Southwark Business Today September 2017

Southwark

BUSINESS TODAY

Issue 15: Autumn 2017

All change in one of London’s oldest neighbourhoods Page 22 • Mexico: Turning the Opportunity into Reality for your Business Page 12

• Kalmars - Celebrating 50 years in business Page 16

• River trip celebrates the glory that is the Thames Page 28

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Proud to be new members of Southwark Chamber of Commerce

Southwark Business Today - Autumn_Layout 1 12/09/2017 11:56 Page 3

Welcome to

Welcome Contents

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY The Southwark Chamber of Commerce magazine for all Businesses in Southwark Within the borough I have continued to be amazed at the transformation into such a vibrant centre for dining out with new pop-ups springing up all over the place, including Metro Mecarto in Newington Causeway, Hawker House, Canada Water, the Bussy Building in Peckham and Flat Iron Square in Southwark Street.

A restful summer? Not quite!

Although London seems to be a bit more like Paris each year, with a sense of holiday and quiet roads throughout August, the Chamber has remained busy.

At the start of July we had a sell-out cruise on the Thames, the 150 places including a table from South East London Chamber and another from South Side Chamber, broadening our areas of activity.

We had a walk around Peckham, delving into its rich history. It is not overstating it to say that there are many exciting things going on and planned.

We are about to have a sell-out walking tour of the Borough Market. Again, the area is oozing history and we are very much looking forward to hearing more about it courtesy of ex chair and local resident Ken Hays.

Personally, as Chair I have been fortunate to have lunch at the Bank of England, an annual event where Chambers of Commerce set out their views on London economy for the bank.

As always, each borough is very proud of its own area, but I can genuinely say Southwark has far more going on than any other borough, and we are fortunate to be situated in such an interesting and diverse area.

I was also privileged to have lunch with one of our vice chairs, Lord Kennedy, in the House of Lords, where it was fascinating to catch up with the inside machinations of this august house.

Disclaimer

On visiting a local craft brewer, I was surprised to hear there are 15 brewers within one mile. How this is viable became apparent on calling in last Saturday morning to chamber member Southwark Brewers.

Their railway arch was packed with young, and some once young like me, people enjoying the high-quality beer they produce in a really vibrant atmosphere that attracts people from across town.

This is clearly the way of the future for the leisure industry, providing interesting places, that people enjoy visiting.

There are seven new theatres springing up, new hotels at Elephant and Castle and elsewhere, new restaurants such as The Ivy moving into the borough; the future has a very positive outlook.

The Chamber continues to urge the Council to assist in coordinating the way forward to promote tourism. We look forward to meeting in November at chamber members London Bridge Experience to discuss tourism and we thank them for their support generally but especially on this topic, they have so much experience to share with the borough.

We are now actively promoting the Excellence in Business Award event planned for March next year. Working with specialist companies White Label, Southwark News and the Council as well as larger local business, this black tie event is intended to recognise and celebrates a success and the talents that exist within the 18,000 businesses within the borough.

The Chamber is having a drive to encourage less active members to attend the many events that we have planned. The Chamber is all about networking to get local businesses working together. See our website for updates on the numerous events planned.

Southwark Business Today is mailed without charge to all Chamber members and distributed to businesses in the Borough.

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

Richard Kalmar

Chairman Southwark Chamber of Commerce Views expressed in publication are not necessarily those of Southwark Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. Š 2017.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published

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4 -5 6 7 8-9 10 11 12-13 14 16-20

21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28 29 30 32 33 34 Enquiries

Up Front News Ask the Expert Arts & Culture New Member Profile Education International Focus Up Close Profile - Kalmars Celebrating 50 Years in Business Remembering when....

Spotlight on London Bridge Women in Business Hospitality Boat Trip Voice from Westminster Health & Wellbeing Chamber Events Last Word Chamber Membership

Southwark Chamber of Commerce Southbank Technopark 90 London Road, London SE1 6LN Tel: 07477 581977 Email: admin@southwarkcommerce.com Web: www.SouthwarkCommerce.com

Editor

John Dean Email: deangriss@btinternet.com

Contributing Editor Susan Isaacs

Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com

Publisher

Published

Autumn 2017 Š Benham Publishing

Advertising and Features

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

Studio

Mark Etherington Email: mark@benhampublishing.com Media No.1552

in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content.

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

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Up Front Linked In, Twitter, Snapchat, and the Dreaded Google Slap

By Susan Isaacs Large trendy black spectacles, and power point pictures dominated this early bird chamber meeting on July 20th.

Two young men, Patrick, and Cedric, with matching black polo necked jumpers and short haircuts, have formed a company called Clients Generator to help businesses use social media. The meeting was so popular, we had to upgrade to a larger room. The setting was definitely back to school, as a notably young audience, spectacles gleaming eagerly, many more young women than usual, sat poised, tablets and phones at the ready to make notes.

The room itself was very functional, with a corrugated iron roof and a bright red wall at the back. The simple wooden tables, strip lighting and white plastic clock reminded us firmly that the early bird meeting this morning was not in a plush boardroom, but in a simple classroom at London Southbank University, where student discounts and loans rather than expense accounts, are the norm.

Richard Kalmar pointed out, as he introduced the young men, that technology should not just be limited to Silicone Roundabout, but should come to Southwark too. Patrick then took us through a whistle stop tour of the latest trends in social media, which left us gasping for breath.

He gave the example of how Blockbuster video, where people had to physically go into a shop and obtain a video, had gone bankrupt under pressure from companies where you could simply download a film online.

He gave valuable advice about how to reply to both good and bad reviews, to show you care about customers, and zoomed through the newest forms of media available like a periscope streaming app for twitter. He explained the power of using high emotion in a video, like those that went viral after the Grenfell Fire. And he discussed which types of media might be appropriate for your customers. Snapchat, he explained, is very appropriate for a young audience, whereas Twitter is the loudest platform, has the most diverse audience, and is used increasingly by politicians and governments.

He even, and I will leave you to look this up for homework, discussed the dreaded Google Slap.

The audience had eager discussions with the entrepreneurs afterwards, and they not only exchanged business cards, but to show how clued up they were, connected on Linked In and exchanged Twitter handles with abandon. It looks like Silicone Roundabout will have to look to their laurels and their laptops, with some hot competition from Southwark from now on.

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Camberwell florist pays homage to butterfly

The new website created by Pesh Flowers features a beautiful butterfly design and the company’s Signature Bouquet.

They have just given the workshops a facelift and now have some new and exciting designs and techniques to show students.

Perfect for absolute beginners and those that love flowers, the classes are fun and informative and a great way to meet like-minded people while learning a new skill.

Coming up are seasonal autumnal class and two Christmas workshops.

The Camberwell Beauty' is a floral representation of the colours of the butterfly discovered in Camberwell in 1748.

Having provided flowers for the people of Camberwell and beyond for more than 60 years, the business decided ten years ago to start a flower school.

The business, which is proud to be part of Camberwell’s diverse and artistic culture, can be found at 31 Denmark Hill.

You can find more information at www.peshflowers.co.uk

Partnership aims to boost creative sector training

Southwark Council has announced a £50,000 arts programme designed to help younger residents to take up creative courses.

The council has announced a creative skills partnership with London Southbank University and University of the Arts London which includes Southwark’s Creative Bursary.

Its announcement was part of the launch of the area’s cultural strategy, Creative Southwark 2017-2022.

Cllr Johnson Situ, cabinet member for business, culture and social regeneration, said: “Southwark is a trailblazer when it comes to cultural development in London, attracting some of the biggest and culturally diverse names in the theatre and arts worlds.

“We are also unique in our commitment to embedding

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

culture and the arts in everything we do, from business, planning and regeneration to education and employment, so that it truly benefits our local residents, providing jobs, opportunities and access to some of the most exciting and unusual arts and events programmes in London.

“With increasing financial pressures in the public sector leading to the risk of a loss of focus on subjects like arts and culture, Southwark is stepping in to fill that gap with our promise to help young people access the arts.”

Creative Southwark, which looks at how the council’s partnerships and regeneration projects

can help shape the borough’s cultural sector, was launched with an event at the Tate Modern.

MC for the event was UK grime artist C Cane and guests enjoyed a special performance from the Central School of Ballet, who will be moving into their new premises in Southwark next year.

Up Front

British Land - supporting local employment and enterprise

Update from Eleanor Wright, Canada Water Masterplan Team

Creating a new economic centre for Southwark, home to a range of employment opportunities and a wide variety of businesses and workspace, is a fundamental ambition of the Canada Water Masterplan.

The completed scheme expects to be home to around 20,000 jobs across workspace, retail and leisure, and will create significant construction employment opportunities with an average of around 1,200 workers on site each month during construction periods.

Early work to develop and deliver the masterplan’s legacy is underway and we are piloting projects under four focus areas: education, employment, business and community. These pilots will help us trial ideas and continue to understand how best to deliver long term social and economic benefit for the local area.

Below are some examples of the projects, along with details of how you can get involved:

Tree Shepherd We are working with Tree Shepherd whose focus is on encouraging and supporting local enterprise. They will offer free support to local businesses through mentoring and the first ‘Start Your Own Enterprise’ programme. The programme will run from 4 October 2017 for eight weeks and enable budding entrepreneurs to explore why they want to run a business, understand their target markets and learn how to price and sell.

The course is free for residents local to the SE16 area.

Please call 0203 948 3023 or email info@treeshepherd.org.uk if you’d like to know more or are interested in becoming a business mentor.

GoodPeople We are also working with GoodPeople to link local residents with sustainable employment and offer skills development opportunities in Canada Water.

A pilot project, which will run over the next year, will see GoodPeople work with the suppliers and businesses at Surrey Quays Shopping and Leisure as well as the Printworks to match unemployed local residents with local employment opportunities.

They will also source opportunities for work experience and placements, working with local community partners and schools.

We’d be delighted to hear from you if your business has any employment opportunities.

Bright Lights Starting Out in Retail and Hospitality In addition to this, Surrey Quays Shopping and Leisure, in partnership with The Source Skills Academy, is giving 16 to 24 year-olds in Southwark the chance to embark on a free five-week training programme, designed to provide them with the skills they need to build a successful career in retail or hospitality.

The programme, which we have developed and funded, runs across thirteen of our sites this year, gets underway in October, and will combine classroom teaching alongside work placements at one of Surrey Quays’ retail, food and beverage or leisure brands. At the end of the scheme, trainees will receive their formal qualifications at an official celebration event.

To take part, young people need to sign up to the taster session on 4 October, which will provide a flavour of what the programme will involve. To find out more or sign up to the taster session, please email brightlights@ thesourceacademy.co.uk or call 0114 263 5619.

These are just some of the projects about to get underway this autumn. Our aim is to ensure

our activities provide a long term legacy for the area and create opportunities which enable all local residents to benefit from the masterplan. Please get in touch if you’d like to hear more or get involved: team@canadawatermasterplan.com Canada Water Masterplan For more information on the Canada Water Masterplan, visit: www.canadawatermasterplan.com

Working with SMEs to access contract opportunities

A procurement project that brings together buyers and suppliers to ensure a lasting legacy of economic growth in South London.

How we work with suppliers •

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•

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How we work with buyers • Access to a variety of local Free face-to-face business advice suppliers • Face-to-face engagement Help getting your business fit to • Effective supply chain brokerage supply • Free events Free events and workshops • Complimenting internal corporate responsibility Access to contract opportunities • Measurable results through tracking, monitoring and evaluation of activity Access to well established business • Reducing carbon footprint networks throughout London

This is a free business support service that is funded by the Canary Wharf Group plc and Qatari Diar Development Company (UK) Ltd. ––––––––––––––––––––––– Southbank Place Project Office Elizabeth House, Level 4, 39 York Road, London SE1 7NQ E: info@slpn.org.uk

W: www.slpn.org.uk

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News

British School of Osteopathy gains University College title The British School of Osteopathy (BSO) is pleased to announce that it has been granted University College title following an application to Privy Council and will be known as the University College of Osteopathy from 18 September 2017.

The institution, which has been a leading provider of osteopathic education, research and healthcare for the past 100 years, is now the only osteopathic educational institution in Europe to hold both University College status and the power to award its own degrees.

These achievements serve as an important quality mark for the UCO, and were granted following an intense period of scrutiny of the institution’s academic standards and business processes.

The new name is accompanied by a new visual identity and digital presence, offering a fresh look and an improved user experience for students, patients and other audiences.

Charles Hunt, Vice-Chancellor says: “This is an exciting time for all at the UCO and our wider

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network of supporters. We believe the granting of University College title is an important recognition of all the institution has managed to achieve over the past century, recognising us as a leading provider of osteopathic education and healthcare, both in the UK and internationally, and positioning us for further growth and development.

“We are very proud of our rich history and reputation, but are also keen to look to the future and pursue opportunities to develop, improve and to drive the profession forward, and we believe a fresh, new identity as the University College of Osteopathy will help us to do that.”

The rebrand also encompasses the school’s award-winning osteopathic teaching clinic, to be known as the University College of Osteopathy Clinic, or UCO Clinic, going forward.

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The clinic, which is based on Southwark Bridge Road, delivers nearly 40,000 appointments each year through its purpose built facilities and local community venues. It is used by a wide range of people and, in the spirit of the UCO’s belief that osteopathic healthcare should be accessible to all, most appointments are heavily subsidised, with care for certain patient groups offered free of charge.

For further information about the University College of Osteopathy visit www.uco.ac.uk.

To find out more about the services offered by the UCO Clinic and to make an appointment visit www.clinic.uco.ac.uk or call 020 7089 5360.

Become a Community Partner

The UCO Clinic runs a Community Partnership Scheme which is open to local businesses and organisations.

Employees or members or organisations who have signed up to the scheme are entitled to to a discounted rate on appointments of the UCO Clinic (typically £19 per appointment compared to the industry average of £45). There is no cost to partner organisations who join the scheme.

To find out more about signing your organisation up to the scheme visit www.uco.ac.uk/ communitypartners or contact j.harris@uco.ac.uk

Ask the Expert

The biggest game-changer in data protection and privacy legislation for decades GDPR explained and the next steps…

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is something that most businesses will have heard about by now the publicity surrounding GDPR is increasing on a daily basis and will do for the foreseeable future, but do you need to be aware and listen to the hype?

The answer is yes …

If your business holds any personal data then you must understand and comply with GDPR, by having in place the necessary processes no later than May 25th 2018.

Why has it been put in place?

The government introduced the GDPR in April 2016, encouraging businesses to comply by May 2018. The GDPR requires businesses of all sizes to have a level of data privacy and security that is beyond most organisations current practice.

Large fines will be given to any businesses that do not comply.

What will I have to do come May?

The GDPR states that you must be able to clearly identify all personal data that you hold, prove that it is secure, and that the correct processes have been followed. On top of this, data must only be used for the reason it was intended and consent must always be given.

Data that is not needed will have to be deleted, as retaining some personal data will no longer be lawful.

If an individual asks for their data back, and proof that it has been permanently deleted, you must be able to disclose the information within 40 days.

Why now?

For over 20 years there has been a directive in place that is there to protect data and ensure privacy, however this was not legally binding and due to the changes in the way data is handled, something more substantial is now needed.

Will I need to comply?

Yes, if your business has any employees or customers then you will currently be holding

data that needs protecting in line with the GDPR. The GDPR defines personal data as “any information relating to an individual, whether it relates to his or her private, professional or public life. It can be anything from a name, a photo, an email address, bank details, posts on social networking websites, medical information, or a computer’s IP address.”

There are also additional rules relating to national security, child protection, healthcare, historical and scientific research purposes.

What are the next steps?

Talk to the experts, at Complete I.T. we have partnered with experts on GDPR who will carry out compliance testing and help you to put a plan and processes in place before the May deadline.

Educate yourselves and your teams, we put on a number of seminars every quarter that are aimed at educating you and your businesses on the GDPR, Cyber Crime and other current subjects relating to your organisations security and compliance.

Be proactive, this is not something that may affect you, it will affect you so do not bury your head in the sand and hope that someone else will deal with it. Talk to your IT departments, IT Support Providers and seek expert advice.

Join Complete I.T., Redscan, Datto and Microsoft on the 2nd November at the Hospital Club, Covent Garden as we explore the rise in Cyber Crime and provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to educate your teams.

We will be looking at the General Data Protection Regulation in more detail and helping you to put together a plan to ensure your business is protected against the impending penalties. Contact Complete I.T. to find out more.

Complete I.T.

5-7 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RQ 0207 9930010 www.complete-it.co.uk

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

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Arts & Culture

A Giant Printing Press becomes the Hippest Dive in Europe The Printworks London at Canada Water

By Susan Isaacs – Arts and Culture Correspondent

A vast industrial hall looms around us and in the centre stands a pink fluorescent horseshoe shaped mobile bar, with a waiter in the centre dispensing drinks.

Cocktail glasses line the top of it and smart city types in business suits engage in lively talk. Strobe lighting casts blue and red shadows in a grid on the vast metallic walls. Circulating staff serve us delicious food, like macaroni cheese and shepherd's pie, in miniature saucepan shaped dishes.

The metal pan handles come in very useful especially when you are trying to balance your wine glass in one hand and your saucepan in the other. Relief is at hand as I find a space on one of the high tables dotted round the room.

The venue is The Printworks London, which housed the giant printing presses which

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once delivered The Evening Standard, and Daily Mail.

British Land is supporting a topical play, of which more later, and an intriguing tour of this vast industrial maze.

They have previously used the space for a day music venue attracting some of the most popular DJs in Europe. The high ceilings house a daunting array of ironmongery. The Printworks has served as a film studio, and the vast halls shift from portraying hospital wards to star wars with remarkable flair. The entire floor space is more than 119,200 feet in diameter, an ideal space for a vast array of events.

A narrow iron staircase, (not designed for some of the attendees stylish shoes),

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

takes us up to the place where vast tons of print rolls were stored. No humans were officially allowed there, because of the danger from the cranes, which lifted tons of newsprint, each roll of paper being 1.8 tonnes. The manager confesses he once illicitly took a terrifying ride both inside and outside the cranes, but he is still here to tell the tale.

I was stunned by the sheer vastness of the halls, the downside to of all that space was a long, anxiety-provoking walk to the loo. I wondered if, like Captain Oates in the Antarctic, I might never return.

But the loos, when I found them, were worth the trek.

They had lashings of a gorgeous green sea kelp soap,

and a luxurious scented moisturising lotion, albeit a little out of place in the grim industrial landscape.

Images by Martin Rich

Arts & Culture

The Letter of Last Resort

By David Greig Review by Susan Isaacs – Arts and Culture Correspondent A bell goes, a voice echoes out across the space. We are being summoned to see the play, The Letter of Last Resort, by David Greig. Somehow I find my way back through the colossal halls. The Play is about to begin.

The strains of Elgar's Nimrod drift across the theatre as the play opens, and we see a living room with a painting of a ship.

There are sounds of the radio in the background.

A woman,(Lisa Day) stands to the left of the stage behind a desk, her silver hair accentuated by the black and white dress she is wearing. When she speaks she has a soft Northern accent. A be-suited middle-aged man (Robert Gordon Clark) stands opposite her, grey-haired with heavy black glasses.

The minute he speaks, his haughty tones show him to be a high-ranking bureaucrat, a Mandarin along the lines of Sir Humphrey in 'Yes Minister', who is quite determined to get the lady in the black and white dress, who we soon realise is a newly appointed Prime Minister, to do his will.

And what is his will?

"Well, as you know Prime Minister, at any given moment there is always at least one

British Trident submarine on patrol somewhere in the world.

Its mission being to avoid detection and remain hidden.

Inside each Trident submarine is a safe, and inside that safe is another safe and inside that safe is an unopened letter."

The unopened letter is the instructions on what to do in the event that the whole of the UK has been devastated by a nuclear bomb and the Prime Minister is no longer alive. Should the Captain press a button to launch a reprisal which could kill millions of people, or put himself under the command of another power like the U.S if they are still there?

This is a very real moral dilemma each new British Prime Minister faces, the day they take office.

The audience afterwards was engaged in a heated discussion about the nuclear deterrent, exactly what the play was written to provoke. One has to admire the writer and actors who made a threat that can

seem abstract to us into something that became very real on stage.

It was interesting to meet the two actors off stage afterwards and talk to them. How intriguing to find that in real life they are in fact husband and wife.

Robert explained that they deliberately gave the Prime Minister a Northern accent, to avoid identifying her specifically with Margaret Thatcher or

Theresa May. Credit to the actors that their persona was so completely different off stage, Robert in particular having nothing of the stuffed shirt civil servant he portrays on stage, and Lisa much softer and less power-driven.

The whole evening was a fascinating production supported by British Land.

I strongly recommend a visit if the opportunity arises.

“The minute he speaks, his haughty tones show him to be a high-ranking bureaucrat, a Mandarin along the the lines of Sir Humphrey in 'Yes Minister', who is quite determined to get the lady in the black and white dress, who we soon realise is a newly appointed Prime Minister, to do his will.”

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New Member Profile

The Crooked Well Gastropub is pleased to become a new member of the chamber Matt, Hector and Jen all came from white table-cloth backgrounds with years of service in Hospitality behind them.

In 2011 they decided to do it themselves, but didn’t see why great food and service had to be reserved for the flash places in town.

Local to the area already, they took over a failing site in Camberwell and started over, with everything they had to make The Crooked Well.

The Crooked Well is an awardwinning Gastropub in the heart of Camberwell with private dining rooms & function space available.

The drinks list of classic cocktails, local beers and handpicked wines is sure to quench your thirst.

And whether you are looking for a light bite or a full slap-up meal, the seasonal menu of family-style sharing dishes & European classics will fit the bill.

Upstairs is the Red Room, one of two spaces. With its chandeliers, deep red curtains and private bar, it is a luxurious enclave perfect for business or pleasure.

Suitably impressive for clients & colleagues and intimate enough for friends and loved ones.

Seating from 12 to 32, this rooms offers great versatility and is great for birthdays & weddings.

Up to 22 guests can be sat around one large table or up to 32 spread across 2 long tables, side by side banquet style.

You’ll have your own bar, music, toilets & of course staff to look after you, all with no extra room hire charge.

Our Green Room boasts exciting views into the kitchen, where guests can see the Chef at work, with beautiful period features and a huge arch window looking out on to Grove Lane.

This is the smaller of the 2 rooms available upstairs but no less charming. Perfect for dining for

up to 16, this room suits the more intimate dinner with friends.

A small Independent, they take pride in offering you it all from awesome Bruches or tasty bar snacks up to the full works with our a la carte... And if you just want to quench your thirst, the bar is open all day. You’re very welcome at The Crooked Well.

020 7252 7798 General enquiries only: harry@thecrookedwell.com Group bookings/private hires: Email jen@thecrookedwell.com The Crooked Well, 16 Grove Lane, Camberwell, SE5

Welcome to the award winning Gastropub Christmas Menu

NYE Private Dining

• £27 for 2 courses • £32 for 3 courses (vegan option available) • Includes crackers, mince pies & tea/coffee • From 8-48 diners No minimum spend, no hire charge For any private dining/large group bookings (dining from the pre-orderded Christmas Menu) made for Mon-Wed from 27th Nov – 20th Dec, Lunch and Dinner, will receive 20% off their total bill. The menu is available from 27th November until 23rd Dec

• £60/head You’ll have your own private room upstairs and of course staff to look after you. The room and menu are for a minimum of 12 adults dining.

There’s a bar and your own music (please bring a device, with a standard headphone port, with a playlist on) • 3 courses, including wine with your meal • Own bar & music • From 12 - 48 diners

Bottomless Prosecco Brunch • £20 Bottomless Prosecco on Saturdays for Brunch until 3pm (2 hr window) • Private Room & Family Style Brunch Menu available with Bottomless Prosecco for £32/head

020 7252 7798

www.thecrookedwell.com

General enquiries only: harry@thecrookedwell.com Group bookings/private hires: Email jen@thecrookedwell.com The Crooked Well, 16 Grove Lane, Camberwell, SE5

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Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Chamber offer

10% discount

on all bookings made by 13th October

Must mention CHAMBER OFFER at time of booking

Education

College scores 100% achievement rates across range of subjects Lewisham Southwark College has achieved 100% success across many of its vocational courses in 2016-2017 according to new, externally validated data.

The scores – which are higher than the national average – have been achieved in a wide range of subject areas including Performing Arts; Art, Design and Fashion; Construction; and Service Industries.

A 100% achievement rate means that every student has successfully passed their qualification, and demonstrates a high level of commitment among both students and staff at the College.

The 100% scores are across a wide range of subjects from

Level 1 to Level 3. In addition, a number of Departments at the College achieved overall success rates of over 90% including Service Industries, Digital Skills, Childcare, ESOL (for adults and young people) and Supported Learning.

The 2016-2017 achievement rates represent an increase of up to 10% on the College’s previous year’s scores, reflecting its success in continuously improving courses to ensure they are industry-focused and meet students’ needs. This has included trialling innovative

teaching methods to engage students, tailoring teaching to the learning styles of individual students, and providing relevant work experience opportunities, enabling students to apply what they have learned in the real world.

Recent figures also reveal that Lewisham Southwark College’s apprenticeship achievement rate is 8.5% above the national average. The 2015/16 Apprenticeship Provider Achievement Rate Tables, published by the government’s Education and Skills Funding

Agency, show that the College achieved a 78.5% overall achievement rate, and is now on track to become an ‘outstanding’ apprenticeship provider in the next year.

Carole Kitching, Principal comments: “We are very proud of the exceptional success rates we have achieved this academic year, which are the result of the shared focus, dedication and professionalism of our staff and students. We wish all our successful students the very best as they progress on to the next stage of their careers.”

ADD APPRENTICES TO YOUR WORKFORCE Apprentices offer many benefits to businesses – not only an extra pair of hands, but also look for employees of the future.

Your local college have a dedicated team who work with businesses and apprentices to give you a skilled workforce. LS College staff are also trained to help you maximise the Apprenticeship Levy.

LSCOLLEGE.AC.UK/APPRENTICESHIPS Apprenticeships@LSCollege.ac.uk 020 3757 3050

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International Focus

Mexico:

turning the opportunity into reality for your Business

By Laura Atkinson, BritChaM Commercial Section

When identifying new export markets, British companies do not immediately consider Latin America.

Mexico ranks top in Latin America for ‘Ease of Doing Business’ according to the World Bank

This may be due to historical “horror stories” of bad and undemocratic governments, poor fiscal and monetary management, safety concerns, as well as perceived cultural differences and unknowns.

Often, individuals generalise across the whole region, which can lead to misinformation about specific countries.

Building up a relationship with your Mexican partner and creating trust is essential for doing business in Mexico.

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While some of Mexico’s Latin American neighbours may be facing political instability, Mexico is a democratic economy with steady GDP growth (2.3% in 20161), single-digit inflation since the year 2000 and is currently opening up traditionally government-dominated sectors of energy, utilities and telecommunications.

The country is very much open to trade and, being the second-largest population of Latin America after Brazil, can offer huge rewards for companies serious about doing business there.

Culturally, there is more shared history than one may think.

The UK was the first European great power to recognise Mexico’s sovereignty following its War of Independence in 1810. Just 15 years later, 130 Cornish miners sailed to Mexico

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

to work the main Hidalgo mines bringing with them the latest technology and culture – along with pasties and football. British technology is still held in high regard today and both countries enjoy an extremely amicable bilateral relationship.

Ministers from both countries have publicly stated on numerous occasions that they are committed to establishing a new FTA when Britain leaves the European Union2.

Fears of Trump Effect Subside

Earlier this year, there were serious concerns over the impact of proposed protectionist policy and “dialogue” (read: tweets) from the newly elected President Trump.

Mexico’s growth has been fuelled by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

that encouraged the country to establish itself as a manufacturing powerhouse, especially in the automotive, aerospace and white goods sectors.

NAFTA has since been complemented by a FTA with the EU, amongst others, and Mexico now has FTAs with 45 countries, however 82% of Mexican exports still go to the United States3. In spite of these concerns, GDP has been growing. The Mexican government even revised their growth forecast for 2017 upwards in May4 after having given more conservative numbers at the beginning of the year due to Trump's presidency.

The manufacturing sector has been behind much of this growth. Using the automotive sector as one of the most illustrative examples of renewed

International Focus optimism in Mexico, earlier in the year Ford Motors cancelled the construction of what was to be their second plant in Mexico5.

This appeared to be a political move to appease Trump and a potential disaster for the Mexican economy if other carmakers followed suit.

However, months later, these fears have not been realised and Nissan with Daimler, KIA, Toyota and Nemark are now expanding their operations in Mexico, while Volkswagen, BMW and Audi have publicly committed to maintaining their investments in the country.

Production for 2017 (up to July) reached record numbers of 2,170,732 vehicles manufactured – a 10.8% increase on the year before.

These figures were complimented by a 13.1% increase in exports (1,756,390 vehicles.) The story is similar in the other manufacturing subsectors with aerospace exports anticipated to grow by 12% this year.6

The Mexican government also understands that there is a need to reduce dependency on the United States7. They are currently renewing and modernising the existing FTA with EU and there are talks of a new FTA between Mexico and China8.

The Opportunity

There are opportunities available in Mexico at every level and beyond manufacturing.

In the energy sector, we have seen British Chamber members win important tenders for exploration and production as well as retail in oil and gas, thanks to the 2014 Energy Reform.

Queues for the BP petrol station in Mexico City – the first international station and now third-best selling in the country

The same reform, combined with the Mexican government’s commitment to source 35% of power from clean energy by 2024, has also expanded opportunities in power generation. In this sector, British Chamber members are winning some of the 5,000 MW of power granted to solar and wind power companies to supply to the grid.

There are therefore opportunities available to companies who can supply into these important sectors, as well as second- and third-tier suppliers.

Education reform is also revolutionising this sector, with a new English National Strategy to dramatically improve the standard of English spoken in the country9. Given the time lags for these strategies to bear fruit, parents and executives also depend greatly on the private sector.

In addition, there are plenty of opportunities in construction and infrastructure as well as healthcare, given the size of the country and its strong growth ambitions.

Accessing the Opportunity

The good news is that British products are well perceived in Mexico, that Mexicans are very friendly and easy to talk to, and value their relationships with business partners. This does mean that Brits need to build a relationship with their Mexican allies if they want to do business. A gentle approach is required and not a hard, up-front sales pitch.

Many British companies choose to manage their business in Mexico through a local distributor.

It is important that British companies are fair and appreciative of their distributor.

Finding a distributor can be difficult and there is plenty of competition from other international companies in the Mexican market.

This means that British companies need to consider carefully the price sensitivity of their products. The current

World Bank http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/mexico/overview https://www.forbes.com.mx/mexico-reino-unido-buscan-acuerdo-pos-brexit/ Forbes https://www.forbes.com.mx/comercio-mexico-estados-unidos-no-disminuira-comce/ 4 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-economy-idUSKBN18I1RQ 5 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-03/ford-cancels-1-6-billion-mexico-plant-aftertrump-s-criticism 1 2 3

BMW remain committed to its Mexican plant in San Luis Potosí

offer in the Mexican market may make price competition extremely challenging.

At the beginning stages, identifying appropriate partners and establishing contact can be difficult. Emails can be ignored completely and it can be hard to reach the right person by phone, although often this is necessary to secure a meeting.

Establishing a meeting in person is often the only opportunity for real feedback and discussion of your product and so ensuring this meeting goes well is essential. This means dressing appropriately, using the correct title of the person you are meeting with and preparing adequately.

While most Mexicans make an effort to be punctual, traffic and other factors may mean this is not always possible. It is therefore important to be patient and to try not to seem annoyed if the person you are meeting with arrives up to an hour late!

However, you still need to remember that not all Mexicans are unpunctual and so planning enough time and factoring in heavy traffic is key to making the right impression.

To secure business from any meetings, companies need to be persistent with follow up and patient when awaiting responses.

6 7 8 9

The British Chamber of Commerce can help you in establishing contact with potential partners and clients.

Discussing your options and readiness to export to this market with your local Chamber of Commerce is a good first step.

While Mexico ranks well in terms of ease of doing business, it is not usually advisable for first time exporters. Your local Chamber can also put you in touch with the British Chamber in Mexico (BritChaM) who can support you on the ground. BritChaM can provide advice and guidance on your sector in Mexico, help you find appropriate suppliers and make first introductions so you can get your foot in the door. Given the outstanding opportunities available in Mexico and the support available, there has never been a better time to explore what could be in store for you.

Teotihuacan

http://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/empresas/exportacion-aeroespacial-subira-12.html http://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/2017/02/23/1147967

http://money.cnn.com/2017/07/05/news/economy/mexico-china-trade-deal/index.html

http://www.zocalo.com.mx/seccion/articulo/llegara-en-20-anos-ingles-a-escuelas-de-mexico

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

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Up Close

Strong principles that underpin company’s growth Jennifer O’Donnell is a businesswoman with a strong focus on creating the right environment for both her staff and her clients.

The owner of Jane Jefferson Cleaning created the business herself and has seen it grow dramatically, based on a strong ethical base, including a strong adherence to the Living Wage.

She has not always worked in the cleaning industry. In fact, she started her career working in sales with a pharmaceutical company then went to work in increasingly senior roles for BBC Worldwide and Universal Music.

Her dream had always been to work in music and she worked for the UMTV and Decca labels, dealing primarily in albums featuring big name artists.

Having done that for a number of years, she became increasingly aware of the work-life balance, particularly as she had two children, and established her cleaning company in 2013.

Initially working on her own, at first she concentrated on residential cleaning but now she has grown the business

14

to employ a growing team and has been expanding her commercial cleaning service as well.

Through it all, her sense of principle shines through and her strong ethical approach to creating the right conditions for her staff, has won her many plaudits.

Indeed, the big breakthrough for the business came when the MP Heidi Alexander mentioned Jane Jefferson Cleaning as an ethical company in the House of Commons and they also won the Living Wage Champion title for London.

The business is growing rapidly on the back of such recognition. Jennifer, a Director of the company, said: “We are expanding and succeeding because we, our staff and our clients have the same mindset when it comes to the way we operate.

“We are a very ethical company in the way we do business. We are keen to guarantee fair pay for our staff, for example, and we observe workers’ rights.

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

“We also work hard to create an environment in which our staff can learn and our cleaners tell us that they enjoy working for us because of the environment we have created.

“We are very busy on the domestic cleaning side of the business and our commercial side is expanding as well. We are definitely seeing a growth in demand for our services.”

Jennifer believes that another key to the company’s success

is the way it regards every contract as individual. In a competitive market place, she believes that there is still a place for the human touch.

She said: “I think one of the key reasons for our success is because we encourage our cleaners to think of every place that they clean as an extension of their own home. We want them to take the same care as they would at home and we create a bespoke plan for every client that we have.”

sales@janejeffersoncleaning.com

“We are expanding and succeeding because we, our staff and our clients have the same mindset when it comes to the way we operate. We are a very ethical company in the way we do business. We are keen to guarantee fair pay for our staff, for example, and we observe workers’ rights.”

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Profile

Richard Kalmar looks very at home in the splendid, newly opened Ivy Restaurant by Tower Bridge as we look out, through the blue pillars and green awning of the restaurant, onto the river and the Tower of London.

A fellow diner, and client of Richard comes over for a genial chat. Richard has sold many properties for him, and he has become a friend.

Keep Calm Man Cooking Susan Isaacs in conversation with Richard Kalmar 16

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Richard knows the area like the back of his hand, and points out that all this area was once 'Anchor Butter.'

I look up at the ceiling and see the lights seem to be shaped like little white flowers, and wonder if this is deliberate. But Richard quite rightly points out that it was Kerrygold butter which had that logo. His keen eyes do not miss a trick, and he has the astute mind of a man who has successfully run the highly regarded commercial property estate agents Kalmars through boom and bust for over forty years. We are having lunch to talk about the fifty year anniversary of the firm, and his work as Chairman (this is his second term) of Southwark |Chamber of Commerce.

Kalmars is located only minutes away, and over the years he has sold buildings and land ranging from warehouses, through to hotels, art galleries, bear pits (filled in, he hastens to assure me) and pubs.

One major deal was the sale of the Leathermarket for ÂŁ10.5 million, and there have been many other impressive projects.

Profile

It is the adrenalin of doing a deal that still gets him out of bed in the morning. "It hits the radar when someone says "That's a ten million pound deal." It's a completely different mindset to managing properties, where every week you have maintenance to deal with. That has never been for me. But there are advantages to that sort of work. It is recession proof. When things get tough, people may stop doing deals, but come what may, property always needs to be managed."

I wondered if a few big deals like that would keep the estate agency going for a year.

"There are fourteen hungry mouths to feed at Kalmars, and however big the deal, there is still the need to carry on. Business is always tough for anyone to keep going. "

He told me a story about a course he attended at Cranfield Business School.

Each of the attendees had to make a drawing of what running a business was like for them. One particular drawing drew nods of recognition from every type of business person there. A stick lady on top of a castle was being bombarded by arrows. She was holding out a red flag in surrender.

But this is where Richard is in one of his finest roles. He is now serving his second term as Chairman of Southwark Chamber of Commerce. The events and opportunities for businesses to share concerns and work together, enable them to prosper and save them from that red flag of surrender.

And how is running the Chamber different to running Kalmars?

"With the chamber I'm very conscious of the fact everyone is doing it gratis.

Nobody is being paid directly for it, although you do get out what you put in.

People who are involved do get to know other Chamber members and can really benefit a great deal. When you are running things and people are not getting paid for it you have to be diplomatic."

Kalmars was founded by Richard's father Michael Kalmar in partnership with Alan Parker in 1967, in a diminutive basement in Gresham St EC2.

Michael had four kids to support, and under his leadership the business prospered, mainly serving as industrial agents in South and East London, before moving into major development in the City.

Richard flirted briefly with the idea of making a fortune on middle eastern oil rigs, but then joined his father in 1977, and has been with the firm ever since. They were a foresighted family, and saw the tremendous potential in an area where the docks were closing, and land could be redeveloped.

The company diversified for a while into residential work, but their real love was commercial property.

"One of the best things about being an estate agent is the opportunity to go and look inside places you might never see otherwise," said Richard, and he jokingly explained, "you know you are a real commercial estate agent if you get turned on by seeing the inside of a tennis bat factory, or a former print works."

The family dynamic has often worked well, and Sebastian Kalmar, Richard's son, joined the firm in 2012.

"You've got to be a bit hungry to be motivated," explained Richard, and Sebastian, like his grandfather, and father before him, has young children to support, and is a great asset to the firm.

The waiter hovers around us, asking what we would like to order, and it is at this stage that I discover something about Richard I never knew.

'Would you like the truffles?" asks the waiter.

"Are they summer truffles?" asks Richard knowledgeably.

The waiter blushes.

It is fairly obvious that he has no idea at all, but skips off obligingly to find out.

"What's the difference between summer truffles and other types?" I ask, "Well that happens to be a great interest of mine, says Richard, "I'm an amateur mycologist."

I blush too, as I have no idea what a mycologist is, and I have a reputation as restaurant critic for "Southwark Business Today" to maintain.

"Would you mind telling me what that is? "I mutter into my serviette.

"It's a specialist in mushrooms," explains Richard, "and I love mushrooms. Certain types of truffles can sell for ÂŁ1000 a kilo and summer truffles are a fraction of the price. I'm a vegetarian you know, as are my wife and children, so mushrooms are an important part of our diet."

"And why did you become a vegetarian?"

A soft side of his personality comes out.

"Well, you know, I like animals," he says quietly.

Richard started cooking in his twenties and it has subsequently become a passion.

He has fourteen friends coming for dinner and the dishes are mouth-watering. There are seven or eight different kinds of mushrooms, and rather than Fruits de Mer (fruits of the sea) they are jokingly called Fruits de Terre (Fruits of the earth).

There will be stuffed artichoke hearts, samphire and butter walnuts, and kiwi fruit scooped out with ginger in them. There will be asparagus spears, and he is experimenting with vegetarian sushi.

I first got to know Richard when he attended my advanced French class, and he speaks very good French.

He and his wife Evelyn spend a lot of time in France and it is a real tribute to his cooking, that after Richard's meals two French friends have become vegetarian.

This is particularly impressive because, as Richard points out, the French cannot really believe that vegetarian food can be good, and there is often no vegetarian option on a French menu. The word vegan does not actually exist in French, you just have use "vegetarien' or "vegetarienne" if you are a woman.

I have so enjoyed talking to Richard that I am startled to find it is nearly three o'clock and the office calls.

He has given so many interesting answers to all sorts of questions. But as I sit on the tube on the way home I realise I forgot to ask him the most important question of all.

"When can I have the chance to sample your eight different types of mushrooms?"

“Kalmars was founded by Richard's father Michael Kalmar in partnership with Alan Parker in 1967, in a diminutive basement in Gresham St EC2. Michael had four kids to support, and under his leadership the business prospered, mainly serving as industrial agents in South and East London, before moving into major development in the City.�

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

17

Proud to be associated with Kalmars

‘Les Johnson and LJPM Ltd send their congratulations to Kalmars on their 50th Anniversary and best wishes for continued success in the future.’

••• ‘After developing for 25 years in Southwark and completing nearly 50 schemes, we are now working with a third generation Kalmar. Always professional and always a pleasure to deal with; congratulations on 50 years from all at Acorn.’

John Skok, Founder and Group Operations Director.

••• “Congratulations & best wishes for continued success from the directors & staff at BCM Scaffolding Services Ltd.” ••• “Congratulations to Richard and his team at Kalmar’s for their first 50 years. I always value Richard’s knowledge and expertise in property matters in Southwark.“ Sean Tickle, Rolfe Judd ••• “I have known Kalmar’s for over 25 years now.

Probably the best and certainly the most approachable and professional agents in South East London.

Well done Richard and co!”

Alan Camp, Alan Camp Architects ••• "Congratulations to Richard and all at Kalmars on reaching their Golden Anniversary in business. I wish them continued success in the future.

I have known Richard for 22 years of those 50 and he introduced me to Southwark Chamber of Commerce when he was Chairman of the Chamber previously."

Ken Hayes, Past Chairman and Hon. Secretary Southwark Chamber of Commerce.

••• "Kalmars know every square inch of their territory – Richard and his team are that scarce phenomenon in London, agents that actually and honestly represent the best interests of their instructing clients.

Best Wishes for the next half century!"

Adrian Amos, Owner of Lassco •••

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Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Set within an architectural salvage firm’s shop our restaurant, bar and private dining room is an eclectic mix of beautiful woods, objects and accessories.

This space offers individual experiences, with warmth and personality.

We are based on Maltby Street, home of the famous weekend Maltby Street Market.

Spaces: Photography Room seats up to 35 for dinner, and 50 for standing.

We are available for exclusive hire, 80 – 100 for a standing reception.

We offer:

• Feasting menus at £47 per head, with a cheese supplement of £5 per head.

• Canapés of six per person at £15 a head

Wines and cocktails are available to pre-order. Please get in touch to discuss your ideas, as we are happy to create bespoke experiences for you.

Christmas at LASSCO bar & dining: Ropewalk

For our first Christmas we are looking to be celebrate in a community spirit.

For each Christmas party booking we will be donating £1 per diner to a local Bermondsey Charity.

dining@lassco.co.uk www.LASSCObar.co.uk

@LASSCO_bar

FORGEARCHITECTS

Successfully working on commercial, residential & community regeneration in Southwark for 24 years

6-8 Cole Street London SE1 4YH

0207 378 7782 www.forgearchitects.co.uk

Residential - Commercial - Community - Masterplanning

Proud to be associated with Kalmars

Quebec Way, Canada Water.

A mixed-use scheme for 368 new homes, nursery, gym and mini market nearing completion for London and Quadrant.

National Housing Awards described the scheme as ‘An Outstanding new development’

Alan Camp Architects would like to Congratulate KALMARs on their 50 years - we’re feeling very young in comparison celebrating 25 years next year.

88 Union Street, London, SE1 0NW www.alancamp.com / 020 7593 1000

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

19

Proud to be associated with Kalmars

Considering a construction project?

LJPM Ltd is a Construction Consultancy serving London and the South East.

We have over 40 years of experience in design and project management on a broad range of project types from small to large scale developments.

Our services includes providing professional and technical advice,

The Services we offer include: • Client Advisor

• Principal Designer

• Design Risk Management • Independent Certifier /

Monitor of construction works

• Project Management

assisting with project planning from concept to completion. Working closely with private and commercial clients on various projects, including private residential, schools, offices and other building types.

Collaborating with other Architects and

Architectural Services: • planning and building regulation submissions • construction drawings Building Surveying Services: • Building Defects • Condition Surveys • Party Wall Matters • Contract Administration

consultants, providing Principal Designer and Client advice in connection with CDM 2015 Regulations.

Our approach and expertise will add value to your project saving you time and money in achieving your goal.

LJPM Construction Consultants

3 More London, Riverside, London SE1 2RE

www.ljpm.co.uk

email: info@ljpm.co.uk

Contact Les Johnson on

020 313 79808 or 07931 231 898

Proud members of the Southwark Chamber of Commerce

Scaffolding Services for Commercial and Residential across London

We are BCM scaffolding services Ltd and are one of the leading access providers within the Greater London area.

We are based in Southwark and as a company we not only aspire to be the best, we also strive to be the safest scaffolding company within the industry.

Our clients appreciate the efforts our staff go to in making your job as straight forward as possible.

BCM Scaffolding Services Ltd 69 Southampton Way SE5 7SW London T: 020 7252 4688 F: 020 7252 4644 Email: info@bcmscaffolding.co.uk www.bcmscaffolding.co.uk

PROU D T O BE A MEMBE R OF T HE SOUTHWARK CHAMBE R OF COMME RCE FOR OV E R 20 YE ARS

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Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Awarded the Gold Standard for the Considerate Constructor Scheme 2010/2013

Remembering when ...

Remembering when London Bridge was the only bridge across the Thames in London

By Ken Hayes Hon.Secretary

An impression of what Southwark looked like in AD 120

The Romans invaded Britain in AD 43 and constructed a road, Watling Street, from the south coast to what we now call Southwark, an area of Thames tidal marshland, where they built a wooden pontoon bridge across the River Thames to the north bank where on higher ground they chose to build the walled City of Londinium.

First stone bridge show Nonsuch House, centre and the Chapel right hand side

It remained the only bridge across the river Thames until Putney Bridge was built in 1729. Around AD 55, a permanent wooden piled bridge was built.

The only other ways of crossing the river, upstream, was by fords or flat-bottomed boat ferries. The tide did not come as far upstream as it does today due to the tidal flood marshes and a much wider river.

The bridge may have been damaged or destroyed in the Boudican revolt in AD 60. and rebuilt.

The Romans abandoned Londinium in AD 410 and London Bridge fell in to disrepair.

It is believed that the bridge may have been rebuilt by Alfred the Great or by Ethelred the Unready. This Bridge was pulled down in 1014 to divide the Danish forces that held both

the city of London and Southwark. After the Norman conquest in 1066, King William l rebuilt the bridge, which was subsequently destroyed by a tornado in 1091. This bridge was rebuilt by King William l, but in 1122 was damaged by a fire.

Henry l l set up a monastic Guild, the Brethren of the Bridge, to oversee all work on the bridge and Peter of Colechurch, Chaplin and Warden of the Guild, supervised the building of the last wooden bridge in 1163.

He is commemorated by Colechurch House, on Duke Street Hill.

The fist stone bridge was commissioned by Henry l l, in 1176 following the murder of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was then canonized. A Chapel was built in the middle of the bridge dedicated to St Thomas the Martyr.

This became the starting place traffic coming from Southwark of the pilgrimages to his should keep to the west side of Canterbury shrine, made famous the bridge and traffic from the in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury City should keep to the east side tales. The Chapel also had an of the bridge. Possibly why we entrance at river level for drive on the left hand-side of fishermen and ferrymen. The the road in Britain to this day. cost of this bridge was enormous An act of Parliament was passed and to meet this Henry put in 1758 to remove all the taxes on wool and sheepskins. buildings from the bridge and the The bridge had taken 33 years two centre arches were replaced to complete and King John had by a single wider arch to improve acceded to the throne by the navigation on the river. time it was completed in 1209, By the end of the 18th century he tried to recoup some of the this bridge was over 600 years costs by licencing building plots old and needed replacing. on the bridge, but that was not A competition was held to enough and in 1284 the City of design a new bridge, which London acquired the Charter for was won by John Rennie. the maintenance of the bridge, Construction of this bridge began in exchange for loans to King in 1824, completed in 1831 and Edward l, based on the duties is about 82 yards upstream of and toll-rights of the Brethren the old bridge. This bridge was of the Bridge. The buildings on rebuilt and opened in 1973. the bridge were a fire hazard and still owned and maintained and their weight damaged the by the City Bridge Trust, at no bridge arches over time, in 1212 cost to the public. fires broke out at both ends of the bridge, trapping many Today there are 19 Road people in the middle. bridges, 7 Railway bridges and 5 Pedestrian bridges in In 1577 a new building began London. to be constructed on the bridge from pre-fabricated sections, shipped from Holland, flat packed and assembled on site by joinery, a wonder of that age. In 1633 a fire destroyed the northern end of the bridge and this created a fire break which prevented further damage to the bridge in the great fire of London in 1666. Congestion on the bridge had become Second stone bridge nearing completion in 1831 so bad by 1722 that the looking towards Borough High Street Lord Mayor decreed that

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

21

Spotlight on ...

All change in one of London’s oldest neighbourhoods The dramatic progress being made to upgrade the railway in the London Bridge area has been revealed in stunning pictures taken from the Network Rail helicopter.

The helicopter had been surveying the tracks between London Bridge, Cannon Street, Waterloo East and Blackfriars, to make sure that the railway was in a good condition ahead of engineering upgrade work in August and the images provide a striking example of how the area is changing.

Able to trace its beginnings back to the expansion of the railway in the 1830s, London Bridge has always played a key role in the economic development of the area in its role as the Capital’s oldest railway terminus.

The first station was built at Tooley Street on 14 December 1836 by the London & Greenwich Railway (LGR), along with its line as far as Deptford. It was not grand; a simple building providing a booking hall and company offices, and two platforms at the end of the new viaduct without a train shed to cover passengers and trains.

As a result, the station finds itself once more at the centre of major change.

The improvements, a number of which have now been completed,

22

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

are part of the Governmentsponsored Thameslink Programme, part of a wider vision of a better rail network for London

The Shard Quarter development, which includes the Shard, includes a new bus station and concourse, the biggest in the country, larger than the pitch at Wembley Stadium with new retail and station facilities.

London Bridge is the fourth busiest station in the country, bringing 56 million passengers into the city each year, and the changes will allow the company to introduce more Thameslink trains every day, up to 18 trains an hour through London Bridge.

Tube and bus links will be improved and lifts and escalators will provide access to every

platform. By reconfiguring the track, in the future there will be nine 'through' platforms and six terminating platforms.

This will mean more trains to more destinations including a connection to Crossrail services at Farringdon providing links across and beyond London in all directions.

The aerial pictures taken ahead of the work in August show how much has already been achieved.

Simon Blanchflower, Network Rail’s Thameslink Programme director, said: “As these remarkable photographs show, we are making huge progress at and around London Bridge to transform the railway for passengers, as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.”

Spotlight on ...

London Bridge is being transformed by a number of projects, including:

Shard Quarter - Sellar

The first phase comprised the Shard and The News building. The second phase includes the redevelopment of Fielden House and 21-27 St Thomas Street. The scheme is a residential-led mixed use scheme designed by Renzo Piano.

Science Gallery and Courtyard

127-143 Borough High Street - Kings College (KCL)

The £12m Science Gallery and Courtyard project delivers a 2,000sqm Science Gallery with a target of 300,000 visitors per year, and a landscaped courtyard similar in size and quality to the Royal Academy of Arts at Piccadilly.

KCL are developing a mixed-use retail/hotel project for 127-143 Borough High Street.

A project is being developed to create research space for a ‘catapult stem cell unit’ with a high specification fit out and world leading technology.

Guy’s Cancer Centre

Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

The new £160m Guys Cancer Centre project, designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, creates a unique integrated care and research facility.

Borough Market

The Borough Market initiative is under way with a partnership of landowners working with the trustees to retain and develop the ‘special and unique’ character of Borough Market which has been trading on the site since 1755.

Ellie Burrows, train services director, Southeastern, said: “When it is completed, the Thameslink Programme will improve the passenger experience for all those using London Bridge from next year onwards.”

Away from the railway, there is much work under way to develop the neighbourhood, which is one of London’s oldest. One of the key initiatives is work to place culture at the heart of the area’s continued transformation.

Team London Bridge, the Business Improvement District (BID) for the area, is working with consultant Sherry Dobbin to develop a strategy that brings together many of the cultural attributes of London Bridge.

Her work will focus on the area covered by Team London Bridge, which manages the BID, and whose area is home to the national headquarters of global firms, local and metropolitan government, hundreds of thriving SMEs, one of the

Capital’s busiest railway stations, four performing arts venues, dozens of bars and restaurants, and western Europe’s tallest skyscraper – The Shard.

Now based in London, Sherry Dobbin has more than thirty years’ professional experience working across the international cultural sector in arts institutions, arts-civic partnerships in the UK and US and in one of the world’s largest BIDs, Times Square Alliance in New York.

In her new role, she will be devising a strong cultural programme and said: “This district literally bridges London's contemporary future with its quirky, complex and textured past.

“Situated on the Thames between the flagship London Bridge Station and the iconic Tower Bridge and home to Greater London Authority, this cultural strategy will invite the cultural resources of London to consider how their activation against this unique backdrop

may activate the area as London's Front Stage for Londoners and visitors, alike.”

Nadia Broccardo, CEO of Team London Bridge, said: “Sherry has extensive experience and networks expanding across the globe and our community will benefit hugely from the opportunity to work with her.

“London Bridge has long boasted amazing cultural features but lacked the infrastructure to capitalise on this wealth of heritage, creativity and passion.

Square’s hidden potential and the creative energy of New York’s cultural sector to enrich our neighborhood both substantively and economically.”

To find out more about Sherry’s work with Team London Bridge and get involved go to teamlondonbridge.co.uk.

For more news on the London Bridge Station redevelopment go to thameslinkprogramme.co.uk

“With further large developments on the horizon and the opening of the new London Bridge station, the Bridge Theatre and Science Gallery London, establishing a strong cultural strategy is vital to the success, integrity and character of the area”.

Tim Tompkins, of the Times Square Alliance, said: “In Times Square, Sherry Dobbin did a superb and sensitive job of bringing together Times

Sherry Dobbin

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

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Women in Business

Successful Business Women in Southwark This issue we talk to businesswomen who make a difference in their field.

Helping smaller businesses access opportunities

Petrona Wickham Director of the South London Procurement Network (SLPN) “The idea is to help small businesses share in the investment in the area rather than just the larger companies who buyers may have worked with before.”

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There has been much talk about regeneration in South London in recent years with heavy investment from both the public and private sector.

However, sometimes smaller companies can feel left out when it comes to taking advantage of the opportunities, either because they find tendering for major contracts bewildering or because they do not know the opportunities exist.

Allowing them to access those workstreams is the motivation for Petrona Wickham, Director of the South London Procurement Network (SLPN).

Established by developers Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar, the network works with small to medium enterprises across south London to help them bid for contracts from major businesses and projects based in the area.

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Petrona, who has been with the network since its creation in 2012, said: “I am passionate about helping smaller businesses to access the contracts that come with major development projects.

“Often, small businesses do not think they can be involved or sometimes simply do not know what opportunities exist. Our brokerage work seeks to help them.”

The South London Procurement Network, which is driven by a desire to ensure that local businesses are part of the long term economic growth of the region, puts local; businesses in touch with buyers.

The free service provides: • Free face-to-face business advice • Help getting your business fit to supply • Free events and workshops

• Access to contract opportunities • Access to well established business networks throughout London Petrona said: “The idea is to help small businesses share in the investment in the area rather than just the larger companies who buyers may have worked with before.

“We work with both suppliers and buyers and have more than 1,000 businesses in the network, everything from construction to hairdressers.

“We do not get involved in the process of awarding contracts but do run workshops to advise smaller businesses on tendering for work, including public sector contracts.

“We are seeing more and more local businesses winning contracts, which is very rewarding, and I love to see businesses succeeding.”

Women in Business

Work-based learning opens up opportunities

Vanessa Packham Director of Apprenticeships, Employment and Skills at Lewisham Southwark College Recent years have seen dramatic changes in the way educational establishments prepare young people for the world of work and Vanessa Packham has played her part in the revolution.

Vanessa was appointed Director of Apprenticeships, Employment and Skills at Lewisham Southwark College in March, having previously worked there as a consultant and before that having spent twenty years in education.

The college, which has three campuses across south east London, delivers a range of vocational courses for teenage and adult learners.

Its courses are flexible, allowing learners to take block or day releases courses as well as full-time options, and Vanessa believes that they provide a good alternative to university.

She said: “I have a real passion for work-based learning. I am not doing down university education but it is not for everyone and for many people work-based learning can offer a better option.

“You do hear stories of young people coming out of university without the skills that employers require and certainly some employers are telling us that they are concerned about the skills shortage, particularly in areas such as the STEM subjects and engineering.

“I believe that work-based learning addresses that situation. Not only do the learners have a job which means they are being paid but

they are contributing to their employers at the same time.

“Many companies, particularly smaller ones, need someone who can work right from the beginning after being appointed and such an approach means that the employee can develop their skills and be educated at the same time.

“The college runs a wide range of courses and the most popular type of courses that we offer are the day-release because of the flexibility they offer. Our entire curriculum is designed to be as flexible as possible.”

Vanessa senses that vocational studies such as those provided

by Apprenticeships and similar programmes are becoming more popular, encouraged by Government initiatives such as the recently-introduced Apprenticeship Levy.

She said: “I think there is genuine interest in the idea of work-based learning and the Government is helping companies to take advantage of the opportunities on offer through schemes like the Apprenticeship Levy.

“University will always be popular with many people, and rightly so, but I am sensing a growing interest in work-based learning.”

To strengthen the offer, Lewisham Southwark College recently merged with NCG, one of the largest providers of high quality education, training, employability and work-based learning in the UK.

The merger gives students access to a world-class network of expert tutors, high-tech facilities and advanced learning methods. Following the merger, they will be able to offer: • An even wider choice of vocational courses for 16 to 18 year olds across a huge variety of subjects, building on the success of existing programmes in areas like IT, business, construction and dance

• A stronger Higher Education offering – enabling young people to study for a Foundation degree, for example, while paying 45% lower fees and benefiting from smaller class sizes than they would at a university

• More, higher quality apprenticeships, drawing on NCG’s national expertise and excellent reputation in this area: the Group trains more apprentices than all London colleges combined.

“Many companies, particularly smaller ones, need someone who can work right from the beginning after being appointed and such an approach means that the employee can develop their skills and be educated at the same time.”

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

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Hospitality

The Crooked Well Gastro Pub in Camberwell

By Susan Isaacs – Arts and Culture Correspondent

From Spit and Sawdust to Healing Waters

A beautiful building on the corner of a quiet peaceful road, glows out at you with white shutters, windows and doors. There is something quirky about the lettering in the title of Camberwell Gastropub The Crooked Well.

It takes a moment to register, and then you realize, the second letter o in Crooked is lying on its side, it is indeed Crooked.

This delightful pub was bought and revamped six years by Matthew Green-Armytage (Matt) and Hector Skinner. I spoke to co-founder, actor Jen Aries, who is responsible for weddings and publicity at the pub. She was born above a pub, knows the highs and lows and spit and sawdust, and all three founders wanted to recreate the relaxing personal atmosphere of a country pub.

"We looked all over Camberwell, because of the country feel to it.

We knew there was a history of healing wells in the area. There were springs people came to in the past in the hope of being cured. The name Crooked Well

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suggested a well where people might feel well again."

And six years ago they found their dream place .

"It was a pub that had had all the beautiful original features ripped out, and had turned into a rather soulless community centre. We had a few months with the mortgage ticking away to get it refurbished and up and running. We worked around the clock and restored all the original features, the ceiling roses, the tiling in the floor and round the bar, ...."

And then a huge piece of serendipity fell their way.

Famous Pop artist Sir Peter Blake, best known for the cover of Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Band Album) decided to hold his artist's dinner there, and his friends packed out the place. Major restaurant reviewer Jay Rayner just happened to drop in that very evening.

The place was buzzing, he gave it a positive review and ... the rest is history.

And what of the food?

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

I sipped on a delicious rose wine, my dining partner had matching rose lemonade, and an artichoke soup with sultry flavours of a homemade potage.

My hors d'oeuvre was a delicious chicken and wood pigeon terrine. It was not too rich, and perfectly set off by a tangy apple and gooseberry chutney, and crisp toast. We both liked it so much that we kept ordering more toast to finish each morsel off. I selected a chop with aubergines, which were both just the right texture, the chop easy to sink your teeth into, the aubergines, pliant but not too oily. My dining partner found his falafel burger rather too spicy, but he did ask me to mention that his tolerance of spiciness is about two on a scale of one to ten.

The accompanying carrots were a little bland, and the new potatoes pleasant but a little hard. But all this paled into insignificance when we moved onto dessert. I had a pleasant crème Brule, but soon succumbed to a spoonful of my partners raspberry sorbet.

It was so deliciously tangy we polished it off in minutes and ordered a second helping.

The food and drink of this restaurant lives up in some ways its name. You feel really Well. But I think they should turn that second o in crooked into an upright position. After a meal here you feel upright, and not crooked at all.

Hospitality

The Ivy and Tower Bridge open in unison

By Susan Isaacs – Arts and Culture Correspondent

“The food is very good here, but what really makes this restaurant stand out is the stunning location. The Tower of London is across the way, HMS Belfast is a hop skip and jump away on the water, and the new Bridge Theatre is opening bang next door in October.”

I walk purposefully towards the newly opened Ivy Restaurant just by Tower Bridge Already I can see a myriad of diners at the restaurant, jackets off and sunglasses on in the midday summer sun, lounging happily in the the green chairs and white -clothed tables, an exclusive area fenced in by pot plants, and green awning.

But wait, what is this? I think I am in luck. A ship approaching the bridge, though seemingly low in the water, has a mast that would snap like a twig if it tried to slip under the blue and white bridge. The ship pauses and the diners lay down their wine glasses, knives and forks, and pause to gaze as the two blue and white sides of the bridge split in half and slip upwards to the the battlements of twin towers of the bridge on either side of the Thames. The mast of the ship passes safely under the bridge, and it glides down again. A bright red 78 bus glides over the bridge as if nothing had happened

What better spot in London could there be than here,to watch the bridge, sip a glass of wine and eat?

But the inside of the restaurant is no less intriguing. There is a brown chessboard floor, and comfy blue and red seats.

Waiters and waitresses in black waistcoats and white aprons complete the chessboard effect. The wall paper has a beautiful flame design in blue and green, mirrored throughout the restaurant, and echoed in the menus, while hostesses in red dresses and white jackets show diners graciously into their seats.

The charge on my phone is running down alarmingly quickly, and they obligingly find me a table where I can plug it in.

We are greeted with a lovely glass of champagne, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Kalmars, and then tuck happily into the food. I select a pea soup which is deliciously sweet, Richard has a very tasty white onion soup, and follow this with chicken salad, which is notable for the wildly

fashionable quinoa and pomegranate salad, and Richard chooses the butternut squash with chickpeas and pumpkin seeds. It is the only vegetarian option, but a very good one.

The cheese board and creme brulee make a delightful finish to a fine meal.

I asked Richard what he felt about the meal, and he too thought the Ivy was doing doing something rather special.

'It is good to see the Ivy, adding to the pantheon of quality

restaurants in the areas and being a recognised hallmark of quality, helping to define the regeneration of the Southbank.'

The food is very good here, but what really makes this restaurant stand out is the stunning location. The Tower of London is across the way, HMS Belfast is a hop skip and jump away on the water, and the new Bridge Theatre is opening bang next door in October.

The Ivy Tower Bridge is here to stay.

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

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Boat Trip

River trip celebrates the glory that is the Thames

This year’s Annual River Thames Boat Party was a great success with all those taking part enjoying the atmosphere.

It was a fabulous evening, well supported, with spectacular river sights, dinner, dancing, business networking and a chance to make new friends.

Among those taking part were local business people, Chamber members and supporters and local MP Neil Coyle.

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One of them, Ken Hayes, said: “I have been going on Thames River Cruse trips since the 1970s and the regeneration of the derelict docklands downriver from Tower Bridge as far as the Thames Tidal Flood Barrier is probably as dynamic as the growth of New York City in the late 19th and early 20th Century.

“I have many favourite landmarks but the most iconic has got to be the Shard as it has put Southwark on the map in more ways than one.”

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Dan Harder said: “I love the completely different perspective of the city you get from the Thames. It’s a bit clichéd but Tower Bridge has to be my favourite landmark, especially on the approach to go under it, backlit by a gorgeous sunset. “ Neil Coyle said: “There are many iconic landmarks along the Thames within my community, including historic sites like Southwark Cathedral and the globally recognisable Tower Bridge.

“My favourite building is the Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe, though. This atmospheric watering hole is one of the oldest pubs along

the river, dating back to about 1620. It is still a lively, welcoming pub with great food and drink on offer and is able to share its astonishing history.

“The private jetty is thought to be the Mayflower ship’s original mooring site before setting sail for Plymouth, carrying the Pilgrim Fathers to the United States.

“The Thames and the riverside are an incredible asset to London and continue to evolve. I look forward to welcoming the new pedestrian and cycling bridge linking Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf - and may well toast its opening in the Mayflower!”

Voice from Westminster

Brexit debacle continues Neil Coyle MP The Government’s chaotic Brexit ‘strategy’ rumbles on as the long awaited immigration policy has now been leaked.

Many businesses and employers have been waiting for clarity from the Government about this crucial issue. I've met with local and national representatives from a range of sectors with almost all raising concerns about Brexit’s recruitment implications. Local employers’ workforces range from many unskilled non-UK EU nationals in the hotel and leisure sector, right through to highly skilled, specialist employees from other European Union countries in some food and drink businesses and local research bodies.

Employers seeking reassurance will be disappointed by the leak.

The memo indicates that free movement for tourism might continue, although it is unclear if other EU member states will permit this approach on land borders with Northern Ireland and Gibraltar. For employment, a whole new layer of visas are planned, but the Government wants to dictate numbers per sector and has not yet advertised visa costs, preventing employers planning for 2019. The NHS alone would be liable for 54,000 visas and the costs are unthinkable to our struggling health service.

The Government appears willing to throw away all benefits of EU membership,

whilst introducing further new costs to businesses for visas and to taxpayers for more Home Office officials overseeing the new registration system.

It currently takes over six months for some visas and about 300,000 people are in the national backlog awaiting decisions. To spread this delay to businesses is avoidable but could cause some to fold or move. The Government must wake up before it is too late – especially as there are not enough unemployed people in London to fill all the vacancies if EU workers left.

My recent meetings (yes, they do go on whilst parliament is not sitting!) with constituents and businesses assure me I am in the right place to continue opposing Brexit.

ABTA are based near London Bridge and highlighted that if we crash out with no new trade agreement in place then WTO rules are damaging, but do not even cover flights to the US. In under two years transatlantic flights may not be able to get airborne; that is the brutal truth the Government is ignoring.

The British Toy and Hobby Association are also local, on Long Lane, and have emphasised that 80% of their members’ trade is within the EU and the regulatory safeguards are all EU directives.

If the Government does not incorporate EU rules, their

£4.2 billion industry will suffer – and the UK could face a flood of imports from other countries which do not meet our safety standards.

I am still working to secure insurance and compensation for the businesses and traders affected by the horrific London Bridge and Borough Market terror attack in June. After pressure, some insurers are now paying out but the delays are damaging and some providers are still withholding vital help.

The Mayor of London is providing £300,000 to the three London Major Incident sites, Southwark Council has supplied Business Rate Relief worth over £100,000 and the public donated about £50,000 but £1.4 million was lost due to the eleven day closure in the cordoned area and the Government is yet to provide a penny in direct help.

As ever, if I can help with any business issue please do get in touch: Neil.Coyle.MP@Parliament.UK

“I am still working to secure insurance and compensation for the businesses and traders affected by the horrific London Bridge and Borough Market terror attack in June.

After pressure, some insurers are now paying out but the delays are damaging and some providers are still withholding vital help.”

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

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Health & Wellbeing

No Excuses with Everyone Active With everything we have on offer, there are no excuses not to try something new at an Everyone Active centre!

What’s more, all borough residents are now able to use the gym and swim for free at Southwark Council leisure centres.* Camberwell Leisure Centre With recent British cycling success on both track and road racing, it’s no surprise that cycling is more popular than ever, so why not set your heart racing with an indoor cycling class? Camberwell Leisure Centre offers Stages Cycling classes, the leading edge of technology in the world of cycling.

Dulwich Leisure Centre A place for the family to enjoy, Dulwich Leisure Centre offers everything from swimming lessons to group exercise classes. Following a recent refurbishment, the fitness suite boasts state of the art strength and cardio equipment.

Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Sports Facility Not played sport since your schooldays? Not a problem!

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At Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Sports Facility has everything you could want and more, from astroturf pitches to netball courts to tennis courts. Come down and twirl a tennis racket, bounce a basketball, or have a kickabout. The facilities are available to hire throughout the week… what are you waiting for?

Seven Islands Seven Islands Leisure Centre is a place for all the family, following a substantial refurbishment. From swimming lessons to martial arts classes, there’s everything for everyone. Martial arts training results in several benefits including their physical and mental health. What’s more, with the extensive fitness equipment, you’ve got everything you need to get fighting fit!

Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre Tucked away in the heart of London, next to the Thames, Surrey Docks offers a 1km water sports dock where visitors can try sailing, kayaking, wind surfing, canoeing and more, along with a wide range of dry activities.

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

This September, as the kids go back to school, why not take the chance to embark on a fresh challenge yourself?

Time to try something new and take to the seas. Sort of. Ahoy!

There’s also a well-equipped gym with one of the best views in London, the River Thames and Canary Wharf.

The Castle Situated in the heart of the Elephant and Castle regeneration project, The Castle is a fantastic place to train. Following on from suggestions from the local

community, there has been a further £60,000 investment in the one-year-old, £20m leisure centre. There is now a larger strength area with new strength equipment, to match the requirements of the members.

Please visit www.everyoneactive.com for more information.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Become Become a par partt of Ev Ever Everyone eryone Activ Active e Southwark

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*T&Cs apply. apply. Limited availability. availability. Offer Offer canno cannott be used in cconjunction onjunction with an anyy o other ther off offers. ers. Minimum of 5 ne new w members requir rrequired equired to set up a corporate corporate ccompany. ompany. Available terms. ull ter ms.

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Chamber Events

Upcoming Events

Join our informative and engaging range of events.

A perfect opportunity to make new business contacts We’ve designed our events to help you broaden your network, learn something new or get involved with key topical issues for businesses in Southwark.

DATE

EVENT

Tuesday 12 September Tuesday 26 September 08:30 – 10:00 Monday 16 & Tuesday 17 October

Saturday 4 Sunday 5 November

Our networking events are great for regular members to make and maintain useful contacts, and we always welcome first-timers.

Borough Walk (Ken Hayes) Members £10 per head Non-members £15 Meet 6.00 pm in the Trinity Public House 202 Borough High Street.

Apprenticeships and recruitment Crowd Funding, Boot & Flogger Chamber Members to visit Langenhagen

Wednesday 8 November Commercial Property in Southwark Thursday 23 November Tuesday 12 December Thursday 21 December

Tourism and Leisure -James Kislingbury The London Bridge Experience, Tooley Street, SE1 Tour of Brunel Museum followed by Christmas Lunch

Open House, George Inn, Borough High Street, SE1

DATE

Friday 19 January

Please check the website www.southwarkcommerce.com for updated information.

Times and locations to be confirmed.

EVENT

House of Commons Tour

First week February (tbc)

Practical uses of IT in offices South Bank University

Monday 19 February (tbc)

Ceremony of the Keys Tower of London

Wednesday 14 March Early Bird

Promoting your Business

Late March – evening event

Thursday 12 April (tbc) Thursday 26 April 6pm – 8pm

Southwark Business Excellence Awards London Eye SCC Annual General Meeting The George Inn, Borough High Street, SE1

Southwark Chamber of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies Active8 Managed Technologies Ltd

Alex Patterson Director Curve Offices 30b Wild’s Rents London SE1 4QG Tel: 0203 745 7350 Mob: 07931 134942 Email: alex.patterson@active8print.co.uk

Halta Haxhia

Independent Financial Adviser Aurora Financial Solutions Ltd 56-57 The Hop Exchange, Southwark Street, London Office: 020 3713 7600 www.aurorafinancial.co.uk

The Bridge

Krys Pinches Business Development Director 73 - 81 Southwark Bridge Road London SE1 0NQ Tel: 020 7089 6250 Email: krys.pinches@thebridge-uk.org

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Skinner Armytage and French Restaurants Limited

Matthew Green-Armytage The Crooked Well (Gastro Pub) 16 Grove Lane Camberwell London SE5 8SY Tel: 020 7252 7798 Email: matt@thecrookedwell.com

South East Wealth Limited (Education Provider) Michael Clarke Director 13 Cobourg Road Camberwell London SE5 0HT Tel: 07487 375978 Email: Kappo71@aol.com

South London Gallery Georgina Davey Head of Development 65-67 Peckham Road London SE5 8UH Tel : 020 7703 6120

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Synergy Property Group Mr Julian Whiting Business Development Building 8 Gateway 1000 Whittle Way Stevenage SG1 2FP Tel: 07899 723620 Email: Julian@synprop.co.uk

To find out more about becoming a member contact: Southwark Chamber of Commerce.

Southbank Techno Park, 90 London Road, London.

SE1 6LN Tel : 07477 581977

admin@southwarkcommerce.com

News

Last Word

Arts-based organisations take advantage of library opportunity Southwark Council has agreed a two-year lease for the old Newington Library in Elephant and Castle, enabling The Art Academy to put the exceptional building to good use, while its long term future is decided.

The grade 2 listed Victorian library has been empty due to water damage, following a fire in the adjacent Walworth Town Hall in 2013.

The Art Academy is an independent art school based in Southwark. It will use the building to provide facilities for its students and offer a public programme of short courses and events.

In addition, the Academy will host CoolTan Arts, a charity that provides creative activities for people with mental health conditions.

Art Angel, a charity that commissions art which challenges, surprises and inspires, will take up the first residence in a new Gallery Space - the old main library.

The Art Academy will be inviting other artists and local community groups to exhibit in this free public exhibition space too.

Cllr Johnson Situ, Southwark Council Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Social Regeneration, said: “I am delighted that The Art Academy will be setting up in the old Newington Library.

They will create an exciting cultural hub for young people and other members of the

community, with a great programme of evening classes and new Young Artist weekend courses.”

Charles Savage, principal at the Art Academy, said: “We are incredibly excited about moving part of The Art Academy to the old Newington Library. It’s a great opportunity for our current students to be housed in the wonderful building, but we are also looking forward to running new courses that will be accessible to the local community. We believe we’ll become a much-enjoyed member of the Walworth Road community.”

Night Tube boosts London’s economy by £171m in its first year

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has hailed the success of the Night Tube after economic and passenger numbers for the first year far exceeded predictions.

Figures released to mark the service’s one-year anniversary show that the Night Tube has had nearly eight million journeys, boosted London’s economy by £171m in its first year alone and is supporting more than 3,600 jobs.

New research by London First and EY has also predicted that the Night Tube will be even more beneficial to the economy than previously forecast, with latest estimates indicating that over the next 30 years it will add £138m of value to London’s economy every year. This is significantly more than the £77m a year previously forecast.

The service has helped millions get to work or get home at night quickly, safely and affordably. It has also cut late-night journey times by an average of 20 minutes and, in some cases, by up to an hour.

Sadiq Khan said: “No one could have predicted just how successful the Night Tube would be for our city. It’s significantly

boosted our night-time economy, supported thousands of jobs and helped millions of people travel around our city at night safer and quicker than ever before. It truly demonstrates how London is open at all times of day and night."

Amy Lamé, London’s Night Czar, said: “The Night Tube has firmly established London’s position as one of the most vibrant cities in the world after dark. You only have to talk to businesses, bars and venues to see what a boost it provides for them.”

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre, said: “In its first year, the Night Tube has been an invaluable asset to Theatreland, helping our staff, performers and millions of theatregoers get home in the safest and quickest way.”

Mark Wild, London Underground’s Managing Director, said: “The Night Tube has been hugely successful in its first year, helping people travel for work and leisure more quickly and reliably than ever late at night.”

Two hundred and one new council homes in Southwark have secured funding after the council was awarded more than £12m from City Hall.

Southwark Council put in a bid for some of the funding towards its 11,000 new homes programme, the largest council home programme in London, which has now been accepted.

I am a Kentish Man born in Gravesend into a family of sea captains. I was 10 when I discovered architecture whilst visiting my uncle in Hanover. I am still learning and I love my work, the people I engage with and most of all Southwark.

Having studied architecture at Canterbury and run a new school of architecture in Nigeria (where I met my wife the sculptor Sokari Douglas Camp CBE). I returned to London and was totally unemployable having researched appropriate low-cost housing in West Africa.

However I was fortunate to befriend / team up and learn from architects who had passion, skill and energy such as Terry Farrell, Ricardo Legorreta and Bryan Avery.

Thirty years ago we had to find somewhere for Sokari to work and have a family. We discovered “The Elephant” and persuaded Southwark Council to sell us a site near East Street Market. We were considered eccentric when we proceeded to build a home, studio, workshop and gallery.

This was the age of Jeremy Fraser, Fred Manson and a great wave of new enthusiasm and energy in Southwark.

It became “South Central”, it embraced the Tate, The Globe, Borough Market, theatres, pop up’s and our Fashion and Textile Museum. Southwark became the place to be. In this energetic environment I set up my practice in Bankside and still thrill of walking to work which makes me one of the luckiest guys around.

Q1

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

When 14 I had a holiday job in a restaurant kitchen, this started my love of cooking. I was paid 2 shillings (10p) per hour. I loved it and it was the summer we won the world cup. My first job as an architectural assistant was £15 a week designing a pig castration house!

Q2

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

Go to the Country to have a referendum on the final Brexit agreement. Hopefully with correct information this time.

Q3

What is the biggest challenge in your business?

Raising the design bar high and higher.

Homes funding In November last year, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan launched his Affordable Homes programme 2016-21, which set out his funding priorities for affordable housing.

Alan Camp

Alan Camp Architects LLP Founding Partner

The funding will go towards new rented homes on sites around the borough in Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Peckham, East Dulwich and Camberwell.

Q4

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

Chef I suppose, but the work is really hard. I wish I had the talent to paint like my daughter.

Q5

What's your favourite London building?

St Pauls. It was such an important, brave and ingenious venture in design by Wren reflective of the spirit of Palladio and Venice which I love.

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

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Join Us

Join Us

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.

Our Committee Chairman Richard Kalmar President Neil Coyle MP

(MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark)

Vice President Lord Roy Kennedy

Making the most of your SCC membership

Once you’ve joined us you have access to the opportunities we provide to help support you and your business. Whether you simply want to attend our networking events, run a seminar or sponsor or run an event, we’d love you to get involved. We like our members to make the most of their membership and get as involved as much as they can.

(House of Lords)

Vice President Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP (MP for Camberwell and Peckham)

Vice President Baroness Jowell DBE PC

(Former MP for Dulwich and West Norwood)

Patron The Worshipful Mayor of Southwark Charlie Smith Patron Sir Simon Hughes (Former MP)

Council and Community Representatives Councillor Johnson Situ

(Cabinet Member for Business, Employment and Culture)

Abdul Mohamed

(Past Mayor of Southwark and former Councillor)

Executive Members

Vice Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair and Honorary Solicitor Honorary Secretary Honorary Treasurer Executive Member Executive Member Executive Member Executive Member Executive Member Executive Member Executive Member Executive Member Executive Member Administrator

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Les Johnson Yoko De Souza Peter Mantell Ken Hayes Karon Cook Edward Cree Barrie Cunning Duncan Field Peter Hadfield Dan Harder William Harwood Susan Isaacs Barry Langfield Cait Wilkinson Sonia Sutton

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Membership Application • Sole trader

£100 per annum

• Large companies - 51 employees plus

£300 per annum

• Small/Medium sized companies 2 to 50 employees £150 per annum • Corporate/PLC’s by agreement.

• All new members pay a one off administration fee of £25 Company:

Address:

Post Code:

Telephone:

Email:

Number of Employees: Full Name:

Position:

Payment Details: BANK DETAILS: SORT CODE:

HSBC - SOUTHWARK C OF C 40-06-21 ACCOUNT NO:

21357646

To join, please send your details to: Southwark Chamber of Commerce Southbank Techno Park, 90 London Road, London. SE1 6LN Tel : 07477 581977 Email : admin@southwarkcommerce.com www.SouthwarkCommerce.com Twitter : @southwarkcomm Facebook : southwarkcommerce

SOUTH LONDON'S LEADING AGENTS

KALMARs are an expanding firm of South London

estate agents and an independent property adviser.

Our expansion is being achieved through improving client service by planned growth and training. We have many years’ experience as South London estate agents with

average time for staff at the company being 8 years,

complemented by a young enthusiastic team. We have an

unrivaled record in sales and lettings of commercial and residential properties in the South London area.

AGENCY

Our principal objective is to provide a professional service

with quick results whilst maintaining complete integrity.

As South London Estate Agents we offer Development,

Office, Industrial, Retail and Residential Sales and Letting.

DEVELOPMENT

We offer a comprehensive package on development

projects starting at the site appraisals stage, often prior to

acquisition, working with other professions in developing plans, continuing with sales and marketing advice, and

concluding by arranging a letting or sale.

Jamaica Wharf

2 Shad Thames

London SE1 2YU CONTACT US

Telephone: 020 7403 0600

Email: info@kalmars.com

www.kalmars.com