The Masthead October 24

masthead the

ISSUE 32

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH EAST LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ECONOMY The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to use her first Budget to seize the moment to boost business and grow the UK economy.

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY The hospitality sector in South East London is seeing a welcome rise in face-to-face business events.

SKILLS London South East College welcomes newly elected MPs to its schools and college.

Matthew Mees

Chief Executive of the Old Royal Naval College, explains why heritage and wellbeing go hand in hand.

River Thames

River Thames

2 joint venture partners 21km of ultrafast network

1 local authority Passing: 2 joint1500 venture partners businesses 21km12,000 of ultrafast network council-owned apartments and houses Passing:

1500 businesses 12,000 council-owned

apartments and houses

We’re transforming the digital infrastructure of the We’re the Royaltransforming Borough of Greenwich digital infrastructure of the • Underpinning the technologies modern businesses rely on Royal Borough of Greenwich • Enabling organisations to innovate and grow • Helping attract investment and employment opportunities • Underpinning the technologies modern businesses rely on • Connecting residents with fast and affordable internet access • Enabling organisations to innovate and grow • Working with the community • Helping attract investment and employment opportunities

To check your postcode for ultrafast connectivity visitcheck www.digitalgreenwichconnect.com To your postcode or scan this QR code for ultrafast connectivity

• Connecting residents with fast and affordable internet access • Working with the community

visit www.digitalgreenwichconnect.com or scan this QR code

Royal Borough of Greenwich

Royal Borough of Greenwich

CONTENTS

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WELCOME

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utumn is with us and SELCC has had a busy time. We are delighted to announce we have a new Strategic Partner, London Biggin Hill Airport and look forward to working closely with them.

We have some good networking events and webinars booked in for the rest of the year and I am delighted to say that our Executive Lunch with Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth is taking place later this month and is sold out.

For the last two years the Chamber’s chosen charity was the London Air Ambulance Charity. Last month, we gave our members the opportunity to vote for two independent charities from our members: The Chartwell Cancer Trust and Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP). The winner was WSUP and we will support them for the next two years. Our fundraising is mainly via our Charity Quizzes and the next one is taking place at The Clarendon Hotel on Thursday, 14th November; please book yourself/a team in via the website to support WSUP. This will be my last Masthead Welcome as at the virtual AGM on Thursday, 14th November I will stand down and hand over the role of President to the current Vice President, Christofi Christou, of Peabody Trust. I am delighted to confirm that Mark Jenkinson, founder of Crystal Associates will take over the VP role, so expect SELCC to become even greener with these two leaders in charge. I will remain on the board to represent Landsec U+I and my main role will be as the Director responsible for Strategic Partnerships and Masthead.

My last in-person event with the ‘gong’ will be at the annual reception for Strategic Partners at City Hall on Monday, 11th November. I have so enjoyed my life with the gong: this should have been a two-year term, but for all sorts of reasons, it has been eight years of wearing it with great pride.

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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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: October 2024 © Benham Publishing

Chamber photography and cover image by Warren King

Chamber News Economy News Ask the Expert Focus on Lewisham Focus on Croydon Focus on Greenwich Your Bromley Focus on Bromley Focus on Bexley The Big Interview Net Zero Skills 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. 2080 Disclaimer The Masthead is published for South East London Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members.

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Corporate Hospitality

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LCCI Karim Fatehi MBE

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Strategic Members News

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Past Events

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Forthcoming Events

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News

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Arts & Culture

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Health & Wellbeing

46-47

Later Life Planning

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New Members

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and Finally

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. © 2024 Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

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Chamber News

Partner with the University of Greenwich T ogether, we empower individuals to fulfil their ambitions and contribute to a better society.

Inspired by shared values, we collaborate with partners in the UK and globally to

create opportunities for students to excel academically and professionally. Our partners benefit from our expert staff, impactful research, and extensive facilities.

As experts in research and education, we have the people, modern facilities and vibrant campus environments to enhance your business and supply the workforce you need. From filling short term or seasonal gaps in your staffing resource, expanding capacity in areas of growth at a lower cost, to upskilling or reskilling for staff retention.

We bring bright and energetic graduates into your workforce.

Our Partnership Hub Team simplifies collaboration and are your open door to access infinite possibilities and a wealth of talent to help you build your workforce, drive growth and deliver impact.

SELCC AGM 2024

(MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT) Thursday 14th November 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm ONLINE WEBINAR Join us for our Annual General Meeting, a great way for our members to learn more about the Chamber and the way it is organised, its key aims and objectives and setup.

Board Members will review how well this year has turned out, share with our members the Chamber’s plan for the next 12 months and present the accounts.

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Economy

BCC’s five recommendations for Chancellor’s Budget The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to use her first Budget to seize the moment to boost business and grow the UK economy.

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he BCC’s budget submission focuses on policy recommendations to encourage investment, strengthen the workforce and develop our local economies.

The top five recommendations are: • Create a competitive investment environment by expanding full expensing to leased assets and promoting North Sea investment.

• Support a healthier workforce by reducing the employer and employee tax on workplace health services.

• Engage employers in skills planning by extending investment in Local Skills Improvement Plans and addressing gaps in local training provision.

With inflation now close to target, and interest rates beginning to fall, the first half of 2024 has seen business confidence rise.

The BCC has upgraded its economic growth forecast for 2024 three times this year – from a low of 0.4% to an expectation of 1.1%. However economic growth is currently forecast to remain flat in 2025 and 2026. And fears over increases in taxation on firms, and warnings of tough choices in the budget, have left business leaders wary.

While interest rates are starting to come down, the long-lasting impact of the cost-of-living crisis means people are also still reluctant to spend and the UK’s trade performance remains weak.

• Reform business rates, with the aim of lowering the multiplier to 45p by the end of this Parliament.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The first budget of a new Government is always a huge moment to shape the expectations of business and the public for the years ahead.

• Invest in infrastructure by delivering previously planned transport projects, improving rail capacity, and updating planning rules to increase employment land supply.

“So, the Chancellor is right to champion the critical importance of economic growth and investment. Businesses are keen to get more detail on how the Government plans to do this, so we can all work to make it happen.

“On trade and investment, the level of funding directed towards growth and expansion by UK firms needs to be unleashed. They need help to realise their growth potential and attract inflows of overseas cash for big ticket projects.

“Action on full expensing, North Sea capital allowances, and business rates could all help free up money to invest in innovation across our country.

“This needs to be supported by public spending on transport, digital infrastructure and the power grid. This is crucial for a 21st Century economy to grow and sends a clear signal to investors on the Government’s intent.

“Finally, the people problem in the UK economy must be fixed. Firms are still struggling to find the staff with the skills they need to grow – they either don’t have the training or aren’t looking for jobs at all.

“Steps are needed to help people with health issues to stay in the workplace, and to provide everyone with the skills they need to either get jobs or progress up the ladder.

“All of this must be wrapped up in a framework of industrial and trade strategies that set out a clear pathway for firms in the UK to expand and increase overseas sales.”

Businesses stand ready to work hand in hand with Government to grow economy

F

ollowing the Prime Minister’s Conference speech, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, agreed with Sir Keir Starmer’s emphasis on stabilising and growing the economy.

“The Prime Minister rightly set out the importance of stabilising and growing the economy during his speech,” she said.

“Businesses stand ready to work hand in hand with Government to reach those goals.

“Firms also wanted to hear an upbeat plan for the future, so it was encouraging to hear

the Prime Minister talk of ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.

business investment. But companies are now impatient to see delivery.

“We’ve consistently argued for reform of the Apprenticeship Levy and look forward to getting more detail on the changes.

It’s vital that any reforms give employers confidence to invest in the skills they need for the longer term.

“The confirmation that GB Energy will be headquartered in Aberdeen is fantastic news for our Chamber colleagues and the wider business community in the North East of Scotland. We look forward to working closely with the Government on this important part of the net-zero transition.

“Businesses will be pleased to hear the Government’s commitment to getting more people back into work.

“It’s also welcome that planning reform and grid connectivity are priorities for the Government as they remain key blockers to

“Firms will invest more if they see a clear long-term plan for the economy. If next month’s Budget and the launch of the Industrial Strategy are properly executed, they have the potential to be real catalysts for business growth.”

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News

More electric charging points in Bexley A

hundred more lamp column/bollard charge points have been installed across Bexley.

The new charging points are located in parts of the borough with lots of properties that have limited off-street parking and therefore don’t have access to home charging. They are provided by Ubitricity and are Type 2 (5kW) charging units that are suited to longer stay charging.

Users can scan a QR code or use a corresponding application on a mobile device, with payment and deployment of charge managed by Ubitricity’s online platform.

Councillor Richard Diment, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Places, said: “With increasing numbers of electric vehicles on the roads, Bexley Council is determined that residents and visitors to the borough will have access to charging facilities in places and at times they need them. Installation of the 100 charging points focused on areas with limited off-street parking is a very welcome milestone. I look forward to the roll-out of further charge points in the near future.”

Ubitricity’s UK Market Lead Stuart Wilson said: “The new charging points are located around the borough and will be particularly useful for those that do not have off-street parking and therefore don’t have access to home charging.”

You can find the charging point located nearest to you on the Zap Map App. More information on the new charging points can also be found on the Ubitrictity website.

If you have any queries, please email: Evcharging@bexley.gov.uk

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External repair works start at Woolwich Town Hall W orks to repair the Woolwich Town Hall have started to protect the Grade II listed building for years to come.

The works include repairing the roof, windows and external facade of the building. It also includes updating the fire alarm system and lightning protection, improving the lighting and repairing the drainage system.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “The Town Hall is such a beautiful and important part of Woolwich’s history. These repairs will ensure it continues to be a welcoming and wellmaintained seat of the Council. We are also excited for this great opportunity to share fascinating stories about the building and Woolwich itself.”

Cllr Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, said: “As well as helping to protect and maintain the Town Hall at a high standard, these works will also bring much bigger value to our community. We’re working closely with our contractor, Standage and Co. to provide apprenticeships and educational events for residents and schools. They will also be

making a £10,000 donation, which will help to support some important community groups in Woolwich.”

Woolwich Town Hall was originally constructed in 1902 and became a Grade II listed building in 1973 in recognition of its historic, architectural and artistic significance. The Edwardian building is home to the Council Chambers and Victoria Hall, where Greenwich mayors have welcomed guests over the years.

The Hall boasts stained glass windows by artist Geoffrey Webb, featuring some notable residents and events from the borough’s history, such as King Charles I visiting Woolwich to see his great ship, the Sovereign of the Seas, in 1637.

While the building will remain open during the works, allowing weddings and Council meetings to carry on as normal, there will be scaffolding and hoarding put up around the building.

Repair works will take place Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. Some services in the Town Hall will be temporarily relocated during the works, including the Registrars team who will be moved to the Woolwich Centre.

New operator for refurbished Bexley tennis courts T wistFizz C.I.C. has been named as the new operator for Bexley’s tennis courts.

TwistFizz will be running the tennis operations across the following seven park tennis venues: Belvedere Recreation Ground South, Danson Park, Northumberland Heath Recreation Ground, Russell Park, Sidcup Place, Waring Park and West Heath Recreation Ground.

The seven park tennis venues have recently benefitted from £338,342.23 investment to renovate court surfaces, install new gate access systems, and carry out fencing and pathway improvements and repairs as part of the LTA's Park Tennis Project.

Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Councillor Richard Diment said: “It’s great to have TwistFizz on board at the start of a new era for tennis in Bexley and look forward to seeing the development of tennis in Bexley’s parks for the whole community.”

Managing Director of TwistFizz, Lyndall Newton-Early, said: “We’re thrilled to have been appointed as the new tennis operator.

There will be lots of opportunity to get involved, whether you want to learn, play with friends and family, compete or volunteer.

Tennis is a game for the whole community to enjoy, the courts are looking fantastic and ready for action.”

Ask an Expert

Ask an Expert

Dona Awano, a residential property solicitor at Amphlett Lissimore, looks at the likely impact of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 on investors, landlords, and leaseholders.

What is the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (L&FRA)?

Most leaseholders of flats already have a legal right to extend their leases or to club together to buy the freehold of their blocks.

Legislation sets out how the prices and other terms of an extension or purchase are decided by the tribunal if the landlord and leaseholder cannot agree. Within limits, the landlord and leasehold can also agree whatever terms they choose without going to the tribunal.

How will the L&FRA change lease extensions and freehold purchases?

How does this affect freeholders and investors?

Term - A lease extension will add 990 years

freeholders hard. Freeholders and

to the lease, instead of 90.

2-year rule - If you buy a flat you can apply straight away for a lease extension, without having to own the flat for 2 years.

Price - Ground rent stops when a lease is extended. The extension price includes the value of future rent the landlord would have received. This will be calculated in a new way that may reduce the price.

Marriage Value - If a lease has under 80 years to run, the extension price currently

Abolishing marriage value will hit investors will need legal and valuation advice.

Issues include whether to invest in freeholds at all, and whether existing investors should just wait or actively offer lease extensions to leaseholders before the L&FRA changes take effect.

How does this affect leaseholders and prospective purchasers?

The L&FRA is a new Act passed by Parliament on 24 May 2024, which will make it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to use these rights, but most of it is not yet in force.

includes an extra item called "marriage

When will the L&FRA be in force?

process will be simpler, with some disputes

A lease extension can take over a

decided by the tribunal instead of the court.

year if the tribunal has to be involved.

What about mixed-use buildings like flats over shops?

If you need an extension urgently it

In the King’s Speech on 17 July, the government promised to “act quickly to provide homeowners with greater rights, powers and protections over their homes".

However, parts of the L&FRA are not workable without detailed regulations that are not yet drafted, and some landlords are challenging the L&FRA in court.

We can expect delays of many months.

value" which can almost double the price.

This will no longer be paid.

Costs - Leaseholders will pay less towards their landlords' professional costs. The

Leaseholders cannot now buy freeholds or claim the right to manage if more than 25% of the building is commercial. That

If you're thinking of extending your lease, discuss this with your solicitor now, and consider getting a valuation.

may be better to start the process now than wait for the L&FRA, especially if your lease has not much over 80 years to run.

will change to 50%, bringing these rights to

And beware of landlords offering quick

more leaseholders.

cheap deals - there may be a catch!

For more information, visit www.allaw.co.uk email contact@allaw.co.uk or contact the team on 020 8771 5254 7

Focus on Lewisham

Supporting Lewisham Business Community Breaking records for annual business awards With a staggering response of nearly 9,000 votes for ninety thriving local businesses, this year’s Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards is set to be an incredible celebration of Lewisham’s business community.

Investing in affordable workspace and local business community We have invested nearly a £1million across Lewisham to enhance our high streets, workspaces and enterprise community.

The latest statistics from 2021 indicate that Lewisham has the fifth lowest workspace footprint in London and lowest in southeast.

But this is set to change.

In September 2023, the Council launched a transformative workspace grant programme which encouraged local businesses to improve or create spaces that would either help their business, generate new enterprise opportunities for the borough and attract people to work locally.

These awards are a yearly chance to acknowledge the outstanding contribution that local businesses make to the borough and the fourteen award categories capture the breadth and depth of this unique enterprise community.

This is a hugely popular local initiative with both businesses and residents alike, unlocking unique opportunities for winners. Just this summer, past winners were featured on our flagship shop local, tourism campaign Discover Lewisham which saw record high social media engagement, reach through the Evening Standard and billboards around the borough – all of which boost the local economy and civic pride.

Pay is a crucial foundation of job quality, and despite London having the highest levels of average pay of any part of the UK, people working and living in Lewisham have the lowest average pay of all central London boroughs.

Alongside the local businesses, we were able to turn 40 sites into 71,000 square feet of thriving workspaces - equal to 3 cricket pitches worth of commercial space. Proudly, over 100 jobs have been safeguarded with 25 new ones in creation.

Unfortunately, it is too late to be nominated for the awards, but it is not too late to be a sponsor or an attendee. Headline sponsors have already been confirmed but there are still a few smaller packages available.

If you are interested in being involved in this flagship event, please email business@lewisham.go.uk.

Manifesto commitment to help over 1000 people on employment journey reached Lewisham Works, the Council’s free employment service, has just reached an exciting milestone and manifesto commitment - of helping over 1,000 local people on their employment journey.

Lewisham Works has been helping local unemployed people achieve their goals and

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If you are a business that would like to recruit skilled local talent, please register with the Council on our newly launched Lewisham Works site. You can find support at no cost to your business.

A comprehensive report* has shone light on Central London’s dynamic economy yet unequal labour market.

Impact of the programme

Visit SHAPESLewisham's Space Finder directory (shapeslewisham.co.uk/spaces/) to locate affordable, shared and or creative workspaces in the borough.

To mark this achievement, the Council hosted a moving celebratory event at Catford’s Broadway Theatre Bar where attendees heard firsthand from those who have been helped along their employment journey.

Pushing to become a Living Wage Place

The grant programme ended in February 2024 with 39 successful applicants with many of the spaces either complete and or close to being in action.

A mix of business sectors were supported, and as well, thirty-four per cent of the businesses supported identify as BAMEowned (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) and forty-six per cent as female-owned.

build brighter futures with bespoke support.

This milestone is a testament to our partners, dedicated advisors and supporters - and reflects a shared commitment to enhancing local employability.

But this is set to change. We were one of the first Councils to become a Living Wage Employer and now are working to become a Living Wage Place.

The report shows that earning below the London Living Wage results in employees being half as likely to be satisfied with their jobs than those earning above that level.

As well, women, ethnic minority, and disabled Londoners are more likely to be in poor quality work. Black Londoners (11%) are twice as likely to be in insecure work as white Londoners (5%); We are on a mission to improve job quality and ensure employment support focuses on helping people into decent work. This is why we have introduced a grant programme to help accredit local employers looking to become a Living Wage employer.

To find out more information please visit www.lewisham.gov.uk/LondonLivingWage *https://centrallondonforward.gov.uk/publications/

Focus on Croydon

Unlocking Croydon’s Potential Executive Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry

T

he regeneration of Croydon is a priority for me, as we deliver a future vision for this vibrant South London borough, of which we can all be proud. Working with partners, developers, investors and Croydon’s diverse communities is essential to achieving this and is a key component of our new three-year Inward Investment Plan: Unlocking Croydon’s Potential.

Building on our relationships with local partners – including Develop Croydon, the South London Partnership, Opportunity London, London Partners, Croydon’s Business Improvement Districts and London South Bank University – one of the first steps of the plan is to establish a working group of partners who will bring external expertise to unlock the investment.

Working with the Greater London Authority (GLA) is also crucial to our success.

Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business, on a visit last year, identified Croydon as a ‘high priority’ for investment due to its ‘enormous potential.’ This endorsement underscores the importance of our collaborative efforts to unlock Croydon’s economic potential.

Croydon’s strategic location as the gateway between London, Gatwick, and the South-East has significantly contributed to our economic success. Every day, over 140,000 people visit our borough, reinforcing its sub-regional economic importance. In 2023, our partnership with London Gatwick generated over £265 million for Croydon’s economy and supported more than 3,600 local jobs.

Historically, Croydon has attracted significant inward investment, particularly around East Croydon station. Our Inward Investment Plan sets out our renewed focus to attract external funding and resources, to develop assets, infrastructure, technologies, and services, truly unlocking Croydon’s potential.

Like many London boroughs, Croydon has faced many challenges, and our plan is upfront about these and how they can be overcome. These include, the council’s financial challenges, vacant retail spaces, businesses struggling with recruitment, perceptions of crime, and the cost of living.

Our priorities are delivering on our Town Centre Regeneration Strategy, creating a new Croydon Economic Strategy with a focused Night Time Economy Action Plan, and establishing a Croydon Funding Group to strategically bid for and deploy external funding.

The three guiding principles of our Inward Investment Plan are: • Investment needs to work harder for all: Investment in Croydon must be done responsibly and work for the benefit of communities, residents, workers, and businesses. It must also recognise our collective responsibilities to young people and the generations that will follow us.

The council has made significant progress in overcoming our financial challenges and this plan is pivotal in restoring pride and confidence in Croydon. We have moved away from bankruptcy and are tightly managing our budget – and the Government has acknowledged our progress in fixing these financial challenges.

• Practical short-term actions are essential to lay the groundwork for long-term positive change: Investors, businesses, and residents are keen to see Croydon Council follow through on its ideas and implement programmes for change. Quick wins combined with concerted effort towards longer term goals are critical.

As an early step in the development of this plan, the council conducted an economic analysis of Croydon, which takes into account current and near-term economic conditions, as well as key changes and trends in Croydon’s economy during the last five to 10 years. This analysis provides a solid evidence base for investment plans, in contrast to previous investments that led Croydon into difficulty.

• Partnership and collaboration are critical to unlocking Croydon’s opportunities and getting the right investment in the right place: Croydon’s strength is its partnerships with investors and partners who are passionate and committed to seeing the borough thrive. The council will play a key role in convening, enabling, advocating and lobbying in support of partnered collaboration and action.

I am working closely with our partners at Unibail Radamco Westfield (URW) and am eager to see the development of their master plan, which will initiate the transformation of our town centre. This autumn we agreed a £6m investment with URW for a package of improvement measures in Croydon’s North End. These will focus on improving safety, security and cleaning, and removing the Wellesley Road subway and replacing it with a surface level crossing.

Croydon also granted planning permission to URW to revitalise the frontage of Croydon’s historic department store, Allders. The front will be sensitively refurbished and new units are set to include five shops and two food and drink units. The plans mark the first phase of improvements to bring the much-loved building back into use.

Fresh Perspectives In November I will be giving the opening keynote welcome to delegates at Develop Croydon’s Fresh Perspectives conference, being held this year at South London's largest arts centre – Fairfield Halls. I look forward to meeting many of South London’s businesses and investors for some meaningful discussions on the future of Croydon.

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Focus on Greenwich

WSUP Darek and team

Why is the London Living Wage important to you?

Ahead of Living Wage Week (4 to 10 November), Pippa Hack from the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Darek Karwacki from Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) and their employee Jas Sahota reflect on the importance of championing the London Living Wage.

Pippa Hack, Director of Regeneration, Enterprise and Skills, Royal Borough of Greenwich: “Tackling in-work poverty to improve standards of living is vital to making Royal Greenwich a more inclusive borough for all.

Good jobs that pay fair wages are at the heart of building an inclusive local economy where our residents and businesses can reach their potential. That’s why we’re asking all employers that can afford to pay the London Living Wage, to please adopt it.

We’re proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer ourselves since 2013.

We do also understand these are challenging times for businesses too. But accredited businesses across Royal Greenwich tell us that not only is paying their staff fairly the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense.

Living Wage Employers have benefited from improved reputation and made significant savings by reducing absenteeism and turnover and improving productivity. These savings have both helped offset the initial cost of increasing the wage bill and led to significant improvements in services.

The Council is offering grant payments to reimburse 100% of the cost of three years’ worth of accreditation from the Living Wage

Foundation to Royal Greenwich employers.

We encourage employers to become accredited and to take advantage of this offer.”

our application and we hope that other organisations in the borough, whatever their size, will apply for accreditation.

Darek Karwacki, WSUP’s Chief Executive Officer: “We’re proud to be able to say that staff in our organisation earn, not just the minimum wage, but the real Living Wage. At Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) we want people to feel valued. All of our staff are hard working and committed, and this deserves to be acknowledged with a fair day’s pay. If we can ease some of the burden of the rising cost of living by making sure our staff’s pay meets their needs this makes for a happier, more motivated team.

Jas Sahota, WSUP’s Head of Operations and Community Relations Manager: “London is a wonderful but expensive city and the increased cost of living is putting a strain on lots of people.

It’s great to be part of an organisation that understands this, values its employees and is willing to demonstrate this by committing to the Real Living Wage. The yearly calculation, based on the cost of living, gives me confidence that there won’t be a gap between what I earn and what I need to live on.

Being an accredited Living Wage Employer improves our reputation in the community and makes us a more appealing partner for businesses looking to donate funds and services to support our charity.

Working for a charity that supports people experiencing poverty and homelessness, I see the misery that not having enough money for rent and bills causes on a daily basis. I feel lucky to be in a position where I earn enough to cover the things I need so that I can focus on what I’m passionate about – helping others who aren’t so fortunate.

WSUP aims to grow in the future and recruit more staff. Being able to display the Living Wage logo show’s that we’re an attractive, responsible employer. It’s a symbol of our commitment to recruit, retain and reward people with a good salary.

I hope that other employers will follow WSUP’s example. If we, as a small charity, can do it there’s no reason why they can’t.”

We’re grateful to Greenwich Council’s Business Engagement team for supporting

Find out more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/become-a-living-wage-employer 10

Maximise Microsoft 365: Secure Your Business and Support Flexible Work

Protecting your business from cyber threats is essential, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether you're already using Microsoft 365 or considering it, you likely have access to built-in security tools that can safeguard your business and enable flexible work.

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Businesses Small and medium-sized businesses are common targets for cyberattacks, which can lead to stolen data, downtime, and reputational damage. Fortunately, with Microsoft 365’s integrated security features, you can strengthen your defences—even without a deep IT background.

Unlock the Security Tools in Your Microsoft 365 Subscription Many Microsoft 365 plans include powerful tools like Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft Purview at no additional cost. These tools protect your data, devices, and sensitive information, ensuring regulatory compliance and seamless integration.

Key Security Tools in Microsoft 365: • Intune: Manage and secure devices, enforcing security policies whether employees use personal or company-owned devices.

• Defender: Real-time protection against malware and cyber threats, blocking attacks before they can harm your business.

• Purview: Advanced data governance and protection, helping meet compliance standards like GDPR.

How Microsoft 365 Secures Your Business 1. Device Management: Use Intune to manage and secure devices, protecting data whether employees are remote or in the office.

2. Threat Detection: Defender blocks threats in real-time, reducing the risk of malware and attacks.

3. Data Governance: Purview ensures sensitive information is protected and managed for compliance.

4. Flexible Work: Intune safeguards data across both personal and corporate devices, supporting remote work securely.

5. Seamless Integration: Microsoft 365's security tools work effortlessly with the rest of the platform, ensuring smooth integration into your existing workflows without the need for extensive IT expertise.

Is Microsoft 365 Right for Your Business?

If you're not using Microsoft 365 yet, its integrated security features and productivity tools make it a great choice. In addition to familiar apps like Word and Excel, it offers tools like Intune, Defender, and Purview to keep your business secure.

Simple Steps to Strengthen Your Security 1. Activate Intune: Secure all devices accessing company data.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection.

3. Use Defender: Keep Defender active to protect against cyber threats.

4. Set Up Purview: Manage sensitive data and maintain compliance.

5. Train Your Team: Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices.

Cloudology: Helping You Secure Your Business Whether you’re new to Microsoft 365 or looking to enhance its security features, Cloudology can help. We’ll ensure you’re making the most of Intune, Defender, and Purview, keeping your business safe and your tools fully optimised.

https://cloudology.uk/security E: info@cloudology.uk • T: 0203 355 1400 • W: https://cloudology.uk

COLLABORATION AND COMMUNITY DRIVES FOOTFALL IN BROMLEY “The BID team is busy collaborating with partners to bring two big events to the town centre in the coming months. First our Black History Month will showcase different ways to make a difference to the community and then our spectacular lights switch on will mark the arrival of Christmas, entertaining and lighting up the town.”

Frances Forrest BID Manager Your Bromley BID

Healthy Footfall in Bromley Visitor, worker and local resident visits to any town centre is critical for the majority of businesses - in particular retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. In turn, with a thriving High Street ‘ground floor’ economy, it

The London Borough of Bromley Fostering Team will also be on hand to talk to people about the difference they could make to children in the borough.

The Bromley Borough Rotary Club will be in The Glades for the day as well, exhibiting their work helping children in African communities, whilst Start Up Bromley will be at Bromley Library with stalls and entertainment from The Black Heroes Foundation.

Find out more at www.yourbromley.com/BHM

is easier for businesses to attract and retain quality staff. We collaborate with our local businesses to pool resources, maximise buy-in and to make big events amazing! Our latest monthly (September) footfall figures for Bromley show an increase of 9.9% Year On Year compared with a drop of 2% for UK Market Towns.

Our town is thriving and is the perfect place to build a business.

Make a Difference this Black History Month Sunday 19th October, 11am – 8pm

On Bromley High Street, visitors can support black owned businesses, learn at African drumming and textiles workshops, enjoy live music and delicious Nigerian, Caribbean and Indian food.

Please keep in touch with Your Bromley by subscribing to regular e.shots via yourbromley.com. Follow Your Bromley BID on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @YourBromley

yourbromley.com

Christmas Arrives in Bromley!

Sunday 17th November 12pm - 6pm

Our popular Christmas Lights switch on event is back with a bang this year! Events on the day will start with a Christmas celebration in The Glades at midday, before moving to Market Square where local performing arts schools and musicians will entertain the crowd, before a special celebrity guest will join the winner of our Local Hero competition to turn on the town’s Christmas lights.

yourbromley

Focus on Bromley

Visuals for new Bromley Central Library

Transforming Bromley’s libraries Bromley’s busiest library is being relocated to a prime high street location, which comes as a number of repair and refurbishment works are being completed across Bromley’s library network.

B

romley Central Library is one of the busiest libraries in London.

In 2022/23, Bromley libraries issued the highest number of books in London, and Central Library received over 350,000 visitors.

Central Library will soon become even more convenient for visitors through its relocation from the Churchill Theatre building to a vacant former Topshop unit in the heart of the high street, so the service can continue to thrive.

The move of the Central Library is proceeding after approval by the Council’s Executive Committee and will take place in 2026 following a full refurbishment of the building. These works will deliver a larger children’s library, extensive study and work space, a new local studies room, and bookable meeting rooms for events to support local groups and businesses.

The new library will also have improved accessibility and public toilets.

The Bromley Archives are also based at Central Library and the current plans will protect these important historical documents, so they are available for future generations to learn from and enjoy their local history. Displays from Bromley Archives will be in the new library, with the wider archive store room being secured throughout the move and in the long term, according to regulation.

Visuals of West Wickham Library post-refurbishment

The reopening of Southborough Library with the Mayor of Bromley

Visuals for new Bromley Central Library

The detailed design for the new library will now be further developed, and a planning application will be submitted shortly, with the refurbishment work expected to start on the Topshop unit in early summer 2025.

Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, commented, “We know Bromley Central library is already a popular and busy library and one of the most visited in London. These latest plans will ensure high-quality library facilities remain in our busy town centre. Our libraries play an important role in Bromley, which is why we have made important improvements to our library stock over a number of years for the benefit of our residents.”

Elsewhere in the borough, the major refurbishment of West Wickham Library is nearing completion, with the extended library set to provide additional children's learning and reading areas, new hire spaces for local groups, Changing Places toilets and a modern café with sheltered outdoor seating.

A repair programme across much of Bromley’s library network is also making good progress, with Southborough Library recently being the second completed refurbishment. Residents and councillors came together to celebrate the reopening and the modern facilities now available, including improved lighting, windows and heating systems and a new accessible public toilet with baby changing facilities.

For further details visit www.bromley.gov.uk/LibraryRepairProgramme

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Focus on Bexley

Comprehensive start-up help available for Bexley entrepreneurs S ince its launch in June this year, the Bexley Business Start-Up Support Programme is already proving to be a transformative initiative for aspiring entrepreneurs across the borough.

Running until March 2025, the free programme, open to residents, businesses and students in the London Borough of Bexley, offers a range of support services to guide pre-startups and start-ups toward success.

The programme provides: • Start-up Sessions: Practical, interactive workshops focusing on the essential steps to start and grow a business quickly and effectively

• Start-up Mentoring: One-to-one mentoring sessions with experienced business consultants, providing personalised support and guidance

• Start-up Business Clinics: Expert-led clinics designed to address specific challenges that businesses encounter during their growth journey

early beneficiaries, shared: “Working with Helen Roberts of CPG has made me believe that my dreams of becoming a successful business owner can come true.

Having a mentor has helped me overcome my anxiety and feel confident about my business journey”.

• Start-up Networking: Interactive peer-to-peer networking sessions that connect like-minded entrepreneurs for mutual support and collaboration

If your business has been established for more than 12 months there is alternative support available through other Talking Business support services. Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/talkingbusiness to find out more.

Participants have praised the programme's practical approach and the value of mentorship. Kiara Russell, one of the

To learn more about the Bexley Business Start-up Support Programme visit https://mygrowthpod.com/bexley

Working together to beat retail crime

T

he London Borough of Bexley recently held a Retail Crime Summit in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, bringing together retailers from across the borough.

The summit was organised in response to growing concerns about retail crime and served as an essential platform for collaboration, education and solutionbuilding among local businesses.

The event featured a series of presentations and workshops led by the Metropolitan Police. Local retailers also had the opportunity to share their experiences

and challenges related to theft and anti-social behaviour, fostering a collective approach to combat these issues.

Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing, said: "Supporting our local businesses is a top priority. By working with the Metropolitan Police and our retailers, we are committed to creating a safer environment for all, ensuring Bexley's high streets remain vibrant and welcoming."

Acting Superintendent Rav Pathania, Met Police Retail Crime Lead, who led the summit said: “Retail crime is far from

victimless; store employees and local communities suffer the consequences daily. By working collaborative with retailers and local partners, we can aim to focus on matters that concern our communities and target our most prolific and persistent offenders.”

For more information on future events or to get involved, contact the Bexley Town Centres team at towncentres@bexley.gov.uk

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Moving to a cheaper, greener energy system A recent poll of small businesses showed that nearly two thirds1 of Britain’s business owners and senior decision makers think it’s important to embrace environmental issues, with many also seeing financial benefits as a result.

F

rom those polled, 45 percent say that the changes they have made have saved them money, with 40 percent believing that becoming more sustainable has attracted more customers, as well as enhancing their reputation within the local community (44 percent).

With running costs remaining a concern for many small business owners, one in three polled2 say they are keeping a closer eye on their energy bills. When it comes to managing energy usage and costs, one small step small business owners can take, is to get a smart meter installed. They are the next generation of gas and electricity meters that are being installed in small businesses and households in Great Britain, replacing traditional meters.

When it comes to running a business, even making small changes and improvements can make a big difference, whether it’s saving money or being good for the planet. Getting a smart meter can help owners to understand exactly how much energy they are using and help them to

control energy costs. A smart meter can also help identify ways to reduce energy consumption – which is good for budgets, as well as the planet.

Whether you own or rent your business premises, you may be eligible for a smart meter, and if you are renting, but pay your own energy bills, you can ask your supplier to install one3.

SMART METER BENEFITS Smart meters have lots of benefits for small businesses, including: • Accurate billing: smart meters measure energy usage in near realtime, so no more manual readings or estimated bills. This means you only pay for the energy you use, which can help with managing cashflow • Control: the data provided by smart meters can give you more control over your business’ energy spend, helping you monitor energy usage and identify where cost savings can be made • Access to historic energy usage data: small businesses with a smart meter can request free

access to 12 months of data from their energy supplier. This could help with budgeting and reduce bill shock. It could also help you plan for your next bill by identifying any trends or patterns in your energy use across the year As well as helping to give you more control of your business budgeting, smart meters are playing an important role in Great Britain’s energy infrastructure upgrade, as we continue to increase our use of cheaper, greener renewable energy sources.

What small business owners are doing to become more sustainable: 1.

Turning off equipment when not in use

2.

Recycling old IT equipment

3.

Creating a recycling policy

4.

Keeping a much closer eye on energy bills

5.

Replacing lights with LED alternatives

6.

Using environmentally friendly products eg for cleaning

7.

Reusing plastic carrier bags

8.

Going paperless

9.

Using local suppliers

10. Using eco-friendly/ biodegradable packaging Source: Perspectus Global, July 2024, 500 SME owners and senior decision makers across Great Britain

The data smart meters provide is key to this innovation, and will enable us to buy, store and consume energy differently to the way we do today, gathering the information the energy networks need that will help the energy system better manage supply and demand. This will make the whole system more efficient and able to use more renewables such as wind and solar power.

So just by having a smart meter installed, you’re helping to create a smarter, greener energy system that will benefit Britain, the planet and you.

“By helping them to take steps to be more efficient with their energy use, smart meters can have a positive effect on a business’ carbon footprint, as well as helping them save money.”

Smart meters are currently available, and installations are happening now. To find out if your business is eligible, contact your energy supplier or broker; search “Get a smart meter for business” or visit smartenergyGB.org.

1 2 3

64 percent - 500 SME owners and senior decision makers across Great Britain, Perspectus Global, July 2024 35 percent - 500 SME owners and senior decision makers across Great Britain, Perspectus Global July 2024 Eligibility may vary. Contact your energy supplier or broker to check eligibility. If you rent your business premises, you may need to check with your landlord that any changes to the meter are allowed within the rental contract.

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The Big Interview

Matthew Mees, Chief Executive of the Old Royal Naval College, talks to Karen McLauchlan about the historic Greenwich jewel – and explains why rich history, blockbuster movies and the TikTok generation all have a part to play in the site’s future.

W

hen it comes to iconic London landmarks, the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich certainly ticks all the boxes.

The UNESCO World Heritage site has 600 years of rich history – and some may be a surprise.

From Lord Nelson and Henry VIII to blockbuster Bridgerton, all have made their mark.

Matthew Mees has been at the helm for almost five years.

He joined the Greenwich Foundation – the charity that conserves the magnificent site – in 2019 as Director of Finance and IT and has been Chief Executive since March 2020.

And it’s clear a love of heritage has been at the heart of his working life for a long time.

Photography Warren King

Why heritage and wellbeing go hand in hand 16

“My background is finance, but in my career I found myself working in modern organisations that were using wonderful heritage buildings, such as the Lister Hospital in Chelsea and Earls Court and Olympia exhibition centres,” he explained. “I loved how the modern and the heritage came together.”

The college site stretches for 17 acres. It is home to Sir Christopher Wren's design masterpiece, the Royal Hospital for Seamen, which was a place of refuge for Royal Navy veterans.

It became the Royal Naval College in 1873, with the Greenwich Foundation established in 1997 to conserve the site.

Its tour de force is the Painted Hall, dubbed Britain’s Sistine Chapel. Its breathtaking Baroque walls and ceilings are a site to behold.

Matthew joined the team as an £8.5 million renovation was completed.

The Big Interview “The Painted Hall is the jewel in our crown,” said Matthew. “That was a big fundraising project for us, supported by the National Lottery.”

Other recent work has included restoration of the Nelson Room, a tribute to the British naval commander who lay in state at the site after his death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

But like any business, it has had to navigate some challenging times - with the Covid pandemic forcing it to close during lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis putting a strain on the public’s finances.

“It costs us £3 million to maintain the buildings and run them before we do anything else,” said Matthew, “that’s just to unlock the gates in the morning.

“We are seeing higher costs, but people are also more discerning about how they spend their money.”

The team worked hard to bounce back from the pandemic, maintain its position as an intrinsic part of the Greenwich community and offer hope of better times ahead.

“We closed when we were told to,” said Matthew, “but the moment restrictions were lifted we reopened.

“Looking at heritage is good for your wellbeing and being out in green spaces.

So it wasn’t fair for us to close for longer.

“The pandemic helped us in one way as people had to stay local for a while and they discovered we were in their backyard.”

The aim now is to bring more people to the site, increase revenue and continue delivering key charitable objectives – conservation and education.

More than 5,000 school children visit the site every year as part of its education programme.

A hospital outreach programme also takes heritage to young people at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and The Royal Marsden.

Matthew says making connections through the Chamber of Commerce is also important.

“We’re a member of a number of groups, but the Chamber is focused on commerce - and it’s commerce that we’re trying to do. We’re doing heritage but powering it with charity and going out commercially to raise money.

“As Chamber members we’re all doing the same thing - we’re trying to grow our income.

The Chamber is there for people to come together and all come away with more.

“And like the Chamber I’m very passionate about the whole of South-east London.”

While the history of the site will always be a draw for tourists, Matthew says new events are key to a growing audience.

Post-Covid, the Painted Hall hosted artist Luke Jerram’s seven-metre, illuminated 3D model of Earth – named Gaia – mesmerising visitors. This was followed

by Jerram’s breathtaking Museum of the Moon installation.

This winter, from November 23 until January 28 next year, the Old Royal Naval College will host Jerram’s third installation, Mars.

“When Gaia was here, we had really long queues of people – TikTokers – wanting to do their dance in front of the installation,” said Matthew.

“Some people won’t come here to find out about Nelson or look at the Baroque architecture, but if they come because it’s where Bridgeton was filmed we know they’ll learn about other things while they’re here.

“I don’t mind why you come in the door, but if you get something else from your visit before you go, whether it’s a bit of history, a look at the ceiling, understanding our heritage, then it must be a benefit.

“For whatever reason you want to come, we’d love to have you here.”

“And that was great because they weren’t the usual people who’d come and visit us.

“Even nicer was once they’d had their minute filming, I could see them on the day beds in the Painted Hall where we encourage people to lie down and look at the ceiling. They were getting something else from their visit.”

The site also has 100 years of history in a very different arena – big screen blockbusters.

One of the most filmed TV and movie locations in the country, Matthew says the team will capitalise on this in 2025.

“Next year it’s 100 years since the site was first used for filming. We’re seeing a big increase in film tourism – set jetting – where people want to see where movies have been filmed.”

And there’s no shortage of A-listers at the Greenwich site.

Netflix hits Bridgerton and The Crown both used the historical site for a dramatic backdrop along with Thor, Pirates of the Caribbean, 007’s adventures in Skyfall and even the Muppets.

17

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Sustainable Growth

Net Zero

Growth has become a buzzword over the last quarter.

How do we ensure such growth is sustainable?

By Mark Jenkinson, Crystal Associates and SELCC Board Member.

Croydon Business Growth Summit Croydon’s Business Growth Summit 2024 on 8 October brought together industry leaders, decision-makers, and business owners for an afternoon of insightful workshops, engaging presentations, thought-provoking round table discussions and lots of networking - all exploring business growth and innovation.

I was honoured to join an esteemed panel of speakers, including London’s Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber, and the Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry.

My contribution was a short overview of sustainability. I presented the standard definition of sustainability – featured in my column in Issue 28 – and the oath sworn by citizens of ancient Athens which is similar in vein.

“We shall leave this city not less, but greater, better and more beautiful that it was left to us.”

Maybe an approach for us all to follow!

As well as leaving our planet in a good or better state, I highlighted other reasons for businesses to adopt sustainable practices. These include competitive edge in tenders – particularly when supplying public sector organisations - access to finance and staff recruitment and retention.

Other topics covered during the excellent event included: AI and technology, financial management, procurement and supply chain and women in business.

SELCC Sustainability Group At the end of August, we held the second meeting of the SELCC Sustainability Group – an outcome from the Greener Greenwich Summit 2024 (GGS24).

Kindly hosted by the University of Greenwich (UoG), the members shared their respective approaches - and the arising lessons learned - to improving the energy efficiency and decarbonisation of their buildings and estates. One of the four GGS24 project initiatives.

We learnt, for example, that UoG is working to ensure its buildings are Net Zero by 2030.

To support this, new zero carbon air source heat pumps have been installed at Avery Hill which will cut gas consumption by two thirds, significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels.

And the heat pumps are not noisy, despite what you may read in some parts of the media!

On a different note, we heard how Royal Museums Greenwich recycles materials to make impressive bags which can be bought in the museum shop – while stocks last!

I’m looking forward to our third meeting in November to be hosted by Ravensbourne University London at their campus on the Greenwich Peninsula.

An Introduction to ESG In early October I had the opportunity to run a workshop on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) for the London Chamber’s Women in Business Development programme.

The thinking behind the programme includes facts that only one out of three businesses around the world are owned by women, female-founded businesses receive less than one-fifth of malefounded businesses and £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women matched men in receiving business investment. These were issues also raised at the Croydon Business Growth Summit.

The programme provides practical business support, access to resources, mentoring and networking opportunities. The aim of my session was to understand ESG principles, aligning operations with ethical, environmental, and social values for long-term sustainable growth.

Key learning outcomes include: The ESG three pillars are: • Environmental: how an organisation performs as a steward of the natural environment • Social: how an organisation manages relationships with its employees, suppliers, customers, stakeholders and the communities in which it operates • Governance: relates to an organisation’s internal processes and leadership ESG is becoming increasingly important as the likes of EU law now requires large companies to disclose.

The new rules will ensure that investors and other stakeholders have access to the information they need to assess the impact of companies on people and the environment and for investors to assess financial risks and opportunities arising from climate change and other sustainability issues. Over 55,000 businesses, including SMEs in the supply chain, are now in scope to report on sustainability.

Benefits to businesses for focusing on ESG include those indicated above for embracing sustainable approaches, namely competitive edge, access to finance and staff recruitment and retention.

If you would like to hear more about ESG and make it ‘easier’ to apply, then feel free to get in touch. Planned upcoming activities in the next quarter include:

Green Travel Plan webinar Building on another of the ambitious goals set at the Greener Greenwich Summit 2024 (GGS24), this webinar ‘How to develop and implement a green travel plan’ will reveal how the University of Greenwich tackled the challenges of inter-campus travel and accommodating international students while reducing carbon emissions.

This must-attend webinar on Wednesday 20 November at 10am is perfect for all businesses, both large and small, across the five SE London Chamber boroughs of Royal Greenwich, Lewisham, Bromley, Bexley and Croydon.

Sign up via the SE London Chamber website. https://www.selondonchamber.org/ event/?url=2024%2F11%2F20%2Fhow-todevelop-and-implement-a-green-travelplan#!event/2024/11/20/how-to-develop-andimplement-a-green-travel-plan

Green Business Action London The latest cohort and webinar programme of Green Business Action London has started but there is still time to sign up.

Sessions held in early October are ‘Measure your carbon footprint’ and ‘Reducing energy consumption’ – both project initiatives identified at the Greener Greenwich Summit 2024.

Webinars to come include: ‘Supply chain engagement’, ‘Eco-design and circularity’, ‘Green finance’, ‘Writing sustainable policies’, ‘Discover your digital footprint’ and ‘Avoiding greenwashing’.

Once you sign up, you’ll be able to access recordings of the sessions, the carbon management tool, oneto-one support and potential funding for projects.

What are you waiting for?

Greenwich Business Awards By the time you read this article – and you are a business in Greenwich - you will hopefully have also entered the Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2024.

Back for their seventh edition, the awards celebrate the incredible achievements of our brilliant business community over the last year and their important role boosting inclusive economic growth and providing opportunities for local people.

I am proud to be one of the Judges and look forward to reviewing the entries across the 14 categories during the course of November. Of course, I will be particularly interested in the applicants for the Greener Greenwich Award and see who takes the crown of last year’s winner and member of the SELCC Sustainability Group, the Royal Museums Greenwich.

You will have your say when the shortlist is announced, and public vote opens on Monday 9 December.

Good luck!

In summary I’m finishing this summary a few days after ‘Hurricane Milton’ tore through Florida leading to fatalities and over 2 million people without power.

According to scientific analysis, the exceptionally warm water of the Gulf of Mexico supercharged the hurricane.

In September, we saw ‘catastrophic’ floods sweep through Central and Easter Europe following Storm Boris, causing significant damage and also deaths.

I’m sure you’ll agree, it has been another busy quarter as we roll out the post GGS24 green programme of activities for members across the five boroughs. But we clearly need to do more to make it easier to reduce the impacts of climate change and ensure sustainable growth – and will do – so we can all play our part.

As ever, keep your eyes out on the website, get involved in the events and take advantage of the extensive support to help your sustainable growth.

And ‘see’ you again in 2025!

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FUTURES, CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY with Shooters Hill Sixth Form College Jasbinder Mato Futures Manager Shooters Hill Sixth Form College is in the heart of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

We take pride in developing our students for the world of work, through brokering work experiences, encounters with a wealth of organisations and engagement in activities related to employment, such as interview skills techniques and calling in our business partners to work collaboratively and giving them an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to social value.

We are excited to give organisations the opportunity to partner with us and work collaboratively, to give young people an opportunity to development themselves for future workforce.

We would like to give your organisation the privilege of being a part of our Annual Careers Program. We are passionate about linking careers into our curriculum areas, bridging the gap between education and careers which leads our students to build on their employability skills and inspires them to build confidence, helping them to make better informed decisions about their post 18 options.

We are expanding and forever evolving on the delivery of our T Level courses. If your organisation is passionate about achieving its commitments and is keen to add corporate social value by offering young people a placement to emerge as a future talent, then get in touch with us!!!

Your organisation can be involved in the following ways.

• Exhibit at Shooters Hill Careers Fair during National Careers week 3-8 March.

• National Apprenticeship Week!

Your company can deliver a workshop and give our students and their parents information about apprenticeship opportunities in your organisation, in breakout rooms.

• Attend our Business Breakfast meetings to find out more!

• You can have the privilege of joining our business mentoring programme.

• Get involved in speed networking events. Giving your organisation the opportunity to head hunt potential future workforce.

• Deliver a talk.

• Site Visits • Mock Interviews

For further information about offering a T Level placement or a work experience opportunity please contact Jas Mato, Futures Manager. Jas.mato@shc.ac.uk 20

Skills

Education Group welcomes newlyelected MPs to its schools and college Marking the start of the new academic year, two local MPs have made a series of visits to several of London & South East Education Group’s schools and college campuses.

M

P for Bexleyheath and Crayford, Daniel Francis, has visited Woodside Academy, London South East Colleges’ Bexley and Campus and Belmont Academy, providing him with the opportunity to meet staff and students. Mr Francis was given a tour of the sites, to see the facilities and the diverse provision on offer.

Mr Francis was also keen to discuss some of the challenges that leaders and staff are facing in education - including funding issues, increased complexity of pupils’ needs and the impact of wider social problems on educators, such as poverty and mental health issues.

Having engaged in detailed discussions with students and staff at each visit throughout the week, Mr Francis gained insight into the inclusive practices across the Education Group’s diverse provision.

Reflecting on his visits, Daniel Francis MP said: "It has been an inspiring few days, seeing firsthand the amazing work being done at Woodside Academy, London South East Colleges’ Bexley Campus and Belmont Academy.

“From supporting children and young people with disabilities right through to adulthood - to engaging primary school pupils in politics and leadership, it's clear that the education being delivered in these fantastic settings, across Bexley, is thriving.

“It is important for me to hear from the people who are working on the front line of education delivery, about the challenges they face. My ambition is to help improve things for our communities in many different ways, and education is a central part of this mission.

advanced tools and technology. It will help provide the nearly 1,000 learners enrolled on STEM-related courses at the College with practical experience essential to their future careers, as demand for these pathways continues to rise.

“As a local MP, I am committed to working closely with education leaders, families and other stakeholders, to advocate for the services that constituents need and are entitled to – and I look forward to doing more of this as we move forward. I’ve very much enjoyed my visits this week and would like to thank the staff and students for making me so welcome.”

Speaking at the opening, Dr Sam Parrett CBE, Group Principal and CEO of London South East Colleges, thanked everyone involved in the project. She emphasised the positive impact that the investment will have for learners and employers, saying: "Our new STEM building is an excellent illustration of our commitment to providing the highest quality education and employment opportunities across the Borough.

We appreciate the great support of our partners and stakeholders who have collaborated on this project with us, including the DfE, Local Authority and employers.

London South East Colleges also welcomed Clive Efford MP to the official opening of a brand-new STEM block at its Bromley Campus.

The state-of-the-art building was opened by the MP for Eltham and Chislehurst. Guests included the Mayor of Bromley Dr David Jeffreys, Councillor Denise Hyland and many employer partners including Neilcott Construction and ECS Systems.

The new £5.7 million facility, funded by the Department for Education's Post-16 Capacity Fund and T Level Capital Fund, will play a key role in meeting the growing demand for skills in critical sectors such as construction, plumbing, electrical work, and green technologies.

The building offers 800 sq metres of newly built and refurbished space, equipped with

“For our current and future learners, this space offers hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, giving them the skills they need to thrive in their careers.

For employers, it means a stronger pipeline of qualified talent ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy."

Asfa Sohail, Executive Principal of London South East Colleges, shared further details about the project. Guests were then given a tour around the new facilities, with the opportunity to talk to staff and students.

London South East Colleges is committed to transforming lives through the power of learning. We support people of all ages and backgrounds to achieve success through high-quality education and training, further strengthening our community’s future workforce. For more information, visit www.LSEC.ac.uk

21

Helping your employees go from

Apprentice Master to

We will help you to train and retain high-quality employees who can drive your business forward.

Talk to us about degree apprenticeships for your business.

www.gre.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Digital Transformation

Technology in 2024 and beyond MADE AV has created solutions for the hospitality, corporate, commercial, residential and superyacht sectors, and seen one common theme – how technology has enhanced businesses.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE When you hear about innovative technology, does the term ‘audio visual’ spring to mind? It should, because AV is the best part! It’s the exciting shiny displays, the sound quality or the ability to control all your electronics with the touch of a button.

Drawing on the experiences we’ve had providing solutions to clients including Gaucho, M Restaurant, Pollini at Ladbroke Hall and other high end venues, it’s apt to say that AV brings a space to life.

One of the reasons we’ve seen for this activity is the desire to create the right first impression and show technical competency when pitching to potential new customers. It’s a recognition that audio visual is a crucial sales tool.

MADE AV has service contracts in place to remove any complexity. For example, we handle updates and security maintenance for clients such as Orange Cyberdefense and Aeon Investments.

They see value in this as it keeps their systems healthy and easy to use for all staff.

ADVANCES IN HOME TECHNOLOGY

Think about it – you could eat at the finest Michelin star restaurants, but without quality audio the ambience wouldn’t feel right. A curated playlist heard through perfectly balanced speakers can subtly bring the flavours to life. This is just one way fine dining and audio technology work together to create an enhanced experience for the customer.

It’s also clear to see the impact of new technology on our daily lives at home. This may be the new robot vacuum floor cleaner or the voice control systems that we are all so familiar with now. The key for us is to simplify technology for our clients and bring all the small bits of tech together so they interact seamlessly.

At MADE AV we have a responsibility as impartial audio visual experts to advise clients on how AV technology can transform their business. We’re all about creating experiences that resonate with their emotions and make them feel a certain way.

Affordability is a big factor when deciding on home technology. Electric blinds, smart heating, multi-room audio and the king of all home luxuries, home cinemas, are becoming more popular, and with a host of products and new technology available, these solutions are also becoming more affordable.

We installed the audio at luxury London hotel The Savoy, and our aim was to ensure the guest experience began the moment they walked through the doors. Technology plays a huge part in creating a brand experience, for example, by providing perfectly balanced audio for atmosphere, digital maps and signage for ease, and automated check-in with touch screens for efficiency.

Competition in the hospitality sector is high, with each venue wanting to be better than the next, and AV is integral to a technology solution that reflects a brand’s image.

THE GROWTH OF VIDEO CONFERENCING Corporate work practices since 2020 have seen huge changes in the way teams function.

The move to video conferencing has given businesses the flexibility to collaborate effectively, quickly and, most importantly, easily. This has not only kept the economy moving, but also enabled smaller businesses to have a bigger reach and accelerated growth.

Not only are companies implementing new video conferencing solutions, but we’ve seen a real commitment to improving systems too, with software being updated regularly and hardware being replaced, often annually.

We’ve developed many home snug areas, which can be used as everyday spaces and transform easily into immersive home cinemas. We’ve seen homeowners opting for cinema grade equipment, even if they don’t have a dedicated room.

Considering all the information above, it’s easy to see how our lives are changing due to technology.

Are some of us spending more time looking at screens than before?

“As the owner of a technology-led business, I experience first-hand how innovative technology can transform businesses and benefit people too. I’m a firm believer that if technology doesn’t simplify your daily tasks and just creates more complexity, then it’s not fit for purpose.”

Ashley Bond, MADE AV, Managing Director

AV & SPORTS A game changer

Yes, of course, but that can also have a positive effect. Maybe that screen time is used for working from home or a hotel on the other side of the world, saving time on travel and giving freedom? Maybe that screen time is being used to monitor our home security system while we are on holiday, or to speak to a relative too far away to visit regularly?

The integration of audio visual solutions in the sports hospitality sector has been a game changer. Businesses now have the ability to create immersive atmospheres for customers watching big ticket events on large high quality screens, keeping audiences entertained at venues long after the live action has ended.

The evolvement of technology, including audio visual solutions, has undoubtedly changed our world and will continue to do so. Our mission at MADE AV is to guide clients to ensure they get seamless solutions that transform their businesses and are future-proof for the years ahead.

MADE AV partners with Kent Cricket and Canterbury Rugby, and has installed systems at Matches in Ashford, Kent, Wing Kingz in Canterbury and the soon to open Square One Padel Club, also in Ashford.

Specialising in AV SOLUTIONS for:

Luxury Hotels • Hospitality • Exclusive Venues • Commercial • Superyachts • Corporate

We are committed to transforming spaces into immersive experiences through pioneering audiovisual systems Call 01233 812221 • Unit 2A, Briar Close, Ashford, TN25 5HB 23

Advertising Feature

Celebrate Christmas at

WOOLWICH WORKS

Get Seasonal in South London with a Special Christmas Comes Early Offer from Woolwich Works Sumptuous Seated Dinners: Celebrate winter wonder at Woolwich Works this Christmas, with a seated dinner in the beautifully restored dockside building.

Seating arrangements for up to 550 for cabaret dining in the Fireworks Factory, with a full stage and lighting package ready to go for after-dinner entertainment.

The exposed brick and vaulted ceilings of the Fireworks Factory are the perfect backdrop for your party plans, where historic character meets modern technical specifications.

With flexible layouts, in-house furniture, full lighting rig and Audio Visual equipment, let Woolwich Works take the stress out of your event, providing fully catered options, open bars, street food, décor, and entertainment add-ons to dry hire packages.

With support from branding and production partners, you can theme as you wish, and an in-house Event and Technical team are also on hand to bring your vision to life in a range of flexible spaces, from seated dinners for 30 to parties of 1500.

Even better, get that warm festive feeling knowing that all the money from your venue hire directly supports Woolwich Works’ charitable mission, working with creatives and the local community.

For something more intimate, the Stonecutters and Beanfeast studios overlook the river and have an old world charm, seating 100+ for dinner.

The More the Merrier: Looking to party? The Fireworks Factory dance floor can host up to 1500 guests in full festive swing.

As a music venue Woolwich Works have flexible stage configurations, lighting states and sound system in situ. So you’re covered whether it’s a classy cabaret night, a six-piece swing band, or an old skool Christmas DJ entertaining your guests.

There’s also the opportunity to spill out into the central courtyard, for street food, games, and festive fun.

Suitable for all budgets with rooms ranging from just £500 to £15,000 +VAT.

Book in your dates before the end of November for 10% off January venue hire.

Use code MASTHEAD24 when emailing the Events Team at events@woolwich.works

Email: events@woolwich.works Phone: 020 8035 8835 In Person: Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street, London, SE18 6HD 24

rmg.co.uk/corporate

Small Business Membership Be part of our global story. Join as a corporate member to enjoy exclusive access, take advantage of incredible hospitality and gain brand profile.

Contact Holly Buckingham: hbuckingham@rmg.co.uk | (0)20 8312 6797 Royal Museums Greenwich Cutty Sark | National Maritime Museum | Royal Observatory | The Queen’s House

Join us over the Festive period in our Garden Restaurant for a delicious Lunch, Afternoon Tea or a sumptuous Dinner Please reserve your table and beat the queue at the bar by taking advantage of our drinks packages, only available when pre-ordered before your event.

Available from Thursday 28th November until Sunday 22nd December.

Join us this New Year’s Eve to see in the year 2025 Arrival drink of New Year’s Cocktail or Winter Berry Mojito with Canapes.

4 Course Gourmet Dinner.

£89.95 per person

Celebrate with friends, family and colleagues.

Dates subject to availability.

The Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley Hill, Bromley, London, BR1 4JD E: christmas@bromleycourthotel.co.uk | Events Team: 0208 461 8608/10/14 T: 0208 461 8600 | www.bromleycourthotel.co.uk

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Corporate Hospitality

Nothing beats good hospitality and conducting business face-to-face

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he hospitality sector in South East London is seeing a welcome rise in face-to-face business events. From business networking events across the boroughs variety of sector-leading hotels, restaurants, bars and purpose event venues to quirky team-building activities, there is a venue to suit every kind of business event.

T

the help of supportive interventions – they all help build stronger, more meaningful connections in a way that LinkedIn interactions or virtual networking events simply don’t do as well.

Talking to professionals at business lunches, conferences, and networking events there is always a positive buzz in the room with several different conversations taking place and members enjoying refreshments as they exchange business ideas and leads. Listen carefully and there is always an undercurrent murmuring of ‘You can’t beat actually being in a room with other businesspeople.’ Putting faces to names, exchanging pleasantries and finding things in common, solving a business problem with

The regular Business events are the perfect opportunity to meet and connect with other likeminded individuals from a range of industries and business sizes, while learning from guest speakers and enjoying a tasty bite. The Chamber has also recognised the importance of providing virtual events such as training webinars and online networking as the way the business world works has moved on too since Covid with the efficiency and time-saving benefits of online meetings proving a draw for many.

South East London Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of face-to-face events from regular link & drink events to networking gatherings and awards ceremonies including sponsoring The Royal Borough of Greenwich Business Awards.

Corporate Hospitality

There are lots of great venues to choose from across South East London boroughs, why not explore some of the following venues:

The Clarendon Hotel

The Valley at Charlton Athletic FC

With uninterrupted views of Blackheath towards Royal Greenwich Park, The Clarendon Hotel is both grand and welcoming with its relaxed yet efficient style.

Experience a day of luxury and exclusivity in one of the soughtafter lounges or suites at The Valley, now available to purchase for the season, for best value, or on a match-by-match basis.

This Georgian hotel has an excellent selection of beautifully refurbished and individual rooms available for hire for any event or celebration including the Meridian Suite and Garden, the Westcombe Park Suite with its own built in dance floor and the Regency Suite.

Packages have been designed to fully immerse you into the matchday experience with a visit from a club legend to your table where you can talk about your favourite memories of the club and hear some of their greatest moments in their careers.

Experienced, well-trained staff are always on hand every step of the journey to ensure a top-quality service on every visit.

Royal Museums Greenwich Royal Museums Greenwich comprises Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House, Royal Observatory Greenwich and the Peter Harrison Planetarium. With unique spaces available to hire across every site, standout settings are provided for events of all kinds, from glittering award galas to private dinners amongst historic collections.

As a venue that has achieved AIM accreditation, Royal Museums Greenwich have demonstrated that their facilities and services have passed a stringent quality assurance assessment which gives confidence that everything possible will be done to reach and exceed your very high standards.

The Bromley Court Hotel The Bromley Court Hotel is the largest and most established hotel in Bromley offering private dining to corporate events, incentive groups, exhibitions and product launches, as well as training sessions and team-building events located in 2 acres of landscaped gardens.

The hotel has a range of 9 function rooms suitable for 20-180 people including the Garden Restaurant Suite, The Wellington Suite (2024 bookings only), the Darwin Room, Leona’s Room and Amelia’s Room.

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Corporate Hospitality

CHRISTMAS AT THE CLARENDON HOTEL

Celebrate in style this Christmas!

Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable dinner with family and friends, or a fun-packed Party Night with music and dancing we have everything you for a great time this festive season.

THE ‘FIL STRAUGHAN’ PARTY NIGHT Wednesday 11th December - 3 Course Dinner & Show £59pp Dine in style while you soak in the velvety smooth sounds of ITV Starstruck’s FiL Straughan. FiL’s irresistible passion will have you toe-tapping in no time while you tuck into a fabulous feast.

Davy’s Wine Vaults Davy’s Wine Vaults, located in historic Royal Greenwich, brims with unique character and charm featuring carefully restored original features, antique curiosities and historic wine artefacts. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Davy’s Wine Vaults is a much-loved local destination for local wine and food lovers. You will find modern British dishes on the menu, made with seasonal ingredients sourced from our trusted suppliers.

You can choose from an interesting and diverse selection of wines to enjoy with them, all sourced by Davy’s Wine Merchants. With a spacious bar and dining area, outdoor terrace, two private dining rooms and separate function area with its own bar, the Vaults is a popular setting for all manner of events from weddings and celebrations, to smaller drinks parties and group dining and business meetings.

Whatever the occasion, a warm welcome and first-class service awaits you.

❛❛

If you are looking for a venue for your event, please have a chat with one of

❜❜

the Chamber team for an introduction.

Helen McIntosh, Chamber President

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TINA T'S TAMALA - MOTOWN NIGHT Wednesday 18th December - 3 Course Dinner & Show £59pp An evening of authentic Motown including hits made famous by Diana Ross & The Supremes, Gladys Knight, Thelma Houston, Aretha Franklin, Tammi Terrell, The Jackson Five and more!

PARTY NIGHTS 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th December Dinner is served in our Meridian Restaurant, followed by Disco in our Westcombe Park Suite. Enjoy a three-course festive dinner & Bottle of wine between four people. £59pp FESTIVE DECEMBER DINING 1st-24th December Try something a little bit special without Festive December Dining options. Enjoy a Festive Afternoon Tea with your nearest and dearest, or treat yourself to a delicious festive Sunday carvery!

TINA T’S NEW YEARS EVE PARTY Tuesday 31st December - 3 Course Dinner & Show £139pp Say goodbye to 2024 with a night of fantastic food and all your Motown favourites from our party girl Tina T! This event has very exclusive availability, so please book early.

FOR BOOKINGS CALL OR VISIT OR EMAIL

020 8318 4321 www.clarendonhotel.com foh@clarendonhotel.com

CHILSTON PARK HOTEL LENHAM, KENT

COSY AUTUMN RETREATS Discover Autumn in the British countryside at Chilston Park Hotel.

Choose from a short one-night stay which includes a complimentary room upgrade, or extend to two nights and enjoy an upgrade and generous dining credit. Indulge in seasonal local produce paired with delicious wines in our 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Culpeper’s. Enjoy vibrant modern British cuisine finished with the creative flair of Head Chef, Ali Altuntas.

Book by the 28th November 2024 Valid on stays between 1st September - 30th November 2024

HOTELS B U I L T

F O R

P L E A S U R E

Chilston Park Hotel Sandway, Lenham, Maidstone, Kent ME17 2BE 01622 859803 chilstonpark@handpicked.co.uk handpickedhotels.co.uk/chilstonpark

BRANDSHATCH PLACE HOTEL & SPA FAWKHAM, KENT

DINING EXPERIENCES The Dining Room at Brandshatch Place offers guests a contemporary British menu using the freshest seasonal ingredients prepared with care and creativity.

Traditional Sunday lunch is served in the grand surroundings of our magnificent country house. Our Head Chef devises an everchanging three-course menu based on traditional favourites, which are enhanced with some contemporary twists.

Indulge in our unmissable afternoon tea experience and enjoy a selection of delicious sweet and savoury treats.

Book online or call 01474 875 000

HOTELS B U I L T

F O R

P L E A S U R E

Brands Hatch Road, Fawkham, Kent DA3 8NQ brandshatchplace@handpicked.co.uk handpickedhotels.co.uk/brandshatchplace

Portrait photography London and the South East Profile photos, headshots and portraits. Photoshoots at SE London studio or at a location of your choice.

Contact Warren: 07779 337765 or email warren@wkphotography.co.uk

Advert REV 14.10.24.indd 1

Design by

14/10/2024 15:11

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LCCI

London firms resilient and optimistic amid ongoing energy cost pressures

Karim Fatehi MBE, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), says new research has revealed that businesses have a “heightened sense of optimism” about the future but stresses the urgent need for the Government to provide long-term stability.

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LCCI

❛❛It’s encouraging to see businesses expressing a heightened sense of optimism about their future prospects and the overall economy, reflecting a more positive outlook than we have seen in recent years. Nevertheless, as we approach the impending Budget, the latest findings from the Q3 Capital 500 highlight an urgent need for the Government to provide reassurance to the business

❜❜

community through the long-term stability essential for sustained growth.

L

ondon businesses experienced a significant increase in optimism about the state of the economy and sales in Q3 2024, according to the Capital 500, London’s quarterly economic survey (QES) conducted by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Four in 10 businesses (39 per cent) now anticipate economic growth in the capital over the next 12 months, up from 35 per cent who said the same in the Q2 QES. Domestic demand for London businesses also showed encouraging growth in Q3, with the percentage of firms that reported an increase in demand (compared to those reporting a decrease) climbing from +2 to +6 in Q3 2024.

Following this positive trend, labour market figures for London businesses continued to improve, with 13 per cent of London businesses reporting an increase in their workforce size since last quarter, one of the highest levels since 2021.

Firms also expressed greater optimism about future workforce growth, with 26 per cent expecting their workforce to increase in size over the next quarter, up from 23 per cent who reported the same in Q2.

Business cost pressures eased during Q3 2023, although most businesses still said their fuel, energy, raw material and wage costs continued to increase. Just over half (52 per cent) of companies reported their energy costs had risen in Q3, down from 58 per cent in Q2, marking the lowest share reporting an increase from quarter to quarter since Q3 2021, before the energy price shock.

Just under one in 10 (8 per cent) of London firms said their energy costs had fallen over the previous three months in Q3, the biggest proportion since Q1 2021, although this remains a relatively small number.

Finally, confidence in business operations remained high in Q3 2024, despite a small decline in some of the QES indicators. The net balance for profitability dipped seven points to +30 last quarter, with 47 per cent of firms expecting their profitability to increase in the coming 12 months, down from 52 per cent in the Q2 QES. There was a slight increase in the percentage of businesses that said they expect profitability to worsen (17 per cent in Q3, 15 per cent in Q2).

Optimism and expectations about profitability and turnover were split based on business size; larger companies (250+ employees) were more optimistic on profitability (64 per cent expected an increase in the next quarter) compared with micro businesses (0-9 employees), where the figure was 45 per cent in Q3.

Other key findings include: • 26 per cent of London businesses reported an increase of domestic sales last quarter, with 22 per cent seeing an increase in domestic orders.

• 10 per cent of London businesses reported an increase in export sales last quarter, with the same amount (10 per cent) seeing an increase in export orders.

• London businesses pointed to a pick-up in labour market activity during the third quarter of 2024.

The employment balance – which measures reported workforce levels in the past three months – rose two points to -1 in Q3, the highest level since Q2 2022.

• 29 per cent of firms in the capital reported an increase in cashflow last quarter, with 18 per cent of firms reporting an increase in investment in plant and equipment.

On the findings of the report, LCCI CEO Karim Fatehi MBE said: “It’s encouraging to see businesses expressing a heightened sense of optimism about their future prospects and the overall economy, reflecting a more positive outlook than we have seen in recent years. Nevertheless, as we approach the impending Budget, the latest findings from the Q3 Capital 500 highlight an urgent need for the Government to provide reassurance to the business community through the long-term stability essential for sustained growth.

“The upcoming Budget represents a pivotal moment for the UK. It offers politicians the chance to redefine the economic narrative and introduce policies which will secure long-term growth and prosperity for the UK. “All eyes will be on the Chancellor at the end of this month as businesses call for reforms to the business rates system, better skills and immigration policies and strengthened relationships with key international trading partners. By listening to businesses and addressing these key policy issues, the Government will foster an environment of confidence which will drive investment and innovation throughout London and the rest of the UK.”

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Strategic Partner News

SELCC strategic partner Berkeley was delighted to co-manage and sponsor the Kidbrooke Carnival in July

G Help support sustainability

with the Greenwich Green Investment scheme

T

he Royal Borough of Greenwich is offering businesses and

entrepreneurs the chance to get involved in its Greenwich Green

reenwich based arts & culture organisation ‘Taru Arts’ hosted their first community carnival on the former Ferrier Estate in 2004 and 20 years later returned to the award-winning Berkeley development now known as Kidbrooke Village.

Over 500 people attended where they enjoyed a vibrant procession of dancers, musicians and Capoeira in Cator Park, alongside a range of activities including children’s gardening, arts & crafts, face painting, a treasure hunt and cultural show in the Community Hub. The Mayor of Royal Borough of Greenwich Cllr Jit Ranabhat was in attendance and said: “It was wonderful to be here today to celebrate the rich mix of cultures that make the borough so special. There’s clearly a really strong community in Kidbrooke, and it’s great to see so many people come together at such an uplifting event.”

Looking to the future: Bexley 2050 strategy workshop green environment, opportunities for growth and development, innovation in skills and employment, and enhancing Bexley as a place to live. These themes were facilitated by experts from each sector.

Investment scheme, investing in local environmental projects with a low-risk return of 4.0% per year.

Pippa Hack, Director of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills at Royal Greenwich, says: “By investing, businesses can help support sustainability projects across the borough, helping to upgrade energy-efficient infrastructure, install solar panels and improve parks. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to taking action on climate change and reducing carbon emissions, as well as earning valuable interest on your investment.”

Closing date: 30 November 2024 Learn more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ green-investment Please note: Investments are long term and may be hard to sell. This is not a savings account. Changes in market interest rates may affect the value of your investment if you sell before maturity. Approver: Abundance (525432).

Approval date: 15 October 2024

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Partners exchanged insight on boosting green jobs and skills, regenerating town centres, and positioning Bexley as a hub for innovation.

The group also talked about collaboration and how they could work together to bring the 2050 vision to life.

A

dynamic strategy workshop to discuss the long-term vision for the borough of Bexley has taken place at London South East Colleges’ campus in Erith.

The meeting brought together a diverse group of local leaders and partners for the second time, to discuss future changes, challenges and opportunities, as well as identifying shared goals for the borough.

Attendees included representatives from the London Borough of Bexley, Cory Riverside Energy, the Met Police, Rose Bruford College, Peabody Housing, Local London, and London & Partners.

Discussions and brainstorming sessions focused on shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for Bexley by 2050, with four main themes: the

Louise Wolsey, Group Chief Strategy Officer at London South East Colleges, led the session about Future innovation and developments in skills and employment. She said: "By leveraging Bexley’s growing sectors, we can shape a future where young people are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow. As a college, and indeed as an education group which is committed to generating community wealth and encouraging social mobility, this is something we are committed to supporting.

“This strategy workshop was a crucial step towards defining a roadmap for Bexley’s growth. We are delighted to be working with our partners to help ensure that the Borough of Bexley and its diverse communities can thrive over the next 25 years.”

A further planning workshop will take place in December to set out priorities, with steps for the next five years to be agreed.

For more information, visit LSEC.ac.uk

Past 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.

L to R: Raff Gallo, Howard Dawber and Linda Hyder Picture credit: Warren King

Croydon’s Business Growth Summit

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n early October the Fairfield Halls was the venue for Croydon’s Business Growth Summit 2024, arranged by All Inclusive Training Croydon in conjunction with TWP.

There were excellent speakers which included: Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon; Sarah Jones Labour MP for Croydon West, Minister of State, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero also Department for Business and Trade; Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London, Business and

Growth & Mark Jenkinson Founder. Crystal Associates and Director of South East London Chamber of Commerce.

Over 150 local business owners attended for a number of informative presentations along with Q & A sessions and informal networking opportunities.

The Chamber was one of the exhibitors on the day and SELCC will ensure that there will be follow up meetings to ensure that the Growth agenda is driven through in Croydon.

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Past Events

Croydon Afternoon Drinks @ Taste of Karala The event at the Taste of Kerala was a resounding success, bringing together a vibrant mix of businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals. The event provided an excellent platform for networking, allowing businesses to build valuable connections and explore potential collaborations.

Many businesses benefited from the exposure, sharing ideas, and discussing their products and services. The lively atmosphere and cultural experiences helped foster relationships, further strengthening the local business community. Overall, it was an enriching experience that highlighted the power of networking and collaboration.

How good photography helps your Bromley Link ‘n Drink business stand out from the crowd @ Bromley Court Hotel Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Bromley Link ‘n Drink at the Bromley Court Hotel.

We were met with both members and nonmembers from across the five boroughs we represent in South East London, and would like to give a special thank you to the Bromley Court Hotel for hosting us.

Navigating GDPR – Compliance Essential and Good Practice This webinar was a great chance for those unfamiliar with the UK Data Protection Laws and taught those who attended how to effectively manage their customer’s personal data, understand legal obligations, and ensure that their procedures and systems are compliant.

We were joined by Michael Pope, Solicitor at Grant Saw Solicitors LLP, who is a seasoned expert in the company commercial and employment law. His deep knowledge made him the perfect guide to help our members and other businesses navigate the complexities of GDPR Compliance.

View the webinar here: www.selondonchamber.org/recordedwebinars/

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Warren King took us through the many reasons to invest in professional photography, from headshots to marketing pictures to product shots and demonstrated how good quality images can get the attention of our respective audiences.

Warren has been a professional photographer for 25 years, being the official photographer for

the South East London Chamber of Commerce since the year 2000, covering all our events and providing headshots for the board.

His other clients include the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Start Up Greenwich, Grant Saw Solicitors LLP, etc.

View the webinar here: https://www.selondonchamber.org/recorded-webinars/

Why Net Zero is good for Business and how to Develop a Plan When we held the Greener Greenwich Summit 2024 earlier this year in March, a call was made for all businesses to create a carbon footprint action plan, and building from that momentum, we partnered with Green Business Action London to assist businesses how to develop a Net Zero plan.

efficiency, and integrate renewable energy sources, all while cutting costs. Marta Martinez, who manages the sustainability programme, has a solid background in Engineering and Sustainability and was the perfect speaker to offer expert guidance to SMEs.

Attendees learned how to adopt sustainable practices, reduce emissions, optimise energy

View the webinar here: www.selondonchamber.org/recorded-webinars/

Caribbean Afternoon Tea

@ DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich SELCC would like to thank DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich for coming up with the idea of a Caribbean Afternoon Tea and for it to be held in partnership. Guests sat down at 14.00 to enjoy a Rum Punch before progressing to a selection of teas from Chamber member, Drury Tea and Coffee.

Then followed Savoury bites: Jerk Chicken Wings, Jamaican Beef Patty, Peppered Prawns and mini Plantain Kebabs.

This was followed by Sweet Treats: Plain and Sweet Scones with Cornish Clotted Cream with Preserves, Banoffee Tart and Doreen’s Jamaican homemade Rum Cake, made locally and baked to a 30-year old, secret family recipe.

A wonderful afternoon was had by all and SELCC looks forward to returning to Room 04 for the next Executive Lunch with guest speaker, Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth on Thursday, 24th October. Below is an image of this versatile space set up for a dinner celebration.

Past Events

Lewisham Business Breakfast with Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres We had the pleasure of hosting our Business Breakfast at Lewisham College with Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham as our guest speaker; who shared her vision for the borough and discuss initiatives to support businesses in the area.

With over 150 business registered, it was an amazing turnout! A special shout-out to the

talented Hospitality Hub students, who did a fantastic job serving breakfast on the day and to the college principal, Jamie Stevenson for making this an amazing breakfast meeting. Awards and prizes were given to employers and attendees.

SELCC cannot wait for the next event with Lewisham College in 2025.

Greenwich Office Drinks @ Grant Saw Solicitors LLP Grant Saw LLP hosted the October Greenwich Office Drinks at their modern offices at Wood Wharf, facing the Thames.

There was an excellent turn out of Chamber members, Grant Saw lawyers and we were present on the day the Government’s Employment Law changes were unveiled.

Guests were given a handout on the proposed changes and we will be holding an Employment Law Webinar with Michael Pope on Wednesday, 13th November 10.00 – 11.00.

The evening was an excellent opportunity to network over tasty food and beverages.

Third Party Risk in Cybersecurity Recent Cybersecurity to large organisations like Ticketmaster & Santander are making one thing clear: Even the smallest companies must begin to protect themselves from harmful attacks. We were joined by Bryan Altimas, Founder/Director

of Riverside Court Consulting, who showed our attendees just how third parties can often be the entry point for ransomware, sharing examples such as the recent attacks on NHS Trusts by ransomware via their supplies.

SMEs wanting to learn how to protect their businesses should playback the webinar on our website here: www.selondonchamber.org/ recorded-webinars/ Don’t wait to become the next target.

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Forthcoming Events

FORTHCOMING EVENTS How to Conduct Right to Work Checks to Avoid Business Sanctions Wednesday, 30th October 2024, 10.00 – 11.00 Are you confident in your right to work checks?

Why Attend?

• Stay compliant and avoid fines: Learn how to carry out right to work checks correctly to protect your business.

Mistakes can lead to severe penalties, but this free webinar will show you how to protect your business and stay compliant with the latest regulations.

• Expert-led session: Gain valuable knowledge from Bianca Ndirika, a seasoned partner at Templeton Legal Services with extensive experience in UK immigration and employment law.

• Latest updates: Understand the new e-visa system and recent changes in the Home Office Employer’s Guide.

• Interactive Q&A: Have your pressing questions answered live by a legal expert.

Ensure your business is protected— reserve your spot today and gain the confidence to carry out right to work checks correctly.

GreenwichB2B Link ‘n Drink at the Greenwich Tavern Tuesday, 5th November 2024, 18.30 – 20.30 GreenwichB2B Link ‘n Drink in association with the South East London Chamber of Commerce is an informal and free networking event for businesses from Greenwich and bordering boroughs but also businesses from afar.

We meet on every first Tuesday of the month at the Greenwich Tavern.

You can expect informal networking with representatives of small and medium sized businesses, short introductions of attendees and often

a short presentation by a regular.

The GreenwichB2B group was started in October 2015. The networking group is organised by Marco Weinand, web developer, software engineer and director at Nomon Internet Solutions Ltd.

Bexley Office Drinks

at Group 1 Jaguar Land Rover Sidcup Thursday, 7th November 2024, 17.30 – 20.00 The best way to do business is with a personal connection!

Join us and fellow businesses for an evening of networking, drinks, and refreshments. This informal gathering, sponsored and hosted

by our Strategic Partner, Group 1 Automotive, in collaboration with McBrides Chartered Accountants and Barclays, provides the perfect setting to connect with other businesses in Group 1’s newly

refurbished showroom.

A panel of experts will be there to talk us through the new Labour Government changes following the 2024 autumn budget reveal on 30th October.

Navigating the New Employment Rights Bill Wednesday, 13th November 2024, 10.00 – 11.00 The Employment Rights Bill, announced on the 10th October 2024, marks the biggest overhaul in employment law in 30 years. From the abolition of the qualifying period for unfair dismissal to the introduction of statutory probationary periods and new rights for flexible working, this new legislation will significantly change the way businesses operate.

Join Michael Pope as he examines the details of the Bill and discusses practical ways to address these recent changes in your business or organisation. Learn how to navigate the new rights regarding zero-hours contracts, maternity leave, sick pay, and more, while ensuring compliance and maintaining workforce morale.

SELCC Charity Quiz Night 2024 Thursday, 14th November 2024, 18.30 – 22.00 Get your thinking caps on and join us for a exciting quiz night!

We would like to invite both members and non-members to The Clarendon Hotel on Thursday, 14th November for an evening filled with questions, fun, and delicious bangers & mash (vegetarian option available).

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Here's what you can expect:

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Teams of up to 10 – Secure your spot now and bring your A-game!

Cash Bar – Enjoy a drink from the bar before and during the quiz!

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£20 (+VAT) per person – All profits go towards the Woolwich service Users Project (WSUP) charity.

Raffle with Amazing Prizes – Generously donated by our members

Interested in contributing a prize?

Contact us at office@selondonchamber.org

Forthcoming Events

How to Develop and Implement a Green Travel Plan Wednesday, 20th November, 10.00 – 11.00 Are you ready to make your business greener and more sustainable?

Join us for an engaging webinar that will guide you through creating an effective green travel plan.

Building on the ambitious goals set at the Greener Greenwich Summit 2024, this session will reveal

how the University of Greenwich tackled the challenges of intercampus travel and accommodating international students while reducing carbon emissions.

Simon Earp, Transport and Green Travel Manager at the University of Greenwich brings nearly 30 years of expertise to the table. Having

worked with major companies like Boots and Tesco, and managing the University of Greenwich’s green travel initiatives since 2007, Simon is the perfect guide to help you develop your green travel plan.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to lead your business towards a greener future!

Bromley Office Drinks at Thackray Williams LLP Thursday, 21st November, 18.00 – 20.00 Join us and fellow businesses for an evening of networking, drinks, and refreshments.

a Fraud Awareness session highlighting the top fraud threats facing businesses today.

We are partnering with Thackray Williams and Barclays to deliver

Led by experts from Barclays, the session will focus on bank

impersonation fraud—how it occurs and what red flags to watch for. Gain insights through a live recording of a real fraudster calling a business and learn key strategies to safeguard your business.

Lewisham Link ‘n Drink at Everest Inn Wednesday, 27th November, 18.00 – 20.00 Join us and fellow like-minded businesses for an evening of networking, and meet new business contacts, suppliers, and maybe even new clients, over a relaxed drink.

You can expect informal networking with representatives of small and medium sized businesses, and short introductions of attendees.

Bexley Link ‘n Drink at The Kings Arms Wednesday, 4th December, 18.00 – 20.00 We're really pleased to be returning to the Kings Arms in Bexleyheath for a evening of networking!

contacts, suppliers, and maybe even new clients over a drink in a relaxed environment.

of small and medium sized businesses, and a short introduction of attendees.

Join us and fellow like-minded businesses, and meet new

You can expect informal networking with representatives

This event is open to both our members and non-members.

Christmas Lunch 2024 Thursday, 12th December, 12.30 – 15.00 We will be hosting this year’s Christmas Lunch at one of our member’s venue, Davy’s Wine Vaults in Greenwich. This festive occasion provides a great opportunity to network and celebrate the upcoming new year with o ur members and business partners.

wine cellar, followed by a delicious threecourse Christmas Lunch in The Cooperage private dining room.

The event will begin with a pre-lunch drink’s reception provided by Davy’s, in the elegant Victoria Room, located in the original Victorian

Don’t miss out on this festive celebration and networking opportunity — we look forward to seeing you there.

Guests will have the option of two glasses of wine, beer, or soft drinks with their meal.

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In conversation with... Capital Business Centre in Croydon Q Name and job title and brief career background?

Q Challenges faced in this business sector?

My name is Krystyna Sitarz and I’m the Centre Manager for Capital Business Centre in South Croydon. I was born in Poland but moved to the UK in 2007. Originally, I came here for three months but then ended up staying! My previous roles include managing two serviced offices in London.

Q What does your role entail?

My job is so diverse – no two days are the same! I am in charge of a team of four and together we are responsible for supporting the small businesses who occupy our workspace. I handle all new enquiries and love showing prospective customers our centre and facilities

Q Overview of Capital Space in Croydon?

Capital Business Centre is home to more than 60 flourishing businesses who let our workspace on a flexible monthly licence.

Our SMEs are drawn from diverse sectors such as health, retail, distribution, manufacturing and of course those looking for a base for their office staff. Whilst we appeal to businesses from a wide area such as Caterham, Warlingham and Coulsdon, over half of our customers live within four miles of the centre.

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Q What are its facilities and capacity and key benefits of Capital Space?

Our USP is our flexible workspace offered on a simple, monthly licence, which gives our business owners the freedom to upsize, downsize, change their type of space or vacate with just a month’s notice. The licence includes superfast internet and free parking.

I think our other USP is the exceptional service my team delivers to our customers, whether they want mail collected, meeting rooms booked, calls answered or VoIP packages set up. We believe we offer the best, truly flexible workspace in Croydon, whatever type and size of business you own, supported by a professional and friendly centre management team.

Providing business accommodation is highly competitive and of course, this sector has seen a great deal of change, with businesses requiring a more flexible approach than a traditional lease can offer. Our flexible licence, combined with excellent customer service, has served us very well in terms of occupancy, retention and customer satisfaction.

2025 is a big year for us; it marks over 20 years of providing workspace in Croydon.

We plan to celebrate this milestone with our customers next year. At a time when Croydon is flourishing as a hub for businesses, recently polled in the top 10 most financially productive places in the UK, and hailed as a diverse, dynamic and an exciting place to live and work, we are very excited for the next 20 years.

Q Future plans? (development, expansion, offers, recruitment etc.)

We continually make investments in maintenance and refurbishment. We have recently upgraded our bathrooms, replaced our iconic but ageing tower atop the main reception building and plan to spruce up our communal areas. We are thrilled about hosting the South Croydon Ladies Who Latte networking group on the first Monday of every month between 10am-noon, as we’re keen to help foster collaboration between local entrepreneurs.

Community-driven initiative in Greenwich to help tackle climate change

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eader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Anthony Okereke, and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value, Cllr Denise Hyland, have signed the Green Finance Institute’s Local Climate Bond Pledge on behalf of Royal Greenwich.

The Green Finance Institute helps local authorities promote investment schemes that tackle climate change and reduce emissions. These signatures reaffirm the council’s commitment to opening its Greenwich Green Investment scheme – which will allow residents and businesses to directly invest in projects which will tackle the climate crisis locally.

Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Anthony Okereke said: “We will be launching our Greenwich Green Investment, with the sole purpose of tackling climate change and achieving net zero emissions as outlined in our Carbon Neutral Plan. Together, we can make a difference and be a part of the solution.”

Associate Director of Local Green Investment at the Green Finance Institute, Miles Ashton, said: “Local authorities are at the forefront of procuring and delivering local projects that are key to generating long-term growth and creating wealth in every community.

"Over 75 per cent of local authorities have declared a climate emergency and have ambitious targets to reach net zero before 2050. With mounting pressures on public funding, Local Climate Bonds empower local authorities to build an independent, local and diversified funding source from citizen investors and the wider institutional landscape, while simultaneously creating a platform for community engagement and participation.

"LCBs have enabled 12 pioneering councils to mobilise millions for local green projects. We are delighted that the Royal Borough of Greenwich will be launching their Greenwich Green Investment to invest in climate action for the community.”

Green and climate investment schemes are a way for councils to raise funds that are invested back into projects that tackle climate change, improving local people’s quality of life.

This can vary from adapting homes and buildings to reduce carbon emissions, to replacing streetlights with energy efficient bulbs or installing solar panels.

Find out more at: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/green-investment

Croydon’s North End to receive over £6 million investment

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roydon’s North End is to benefit from a package of improvement measures Croydon Council is set to agree with developers Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW).

The upcoming changes will focus on improving safety, security and cleaning. This will involve removing the Wellesley Road subway and replacing it with a surface level crossing. There will be a series of exciting cultural events and some of the landmark Allders building will be brought back into use with new shops and food offers.

The regeneration of the town centre is a priority for Executive Mayor Jason Perry, as set out in the Mayor’s Business Plan. Mayor Perry has been working closely with URW to bring forward the redevelopment of the Whitgift & Centrale shopping centres and secure much-needed improvements for everyone who lives, works and visits the town centre.

A paper going to Cabinet in September detailed the £6 million package of measures Croydon Council is proposing to agree with URW, which are to be delivered through a combination of development activities and funding payments to the Council, to compensate for the delay in the planned redevelopment of the shopping centre.

The funding will bring a welcome boost to local shops, restaurants and other businesses, and the cultural activities will build on the legacy of Croydon’s year as London Borough of Culture.

The areas of focus are: • North End activities – pop-ups, installations and performances to create a vibrant and varied shopping and leisure experience in the town centre and help to reduce antisocial behaviour.

• Allders – URW will revitalise elements of Croydon’s historic department store with new food offers and shops for the community on the ground floor.

• Safety, security and cleaning – a programme of initiatives aimed at reducing crime and antisocial behaviour.

• Public engagement – the lease of the space in the Whitgift Centre to Croydon Urban Room, a hub for exhibitions, workshops and events all about the town centre regeneration.

• Connectivity – a contribution towards the design and build of a level crossing across Wellesley Road, near Lansdowne Road and the closure of the subway in this location.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “The Council is using all its powers to drive forward our town centre regeneration, from bidding for external funding, to doing everything we can to encourage and bring forward the redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre and other key town centre sites.

“This £6 million of funding from the Council’s agreement with URW will bring immediate improvements to North End, whilst we work with them to shape the longer term plans for the town centre, that will make it a vibrant, successful place of which we can all be proud.”

News

Youth Justice Service rated ‘Good’ by inspectors

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ewisham’s Youth Justice Service has been rated as ‘Good’ by HM Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP).

The rating represents a significant improvement for the service since the last full inspection report in December 2016, which identified several areas requiring improvement. Since then, the service has transformed the way it operates and contributed to a significant decrease in young people becoming caught up in the criminal justice system.

Since 2017, there has been a decrease in the number of children and young people entering the criminal justice system in Lewisham, as well as in re-offending and the number of custodial sentences handed down.

HMIP inspected the Lewisham Council-run service over a period of one week in June. In their report, which was published in September, inspectors commented on the improvements in service delivery that have taken place at the “well respected and influential” service since the last full inspection report.

Inspectors also hailed the service’s focus on anti-racist practice which is geared towards tackling the disproportionate number of young people from a Black and Ethnic Minority background entering the criminal justice system.

The council-run service won two prestigious national MJ Awards – most recently for its pioneering anti-racist work in 2023 and previously for transforming its Youth Justice Service in 2020.

Chris Barnham, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This report is a huge vote of confidence in the innovative and successful work that is delivering real change for some of our most vulnerable young people.

I’m pleased that the inspectorate found significant improvements to the service and would like to thank the hardworking staff as well as our valued partners who have joined us on this journey.”

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Advertising Feature

Boosting UK Manufacturing Efficiency with Automated Solutions Good news for Businesses seeking productivity improvements with T Cards Online

One of the major areas in which the UK has room for improvement, compared to other advanced economies, is productivity in manufacturing. One key component of this improvement is the investment in automation and robotics. Brillopak, a company based in southeast England, plays a pivotal role in this transformation by manufacturing flexible automated end of line packing systems, particularly “pick and place” machines.

From their manufacturing base in Tonbridge, Kent, Brillopak’s machines are distributed across the UK, with hopes to begin exporting worldwide. With an ever-increasing order book, Peter has always prioritised robust yet flexible internal processes to ensure quality and to make sure deadlines are met. In recent years, Brillopak have turned to T Cards Online to provide visibility and accountability throughout the organisation.

Directors Peter and Xavier and Production Supervisor Elliott explored various options to manage the manufacturing process, seeking to avoid large and clunky MRP and ERP systems. They wanted a simple and lean approach that staff could quickly grasp, and that would evolve with the business as it grew.

Having seen T Cards Online in other companies and being familiar with the philosophy of keeping it simple with the manual T Cards, Peter suggested trialling the T Cards Online system, which was agreed upon by the rest of the team.

With the support of the experienced T Cards Online team, Brillopak were able to set up a straightforward management system to address their specific issues. Primarily, they needed a clear and precise method to show the updated status and progress of a machine build and, importantly, tie part numbers (in stock) for components to specific jobs. Additionally, they required a way to keep abreast and updated with drawings to ensure timely completion.

The visual planner was crucial for visibility across departments.

Founded in 2001, Brillopak has seen substantial growth as more companies seek to automate their packing processes and reduce labour costs. Since then, Brillopak has built numerous machines that have enhanced productivity at various plants nationwide. Their clientele includes renowned names like Morrisons, Worldwide Fruit and Pladis. While primarily serving the food industry, their machines are versatile enough for any packing line.

Peter Newman, founder and technical director states, “We produce automated end of packing line solutions, including pick and place machines, palletisers and de-stackers. We utilise the latest proven technology platforms to deliver packing and palletising automation to create flexible machines and systems that can rapidly adapt to future unknown requirements”.

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Brillopak Case Study Elliott noted: “As part of my role, I enter the purchase orders, the work orders for fabrication and welding as well as the assembly data and set their priority.

The production team (including foremen, machine builders, fitters and welders) use T Cards in the workshop to easily view the tasks to complete and in what order.

T Cards has helped us to quickly create a visual display that is updated as the build progresses and is visible across all departments. The fact the drawings are with the relevant T Card also means they are available with a couple of clicks, streamlining the operation. Overall, T Cards Online has integrated all our processes seamlessly.”

Ease of use was one of the most crucial features for Brillopak. As a dynamic and fastchanging business, they needed a tool that staff could quickly understand that could be adapted over time without having to rely on others. Peter reports: “T Cards Online is so user-friendly that our team immediately took to it when we first trialled it in a small area.

It worked perfectly for us, and importantly, those using it had confidence that it worked, inspiring us to quickly roll it out across the company. Our new Tasks board, where tasks are allocated and assigned to individuals, is simple yet effective, helping us avoid disruptions and enabling us to deliver on time. We are continually expanding its use across more of our work areas due to its easy customisation.”

Since adopting T Cards Online in early 2023, Brillopak has utilised many additional features.

These include Importing, which allows data from its ERP system to avoid duplication of data input, as well as the setup of Automated Workflows that send automatic alerts to specific team members highlighting that a job or task has reached specific due dates.

This has significantly improved the process of reaching internal deadlines and key dates.

Moreover, it has enabled proactive problemsolving when delays do occur.

Leading the way with automating end of line packing, Brillopak has needed to be agile in its approach to workflow and process planning. T Cards Online ensures that all staff have ‘information at a glance’, offering them a flexible and dynamic system that operates effortlessly and coherently. By taking these steps to implement tools such as T Cards, Brillopak is contributing to the enhancement of UK productivity.

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Arts & Culture

Culture strategy set to boost creative economy in Royal Greenwich

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he Royal Borough of Greenwich has launched its first ever Culture Strategy, following extensive conversations with local communities, residents, cultural organisations, developers, local businesses and schools.

skills and confidence and provides jobs and training within the creative economy.

The Council and the local arts and culture sector will work together to deliver the strategy and reach their ambitious shared vision for the Royal Borough of Greenwich in 2030 to be a place where “creative people, innovation and cultural connections inspire, encourage and flourish”.

Michelle Walker, London Director at Arts Council England, said: “It’s great to see the Royal Borough of Greenwich announce this exciting Culture Strategy to help improve the already burgeoning cultural opportunity within the region. We hope this will support the Council’s work towards increasing creative and artistic activities for residents, as well as those travelling from further afield.

The strategy recognises the borough’s wellestablished creative sector, sets out a clear plan for its long-term future and supports the Council’s carbon neutral targets.

Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “We’re a unique borough where diverse communities collaborate to create, tell stories and make fantastic things happen. The return of the world-renowned Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, funded by Royal Greenwich Festivals, is proof of that.

"Our special cultural identity has also been recognised by the Mayor of London. This year, we beat competition from across the capital to secure a Cultural Impact Award.

“By working together with our communities and schools to deliver our first ever Culture Strategy, we will ensure that culture in our borough provides endless possibilities for children and young people for years to come.”

"This Culture Strategy is your strategy as well as ours. It celebrates our incredible creative sector and gives a clear shared vision that will see our communities create, connect and flourish. We’re also creating a new Culture Board to drive the strategy forward, and we want our residents to be part of it.

"Together we can showcase and build our dynamic cultural sector and enable people of all ages and abilities to enjoy a wide range of experiences."

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Culture is all around us, from our green spaces and riverside places to our heritage sites and contemporary town centres.

“Culture creates opportunities for our children and young people to learn, collaborate, grow and express themselves. It nurtures talent,

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“With Royal Greenwich having recently won a London Borough of Culture Impact Award, proudly supported by Arts Council England, I look forward to seeing how the transformative opportunity of that programme will further embed the ambitions of this Culture Strategy and to celebrating its achievements in the years ahead.”

This year, the Mayor of London presented the Council with one of three Cultural Impact Awards. The £200,000 award will fund a collaboration in Woolwich between the Council, local young people and cultural organisations, and will play a key part in delivering their Culture Strategy.

Health & Wellbeing

Unlocking Peak Performance:

The Power of Sleep and Nutrition in the Workplace

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magine a treatment that could make you live longer, enhance your memory, boost creativity, make you more attractive, keep you slim, and even protect you from serious illnesses like cancer and dementia.

It might sound like a miracle cure, but it's not a product you can buy—it's the power of a good night's sleep. As highlighted in Matthew Walker's book, Why We Sleep, sleep is a natural, free resource with profound benefits that many of us overlook.

As busy professionals juggling careers and personal responsibilities, we often sacrifice sleep, relying on caffeine or sheer willpower.

However, this can backfire, impacting our health, wellbeing, and productivity. As a PSAregistered Nutritional Therapist and founder of Cloudberry Nutrition, I find that most of my clients are struggling with low energy and poor sleep. Addressing sleep is often transformative, helping them feel more energised and perform at their best both personally and professionally.

The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Workplace Wellbeing Research consistently shows that inadequate sleep significantly impairs our cognitive functions. It reduces our concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities—all critical components of workplace performance.

Sleep deprivation also increases our susceptibility to chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. This isn't just about feeling tired—it's about jeopardising our long-term wellbeing.

Recent data paints a concerning picture: According to a 2023 Nuffield Health survey, the average Briton sleeps just 5.9 hours per night, far below the recommended 7-9 hours. This sleep deficit not only affects personal health but also carries a substantial economic toll.

It's estimated that sleep deprivation costs the UK economy around £40 billion annually in lost productivity. Sleep-deprived workers are not only more prone to mistakes and accidents but also face higher rates of absenteeism.

For small business owners and entrepreneurs, this can be particularly damaging, as poor sleep can hinder creativity, strategic planning, and stress management—all essential for business success.

The Role of Nutrition in Promoting Quality Sleep While many factors influence sleep, nutrition plays a critical yet often underappreciated role. Certain nutrients, including magnesium, tryptophan, melatonin, omega-3 fats, and vitamin D, are vital for promoting restful sleep. For example, tryptophan-rich foods like turkey, tofu, milk, and nuts can help increase sleepiness and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, while magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can relax the muscles and nervous system, preparing your body for a good night's rest.

Practical Tips for Better Sleep and Enhanced Workplace Performance Improving sleep quality doesn’t require drastic changes. Small, consistent adjustments can have a significant impact. Here are three key areas to focus on: 1. Mindful Eating: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol 2-3 hours before bed. Include quality proteins like chicken or fish, limit sugars and refined carbohydrates, and try calming herbal teas such as chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm.

2. Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows and remove electronic devices to minimise distractions.

3. Consistent Sleep Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Create a calming bedtime routine, such as a warm bath or light reading, and switch off electronics at least an hour before sleep. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises or mindfulness to help quiet your mind before sleep.

Taking Action for Lasting Change It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the advice on health and wellbeing, but the key is to start small. Pick one area, make gradual adjustments, and find what works best for you or your team. Sleep is not a luxury; it's a necessity for peak performance. By prioritising sleep and making simple lifestyle and nutritional changes, you can unlock your full potential and improve both personal and professional life.

Encourage Action in Your Workplace Isn’t it time to give your team the opportunity to perform at their best? Consider promoting a culture of wellbeing that includes sleep education and support. Simple changes, like flexible work hours, creating a calm space, or offering resources on sleep hygiene, can lead to more energised, productive, and engaged employees. Investing in sleep health isn’t just good for your team—it’s good for business.

Kristina Ericsson Richards Cloudberry Nutrition

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Health & Wellbeing

Self funding long term care M any of my clients ask, “How can I avoid paying care fees?” The potentially huge bill is a great source of angst for many people - as they do not want to see their children’s inheritance eaten up by paying for their care.

By John Symonds Dip PFS Cert SMP Independent Financial Adviser at Talis IFA 46

Sadly, there is really no effective method of mitigating your liability to pay care fees.

Anything you do to avoid care fees may later be deemed, “deliberate deprivation” and there is no seven-year clock when gifting assets as there is with Inheritance Tax. Many talk about signing over their house to their children, but this is fraught with potential problems.

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If you give your house to your children but continue to live in it, then it will still be included in your estate for Inheritance Tax – unless you pay your children a commercial rent.

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You would no longer own the property, and your children could kick you out if relations turn sour.

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Even if relations remain cordial, the property could be lost if your children get into financial difficulty or got divorced.

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Crucially, if you do later need residential care, your local authority could include the value of your property when calculating the fees you have to pay because they may deem that you have only given your home away to reduce the level of fees you have to pay yourself.

But is avoid the right question perhaps we should all be asking “Why would I not want to pay care fees?”

Many believe that private care homes offer “better” care and facilities than council-run homes. This is obviously subjective and may not be true in all cases - but why would you not want the best possible care – even if you had to pay for it - to ensure your final years are as comfortable as possible? This applies to both residential care and care-at-home provision.

The potential downsides from trying to reduce your assets sufficiently to avoid paying for care, can cause both huge stress and real problems – especially in the event of family breakdown.

So one seriously has to question if it’s worth it.

One possible funding option is an immediate needs annuity. This is essentially an insurance policy where a lump sum is paid to an insurance company in exchange for regular payments. This provides a guaranteed income to pay for care costs. It is designed to cover the shortfall between your other income and the cost of your care for the rest of your life.

The annuity income is tax-free and can be paid directly to the care provider.

There is no perfect solution as while this option is designed to provide peace of mind, if the person requiring care dies soon after taking out the plan, you could lose a lot of money.

However, the average stay in a care home is around two years so transferring that risk to an insurer could be considered good value for money, especially if the annuity is index-linked to allow for increases in costs.

Health & Wellbeing

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Too many live in homes they can't afford to heat but have a lot of money tied up in the actual bricks and mortar.

Equity release offers an opportunity to convert part of that home into cash.

Unsurprisingly, financial planning in later life requires an actual plan. It is often the case that people will carefully organise their accumulation (pre-retirement) phase yet neglect the decumulation phase, that stage in life when you live on your investments. How and when you draw your money can be just as important as growing it in the first place. By way of example an easy win for couples is to try and share retirement income as much as possible to try and avoid higher tax rates.

You can also try cash-flow modelling. It’s one of the best ways of planning retirement income.

Cash flow software maps your retirement journey by looking at all your pensions, investments, savings and properties etc and analyses how these can be used to provide your required retirement income. A skilled adviser can show you how much your pension pot is likely to pay you in the future, and you need to be as certain as you can be that you won’t run out of money in retirement!

Too many live in homes they can't afford to heat but have a lot of money tied up in the actual bricks and mortar. Equity release

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offers an opportunity to convert part of that home into cash. It's not for everyone, but it's certainly worth considering. Talk to a specialist independent financial adviser to find out more.

We work hard all our lives and hope to build a nest egg. But HMRC raises billions in inheritance tax every year. Most believe they need to give money away early or set up complicated trusts and survive seven years to mitigate that liability. But there are some interesting, legitimate, liquid investments that are considered outside your estate if you hold them for just two years. Therefore, for obvious reasons, this type of planning is becoming increasingly popular with older clients.

In summary, it is important to try and strike the right balance between using your wealth to enjoy your retirement whilst protecting any surplus assets and income for your loved ones.

Ignoring these things can prove extremely costly and doing nothing is a decision in itself.

However, careful planning with a qualified professional should help you prepare and organise for retirement with confidence and peace of mind.

Award winning care homes We’re proud to be recognised for our excellence in care, winning more awards than any other provider in the last three years.

If you’re considering a care home, call 020 3797 2655 or visit careuk.com/smyth-lodge

Trusted to care Smyth Lodge care home Sidcup 47

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.

Biggin Hill Airport Limited

Gordon and Thompson Ltd

Biggin Hill Airport, Biggin Hill, Bromley TN16 3BH Contact: Matthew Amer Tel: 01959 578 500 Email: matthew.amer@bigginhillairport.com

51 Tweedy Road, Bromley BR1 3NJ

Sunshine Training and Care Services

Contact: Fadeke Oralusi

202 Island Business Centre,

Tel: 020 7183 3009

18-36 Wellington Street

Email: f.oralusi@gordonandthompson.com

London SE18 6PF

Bharat Digital Limited 20 Bengal Road, Ilford IG1 2EH Contact: Karthick Rajan Tel: 07778 103271 Email: info@bharatdigital.co.uk

Clarity & Beyond Royal Arsenal Gatehouse, London SE18 6AR Contact: Michelle Smith Tel: 020 8432 9940 Email: michelle@clarityandbeyond.co.uk

DTT Removals LTD 23 Weatherill House Business Centre, Whitestone Way, London CR0 4WF Contact: Adrian Thompson Tel: 020 3911 6849 Email: info@dttremovals.co.uk

First Step Trust 9 Kingside, Ruston Road London SE18 5BX Contact: Leslie Scott Tel: 07930 553751 Email: leslie.scott@firststeptrust.org.uk

Ignite Visuals 89 Compton House, 7 Victory Parade London SE18 6FT

Contact: Dr Christiana Udoh Tel: 07861 659158 Email: christy@sstrainingcare.co.uk

Tel: 07740 592767

The Renaissance Pub Company / The LDN Pub Company

Email: ignite.visuals@outlook.com

The Kings Arms, 156 Broadway,

Contact: Ignacio Badiola

Integrated Visual Protection Ltd Asset House, Herringham Road, Charlton, London SE7 8NJ Contact: Jack Bailey

Bexleyheath, London DA6 7DW Contact: Peter Marshall Tel: 020 8303 117 Email: info@thekingsarmsbexleyheath.co.uk

Tel: 07930 553751

TG Baynes Solicitors

Email: jack@ivp.org.uk

Broadway House,

IRIE! Dance Theatre Moonshot Centre, London SE14 6LU Contact: Patsy Alexander Tel: 020 8691 6099 Email: operations@iriedancetheatre.org

208 Broadway, Bexleyheath London DA6 7BG Contact: Fiona Murray Tel: 020 8301 7777 Email: fionam@tgbaynes.com

Londonwide Cleaning Services Ltd Mountwood, Prince Imperial Road, Chislehurst, Kent, London BR7 5LX Contact: Danny McGovern Tel: 020 8295 0650 Email: dannylondonwide@aol.com

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 48

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Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

MEMBERSHIP

For more information and to preview our warehouses visit www.costco.co.uk/join or scan the QR code.

To join and start saving please provide one piece of business evidence for Trade membership, or for Individual membership your employee ID card or current pay slip to prove your employment, PLUS one piece of photographic identification for both memberships.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS VALID IN ALL 29 UK WAREHOUSES, WORLDWIDE AND ONLINE!

Become an Executive Member and earn an annual 2% Reward on most of your Costco purchases*. The annual membership fee for Executive Trade Membership is £56 ex VAT (£67.20 inc VAT) and as an Executive Individual Membership is £62 ex VAT (£74.40 inc VAT).

The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £22 ex VAT (£26.40 inc VAT) and Standard Individual Membership is £28 ex VAT (£33.60 inc VAT), all memberships include a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

ALL NEW MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE A £10 ONLINE VOUCHER WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR MEMBERSHIP†

Costco Croydon, Imperial Way, Croydon, London, CR0 4RR

T: 0208 253 4124 E: marketing121@costco.co.uk www.costco.co.uk

† Sign up for membership with this advert at our Croydon warehouse and receive a £10 voucher to spend online at www.costco.co.uk. New members only. *Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. ∆Qualifying ID required to preview in the form of business evidence or company payslip ID. Accepting Mastercard, American Express and Visa credit cards as well as cash, debit card or cheque. No cash or cheque at fuel station. Fuel stations not available at all locations. JN36185

£10

Expires: 31st December 2024

ONLINE VOUCHER

And finally...

L

ucy Callaghan is Business Relations Manager and Deputy Head of Operations at Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP).

She was a volunteer at WSUP for two years before being offered a paid role in January.

Before WSUP Lucy spent 10 years as a stage technician at the Royal Opera House.

Q What was your first job

and what was the pay packet?

A A Saturday job at the age of 14 at a

cafe in Welling High Street. I mainly washed dishes! I think this was for about £20 a day. Then I got dermatitis on my hands and moved on to selling windows over the phone.

Q What would you do with your last pound?

A I don’t think there’s much you can

Lucy Callaghan

Business Relations Manager and Deputy Head of Operations Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP).

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

A To alleviate poverty. I would start

by tackling the high cost of housing which is a cause of poverty and has an impact on people’s mental health.

I feel very strongly about this. We see the effects of poverty on a daily basis at WSUP.

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

A A police officer. Before I was offered

my position at WSUP, I studied a higher education access course in policing.

I have always wanted to help people and felt that this was a way to do so.

Traumatic life experiences raised my awareness of mental health, a subject I also chose to study. I found these studies extremely rewarding and, above all, enlightening.

do with a pound in this day and age.

I would give it to someone who could benefit from it more than me.

Q What book are you currently

facing your business?

A I must be very honest here,

Q What is the biggest challenge A Funding is a big challenge for us.

We rely on donations and we support a lot of people at WSUP.

reading?

I have not read a book for a while!

I would recommend reading Get Your Life Back by Chris Hill though. A good read for all!!

Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) is a grassroots charity that provides practical and emotional support to those seeking help in our community.

We support people in Greenwich and the surrounding boroughs who are going through, or are at risk of, poverty, homelessness, addiction and any other life challenges.

We offer essential services including a welcoming community space where people in need can access hot meals, showers, haircuts, a laundry service and a clothing bank.

We are a non-judgmental environment and our doors are open to everyone in our community who needs us.

Visit wsupwoolwich.org to find out more

Volunteer • Donate • Fundraise 50

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LET’S TALK +44 (0)1227 812930

www.bexley.gov.uk/TalkingBusiness

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