The Masthead South East London

masthead the

ISSUE 19

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH EAST LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ECONOMY Richard Burge CEO of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) explains why it’s vital that the Capital’s Chambers work together for the good of the economy.

BIG INTERVIEW Sarah Moore-Williams of LSBU Business School extends reach into Croydon.

SKILLS Tacking skills shortage can boost economy.

Chamber announces

launch of its Croydon Division

Law firms don’t solve problems, people do.

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CONTENTS

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5

WELCOME

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26

32

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ife has been busy at the Chamber since the last issue when I wrote about the death of our President, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. At this time, we were unaware that the title had passed to Prince Charles on the death of his father and will remain with him until his accession, when it will merge with the Crown. It is gratifying to know we still have a patron.

SELCC has grown in size and we now incorporate Croydon. On page 4-5 you will see pictures of the launch at Spurgeon’s College and I had the pleasure of signing our Affiliation Agreement with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. For the first time, I was able to write the names of all five boroughs: Royal Greenwich, Lewisham, Bromley, Bexley and Croydon. I can also confirm Spurgeon’s have become a Strategic Partner along with Mo-Sys Engineering, builders of camera technology products for film and broadcasting. The Chamber has seen them grow from a very small company to a workforce of 80, 8 of whom are based in their new Los Angeles studio.

You will see in this issue that our Board has increased and we have two new directors Julie Agbowu and Rosemary Nunn their profiles can be found on page 6.

We had a really good BBQ in the garden of The Clarendon and it was great to see so many friends and make new ones. We are planning more real and virtual events and we will keep you posted via Masthead Light and social media.

If you haven’t looked at our website for a while, have a look. It has had a refresh and you will see our new map showing the five boroughs.

Helen McIntosh FCIPR President Editorial and General Enquiries South East London Chamber of Commerce Unit TW/145, Trinity Wharf, Harrington Way Warspite Road London SE18 5NR Tel: 020 8317 3365 Email: office@selondonchamber.org www.selondonchamber.org

@SELondonChamber

@SELondonChamber

South East London Chamber of Commerce

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42

4-5

Focus on Croydon

26-27 The Big Interview

6

News

28-29 Chamber Events Past

8

Focus on Lewisham

10

Focus on Greenwich

30-31 Forthcoming Chamber Events

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Royal Greenwich Business Awards

12-13 Visit Greenwich 15

Focus on Bromley

16

Focus on Bexley

32-35 Skills 36-38 Construction 41

Finance

42-43 Innovation – Mo-Sys

18-19 LCCI – Richard Burge

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Heath & Wellbeing

22

Education & Skills

48

News

23

Legal

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And finally…

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Technology

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New Members

Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com Published: July 2021 © Benham Publishing

Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com Production Manager Mark Etherington Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: mark@benhampublishing.com Media No. 1855 Disclaimer The Masthead is published for South East London Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members.

All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at South East London Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in The Masthead are not necessarily those of South East London Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2021 Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility forthe 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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FOCUS ON CROYDON

Helen McIntosh, President and Richard Burge, CEO London Chamber of Commerce and Industry signing the Affiliation Document

Chamber announces launch of CROYDON DIVISION South East London Chamber of Commerce has extended its influence with the launch of its newly formed Croydon division.

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he move means that Croydon businesses will now be given stronger representation within the Chamber, which also works on behalf of members in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Bromley, Bexley and Lewisham.

“We anticipate that this move – which has been endorsed by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), to whom we are affiliated – will bolster our position and standing in our communities and allow us to campaign even harder for our members.

News of the Croydon launch was officially announced at a special event on June 24 at Spurgeon’s College in South Norwood Hill, London.

“Ultimately, our aim is to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic so that they can kick-start a sustained economic recovery.

Our assistance ranges from giving practical advice on fundamental business issues to providing opportunities for businesses to network and share best practice.”

Helen McIntosh, president of the South East London Chamber of Commerce, said: “The launch of our Croydon division is a wonderful opportunity; it will mean that we’ll have an influx of new members from Croydon. This will extend our reach across the region and strengthen our networks, helping us to do even more to represent the interests of businesses in south east London.

We’ve invited a Croydon member onto the Chamber’s board to ensure that their interests are looked after well.

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South East London Chamber is affiliated with LCCI, which is an accredited member of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The BCC represents tens of thousands of businesses of all shapes and sizes which employ almost six million people across the UK. Event images courtesy of Warren King

FOCUS ON CROYDON

❛❛News of the Croydon launch was officially announced at a special event on June 24 at Spurgeon’s College in South Norwood Hill,

Board Director, Julie Agbowu, the Mayor of Croydon, Cllr Sherwan Chowdjury and Helen McIntosh, President cutting the Croydon Division cake.

❜❜

London.

❛❛The launch of our Croydon division is a wonderful opportunity; it will mean that we’ll have an influx of new members from Croydon. This will extend our reach across the region and strengthen our networks, helping us to do even more to represent the interests

❜❜

of businesses in south east London.

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NEWS

Group Principal’s services to education

WELCOME

to our new board members Julie Agbowu Julie is a qualified accountant and after years in City firms, set up her own training centre All Inclusive Training - in Croydon.

Julie and her colleagues teach local people AAT, Sage, and other financial qualifications, and runs workshops for businesses in a range of financial topics. Julie joins the Board to represent the interests of the new Croydon Division of the Chamber.

Rosemary Nunn Rosemary is Head of Commercialisation and Innovation at the University of Greenwich and holds the Chair of the University Alliance Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network. With a background in Economics and following a career in the private sector working across multiple sectors, she has focused on helping organisations to curate knowledge and facilitate innovation to improve operational performance and create value, via the design and leadership of Business Transformation programmes. Rosemary joins the board to represent the University of Greenwich - a new Strategic Partner.

recognised with Queen’s Honours

Dr Sam Parrett, Group Principal and CEO of London & South East Education Group has been awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for Services to Education in the Queen’s 2021 Birthday Honours list.

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he honour recognises Sam’s ongoing dedication to education at all levels.

This includes the establishment and leading of London South East Academies Trust (formerly Bromley Educational Trust); a multi-academy trust currently incorporating seven alternative provision and special schools and one mainstream school across Bromley, Bexley and most recently, Surrey.

The network of schools has grown and developed under Sam’s leadership of the FE college-led trust. The unique group structure is ensuring that children and young people, many with a range of special educational needs, have access to high-quality provision and care from birth right through to 25 and beyond.

With three of the schools being in special measures before joining the trust, Sam’s drive

and determination has led to stark improvement (two out of these three are now rated good with the other awaiting an Ofsted inspection). As a result, many particularly vulnerable children now have the opportunity to reach their full potential in inspiring, supportive and nurturing environments.

The CBE builds on the OBE that Sam received in 2017 for her work within the further education sector. Having taken up the post of principal of Bromley College in 2010, she has spent the last 11 years dedicated to expanding and improving education for people of all ages and abilities across the region.

This included overseeing the country’s first three-way college merger in 2016, which led to the creation of London South East

Colleges with campuses across Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich, and the establishment of London & South East Education Group.

Throughout the pandemic, Sam and her team have worked tirelessly to support students and the wider community – establishing a national FE foodbank campaign and partnering with an NHS Trust to support the vaccine rollout.

Sam said: “I am overwhelmed to be recognised with such an honour. It has all come as a complete surprise and I am incredibly grateful.

“It reflects the huge amount of work and dedication many people have put in over the past few years – along with the great support I have received from local authorities and other partners who have put their confidence in my team and I to deliver.”

Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2021 Nominations are open for the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2021.

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fter what has been a challenging 16 months, this is an opportunity for local businesses to celebrate their successes and the outstanding contribution they make to our borough.

This year’s awards recognise organisations who are boosting local economic growth and strengthening communities.

The Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2021 are open to any business that is based in Lewisham.

Businesses can either nominate themselves or be nominated by customers, suppliers or partners. Entries close on 19th September.

For more details please visit lewisham.gov.uk/ businessawards

Triple boost for SOUTH EAST LONDON CHAMBER

A hat-trick of organisations have joined South East London Chamber of Commerce as it strengthens its presence within the local business community.

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o-Sys and the University of Greenwich have signed up as Strategic Partners to the Chamber, while Severndroog Castle has become a new member.

Mo-Sys is a technology-led innovation company that designs and builds unique, highly sophisticated camera technology products for film and broadcast, such as camera tracking, broadcast robotics and virtual production hardware. Not only are these products rapidly transforming visual effects (VFX) and virtual production (VP) techniques that are vital to the modern-day filmmaking process, they are attracting global interest

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and serving customers in more than 50 countries around the world.

The University of Greenwich is home to a diverse community of nearly 28,000 students studying in the UK and overseas, with one in five of them postgraduate students.

Based across three attractive, historic campuses in London and Medway in Kent, the organisation is conveniently located at the centre of an international network of partners and clients, and works with a range of companies to help them upskill their workforce.

Meanwhile new Chamber member Severndroog Castle is an elegantly

preserved Gothic tower situated on Shooter’s Hill, one of the highest points in London. A magnet for tourism, the historic Grade II-listed 18th century building is nestled in ancient woodland, making it the ideal hidden gem to explore away from the London bustle.

Helen McIntosh, president of the South East London Chamber of Commerce, says: “We are delighted to welcome our new member and two new strategic partners to the Chamber.

“Mo-Sys has been a Chamber member for a long while and it has been thrilling to witness the

company’s recent stellar growth.

The company is now one of the most innovative in the country and is winning plaudits for its work both locally and all over the world.

“It’s also great to have the University of Greenwich on board.

The organisation is playing a vital role in giving businesses the skills they need to grow and adapt to the fast-changing world in which we live.

“Not many Chambers will have a castle as a member! We want to help Severndroog promote itself as a major tourism attraction and build links with businesses in south east London and beyond.”

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Focus on Lewisham

Lewisham Council backs business Lewisham is a great place to do business. However, we know running one is a rollercoaster ride and these past 16 months have been especially challenging. We are doing everything we can to ensure our entrepreneurs are supported and in the strongest possible position to bounce back once all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

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e continue to offer financial support and since the start of the pandemic, have provided over £75m of grant funding to local businesses. This includes those that are not entitled to mandatory schemes, such as home-based businesses and the self-employed, thereby ensuring they do not fall through the net.

Lewisham’s businesses benefit from Restart Grant top-up

Alongside that financial help, we are also offering practical advice, plus a programme of promotion and are working with local businesses to create local jobs, which will be vital in helping the borough’s economy recover and thrive.

The top-up grant is for the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, accommodation, gym and sports and personal care sectors. There is no need to apply. We will be in touch with all eligible businesses and payments will be made direct into bank accounts.

❛❛It is great to see Lewisham’s town centres and high streets gradually coming back to life. Council officers are out and about, visiting businesses to offer health and safety advice.❜❜

We are making top-up payments of up to £3,500 to support businesses impacted by the continuation of COVID-19 measures. If you are a Lewisham business rates payer and you have already successfully applied for the Restart Grant, you could be eligible.

For information on the financial support that may be available to you, please visit lewisham.gov.uk/businesssupport

Nick and Chris, Founders of Ignition Brewery in Sydenham

Supporting businesses to open safely It is great to see Lewisham’s town centres and high streets gradually coming back to life.

Council officers are out and about, visiting businesses to offer health and safety advice.

They have been impressed with the way business owners have adapted their operations to keep in line with COVID-19 restrictions. We are sharing the best examples via Twitter so please keep an eye out twitter.com/LewishamCouncil Officers are also handing out packs to support businesses with reopening, these contain checklists, floor stickers and information on everything from conducting risk assessments, to maximising your outside space. You can also find up-to-date information for safe reopening on our website.

Please visit lewisham.gov.uk/tradingsafely

Shop Safe Shop Local As restrictions ease further, we are continuing to encourage residents to support the huge array of fantastic independent businesses available in Lewisham, with our Shop Safe Shop Local campaign. So far it has featured print, social media, limited edition tote bags and a series of videos showcasing local businesses including Ignition Brewery. Watch the videos on our Youtube channel youtube.com/lewishamcouncil If you haven’t already, we would highly recommend you add yourselves to our business directory. It’s a convenient way for you to connect with local people who are looking for the products or services you offer. Please visit lewisham.gov.uk/businessdirectory

Sign up for our business emails One important way to keep up-to-date on all the latest Lewisham business news is to receive our business alerts by email.

Visit our website to sign up

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lewisham.gov.uk/business

NEW

LET US MATCH YOU WITH THE PERFECT APPRENTICE

Lifetime Skills Guarantee Level 3 Courses

Make the most of new Government incentives.

Kickstart Scheme

The Government’s additional recovery incentives have now been extended until September 2021. This will mean that you could receive up to £3,000 per apprentice you take on.

This applies to both new recruits and up-skilling existing staff.

The government has recently launched a new Kickstart Scheme to create 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit.

Funding will cover:

In support of this the College is offering new apprenticeships in the following areas:

» 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week.

» » » » »

Construction & Engineering Catering & Hospitality Health & Social Care Teaching Assistant Business Administration

» The associated employer National Insurance contributions. » Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

Contact us today!

CONTACT US If your business is looking to hire an apprentice under this scheme then contact Lewisham College today! lewisham.ac.uk/apprenticeships | apprenticeships@lewisham.ac.uk | 020 3757 3050

Focus on Greenwich

Ten-week training and support course for up to 20 food entrepreneurs In response to the effect the pandemic has had on food businesses the Council has commissioned Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA) to deliver a ten-week training and support course, for up to 20 food entrepreneurs, that will include a small start-up grant to get them going.

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he programme will cover a range of practical topics including website and social media marketing, offering healthy and sustainable choices, costing menus, food hygiene, reducing food waste, work experience and test trading days.

Cllr Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Growth, said: “The hospitality and non-essential food sector has been one of the hardest hit of all business sectors during COVID-19 with closures, the cost of social distancing measures and loss of lunchtime trade.

Before the pandemic it employed more than one in ten of the working population in London.

“The Council’s training and support course will help make the sector more resilient while at the same time able to respond to current trends and support healthy and sustainable diets which have a low impact on the environment.”

Claire Pritchard, Chief Executive of GCDA, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for budding food entrepreneurs to get their businesses off the ground with lots of practical support and guidance. They’ll be joining an exciting food scene in Royal Greenwich and contributing to making our borough a home to food that’s good for local people, our environment and economy.”

Find out more and how you can take part business@royalgreenwich.gov.uk 020 8921 8689

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Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2021 SAVE THE DATE Returning on 22 October 2021 the Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards in association with U+I and supported by the South East London Chamber of Commerce, has been refreshed with new award categories and a focus on how our businesses have overcome the pandemic.

Royal Greenwich is a great place to do business and the awards are a serious opportunity to get your business on the map. It’s free to enter and open to anyone who manages, or owns a business in the borough, giving businesses of all sizes a great opportunity to gain publicity and highlight their successes.

“We are delighted to support the Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards for another year. As we emerge from the pandemic and double down on economic recovery, it is more important than ever that we show all the support we can for those entrepreneurs who are creating the jobs and the economic sustainability our communities

so badly need. Since the Middle Ages Greenwich has been a crucible of industry and innovation. It will only continue in its vital role in London’s economy if we all work together with a shared purpose. These awards are a vital part of this endeavor.”

Richard Upton, Chief Executive, U+I

Find out more royalgreenwich.gov.uk/businessawards GreenwichBizAwards Royal_Greenwich Royal_Greenwich #GreenwichBizAwards

What can the Council do for your business?

In Royal Greenwich, professional advice is available on many aspects of running your business from tendering for contracts to recruitment and marketing. We also run an e-business support programme to help businesses reach their potential online which includes free workshops and seminars.

To keep up to date with our latest business news sign up to receive our newsletter directly in your inbox: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/businessnewsletter

Save the date Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2021 The borough’s most prestigious business awards, in association with U+I and supported by the South East London Chamber of Commerce, are back on 22 October at the InterContinental O2 Hotel. We’ll be celebrating the amazing way businesses have responded to the pandemic by being creative, resilient and resourceful.

Straight-talking powerhouse Judi Love, stand-up comedian, radio presenter and star of ITV’s Loose Women, will be master of ceremonies as we celebrate and showcase the borough’s excellent business talent.

It’s free to enter and open to anyone who manages or owns a business in the borough. Don’t miss your chance to get your business into the spotlight.

Categories • • • • • • • • • • •

Chance to win Leader’s Award £3,000 sponsored by South East London m ar keting budget Chamber of Commerce Food and Hospitality sponsored by Drury Teaand Coffee Greener Greenwich sponsored by IKEA Health and Wellbeing sponsored by GLL Workforce Development sponsored by London South East Colleges Made in Greenwich sponsored by Handelsbanken Best of Royal Greenwich sponsored by Willmott Dixon Young Entrepreneur (Under 30 years old) sponsored by University of Greenwich Tourism and Culture (Visitor Recovery) sponsored by Visit Greenwich and The 02 High Street Retailer sponsored by Grant Saw Solicitors Innovation sponsored by Mo-Sys

Entries opening soon! Watch this space: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/businessawards GreenwichBizAwards royal_greenwich

Royal_Greenwich #GreenwichBizAwards

2021 Meet the judges Cllr Mariam Lolavar Head Judge and Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Growth “The Awards are all about showcasing talent, central to this is how well a business makes use of marketing, communication and social media.”

Byron Cole Serial Entrepreneur, Founder of The BLC Group and author “I’ll be looking out for that entrepreneurial spirit and those businesses able to spot an opportunity to diversify and grow their business even in the face of adversity.”

Ha Smith Head of Enterprise and Innovation at Ravensbourne University London “I will be looking for businesses that have been able to drive through this unprecedented pandemic and have the resilience and passion to progress and grow their operations.”

James Davy Chairman of Davy’s Wine Merchants “I understand what it takes to develop a successful bricks and clicks business with our wine bars. I will be looking to see how other businesses have pivoted to find opportunity during the pandemic.”

Mike Finlay Founding Director of Greenwich Enterprise Board “I will be looking out for those companies who empower their staff to reach their full potential, understand their markets and can manage their finances well. With these in place, SMEs have every chance of bringing wide benefits to our borough.”

Visit Greenwich

It’s happening in Greenwich As the country recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, people are starting to spend the money they’ve saved for coming out of lockdown. That, of course, is good news for the tourism industry, which has been hit harder than most during the last 16 months.

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n the UK, tourism is big business – at least, it is in normal times when there’s no pandemic to hinder its growth.

Pre-pandemic, VisitBritain predicted that tourism would be worth more than £257 billion by 2025, just under 10% of UK GDP and support almost 3.8 million jobs, which is around 11% of total UK jobs. For 2021, VisitBritain’s forecast for inbound tourism is for £6.2 billion to be spent by visiting international tourists, only 22% of the 2019 level. For domestic tourism, VisitBritain forecasts a recovery to £51.4bn; this is up 51% compared to 2020 but still only 56% of the level of spending seen in 2019.

In London, the Royal Borough of Greenwich already makes a significant contribution to this vital sector; in 2019 – a year of record levels of 20m visitor numbers and £1.5bn spend - Visit Greenwich was predicting that the value of the borough’s visitor economy would

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be on track to grow to £1.6 billion by 2023. With the forecast from VisitBritain, it is expected that 2021 will be 60% of 2019 levels and needing to wait until 2023 to see a return to the levels of 2019.

This year, there’s plenty happening in Greenwich to aid the recovery, with the opening of new bars and restaurants; eye-catching art installations and picturesque walks on Greenwich Peninsula; an eclectic range of events to suit all types of audience, and major investment from businesses in the form of new housing, offices and public spaces.

Visit Greenwich, which is responsible for tourism in the borough, is busily engaging with businesses and the local public, informing them of the exciting activities and events to come in the next few months. There are signs that this approach is working, particularly on social media. Visit Greenwich ranks

16th in Digital Visitor’s list of top UK destination management organisations (DMOs) for how well they engage with their followers on Instagram.

Visit Greenwich is the only DMO in London to be ranked in the top 20.

The organisation is currently overseeing several campaigns that are designed to drive footfall and spend to the borough. These include:

It’s Time to Escape the Everyday Escape the Everyday (ETE) launched on 17 May and runs through to 31 July, funded by VisitEngland. The campaign is targeting pre-nesters and families with pre-school children.

The aim of the campaign is to drive bookings of the experiences that are directly bookable on the Visit Greenwich website. There are over 20 bookable experiences, with more continuing to come on stream.

visit Greenwich

❛❛We have been successful in bidding for Additional Restrictions Grants funding via the Royal Borough of Greenwich so that we can invest in this vital campaign, Let’s Do London, to give Greenwich a strong position alongside other destinations across London including the West End, Southbank and City of London.

The website has recently been redeveloped to allow lots of new inspirational content to drive bookings, including video, travel guide, suggested itineraries and reassurance messages highlighting places that have the “We’re Good to Go” accreditation.

The funding has enabled a paid media plan which includes Secret London, Time Out London, digital ads and paid social including Greenwich-based influencers Hand Luggage Only.

There is also marketing support from VisitEngland and Visit London.

For more information visit visitgreenwich.org.uk/escape-theeveryday

Let’s Do London tourism recovery Visit Greenwich is an official partner in London’s tourism recovery marketing campaign, supported by the Mayor of London, London & Partners and industry businesses. Barrie Kelly, CEO at Visit Greenwich stated that “We have been successful in bidding for Additional Restrictions Grants funding via the Royal Borough of Greenwich to be able to invest in this vital campaign, Let’s Do London, to give Greenwich a strong position alongside other destinations across London including the West End, Southbank and City of London.”

All tourism businesses are invited to back the campaign and make use of the toolkit to show their support.

The toolkit can be found at londonandpartners.com/about-us/ london-recovery

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It’s About Time joint destination campaign It’s About Time is a staycation campaign running from July to December. The campaign is targeting the UK, with a particular focus on London and south east England, for short breaks and days out. There are several target market segments within this including heritage and culture seekers and families. The campaign includes new assets that will be used on Visit Greenwich’s and campaign sponsors’ channels plus a media plan working with influencers, radio, social media and digital display. Activity also includes a rail contra-marketing partnership with Thameslink and Southeastern to target their southeast audiences.

Confirmed partners are: Uber Boat

by Thames Clippers, City Cruises, English Heritage, Greenwich Market, InterContinental London - The O2, Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, The O2, Old Royal Naval College and Royal Museums Greenwich.

Big Lottery funding Visit Greenwich has commenced work on its new Big Lottery Fund project that aims to use culture to encourage harder-to-reach communities to engage with the tourism industry. The funding is being used to support the delivery of Royal Museum of Greenwich’s Cutty Sark Youth Takeover programme, culminating with a public event on 16 July. VG is also working with Tramshed, Volunteers Centre Greenwich and the Greenwich Cultural Forum to help to train 30 people in event volunteering.

What’s On Highlights 3 Festival of Hope: Children’s Art Exhibition at

The O2, until end July. Over 200 pieces of art by talented children around the UK, inspired by the sense of the community that the pandemic has invoked.

3 Candlelight Open Air concerts. Dates in

July and August. Royal Museums Greenwich grounds.

3 London in the Sky. Until 26 September.

Peninsula Square. Unforgettable sky-high dining!

3 Royal Greenwich Festivals. From now to end

September, throughout the Royal Borough, including Together 21, Sat 21 August, Charlton Park; and ParksFest 21, a festival of open air and free cultural entertainment in Greenwich’s parks and open spaces.

3 Summer Sessions at The Tide, Greenwich

Peninsula. Set against a colourful festival quarter designed by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, the free events programme is packed with music, films, culture, food trucks and pop-up bars. Every weekend until September.

3 500 Years of Mischief and Mayhem in

Greenwich. Explore the history of the Old Royal Naval College with award-winning illustrator Nick Ellwood. Until October 2021.

3 Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits,

a major exhibition exploring royal portraiture, National Maritime Museum, until 31 October.

3 Vitality Big Half finishes at Cutty Sark and Festival site in Greenwich Park 22 August.

3 Greenwich + Docklands International Festival.

27 August to 11 September. Including Borealis, a mesmerising night-time installation bringing the experience of the Northern Lights to Greenwich and Woolwich.

3 Open House London. 4 to 12 September, across the Borough and the capital.

3 Greenwich Comedy Festival. A line-up of

comedy marvels paired with street-food, craft beer and more. National Maritime Museum, 15 to 19 September.

3 Opening of Woolwich Works. 23 September,

Royal Arsenal. Exciting new programme of unique live shows, art exhibitions and first-class workshops from world renowned artists; a reflection of Woolwich Works’ commitment to championing new, diverse and local talent.

Plan your summer: visitgreenwich.org.uk/whats-on 13

Focus on Bromley

Start Up Bromley -

entrepreneurs taking over Bromley libraries Bromley libraries are helping turn ideas into successful businesses by providing practical support and professional workspace for entrepreneurs.

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n partnership with the British Library’s Business & IP Centre, Bromley Council has launched the ‘Start Up Bromley’ programme which aims to develop a community of new business owners. The Start Up Bromley scheme is free to join and offers entrepreneurs professional insight and access to resources to help imagine, start, or develop their business.

The Council recognises that libraries are ideally placed to support the business community who are recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Bromley’s 14 libraries are highly accessible and evenly distributed across the Borough. As well as business support, entrepreneurs will have access to free workspace, PCs and meeting rooms in Bromley Central and Orpington Libraries, both of which operate late opening times until 7pm.

The business facilities will serve as a base for one-to-one business support, workshops, webinars, demonstrations, presentations and talks. Co-working space will provide opportunities for start-ups to collaborate, exchange ideas and learn best practice.

The one-year programme has been funded by the Council’s Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) which is provided by Central Government and can be used to provide financial support to local businesses through grants and business support functions. Start Up Bromley will specialise in supporting start-ups (e.g. sole traders, limited companies, social enterprises, CICs) and existing entrepreneurs who have been running/or registered a business in the last five years but have not yet developed it to its full potential.

Membership to Start Up Bromley is free and members will benefit from: • Opportunities to meet and build networks of support, sharing updates on their entrepreneurial journeys • Peer to peer sharing of resources, including contacts, skills, space, time and information to support the development of each other’s’ businesses • Enable members to learn from successful local start-ups, established businesses and other professionals associated with the start-up ecosystem The scheme was launched in May, and celebrated in June with a socially distanced launch event at Bromley Central library.

Visitors were able to tour the newly completed business facilities in small groups of no more than six. They were also able to meet entrepreneurs who have found success in a similar scheme at Greenwich Libraries run by Bromley’s library contractor GLL. Philip Johnson, Business Support Manager at Start Up Bromley, commented: ‘Start Up Bromley is launching at a time when many people are considering setting up their own business and our team are ready to welcome all comers to the programme, no matter what stage they are at in their start-up journey.’

Start Up Bromley will work in collaboration with many partners including local business support organisations and economic regeneration teams at Bromley Council, and SiLL (Start Up In London Libraries) Champions in 10 other London boroughs.

Lorraine McQuillan, Place Shaping & Local Economy Manager, at Bromley Council commented: ‘We are delighted to be launching Start Up Bromley. We want to do all that we can to support the growth of new enterprises throughout the Borough and are sure that the new business lounges in Bromley Central Library and Orpington Library will become the launch pads for many new, successful, local businesses.’

❛❛Start Up Bromley is launching at a time when many people are considering setting up their own business and our team are ready to welcome all comers to the programme, no matter what stage they are at in their start-up journey.

❜❜ 15

Focus on Bexley

Pick up a new work skill

at The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley

Restoration works complete at Carnegie, Erith

The second phase of the restoration work at the Exchange, formerly known as the Carnegie Library, is now complete.

T

he works included further repair and renovation of the first and second floor, a new lift to make the space fully accessible and the completion and fit out of new workshop spaces as well as external landscaping and new openings to provide better access.

The workshops provide a space for local people to learn skills in ceramics, textiles, woodwork, print, performance and the creation of garden spaces, and bring new learning opportunities to the area. The improvements are funded by the Council, Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and by further fund raising by local company The Exchange who are managing the building. The latest works follow the restoration of the basement of the building which was completed in 2019 when the new Bookstore café and community space opened.

The Exchange reopened their doors midMay to welcome the community back with a programme of events including gardening, crafts and concerts.

For more information about events visit www.theexchangerith.com

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The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley run a range of courses aimed at anyone wanting to start work, change or progress their career.

F

rom short introductory courses to industry recognised qualifications there are many options to help anyone to up-skill, get into work and support your career goals.

The college also work with local employers. Our Business Employment and Support and Training Programme (BEST) is designed to meet the needs of businesses and priority sectors such as Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Creative Industries, Early Years and Retail. If your business needs more than just an ‘off the shelf’

solution, the college can develop a bespoke training programme to meet your requirements.

Visit www.lecb.ac.uk or call 020 3045 5176

DID YOU KNOW? Adults who do not have a GCSE grade 4/C or above in either English or maths are entitled to study these courses for free.

Supporting your staff to improve their English or maths skills could help them gain the skills required to aid your business’s productivity.

For more information email wfd@lecb.ac.uk.

SIDCUP STORYHOUSE takes shape The Sidcup Storyhouse is starting to take shape as construction continues at pace.

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he collaborative project comprises of a four storey building, providing a 3 screen cinema with additional studio, modern library facilities, a cafe and bar, provision of a Changing Places WC and residential apartments.

The Council are working in partnership with experienced cinema operators Really Local Group and the building is scheduled to open in 2022.

New Farmers Market at

LESNES ABBEY

A new Farmers Market takes place once a month on a Sunday from 10am – 3pm at Lesnes Abbey Woods.

V

isitors are able to browse 23 stalls, selling fresh butchers’ meat, baked goods and juices, dog treats, fruit, vegetables, plants, sauces, cakes, soy candles and more.

Safety measures are in place to help keep visitors and staff safe, and visitors should follow social distancing guidance.

For more information about the market and stalls, please visit the Lesnes Abbey Farmers Market Facebook page.

Christmas Events 2021 Festive Lunch in the Garden Restaurant

All Inclusive Party Nights

Monday 22nd November to Wednesday 22nd December 2021.

Adults 3 Course £28.50, 2 Courses £25.95, Children 3 Courses £16.50, 2 Courses £14.50

provide a range of services.

Buffet ‘N’ Boogie Nights

Festive Party Nights

Wed 1st, Wed 8th, Wed 15th December 2021 £27.50 pp

Boxing Day Carvery Lunch Sunday 26th December 2021 12pm - 2.30pm Adults £47.50, Children’s half portions or the Children’s menu £26.50

New Year’s Eve Family Celebration Friday 31st December 2021 Adults £55.00. Children £21.00 under 10

Christmas Eve Dinner

businesses to whom we

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Wills and Probate

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Saturday 25th December 2021 7pm - 8.30pm Adults £35.00, Children’s half portions or the Children’s menu £19.00.

New Year’s Day Carvery Saturday 1st January 2022 Adults £41.50, Children’s half portions or the Children’s menu £19.50

For further information contact us on 020 8461 8608/10 or email christmas@bromleycourthotel.co.uk *Prices are per person and inclusive of VAT at the current rate. Children’s prices apply to under 10’s.

and Affordable Housing

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17

Richard Burge LCCI

London is the jewel in Europe’s crown and its importance cannot be overstated. It’s a hub for global trade and is central to the performance of the UK economy.

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ne of the key benefits of London’s economy is its diversity. There are around 800,000 businesses here, of which about 470,000 are VAT-registered.

People who work here come from all over the world, not just the UK, and each of the 32 boroughs in the capital have their own strengths and challenges.

Better together Richard Burge, CEO of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), explains why it’s so vital that the Capital’s Chambers work together for the good of the economy…

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This diversity means that it would be impossible for one chamber of commerce to oversee all of the business activity in London.

One part of my role is to assist local Chambers in working together to support businesses and promote London as an international destination for trade.

This is beginning to happen, although there are still challenges to navigate. Some of London’s boroughs don’t have any chamber coverage so that’s something which needs to be addressed.

Parts of London are hampered by high unemployment and there are skills gaps in certain areas.

Richard Burge LCCI

❛❛London has a lot to offer the world and still has an enviable reputation as a global destination for trade. It has core strengths in key sectors such as biomedical sciences, advanced manufacturing and technology, and in recent times has attracted several disruptive,

❜❜

high-growth businesses that are making their mark here.

The other key challenge is how to navigate the fall-out from Britain’s exit from the European Union. There are people on both sides of the divide who are still fighting yesterday’s battle. Brexit has happened and it’s time to move on. The debate should now be centred around how we – and London in particular – reevaluate our trading relationship with the EU. London is still a global city and can benefit the EU, and vice-versa. We might not be part of the EU any more but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a healthy trading relationship with this important region, even if we have to redefine some of the terms and conditions upon which this relationship is based.

Despite these challenges, I’m optimistic about the future. London has a lot to offer the world and still has an enviable reputation as a global destination for trade. It has core strengths in key sectors such as biomedical sciences, advanced

manufacturing and technology, and in recent times has attracted several disruptive, high-growth businesses that are making their mark here. Britain’s departure from the EU has encouraged some businesses to explore and capitalise on markets further afield; building partnerships all over the world and adopting a global outlook will be important in the post-Brexit era.

Meanwhile, the successful COVID vaccination programme in the UK has boosted confidence in the business community and given everyone hope that the worst of the pandemic is behind us.

There’s a feeling that businesses are now looking forward, not back, and getting on with the job of building partnerships, ramping up trade and improving their balance sheets.

London will be at the centre of the UK’s economic recovery and it’s vital that businesses get the right support, both on a practical level and a policy level. Local chambers have a significant role to play in offering practical support to businesses and lobbying government to ensure that policies create an environment in which businesses can grow and flourish.

On a final note, it’s really good news that businesses in Croydon will now be given stronger representation as a result of the newly formed Croydon division of the South East London Chamber of Commerce.

Representatives from this Chamber are on hand to support businesses in Croydon by providing practical advice, creating networking opportunities and sharing best practice. This is, after all, why Chambers exist and hopefully the result will be further corporate expansion and economic growth.

19

Ellsar

Local entrepreneurs open new nursery in the heart of Bromley

A new nursery is set to join Bromley’s thriving community this summer. Located on the London Road, Banana Moon Day Nursery has been extensively renovated to create a light and spacious setting, with three floors and a vibrant outdoor area. Here, the Nursery Directors and local entrepreneurs, Lorraine Ellis and Satvir Saran, tell us why they’re ‘over the moon’ to be welcoming families to Banana Moon this summer.

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e’re thrilled to be opening Banana Moon Day Nursery in our local town this summer! Set in the beating heart of the Bromley community, our nursery will provide a caring and loving learning environment for children, from three months old to school age.

This is our second franchise business, and we’re immensely proud of our successful business relationship, which is underpinned by a 15-year friendship. We each have three children and, as parents, we understand that you want a safe, caring, and nurturing environment for your children – which is why the reassurance you feel when leaving your child in our capable hands is extremely important to us!

Proudly supporting local families We’re open to all, and celebrate all the differences that come from being part of the diverse and flourishing Bromley community. As working mothers, we want to support local working families who need quality childcare. We hope our nursery will help give local parents the perfect balance of work and family life.

Not only that – it’s important to us to support the local economy by recruiting from the area, providing training and the opportunity to build long-term careers in early years education.

We are excited to have engaged our well-qualified and hugely experienced management team, who cannot wait to take you on a tour of our wonderful setting. We are now extending our recruitment to all other roles within the nursery – details on how to apply at the end of the article!

transformation. We can’t wait to start welcoming families through our doors this summer! We’re proud of our bright and spacious setting, where our little learners will thrive in the care of our well-qualified and experienced team. Inside we have a dedicated soft play area and a sensory room, where skills and senses will flourish in a fun way! Our on-site kitchen provides fresh food daily, with a seasonal menu, catering for all your child’s needs.

The secure garden offers daily outdoor opportunities, in all seasons, complete with a separate baby play area. We have a purposebuilt outdoor classroom, offering flexible learning, and, last but not least, a secret garden where endless imaginative adventures begin!

We take security extremely seriously, and operate CCTV throughout our nursery, plus a ‘fingerprint’ biometric access system.

Our ethos Our mission is to create a world of memories and inspire a generation. Our tagline is ‘Find a place to grow their world’, reflecting our aim to encourage children to create memories of a childhood spent having fun, in an environment created just for them.

Quality of care and learning is our priority. We know every child is unique, and our well-qualified and experienced team are here to give your little one the tools they need for every stage of their developmental journey. From your child’s first day, you’ll have access to your very own Parent App, so you can be involved every step of the way!

Our nursery

A national franchise

Set on the site of a former care home, renovations began in March this year, and the building has undergone a complete

The childcare industry is in hot demand – and choosing a nursery is one of the most important and hardest decisions you face.

We’re currently recruiting for our nursery team, so if you think you’d be the perfect fit, please call us on 020 8706 0850 or email us at info@bananamoon-bromley.co.uk.

We also have a dedicated careers page at: https://www.bananamoon-bromley.co.uk/careers 20

We’re proud to be a part of a successful national franchise, meaning we have the support of a hugely experienced national team. Banana Moon is a member of the British Franchise Association – operating as a franchise since 2010, it now has over 45 locations across the UK. The franchise proudly remains a family business at its core – which made it an obvious choice for our second franchise!

Follow our journey We’re confident you’ll love our vibrant new nursery – please do follow our journey to opening day on social media (Facebook: /BananaMoonBromley, Twitter: @BMBromley, Instagram: @bananamoonbromley).

❛❛Our mission is to create a world of memories and inspire a generation. Our tagline is ‘Find a place to grow their world’, reflecting our aim to encourage children to create memories of a childhood spent having fun, in an environment

❜❜

created just for them.

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Education & Skills

London South East Colleges to give ‘care to the carers’ in support of Project Hope London South East Colleges’ Hair and Beauty students will be supporting hardworking staff at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust by inviting them for a complimentary pampering session in the colleges’ salons.

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his initiative is in support of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s ‘Project Hope’ campaign which was launched in conjunction with the NHS Trust to support the wellbeing of staff and patients by harnessing the goodwill of the local communities.

Business, groups and individuals donated food, refreshments, toiletries and even in some cases accommodation. The project focused on the wellbeing and mental health of NHS employees ensuring they know just how much they are appreciated.

London South East Colleges’ students will be inviting the NHS staff to pre-register their interest in a selection of treatments at their preferred campus (either Greenwich or Bromley).

Dr Sam Parrett OBE, Chief Executive and Group Principal said: “We know that it has been an extremely difficult time for NHS staff who have been under enormous amounts of pressure.

We applaud the work the Royal Borough of Greenwich is currently doing to support them and we want to join the Authority in recognition of our NHS heroes by providing some much deserved ‘care for our carers’.

❛❛We know that it has been an extremely difficult time for NHS staff who have been under enormous amounts of pressure. We applaud the work the Royal Borough of Greenwich is currently doing to support them and we want to join the Authority in recognition of our NHS heroes by providing some much deserved ‘care for our carers.

❜❜

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“Throughout the pandemic we have worked to support our communities in ways beyond just providing education and training. Project Hope is a natural extension of our desire to continue working in partnership and have a positive impact on the lives those who live and work in our local communities. We are delighted and proud to support this fabulous action.”

Fay Blackwood, Associate Director, Organisational Development, Equalities and Inclusion at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, says: “Staff have been under immense pressure throughout the pandemic and all worked tirelessly. Right now, it’s vital that we continue to show our appreciation and do all we can to help them look ahead with hope and optimism. Staff will be in real need of pampering in the coming months, so we are most grateful to London South East Colleges for making this fantastic offer.”

Cllr Danny Thorpe, Leader of Royal Borough of Greenwich add: “It’s amazing to see such a variety of services being provided to our local hospital staff through Project Hope. In times when NHS staff are working so hard to take care of our community, this is a great way to give back and ensure they are supported too.”

• London South East Colleges has

received national recognition at the prestigious TES FE Awards tonight, beating off stiff competition to win three accolades including Overall FE Provider of the Year, Contribution to the Local Community and FE College of the Year.

The TES’ annual FE awards celebrate the fantastic work being done in the Further Education sector. The College was shortlisted in three categories- including one for its SEND provision - alongside many other outstanding providers from around the country.

The Contribution to the Local Community award recognises a college who has gone above and beyond to support its local communities, having significant social, economic or cultural impact.

London South East Colleges was congratulated for setting up and leading the FE Foodbank Friday initiative during the pandemic last year.

Over 30 colleges joined the campaign and collectively raised over £46,000 over 19,000 items for foodbanks across the country.

The FE College of the Year award recognises a college with imagination and passion - which has resulted in excellent student outcomes, success rates and recruitment.

London South East Colleges was praised for going above and beyond this year- from setting up a specialist SEND hub during the pandemic, to its excellent work with employers and support of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust to support the Covid-19 vaccine rollout with its workforce development programme. This diverse work ensured that the College stood out among a competitive field – and resulted in the organisation also being presented with the Overall FE Provider of the Year award.

The TES judging panel commented: “London South East College is doing superb work across a whole range of areas: community, employers, and equality, diversity and inclusion.

“The College has been a sector leader on a number of issues and, particularly in the past 18 months, it has done some amazing things.

LSEC thoroughly deserves this award.”

Group Principal and CEO of London South East Colleges, Dr Sam Parrett OBE, says: “We are all absolutely delighted to win these three awards especially Overall FE Provider of the Year, which is a huge honour. It’s been an incredibly tough year for staff and students alike, but everyone has gone the extra mile and it’s wonderful to get recognition for such hard work.

“I am extremely proud of our entire college community, particularly the way in which staff throughout the organisation have come together to support one another and ensure that students have been able to achieve, progress and reach their full potential.

“Every single member of our staff has shined brightly this year, as the stars we know they all are - reflecting and leading with the values and behaviours we uphold in both our college and in the sector as a whole.

“Our college operates as a social enterprise, adding genuine social value to our communities.

From our Foodbank Friday campaign to our relationships with employers, local authorities and other education providers – we are working hard in our role as an anchor institution and look forward to developing this further in the coming years.

“Huge congratulations to every winning and shortlisted college tonight - there is such talent in FE and it is fantastic to celebrate our collective achievements in this way. I am hugely proud to be part of our sector and know that moving forward we will all continue to make a positive difference to our communities.”

Protection from Enforcement Action for Commercial Tenants Extended Until 25th March 2022

Legal

Not just further extensions …

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hilst the Government has announced extensions to many of its tenant-friendly protections for the commercial leasehold sector, it has also announced that new primary legislation will be introduced, following its recent consultation. This legislation will aim to “ringfence outstanding unpaid rent that has built up when a business has had to remain closed during the pandemic”.

Landlords will be expected to make allowances for the ringfenced rent arrears and share the financial impact of arrears with their tenants. Measures that the Government expects to see include landlords waiving some of the total amount and/or agreeing a long-term repayment plan.

Where agreement cannot be reached between landlords and tenants, a binding arbitration process will be put in place to resolve disputes. The arbitration process will be delivered by “private arbitrators” that will “have to go through an approval process to prove their impartiality”.

Alongside the extensions, the UK Government has also announced a review of “outdated commercial landlord and tenant legislation”, to address concerns that the current framework does not reflect current economic conditions and realities and will consider a broad range of issues including the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954, different models of rent payment, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market.

While we wait to find out what will be covered by these, as yet undefined terms, the following sets out the latest round of rent arears enforcement limitations.

Forfeiture The forfeiture moratorium initially put in place by the Coronavirus Act 2020 is set to be further extended in England from the

existing expiry date of 30th June 2021 to 25th March 2022.

Landlords will be prevented from taking forfeiture action for non-payment of rents or other sums (including service charges and insurance rent) during the period between 26th March 2020 to 25th March 2022.

The current extension, which was due to end on the 30th June 2021, was purported to be the final moratorium extension for forfeiture however the Government has deemed further support necessary for commercial tenants.

Some landlords believe the government restrictions are being abused by some tenants who are still trading and have the means to pay, but are refusing to do so in order to negotiate rent reductions or improve short-term cash-flow.

However, the Government has made it clear in their recent announcement that those tenants who are able to pay should do so.

Forfeiture action does still remain available as an enforcement method to landlords in respect of breaches other than non-payment of rent. In addition, a landlord’s ability to commence court proceedings for rental arrears has not been impacted (at least for the moment).

Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery The Government states that it intends to extend the restriction on the Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) procedure past 30th June 2021 to 25th March 2022.

tenant. Those goods would then be sold at auction and the proceeds of sale used to repay the arrears owed to the landlord.

The practical effect of this extension is to further protect tenants who do not pay the upcoming June, September and December quarter rents.

Moratorium on the statutory demand/ winding up route The Government has announced an extension to the temporary restriction on the use of winding-up petitions and statutory demands for a further 3 months i.e from 30th June 2021 to 30th September 2021.

Under the current restriction creditors are unable to take enforcement action against debtors, if a debtor has been financially affected by COVID-19.

❛❛Some landlords believe the government restrictions are being abused by some tenants who are still trading and have the means to pay, but are refusing to do so in order to negotiate rent reductions or improve short-term cash-flow.

❜❜

Under CRAR, if a commercial tenant is in arrears of a certain level of rent, a landlord can serve a notice on the tenant demanding payment of the arrears. If the sums are not repaid, the landlord can instruct an enforcement agent to follow a statutory procedure and seize assets held by the

For commercial property advice, please get in touch with Omari Elcock from our Commercial Property team on 01689 887875 or email omari.elcock@cwj.co.uk 23

Technology

LP Networks’ expert guide: LP Networks’ expert guide:

hate to to break break it it to to you, you, but but your your data data is is probably probably II hate already available available on on the the dark dark web. web. already with Lee Pepper, Owner LP Networks with Lee Pepper, Owner LP Networks

How many of your business passwords are How many your already forof sale on business the Darkpasswords Web? Howare already for sale on the Dark Web? How many data breaches have you already many data breaches have you already suffered? suffered?

The sad truth is that due to poor password The sad truth that duethe to same poor password practices suchisas using password for practices such as using the same password for multiple accounts, e.g. online banking, social multiple accounts, e.g. online banking, social media, and work logins, it is highly likely that media, work logins, it is highly likely some ofand your data is already available forthat sale. some of your data is already available for sale.

If a hacker has access to one password and If a hacker has access one password and username, it can opento the flood gates to username, it can open the fl ood gates to not only hacking your business, but also not only hacking your business, but also as potentially stealing your personal identity potentially your personal as well. Therestealing is a saying that a chainidentity is only as well.

There is a saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and it is pertinent strong as its weakest link, and it is pertinent when considering cybersecurity when considering cybersecurity How can you protect your business?

How can you protect your business?

For every business, it’s essential (and in a For everynumber business, essential in a growing of it’s scenarios - a (and requirement) growing number of scenarios a requirement) to take your data security seriously and to take your data security seriously one method of monitoring whether and you are one method monitoring whether youisare keeping yourofdata and systems secure to keeping your data and systems secure is to use a Dark Web Monitoring Tool. use a Dark Web Monitoring Tool.

LP Networks offers a stand-alone, nonLP Networks ers monitoring a stand-alone, non- which invasive Darkoff Web service, invasive Web reports monitoring service, which providesDark you with of any usernames provides you with reports of any usernames and passwords connected to your business and passwords to your email domain(s)connected that are listed on business the Dark email domain(s) that are listed on the Dark Web for sale. We detail historical information Web forlisted, sale. and We detail historical information that is also set up alerts that let that is listed, andnew alsoinformation set up alerts that let you know if any becomes you knowfor if any new information becomes available sale. available for sale.

While your firm undoubtedly has firewalls and While yoursecurity firm undoubtedly hasstaff firewalls and endpoint in place, with who are endpoint security in place, with staff who are trained in password hygiene, it’s important trained in password it’sinfallible. important to remember that nohygiene, system is to remember no system is infallible.

Human errorsthat happen, data breaches occur, Human errors happen, data breaches occur, so, having multiple layers of security in place so, having multiple layers of security in place makes perfect sense. makes perfect sense.

Using a Dark Web Monitoring Service has Using a Dark Web Monitoring Service has multiple benefi ts including: multiple benefits including: Valuable early warning system for data Valuable breaches.early warning system for data breaches.

Meets ethical obligations for keeping client Meets ethical obligations for keeping client data safe. data safe.

Demonstrates best practice, which could be Demonstrates best practice, which could be used as evidence towards accreditations. used as evidence towards accreditations.

Helps you to manage and prepare for Helps you threat. to manage and prepare for emerging emerging threat.

Non-invasive, so no integration with your Non-invasive, so no integration with your system is required. system is required.

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Standalone Service, it will compliment any Standalone Service, it no willneed compliment any existing services with to change existing services with no need to change providers. providers.

Speak to us about our affordable Dark Web Speak to us Tool about ournot affordable Web Monitoring that only letsDark you know Monitoring Tool that not only lets you know what information is already for sale on the what information already for on the Dark Web, but alsoisalerts you tosale anything Dark Web, but also alerts you to anything new that is offered. new that is offered.

Contact our team for a quote to protect your Contact our team for a quote to protect your business and your clients’ sensitive information. business and your clients’ sensitive information.

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0800 970 8980 enquiries@lpnetworks.com 0800 970 8980 enquiries@lpnetworks.com

Croydon’s going places That’s why LSBU are here and committed to this area.

Our new campus is the latest in a string of exciting developments in one of London’s most ambitious areas. Home to big businesses, start-ups and a uniquely South London buzz: we’re playing our part in its future.

Our new home will be in a Grade II listed building, Electric House, in Croydon town centre. With it’s original purpose of empowering local people to explore new technology in mind, we aim to build on this mission by allowing our students to engage with the latest innovation in technology and build digital innovation.

LSBU is here to meet the need for an exceptional civic university powering the future workforce, building sustainable and engaged communities and boosting the region’s standing on a national and global stage.

We’re providing ambitious, businessminded Londoners with a brand new business hub, brimming with entrepreneurial spirit, where students, staff and our Croydon community alike gather to share knowledge and ideas.

As well as Undergraduate programs in Business Management and Accounting and Finance, LSBU Croydon offers CPD and upskilling short courses, design to help the local community get into careers and improve their job prospects.

Find out more www.lsbu.ac.uk/croydon

The Big Interview

Business school extends reach into Croydon It’s safe to say that Sarah Moore-Williams is part of the furniture at London South Bank University (LSBU). She may have been dean of the university’s business school only for the last three years but she has been working at LSBU for around 14 years and in the late 1990s she graduated from there with a degree in accounting and finance.

S

arah returned to LSBU in 2013 to complete a master’s degree in the same subject, graduating with distinction, and by then she had carved a successful career in the accountancy industry. A qualified accountant, she gained valuable industry experience at British Gas, Lloyds of London, a road services company and a telecoms firm, where she rose through the ranks and eventually became operations director.

Throw a teaching qualification into the mix and it all adds up to a successful, eclectic career.

❛❛We’re really excited to be extending our reach into Croydon. We pride ourselves in the work that we do with our local community and we want to take this ethos into Croydon and add real value to the community which we serve.

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Now, however, Sarah’s primary focus is the business school, which is based at LSBU’s Southwark campus and recently extended its presence into Croydon.

Sarah says: “We’re really excited to be extending our reach into Croydon. We pride ourselves in the work that we do with our local community and we want to take this ethos into Croydon and add real value to the community which we serve. To this aim, from September the business school will be running our BA (Hons) Business Management and BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance courses from our Croydon campus.

“In addition, we’ll be running digital upskilling workshops and Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), Institute of Leadership and

Management (ILM) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) courses. We aspire to be a hub for the business community and we really look forward to working with everyone within the local area, growing together to have a really positive impact on lives here.”

The Business School in Southwark already works extensively with the local business community, helping companies to upskill their staff and offering a new consultancy service that gives them access to the skills and talent they need to solve real-world problems.

It has around 2,500 students – two thirds of whom are undergraduates, with the rest studying for postgraduate qualifications – as well as around 60 PhD students.

The Big Interview

❛❛We’re also developing our Help to Grow Programme, designed to help small local businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a governmentled initiative to promote business performance through leadership, management, marketing, organisational and financial development. We’re looking to start running the programme in our Southwark and new Croydon campuses

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from September and are currently looking for participants.

All of the main subject areas are covered: marketing, accounting, finance, economics, human resources management (HRM) and business strategy. The accent is firmly on practical experience to add value to the academic learning, with live briefs, simulations and case studies recreating workplace situations to give students real-world experience of industry life.

“We focus very much on applied learning,” says Sarah. “All of our courses have the opportunity for a placement and/or some form of work-based learning. We also use gamification to enhance the student experience.

“In recent months we’ve placed 16 accounting students on placement with local NHS trusts, we’ve worked with Tree Shepherd to support the relocation of Elephant & Castle traders and we’ve worked with Lewisham Council to provide valuable market data on high street footfall.

“We’re also developing our Help to Grow Programme, designed to help small local businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a government-led initiative to promote business performance through leadership, management, marketing, organisational and financial development. We’re looking to start running the programme in our Southwark and new Croydon campuses from September and are currently looking for participants.”

So, what of the future? The only certainty is that the world is changing fast and businesses are having to adapt. Technology is taking us all further into the digital age, governing the way we shop, work, interact and do business with each other.

The need to tackle climate change is forcing individuals and companies to be more environmentally conscious and find ways of reducing their carbon footprint.

All of this is providing opportunities for businesses – and tough challenges. The rapid pace of change has resulted in some businesses struggling to find the skills needed to capitalise on these opportunities. This has created an even greater requirement for colleges and universities to work with companies so they can urgently fill these skills gaps.

“The way the business world works is constantly changing,” says Sarah. “As a modern business school, we’re focused on the impact that digital innovation and disruption are having on industries nationally and globally. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of developments and investing our time and money to make sure our courses are always up-to-date to meet the needs of businesses both now and in the future.”

The Inside Story: Sarah Moore-Williams • Favourite food?

Italian food is my favourite: pizza, pasta and ice cream.

• Favourite tipple?

I don’t drink alcohol anymore, so a really nice coffee is great.

• Favourite holiday?

• What are your key strengths as a manager?

Not sure, you would have to ask my team.

• And your limitations?

Patience and the need for sleep.

Barbados.

• Best thing about doing business in the borough?

• Describe your family life?

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

Chaotic! One husband, two children, two cats, a dog and a horse – so very busy all of the time.

• How do you spend your downtime?

I don’t really have any downtime as such but I enjoy walking and working out.

The huge diversity, creativity and potential for growth.

Elvis.

• Most interesting fact about yourself?

There are one or two things but I simply could not share!

27 27

Past Chamber Events

Making the right connections Each month the Chamber hosts a variety of events which offer members a superb opportunity to meet and chat to fellow business people.

Here, we review a few of our past events.

SUMMER CHAMBER

BBQ F

Glasses clinked, the sun shone, and music and laughter filled the air. The Chamber’s first open event in more than a year – the summer BBQ was held at the Clarendon Hotel on Thursday 8 July. ully attended and with a fantastic atmosphere, the afternoon was a perfect way to network and celebrate the imminent lifting of the pandemic restrictions.

Guests chatted beneath an elegant Marquee set up in case of poor weather, which instead served as a shade against the sun.Delicious, barbequed food was

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served in buffet format with wine and soft drinks flowing. Music was provided by world class kora virtuoso and multiinstrumentalist, Mosi Conde.

New members mixed well with established faces, resulting in some good conversations about potential partnerships. We look forward to the next event with anticipation!

Event images courtesy of Warren King

Past Chamber Events

The Future of the Office Property Group Tuesday, 27 April, 2021 Chamber Board Director and Head of Property and Retail Partner for Thackray Williams, Yildiz Betez presented a brilliant session joined by expert guest speaker, Holly Purvis, Director of SHW Property on the future of office working.

Exploring the possible futures facing employers as they consider the most

prudent approach to “returning to work” as restrictions are starting to fully relax.

Contrary to the previously popular opinion, that returning to a five-day week in the office represents the best choice for businesses, the employees, productivity or profits.

The pandemic has actually brought on an irreversible change to thinking,

Should I Sell My Business Now or in 2 Years Time Lunchtime Webinar

as employers now need to innovate the modern office to entice workers back Permanent desk numbers are set to shrink in favour of newer hybrid working ideas, accessing shared work spaces, hot desking and shrinking the office footprint and therefore reduce annual occupancy costs, as rates of productivity and efficiency continue to improve.

Henry Campbell-Jones

Dr. Saverio Salandra

Tuesday, 4 May, 2021 Henry Campbell-Jones of Hornblower Business Brokers and Dr Saverio Salandra of Thackray Williams teamed up to deliver an insightful presentation for SME Businesses owners considering if now is the right moment to be selling a business in the unprecedented times or defer for two years in an attempt best reflect all the seller’s hard work and enterprise.

The answer is that it’s all down to who you employ to help you professionally

Dr. Saverio Salandra followed up with the critical legal processes that underpin the brokerage, ensuring due diligence is observed amid the ensuing negotiations on the multiples options for transferring ownership whilst ensuring all the commercial, financial and legal obligations are upheld.

Holly Purvis

How to Build The Perfect Business Plan with Dave Millett of DRF Consultants

understanding of everything from market analysis, identifying a need and how to deliver the solution, which then conversely brings us to the beginning of this crucial document, the executive summary that demonstrates a clear and investible idea!

assess the marketplace for your SME, as many businesses have thrived in lockdown whereas for some the future is still unclear.

Henry Campbell-Jones overview of the process from enterprise valuations to establishing the sustainability and the intellectual property that sets a business apart from its competitors, as well as the owner’s plan for infrastructure of the business after the sale before the head of terms for the sale are agreed.

Yildiz Betez

David Millett

Thursday, 13 May, 2021 Dave Millett director of CRF Consultants delivered his expert insight on how to create the perfect plan for any business, whether just starting out, or reviewing your game plan in a postpandemic business landscape.

We were introduced to Dave’s vast experience and technical

Hearing contemporary first-hand accounts of how many business clients of DRF Consultants have pivoted throughout the pandemic, gives us genuinely inspirational examples of the need to build a structured plan that allows us to accurately measure the performance and growth to build in an agile element enable sustainability when aiming to be able to continue to meet customer demands.

A Guide to Buying Your First Home Lunchtime Webinar Tuesday, 24 May, 2021

Stuart Ruff • Louise Toye • Adrian Whichcord

Another excellent Lunchtime Webinar on a subject close to all of our hearts, on the importance of having our eyes wide open when seeking to buy a first home. The most important factors may not always be the most obvious when caught up in the excitement of first viewings. So we were delighted to welcome Stuart Ruff, Louise Toye and Adrian Whichcord of

Start-ups - A Legal Checklist

Lunchtime Webinar with Thackray Williams

Dr Saverio Salandra

Mei Chung

Tuesday, 22 June, 2021 We were delighted to join hosts Dr. Saverio Salandra and Mei Chung of Thackray Williams, for a brilliant presentation at an event that was both highly informative, whilst also raising some really interesting questions from

the guests at an engaged and lively discussion covering a multitude of business startup-scenarios.

From sole traders starting out in self-employment, to corporate business plans such as limited liability partnerships, the event presented a selection of first steps from choosing the best possible business name to establishing the more intricate clauses and company terms and conditions for trading whilst protecting the interests of your business and associated intellectual property as it grows.

Thackray Williams to help us navigate the intricacies and often unseen irregularities that could lead to costly mistakes.

Visions of future plans could be affected by the advisable instruction of a deep search on historical records of the property deeds, or negotiations of contentious items relating to both leasehold and freeholdings. The importance of thinking practically

about prenuptial and postnuptial arrangements, for all potential cohabitation purchases is crucial, whether married or in a common law arrangement. For those seeking financial support from the bank of Mum and Dad there’s it’s vital to understand the potential pitfalls and implications of loans, gifting, inheritance to avoid inheriting large unwanted tax bills!

An Introduction to Tax and Wills for Business Lunchtime Webinar Tuesday, 29 June, 2021 Another fascinating session delivered by Thackray Williams provided an overview of Wills and Tax management of the estates of business owners. This was an introduction to maintaining as much control over the legacy of your hard-earned assets whilst avoiding costly mistakes.

Helping us everything from basics of understanding the nil-rate band allowance to how professionally planned lifetime tax management can be key to help make use of associated available benefits, relief and exemptions. It’s clear that taking professional legal advice on the instruction of a will can reduce the time spent in lengthy probate, as well limiting the potential impact of Inheritance Tax at the time of death.

Zahra Kanani

Elliott Lewis

We also learned about the many tax relief options when gifting assets or shares in a business to family members, clarity on the associated timelines and possible pitfalls as well as looking into the longer term estate planning available by setting up discretionary trusts, to unlock capital allowances to support the family in future generations.

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Forthcoming Events

FORTHCOMING EVENTS Events

Date & Time

Tuesday 24 August 12.00-13.00

Additional Information Join Dave Millett for a whistle-stop tour through the do’s and don’ts of customer service.

He’ll tell you how to build on your success and acquire new customers and keep your clients even happier.

Speaker: Dave Millett director of CRF Consultants.

Free to attend

Focus on Training:

During August and September, we will be running free training webinars to help support you in your business. Marketing, HR and crowdfunding are just some of the topics we are looking at - so check out our website and social media channels for details.

SELCC Training Webinar: Growing Sales & Customer Satisfaction

Enjoy spectacular river views, dinner and dancing.

SELCC/Southwark/ London Southside Chamber of Commerce

Thursday 16 September

River Thames

Boat Party

Tuesday 21 September 12.30-13.30

TW Employment Update Lunchtime Webinar 30

Boarding: 18.30-18.45 at the Festival Pier Sailing: 18.45 -22.30 Disembark: 22.30-22.45 at the Festival Pier Attire: Smart Casual SELCC/Southwark Chamber of Commerce/ London Southside Chamber of Commerce Member: £55 £500 for 10 Tickets Non-Member: £65 £600 for 10 Tickets Booking Email: admin@southwarkcommerce.com The second of our employment law sessions – this time updating you on developments in the world of employment.

This free event will give you an overview of changes in human resources and employment law – Emma Thompson of Thackray Williams will lead us through recent changes brought about by the pandemic and the way things are likely to change in the medium term.

This is a great opportunity to listen to an expert and feel free to bring a few of your own questions too.

Speaker: Emma Thompson is a Partner at Thackray Williams and heads up the employment team at Bromley and Sevenoaks offices.

Free to attend

Forthcoming Events

FORTHCOMING EVENTS Events

Date & Time

Additional Information Yildiz Betez

Tuesday 28 September 14.00-15.00

SELCC Property Group Webinar on the Future of the High Street and Land Development

Hornblower/TW Do I sell my Business

Yildiz Betez is Head of Real Estate at Thackray Williams solicitors and will talk you through the basic legal issues when acquiring a site for redevelopment but more specifically will discuss the complex legal challenges of roof top developments.

Speakers: Meeta Kaur Gerry Cassidy Edward Dent Free to attend

Tuesday 12 October 12.30-13.30

Speakers: Henry Campbell-Jones is Business Advisor and Valuer for Hornblower Business Brokers.

Dr Saverio Solandra is Head of the Corporate Banking and Finance Department who also specialises in Corporate Law and Capital Markets at Thackray Williams Solicitors.

Free to attend

BRG Business Awards at The Intercontinental Hotel

Friday 22 October

Join us to celebrate and showcase the borough’s excellent business talent.

Residential Property Planning for your Retirement and Beyond

Tuesday 26 October 12.30-13.30

Speakers: Peter Williams Equity Release.

Elliott Lewis Estate Planning.

Free to attend

TW/Follow-Up SELCC Webinar with TW Corporate Start-ups, plus two case studies

Tuesday 16 November 12.30-13.30

Speakers: Dr Saverio Solandra is Head of the Corporate Banking and Finance Department who also specialises in Corporate Law and Capital Markets at Thackray Williams.

Mei Chung Solicitor with Thackray Williams Free to attend

To BOOK EVENTS please visit www.selondonchamber.org/events 31 31

Skills

Tackling skills shortages

can boost economy

Recently Amazon took the unusual step of announcing a multi-million-pound training programme to upskill staff who are looking to leave the company to explore a new career.

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Skills

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p to 5,000 new staff will be offered training as part of Amazon’s Career Choice programme, where the company pays course fees for its employees who’ve expressed an interest in pursuing a career outside of the company – something that’s designed to boost the skills and employability of British workers.

The move comes after a major new report called for a root and branch reform of the UK’s training system to help businesses access the skills they need to boost industry productivity – and help get the UK economy back on track after the COVID pandemic.

The report from the Workplace Training and Development Commission (WTDC), which was established by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Indeed, identifies solutions to a series of obstacles for employers in using the current skills system, including issues of complexity, cost and inflexibility.

It provides a series of recommendations including: • help for smaller firms to identify and invest in the skills needs of their workforce • more bite-sized, flexible learning which supports people in work to gain new skills faster • a greater say for businesses on what type of skills training is needed at the local level • better support for people to retrain and move into higher earning roles • a renewed focus on digital skills and innovation All of this is important in the context of the COVID pandemic, which has seen businesses lay off or furlough staff in their thousands.

Those who’ve been affected have had plenty of time to mull over their options. Some have launched a new business venture; others have decided to embark on a new career.

❛❛The last year has seen the economy placed under the greatest strain it has experienced in decades and the full impact on employment and growth has yet to be seen. As businesses rebuild and respond to the challenges ahead, a more agile skills training system will be crucial.

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The problem for many of those in the latter camp is that they don’t have the skills to break into their chosen line of work – a point hinted at by Jane Boardman, chair of the WTDC. She said: “The problem of skills shortages has long hampered the UK economy, leaving employers struggling to fill job vacancies and raise productivity. The workplace is rapidly becoming more digital and automated, so businesses need more people with the technical skills for these changing jobs.

But too often employers cannot access the training they need and, as a result, are s pending less and less on training each year.

“The impact of the pandemic has made investing in adult skills more important than ever. Employers need a more joined-up and flexible system that can respond quickly to skills needs and opportunities.

“The last year has seen the economy placed under the greatest strain it has experienced in decades and the full impact on employment and growth has yet to be seen. As businesses rebuild and respond to the challenges ahead, a more agile skills training system will be crucial.”

The UK government is trying to build a more agile training system through its Lifetime Skills Guarantee, which will give every adult access to a flexible loan for higher-level education and training at university or college, useable at any point in their lives. This will build on the extensive action already underway to revolutionise the skills and training offer across the country, including the introduction of new T-level courses and access to free, job-relevant “bootcamp” courses.

It has been increasingly acknowledged that colleges and universities have a major role to play in upskilling the nation’s workforce – and colleges in south east London are doing just that.

Lewisham College has launched a range of new courses for jobseekers to help those who have been affected by COVID-19 or who are looking to upskill and improve their career.

The college welcomes thousands of adult learners from the area every year. It has a reputation for producing knowledgeable, successful students with great employment potential. The new courses are offered to those who are currently unemployed and looking for work and have been designed to help develop employability skills and support adults to upskill and gain new qualifications.

Each course includes essential skills for the career path that jobseekers are interested in, such as finance, digital, business administration and English and mathematics. The programme also helps jobseekers find job vacancies with the college’s employer partners and using job boards, CV writing, job applications and interview techniques.

Lewisham College also offers a range of qualifications aimed at specific sectors, including construction, adult care, catering and security. These popular sector-based work academy programmes (SWAPs) are designed and delivered in partnership with employers such as the civil service, Caremark and Greggs, which are looking to hire the right people to help bridge the skills gap in their organisation whilst expanding and diversifying their workforce.

Each sector-based work academy provides adults with the opportunity to develop a range of employability skills whilst building confidence, enhancing their CV and understanding the application process by undertaking mock interviews and practice tests.

To find out more about these new courses in Lewisham, visit the college’s website at www.lewisham.ac.uk/employability.

Continued overleaf >>

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Skills For those looking to step into higher education, there’s still time to apply to study at Croydon University Centre.

For those interested in entering a career as an education professional in an early years setting, the early childhood studies degree will give those studying the skills and qualifications needed to get into it, and for those looking to shape the future of older children there’s a level 5 diploma in teaching & education. The University Centre is also a provider of higher national certificates (HNCs) and new for 2021 is the engineering course, providing participants with a thorough grounding in engineering principles.

Croydon College, Coulsdon Sixth Form College and Croydon University Centre are also offering courses that will get young people on the career ladder and help employers upskill their staff.

At Croydon College, students can study a wide range of vocational courses as well as apprenticeships. Public services courses are proving popular and sports courses – levels 1 & 2, gym instructing level 2 and sports and exercise science – offer something for those looking to start a career in improving

lifestyles, while there are also ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses for those aged 16-18.

There are new courses at Coulsdon Sixth Form College too, including an A-Level in accountancy – the only course of its kind in the local area. It allows students to develop quantitative data analysis and interpretation skills and has an emphasis on management accounting, giving students the confidence to communicate information to non-accountants and future clients.

Adult Learning Lewisham

To help people choose the right course for them, the Croydon College group is running virtual weekly advice clinics to answer questions in one-to-one meetings from Wednesday July 21. The advice clinics are for all potential students and parents or carers considering applying for September 2021 across the further education, higher education and apprenticeship courses.

For more information visit https://croydon.ac.uk/course-finder/, https://coulsdon.ac.uk/courses/ and https://croydonuniversitycentre.ac.uk/courses/

DAY, EVENING AND WEEKEND COURSES

30 YEARS 1990 | 91 2020 | 21

Our courses can help you develop your creativity or gain the skills and qualifications you need for work and further education.

All photos are of our classes

Find out about the wide variety of classroom based and online courses on offer at: www.lewisham.gov.uk/adultlearning Adult Learning Lewisham

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Enrol now for September

ALL

TOGETHER WE FLOURISH

Come Come along along toto our our Accountancy Accountancy Apprenticeship Apprenticeship drop-in drop-in sessions sessions Friday Friday 1616 July July AtAt Croydon Croydon College College

Friday Friday 2323 July July Virtual Virtual session session

Scan Scan for for more more information information

For For more more information information visit visit Croydon Croydon College College croydon.ac.uk croydon.ac.uk oror email email College College Road Road apprenticeships@croydon.ac.uk apprenticeships@croydon.ac.uk Croydon, Croydon, CR9 CR9 1DX 1DX

Construction

Construction starts on affordable homes in Sydenham Work has begun on the first new homes funded through London’s Community Housing Fund.

into zero-carbon homes in Greenwich

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Councillor Anthony Okereke, the Royal Borough of Greenwich cabinet member for housing, visited tenants at a new zero-carbon council home development.

The project is said to be 100% genuinely and permanently affordable, with each home sold at a price linked to local incomes. This means that homes will be around half the market price for homes in the same neighbourhood.

T

fter their seven-year campaign for permanently affordable homes, local people celebrated with deputy mayor of London for housing and residential development, Tom Copley, and deputy mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, as construction work started.

The homes are being delivered by London Community Land Trust, which is working with its local members and residents to deliver the homes. Community land trusts (CLTs) are set up and run by ordinary people to develop and manage homes, as well as other assets.

CLTs act as long-term stewards of homes, ensuring that they remain genuinely affordable, based on what people actually earn in their area, not just for now but for every future occupier.

The funding from the GLA is £990,000 in the form of a grant and comes from the Mayor of London’s £38m Community Housing Fund, which is expected to unlock 500 community-led homes by 2023 by making grants and loans available to support building, development and delivery. Some of the funding has also been earmarked to provide financial help for potential costs such as those associated with the submission of planning applications or design fees.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “All too often London’s communities are negatively impacted by the capital’s housing crisis. I’m delighted that our Community Housing Fund is now giving Lewisham residents the opportunity to take control of their housing destiny and build the high-quality, permanently affordable homes they deserve.

“This shows what can be achieved when community builders work together with City Hall and local councils. I look forward to seeing the progress of this and other community-led housing projects across London in the years to come.”

Mayor of Lewisham, Damian Egan, said: “We are very proud to be supporting this community land trust, which will help deliver permanently affordable homes for Lewisham residents as part of our Building for Lewisham programme.

“This is a great example of the community, alongside Citizens UK, working together with the council to deliver change and help tackle the housing crisis.”

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First tenants move

he eight family homes at Kyle Mews in Coldharbour are among the first to be completed as part of the council’s Greenwich Builds programme, and have recently been shortlisted for the prestigious Constructing Excellence Awards in the sustainability and best overall development categories.

Touring the development, Cllr Okereke praised the sympathetic design and sustainability features such as solar panels, heat pumps and green roofs, which help the environment and reduce running costs for tenants.

He was particularly impressed by the scheme’s three-bedroom wheelchairaccessible home, which exceeds required space standards and has its own accessible parking space.

The homes at Kyle Mews are among more than 300 now approved or under construction, with 750 council homes due for completion by 2024.

Cllr Okereke said: “It has been great to meet the tenants and heart-warming to see how all the hard work that’s being put into Greenwich Builds is paying off in the form of these wonderful council

homes for local people. We wish them all the best for the future and look forward to seeing tenants moving into hundreds of other Greenwich Builds council homes soon.”

Cllr Danny Thorpe, leader of Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “The exemplary homes at Kyle Mews represent the high standards of quality and sustainability we’re achieving across the borough with our Greenwich Builds programme. Housing is a top priority for the council and we’re so proud that we have more than 300 truly affordable council homes either approved or under construction.”

❛❛It has been great to meet the tenants and heart-warming to see how all the hard work that’s being put into Greenwich Builds is paying off in the form of these wonderful council homes for local people.

❜❜

Construction

Retrofit revolution aims to tackle climate emergency Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has declared a “retrofit revolution” in London, announcing a new package of measures that will make buildings more energy-efficient and tackle the climate emergency.

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ed by the mayor working with London Councils and social housing providers, the ambitious new plans will boost London’s Green New Deal mission and sustain and create new green jobs in the capital.

London’s homes and workplaces are responsible for an estimated 78% of the capital’s carbon emissions and virtually all will need some level of retrofitting over this decade. The capital’s social housing urgently needs upgrading to be as energy-efficient as possible, with improvements including better insulation, low-carbon heat and clean power sources such as solar energy required to deliver the mayor’s climate targets and tackle growing fuel poverty.

The mayor’s new innovation partnership aims to make it easier for social landlords and UK building firms to work together to upgrade ageing homes in the capital.

The scheme will link up housing providers and builders through all stages of home retrofitting, from planning through to largescale delivery. This will dramatically increase the pace of projects that upgrade cold, damp housing stock to homes fit for the future.

The partnership has the potential value of £10 billion in retrofit works, which would create around 150,000 jobs over the decade.

The innovation partnership is open to social housing providers across the UK, with an estimated £5 billion or more that could be spent in London.

The mayor has also been backed by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for London to create a national retrofit centre of excellence to help social housing providers gain access to funding for major retrofit projects.

The centre will build on the Retrofit Accelerator – Homes initiative, which aims to transform the way London retrofits its ageing and energy-inefficient housing to create warm, affordable and ultra-low carbon homes. It will also directly help social housing providers develop plans to improve their chances of being successful through the next round of the £160 million Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

charging and related smart technologies.

The programme will also include a placement scheme to get trainees into solar businesses and targeted grant schemes to deliver quality training to staff at 100 solar installation companies in London.

Sadiq Khan said: “Creating jobs and tackling the climate emergency are two of my priorities for London and that’s why I’m delighted London is leading the way on a retrofit revolution. With the COP26 summit taking place later this year, it’s vital that we show how London is leading the way with our Green New Deal.

“A strong economic recovery from COVID-19 and a green recovery are not mutually exclusive. This transformative approach to retrofit will directly help those living in ageing, energy-inefficient homes, and could play a vital role in cutting energy bills and tackling fuel poverty. It will also support Londoners with the skills they need for jobs in the green economy, rebuilding our city post-COVID so that it’s cleaner, greener and fairer.”

This is part of the necessary work to increase the quality and speed of retrofits, enabling social housing landlords to cut carbon emissions and reduce heating costs for thousands of homes – thereby tackling the growing issue of fuel poverty.

Social housing providers across England will be able to access free support from this summer.

John Alker, director of policy and places at UK Green Building Council, said: “Improving the carbon performance of our buildings is critical if we’re going to meet our net zero goals and, although an enormous challenge, it also presents a tremendous opportunity. The successful delivery of local retrofit programmes can not only improve residents’ quality of life through upgrading the energy efficiency of their homes and tackling the danger of cold and damp homes, but it can also act as a catalyst for creating green jobs and upskilling the supply chain.”

The mayor is also working with Solar Energy UK to invest in the solar workforce as more energy is expected to come from this renewable power source in the next decade. A new programme, Solar Skills London, will focus on skills and training to enable Londoners to learn more about solar technologies and help to create more green jobs. Training and apprenticeships will focus on battery storage, electric vehicle

Chris Hewett, Solar Energy UK chief executive, said: “We are delighted to launch this project with the Mayor of London.

Solar power is clean, cheap and easy to deploy. Solar Skills London will help ensure that London’s workforce has the skills and training to deliver these benefits to the capital, supporting a green economic recovery from the pandemic.”

❛❛Improving the carbon performance of our buildings is critical if we’re going to meet our net zero goals and, although an enormous challenge, it also presents a tremendous opportunity. The successful delivery of local retrofit programmes can not only improve residents’ quality of life through upgrading the energy efficiency of their homes and tackling the danger of cold and damp homes, but it can also act as a catalyst for creating green jobs and upskilling the supply chain.

❜❜

37 37

U+I

Brew, make, grow: how Morden Wharf is set to transform a forgotten corner of Greenwich Peninsula

❛❛Critical to U+I’s vision is creating a sustainable community.

Morden Wharf is not just about delivering great homes, but bringing residential, work and leisure together. Its variety of workspaces will help create a neighbourhood that reflects

❜❜

the needs of London, both now and long into the future.

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U+I

A former industrial site on the Greenwich Peninsula in south east London is set to be transformed into a thriving new neighbourhood for the capital, complete with new homes and shops, space for creative businesses to flourish, and plenty of open areas for residents, workers and visitors to enjoy.

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egeneration specialist U+I aims to start work on Morden Wharf, a 19-acre site on the south-western fringe of the peninsula, once it receives planning permission next month.

The scheme, a great addition to one of the world’s most vibrant capital cities, will be centred around a new riverside park and feature approximately 1,500 homes across a mix of private sale, shared ownership and London Affordable Rent, the latter focusing on family homes.

As well as much needed housing, U+I’s proposals will deliver a mix of commercial opportunities that are expected to generate around £42m a year for the local economy.

Alongside this, the scheme will deliver more than £25m in social value over the next ten years, primarily through the creation of more than 1,000 new permanent jobs, on and off the site.

Commercial uses across the scheme will include smaller flexible units for SMEs and creative businesses. Echoing its rich history as a place of industry, a series of maker spaces and light industrial units will sit on the part of the site designated as Strategic Industrial Land. More than 2,400 construction jobs will be generated over the course of the development programme.

The move will give BBNo the opportunity to show how it brews its wide range of beers – including modern IPAs, pale ales, mixed fermentation farmhouse ales, vibrant dark coffee beers and nitro stouts – while at the same time educating its audience on the importance of freshness and beer cold storage.

The park will lead directly off the Thames Path and will be open to workers, visitors and residents alike. The landscape design is inspired by the site’s history as a marshland and will add a significant new ecological resource to the area, while the Thames Path will be significantly upgraded and increased in width to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.

As well as Brew By Numbers, MDM Props, which makes artworks and props for the film, television and theatre industries, has signalled its long-term commitment to Morden Wharf by re-signing its lease to remain on site. MDM Props’ work includes manufacturing the famous ‘Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle’ artwork, designed by BritishNigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, which occupied the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square in 2010, before moving to its now-permanent home outside the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

A new public square will be laid out where the Thames Path meets Sea Witch Lane, the main boulevard that runs east to west through the scheme, while new open space will include play and recreation areas designed for all age groups, amounting roughly to three-and-a-half football pitches, helping to address the existing deficit of open space in the area.

Alongside new homes and commercial enterprise, Morden Wharf will include more than three acres of redeveloped riverfront, known as Morden Park, offering great views of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and, across the river, Canary Wharf.

And with the local community in mind, Morden Wharf will feature allotments and gardens, a new children’s nursery and other community facilities, as well as a wide range of landscaped public spaces, each with their own distinct character.

Once realised, U+I’s ambitions will result in a prosperous mixed-use community, where homes, leisure, work and play seamlessly combine, ultimately benefitting the capital and the Royal Borough of Greenwich alike.

Critical to U+I’s vision is creating a sustainable community. Morden Wharf is not just about delivering great homes, but bringing residential, work and leisure together. Its variety of workspaces will help create a neighbourhood that reflects the needs of London, both now and long into the future.

Commercial endeavour will be a key feature of Morden Wharf, and to this end U+I have set about attracting the best businesses to the scheme. It recently announced that Brew

By Numbers (BBNo), the well-known south London brewer, will take up space in a newlyrefurbished warehouse which will be home to a state-of-the-art brewery and taproom.

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STOP STOP SPENDING SPENDING TIME TIME ON ON PAYROLL! PAYROLL!

Payroll management can be a time-consuming task Payroll management can be time-consuming task and something you often finda you no longer have the and something you often fi nd you no longer have the capacity to manage when your business or staff levels capacity to manage when your business or staff levels grow. grow.

Of course, it’s a process that’s vitally important to get Of course, it’s you a process that’s vitally important to get right because want your staff to be paid on time right because you want be paid on time and you also want to be your up tostaff datetowith tax, national and you also want to be up to date with tax, national insurance contributions and auto-enrolment pension insurance contributions and auto-enrolment pension liabilities too. liabilities too.

There’s much to think about when it comes to payroll There’s much think about when comes toorpayroll but having theto right knowledge andit software cloud but having the right knowledge and software or cloud platform is a great starting point. It’s worth speaking platform is a great starting point.adviser It’s worth to your accountant or business to fispeaking nd out to your accountant or business adviser to fi nd out or what best suits your business because the software what best suits your business because the software or process you started out with might not stack up if you’re process you started out with might not stack up if you’re employing more people. employing more people.

One option is to outsource your payroll entirely One option is to to free outsource payroll enabling you up timeyour to focus onentirely running your enabling you to free up time to focus running business and getting your product or on service outyour to business and getting your product or service out to your customers or clients. While larger businesses your customers or clients.

While larger businesses can sustain the cost of running an in-house payroll can sustain the costbusiness of running anfewer in-house department, if your has than payroll 50 department, if your business has fewer than 50

employees there is a good chance that outsourcing employees is a good chance outsourcing your payrollthere operations could be a that cheaper and your payroll operations could be a cheaper more practical alternative as you won’t haveand wages, more practical alternative as you won’t have wages, recruitment and overhead costs to think about. recruitment and overhead costs to think about.

Outsourced payroll experts also know the ins and outs Outsourced payroll also know the ins and– outs of payroll and other experts related laws and regulations which of payroll and other related laws and regulations – which now include the General Data Protection Regulation now include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Real Time Information (RTI) legislation and (GDPR), Real Time Information and auto-enrolment pension rules –(RTI) so efflegislation ectively this auto-enrolment pension rules – so effectively pressure is taken away and managed for you. this You’ll pressure is taken away and managed for you.

You’ll have the comfort of knowing that sensitive data is have the comfort of knowing that sensitive data is of held securely and safely, and you’ll also have peace held safely,a and you’ll also haveservice, peace of mindsecurely that you and will have year-round reliable mind that you will have a year-round reliable service, unaffected by holidays and staff illness. unaffected by holidays and staff illness.

An outsourced payroll department will have the latest An outsourced payroll department the latest software and technical resources atwill its have disposal so software and technical resources at its disposal so be can handle all types of payroll issues. The team will can handle all types of payroll issues.

The team will working with a wide range of business types and willbe working with a wide business types and will have experience withrange largeof complex payrolls, those have experience withworkers large complex payrolls, employing seasonal at various times those of the employing seasonal workers at various times ofweekly the year, and those that may pay some employees year, and those that may pay some employees weekly and others monthly. They will also be able to handle and others monthly. will management also be able to handleas director payrolls andThey provide reports director payrolls and provide management reports as and when required. and when required.

The outsourced department could make BACS The outsourced could payments for netdepartment pay amounts andmake PAYEBACS liabilities; payments for net pay amounts and PAYE liabilities; provide payslips how you (or your employees) would provide how you yourform; employees) would like thempayslips – electronic or in(or paper run P60s like themtax – electronic or increate paperP45s form;as run P60s for each year-end and required for each tax year-end and create P45s as required for employees leaving your business; and deliver for employeespreviews, leaving your business; and management reports and end of deliver year management previews, reports and end of year reporting. reporting.

Some bureaus are also able to handle Construction Some bureaus arereturns, also able to handlethe Construction Industry Scheme completing returns with Industry Scheme returns, completing the returns with HMRC, providing the tax certificates to subcontractors HMRC, providing the tax certifi cates to subcontractors and advising of the tax liability/offset, so make sure and the tax liability/off set, so make you advising select theofright payroll administrator basedsure on your you select the right payroll administrator based on your needs. needs.

It’s easy to make errors when you’re feeling stretched, It’s to mistakes make errors you’re feeling but easy payroll canwhen cause problems forstretched, employees but payroll mistakes can cause problems for employees and HMRC alike so if payroll is becoming a burden to and HMRC alike so if payroll is becoming a burden tobe you do look into outsourcing the function. We would you do look into outsourcing the function.

We would be happy to talk you through your options. happy to talk you through your options.

Get in touch with Tracey or Lauren at McBrides Get in touch with Tracey to or obtain Laurenaat McBrides Payroll Bureau Services no-obligation Payroll Bureau Services to obtain a no-obligation quote for outsourcing your payroll. You can reach quote for020 outsourcing payroll. You can reach them on 8309 0011your or payroll@mcbridesllp.com. them on 020 8309 0011 or payroll@mcbridesllp.com.

TRACEY COURTLEY TRACEY COURTLEY

LAUREN GLEAVES LAUREN GLEAVES

Innovation: Mo-Sys

INNOVATION SPECIALIST fuels growth of local firms Mo-Sys is leading the way in technology-led innovation.

The company designs and builds unique, highly sophisticated camera technology products for top-end film and broadcast, such as camera tracking, broadcast robotics and virtual production hardware. Not only are these products rapidly transforming visual effects (VFX) and virtual production (VP) techniques that are vital to the modern-day filmmaking process, they are attracting global interest and serving customers in more than 50 countries around the world.

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H

owever, while Mo-Sys itself is doing well, much of the company’s value lies in its ability to fuel the growth of other ambitious businesses - many of which are in south east London.

In assisting their expansion, Mo-Sys is also helping to create jobs and wealth and add value to the local economy.

Here we take a look at just a few examples...

Morden Wolf

Innovation: Mo-Sys

❛❛This year alone we will have invested a combined total of close to £500,000 in start-ups and spin-off companies. In addition to the investment are significant amounts of support services using Mo-Sys’ resources as well as mentoring and guidance. We’re trying to create a culture of innovation and high-tech entrepreneurialism in Greenwich.❜❜ Stellar Robotics

ThIs a video production company specialising on video communication for corporates that choose to communicate in more sophisticated ways than Zoom and want to communicate more like a top level broadcaster. Using Mo-Sys’ technology, Morden Wolf trialled the use of virtual backgrounds and multiple moving cameras to increase its production value. Mo-Sys provided the technological know-how, mentoring and business space for Morden Wolf to carry out the work, with the latter establishing a production and filming stage on Mo-Sys’ top floor. This partnership has enabled Morden Wolf to refine the filming process with virtual backgrounds and started to work with Fortune 500 companies like SalesForce, who are coming back for more and more productions.

A Mo-Sys spin-off company, Stellar Robotics is using some of Mo-Sys’ patented technology and applying it to the burgeoning robotics sector. The company is developing a robotics distribution technology that can increase safety, efficiency and productivity.

The project has already attracted interest from chemicals giant BASF, and Mo- Sys is currently working with a former BASF employee who has joined Stellar Robotics to commercialise the patented technology.

In return, Morden Wolf has given valuable feedback on the technology, which has allowed Mo-Sys to refine it to make it even more useful to the film production companies that the company works with.

Looking at the Greenwich Smart City project for testing self-driving cars and supply vehicles, Greenwich is on the way to becoming a centre for robotic research.

Rizvan Wadan Rizvan, or “Riz” as he’s more commonly known, is a Greenwich-based Muslim filmmaker who’s passionate about incorporating the views of minority or underrepresented groups into his work.

He is well-known for his anti-terrorism campaign video, “Error in Terror”, which tackles the sensitive subjects of hate, terrorism and extremism through visual media, and he has also produced striking films on the subject of knife crime.

Based in Mo-Sys’ premises, Riz is now starting to use Mo-Sys’ virtual technology to make his films even more eye-catching, innovative and interesting. They’re now being used as a visual tool by local authorities to educate people on terrorism and other important topics.

Riz is also benefiting from the expertise of experienced Mo-Sys technology experts and entrepreneurs as they guide him through the next phase of his exciting journey.

Having secured a government grant two years ago for £400,000, Stellar Robotics has developed a technology demonstrator of an indoor robotic vehicle. They are now preparing for the automated vehicle to seamlessly navigate from the inside to the outside.

Catena Studios Catena Studios is a company working on automated generation of higher quality backgrounds from 3D models. It uses a patented near-time process to achieve better than real-time render quality.

To increase quality further and reduce time, Catena Studios started to collaborate with Amazon Web Services, which provides a cloud computing platform to film productions globally, for e.g., real-time rendering.

Initially the company started with only a few researchers to develop a proof of concept for the technology and over the last two years more resources have been added to strengthen Mo-Sys’ increased investment and employment. Initial customers include Netflix and we see significant growth potential for Catena Studios.

Liveche Liveche is a new business that will put the passion for cooking together with Mo-Sys’ innovative automation ideas to create a new way of corporate lunch supplies.

The project is currently in discussions and means to change the way large quantities of meals are made whilst being healthy and offering a great variety and choice, thus healthy meals can be produced more efficiently while providing a large variety of choice.

As well as providing a cash injection, Mo-Sys will also provide business space, technology, business support and mentoring.

Michael Geissler, CEO of Mo-Sys, says: “This year alone we will have invested a combined total of close to £500,000 in start-ups and spin-off companies.

In addition to the investment are significant amounts of support services using Mo-Sys’ resources as well as mentoring and guidance. We’re trying to create a culture of innovation and high-tech entrepreneurialism in Greenwich.

“Ultimately, our aim is to support the regeneration of the local economy through investment, entrepreneurship and innovation. If we can achieve this, it will generate much-needed skills, create jobs, promote environmental sustainability and foster a culture of entrepreneurship that will benefit the wider economy.”

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Select Technology

Future-proof your business success Nick Ellis

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While normality may be on the horizon, many of us are still working remotely or with restrictions in place. What’s more, the world around us has changed and has forced changes to how we do business.

lthough there will be some travel back to ‘normal’, I think it’s clear that some, perhaps most, of that change is here to stay. Technology and digital tools have become more important than ever for us to work and communicate effectively.

The laptop has gone from being a tool in the office to being, for many of us, the entire office.

people, communication and relationships in business to be more effective and productive.

In my role I help our clients to flesh out their strategy by focusing on three key areas:

All that willingness to work differently means now is the time to look to the future and enable your business success, not just for now, but for the long-term.

Digital Transformation is a vital ingredient when looking at evolving your business. The term Digital Transformation can be a little misleading: it isn’t just about digital, it’s about how to enable

Technology. What technology do you have and how can it be used more effectively? You don’t necessarily need to invest in new technology or software.

Goals. What do you want your business to achieve? What’s the grand vision and how will you get there?

Often it is a case of configuring the technology you have now and getting the most out of it.

Transformation. How can we work together to make the changes needed? That could be anything from creating apps, analysing processes, running workshops, all the way up to consulting on large-scale projects and programs.

That can mean improvements to business process, such as digitising inventory management or time management and billing,

improving customer experiences, optimising how data is used, and harnessing the cloud to create efficiency while making business information available everywhere, all the time, on laptops, tablets and mobiles.

Business Transformation consulting is about people.

We are a partner in defining strategies for business and technology, developing forwardthinking ideas and creating a clear competitive edge.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help you transform your business. You can call me on 01892 337573, email me NEllis@select-technology.co.uk or go to our website www.select-technology.co.uk/worksmarter

Get your business ready for the new normal Whether you’re hybrid working, back in the office, or working remotely, Microsoft 365 Business Premium ensures your business stays secure, connected and productive. As a Microsoft Gold Partner you can trust us to migrate you to the cloud without any fuss.

Intelligent cloud services Edit and share documents, photos, and more from anywhere, on all your devices

Collaborate Connect with customers and co-workers from anywhere using Outlook, Exchange, and Teams

Advanced security Get best-in-class, comprehensive security for your data and devices

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Talk to us today and begin your Microsoft 365 Business Premium journey

Visit us at select-technology.co.uk Call us on 01892 830 111 45

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Staff wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

is a barrier to remote working More than one half of businesses polled in a new survey said the mental health and wellbeing of employees was a barrier to remote working.

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he British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey found that 55% of businesses cited staff morale or mental health and well-being as reasons why they hadn’t put remote working policies in place.

Three in ten respondents pointed to fairness to staff whose roles cannot be performed remotely, whilst the ability to monitor staff productivity (28%), poor internet connectivity (26%) and issues with IT (24%) were all cited as barriers to implementing remote working.

❛❛It’s vital that businesses have access to clear guidance, information and best practice resources to help them embrace the broadest range of remote, workplace and flexible working options as we emerge from the pandemic.

❜❜

However, generally the survey results highlighted a clear trend of an increase in remote working. Two thirds of businesses surveyed said they were offering remote working to employees, while nearly three quarters of businesses expect to have at least one employee working remotely over the coming year. The average expectation among those firms was that just over half of their workforce would carry out their jobs remotely.

There were some major sectoral differences in the results. Four in five B2B services firms (such as finance and law) were able to offer working from home, while only 61% of manufacturers and 54% of B2C services companies (such as hospitality and retail) offered this. For manufacturers and B2C service firms, 21% were not able to offer any of the flexible working options proposed, in comparison to only 7% of B2B service businesses.

Flexitime or staggered hours were offered by 38% of firms and part-time hours by 36%, while working from different locations was on offer from 32% of respondents. Only 15% offered all jobs flexible as standard and the proportion

offering options such as job sharing (8%) and self-rostering of shifts (7%) were low.

Jane Gratton, head of people policy at the BCC, said: “During the pandemic, many employers have learned how to manage and motivate people working from home.

They’ve also experienced the advantages of an agile workforce, in terms of diversity, skills and productivity. It’s vital that businesses have access to clear guidance, information and best practice resources to help them embrace the broadest range of remote, workplace and flexible working options as we emerge from the pandemic.

“These results show that nearly three quarters of firms will now continue to benefit from a remote working option during the coming year. However, it’s clear that some firms and individuals are facing barriers to remote working with many employers concerned about the impact on team morale and employee wellbeing.

“Working from home is by no means the only way in which people can work flexibly. There are a great deal of flexible options available to all businesses including those which require onsite presence, for example, job sharing or self-rostering of shifts. Businesses need to attract the best people with the skills they need to be successful and flexible working enables employers to unlock new pools of talent. Offering flexible working opens the door for businesses to find the talent they need to fuel growth and rebuild our economy.”

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News

BLACKHEATH RUGBY OFFERS FREE MEMBERSHIP to support young adults

June 2021, Blackheath, London: The oldest open rugby club in the world founded back in 1858, Blackheath Rugby, has agreed to offer free membership to help support young adults, both men and women.

Visual showing a pedestrianised approach to Catford Bridge station

Green light for Council’s plans for the greenest town centre in London

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s has been widely reported in the press, lockdown has especially impacted the young population, particularly the 18 to 22 age group, to which Blackheath Rugby is keen to provide assistance. Whether leaving school or heading to University, these youngsters have had their education and social world disrupted and, in many cases, detrimentally affected.

and beyond so we have made the momentous decision to offer free membership to those in the 18 to 22 age group.

“We agreed that it really is a way that we can support this age group in a positive and constructive way and, although there will be a financial cost to the club, we unanimously felt that it would be an important statement for the club as a whole to make. As a club, we look forward to lending support where we can at this very difficult and uncertain time for youngsters who are particularly vulnerable under the current circumstances,” he concludes.

Despite the challenges over the past year or so, the Club has instead taken the time to develop a new strategy for the future that saw it take the bold decision to invest in the business to ensure its immediate existence and future longevity. In the first instance, this financial commitment saw the

Club bring in a new commercial manager.

The Club also used the time during lockdown to positive advantage by investing in technology in order to overhaul its website and bring it into the 21st century, brought in iSport to manage its membership, EPOS and communications and formed new partnerships with Tacklebag to create an online shop to sell the official club kit and with Urban on Demand to push its club merchandise.

With all these initiatives now in place, this established club is positive that it will be well placed to flourish once the country is back to normal and continue to be around for many more years to come.

Anyone falling into this age group who would want to join the Blackheath Rugby family should go the club website www.blackheathrugby.co.uk/ membership

A long-term vision for Catford town centre to become the greenest town centre in London has been approved by the Council’s Mayor and Cabinet.

Given it is well documented that exercise can be a huge help when dealing with mental health issues, free membership will mean these youngsters can come to the club’s twice-weekly training sessions, meet their peers and socialize together when they are able.

he Framework Plan, shaped by over 3,000 comments from local residents, sets out the Council’s ambition over the next couple of decades and secures significant benefits for Catford’s community, including nearly 1,000 new social homes, more opportunities for local shops and businesses, and improvements to enable walking and cycling.

Bexley firms benefit from COVID grants

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Catford will be a welcoming place for everyone with 2,700 homes will be built over the next couple of decades with half of these set to be affordable, including 1,000 new social homes.

The heart of the town centre will become largely car-free with generous areas of public space created as the South Circular is rerouted. The approach to Catford Bridge station will be pedestrianised with significant improvements making it easier for people to walk and cycle.

The Council’s ambition for a vibrant town centre signals a positive economic future for Catford with new jobs for local people and opportunities for small businesses.

Investment in the town’s cultural offer will support Lewisham’s plans for Borough of Culture 2022.

Managing Director of Blackheath Rugby, Russell Ticehurst, comments, “The Executive Committee of Blackheath Rugby and I wanted to reach out to the young adults in our community

New COVID business grants were made available to borough of Bexley-based businesses that were previously unable to apply for funds.

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hase four of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme in Bexley was open for applications in the latter part of May and in June.

The changes saw additional support for home-based selfemployed people and top-up grants for non-ratepaying businesses forced to close and for those still affected by COVID social distancing and travel restrictions.

One-off grants of £3,500 were made available for self-employed people that previously were ineligible for support. Changes to the process meant that those

applying for the grant may have been eligible even if they had received cash from the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

Bexley also introduced two new categories of grant for sectors that continue to lose income due to the ongoing social distancing rules and travel restrictions. The new categories applied to licensed restaurants and cafes and the travel trade and events industry.

Non-ratepaying businesses occupying commercial premises could also receive a top-up ‘ARG Restart’ payment if they were

Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan said: “This is a really important moment for Catford, and I’m excited that we can now focus on translating our vision into positive change for the local community as we work to make Catford the greenest town centre in London.

Hospitality Charter

“Several exciting projects are already underway and there’s more to come over the next 12 months. These projects will deliver new social homes, bring hundreds of jobs into the town centre and help improve Catford’s cultural offer ahead of our year as Borough of Culture in 2022.”

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Six key projects will come forward by the end of 2022, helping to kick-start the Council’s ambition for Catford to be a vibrant town centre to reflect Catford’s character, bringing jobs and opportunities for local people; creating new areas of public space and improvements to enable walking and cycling.

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in the following sectors: nonessential retail, hospitality, leisure, çaccommodation, gym, sports and personal care.

Cllr Louie French, deputy leader of Bexley Council and cabinet member for growth, said: “This is good news for local businesses and our economic recovery. The additional grants will help hundreds of self-employed people including taxi drivers, driving instructors and other home-based businesses.

There is also continued support for those businesses that remain adversely impacted by the latest COVID restrictions.”

GOOD FOOD IN GREENWICH

Good Food in Greenwich has been reviewing its membership and has launched its Hospitality Charter. hase four of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme in Bexley was open for applications in the latter part of May and in June.

The Charter is the quality mark of a sustainable business, committed to tackling the food health and climate crisis and helping to create a robust local food economy.

To achieve the Charter, businesses must be taking action in 5 of 11

areas, with things as simple as using Fairtrade products, using seasonal produce in their menus, or using recycled packaging.

In return, they will be added to the list of businesses known for their quality and commitment to Good Food within the Royal Borough, receive a certificate, a charter logo

to add to their email footer, will be promoted across social media, raising brand awareness with both the public and other organisations and will have access to business support.

To find out more, visit the Good Food in Greenwich Membership page: www.goodfoodingreenwich.org/membership or email: goodfig@gcda.org.uk

Advertising Feature

Key employment cases regarding coronavirus and Supreme Court decisions

Despite the success of the vaccine programme, the impact of the pandemic on businesses will continue for some time. For example, when the furlough scheme ends in the autumn, it is expected that the number of employment tribunal claims will rise and case law will take even longer to filter through to policies and practice.

‘Meanwhile, we are starting to see tribunal cases relating to the Covid risk in the workplace and, so far, the outcomes are generally encouraging for employers,’ says Emma Thompson, Head of the employment team. ‘Although these are only tribunal decisions and other tribunals do not have to follow them, they offer some reassurance to those employers who have brought in Covid-secure measures.’

In our latest round-up of key employment law cases, Emma also looks at a European case of interest to the ‘no jab, no job’ debate and highlights two Supreme Court decisions; one on pay for ‘sleeping in’ with huge significance for the care sector and one of importance to the gig economy.

Walking out on a job due to perceived Covid risk In March 2020, Mr Rodgers walked out of his job, telling his manager he would be back when lockdown eased. He was worried about infecting his vulnerable children, one of whom had sickle cell anaemia. A month later, he was dismissed. Mr Rodgers did not have enough service to bring a claim for ordinary unfair dismissal. Instead, he claimed he was automatically unfairly dismissed for exercising his right to leave the workplace where he reasonably believed that there was a serious and imminent danger. There is no minimum service requirement for this claim.

In Rodgers v Leeds Laser Cutting Ltd [2020], the employment tribunal disagreed with his claim, pointing to inconsistencies in Mr Rodgers’ behaviour as he had driven a friend to hospital the day after leaving work and had worked in a pub later during the pandemic.

The tribunal found it was inappropriate to walk out without raising concerns with his manager first, and that the employer had implemented the recommended Covid-secure measures at the time.

Sacked for refusing to wear a face mask In Kubilius v Kent Foods Ltd [2020], Mr Kubilius refused to wear a face mask onsite when asked to by a client of his employer. The client banned him from their site.

Mr Kubilius was dismissed from his job as a lorry driver for misconduct. The tribunal found the dismissal was fair, taking into account the employer’s need to keep good relations with its client.

Mandatory vaccinations In Vavřička and others v the Czech Republic [2021], the European Court of Human Rights found that it was not a breach of human rights to enforce penalties against parents who failed to vaccinate their children under a mandatory scheme. The scheme related to long-established child vaccines. The penalties, which comprised a fine of about €110 or exclusion from pre-school, were deemed proportionate.

Of course, a different outcome could be reached in relation to a ‘no jab, no job’ policy involving relatively new Covid-19 vaccines.

Pay for sleeping-in The Supreme Court brought huge relief to care sector employers when it decided in Royal Mencap Society v Tomlinson-Blake [2021] that workers who ‘sleep in’ and are on call overnight, were not entitled to the national minimum wage (NMW).

Employees usually receive a ‘sleeping-in’ allowance for the shift, which is less than the NMW and are paid for the actual time that they are awake and performing duties.

The claimants argued that the whole of the shift should be paid at NMW.

The Supreme Court disagreed, and the claimants were not entitled to any back payments, saving the care sector many millions and making overnight care more affordable for many.

Uber drivers are workers In Uber v Aslam [2021], the Supreme Court came down on the side of the Uber drivers who claimed it was wrong for Uber to treat them as self-employed contractors, given the control that Uber exercised over them.

The Supreme Court found that the drivers are workers. While it falls short of the rights employees enjoy, this status gives them a smattering of important rights, such as to paid holiday and to the national minimum wage. Following this case, the starting point in working out employment status is to scrutinise the actual working relationship, not any cleverly-worded contract, and to bear in mind that the purpose of the relevant laws is to protect vulnerable workers.

Holiday pay for wrongly-classified workers Workers who are wrongly labelled as selfemployed contractors miss out on holiday pay and may bring claims for backpay. The impact of Uber v Aslam on potential holiday pay claims, may be softened by Pimlico Plumbers v Smith [2020]. Although the Supreme Court agreed Mr Smith was a worker, not a self-employed contractor as Pimlico Plumbers argued, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) denied him his claim for £74,000 for unpaid holiday pay.

Usually, a claim for unpaid holiday pay must be brought within strict time limits. However, if a worker is put off taking any holiday because the employer refuses to pay them on the (wrong) basis that they are self-employed, when the worker leaves, they can claim a back payment for accumulated holiday pay for the time they worked for the employer.

The EAT said that this did not apply to Mr Smith because he had taken time off, even though it was unpaid, and his claim was too late. Mr Smith is reported to be appealing against the decision.

If you need assistance or advice on the contents of this article, please contact the Employment Team at Thackray Williams LLP 020 8290 0440 49

New Members

Welcome

to our new members

As a member of our Chamber, you are joining a unique organisation with a strong campaigning voice for business to local and national government.

Blackheath Rugby Club

Tel: 020 8850 0210 Email: sarah.saunders@blackheathrugby.co.uk Contact: Sarah Saunders

CC Finance

Prince Krofa & Sons – Chartered Surveyors

Tel: 07931 768533 Email: richard@princekrofa.com Contact: Richard Djan-Krofa

Realtop Ltd

Lorna Walker Co-founder - COO and Head of ESG

Modomo

Lorna Walker is a Co-founder of Modomo, the meanwhile housing pioneer transforming underused land into beautiful, buzzing places to live. She previously spent 12 years at CBRE, playing a key role in high-profile commercial transactions in the UK and Europe.

Tel: 07747 767312 Email: bcacao@cc-finance.co.uk Contact: Barbara Cacao

Tel: 07508 133371 Email: info@realtop.co.uk Contact: Vincenzo Gallizzi

Hornblower Business Broker Ltd

Severndroog Castle

Lorna has a passion for social justice, diversity, and sustainability - she is a trustee of the UK Green Building Council and founded Peer 20 to inspire and support millennial professionals. When she is not tackling the housing crisis, she is taking part in triathlons, climbing mountains, and wild swimming.

London Centre for Training & Development Ltd

The Beaverwood

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

Tel: 020 8090 9380 Email: ask@hornblower-businesses.co.uk Contact: Henry Campbell-Jones

Tel: 080 0689 4834 Email: info@lctd.co.uk Contact: Pauline Sowemimo

Tel: 07956 255642 Email: mary.bright@severndroogcastle.org Contact: Mary Bright Tel: 020 8300 1385 Email: hello@thebeaverwood.com Contact: Lisa Golding

Washing up at the local village pub, £3 an hour.

Tel: 07866 487178 Email: lorna.walker@modomo.co.uk Contact: Lorna Walker

Tel: 020 30925226 Email: dennisakwara@outlook.com Contact: Dennis Akwaraonwu

Triangle Training Services Ltd

What would you do with your last pound?

Park Cafes of London Ltd

XL NOMINEES

Lend it out to a micro-entrepreneur following the principles of the Grameen Bank microfinance model (alternatively my daughter thinks I should buy a strawberry ice cream with sprinkles!)

Modomo Ltd

Tel: 07768 634062 Email: nick@mordenswinebar.co.uk Contact: Nicholas Coxon

Tel: 020 3223 0805 Email: seyi@xlnominees.com Contact: Seyi Clement

Members can access a range of services, networking events and support to help their business do better. Importantly, they can also access other members to find new suppliers, promote your business services, or join forces on new opportunities.

Find out how to join and learn how others are benefiting from their membership.

For more information telephone: 020 8317 3365 email: office@selondonchamber.org

❛❛As a member you’re well connected with access to our range of benefits and services, including our directory of local member businesses. ❜❜ 50

...and finally

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

Educating the industry about the value of meanwhile housing, and its potential to tackle the housing crisis.

If you were Prime Minister, what would be your first decision?

I would place the protection of the planet (natural world, climate, biodiversity) as the leading factor in all government decision making, to reverse the ongoing destruction wrought by our current economic choices.

If you could do another job what would it be?

Professional cyclist in training for the inaugural Tour de France Femmes 2022.

What book are you currently reading?

Natives by Akala.

CHAMBER of COMMERCE Logo Type face: Optima Regular Chambers Logo Grey RGB - R 88. G 89. B 91.

CMYK - C 0. M 0. Y 0. K 80.

Complementry colours for fonts (sub sections) and under lines

Green palette for fonts and boxes

Greys palette for fonts and boxes

Chambers Logo- Green RGB - R 0. G 167. B 157.

CMYK - C 80. M 10. Y 45. K 0.

Chambers Logo- Green RGB - R 0. G 167. B 157.

CMYK - C 80. M 10. Y 45. K 0.

Chambers Logo Grey RGB - R 88. G 89. B 91.

CMYK - C 0. M 0. Y 0. K 80.

Chambers Red RGB - R 220. G 102. B 99.

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Chambers Green 1 RGB - R 113. G 187. B 192.

CMYK - C 55. M 8. Y 25. K 0.

Chambers Grey 1 RGB - R 147. G 149. B 152.

CMYK - C 0. M 0. Y 0. K 50.

Invite you to join us at our Chambers Magenta RGB - R 208. G 89. B 133.

CMYK - C 0. M 75. Y 10. K 15.

Chambers Green 2 RGB - R 165. G 203. B 205.

CMYK - C 35. M 8. Y 18. K 0.

Chambers Grey 2 RGB - R 209. G 211. B 212.

CMYK - C 0. M 0. Y 0. K 20.

River Thames Boat Party Chambers Logo Green RGB - R 0. G 167. B 157.

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Chambers Green 3 RGB - R 0. G 139. B 131.

CMYK - C 80. M 10. Y 45. K 21.

Thursday, 16th September 2021 Enjoy spectacular river views, dinner and dancing Chambers Green 4 RGB - R 0. G 114. B 107.

CMYK - C 80. M 10. Y 45. K 40.

Grow your business network & meet new friends.

Tickets: £55 per head (members) £65 per head (non-members) £500 for 10 tickets (members) £600 for 10 tickets (non-members) Attire: Smart Casual Book now!

Email: admin@southwarkcommerce.com https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/river-thames-boat-party-tickets-161808033183

Boarding: 18.30 -18.45 hrs at Festival Pier Sailing: 18:45 - 22.30 hrs Disembark: 22.30 - 22.45 hrs at Festival Pier

STAND OUT Recruit an Apprentice

Finding people with the right skills is not always easy.

Employing an apprentice can be a great solution as they learn on the job and bring new skills to your business. We can: » » »

Help you understand the apprenticeship levy Find you an apprentice Offer specialist advice regarding your training needs and much more...

Get in touch today apprenticeships@lsec.ac.uk | 020 3954 4965 LSEC.ac.uk

GREENWICH ADULT AND COMMUNITY LEARNING We have a wide range of affordable short courses that will help you progress at work, start your own business or transform your leisure time.

Learning also improves your well-being and helps you to make new friends. It also lets you be creative, discover new interests and keeps you active.

Get in touch today to find out more.

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