The Orpington 1st Magazine Summer 2020

The

Orpington

Magazine

Summer edition 2020 IN THIS ISSUE • • • •

Lockdown brings neighbourhood into fresh focus Orpington GPO set to deliver Navigating business support Orpington Covid-19 Mutual Aid

www.orpington1st.co.uk info@orpington1st.co.uk • 01689 829 527

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Perrys is the trading name of Perrys Accountants Limited. Registered to carry on audit work in the UK & Ireland, regulated for a range of investment business activities, and licensed to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Company registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 1st Floor, 12 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4PW. Company number 7745523.

High five for local Master Chef

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OCAL cook and cookery-show addict, Beverley Joiner, 61, from Keston, achieved an outstanding fifth place on BBC One’s latest MasterChef programme.

Bromley residents may have already enjoyed Beverley’s cuisine, as she has been fundraising for St Christopher’s through her love of food for nearly 10 years; selling cakes, chutneys and jars of piccalilli – one of which sold at a St Christopher’s charity auction for £1,000!

Beverley and her husband Kevin have three grown-up children, and Beverley tested her family’s patience by rehearsing the elements of her signature dish, fillet of lamb with dauphinoise potatoes, over and over again.

Keep active.

Have fun.

Make a difference.

VIRTUAL CHALLENGE... Complete at least 5000 steps per day for as many days as you can manage.

Sign up at www.stchristophers.org.uk

Beverley is no stranger to repetition, though. For one St Christopher’s fundraising walk, Beverley cooked 32 Victoria sponges, and then volunteered on a stall all day to sell them by the slice!

Beverley explains, “I’ve been supporting St Christopher’s for over 10 years, initially as a volunteer receptionist. It was then that I really saw how much of a difference hospice care made to people, helping them to live as well as possible. I then started helping with fundraising, including helping to organise a charity ball which raised over £58,000. It’s really great to know that you’ve helped your community in a small way.” joinerbeverley

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

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Welcome...

by Orpington 1st BID Executive Director, Sharon Baldwin

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HOPE this finds you and your loved ones well and safe.

A huge welcome to everyone who reads this magazine in print or online, to all our regulars, and to those that are reading it for the first time, we hope that there is something that you will find that interests, informs and entertains you.

As the world around us changes at a pace and in a direction that we could never have imagined, we are learning new ways of communicating; we Zoom and we TikTok, and words such as ‘peak’ and ‘curve’ have new meanings; as STAY HOME. PROTECT THE NHS. SAVE LIVES. became our daily mantra.

But as I write this, the PM has just announced that we are moving into the next stage of recovery and that the worst might be over, so there is hope that the rainbow might just be on its way.

We look forward to welcoming you back to town as soon as possible but in the meantime please continue to support your local businesses. Engage with them on social media, shop online, try takeaways, make Orpington your first option.

Now more than ever your local businesses need your loyalty.

Best wishes and good health.

15,000 copies are printed of each edition of The Orpington 1st Magazine. 13,000 are delivered to homes across Orpington with a further 2,000 available to pick up at locations across the town centre.

The magazine is also available to read online, sent to a subscriber base of 6,000, and promoted to a combined social media following of over 10,000.

Orpington 1st Business Improvement District www.orpington1st.co.uk Orpington1st 01689 829 527 info@orpington1st.co.uk If you would like to advertise in the next edition please contact us.

Contents 3 7 8 12 14 17 19 21 23 24 26 32 33 34 34 36 38

High five for local MasterChef Walnuts Shopping Centre update Neighbourhoods in Fresh Focus Barberking looks sharp Orpington GPO set to deliver Liberty’s steps to success Environmental smarts Gareth Bacon, MP, on Covid-19 Perrys: Covid-19 business support Mutual aid for all Better for Business Beware frauds and scams Police: locking down crime Thomas Dunton: Covid-19 response Remote support from the OVH VE Day celebration at A•Mano Welcome back Wimpy

Above photo by Stephen Sangster of the street art which he and neighbour Carol Bisley put together as the nation commemorated VE Day at home.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

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Has the lockdown helped you to find a way forward?

Our family team can help you navigate the issues you’re facing in your relationship and advise you on your best options.

To find out more, contact Claire Schneck e: claire.schneck@cwj.co.uk or t: 01689 887828 6

www.cwj.co.uk

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

orpington1st.co.uk/news

Key stakeholders at a preview event back in February

Community engagement: update from Areli regarding The Walnuts Shopping Centre

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IKE so many events across the country, it was disappointing to postpone our Community Planning Weekend - the start of our journey together reshaping Orpington town centre and the Walnuts Shopping Centre. Areli are committed to working closely with the local community to help shape the future.

Prior to our event, our community team spoke to around 100 local people about the town centre. The key themes were: • • • •

To make the town centre focus on serving the needs of the whole community Provide a pedestrian priority central zone with trees and open spaces Create a place to bring the community together Improve connections to local green spaces

Over the next few months, we will continue to listen to the community’s views.

We will invite you to tell us your dreams, problems and solutions for the town centre via newsletter and on our website. Our team will also be hosting online focus groups for local community leaders.

We hope by the end of the summer, we will be able to meet again in person for our Community Planning Weekend. We wish all of the Orpington community well during these challenging times and look forward to working together soon.

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ATHAN TURNER moved with his wife from Greenwich into their new house in Farnborough the day before lockdown was announced by the government. Drawn to the London-Kent Gateway due to its close links to the city for work whilst also being closer to the garden of England, it has been an interesting time to settle into a new home, but Nathan has already become part of the community.

A part-time professional photographer (The Fresh Focus) and furloughed from his day job, Nathan found himself with limited work as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Inspired by seeing a family portrait on Instagram taken during lockdown in the US, he came up with the idea of offering DOORtraits to local residents.

During his permitted daily exercise photographs are taken from the street, the end of the drive or down the garden path – whilst always following social distancing guidelines.

A message on his local residents’ Facebook group offering up the idea saw his inbox fill up very quickly.

Rather than receiving payment for his services himself, Nathan asks clients to make a

Lockdown brings neighbourhood Local photographer combines daily exercise with a creative community project, whilst also raising money for charity.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

into Fresh Focus voluntary donation to a charity of their choice.

“I wanted to find a way of staying creative during this time whilst trying to help others,” he explained.

Also a registered NHS Volunteer Responder, Nathan has been overwhelmed by the response to the project.

“It’s been unbelievable; the community is so friendly here and it’s been great speaking to everyone. I’ve even had an enquiry from a family in Dartford but I’m not yet fit enough to run there and back in an hour – maybe if lockdown goes on a few more weeks!”

You can look at Nathan’s work at www.thefreshfocus.co.uk the Fresh Focus thefreshfocus

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

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The Walnuts Shopping Centre Orpington, BR6 0TW Tel: 01689 770195 www.kutchenhaus.co.uk 10

Affordable German Kitchens Read our 5 star reviews at www.trustpilot.com

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

MASALA DABBAS

Reopened on Saturday 9th May Thank you so much for bearing with us through our 7 weeks’ closure due to COVID-19.

We would like to thank you for all the messages of support we received.

We look forward to serving you once again.

Deliver to home or work.

Download the app on Android / iPhone or go to ubereats.com

Takeaway & Delivery

01689 601429

Open Wednesday to Monday from 4.30pm to 9.00pm

Order by phone and collect in the restaurant to get a 10% discount

To ensure your safety as well as that of our staff, we are carrying out a deep clean of the restaurant, enforcing social distancing guidelines and other safety measures.

294 HIGH STREET, ORPINGTON BR6 0NF 01689 601429 BOOKINGS@MASALADABBAS.CO.UK INFO@MASALADABBAS.CO.UK WWW.MASALADABBAS.CO.UK The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

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World champion bodybuilder, Ulisses chats with Anton Ferdinand and Scott Minto Senol with former professional footballer turned Sky Sports Anchor, Scott Minto

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Fix Up

N Thursday 12th March 2020, the metaphorical curtain was unveiled on the complete refurbishment of Barberking - 184 High Street, Orpington. The first of owner Senol’s three Orpington shops hosted a celebratory relaunch event with a host of celebrity clients and supporters joined by local businesses and all three Orpington ward councillors.

Following significant investment, the unit was transformed into a stylish and modern barber’s, featuring exposed brick, super sharp black fixtures and fittings, and smart red barber chairs.

Once given the go-ahead from government, gents can enjoy the same traditional services, such as the popular hot towel shave, along with a complementary drink. Customers can also now book appointments with Barberking himself, Senol Erdogan, and women’s hairdressing will also be catered for.

Soon to open his fourth shop at London Bridge, Senol said, “I’d like to say a big thank you to so many

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

Look Sharp

orpington1st.co.uk/news

Complete refurb gives cutting edge to Barberking

friends and neighbours for joining us at the launch. We’ve had an amazing response to the new-look shop already and we’re really looking forward to looking after many more satisfied customers as soon as we’re able.”

Follow Senol Erdogan

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Right: Orpington ward Councillors Kim Botting, Pauline Tunnicliffe and William Huntingdon-Thresher Below: Members of the barberking team

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

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HIS summer, Sam Westlake and Tom Walker are set to open Orpington GPO (General Post Office), a new independent bar and restaurant in the old Post Office premises, at 214 Orpington High Street. A new team of around 20 people will be employed locally.

Orpington GPO will open in the landmark site opposite the Walnuts Shopping Centre. Currently undergoing a complete refurbishment, with a fresh design including features which celebrate its heritage, the building dates back to 1929 and is one of the oldest buildings remaining on the high street.

The GPO’s all-day menu will show a commitment to locally sourced fresh produce, using the best local suppliers, as well as unique cocktails and craft beers, making Orpington GPO a fantastic addition to the high street’s eateries and bars.

Orpington GPO set to deliver Unsatisfied with office jobs since leaving the army, Tom and Sam wanted to apply the skills gained over their combined 15 years’ service in the Parachute Regiment, to a new business venture. Since leaving the Army in 2016 they have successfully expanded a casual dining company, Framptons Café Bar & Kitchen, which has grown to three sites in the south of England. This latest venture in Orpington is an independent project focused on delivering a unique

Best bar none: high hopes for former soldiers’ new venture 14

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

Left: Military precision - adding the GPO’s gold hand-painted signage Right: Tom Walker and Sam Westlake outside the GPO

orpington1st.co.uk/news

Ex-Army entrepreneurs on standby to put their stamp on high street food and drink scene. and vibrant dining and drinking experience in Orpington.

Sam Westlake, Operations Director, said: “We recognised that our training and experience could be applied to a bar and restaurant business and we’ve learnt a lot as the business grown over the past three years. We are all really excited for the potential for Orpington GPO in this fantastic building in central Orpington, and can’t wait to meet our new customers.”

214 High Street Orpington, Kent BR6 0LS 01689 826 525 info@orpingtongpo.co.uk www.orpingtongpo.co.uk @orpingtongpo Mon-Thu 9am-midnight Fri-Sat 9am-1am Sunday 10am-7pm The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

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Liberty’s owner, Lisa Clark

Liberty’s was gearing up to open a new store when the lockdown came into effect

Liberty’s steps to success

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ROM starting out running a business from home; to taking space alongside a group of local artists and entrepreneurs in the Orpington1st Pop Up shop designed to support start-ups;

libertysfashionx Liberty’s Fashion

to taking on her first solo premises at the BID’s step up premises in the shopping centre; to now opening her own fashion boutique, owner Lisa Clark has had quite the journey!

Feedback on Liberty’s social media channels shows just how welcome her business is to local customers who love not only her product ranges but also the excellent customer service.

It’s been a lot of hard work from Lisa and her supportive family to get this far but seeing the passion she has for her business and the love of fashion, the future’s looking bright and - fingers crossed - the new store a few doors down from the ODEON will be open very soon!

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

Products have been available for postage throughout lockdown 17

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

Smart re-start with other landlords across the town to encourage a more creative approach to ensuring that while properties remain empty and we seek to find suitable tenants, they can add value to the townscape, improve the environment, and reduce the effects of traffic pollution.

slowly inside the nursey since being planted last autumn. A sign that summer is coming and some return to a more familiar way of living is on its way.

NATURE GROWS TALL

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HE end of May will see the return of our high street floral displays including 32 red, white and blue flower towers, which, despite Covid-19, have been growing

SPITTING IMAGE

A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME

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HE opportunity of quieter pavements has enabled the ongoing removal of chewing gum from across the town centre. The unacceptable habit of spitting out chewing gum not only looks awful but is far from hygienic, so let’s hope that once cleaned we can encourage pedestrians to keep their gum to themselves and ensure that our town is welcoming to all.

THE team at LBB have been keeping the streets litter-free, repainting road markings and getting the town ready for the installation of our long-awaited new signage, which will replace the faulty and incorrect finer posts.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

NO TIPPING ALLOWED

orpington1st.co.uk/news

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HE recent installation of our first green screen outside Templegate House has certainly received a lot of positive comments and been welcomed by businesses and residents alike. We are working

AVING cleared fly-tipping from several areas of the town centre at the start of spring we have been keeping a watchful eye to ensure that the quality of our streets and alleyways remain high.

Before After The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

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Together Orpington can In coronavirus, we face an unprecedented challenge. To beat it, we have all had to change how we live, and many businesses have had to close their doors.

As tough as the lockdown measures may be, they are saving lives.

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HERE IS HOPE. The lockdown is working, the infection rate is down, the NHS is coping with the virus, and we have successfully flattened the dreaded curve which threatened to overwhelm our hospitals and claim thousands more lives. If we continue to follow the lockdown measures stringently, then I hope we can soon see the measures eased, and begin the long road back to normal life.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

The government has set out five tests to assess when the lockdown should end. These tests will evaluate whether we have passed the peak of the virus and ensure the NHS is

fully prepared for the lockdown to be eased. The most important test is whether we are confident that there will not be a second peak of the virus which would risk undoing all the progress we have made.

It would be hugely damaging to our economy and national morale to end the lockdown early, only to have to reintroduce it later. That’s why the government will not stop the lockdown before it’s confident the virus is in retreat.

In the meantime, we must all continue to stay alert and help stop the spread of this cruel virus.

This is a difficult and anxious time, and I understand that many businesses in Orpington are worried about whether they will survive the lockdown and many workers are nervous about their jobs. I am confident that with the tremendous

Gareth working from home helping constituents during the crisis

beat coronavirus Get in touch...

In light of the coronavirus outbreak, and in the interest of my constituents’ safety, regular face-to-face surgeries will not take place until further notice. Please do keep in touch in the following ways.

My team and I are here to help constituents and businesses in Orpington through this crisis. If you need help, please email gareth.bacon.mp@parliament.uk, or call 01689 603 652 if urgent.

PHOTO: ERIC RUSH

support the government is providing that Orpington can weather this storm with as many businesses as possible reopening after the virus has passed.

There is a huge array of support from both the government and Orpington 1st available for businesses and the self-employed in Orpington.

The government has taken the unprecedented action of offering to pay 80% of workers’ wages and grants to the selfemployed up to £2,500 per month, scrapping business rates for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, and paying more than £50 million in grants to small businesses across Bromley. To find the full list of support available, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

A column by Gareth Bacon MP

For updates on local issues, follow Gareth on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube, and sign up to his monthly newsletter at www.garethbacon.com/sign-up

GarethBaconMP

garethbaconmp

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

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Nurse Managed Home Care

At Compassion HomeCare we provide the very best in home care We would all like to continue to enjoy independent living within the comfort of our own home. Our qualified staff can help you with those day to day tasks that you are finding harder to cope with.

We know how big a step having home care is so we offer a free home care assessment to help you decide what is best for you.

Daily Care, Live-in Care or Respite Care Our carers can help you with:

• Personal care • Getting up and ready for bed • Bathing, washing and showering • Assistance with medication • Cleaning and housework • Cooking • Ironing and laundry • Shopping • Social outings

01689 825155 1st Floor, East Wing, Priory Buildings, Church Hill, Orpington, Kent BR6 0HH

www.compassionhomecare.co.uk 22

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Covid-19 government support for businesses

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UMEROUS businesses are experiencing unprecedented trading conditions due to the coronavirus pandemic, with many being forced to close by the government and others having to relocate teams to working from home.

In order to ease some of the issues businesses are facing, the government has introduced a number of support measures including the following:

CORONAVIRUS JOB RETENTION SCHEME (CJRS)

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HE CJRS allows businesses which no longer have work to place staff onto a furlough arrangement instead of making them redundant.

If you had made an employee redundant before the introduction of the scheme you can rehire them to put them on furlough instead.

Under this scheme HM Revenue & Customs will pay a grant of up to 80% of an employee’s salary, capped at £2,500, plus employer’s National Insurance and basic pension contributions. This grant will be subject to Corporation Tax. Employees who are furloughed cannot undertake any work for their employer and must be furloughed for a minimum of three weeks.

Claims are made through the Government Gateway and grants are expected to be paid within six workings days of the claim.

City 020 7256 9339 Orpington 01689 823175

Historic Dockyard Chatham 01634 245900

Tunbridge Wells 01892 543900

Mayfair 020 7408 4442

West Malling 01732 870032

Wrotham 01732 882488

VAT DEFERRAL

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OR VAT registered entities, HM Revenue & Customs has announced a deferral for VAT due to be paid between 20 March and 30 June 2020. Any VAT due between these dates can be deferred to 31 March 2021.

You do not need to notify HM Revenue & Customs if you wish to take advantage of the deferral. However, if your business usually settles its VAT by direct debit you need to ensure that this is cancelled so the liability is not collected.

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SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME (SEISS)

F you are a self-employed trader or partner in a partnership you may be eligible for SelfEmployment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) provided that in the last three tax years:

1. Self-employment profits do not exceed £50,000 per annum; and 2. Self-employment profits represent over 50% of your total taxable income.

Under this scheme HM Revenue & Customs will pay a grant of up to 80% of your average profits over the last three years, capped at £2,500 per month, for a threemonth period. This grant will be subject to Income Tax and National Insurance.

If you are entitled to the grant, HM Revenue & Customs will contact you directly. We are expecting grants to be available from early June.

If you have any questions on the grants or want to know more about the assistance available to your business, please contact one of the Perrys branches.

For more information: www.perrysaccountants.co.uk

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Pauline Allard from Friends of the PRU handing a letter of thanks to Hisar owner, Marteen

Businesses step forward Orpington has a strong sense of place and at its heart is a vibrant and engaged community; a community which now finds itself facing one of its greatest ever challenges. The challenge, though, is being met with a tremendous spirit of support, collaboration and resilience.

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RPINGTONIANS were quick to respond to the challenges coronavirus (Covid-19) has presented, forming the Orpington Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group (OCMA), a group of local volunteers working together to offer support to those affected by Covid-19, particularly the most vulnerable, which received seed funding from the town centre’s business community, Orpington 1st.

Orpington 1st Executive Director, Sharon Baldwin, said: “The Orpington 1st Business Improvement District has always taken its role in connecting with

Delicious deliveries to go at Hisar 24

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

Crispy Cod deliveries

residents and forging strong links with the wider community very seriously, and never has that been more critical than today. We are therefore very proud to support the Orpington Covid‑19 Mutual Aid group.”

The OCMA Facebook Group has amassed almost 2,000 members with scores of people registered as volunteers. They are collaborating with other local Covid-19 mutual aid groups, The Bromley Homeless Shelter, and the local Food Bank, to support them with donations and volunteers, but predominantly by delivering parcels to those in isolation.

Liz Hulse, who has led the development of the group and manages the work, said: “We’re really grateful to Orpington 1st for the financial support. The funding has enabled us to react swiftly and is really key to our delivery of practical support

so a huge thank you to the business community.”

In addition to this collective action, several businesses have also carried out individual acts of kindness, including: Hisar Meze Bar, Fiesta Mexicana, Crispy Cod, and Chandni Indian Cuisine donating hundreds of meals to local NHS workers; Oriental Food and Sun Moon Lake offering face masks for volunteers; and Metro Bank providing two members of staff

The team at Crispy Cod

Caption

to the OCMA. With the help of an amazing group of volunteers, Liz has gone on to set up Help NHS Orpington to support NHS workers, delivering requested donations to PRU and Orpington hospitals,

Chandni Takeaway delivering to the PRUH The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

doorstep drop shopping for those in isolation, and running a free pop-up shop on Crofton Road. Speaking about its inception, Liz said: “I have a very close friend who’s a nurse who had finished a 12-hour shift and wasn’t able to get anything to eat on her way home from work. Through our work in the OCMA we’d be speaking to NHS workers about their challenges, and one thing that came up again and again was that it would be really helpful if they were able to pick up basic store items more easily.”

Metro Bank is also hosting a drop off point for hand creams, moisturisers, cold drinks, snacks etc. open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm.

“The business community has really stepped up and helped us. You can’t do anything like this without people stepping up and they really have, and we’re incredibly grateful that people have been so kind with their time and donations.”

Call 01689 220 197 or email helporpingtonnhs@gmail.com for more details.

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Better for Business DATA INFORMS ACTION

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UR initial response to the Covid-19 crisis was to utilise our communications channels to disseminate accurate information to our businesses as quickly as possible in what is a fluid situation.

We have continued to work from home, contacting as many of our businesses as possible, identifying those who have not accessed support for which they are eligible, or assisting those encountering issues with the process and making the appropriate connections.

With so much information coming from the government it can be challenging to cut through to what’s relevant to you, so we collated key financial support information and created the infographic over the page (p28-29) to help businesses navigate the landscape.

VIRTUAL BUSINESS FORUM

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S well as our website and social media platforms which have seen a great deal of traffic, our newsletters have also been well received. As has the introduction of the Virtual Business Forum.

We developed a series of live webinars with expert panellists, including legal and financial, answering questions from businesses live using Zoom. The webinars are also available to watch back on our website.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

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RPINGTON 1st is delighted to have partnered with Lee Lam Consultancy to provide personalised business consultancy, advice and support for all BID members.

There is always huge amounts of information for businesses, and this has only increased during this crisis.

It can be difficult to understand what best suits your business, or how you can use the support most effectively. Lee Lam focus on how you run your business, offering insights into your best strategy and plans for scaling up and down as you need. If your business keeps you awake at night, contact Orpington 1st and see how Lee Lam we can help.

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Contact the BID team 01689 829 527 BID Manager Chris Travers chris.travers@ orpington1st.co.uk

RESPONSE & RECOVERY

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HE effect that lockdown has had on our business community is immense and the road to recovery will be long and challenging. But, with every challenge comes opportunity. The BID’s role is to support economic recovery and growth, and to help shape a relevant and modern post-Covid-19 town centre.

Our Covid-19 Recovery Framework graphic on the page opposite identifies the stages and actions required to take the most effective action now, in the immediate crisis, and to build the capacity for recovery and longer-term transformation for the benefit of all our businesses and their customers.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

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O assist with the management of queues and to ensure that customers adhere to the social distancing rules of keeping 2m apart, we have designed and will be installing colourful pavement graphics across the high street.

To keep younger customers amused look out for some fun footprint facts. Washing your hands is still the best way of reducing infection and keeping safe, so look out for new public hand sanitizer stations to support hand hygiene for all users of the town centre.

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N May 7th, in the first of a series of online conversations with local leaders, the Orpington 1st BID team spoke with Gareth Bacon MP about government support, tax reform, lobbying, and the way forward for Orpington town centre.

Orpington Oracle was launched to connect businesses to individuals whose decisions impact business. It is an opportunity for the BID team to ask questions not just about the current situation but also about their role in shaping the future of Orpington.

Watch back at www.orpington1st.co.uk

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

Co-ordination

Structure

Reassurance

Response

Solving problems

COVID-19: Recovery Framework

Acting right now

Signposting

Communications

Digitalisation Networking & capacity building

Data

Recovery plan

Telling the story

Recovery delivery

Reimagining

Getting businesses operational and people back to the area, safely

Data

Coordination & communication

Building capacity for recovery and transformation

Making a recovery plan

Managing footfall Managing social distancing

Transformation Place shaping with partners to transform the town

Strong partnerships

Funding / Investment

Delivering the vision

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

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COVID-19: Financial Support for Businesses and their Employees Orpington 1st is fully committed to supporting your business and our community in this incredibly challenging time.

In this rapidly changing situation, we are working hard to help ensure a coordinated local response to the COVID-19 crisis, as well as planning a comprehensive long-term strategy.

We’ve collated key financial support information and created this downloadable, interactive infographic with external, up-to-date links, to help you find the relevant information.

We are focused on making a difference, offering you and your business the support, when you need it, as we work through this challenge together.

Business Rates Holiday

Grants

Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England will not have to pay business rates for the 2020-21 tax year.

If the business is temporarily closed due to coronavirus, it will still qualify for the business rates holiday.

For retail, hospitality and leisure sector, to include: shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas, live music venues, assembly and leisure places, hotels, self-catering accommodation.

•

£25,000 grant

•

£10,000 grant

(rateable value £15,000 to £51,000)

(eligible for small business rates relief or rural rate relief, rateable value less than £10,000)

More info: www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-your-retail-hospitalityor-leisure-business-is-eligible-for-business-rates-relief-due-tocoronavirus-covid-19

Business Interruption Loans

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

These loans are part of the £330 billion of government-backed guaranteed loans, which will be made available through the accredited lenders.

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Government will cover 80% of furloughed employees’ usual monthly wage costs (to a maximum of £2,500pcm)

Loans up to £5million (12 months’ interest free) for up to 6 years for SMEs

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Overdrafts, loans, invoice finance and asset finance will be made available through commercial lenders, backed by the government-owned British Business Bank

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There are 40 accredited lenders able to offer this scheme, including all the major banks

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This is resulting in many major banks stating that they have increased the cash boost for SMEs to approximately £14 billion More info: www.gov.uk/ guidance/apply-for-thecoronavirus-businessinterruption-loan-scheme

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More info: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronaviruscovid-19-business-support-grant-funding-guidance-for-businesses

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Employer National Insurance and the ‘minimum automatic enrolment pension’ contributions will be covered

•

Employers must have been enrolled in PAYE scheme on 28th February 2020

•

Online application service being put in place for the end of April 2020

More info: www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-throughthe-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

Statutory Sick pay (SSP)

COVID-19:

Financial Support for Businesses and their Employees

•

Applicable for businesses of less than 250 employees

•

Government will refund the cost of providing 14 days of SSP per employee

•

Employees should apply for an isolation note on the NHS website.

Apply Here

More info: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-back-statutorysick-pay-paid-to-employees-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19

Mortgage + Rent Support •

Commercial tenants unable to pay rents will be protected from eviction

•

3-month cessation on repossessions

•

3-month mortgage payment holiday

HMRC

Promoting your business You may be operating your business differently. Whether you are operating a delivery service, hosting online events or supporting the community effort, we would love to hear about it.

•

VAT payments deferred for 3 months to 30th June for ALL businesses

•

Waiver of late payment penalties

•

Full Universal Credit at a rate equivalent to SSP (above) for the self-employed

•

July Self-Assessment payment for Income Tax deferred until Jan 2021

•

Dedicated HMRC COVID 19 helpline for Time to Pay arrangements

More info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19support-for-businesses

We want to help promote you and your business during this time, offering positive news stories and support to our business community.

COVID19 Helpline:

0800 024 1222 Get in touch: info@orpington1st.co.uk

Mon to Fri, 8am to 4pm

We’re here to help you Please contact us on 01689 829 527 or at info@orpington1st.co.uk if you need any further advice or help.

We want to reassure you that we are doing all that we can to support you and your business in this time.

Get in touch: info@orpington1st.co.uk

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

29

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

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31

B

ROMLEY Trading Standards is warning people to remain vigilant following a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and uncertainty over Covid-19.

Criminals can contact you at the door, by phone, in the post or online.

Communities are being urged to look out for signs of neighbours being targeted by doorstep criminals. While there are genuine groups of volunteers providing help during self-isolation, please be aware that not everyone out there is trustworthy.

Here are some of the scams we are aware of:

Beware of scams during the coronavirus outbreak l People impersonating healthcare workers claiming to be offering ‘hometesting’ or people offering miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (Covid-19).

l If you are online, be aware of fake news

and use trusted sources such as gov.uk or nhs.uk websites. Make sure you type the addresses carefully and don’t click on links in emails or text messages.

l Only purchase goods from legitimate

l Offers of home cleaning services

which scammers use to try to gain access to your home – don’t allow strangers into your home without checking who they are via a trusted source.

l People offering to spray disinfectant onto driveways, doorways and doorbells for cash. l Emails saying that you can get a

refund on taxes, utilities or similar are usually bogus and they are just after your personal and bank details. l There are lots of fake products

available to buy online that say they can protect you or cure coronavirus.

These will not help and are designed to take your money.

l There are new mobile phone

applications that claim to give you updates on the virus but instead, they lock your phone and demand a ransom.

l Be aware that your bank or the

police will never ask for your bank details or PIN over the phone.

l People offering to do shopping or

collecting medication and asking for money upfront and then disappearing. l Illegal money lenders are expected

to prey on people’s financial hardship, lending money before charging extortionate interest rates and fees through threats and violence.

retailers and take a moment to think before parting with money or personal information. l Protect your financial information,

especially from people you don’t know.

Never give your bank card or PIN to a stranger, even if they are going to get shopping for you. l Know who you’re dealing with -

if you need help, talk to someone you know and trust.

You can contact Trading Standards via email trading. standards@bromley.gov.uk or if you need help urgently for example to report someone going door to door contact the Rapid Response on 07903 852 090.

Tips to avoid being scammed:

l Be cautious and listen to your

instincts. Don’t be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it, or shut the door. l Take your time; don’t be rushed.

l If someone claims to represent a

charity, be suspicious and don’t give them money or your bank details.

Don’t let them into your home.

32

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

To learn more about different types of scams and how to protect yourself and others, visit www.FriendsAgainstScams.org.uk

Weapon sweeps conducted at Waltham Close and Lamberhurst Close in Ramsden Orpington.

Thankfully no sharp objects found.

A column by Acting Sergeant Richard Phillips

I

HOPE everyone is keeping well during this difficult time.

I have taken over from Stuart Baker who has become Acting Inspector for Bromley Neighbourhoods. I have been a police officer for just under six years and I have spent the last three years in neighbourhoods in one role or another. My last role was the Acting Sergeant for Bickley, Chislehurst and Mottingham. I am fully aware of the issues faced across Cray Valley and Orpington, having been briefed by Stuart and my teams.

Some updates of work we are doing are as follows:

l Despite PC O’Keeffe obtaining a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning Mr Nigel Spicer from Orpington High Street, Priory Gardens and the Walnuts Shopping Centre, he has been arrested in the last few weeks for breaching this by being in Priory Gardens. He was also caught on CCTV indulging in some very antisocial behaviour opposite Lloyds Bank in the Walnuts centre. Mr Spicer has now been charged with a further

orpington1st.co.uk/community

breach of his CBO and also with criminal damage. He is due to go to court in June for all of these matters to be dealt with. l SN Borough Command Unit now run a scheme called OP Retail where business owners can contact police about a shoplifter. Once this initial call has been placed, the retailer will receive a pack in the post which contains all the necessary documents to report the matter, saving time for police and retailers alike. Obviously with so many businesses being closed at the moment due to government restrictions, shoplifting incidents have declined hugely. There are still some incidents taking place and we are working to target the offenders. l The Cray teams and Orpington teams have engaged in Covid19 patrols, enforcing the government’s lockdown. We have been getting a high number of calls to people sunbathing and socialising in parks and also having visitors to their homes. We have visited all parks and open spaces The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

Acting Sergeant Richard Phillips across the wards on our patrols and have engaged with anyone we felt were breaching the guidance.

I am happy to report that everyone we spoke with were compliant with our requests to go home and as such we have not had to issue any fines or make any arrests for coronavirus offences.

Looking forwards, we hope that the lockdown will end sooner rather than later, and everyone can get back to a sense of normality. I look forward to meeting business owners and residents when this is all over.

33

Thomas Dunton Solicitors on responding to Covid-19

I

T’S safe to say that we were all shocked when we realised that Covid-19 would mean that, as a community, we would find ourselves in lockdown. Defined by the government as key workers, as a solicitors’ firm providing an essential service to that community, we had to adapt and innovate to the ‘new norm’ quickly, ensuring we remained open, albeit remotely, for our clients.

In early March, we started thinking about what we should do to protect our staff and clients. We offered Skype interviews rather than face-toface meetings; placed hand sanitiser stations around the building; no longer shook clients’ hands; respected social distancing; and, after much deliberation, decided to cancel our library talks.

We even came up with innovative ways of witnessing signatures on Wills.

Once in lockdown, all staff who felt that they could, began working from home; although some are still in the office. We have invested in additional technology and are in the process of installing the latest telephone system so that our solicitors working remotely can continue to provide their clients with the level of service they expect.

Our website and social media platforms have become essential for communicating with the public and we have set up an online question and answer facility for clients about Wills, LPAs and Inheritance Tax – something we probably would never have done if we had not found ourselves in this position.

Like most businesses, we have adapted and changed because of the outbreak. We are embracing this ‘new norm’, motivated by the sense of community in Orpington — never a truer adage than “we’re in it together, and we will get through this together”.

Remote support from Orpington Village Hall Facilities Manager Lucy Jervis and Marketing & Fundraising manager Louise Lancaster at the launch of the Dementia cafe last year

T

HE temporary closure of Orpington Village Hall due to the Covid-19 crisis of course means that the team are not able to run the successful and popular Dementia Cafe until further notice.

With this in mind, the team created a remote support activity pack, designed in the style of the cafe’s tabletop activities and containing a 34

range of resources including colouring, quizzes and crosswords, as well as chair exercises, some general information about the Dementia Cafe and sponsorship.

Although initially developed for Dementia Cafe guests and carers to help pass the time until our next cafe, it includes a few ideas and resources which any of those isolating at home may find useful.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

Packs can be requested by emailing remotesupport@ orpingtonvillagehall.org.uk or calling 01689 891 828.

Leave a message with your name and phone number and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible to arrange getting the activity pages you would like to receive.

Raising the bar would bring in over half a million pounds to businesses in Orpington town centre and help safeguard local jobs.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

35

O

N Tuesday 8th May 1945, celebrations erupted across the western world.

In London, huge crowds gathered from Trafalgar Square, up the Mall to Buckingham Palace, where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, appeared on the balcony of the palace before jubilant crowds.

This year, street parties were postponed for obvious reasons, but celebrations took place in homes across the country, as we also remember the terrifying numbers of armed forces personnel who gave so much.

One individual who risked his life and that of his family, was Mr Domenico Antonio Persechini, grandfather of A·Mano co-owner, Gabriella Zoccola.

During the Battle of Monte Cassino, Italy, Domenico harboured two British soldiers, saving them from inevitable capture by the Nazis.

At a special event on Thursday 13th February 2020, the A·Mano team and members of the extended Zoccola family were joined by members of Orpington’s Royal British Legion where they were presented with a framed copy of the letter from Field Marshal Sir Harold Alexander, Supreme Allied Commander of the Mediterranean Forces, expressing his gratitude and appreciation to Mr Persechini for his bravery.

Victory in Europe:

Bruno and Maria Zoccola presenting Orpington RBL president Kim Botting and chairman Steve Susans with a framed copy of the letter of gratitude from Field Marshal Sir Harold Alexander, Supreme Allied Commander of the Mediterranean Forces.

36

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

orpington1st.co.uk/community

a day of celebration at A•Mano VE Day 2020 marked 75 years since World War II in Europe ended, following the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces.

In commemoration of this shared moment in British and Italian history, A·Mano introduced the definitive Anglo-Italian creation, ‘The Full English Pizza’!

As with every A·Mano pizza, the dough base is made fresh, using British Shipton Mill flour with an artisanal Italian recipe and topped with mozzarella, back bacon, Cumberland sausage, mushrooms, tomato, free-range egg and baked beans.

Once lockdown restrictions are lifted, A·Mano Coffee Bar & Kitchen will donate £1 to The Royal British Legion, Orpington, for every ‘Full English Pizza’ sold.

Owner, Bruno Zoccola, said, “Here at A·Mano, we want to remember all of those who selflessly gave their lives at home and abroad. Their sacrifice enabled us to enjoy the peace and freedom we have today, and this our way of paying tribute to them.”

The Full English Pizza The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

37

A

LTHOUGH only offering a takeaway service from its new High Street premises and home delivery services via Deliveroo due to current government restrictions, it was a welcome return, as joint franchisee Nico Sokoli explains.

“We are thrilled and delighted to have brought Wimpy back to Orpington and we’ve had an amazing response from the public,” said Nico, an experienced chef and manager, who is running the new operation.

“Obviously this wasn’t the big grand opening we had initially planned, but we think providing a takeaway and home delivery service for local people is really important right now.

“We know Wimpy was a muchloved brand in the town and the support we received on our first day was amazing. When the time comes, we look forward to welcoming new and old generations of Wimpy lovers into our brand new restaurant, but until then, we hope they will enjoy

Easter treat as Wimpy returns to Orpington with home delivery and takeaway menu Iconic burger brand Wimpy opened its doors in Orpington on Easter Monday for the first time in 35 years. what we have to offer from our takeaway counter and via our home delivery partner.”

Simon Noble, Wimpy UK’s operations manager, said: “The whole Wimpy team supported Nico in his desire to open Wimpy Orpington with a takeaway and home delivery service

38

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2020

and we sincerely hope that local residents will appreciate the chance to enjoy their favourite Wimpy dish from the comfort of their own home.”

Nico and his business partner Florenc Sokoli already own and operate two other Wimpys in Welling and Strood.

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