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Page 2 | 14-20 December 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
News Matters On this week down the years
trebling their efforts: Barts Charity is promising additional finances
16 December 1955: Her Majesty inaugurates ‘The Queen’s Building’ of the new central terminal of London Airport, built to accommodate increasing numbers of passengers. 19 December 1984: The British colony of Hong Kong is to be returned to China after an historic agreement is signed. 14 December 2003: The ousted President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, is under arrest after being found hiding in a cellar by US soldiers.
world leader: Hong Kong
Corrections & clarifications The editorial team at City Matters strives to ensure all information printed is true and correct at the time of publication. If you notice a story has been printed with an error or omission, please contact us through the website and we will be happy to amend as appropriate. Alternatively, to speak to a member of the news team, please contact us on the number below.
£30m pledge to hospital projects BARTS Charity has announced it will increase its annual grant giving up to £30million per year until 2020. Previously the charity – which supports the hospitals of Barts Health NHS Trust and its associated medical school, Queen Mary University of London’s School of Medicine and Dentistry – has typically had a budget of around £10m to fund projects delivering improved patient care through medical research, state-of-the-art equipment and community initiatives. However, for each of the next three financial years the charity is aiming to award up to three times as much. “We’re taking this step in recognition of the great need in the communities we serve, but also the great opportunities to work
No preferential Brexit treatment THE City has been warned it will not receive any special privilege when the UK begins proceedings to leave the European Union. Chancellor Philip Hammond and Brexit secretary David Davis are reported to have told a panel of Square Mile figureheads that the financial and professional services sectors will not be treated any differently when Article 50 is invoked. Santandar chairman Baroness Vadera, Barclays’ John McFarlane, and Inga Beale, chief executive of Lloyd’s of London, were all in attendance. The City contributes 11.8% of gross domestic product for the UK and calls had been made that London as a whole should benefit from a unique arrangement when Brexit becomes a reality. However, that hope seems to be fading as government readies itself to begin negotiations in March next year. In a joint statement, Mr Hammond and Mr Davis said: “As the UK exits the EU, we are determined that our country remains a great place to invest and to do business.”
together over the next three years to fund some extraordinary people and projects that will make a real difference to London,” explained charity chief executive Fiona Miller Smith. “We look forward to working with the trust and the medical school in the coming months and years to turn priorities into a compelling list of projects that will drive real improvements in health.
Perspective “From a fundraising perspective, we’ll look to our supporters, businesses and the wider community to help us on this journey and to help us achieve as much as possible for the healthcare of the people of London.” This level of giving will place even greater importance on the charity’s fundraising, and
the key role supporters will play in achieving this vision. Alwen Williams, chief executive of Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “We are clear that our strong partnership with Barts Charity is critical and we look forward to working closely together as we take forward this exciting agenda and realise the opportunities that I know we can for the benefit of our patients.” The five hospitals the charity supports serve some of the UK’s most diverse communities, with over 2.5m people relying on them every year. The research that takes places at the School of Medicine and Dentistry is world-leading in many areas of healthcare – including trauma, cancer and cardiac.
Station shows no signs of slowing down JUST shy of 100million passengers use London Waterloo every year, a study has confirmed. Figures released by the Office of Rail and Road reveal that the station is still Britain’s busiest as Network Rail and South West Trains continue their work to boost capacity by 30% as part of an £800m investment. Becky Lumlock, route managing director at Network Rail, said: “Passenger numbers are at their highest level since the Victorian era and are continuing to grow, so it is vital that we keep investing and deliver a better Wessex route.
Improvements “The investment is the biggest package of improvements for passengers using Waterloo for decades, and will provide: five additional platforms; longer platforms for longer trains between Waterloo and Reading; new trains between Waterloo and Windsor; and longer trains on London Suburban services.”
Nearly 6,000 bureaucrats to be relocaed AN exodus of civil servants out of central London will create a ‘Whitehall of the East’ in Docklands. Nearly 6,000 bureaucrats are set to be relocated to a new office in Canary Wharf under government plans to cut costs by 2018.
‘Clear the air’ talk becomes action SADIQ KHAN made a move to quite literally ‘clear the air’ last week by declaring he will double the amount of cash available to tackle pollution in the Capital over the next five years. Ahead of the publication of the draft Transport for London Business Plan, the Mayor of London announced that £875million will be invested to address the city’s air quality crisis. Some 10,000 Londoners die early each and every year because of poor air quality, and last week the City – along with Westminster – was put on high alert over the safety of what its population breaths in when out and about in
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the Capital. Mr Khan said he wanted London to be a ‘world leader’ in tackling toxic air and challenged ministers to ‘prove they share my ambition.’ “London’s air quality continues to breach legal levels, which is why I have taken this unprecedented action,” he said. “The onus is now on the government to prove that they share my ambition. By funding a national diesel scrappage scheme and reforming vehicle excise duty the government could also prove that they understand the enormity of our air quality emergency.” The Mayor is proposing a range of far-reaching
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programmes to tackle the threat to health from poor air, enhancing the quality of life across the Capital. Among the proposals is the launch of the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone; consulting on the Emissions Surcharge, which will remove older polluting vehicles from central London, involving £22m of direct investment; and the introduction of ‘Low Emission Neighbourhoods’, spanning eight boroughs and involving a range of local businesses. In addition, the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund will provide £9m to take targeted action in some of the worst pollution hotspots.
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Page 4 | 14-20 December 2016
News Matters Cyber crime not to be ignored SIGNIFICANTLY more people (60%) believe they are more likely to fall victim to a home break-in than a digital crime (37%), according to new research from BT. This is despite the fact that, on average, people aged between 16 and 44 are now almost as likely to suffer a digital crime (15%) as a break-in (17%). Commander Chris Greany, national co-ordinator for economic crime, said: “Many broadband and telephone providers offer free security solutions; we strongly encourage everyone to ensure they are protected.”
Turn the tap to avoid trouble CITY residents have been told to check their water supply so they aren’t caught cold this Christmas. Homeowners are advised to check their internal and external stop taps regularly to ensure they are working properly in dropping temperatures. A faulty tap could lead to residents being unable to shut off their water supply in an emergency.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Chief stops in for quick inspection THE man at the helm of the Corporation’s charitable arm was the guest of honour at the Centre for Armenian Information and Advice (CAIA) as the organisation recognised the financial aid it has received over the past two decades. City Bridge Trust has made donations totalling £320,000 to the Acton-based service since 1995, allowing CAIA to reach out to all Armenians who call the Capital home. Latest figures estimate that CAIA has worked to enhance the quality of life of over 20,000 people through the provision of welfare, educational and cultural services. David Farnsworth, trust director, recently dropped in on the charity to see first hand how funding was being used to reduce
....more on its way ARTSADMIN, a charity that enables artists to “create without boundaries”, is the latest organisation to have secured City Bridge Trust approval. More than £95,000 is on its way to the charity after their bid for support to finance building works to enhance the accessibility of Toynbee Studios in East London – to ensure all visitors are able
disadvantage. He said that he was “inspired to see the amazing work” CAIA is doing to support the lives of Armenians across London and the community as a whole. Misak Ohanian, charity chief executive, said: “My colleagues and I were very pleased to welcome David to witness some of the work we carry out day in, day out, for vulnerable and disadvantaged people such as the elderly, carers and refugees.
Overcome “Thanks to the City Bridge Trust, funding the centre has changed many lives. The trust has supported CAIA seven times over the past 20 years; most recently with our advisory services which many people rely on to use the facilities independently – was signed off. A significant part of Artsadmin’s work is its ‘Unlimited’ commissions programme which places work by disabled artists into the cultural sector. Unlimited has so far awarded £932,000 to 103 disabled artists; and over the three years it has been running a total of 1,797 performances, exhibitions, screenings and events have been seen by 132,059 people.
all ship shape: David Farnsworth was amazed
to access their rights, public services and help overcome various inequalities and barriers they experience.” In 2015 the charity received an unconditional grant of £20,000 from the City Bridge Trust, awarded as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations. The organisation chose to spend the financial package on repairing the community centre’s roof and internal structure, as well as updating its IT system and photocopiers and boosting its operating costs.
Piracy sunk in landmark case AN historic legal case has resulted in a man being jailed for four years on charges of conspiracy to defraud. Following the first ever trial involving a supplier of Internet protocol television (IPTV), which enables viewers to watch unauthorised content, Terry O’Reilly was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court. A second supplier, Will O’Leary, pleaded guilty to similar charges and received a two-year suspended sentence after the Premier League brought a prosecution against the pair. O’Reilly and O’Leary had sold devices to pubs and consumers which facilitated mass piracy, including the broadcasting of football on unauthorised foreign channels. The convictions followed a significant investigation by City of London Police. Detective Chief Inspector Pete Ratcliffe said: “Protecting our creative industries is vital to the economy and the millions of jobs that work within them.”
Youngsters secure a place at the top table HOT shot table tennis players from the City of London School banded together to take top honours in not one but two age groups during a prestigious table tennis competition. Hosted by the Raines Foundation in Tower Hamlets, the East London Regional Final of the Jack Petchey Foundation London Schools team competition served up a day of high quality contests. Held in partnership with Table Tennis England, the competition bought together some 160 players across 41 teams representing 13 schools. And it was in the under-11 and U16 divisions that the City scooped silverware. It was the elder crop of players who led the way; 13-year-old Joseph Hee, Partha Mulay, 15, and 14-year-old pair Dung Tran and Daniel Valdavicius crushing hosts Raines 8-0 in a one-sided final. It was the first time any of the four had entered an official competition. “It was a good team effort considering our standard,” said Joseph after he and his
cohorts qualified for the next round of the competition which will resume in the new year. “We liked winning and are looking forward to the final [proper].” It set the stage for a City double, with the U11 quartet of Alex Botgros, 11, Leonardo Cortese, Josh Lyttle and Jacob Yoon, all 10, cruising passed Sir Thomas Abbey School from Stoke Newington 6-2 in the final.
Challenging Again, this was the team’s first competition together – previously they had only ever practiced against each other. Alex said: “We did very well, much better than we thought. We had some challenging matches but came through in the end.” Winners of the regional competitions now progress to the London Schools team finals in the Sports Dock at the University of East London on 14 January.
smashing effort: (left) the U11 team and their U16 school mates
The Old Bank of England Few pubs in central London can match the opulence of The Old Bank as a private party setting. We have two beautiful function rooms available for you to hire during the week – while at weekends, you can exclusively hire the entire pub. Our dining room can accommodate 28 guests seated, or 40 standing. The smaller club room, meanwhile, is ideal for intimate gatherings, seating 16 guests and leading out into our lovely walled courtyard. For larger groups, we can even open up the two rooms to create one fabulous space — with room to stand 70 guests, or seat 44. Call us today on 020 7430 2255 to discuss your requirements, and we’ll help you plan your big event at this very special venue.
The Old Bank of England, 194 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2LT 020 7430 2255 | www.oldbankofengland.co.uk @OldBankFleetSt facebook/TheOldBankOfEngland
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
14-20 December 2016 | Page 7
Business Matters
get a leg up: in the Isle of Man
University’s full of bright sparks
IMPRESS TO LAND SHARE OF £5,000 Isle of Man alive... STUDENTS just how good City is when it comes to UNIVERSITY students and graduate THE BIG WINNERS entrepreneurship.” were in the spotlight island urges City entrepreneurs The overall winners banking £1,000 recently when 18 teams competed First prize £1,000: The Oven towards their business venture were to secure finance for their business firms to relocate ideas. Second prize: £500: The Nusa ‘The Oven’, who sought backing to THE Isle of Man Wealth & Fund Services Association sailed for the mainland for its annual lunch this year – with the Clothworkers Hall the grand setting for the gathering. The yearly event serves as an opportunity to showcase the work being done on the island, and to drum up new business with the City’s many big name contacts.
Networking Association chairman Carolyn Gelling welcomed an impressive guestlist before thanking those who have provided considerable backing to the Isle of Man over the course of the last 12 months. Taking the mic soon after were department of economic development minister, Laurence Skelly, and chief executive of the UK Business Angels Association, Jenny Tooth. Each promoted the “significant benefits” the Isle of Man offers to businesses looking to relocate. Following the speeches, guests enjoyed a three-course lunch and were welcomed to a post-event networking session.
A panel comprising 60 judges ran the rule over a wide range pitches, with a share of £5,000 up for grabs in the CitySpark Marketplace event at City University London. Held at CityBar on 1 December, the competition attracted more than 200 attendees. Esteemed judges included business founders, alumni entrepreneurs and staff from across the university. Special guest on the night was previous CitySpark champion Jeremy Evans (MA broadcast journalism, 2013). Jeremy won CitySpark in 2014 with Explaain, a website that breaks down complex news stories and issues into easily digested, bite-sized chunks. Since then, Jeremy has gone on to be included in Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30 Europe Media List’ and has been backed by the Google Digital News Initiative. Alex Elkins, entrepreneurship
Project; Student Circus; Pzee
Third prize £250: City Go; Grubify; Eat Chay The People’s Champion £250: City Food Co-op; Grubify; Direq GreenSpark £1,000: The Nusa Project education manager at City, said that the quality and range of ideas this year had been truly outstanding. He added: “From intelligent property search to a street food incubator and using virtual reality to help structural engineers build better buildings, the businesses offered something for everyone. “Every year I am overwhelmed by the entrepreneurial talent City has to offer and the amazing concepts and ideas students produce. “The energy and enthusiasm in the room was amazing and really promotes
Business Plan aims to ‘trim the TfL fat’ SADIQ KHAN referred to Transport for London (TfL) as “flabby” as he unveiled a draft Business Plan which he says will help save £800million per year by 2021. The plan, which will be considered by the TfL board next week, sets out how investment in the public transport network will bring “huge improvements for passengers.” The Mayor has already announced plans to make transport more affordable by freezing fares for the duration of his term and, by introducing the ‘Hopper’ fare, he has already delivered over 10million free journeys for people changing buses within the hour. Mr Khan wants to finance further change by
trimming the fat around TfL’s “core” operations. Reduced spend on IT projects, the removal of “duplicated” works, and the renegotiating of management contracts have all been touted as money saving procedures. “From my first day as Mayor of London I’ve been on a mission to create a modern and affordable transport that works for every Londoner. “The previous Mayor refused to do it, but in reorganising a flabby TfL and finding major efficiency savings within the organisation, we’re securing record investment without burdening Londoners with further hikes in TfL fares.”
provide market space and incubation to food start-ups to enable them to scale in a low risk environment. Three second place and third place prizes were also handed out, as well as the GreenSpark prize for sustainable ideas and The People’s Champion accolade, which was voted for by all those in attendance. dream team: The Oven quartet
The peak of going social THE fourth Social Value Summit will take place in London on 8 February. The summit – which aims to promote social values in business – brings together more than 300 commissioners and providers from across the public, private and, of course, social sectors. A spokesman for Social Enterprise UK, organisers of the annual event, said: “The summit will deliver leading expertise in the field of social value measurement and reporting; the latest intelligence on good practice; practical advice and takeaways on what to do in your organisation; dialogue and debate on key issues from high-quality speakers; leaders from across different sectors; and some excellent networking.” Early bird tickets are now available – book your place by searching ‘Social Value Summit’ online.
Vacancy: Sales and marketing staff & part-time distributors Attractive packages available dependant on experience City Matters is a free publication proudly incorporating the longstanding City of London & Docklands Times. We are seeking two trainee salespeople and two part-time distributors to join our team. Trainee sales staff will work closely with the Sales Director to help drive City Matters forward. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive in-house training and be expected to have a working knowledge of the City of London. Salary negotiable on interview. Part-time distributors are also required to help deliver City Matters around the Square Mile on a weekly basis. Various day shifts available; City Matters is a London Living Wage employer.
For an informal chat about any of the roles available please contact:
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14-20 December 2016 | Page 9
What’s on when & where in the City FOOD / Evening of Cheese Borough Market’s Evening of Cheese is back with an even greater variety of weird and wonderful cheeses from all over the world, including Alsop and Walker’s Lord London, as featured at the Royal wedding. As well as sampling and Christmas cheese-board shopping, a ‘cracking of the parmesan wheel’ competition will take place along with an exclusive demonstration by Michelin-starred chef Luca Marchini. 14 December, 6pm-9pm Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street SE1 1TL CONCERT / Fables and Festivities Join international development charity Farm Africa for a free evening of seasonal live music with performances from three fantastic choirs. BBC reporter Kate Adie and Independent travel editor Simon Calder will share stories from their travels, alongside Farm Africa CEO Nico Mounard, who will reflect on the charity’s work to reduce poverty by empowering smallholder farmers across eastern Africa. Stick around after performances by the London Africa
Gospel Choir for free mince pies and mulled wine. 15 December, 6.30pm St Magnus the Martyr, Lower Thames Street EC3R 6DN SHOP / Melissa Odabash Sample Sale Leading luxury swim and beach wear brand Melissa Odabash is having a pre-Christmas sample sale, offering everything from resort wear to evening dresses, flip flips and bikinis... because nobody wants to spend their hardearned winter break in the Canary Islands wearing last summer’s swim wear. Entry is £1, with all proceeds donated to charity. 15 to 18 December F Block G4, Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane E1 6QL MUSIC / Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra: Prokofiev, Stravinsky & Ravel Dutch ensemble the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is no stranger to London audiences; nor is its chief conductor Daniele Gatti. But this is their first time here together, and with a programme of Stravinsky, Prokofiev and
on song: Fables and Festivities
Community Matters Ravel lined up, this should be a colourful introduction to a promising new partnership. Solo violinist Lisa Batiashvili is sure to wow audiences with a Prokofiev that will serve as a brilliant centrepiece to a programme that crackles with energy. 16 December, 7.30pm Barbican Hall, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS WORKSHOP / Gold Embroidery This one-day workshop will introduce goldwork embroidery techniques inspired by the Barbican’s critically acclaimed exhibition ‘The Vulgar’. Participants will tour the show with the London Embroidery Studio’s Alice Richardson, learn some basic skills and produce a design for a badge or brooch. 17 December, 10am-4.30pm Barbican Art Gallery, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS FILM / The Brothers Karamazov A special screening of the 1968 classic based on Dostoevsky’s final novel rounds out the Barbican’s 150th anniversary celebrations of the release of Crime and Punishment throughout the December. Director Ivan Pyrev died during the making of this lavish production, which follows the story of three sons following the murder of their tyrannical father. 18 December, 2pm Barbican Cinema 3, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS CONCERT / Big Christmas Wind Orchestra Singers, brass and wind players from all over London will converge on Spitalfields for an afternoon of carols to raise money for the Rural Libraries Project in Northern Peru. Launched in 2012, the event has grown to more than 100 musicians of all ages and abilities playing all your favourite festive carols conducted by Matthew Hardy. If you can carry a tune on the clarinet then join in the fun (no rehearsal required) but if not just turn up and support their cause from the sidelines. 18 December, 1pm-4pm Bishops Square, Brushfield Street E1 6FQ
all smiles: Sam McKnight with Linda Evangelista and Jesse the chimp
Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street EC3V 1LR TALK / Sam McKnight in conversation with Anna-Marie Solowij From Kate Moss’ bedhead to Princess Diana’s slicked-back crop, celebrity hairdresser Sam McKnight has produced some of the best hair days in the business. McKnight’s portfolio has been on display at Somerset House to rave reviews, now catch the man with the golden scissors in conversation with award-winning beauty journalist Anna-Marie Solowij. The pair will delve into the stories behind the editorial shoots, catwalk shows and advertising campaigns, and discover why Vogue calls Sam McKnight ‘part of the connective tissue of fashion’. 20 December, 6pm-9.30pm Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA
MARKET / Leadenhall Christmas Market Left all your shopping to the last minute? Leadenhall Market hears your pain and is putting on live music, events and festive drinks in the lead up to Christmas to take the edge off the mad rush. After all, bashing your way through the masses with bags full of wrapping paper is best done with a slight buzz on. 19-23 December
To act as a City Matters Collection Point contact: 020 8640 6015
Weekly Planner
Wednesday FOOD / Evening of Cheese Thursday CONCERT / Fables and Festivities Friday MUSIC / Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra: Prokofiev, Stravinsky & Ra Saturday WORKSHOP / Gold Embroidery Sunday FILM / The Brothers Karamazov Monday MARKET / Leadenhall Christmas Market Tuesday TALK / Sam McKnight in conversation with Anna-Marie Solowij
w w w.cit y m at te r s . lo n d o n
Find Our Collection Points:
J Rogers & Sons - Shoe repair shop 28 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7PD
Pod Good Food 75 King William Street, London EC4N 7BE
Sweetings Restaurant 39 Queen Victoria St, London EC4N 4SF
Coffee Stall In front of St Mary Abchurch, Abchurch Lane, London EC4N 7BA
Guildhall Library Aldermanbury, London EC2V 7HH
Protestant Truth Society Inc - Book Shop 184 Fleet St, London EC4A 2HJ
Temple Brew House 46 Essex St, London WC2R 3JF
EL Vino Wine Merchant 6 Martin Lane, Cannon St, London EC4R 0DP James Shoe Care 59 Moorgate, London EC2R 6BH Jeeves Dry Cleaners 131 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BH
Romo Coffee Lord Raglan Pub, St Martins le Grand 61 St Martins le Grand, St Pauls London EC1A 4ER 1 Minster Court, Mincing Ln, London EC3R 7AE Merchant House Pub London 13 Well Court, London EC4M 9DN Middle Library Middle Temple Ln, London EC4Y 9BT
Scott’s Shoe repair & Dry Cleaners City Thameslink Station, Holborn, Concourse London EC4M 7RA Scott’s Shoe repair & Dry Cleaners City Thameslink Station, 65 Ludgate Hill London EC4M 7JH
The Natural Kitchen 176 Aldersgate St, London EC1A 4HR The Old Bank of England Pub 194 Fleet St, London EC4A 2LT Ye Old Cheshire Cheese 145 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2BU
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CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Extra Matters TfL and Met move to put fears to bed
Grayling’s block is bad for London, says LCCI boss THE City-based London Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has slammed the transport secretary for blocking a move that would see the operation of suburban rail services handed over to the Capital. MP Chris Grayling’s decision to deny Transport for London power over local rail affairs has been labelled “a step backwards.” LCCI chief executive Colin Stanbridge said: “We are extremely disappointed in this decision by Chris Grayling. “Under the previous government we had seen the real possibility of coming to a sensible arrangement where the management of Londonbound rail services was transferred to TfL.” The LCCI has repeatedly called for the move in an effort to improve reliability and punctuality for commuters, and avoid damaging the economy. “We had hoped that this could be done so as soon as possible to deliver real improvements in frequency and reliability,” added Mr Stanbridge. “Instead we are left in the same intolerable situation where passengers are subject to delays and cancellations with horrendous costs to the economy. “Many people have little choice but to live outside London because of housing prices and are forced to rely on commuter trains offering a substandard service day in day out.”
Capital crunch hits home after just three months ONE in five students studying in the Capital are given a rude awakening by their bank account just three months into their studies. Research shows prospective students expected to be financially stable for the duration of their course, but 20% find themselves in their overdraft before the Christmas break. The average student in London spends £71 a month on food, £92 on bills, £66 on beauty/ fashion treats, and £61 on getting drunk. Despite the struggles, 54% of those surveyed by help-link.co.uk don’t work whilst at university.
royal approval: Prince Harry takes a couple of calls
Annual fundraiser pulls in £8.2m for good causes
ICAPing a top day of giving! IT was a right Royal affair at ICAP’s Charity Day when leading figures from Buckingham Palace visited the City to lend their support to the annual fundraiser. ICAP is a leading markets operator and provider of post trade risk mitigation and information services, and has been holding charity days for nearly quarter of a century, raising £135million over 24 years.
Commissions And last week Prince Harry and Sophie Countess of Wessex put in a shift on the phones as, for one day only, 100% of ICAP’s revenues and the entirety of brokers’ commissions went directly to charity. The day raised in excess of £8.2m to support good causes across the globe. Former England and Manchester United
football star Rio Ferdinand was also called into action, as was film icon Tom Hardy, Spandea Ballet frontman Tony Hadley, and actor Ruth Wilson. Michael Spencer, group chief executive officer of ICAP, said: “I’d like to thank each and every one of our customers, employees, suppliers and our distinguished guests for their dedication and goodwill. “Without them, this simply would not have been possible. The amount raised will make a tangible difference to hundreds of charities around the world and I look forward to continuing to raise funds for much need charitable causes.” Some 200 charities will benefit from the latest round of funding, while 2,200 have been supported since the first Charity Day in 1993.
the ring leaders: (left to right) Sophie Countess of Wessex, Tony Hadley, Tom Hardy & Ruth Wilson
the rio deal: Rio Ferdinand
TRANSPORT for London (TfL) has teamed up with the Met to launch a campaign to make sure those visiting the City and neighbouring parts of the Capital are wrapped up safe this winter season. The Safer Travel at Night campaign, reminding the public of the dangers of unbooked minicabs and providing advice on how to safely get a black cab or booked minicab home this Christmas and new year, kicked off late last week. Officers will also be engaging with revellers to remind them of the importance of planning their journeys home, speaking particularly to those who may be tempted to take an unbooked minicab after a night out. As well as reminding the public of how they can stay safe, TfL will be speaking directly to minicab operators, reminding them of their responsibilities towards passenger safety. Steve Burton, TfL’s director of enforcement and on-street operations, said: “We want people to enjoy themselves this festive season, but also stay safe. “Working alongside the police, our enforcement teams will be dealing with any illegal taxi or minicab activity and speaking to passengers, drivers and minicab operators to help ensure everyone gets home safely. “People should always plan their journey home and, if using a minicab, make sure it’s booked with a licensed operator, if it’s not, it’s essentially a stranger’s car. “These drivers are breaking the law and putting you at risk.” Inspector David Aspinall from the City of London Police transport and highways operations group stressed that travelling in the Square Mile at night is ultimately very safe, but that the force will continue working to make it even safer. He added: “We have increased the number of compliance checks that we undertake on drivers and vehicles to help keep you safe. “You can also help yourself keep safe by making sure to always get a black cab or book a minicab through a licensed operator, don’t leave it to chance.”
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
14-20 December 2016 | Page 15
Shopping Matters
20 YEARS ON AND OXO TOWER REMAINS A MECCA FOR INDEPENDENT MAKERS
Better by design WHEN the famous Oxo Tower was reopened in 1996 as a complex of low-income housing, designer workshops, eateries and community offices, it became one of the first major mixed-use city buildings in Britain. The Independent lauded the iconic development as one “that defies the laws of planners, bankers, pension fund managers, the majority of property developers and the whole deadly culture of ‘men in suits’.” Twenty years on and SE1 rents are skyrocketing, retail chains are muscling in, but the building remains resolute in its role as a community hub; thanks in no small part to the makers who have managed to turn levels two and three into a mecca of independent design. The 30-odd glass-fronted studios ringing the building house all manner of makers from jewellers to ceramicists and Archipelago’s textile designer Doreen
Gittens, who has been hand-weaving scarves on a loom in her workshop since the building opened. Snowden Flood has made her name designing and sourcing high-quality homewares and gifts, most with a nod to British life and all manufactured in the UK. After years working out of her south London home, the decision to move into the complex was a no-brainer. After all, how else does one land an office overlooking the Thames without a job in finance?
Landmarks The river’s daily milieu of traffic is one attraction – “I’ll often stop mid-sentence with a customer to point out some barge or boat I haven’t seen before” – but Snowden also credits her location with influencing the evolution of her business. What started as a few cushion covers featuring British landmarks, created as souvenirs for friends in New York, grew into crockery, glassware and lamp shades, but she moved into stationary and prints because they were easier for tourists to carry around town with them. “So many would be searching for unique, locally-made pieces to take home – that’s not easy to find in central London – and because I know lots of designer makers I began to stock their items too.” Like most of her creative neighbours,
Spending soars by a whopping 15% as small firms get in the spotlight THE fourth annual Small Business Saturday achieved sales of £717million this year, up 15% on last year’s figures. The event on 3 December encouraged consumers to “shop small” and favour their local independent stores over high street chains. According to research by American Express in the 36 hours following Small Business Saturday, an estimated £717m was spent with small businesses across the UK, with more than 50% of respondents saying they were aware of the day and spent more than usual. Positive consumer sentiment and support to small businesses was echoed through social media. Over 130,000 tweets were sent on the day itself, reaching more than 120 million people, with Small Business Saturday UK trending at number one in the UK and at number five globally. Michelle Ovens MBE, campaign director of Small Business Saturday, said: “Small Business Saturday has once again delivered a sustained increase in spending with Britain’s small
Snowden’s is a small scale operation, but one that Oxo Tower Wharf’s owner Coin Street is determined to make space for in central London. “The ethos for Oxo Tower Wharf was to create a centre for design excellence,” Coin Street’s Louise King says. “Our small designer-maker studios are available at affordable rents to help to provide a platform to those working in this field. “We are really proud to have helped to create a destination for people interested in design with many unique studios and products available.” For Snowden, the story behind these products is as important as the aesthetics, which have turned her tiny shop into a riot of colour. Her ceramics, for instance – bright silhouettes of scenes from city life – are created in Stoke-on-Trent by a group of women apprenticed at Wedgewood. “My ceramics all look quite simple but up to 20 people are involved in the making of each piece; the mixing of inks to the screen printing and decorating. “The girls – they call them ‘the girls’ but they’re all actually really old – have all got such phenomenal skills, it’s really quite amazing to watch them work. “It’s nice to hear there are still people around who are making things with quite a lot of integrity and I’ll do anything I can to support them.”
shine a light: Hash Hirji of Urban Species welcomed new customers on Small Business Saturday. Photo by Patricia Niven
independent businesses. To see the spend on Small Business Saturday reach £249m more this year than on the first Saturday in 2013, an increase of 53%, is fantastic and confirms the positive stories we are hearing from small businesses in communities across the UK.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan was out and about throughout the day, starting with a hearty breakfast at famous East London greasy spoon E Pellicci. He dined with members of the East End Trades Guild (EETG) to talk through strategies to protect traders in East London from skyrocketing rents. Traders all over East London held special events, activities, talks and tours to showcase independent businesses and their contribution to the area’s local character. EETG director Krissie Nicolson said she hoped the Mayor’s appearance would be the beginning of a constructive relationship. “Sadiq is very pro-business and we are all confident he will do what he can to help traders,” she said.
creative flair: Snowden Flood
Christmas 2016 ounting House C e h T Built in 1893 as a magniďŹ cent banking hall the aptly named Counting House oozes 19th Century Grandeur Decorated with a Victorian theme, it will be the perfect location to Celebrate Christmas
We have several function rooms available to hire | We can accommodate groups from as little as 6 people to as many as 120 people | The Counting House can cater for a 3 course sit down, a buet event or a drinks party
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Quality food and great service makes this pub the best place to celebrate Christmas this year Th e C ounting House, 50 Cornhi ll, L ondo n EC 3 V 3 P D | T: 02 07 2 83 71 2 3 | E : c o un ti n gh ou se @f ul l e r s.c o.uk