4 minute read
Local Heroes
Chandra with Sue (left) & Local Heroes...Heather at Time For Flowers
Chandra Sharma
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Chandra Sharma was nominated by both Darren Weale and Christine Atkinson. Darren said: "Chandra is
the lynchpin of Orpington's business networking scene, creating groups, bringing people together and helping boost the High Street and local charities along the way. He puts a massive amount of time and effort into the community. Orpington and Bromley are better places for Chandra being here." Christine said: “Chandra is without question my ‘local hero’. He is always gracious and generous with his time and a wonderful support in his busy schedule.”
How does it feel to be nominated?
I am deeply honoured and taken aback. It was completely unexpected as I do not see myself as any kind of hero.
You're known as the Orpington business guru for what you do for the local business community. Can you describe ways you've been involved?
I love the thought of people helping each other, particularly those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Communities often come together during major disasters, but we should all come together in normal times. When I first set up my business, I wanted to do something to bring local business owners together and connect them to the local community. I did this upon the request of the then Town Centre Manager, Cheryl Curr, who asked me to set up a meeting to see what local businesses wanted. From this, the Orpington Business Forum (OBF) was successfully formed, resulting in forging new business friendships and working with the local council to achieve positive changes. This included the launch of the first Business Improvement District (BID) in the borough, for which I was a director for the first few years.
What is one of your most proudest moments?
Being nominated and subsequently recognised by the Safer Bromley Partnership in 2009 for ‘making Bromley safer’. Another proud moment was celebrating ten years of opening our shop in the presence of my late mum and dad and the then Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Kim Botting.
What would you change locally, if anything?
I would like to see more investment by the council and other stakeholders in Orpington and the small parades that surround our town centre. Businesses need support particularly during these challenging times. It is important that we preserve our local community and our local stores.
When a new business comes to Orpington you personally go and introduce yourself and offer to help them – why is this?
This is something that I have always done and will continue to do. Opening a business is hard and you need all the support. We have some fantastic businesses in the town and they all need reassurance to help them on their way.
What does success mean to you?
It’s being happy whatever you are doing, and for me this starts at home with my family. It also means leaving some kind of legacy for others. Helping charities is important to me and it is something we have done for many years including our popular annual MacMillan Coffee mornings.
Do you think Orpington has a strong business community?
Yes certainly and this has been made possible by the great work done by the Orpington BID led by Sharon, Chris and the Board of Directors.
When you're not working what do you like to do?
I love spending time at home with my family and our dog, Leo, plus time in my shed fixing and making things.
Tell us more about your business.
Elmcroft Business Services started off on the corner of Elmcroft Rd and Chislehurst Rd in 2005. We supply stationery, inks and toners, office furniture and customised workwear to small and medium sized businesses. Our website has over 250,000 products so there is something for everyone!
You're also a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) volunteer and you run The People Skills Course as well as running a networking group. How do you keep all the plates spinning?
I love helping other businesses which is why I volunteer for the FSB. The People Skills Course is my passion and something that I started off with my colleague, Zeenat Noorani, during lockdown. We are currently running taster sessions at Startup Bromley in Bromley Central Library on the last Thursday of each month. Spinning plates is difficult and challenging and, occasionally one of the plates can fall, but I try my best for this not to happen!
How important is it that people support local businesses?
Local businesses employ local people who spend their money locally. This is especially true of local independent businesses who need every bit of your support. Their owners are invested in their business and offer expert customer service and some great value.
Chandra at his annual Macmillan Coffee morning.
