re-build of London Bridge Station There was nothing nicer than having that after work drink in the ‘Oast House’ at London Bridge Station before your train departure to home in Kent.

A camaraderie grew up among fellow travellers in the bar, all destined for the 18.19 to Dover Priory. A sort of dare grew up as to who would sup the longest before that panic dash up the rampart and along platform 5 to the train.

When the rebuild started 3 years ago we lost 6 drinking holes in and around the station, none have been replaced as yet.

Excitement grew when a new construction started up by the entrance but alas it turned out to be a new temporary ticket office – necessary but a disappointment never the less.

At a recent talk by Network Rail on the gains to be made by the travelling public from the new station they were proud of the fact that they had taken on 14 new apprentices - fine but what about the 40 or so job losses in the bar staff, not counting another 40 or so in Boots, Ryman’s, Body Shop etc.

I have no doubt that the finished buildings in 2018 will give Southwark a fabulous terminal and a regeneration of the whole area, but why couldn’t we have a temporary structure Pub like the one at Paddington Station.

Hurry up 2018 we are getting thirsty! (Name supplied)

This may help!

BID levy - this is a tax on your business (1.2% of 2010 rateable Value per year) Percentage of the rateable value this is not a share from the Business tax you already give to the Council but an extra tax on your business.

Mandatory for eligible businesses you are eligible if you have a rateable value of £17,500 or more.

Mandatory means even if you didn’t vote or did a no vote, if they win the majority then you HAVE to pay this extra tax This is strictly and vigorously imposed through the local courts if you try to fight it and not pay.

Our advice is thoroughly read through this bureaucratic document (as if we have the time) and if you are happy with the offer

and you can afford to pay this extra tax vote YES. If you feel it is an imposition for services you already pay council for and you cannot take another tax burden then VOTE NO don’t just ignore it saying this is not for me - make your vote count.

What really is amazing is that with this Tax the council are encouraging us businesses to vote for it - yet on our horrendous Business Taxes we are not even allowed to vote in the council elections - we are disenfranchised.

Taxation without representation !

(Name supplied)

Since receiving the above, we have learned that Better Bankside have been successful in securing a further 5 year contract with approximately only 32% of the whole eligible businesses, due to so many non-voters.

Bicycle Riders

effect of pushing motor traffic back causing jams and delays.

All this money spent for the benefit of the cyclist yet he pays no contribution in road tax or fuel duty - is this fair on the motorists?

All bicycles should be taxed at a fair rate, electronically tagged They are often as much to and registered with DVLA so blame for the many tragic cyclists can contribute, be accidents that happen as are traced, and held accountable the motor vehicle drivers.

But that is not my Cage Rattler for accidents and road infringements. which is: A lot of money has been spent, This will also help cyclists in as much as stolen cycles can be financed no doubt by the motorists road and fuel tax, on traced back to their rightful cycle lanes and now super cycle owner. highways across London.

Why should cyclists get a free ride!!!

Not exactly beneficial to the motorist as it will have the (Name supplied)

The majority of cyclists are good road users and honest citizens who obey the traffic lights, don’t go wrong ‘waying’ down one way streets, cycle on the pavements or stick their hand out and daringly cross traffic lanes.

What’s rattling your cage? Write and let us know Email at admin@southwarkcommerce.com

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Southwark Business Today

Up Front

Development well under way

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onstruction is well under way on the London Bridge station redevelopment.

Part of a £6.5bn project, the regenerated station will dramatically improve travel for the 54 million people who travel through it every year.

We are WaterBear Design - a small consultancy with powerful ideas.

Benefits will include faster connections across London, improved north/south connections with more trains serving more destinations and newer trains.

ur design expertise spans a wide spectrum of categories including the private and public sector corporations, charities and SME’s.We offer true creative flair and understand corporate disciplines.

With part of the concourse scheduled to open in 2016, the transformation of London Bridge, the country’s fourth busiest rail hub, is on target for its 2018 completion date.

Accolade for employment scheme S

outhwark, Lambeth, and Lewisham councils have been awarded £1.1m in recognition of their approach to supporting residents back into work.

The boroughs won the award as part of the Government’s Transformation Challenge Programme.

employers, we will use the financial support to transform the employment opportunities for those most in need across

our three boroughs, and in doing so, help get our residents back to work as quickly as possible.”

The money is being used to fund the Pathways to Employment initiative, which provides help for local people looking to get back into employment, working alongside Jobcentre Plus and the charity Tomorrow’s People.

Our name has been inspired by nature, after the WaterBear: a tiny indestructible creature, the size of a grain of sand and the world’s smallest superhero.

We might be a small consultancy, but when it comes to design our ideas are big on creativity.

We live and breath innovation and creativity, so that our standout designs enhance the superhero status of our clients, their business and their brands.

We have a flexible approach to working (finding a way that works best for you ... and us) Our work is dynamic and diverse - no matter how big or small the size of our client and their budget.

Big agency thinking ... at small agency cost.

Our diverse team have worked for and with major global companies, charities, SME’s and solopreneurs - which helps us to understand businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Need your business to standout in a competitive market? We’d love to hear from you!

Residents with particular requirements, such as single parents, 18-24 year olds, the 50 plus age group and those with mental health issues, are offered support to help them get back into permanent employment.

Councillor Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “By working together and drawing on our collective experience, resources, and links with local

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Contact yoko@waterbeardesign.com Tel: 07836627309

If you would like more information about the Pathways to Employment programme, please contact programme manager Rahul Rana on 0207 525 2223 or email rahul.rana@southwark.gov.uk

Southwark Business Today

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Southwark Business Today

Up Front

Regeneration gathers pace L end Lease, the property and infrastructure group, has received detailed planning permission for the next phase in its £1.5 billion regeneration of Elephant & Castle.

Homes plan will help breathe new life into area ozens of new councils D homes and a new building for Albion Primary School are part of council plans to revitalise Albion Street in Rotherhithe.

Southwark Council has approved plans for 593 new homes and 43,000 square feet of new retail space at Elephant Park.

Named West Grove, this represents the second phase of the Elephant Park Masterplan and follows the launch of 360 homes, known as South Gardens, in the first phase. Lend Lease will build nearly 2,500 new homes on the site between now and 2025.

The new retail offering – set in the area once known as the Piccadilly of the South - will

include up to 13 independent shops in West Grove, in addition to a new supermarket, up to nine high street shops along the Walworth Road and a restaurant on Walworth Square.

Cllr Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "The regeneration of Elephant and Castle continues to gather pace and this is a significant milestone as West Grove will provide hundreds of quality new homes and new retail space, drawing shoppers down to the surrounding areas and

enhancing the thriving business community in the area.

"The regeneration of the Elephant and Castle is all about delivering new homes and new jobs for our residents.”

Rob Heasman, Lend Lease’s Project Director for Elephant & Castle, said: "As we seek to re-establish Elephant & Castle as London’s most exciting new place to live, this latest phase of new homes and retail space adds to the considerable momentum we are now building.”

Southwark Council has released surplus land from Albion Primary School to be earmarked for building 70 new council homes as part of its commitment to build 11,000 new council homes over the next 30 years, and 1,500 by 2018.

In return the council will provide a £12m budget to create a new, bigger school building on the original site.

Councillor Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “Local residents have told us they want to see a revitalised Albion Street and this is one of our priorities.

We will continue to work with members of the community, local residents and businesses as we move forward to draw up plans.”

District programme is extended

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he Better Bankside Business Improvement District is to be extended to cover a larger area.

A ballot was held late last year on proposals to extend the BID along Great Suffolk Street and west to Blackfriars Road, increasing the number of businesses covered by 150.

The results were announced in December and 88 per cent of votes were cast in favour.

Peter Williams, chief executive of the Better Bankside BID, said: “The extended membership

represents a wide range of size and type of company and hearing their different experiences of operating in Bankside has been invaluable in planning for the next five years.

“We are very grateful for the incredible level of support indicated by the ballot result, and very determined to provide the highest level of service in return.”

Southwark Business Today

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Up Front

Deafness is the third most common disability in the world, but you probably wouldn’t spot a deaf person in a crowd aking your business more accessible to deaf people is an important business proposition.

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There are around 10 million people in the UK with some form of deafness and hearing loss.

In addition there are currently 345,000 Deafblind people, of which 37,000 are in the London region.

Investing in Deaf Awareness training can make organisations much more ready to match the high expectations of the Deaf community, and reduce unintentional discrimination.

Encouraging inclusive practices is

an important business proposition as it will also retain customers and attract new ones.

Understanding what deafness means, and giving staff the opportunity to feel more confident when communicating with Deaf people are just some of the benefits organisations can reap from Deaf Awareness Training.

Ensuring working practices that value deaf people as staff and customer does the Deaf community a greater service.

Providing more inclusive and Deaffriendly working and retail environments is essential and easy to do.

Deaf Awareness should be seen as having a valuable role to play in the commercial operation of businesses and not viewed merely as an add-on, becoming a just a tick-box exercise, but as part of the diversity agenda it is an important part of how a business works.

Deaf Awareness Training specific to the needs of your organisation.

Award winning local training provider, Signamic, offers thought provoking, and interesting training that motivates and inspires people to make real changes for their customers, clients, colleagues and communities. The training can be tailored to include situations and vocabulary specific to your business environment.

This very practical training course enables participants to learn more about the full range of Deafness and hearing loss. How to work with a sign language interpreter, tactics for effective communication, barriers to employment and/or service provision; basic sign language, the Equalities Act are some of the areas that are included in the training.

As a Deaf-led company, Signamic has a wealth of expertise to draw on when delivering Deaf Awareness training and to enrich the training from the Deaf perspective.

We, have a reputation for delivering excellence in training whilst making it fun and inspirational. The training will provide an understanding of the full range of deafness, and the communication methods and tactics used when communicating with deaf and hard of hearing people.

Signamic also offer a service to advise on making your website, promotional materials and working operations more Deaf-friendly.

The training is interactive, with role play, practical exercises and discussions and led by Deaf teachers.

Some satisfied clients include the Metropolitan Police Service, Sainsbury’s Supermarkets, NHS: Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust; Springfield Hospital and The National Deaf Service: Ministry of Defence; BBC Staff; Unicorn Theatre; The Drill Hall; Graeae Theatre.

Contact Linda McDonald on 020 7231 231 6990; linda@signamic.co.uk

SEEDS can help your SME grow E

mploy and train a young person within your SME who has been struggling to find work and SEEDS will contribute up to 50% of their wages.

Southwark Employment and Enterprise Development Scheme (SEEDS) is a new and unique project to reduce youth unemployment and help Southwark businesses grow.

Launching on 29 January, SEEDS encourages local SMEs to take on a young employee who is finding it particularly difficult to secure and keep a job, and to pay them the London Living Wage - in line with the council’s own policies - for a year.

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After the first year the fully trained young people will be given help to either find further employment with their new skills or stay on in their current role.

Employers taking part in the scheme will benefit from help with recruitment, training, salaries and more, with the council paying up to half of the young person’s wages.

Cllr Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for employment, businesses and communities, said: “If a tenth of the 13,000 small and medium businesses in Southwark agreed

Southwark Business Today

to take part, that would be over 1,000 new jobs for Southwark’s youth. In addition the businesses get support to recruit, train and develop new staff, and help their business grow.”

Supported by Southwark Council’s £3m Youth Fund, and delivered in

partnership with Southwark Works and Tree Shepherd, the project is part of the council’s plan to boost employment for young people in the borough and guarantee education, employment or training for every school leaver.

If you would like to help develop a young person who has had a challenging start in life whilst growing your own business, call 020 7740 8200, email info@southwarkworks.org.uk or visit www.southwark.gov.uk/sowandgrow for more information.

Remembering when ...

Remember When?

Alook back at matters affecting business in Southwark 35 years ago. By Ken Hayes,Honorary Secretary

Herewith photo image of of Bob Mellish addressing a Conference about the Docklands Development Corporation organised by the Chamber at the lecture hall at the top of Guys Hospital Tower in 1981.

Looking through the 1980 spring edition of the Southwark Chamber of Commerce quarterly magazine ‘Borough’, several articles and reports stand out.

The Chair, Brenda Hughes, in her comment column says: “On a dull March day the industrial news is as bleak as the weather and it is hard to find anything encouraging or mildly hopeful to say. All business forecasts for 1980 are pessimistic, finance is at one of its most difficult periods and industrial strife is rampant. In short, it would seem things could hardly be worse.

“If it really is as bad as that and I know some businesses are managing to flourish despite the conditions, then I hope that you will find this edition of the Borough of some relief. We are highlighting, in what I will hope you will see as a

balanced issue, articles of nostalgia, forward planning, historic interest and current matters.”

Brenda was referring to the following articles in that edition.

‘Chamber Link with the “Docktown Project”

The Chamber President Bob Mellish MP has been appointed deputy Chairman of the London Dockland Development Corporation by the Environment Secretary Michael Heseltine MP.

Bob Mellish, (66), turned down a salary for the job so that he could remain an MP, saying.’ “I decided not to take a salary for the job because at the moment I have no intention of resigning my seat. I have always been a supporter of the principle of Urban Corporations. I decided to take up the post because I will be able to

continue to protect the interests of the people in my constituency”.

Bob Mellish resigned his seat four years later and our current President, Simon Hughes MP, a Justice Minister in the current Government, won the seat in the resulting by-election, which he still holds today.

Others were. ‘Bermondsey in War 1939/45’, ‘Mayoral Regalia’, ‘Spy in the Cab’, ‘The Community Drug Project’, ‘Bank Services for the Smaller Business’, ‘Getting Ready for Work’ ‘Do you Export’ and ‘Southwark Council’s Community Plan 1979’. –The headline aims of which were: The Council plans to improve things by: • Building new factories and warehouses • Supporting local firms

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Special job creation schemes Local improvements including open spaces and tree planting Saving the best of old buildings Promoting better design everywhere Improving shopping centres Supporting schemes for better public transport and roads A special building programme for Surry Docks

I hope that you will find the articles in this edition of Southwark Business Today as interesting for you as these were in March 1980.

Southwark Business Today

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Up Front

Courtesy of AVR London

Anise Gallery - promoting art and architecture A relative newcomer to the architectural art world, Anise Gallery was born out of an architectural collaboration.

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Southwark Business Today

Housed on the ground floor of a Victorian former spice warehouse in Shad Thames, the gallery shares its home with architectural visualisation firm AVR London.

Its original inspiration was a conversation seven years ago about how to create a more accessible method of selling bespoke artworks. Joe was founding director of AVR London and Jacky was Piers Gough’s PA. Initial plans were for an online gallery but the pair soon realised the type of work they wanted to exhibit need to be seen to be fully appreciated. In 2011 Joe’s firm had outgrown its original office and taken the ambitious step of purchasing its own space. The 140sq m former Victorian spice warehouse on Shad Thames provided the ideal location, behind the Design Museum, opposite Michael Hopkins’ beautifully crafted David Mellor building, now Conran’s head office.

Since opening in March 2012, the gallery has focussed on promoting art and architecture as a joint artistic discipline through a programme of curated exhibitions.

The work displayed in the gallery often extends to practices associated to architecture such as illustration and photography.

Working closely, both in the sense of shared space and interest, with AVR London, the gallery exhibits chosen artists that capture architecture through a variety of artistic forms. It also hosts a charity auction annually at Christmas in aid of Maggie’s centres where a number of famous

architects donate works. In 2014 this included Ted Cullinan, Mark Wallinger, Piers Gough and Chris Wilkinson, who has just completed the latest Maggie's Centre in Oxford. The auction raised over £5,000 for Maggie’s centres, a remarkable charity set up by Maggie Keswick Jencks that provides cancer-care centres across the country and abroad.

Since the move AVR London has also gone from strength to strength to become one of London’s leading providers of Verified (AVR’s) and illustrative images. The Shad Thames location has allowed business to blossom and Joe to offer new services to architects such as realistic Real-Time visualisation. The two organisations co-exist happily, sharing a passion for the relationship between art and architecture.

Anise Gallery’s latest exhibition, Sequential City, which opens in early February, examines the idea of the city through the art of the graphic novel. This eclectic exhibition explores the affect architecture has on our mental functions and behaviours through the medium of illustration. Through Sequential City we can see how these artists view the modern metropolis.

Shad Thames has a very strong residential community and Anise Gallery/AVRLondon see themselves as very much part of the local scene. Doors are always open to residents for private views and exhibitions.

Up Front

thea porter

70s Bohemian Chic 6 February - 3 May 2015

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his Spring, the Fashion and Textile Museum presents the first-ever exhibition on the fashion and interior design of Thea Porter (1927–2000)

The Duke of Westminster opens Boodle Hatfield office in Bankside

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he Duke of Westminster, unveiled a plaque to officially open Boodle Hatfield’s new office in Bankside, London.

A model in the window of the Soho shop. She wears a silk chiffon dress with the Iraqi carpet print

by Sandra Munro. Greek Street, London, about 1976’. Copyright Venetia Porter.

and the Sirwal skirt, as well as important fashion photography from the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Wear Daily.

For nearly two decades, Porter This fantastic retrospective created interiors and clothes covers Porter’s life and career from her early years in Jerusalem, from luxurious textiles that drew much of their inspiration from an Damascus and Beirut in the exotic view of the Middle East.

1950s, London’s Soho in the Often combining antique fabrics 1960s, and New York, Los with richly patterned silks, her Angeles and Paris in the 1970s. creations were glamorous, Featuring outfits worn by some alluring and highly personal. Her of the world’s best-dressed shop in Greek Street, Soho women, the exhibition explores opened in 1966 and instantly the influence of Middle Eastern drew a rock and film star crowd and North African textiles and of clients from the Beatles and culture on 20th century fashion Pink Floyd to Elizabeth Taylor, and interior design. Highlights Faye Dunaway and Barbara include Porter’s seven signature Streisand.The location of looks: the Abaya & Kaftan; the Porter’s shop helped to mix the Gipsy dress; the Faye dress; the worlds of art and fashion, and Brocade-panel dress; the Wrapshe was a regular at the Colony over dress; the Chazara jacket; Room, the Soho drinking club From Syria to Soho,Thea Porter’s glamorous designs introduced ‘bohemian chic’ to London, New York and Paris.

also frequented by artists Lucien Freud, Francis Bacon and George Melly.The exhibition will include a reconstruction of the Soho store interior.

During her lifetime Thea Porter won huge acclaim, and her place in the history of British fashion was recognised by the award of Designer of the Year by the Clothing Institute in 1972.Yet despite being included in landmark 20th century fashion exhibitions such as the Glass of Fashion at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1971, Porter’s name has been gradually forgotten.

This exhibition, curated by Dennis Nothdruft, Curator of the Fashion and Textile Museum, with guest curators Laura McLaws Helms and Thea’s daughter,Venetia Porter, seeks to reclaim her reputation and act as inspiration to a new generation.

Boodle Hatfield is one of the country’s leading law firms acting for major families, businesses and entrepreneurs. The firm has acted for the Grosvenor Estate and members of the family continuously since 1722.

In July 2014 Boodle Hatfield moved to new London offices in Bankside at Blackfriars Road, , and in Mayfair at Grosvenor Street. The firm also has an office in Oxford.

Richard Maughan, Boodle Hatfield’s Senior Partner said: “I would like to extend our thanks to the Duke of Westminster for taking the time to open our new offices.

Boodle Hatfield and Grosvenor’s relationship extends back almost 300 years.

“Both firms have grown significantly since then and we are delighted that we continue to work closely with Grosvenor advising them on a wide range of projects across Mayfair and Belgravia which remain two of the most desirable places to live and work in the world today.”

Richard concluded: “We believe that our Bankside offices, together with our offices in Mayfair and Oxford, will provide us with a fantastic base from which to continue the growth and development of Boodle Hatfield and to work both with our UK and international clients.”

Southwark Business Today

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Mayor sounds an optimistic note T he Mayor of Southwark has sounded an optimistic note for businesses in the borough amid increasing levels of investment.

“We are definitely seeing more and more people willing to invest in Southwark and there is a real sense of confidence and hope in the area.”

Councillor Chopra, a businessman himself, said: “We are definitely seeing more and more people willing to invest in Southwark and there is a real sense of confidence and hope in the area.

Councillor Sunil Chopra, who was elected Mayor in June 2014, believes that there is a growing confidence among local businesses, driven in part by a series of regeneration initiatives that are transforming the borough.

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For the Mayor, however, this success is not just about business initiatives such as The Shard and the London Bridge Quarter; he says that it is also about ensuring a good quality of life with the council playing its part in making Southwark a good place to live.

Southwark Business Today

“I think that goes wider than just the likes of the London Bridge Quarter and the Shard.

People are also looking at other factors as well when they consider setting up in business – are the roads in the area clean, is there good access to local facilities, what are the libraries like?

“The libraries are a good example because we have invested in them and people are appreciating the way that they can go to the library to access the internet. That kind of thing improves quality of life.”

That investment in libraries has included a partnership with a

key local business. Southwark residents have been given access to the latest in tablet technology after a gift to the local council from News UK.

The company donated 88 Nexus and i-Pad tablets to local libraries to coincide with its move from Wapping to London Bridge. Ten Google Nexus ‘7’ tablets have been given to eight libraries.

Councillor Chopra said: “Things like having good libraries do encourage businesses to invest in the area.

“It is important to remember that we are not an industrial estate, we are a place to live and work, and we work hard as a council to make sure that people see this as a good area and somewhere where things happen and are sorted.

“As a council, we have to make sure that when there are issues,

Spotlight we sort them out them as quickly as possible and that they do not drag on.

“I think that is why people are happy that the future of the Elephant and Castle has now been decided.”

Construction work will start on the redesign of Elephant & Castle northern roundabout this year. The recent announcement came after results of a public consultation showed that more than 80 per cent of people backed the plan, which form part of the wider £4bn investment TfL is making to improve roads across London.

More than 2,000 people responded to the consultation on the scheme, which will dramatically change the northern roundabout at Elephant and Castle and improve facilities for road users and local residents by

converting the roundabout into a peninsular. This will create a new, more open and accessible public space, with the road around it converted to two-way traffic.

The Mayor said: “There is a sense that something is happening in Southwark and the Elephant and Castle illustrates that the council can support improvements.

“We work hard to encourage businesses to invest in Southwark and things like clean roads, good highways, good local facilities and initiatives like the improvement of the Elephant and Castle are helping to create a sense of confidence.

“We also have developments such as The Shard, which are adding to feeling that this is a good place to invest.”

The Mayor is doing his part, including championing the area

when he goes abroad. Among businesses he has promoted recently as an example of the best of Southwark is the Light Projects Group, which develops spectacular lighting arrays for everything from public and commercial properties to religious buildings.

Light Projects specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of lighting fittings and accessories and has worked with some of the world’s best lighting designers on some of the world’s most iconic buildings.

Its products, can be seen on everything from Harrods, The Shard, The Globe Theatre, The O2, Selfridges and the Barbican Theatre in London, to Stansted Airport, Hexham Abbey in Northumberland and York Minster. Internationally, projects include the Alison Hotel, Singapore, the Grande

Sheraton Hotel, in Thailand, Hang Seng Bank, in Hong Kong, and Khasbi Fort in Egypt.

That emphasis on international markets is important for Councillor Chopra, who when he became a Labour councillor for the Nunhead ward, became the borough's first councillor of Indian origin.

He sees India as offering major business opportunities for Southwark and said: “I have just returned from a visit to India and when I was there I talked to businesses people about investing in Southwark.

“I see it as my job to highlight the work being done by Southwark companies like Light Projects, who do fantastic lighting.

“Some of the people I talked to in India are considering taking their interest in investment further.”

“More than 2,000 people responded to the consultation on the scheme, which will dramatically change the northern roundabout at Elephant and Castle and improve facilities for road users and local residents by converting the roundabout into a peninsular.

This will create a new, more open and accessible public space, with the road around it converted to two-way traffic.”

Southwark Business Today

13

Property

How companies can reduce their lease costs he cost of business premises can be a significant overhead. There are however some simple measures that can be Ttaken through the lifecycle of a lease to reduce costs and improve forward planning.

Unfortunately many companies find out too late what their true lease responsibilities and associated costs are and this can lead to higher costs and business disruption. Ben Woodcock from chartered surveyors Parc Fermé Surveyors explains some of the steps that can be taken.

• Check that the property is suitable for your business needs. Shortfalls in electrical capacity and broadband speeds for example may mean upgrades are required.

• Understand the terms of your lease particularly if entering into a lease with full repairing and insuring terms. A detailed inspection will identify pre-existing defects, the condition of all building elements and set out related costs.

• Limit future exposure at the start of a lease by arranging a schedule of condition to be attached to your lease. This will provide a

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Southwark Business Today

•

•

•

•

detailed record of the condition of the demise and provide absolute clarity for future reference.

Consider inclusion of a lease break mid-way through your lease term to accommodate any change in business circumstances.

Ensure you understand the statutory requirements related to your business as these will need to be adhered to during the period of the lease and may involve adaptions or upgrades.

When performing alterations consider both the initial outlay cost as well as the potential cost for future reinstatement.

If you are planning significant alterations to a property, raise these intensions as part of your lease negotiations and obtain permission for them as well as a relaxation of reinstatement obligations.

• Always obtain permission for alterations by means of a licence to alter. Reinstatement may be avoidable if negotiated in advance.

• Plan maintenance expenditure during the period of the lease with a schedule setting out Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM).

This will ensure lower cost preventative works are performed rather than undertaking more expensive reactive works.

It also provides reductions in procurement costs and business disruption.

• Forecast and budget your dilapidations liability with an assessment and identify your strategy options early.

Parc Fermé Surveyors provide a full range of building consultancy services to assist your business Tel: 0203 092 0161 enquiries@parcfermesurveyors.com

Property

Southwark: A Seismic Transformation

Written by Richard Kalmar, Managing Director of KALMARs Commercial Estate Agents

I heard the other day that said that there are more managing directors living in Shad Thames (by Tower Bridge SE1) today than any other street in London, I don’t know if this is true but the principal that there are a lot of wellheeled people certainly is. Yet when my company moved there in the early 80’s nobody lived there amongst the general dereliction, following the demise of the London docks, 50,000 people had been laid off and 6,000 acres become redundant in 10 years. Shad Thames is a micro-cosmism of what has happened in Southwark generally, a huge social transformation into a fashionable popular destination.

This gentrification is rippling out in huge waves, east from Tower Bridge along the Thames to the massive developments by Sellars, British Land and others at Canada Water. South, via the recently designated ‘opportunity area’ of the Old Kent Road, with the proposed extension of the Bakerloo Line, towards Peckham, and Camberwell. East, with Lend Lease’s transformation of the Elephant and Castle and further North the explosion on the Southbank and along Blackfriars Road.

are now rising but, like it or not, inherent and ongoing changes mean that Southwark now has more productive land use options.

This transformation has particular hot spots, the different elements are considered as follows: OFFICES have been the shining star as crossing the Thames is now wholly acceptable to big business as demonstrated by More London near Bankside, The Shard etc etc.

Rents in the north of the borough are comparable with City levels, having risen 60% this year. Due firstly to the lack of supply, secondly businesses doing better than they have for over 6 years and money being available this is likely to continue.

Outside core areas a change in the law permitting offices to be used for residential has meant that inappropriately located offices have gone, substantially reducing the stock. As prices rise we are seeing the first signs of speculative office development again becoming viable.

INDUSTRIAL stock has reduced as inner London has ceased to be a manufacturing centre, there is increased congestion and lorry sizes consequently there has only been one new development in the last 20 years. Prices

SHOPS are also undergoing a revolution as internet deliveries; regional shopping malls and the big boys opening convenience stores are increasingly popular, resulting in tertiary shops becoming redundant and secondary centres either having to specialise, such as in Borough and Maltby Street food markets, or Bermondsey Street and Lordship Lane with their fashionably mix of trendy shops and bars.

LEISURE generally is buzzing, hotels are springing up to meet massive demand and high prices; gyms yoga and other keep fit users struggle to find space; restaurants, quality, funky fusions, pop ups you name it abound. The only difficulty is pubs that do not modernise are struggling.

Generally commercial property in Southwark is coming into it’s own and it is a great place to invest and grow.

Southwark Business Today

15

Trading with Russia

Trading with Russia - Visas A

visa (from the Latin charta visa, lit. "paper that has been seen"),[1] is a conditional authorization given by a competent authority of a country for a person who is not a citizen of that country to enter its territory and to remain there for a limited duration. Each country typically attaches various conditions. In any event, a visa is subject to permission of an immigration official

By Barry Martin : Chairman at the time of actual entry, and can be revoked at any time. (Wikipedia)

The first ever references to permits to travel (visa/passport) was made in about 450 B.C. Nehemiah, an official serving King Artaxerxes of ancient Persia, asked permission to travel to Judah.

The King agreed and gave Nehemiah a letter "to the governors of the province beyond the river" requesting safe passage for him as he

16

travelled through their lands.

Not until the reign of King Louis XIV of France did these "letters of request" become popular. The King granted personally signed documents to his court favourites. The letter was dubbed "passe port," literally meaning "to pass through a port," because most international travel was by sailing ships. Hence the term "passport".

Southwark Business Today

Within 100 years of Louis XIV's reign, almost every country in Europe had set up a system to issue passports.

Besides needing passports from their own countries, travellers also had to have visas issued by the countries they wanted to visit, much as we have travel visas today

The Russian Federation is one such country where you are required to obtain a visa to enter its territory. There are

of course some countries that are exempt from this requirement and there are some instances where a visa free regime is in place.

However for the majority of people and the majority of the country a visa is needed.

The issue of a Russian visa is made up of two stages.

First an invitation (letter of support) must be obtained from The Ministry of Interior

Trading with Russia or the Migration Service in Moscow. All visas need a support for business and tourist purposes. This invitation can be obtained through a company who are registered with the Ministry in Moscow or directly from the hotel for a tourist visit.

The Russia House has been offering a visa support service since 1970 and is well established with the issuing authorities in Russia.

It is the agents job to ensure that you have the correct type of visa for your reason of travel. If you are on business or even contemplating business and meeting with your counterparts then a business type visa is essential.

The second stage of the visa issue is the endorsement into the passport. Many years ago this was a separate three page document, but now this is a sheet glued onto one of your passport pages. Saves the panic when you got to immigration and realise you couldn't find your visa!

Since 12 December 2014 the Consulate of the Russian Federation now require biometrics from all applicants over the age of 12. This means that every applicant must personally visit the visa centre in London every time they require a visa for Russia to have their fingerprints taken electronically.

The importance of having all of your documents in place before you visit the centre must be stressed. If you do not have everything in order and in the correct format your application will be refused and you will need to start again and make a further visit to the centre.

Visa companies such as The Russia House will offer a checking, lodging and collection service, this takes

away any worry you may have on the correct documentation and will ensure the visa is issued as smoothly as possible. The representative will meet you at an allotted time at the visa centre after having already checked your documents and amended anything that needs adjusting and will assist with your fingerprints at which time you can leave and they will lodge and pay for your application and go back to collect the passport when it is ready.Your time will be limited to the minimum necessary.

Russian visa issue takes 6 working days or they offer an express service if next day issue is required.

Documentation differs according to nationality and

prices differ according to the type of invitation, type of visa and the issue time.

If you are contemplating visiting Russia and with the Rouble at its current rate there has never been a better time - then we are here to help with all aspects of your visit including: • Visa support • Visa issue • Flights • Accommodation • Transfers • Meeting set-up • Translations • Interpreting • Cyrillic printing • Seminar organisation • Trade Fair • Exhibition participation

“Visa companies such as The Russia House will offer a checking, lodging and collection service, this takes away any worry you may have on the correct documentation and will ensure the visa is issued as smoothly as possible. ”

The Russia House Ltd. Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HH Telephone: 020 7403 9922 www.therussiahouse.co.uk

Southwark Business Today

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The Big Interview

The iconic building that began as a sketch L

ooking at the magnificent Shard as it dominates the London skyline, it is difficult to believe that it began life as a sketch scribbled in a matter of seconds on the back of a restaurant menu

What is even more remarkable, the sketch was done by a man who made no secret of the fact that he disliked tall towers, the celebrated architect Renzo Piano.

The original idea for The Shard came from Irvine Sellar, the building’s developer and joint owner, who wanted to create a ‘vertical city’ incorporating shops, offices, hotel, apartments, restaurants and a public viewing gallery.

There were two catalysts for the idea, one of which was his purchase in 1998 of Southwark Towers, occupied by PwC, as a property investment. The other came shortly afterwards when the UK government began encouraging high-density developments close to transport hubs.

Irvine identified his new purchase as ideal, fitting in as it did with the nearby rapidlydeveloping London Bridge transport hub, so he set about planning a world-class building that would capture people’s imagination.

To turn his dream into reality, he arranged lunch in Berlin with award-winning Renzo Piano and although the initial reaction was far from

18

encouraging, something about the energy of the railway lines and the beauty of the Thames appealed to the architect.

Irvine said that, initially, he had not envisaged The Shard on the site. It was only as the idea developed that he turned to Renzo.

Irvine said: “We had bought Southwark Towers as an investment property then about a year later, the UK government began encouraging high-density developments close to transport hubs.

You could not get closer to a transport hub than the site so we set out to develop the first concepts for The Shard.

“I knew that I wanted to build something tall and that I wanted to capture people’s imagination so I arranged lunch in Berlin with Renzo Piano.

“He said to me “You know, I hate tall buildings – they are arrogant, aggressive, like fortresses“. He really did not like the idea at all but there was something about the energy of the railway lines and the beauty of the river that appealed to him.

“Renzo turned over his menu and started to sketch. What he drew in a matter of thirty seconds was The Shard today.

Southwark Business Today

“I told him that if he would sign it, then he would build The Shard. He signed it and we have not had a cross word since.”

That is not to say that there were not difficulties. A stunning vision on the back of a menu is one thing, persuading sceptics that a building reaching 310 metres into the sky is viable is another.

As a result, some challenging years followed, during which the project overcame a lengthy planning process, a high-profile public inquiry and loss of initial funding during the global property crash.

The Shard’s future was assured in 2008 when four Qatari investors, who shared Irvine Sellar’s vision, came on board

The Big Interview

“Pioneering engineering methods were used, such as top-down construction, where foundations are dug while the core is built up - a first for the UK. Over one 36-hour period - employing 700 lorry-loads, one every three minutes - the team poured 5,400 cubic metres of concrete.”

as partners. Their stakes were then acquired by the State of Qatar which then backed Irvine as both developer and partner of both The Shard and the larger London Bridge Quarter.

That support allowed the construction team to tackle problems that would have proved too much for some. For example, they overcame subzero temperatures, gale force winds and the Thames breaking through the protective dam.

On 5 July 2012, The Shard was formally inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, and HRH the Duke of York.

Since then, its restaurants, hotel and viewing gallery have opened to the public and tenants have moved into its offices.

Today, The Shard sits next to its stunning sister building, The News Building, now headquarters to News UK and its titles, turning the area into something of a media hub.

The buildings, both designed by Renzo Piano, will be occupied by 12,500 people and are already establishing a new vibrant community, known as the London Bridge Quarter.

For Irvine, the end result is not just about building big; The Shard has to justify itself commercially.

He said: “The initial idea was for a taller tower, close to 400 metres, and it had to be mixed use.You do not want to focus on just one type because if residential does well, retail may dip and vice versa.

You want to spread the risk.

Pioneering engineering methods were used, such as top-down construction, where foundations are dug while the core is built up – a first for the UK. Over one 36-hour period – employing 700 lorry-loads, one every three minutes – the team poured 5,400 cubic metres of concrete.

Irvine said: “We had to work our way through a lot of issues.

There were massive objections but I have always believed that problems are solutions waiting to happen.

“I am not reasonable - progress is not achieved by being reasonable - but although there were difficulties, I never felt that I wanted to walk away from it. I felt obligated to see it through for the team behind the project.”

Southwark Business Today

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The Big Interview

“The final result is better than I could have imagined and I do get people who objected coming to me and not saying they were wrong, they never say that, but they do say congratulations.”

“The final result is better than I could have imagined and I do get people who objected coming to me and not saying they were wrong, they never say that, but they do say congratulations.

“But this was not just about building something big. I wanted it to be accessible for Londoners. There are other big buildings but they are not as accessible to the public. I want people to be able to come in and see the views, enjoy the restaurants, enjoy the setting.

“It is a success. Everything has gone as well or better than I

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could have imagined and Londoners have adopted the building as their own.

“One of the things I wanted to do was drive the idea of the London Bridge Quarter and The Shard has acted as a catalyst for that.

“The quarter has gone better than I could have imagined. The project is well under way now and the area is developing.”

Irvine continues to play his own part in the development of the London Bridge Quarter, including a nearby residential complex, again designed by Renzo Piano.

Southwark Business Today

Irvine said: “People say it the third part of a trilogy but I am not trying to replicate The Shard. That stands on its own.

“I do get asked if I would do it again but I would not want to build another Shard. Why would I? I’ve done that.

“We have created a building like this in the greatest city in the world, why would I want to repeat it?

“It is not that I do not have the energy or the ambition. I just want to do other things instead, like continue to develop the London Bridge Quarter.”

Voice from Westminster

MP sees cause for optimism as 2015 arrives F

or local MP Simon Hughes, there are welcome signs that the economy is turning upwards after several very difficult years.

Pay is on the increase, unemployment is down, and there is an ever increasing number of apprenticeships in the area.

The local MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark said: “Wages have increased by 1.6% over the past year, higher than the rate of inflation, which is clearly good news.”

Mr Hughes is pleased that the cost of everyday items is rising slower than the amount people are earning, but says: “While this is obviously good news, there is still much work to be done, so the people of our local community fully feel the effect of the economic recovery Liberal Democrats have secured by being in government.”

These positive effects and continued challenges are visible in Southwark’s local job market.

There are 2,775 people claiming out of work benefits in Bermondsey and Old Southwark as of the most recent figures, an unemployment rate of 2.8%, according to NOMIS, who publish the UK’s labour market statistics.

Simon said: “The number of people claiming out of work benefits in Bermondsey and Old Southwark has dropped by roughly 1,000 since November 2013, but I am under no illusion as to the work still ahead.

“The latest statistics are just a continuation of the good news we continue to receive about our local economy. There has been a 33% drop in JSA claimants since May 2010.

“Bermondsey and Old Southwark is directly benefiting from having Liberal Democrats in government that know how to create a stronger economy and a fairer society.

“Success in our local community is mirrored at a national level, too. There are now a record 30.8 million people in work throughout the UK, with unemployment continuing to fall.”

Another thing that is encouraging the MP is the move towards apprenticeships as an alternative to standard educational qualifications . He said: “Six thousand apprenticeships have already been delivered in Southwark since 2010, and 2 million across the country, but I am fighting for more.

“I am fighting for more jobs, and for more young people to be in education, employment and training. A more highly skilled workforce has the potential to add £140 billion to our national economy, and I want the people of Southwark to play a strong role in that.”

“Apprenticeships are a vital part of building a stronger economy and a fairer society.

By ensuring young people are able to earn and learn, we give them the opportunity to get on it life.

“Fighting for more local apprenticeships in our local area has, and will continue to be, one of my top priorities.

“That is why I am delighted young people in Southwark have benefited from fantastic training and employment opportunities that apprenticeships offer.

“I’ve seen for myself at local businesses, like L&Q and A Suit That Fits, where I visited recently, the benefit apprenticeships can give to young people. I’m delighted that more than two million young people across England have been able to take advantage.

“These figures show that this fight is proving to be a successful one.Young people are now able to access high quality on-the-job training so they can acquire critically important skills, allowing them to make more money in earnings over their life time.

“It is not just the numbers though. We are creating jobs in all sections of the market. From the space industry to the building industry, from hairdressers to tailors.Young people's career choices have never been so varied.”

“I am fighting for more jobs, and for more young people to be in education, employment and training.

A more highly skilled workforce has the potential to add £140 billion to our national economy, and I want the people of Southwark to play a strong role in that.”

Southwark Business Today

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We strive to combine integrity and energy with expertise in order to provide our clients with a quality and personal service that they can not find elsewhere. Our areas of expertise include Surveying, Project Management, Architecture and Property Management Services.

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Southwark Business Today

Up Close

The ups and downs of a press officer’s life E

veryone’s working days has ups and downs but they are rarely as extreme as those experienced

by Deano Standing and his team during match days at Millwall Football Club.

Deano is the Head of Media for the club and, while the week is busy dealing with constant media requests, that is nothing compared to match day at The Den, the team‘s home.

These are difficult times for The Lions, struggling as they are at the wrong end of the Championship, English football’s second tier, but that does not diminish the interest from the media.

On home game match days, that interest reaches its peak with sports reporters from local and visiting newspapers, plus television crews and radio broadcasters, all wanting to make sure that they have not just the best view of the game but also access to the manager and players for those all important post-match interviews.

Deano, who also commentates on the games for BBC London and the club’s own web-link feed, said: “I tend to get to the ground about eleven or twelve by which time my team will already have things well under way.

“We have a lot to do on match day. Our media team will have talked to the head of security about any stewarding or security issues there may be and, although a lot of the work has been done beforehand, there are always things to be sorted from the media side.

For instance, we handle all the media accreditation and there are sometimes requests to change the name of the person who will be attending, or late requests coming in that have missed the application deadline.

“It is not just UK journalists who are interested. If you have,

say, a Korean or Japanese player likely to be playing, you have to deal with media from those countries as well.

“There is also a lot happening on the pitch before the game starts, including charity collections and presentations, and we are involved in that as well.

“When the game starts I do the commentary. I try to get some balance into what I say but our listeners do expect it to be Millwall-centric and the decibels do go up when we score!

“When the match is over, our job is far from done. There are interviews and the manager’s press conferences to organise and we like to get players up for a chat with journalists.

“We also have to react to the aftermath of anything that may have happened in the game.

“Our media team also has to post reports and pictures on the website and we will probably not be finished until seven or seven thirty. If it is an evening fixture at The Den we are usually finished by midnight.

“These are difficult times for the team. The last two seasons went to the last game before things were decided and it would not be a shock to me if it did the same thing again this time.

“I have been doing this job for 24 years and I’ve seen promotions and relegations so I know how a couple of wins or a decent signing in the transfer window can turn things round.

It’s all about confidence. I think we will stay up.“

Southwark Business Today

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Business News

The Ultimate Business Car for London lectric Vehicles have E been around for years and all have not met expectations.

They’ve suffered from accusations of being slow, expensive, boring, odd-looking and impossible to run.

However, this all changed in 2012 when a little known American vehicle manufacturer, Tesla Motors, brought out the “Model S” supercar.

This luxury sedan, ideal for the city, broke the mold of electric cars, with its 250 mile range, acceleration of 0-60 in only 4.2 seconds, 130mph limited top speed, and ability to be charged in an hour.

All of this in a luxury sedan, filled with all the gadgets you could possibly imagine, all accessed from its internet accessible, 17” touchscreen dashboard.

The “Model S” arrived in the UK in June 2014, and EVision Supercars were one of the first to get this revolutionary vehicle. EVision offer them for hire, on either a self-drive basis or chauffeured packages to individuals and businesses. EVision also offer Gift Experiences, which

are great for that unique, but special Christmas gift.

The look of the vehicle alone compares to your typical Mercedes, Maserati or Porsche, but its major benefit to your business is the savings you make from driving this car.

With a Tesla Model S you are already guaranteed to save money

with savings on Benefit in Kind, fuel and parking.

This is combined with variable savings including no London Congestion Charge, free charging at all UK charging points, including super-fast charging at six locations across London, and up to £10,000 worth of savings on fuel per annum.

The Tesla Model S isn’t just a gimmick, it’s the future, where you can drive a truly phenomenal vehicle, using green technology, and make genuine savings for yourself and your business.

For more information, contact EVision Supercars at 01634 914 063, visit www.evrent.co.uk or email us at mail@evrent.co.uk

Helping families create long-term solutions that work

Southwark Mediation Centre (SMC) has been established in the community for almost three decades.

SMC has recently seen an increase in work in its family department.

This has been partly due to the change in the law in April 2014, which means applicants to court in family matters are compelled to attend a mediation awareness meeting (with certain exceptions) and partly due to the close working ties the centre has developed with local solicitors. Although solicitors need not be the first port of call, it is strongly recommended that, whilst using mediation, clients have legal advice, especially when discussing matters relating to property and finance.

Mediation can be used to settle finance, property and parenting issues, rather than slugging it out in court. Statistics show a 325 day saving by choosing mediation rather than court - that's ten and a half months extra for people to get on with their new lives rather than remaining in a state of stressed-out limbo.

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Many couples think they must head off to a high-street solicitor to prepare for a very expensive court room confrontation in which they can achieve a 'victory' over their ex. But there is a better way to manage separation. Mediation can be a quicker, cheaper and less stressful option.

The professional mediators at SMC are highly skilled third party negotiators with experience in helping families create longterm solutions that work well for their particular circumstances. Rather than leaving it to a court to decide who will live where, what happens to the money, debts and pensions, and arrangements for the children, mediation empowers families themselves to decide these things.

SMC is able to provide legally aided mediation for those who are eligible.

Anyone wanting to know more can contact SMC by phone on 020 7708 4959 or visit www.southwarkmediation.co.uk

Southwark Business Today

Business News

Andrew Scott Robertson touches down in Retail Camberwell with a glitzy fund-raiser in entrepreneurs aid of the King’s Helipad Appeal drive start-up roperty agents Andrew Scott Robertson celebrated the opening of their borrowing in P new Camberwell Residential Sales and Lettings office with an evening of cocktails and canapés attended by local businesses and residents.

London

The evening got their new office off to a flying start and a charity raffle for the local King’s College Hospital’s Helipad Appeal.

entrepreneurs Retail in the Capital are

Company chairman, Robin Cripp said: “We are delighted to support the King’s Helipad Appeal and it’s fantastic to see local businesses coming together to support such a worthy cause. We are proud to be part of such a vibrant local community here in Camberwell.”

borrowing more in start-up loans than any other sector.

Situated on Church Street, the new andrew scott robertson office will offer a comprehensive range of property services to buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants of residential property in Camberwell as well as neighbouring areas, Denmark Hill, Kennington and Peckham.

Maurice Applewhaite, the Camberwell branch manager, will be delighted to assist with all your property needs. Email camberwell@as-r.co.uk.

Support for tech companies Y

oung technical and science start-up businesses in the Capital who are looking to raise the finance they need to grow can take advantage of a venture capital fund which has just been launched.

The London Co-Investment Fund is supported by £25m from the Mayor of London and up to £60m from six private sector partners.

It specifically targets small businesses with expertise in the science, technology and digital arenas who are looking to raise between £250,000 and £1m.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “London’s tech sector is flourishing and the city is a hotbed of talented young and ambitious people

buzzing with exciting ideas who are setting up new companies in their droves.

“Despite this boom, we know that many budding start-ups find it difficult to raise the finance they need to grow.

This new fund will ensure the tech-giants of the future can get the support they need to bring their ideas to reality and deliver jobs and growth for the Capital.”

Businesses wishing to apply will need to demonstrate they have the potential to create jobs and deliver financial

returns of ten times the cash invested in them.

The Mayor of London is contributing £25m towards the scheme through the London Enterprise Panel’s Growing Places Fund. The six private partners are Wellington Partners, Playfair Capital, London Business Angels, Angel Lab, Firestartr and Crowdcube/Braveheart Consortium.

To find out more, go to www.lcif.com

Their borrowings account for 35% of seed finance lent during 2014 by Startup Direct, the founding partner of the Government’s Start Up Loans scheme.

The rapidly-changing retail landscape has provided opportunity for retail start-ups to reach consumers without the overheads traditionally associated with such ventures, says Startup Direct.

A total of £731.8m is now spent online each week in the UK, an increase of 10.1% compared with 2013, making it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to market and sell directly to their target customers and remain in control of the selling experience.

James Pattison, CEO of Startup Direct, said: “Retail start-ups clearly have a central role to play in growing the UK’s creative output.

“The online shopping revolution has come hand in hand with growing demand for unique, niche products and our entrepreneurs are grabbing the bull by the horns.

“London is a hotbed of creative ideas and it’s exciting to see these coming to life, driven by entrepreneurs with incredible belief and passion for their products.”

To apply for a start up loan, visit www.startupdirect.org

Southwark Business Today

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Hospitality

Restaurant Reviews

By Margaret Rowse Executive Committee

The Banana Store

1 Cathedral Street, London, SE1 9DE Tel: 020 7357 9795

steak, served with a fennel puree, which did overpower the steak a little. I did request my steak medium but it was most definitely rare.

Feng Sushi

13 Stoney Street, Borough Market, London SE1 Tel: 020 7407 8744

Chips were very nice, seasoned well and crisp on the outside and fluffy inside as they should be – not a sign of any grease.

Mushrooms were also full of flavour.

A great place for lunch and a great place to hide!

The Banana Store is a small intimate restaurant beneath the old Borough Market Trustees office building. The door is almost hidden but venture own the steps and you will find yourself to a below ground cosy restaurant, you will be met by extremely friendly staff and full of atmosphere.

The menu is not extensive, but what is on offer is carefully put together and will please most palates, the ingenuity of the dishes would rival top restaurants, the chef has real vision.

We were served on arrival with lovely artisan bread, lightly toasted and served with a generous helping of butter, gorgeous. Main course for me was a juicy

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I sampled the chosen dish of my lunch partner - Ox Tongue, this was not at all what I expected only ever having had it in cold pressed meat form before, this was cooked perfect with just a slight pink tinge inside, it was firm but not tough.

This was served with horseradish broth, roasted red onions and a celeriac puree that could have been a little firmer, the plate of food was small, but enough for lunch.

Dessert was shared roasted half apples served hot with vanilla ice cream, there were beautiful soft plump sultanas and almonds and cream, really delicious. I never eat dessert (which is why I was sharing) but I could have eaten a whole portion of this!

Don’t be put off by the entrance, once inside it is like someone’s private dining room with comfy settees to enjoy a pre-dinner drink.

Well worth a visit.

Southwark Business Today

Feng Sushi is a very small restaurant in Stoney Street, opposite the Borough Market, tall wooden tables and chairs are available to eat inside and they also have a takeaway menu and deliver.

This is a good place for a quick lunch when you just need something small to ‘stop the hunger pangs’. My favourite is the Japanese fish and chips, three small Hake goujons and hand cut chips, crisp and light batter on the fish and the chips are crunchy and all served with a chilli dipping sauce and remoulade.

Tempura prawns served with pickled vegetables are also very good and all you need is 3 or 4 small dishes to share between two and a glass of white wine or the draft Kirin Beer for a very enjoyable snack. It isn’t really large or comfortable enough to have a full lunch or dinner there as it small, tables are very close together and it can be quite cold in there. Check out the fish swimming in the huge tank next to the counter/bar.

Hospitality

No.1 Bar and Restaurant 1 Duke Street Hill SE1 2SW Tel: 02074076420

Hixter Bankside

16 Great Guildford Street, London SE1 Tel: 020 7921 9508

This bar is a bit of an enigma is it a bar, is it a restaurant, is it a sports viewing venue, perhaps a Night Club? Is it a pool table bar?

The new Hixter Bankside restaurant is in the ground and basement floor of the old Metal Box Company building in Great Dover Street, a few paces off of Southwark Street towards Blackfriars.

The No. 1 bar whatever clientele it is aiming for does offer excellent food, the chef is well known and it is a hidden gem. The portions are large, the menu extensive. Free popcorn or olives with your drink is also a novelty in the UK. Upstairs they have a nightclub and sports bar with a late licence. The staff are always helpful and willing to please and will remember your name and usual tipple when you walk in. It is opposite London Bridge station and you could do a lot worse than have a glass of something there while waiting for your train!

They only sell Steak or Chicken and a token fish dish. The main restaurant looks a little like a canteen with the kitchen along the back wall giving it the appearance of a place to queue to get your food canteen style.

Of course this is not the case; you are served at the table by eager staff that are dashing back and forth to the kitchen.

The walls are adorned with an assortment of unusual art, including a large piece on the main wall of a boy relieving himself!

Art by Gary Webb and Tracie Ermin and others are in evidence. There is also a smaller dining room and below the restaurant is a very nice bar which was very busy on the night we visited.

We ordered both a steak dish and a chicken dish and to accompany it a bottle of wine, this was served quite quickly and placed in a wine bucket, unfortunately it was so far away from our table it was out of reach and they were not very good at ‘topping us up’, so we had to go and retrieve the bucket and bring it to the table ourselves.

Restaurant OBLIX

The Shard, Entrance in St Thomas Street.

Tel: 020 7268 6700

I have to confess I have only sampled the lunch menu in the bar area of the Oblix.

The food is a Mediterranean mix. The starters are buffet style salads and breads that you help yourself to, this is followed by a main course served to you at your table, followed by dessert, again a help yourself buffet.

The main courses on offer are few and the portions are very small, maybe due to people

We skipped starter as the main courses looked quite large. I had the roast chicken that was served on a wooden board with stuffing and a tiny jug of gravy and a basket of chips. The chicken was juicy and succulent and was a whole half chicken, really delicious, but the stuffing was dry and overcooked it was falling off the board onto the floor, table and my lap! The gravy was fatty. A big disappointment for me was the chips, which were not completely cooked.

At these prices surely they should be serving fresh chips. When I asked if the chips were frozen (they were thin French fries) it took three different waitresses before I found someone who knew. I was told they are frozen somewhere else and delivered there. The whole plate of food was so heavily seasoned all I could taste was salt and more salt!

over indulging from the large array of starters and desserts!

Views are of course spectacular as the restaurants are on the 31-33 floors.

The three course lunch in the bar has a set price of just £25.00 which is good value. But beware the drinks are expensive, but what you would expect for a restaurant in such a prestigious and iconic building.

Worth a visit.

Toilets were also disappointing - despite the very graphic sex scenes on the wallpaper and the strange moving photo in a frame by the ladies toilet door which was of 2 naked women, the toilets had not been cleaned for some time and there was paper all over the floor, toppling out of the bins and overflowing. I did complain about this.

I left my card there and had a very apologetic email from the manager who has invited us to go back again and to have a nicer experience – we will return, as it could just have been teething problems - so watch this space.

Southwark Business Today

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Hospitality

The Anchor Tap

28 Horselydown Lane, Bermondsey, London. SE1 2LN Tel: 020 7403 4637

Tucked away down a side street just south of Tower Bridge in Shad Thames, this is a true traditional pub in the old style.

With a pool room, games room with chess, draughts and darts you can go back in time. The drinks on offer are maybe some you wouldn’t recognise because the Anchor Tap is a Samuel Smith’s pub. Selling Samuel Smith beers and own brand mixers and spirits, the low prices reflect this. They have a piano bar and the main bar area has a fire burning in winter for a cosy feel.

The whole pub is made up of little nooks and crannies with small side rooms and they have a garden, Well worth a visit if you are in the area and want to remember days gone by when pubs were pubs and not wine bars!

Union Street Café

47-51 Great Guildford Street, London SE1 0BS

Tel: 020 7592 7977

The much hyped Gordon Ramsey/David Beckham restaurant is now open for business, reportedly with an already long waiting list for bookings-except it isn't a Ramsey/Beckham cooperation.

Roxy Bar and Screen

128-132 Borough High Street, London. SE1 1LB

Under much publicity David Beckham pulled out claiming in the press that he wants to open a ‘pie and mash’ shop! I am a bit cynical, was he ever involved or was it part of the publicity for a new venue? It seems a little late to say no thank you after it has got to almost opening stage.

I have had the opportunity to try the restaurant, it doesn’t live up to the Ramsey stable in my opinion. It is a big open space. Like eating in a warehouse.

Food they say is sourced from the local Borough Market. Davide Degiovanni - is the head chef, born and raised in Italy.

Somehow it just didn’t feel like I was in a restaurant. I will go back again to see if it has improved and found its niche in the market.

There is also a Union Street Bar which is underneath the restaurant, with soft lighting and special commissioned art pieces from local artists. This seems to be more popular than the actual restaurant

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The Roxy Bar and Screen has new management who want to raise the profile of the venue.

The Roxy is hidden away between an office building and Sainsbury in Borough High Street, heavy curtains cover the windows and at first glance you would never know it was a bar, let alone a cinema! On the outside it looks small, once inside the bar goes back a long way and opens into a large open space filled with armchairs, sofa’s and behind those tables and

Southwark Business Today

chairs are dotted about. There is a long bar against the right side leading to the front of the building where there is another seating area away from the Screen.

The Roxy is now showing major sporting events as well has having a very interesting film schedule. They have a new chef who is offering well portioned food, cooked to order and they have a good variety on the menu. They often offer special deals check out their website at www.roxybarandscreen.co.uk

Sequential City The psychology of architecture in contemporary graphic novels

Februar y 6 - M arch 15 Private View : Februar y 5 // 6 - 9

O Owen wen D D.. P Pomery, omery, Alison Alison Sampson, Sampson, Lando, Lando, Hannah B Berry, Berry, John R Riordan iordan & T Tim im Bir Bird d Lead Lead Research Research b by y Owen Owen D. D. Pomery Pomery C Curated urated by

by Heather Heather Gray Gray Sequential Cittyy examines the idea of the city through the art of the graphic novel. Original sketches, layers of colourr, boxes, panels and strips–the parts the public don’t normally get to see – will be exhibited alongside finished art works. ffec ect architecture This eclectic exhibition explores the aff has on our mental functions and behaviours through the medium of illustration. Drawing allows us to make sense of the world and through Sequential Cittyy we can see how these artists view the modern metropolis.

Anise Gallerry brings together the work of 6 artists sts for for whom architecture is an important element in their work; Owen D. Pomery, Alison Sampson, Lando, Hannah Berry, John or the graphic Riordan & Tim Bird. Alison Sampson’s work ffor novella, Genesis presents a flowing, dream like scape while maintaining the architectural rigidity of the city. The elaboration and colour from Sampson contrasts starkly with Owen D. Pomery ’s monochrome, reductive style. The thoughts and actions of Pomery ’ss cloistered main character from Between the Billb B oarrds are echoed seamlessly by his simple transfformative line work. Similarlyy, Jo John Riordan’s graphic poem Capital ap pital Cittyy mirrors style to content. It concerns itself with the city in crisis – his psychedelic, e are orgiastic depictions of people in the melee of city liffe as provocative as the looming city sky line which towers menacingly above them. All of these artists share a concern for liffe e in the city and the architecture which influences our existence.

Alison Sampson, Genesis

Owen D. Pomery, Between the Billboards

By examining architecture through sequential drawings we can bridge the gap that exists between the construction of our world and our daily experience of it. These images s ches of a complete the circle from the initial architect’s sket structure to an artist’s perception of the same construction within their story. The psychology of architecture in contemporary graphic novels is illustrated through the words and images of these artists and we hope it will cause you to rethink the city in which you live.

John Riordan, Capital Cittyy

13a Shad Thames London SE1 2PU www.anisegallery.co.uk info@anisegallery.co.uk

90th Anniversary

Celebrating 90 years M

embers of the Southwark Chamber had a wonderful fun packed evening celebrating thier 90th anniversary by Barry Martin - Chairman

What a great night our 90th Anniversary Celebration was - not just a party but a show with Latin American Music, a Disco, Sea Shanty singers, a Magician, a Caricaturist, Raffles, Competitions and a Bag of Southwark Goodies for the 100+ guests to go home with.

The Southwark Chamber sends a ‘big thank you’ for all the sponsors who took tables for their guests and all the local Restaurants, Bars, Shops, Cake Suppliers and others who contributed to the Goody Bag. Thanks also to the Hop Exchange for the venue and all the hard working members of the Executive Committee in preparing the hall for such a great celebration and of course to everyone who attended and supported the event, without you it would not have been the success it was.

Lastly well done to Benham Publishers for ensuring our first issue of ‘ Southwark Business Today ‘ was ready for launch on our special and auspicious day.

Thank you all Barry

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Southwark Business Today

90th Anniversary

Patrons

Southwark Business Today

31

Business News

Offering flexible bespoke conference packages is a purpose built conference and events centre situated on London’s Southbank and just 15Hatfields behind the Oxo Tower.

Commissioned in 2008 by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) 15Hatfields has become a leading force within the sustainable events world.

What is unique about 15Hatfields is its flexibility, both in terms of creating bespoke packages for each client and the venue space itself. We try where possible to cater for every budget, which is why we offer reduced rates for Charities as well as Government and Healthcare organisations. Likewise our venue space is perfectly designed to host events from 2 delegates, all the way up to 550 - and anything in between!

Each of our 5 main rooms have moveable partition walls that can quickly increase or decrease the size of your main room, breakout or catering area depending on your needs.

Our location offers a great deal of flexibility, being a mere 10 minute walk from Waterloo, which is served by mainline trains from the South East of England as well as 4 different Underground lines. Also less than 10 minutes’ walk away are Blackfriars, Southwark and London Bridge tube stations. Additionally, the nearest airport is just 10 miles away - so wherever your delegates are travelling from they will find 15Hatfields is one of London’s most accessible venues.

15Hatfields also offer evening event packages. Our late alcohol license means we can stay open and serve alcohol until midnight on weekdays. We also have a long standing professional relationship with sustainable caterers Eden - who can create bespoke canapé and dinner menu’s to suit all dietary requirements and tastes.

London South Bank University intensifies enterprise activity to deliver benefits to local businesses and students

F

or over 120 years London South Bank University has been helping businesses across the capital to advance, improve and innovate by providing education, consultancy and high quality applied research.

In the coming year the University has ambitious plans to develop and expand the support it offers to businesses with the aim of delivering economic, social and cultural benefits to the local area and providing the ultimate learning experience for students.

Enterprise and business engagement has become increasingly critical to the success of the modern University. In order to attract funding academic research needs to have a tangible impact and students today demand a return on their substantial investment in the shape of enhanced career prospects.

knowledge we acquire facilitates staff development, enriches the learning experience and equips our students for employment.”

As part of their new Research and Enterprise strategy the University wants to engage with a higher number of external businesses.

“Last year we secured European funding for the Investment Escalator programme which aims to help 250 London SME’s access funding and already over 100 businesses have engaged”

The Investment Escalator, a collaboration between LSBU and East London Small Business

As Gurpreet Jagpal, Director of Research & Enterprise at LSBU explains, “it’s very much a two way relationship. By working with business we ensure that the University’s intellectual capital has value in the real world but we benefit too - the practical industry

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Southwark Business Today

Centre, is just one of a number of new projects launched by the University in the past few months.

Another, the Business Insight programme allows undergraduates to put academic theory into practice by offering free business advice to local SME’s, it aims to give students the kind of experience that will prepare them for the realities of the working world.

“It’s an innovative way of providing our students with vital skills and practical knowledge and it provides SME’s with the opportunity to get a fresh, innovative perspective on their business. It’s a win - win.”

According to Jagpal these schemes are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the University’s new enterprise strategy. In the past few months LSBU has appointed four new Deans with impressive commercial credentials who have exciting new ideas about the ways the University can share its world leading expertise with the local business community.

For more information about the ways you can work with LSBU, including its B2B schemes: Email business@lsbu.ac.uk Telephone 0800 923 8888

“Last year we secured European funding for the Investment Escalator programme which aims to help 250 London SME’s access funding and already over 100 businesses have engaged.”

Business News

ORTUS learning and events centre

A

brand new, multi-award winning, high-tech, eco-friendly event and meeting destination in Southwark.

When you visit the ORTUS, it is easy to see why this stunning new venue has picked up so many prestigious awards (9 and counting) in such a short amount of time.

Based in SE5, very near to Denmark Hill Station in Camberwell, the ORTUS boasts amongst others a RIBA 2014 (awarded both a Regional and a National), a Civic Trust 2014, a New London 2014 Award, a Brick Award, and the BCI Award for Best Public Building under £10m.

This is all in addition to being mid-listed for the pinnacle of architectural kudos, the Stirling Prize.

The industry accolades are mostly in recognition of the stunning architecture as well as the innovative and sustainable design, for example, the ORTUS, designed to BREEAM “Excellent” specification, is predicted to have the lowest CO2 emissions out of all of the RIBA 2014 Award winning venues.

It is also interesting to note that ORTUS is operated by Maudsley Learning, a Community Interest Company and subsidiary of the Maudsley Charity, a mental health charity attached to a major NHS Foundation Trust in South London.

Maudsley Learning, who recently joined the Southwark Chambers of Commerce, are a social enterprise with the vision of supporting and providing world class and accessible learning in

mental health and wellbeing.

Maudsley Learning deliver on this vision through the provision of learning events, training and

e-Learning in the field of mental health and wellbeing. In addition they operate the ORTUS learning and events centre as a top-spec event and meeting destination that is available for hire to external organisations.

Genevieve Glover, MD, Maudsley Learning CIC says, “We are very fortunate to operate such a fantastic, high-tech venue that has been so well received by our community and by our guests and clients”.

Genevieve goes on to say, “We are also very keen to meet and build relationships with other local businesses in Southwark, as our success as a social enterprise is directly dependent on revenue generated through working with our local business network.

The great news is that as per our business plan, surplus profits flow back into our sole shareholder, the Maudsley Charity, which invests in innovative mental health related projects and infrastructure in South London.”

So next time you’re in need of a great venue for your board meeting, Away Day, client roundtable, seminar, conference, etc., be sure to contact the folk who operate the ORTUS learning and events centre. It is a fantastic venue in it’s own right but the real bonus is you will be contributing to a worthy cause in the process! www.ORTUTevents.com enquiries@ORTUSevents.com @ORTUSevents.com 020 3701 1634 For more on Maudsley Learning visit: www.maudsleylearning.com

“We are very fortunate to operate such a fantastic, high-tech venue that has been so well received by our community and by our guests and clients.”

Southwark Business Today

33

Last Word I was born in Harlow, Essex, and am an identical twin. I am the eldest by five minutes. I have an older brother who works in the city and a younger brother who is a painter and decorator. My twin works in the market at a juice bar and this can cause confusion.

When we were 12/13, my father who was in the London Fire Brigade, retired and moved us all to Kent, where we all live now.

I started work at 16, after completing work experience for a large corporate company. Unfortunately, when the country fell into recession, our company was

bought by a Germany company and we were all made redundant. At that time it did not matter what qualifications or skills you had work was very hard to find.

Eight years later, I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time and decided to take a chance and opened The Gated Garden which started in Borough Market.

I started with £1,000 and have worked hard for the last two years in building my business. I still have a long way to go and a lot to learn, but I love what I do and at present would not change it for the world.

Q1

What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

Q2

If you were prime minister, what would be your first decision?

£60.27 I made tea for 30 people and was the office filer. There was a lot of filing to be done!

Close all shops on Sunday, make it a family day again

Name: Company: Job title: email:

Q3

What is the biggest challenge in your business?

Q4

If you could do another job, what would it be?

Sharon Crane Q5 The Gated Garden Owner sharoncrane@btinternet.com

The biggest challenge would be sourcing fresh flowers and plants for my loyal customer base. At different times of the year, this can be difficult.

I would like to be an auctioneer at Sothebys.

What's your favourite London building?

At present I love the Cheesegrater, the shape is amazing from all directions. The view must be amazing.

Join Us For further information contact: Southwark Chamber of Commerce Southbank Technopark 90 London Road, London SE1 6LN +44 (0)845 680 1946 Email: admin@southwarkcommerce.com www.SouthwarkCommerce.com

The Chamber is made up of active and successful business people from a wide range of sectors who are based in Southwark, believe in Southwark and wish Southwark to prosper.

We are run by an annually elected Executive Committee who meets ten times a year and there are a number of active sub-committees who work on behalf of the membership.

Their work includes developing business networking opportunities and events, organising conferences and workshops, offering business support and advice surgeries and lobbying local decision-makers on the big issues of the day.

By working together we can help create the conditions for business to thrive in the area.

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Southwark Business Today

Considering a construction project?

If the answer is Yes! Then we may be able to help.

How?

We can discuss your requirements and expectations and assist with project management.

With our expertise we can save you time and help avoid the pitfalls.

This could range from a simple chat to advice on how best to plan.

We can outline the legal requirements; for e.g. planning permission and building regulations as well as party wall matters, CDM regulations, Equality Act provisions, rights of light, thus eliminating risk early on. We are also able to assist by carrying out the above for you.

Make that free, no obligation call and mention 'Southwark Business Today' for a free initial one - one consultation. It may make a difference!

Contact Les Johnson on 07931 231 898 Or email: les.johnson@ljpm.co.uk www.ljpm.co.uk

• • • •

Project Management Contract Administration Building Surveying Services CDM Coordination and Design Risk Management • Client Advisor / Compliance Report • Independent Assessor / Certifier on PFI & PPI Projects

‘Les Johnson of LJPM has been working with me for the past 8 months. It has been a pleasure to have Les on board for a number of reasons.

Les is very knowledgeable in all areas within the building industry, he has been a great problem solver and sound board during the development of my new venture Cafè1809.

I have also enjoyed working with Les as he is very polite and considerate.’

'I have no hesitation in recommending Les Johnson and will definitely being working with him on my future projects.'

Dame Kelly Holmes

LJPM Ltd Construction Consultants

3 More London Riverside SE1 2RE. Tel. 020 313 79808

At 15Hatfields, flexibility is the name of the game. From meetings of 2 through to parties of 500, we are specialists in creating tailor-made bespoke packages matched to your budget or theme.

Located on London’s Southbank, 15Hatfields combines a modern and versatile events and conferences venue with a rigorous commitment to sustainability, the environment and excellent customer service.

15Hatfields 1 5Hatfields – tthe he flexible, flexiblle e, ffriendly riendly vvenue enue Email inf info@15hatfields.com o@15hatfields.com or call call 020 7827 5920 Conferences | Events | Award dinners | P Prroduct launc nches | Parties

www w..15H a t f ie l d s. co m