Welcome to the April Edition of Business Connexions!
As we step into spring, there’s a real sense of renewal in the air. The days are brighter, the weather’s warming up, and that natural feel-good factor is hard to ignore. Yet alongside this seasonal uplift, businesses are also bracing for a number of changes—rising operational costs, adjustments to National Insurance, and broader uncertainty across the UK economy and global markets, from shifting tariffs to economic pressures that make trading more complex. It’s a challenging time to do business—but also a time when positivity, resilience, and community really matter.
Here at Wandsworth Chamber, we’ve continued to create space for connection, collaboration and support. Our events calendar has been as lively as ever, with a standout moment being our innovation and design event at the Royal College of Art— a fantastic venue and inspiring speakers sparking fresh thinking. We have a good line up of events to come over the next few months and are excited to be launching a 4-part AI training programme in partnership with Sofia Simaria from White Pebbles Consulting so watch this space.
We’re also thrilled to be fast approaching the 2025 Wandsworth Business Awards. Once again, we’ve seen a record-breaking number of applications, and I was genuinely impressed by the calibre of businesses putting themselves forward. The talent and ambition within Wandsworth continue to shine and I’m very excited for another spectacular awards ceremony evening on 11th June at the Clapham Grand.
A personal highlight for me this month has been our Resilience in Business competition in partnership with South Thames College, where students submitted cover designs for this very edition. It felt particularly timely, given the resilience being shown across the business community right now. All the entries were impressive, but the winning design stood out for its detail, originality and message. I was especially drawn to the image of a robotic hand shaking a human hand—such a powerful symbol of how AI and human collaboration can shape the future of business.
So, as we move through spring and navigate what’s ahead, let’s stay focused, connected, and open to what’s possible. This is a time to adapt, innovate and support one another—and Wandsworth’s business community is well equipped to rise to the challenge.
We are excited to feature South Thames College student Franmel "Ash" Fernandes’ design on our cover this edition, following a competition hosted by the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce at the College. The competition brief was for students to create a design incorporating this edition’s theme of resilience in a powerful eye-catching way.
Ash’s design was selected from the many entries and praised by CEO Beverley Corson who said: “The design is very detailed—the more you look, the more you discover. Ash’s creativity, talent, and kind character make him truly deserving of this award.”
To celebrate his achievement, Beverley awarded Ash a £100 WHSmith voucher in addition to having his work appear online and in print. The runner up in the competition was Celine and all participants received goodie bags as a token of appreciation for their hard work and creativity.
Ash said: "I am passionate about drawing and creativity. I achieved a major milestone by winning 1st place
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in this drawing competition, which was an exciting and proud moment for me. Art has always been a way for me to express my imagination and emotions, and this achievement has motivated me to continue improving my skills. I enjoy experimenting with different styles and techniques, and I hope to participate in more competitions in the future. This experience has inspired me to keep pushing my artistic limits and share my work with others. My art was about resilience in business, so I imagined AI which is taking over the world and I thought what if we work together. I also included group work which represents different ideas with each of them contributing to teamwork.”
Aiman Elsawy, Employability Co-Ordinator at South Thames College said: “This competition was a fantastic
This competition was a fantastic opportunity for our learners to gain industry exposure and connect with the business community. A huge congratulations to Ash and a big thank you to the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce for supporting young creative talent.
opportunity for our learners to gain industry exposure and connect with the business community. A huge congratulations to Ash and a big thank you to the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce for supporting young creative talent. We are looking forward to seeing Ash’s work in print and continuing to strengthen connections between education and enterprise!”
Arches Lane Theatre launches during Wandsworth’s year as the London Borough of Culture 2025
Arches Lane Theatre will open at Battersea Power Station in spring 2025 under the management of multi award-winning theatre company, Kibo Productions.
Founded in 2013, Kibo Productions, led by Artistic Director Sharon Willems and Executive Director Leo Bacica, have helped transform W14’s Barons Court Theatre into a destination of choice for theatre goers and emerging creatives over the past three years. They are now expanding their existing residency by adding Arches Lane Theatre to their portfolio, bringing its programme of awardwinning productions and community-led projects to the 92-seat venue.
Arches Lane Theatre will champion theatre that aligns with Kibo Productions’ three key pillars; celebrating migrant and international work, platforming underrepresented voices and cultivating dynamic new writing, with a commitment to creating a welcoming environment for both practitioners and audiences.
The theatre will also have a strong community focus and will be looking to integrate into the borough’s broader cultural offering, as Arches Lane Theatre launches during Wandsworth’s year as the London Borough of Culture 2025. Existing community partnerships such as BB Broadway children’s theatre school will continue to operate, along with new strands of work that focus on community engagement.
Sharon Willems, Artistic Director of Kibo Productions, said: “Our programming and events will foster creativity, celebrate our local history, and be inspired by the spirit of innovation that is infused into the beautiful transformation of Battersea Power Station and the surrounding area. Arches Lane Theatre will be your local theatre, working with artists from the area whenever possible
to tell stories of our community, while bringing you the best plays and musicals from around London and the world to entertain, uplift, and stimulate conversations. A night at Arches Lane Theatre will be a fun night out for friends and family where we can connect and create memories together.”
Leo Bacica, Executive Director of Kibo Productions, said: “The opening of Arches Lane Theatre at Battersea Power Station is very exciting news. First and foremost, this means that we can continue the incredible work of The Turbine Theatre over the past five years! We will be bringing the Kibo philosophy to the new space, one that has community at its centre. The fact that Wandsworth is the London Borough of Culture in 2025 is an amazing opportunity, and we’re hoping to work with local groups to diversify the cultural offer of the borough. We’re also looking forward to discovering what our local communities want from this cultural space and to bring a rich and important breadth of global stories to their doorstep.”
Sarah Banham, Head of Community and Sustainability at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: “We are thrilled that the Arches Lane Theatre will open under
the management of Kibo Productions, as we continue our commitment to arts and culture across the riverside neighbourhood. Over the past five years, this theatre has become an important and highly valued resource for the local community, which has supported up-and-coming creatives and welcomed new audiences to our neighbourhood. We look forward to working with Kibo Productions to bring new productions to life at Battersea Power Station, and to deliver new work with the community during this exciting year as the London Borough of Culture 2025.”
The Arches Lane Theatre is located on Arches Lane in Circus West Village, the first phase of the Battersea Power Station regeneration project, which has created a bustling riverside neighbourhood centred around the iconic Grade II* listed Power Station in Central London. Over 150 shops, bars, restaurants, leisure and entertainment venues are now open across the neighbourhood and have been visited by over 26 million people since 2022, as well as over 3,000 residents and 6,600 workers now based at Battersea Power Station.
For more information about Battersea Power Station, please visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk
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Eden Grange Named Top 20 Care Home in London
Staff and residents at luxury care home, Eden Grange in Battersea, are marking a double celebration.
Firstly, they have been officially recognised as a Top 20 Care Home in London according to Carehome.co.uk, the Trustpilot of the care home industry. This is a significant accolade given there are 1,213 homes in London.
Secondly, Cinnamon Care Collection, which owns and manages 23 luxury care homes including
Eden Grange, has been named a Top 20 Care Home Group by Carehome.co.uk, for the 8th consecutive year.
Carehome.co.uk’s Top 20 listings are based on the number of reviews, the average of each of the ratings and the size of the care home. All ratings are based on reviews by residents, their friends and relatives, who scored the care homes in terms of facilities, care/support, cleanliness, residents being treated with dignity, food and drink, staff, activities, management, safety and security, accommodation and value for money. Eden Grange scored an impressive 10/10.
Yetty Adepegba, Retirement Village Manager, Eden Grange comments: “We couldn’t be prouder! We always aim to go above and beyond for our residents and take great pride in providing the highest quality care and a stunning, luxurious environment. To be recognised as one of the Top 20 care homes in London is a major achievement, testament to the dedication, hard work and
Located in the heart of Battersea, Eden Grange is a luxury care home, which provides residential and dementia care. The care home has 67 spacious en-suite rooms and 6 deluxe care suites, as well as excellent facilities including a piano bar, and stylish communal areas. For further information, please visit www.cinnamoncc.com/edencourt or call 020 4571 8211
PLACE
positive attitudes of our team here at Eden Grange. Cinnamon Care Collection sets extremely high standards across its care homes – and we are so proud that Cinnamon Care Collection has been officially recognised yet again as a top care home group in the UK.
Amanda Hopkins, Reviews Manager, carehome.co.uk comments: “We now have over 360,000 reviews of care homes on carehome.co.uk, which means we can give a really good insight into the kind of care and facilities offered by thousands of UK care homes. It is a huge achievement to be featured in our Top 20 care home lists, based on feedback from the residents and their families who have experienced for themselves the quality of care and support given at the care home. We would like to congratulate Cinnamon Care Collection and Eden Grange. Our awards, celebrate the excellent care given by care homes, and Cinnamon Care Collection has been recognised for giving first-rate care across its homes.”
Park Hyatt London River Thames introduces TAMISé, an intimate wine library
The newest addition to the luxury hotel, TAMISé creates a sophisticated riverside sanctuary for wine connoisseurs.
Inspired by the French word evoking the gentle dimming of light, TAMISé promises an elevated experience where exceptional wines and specialty teas are served in an atmosphere of understated luxury, complemented by panoramic views of the Thames.
The space, meticulously crafted by leaders in hospitality design Studio Moren, draws inspiration from London's rich heritage while embracing contemporary elegance. Bespoke marble floors and sophisticated fabrics in rich tones create an atmosphere of refined luxury. The seating areas offer intimate nooks for private conversations alongside more social gathering spaces, all designed to maximize the stunning riverside views.
Anchoring the space is a contemporary wine cellar that doubles as an exclusive private dining room, offering an intimate setting for bespoke tastings and special occasions.
Located within the recently opened Park Hyatt London River Thames, TAMISé showcases over 300 wine labels, comprising more than 2,000 bottles from 24 countries across six continents.
The venue's dedicated sommeliers offer masterclasses and tastings. Beyond its extensive wine offering, TAMISé presents an artfully curated selection of premium loose-leaf teas. Tea sommeliers are on hand to guide guests through the diverse collection, ensuring each cup is perfectly brewed and paired to individual preferences.
"TAMISé represents a new chapter in London's wine culture," says Rike Erdbrink, General Manager of Park Hyatt London River Thames.
"It is an extraordinary space that captures the essence of Park Hyatt's philosophy – a profound reverence for exceptional experiences. Opening on Valentine's Day allowed us to immediately showcase TAMISé as the perfect setting for memorable occasions."
The wine library operates Thursday through Saturday from 1pm to 11pm.
TAMISé joins the hotel's distinguished drinking and dining portfolio, which includes The Nine Elms outlets and the recently opened Yú Gé Cantonese restaurant.
New dedicated workspace for the Voluntary and Community Sector
A new dedicated workspace has been created at Wandsworth Town Hall for the borough’s Voluntary and Community Sector.
Wandsworth’s voluntary and community organisations play an important role in supporting residents, whether through food banks, youth support, community projects or services for vulnerable residents. However, many operate on limited budgets, with little access to dedicated office space.
Recognising this, Wandsworth Council has opened Wandsworth Town Hall to provide a new and flexible workspace, designed specifically for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). The VCS Hub has 24 workstations, three meeting rooms and a collaborative workspace.
Deputy Leader Kemi Akinola said: “The VCS Hub is going to be an exciting opportunity for organisations to collaborate and network as well as giving them their own space to thrive. We want to support grassroots organisations who do so much for our local community, and we are delighted to welcome them to the Town Hall. Their work is so valuable and needs a place to grow from.”
The hub is free to use for the first three months and provides flexible working, allowing organisations to book desks and meeting rooms to suit their needs.
Culture, creativity and community to celebrate Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture
Wandsworth is embarking on a year-long celebration of culture, creativity and community, as part of the borough’s tenure as The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2025. The 2025 programme is packed with unmissable events, groundbreaking performances, and unique cultural experiences. Tickets for the events will be made available soon, among the highlights are:
• Strictly Wandsworth (26 April) – The biggest dance spectacle the borough has ever seen, uniting 200 dancers from 22 local organisations in a breathtaking celebration of movement. Created by Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE, the visionary behind mass movement performances for global events such as the London 2012 Olympic Games, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant, and Manchester International Festival.
• A supercharged Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF) (6 - 22 June) – Overlapping with the Wandsworth Heritage Festival, the programme blends cutting-edge arts with local history, while free tickets and enhanced accessibility ensure everyone can take part in this dynamic, borough-wide celebration of creativity.
• The Wandsworth Heritage Festival (13 June – 13 July) celebrates Wandsworth’s rich history with a packed programme of walks, talks, exhibitions and performances. Expect encounters with the dead in cemetery walks, storytelling and craft workshops.
• Battersea Park In Concert (23 - 25 August) – A spectacular three-day open-air concert series over the August Bank Holiday, blending world-class classical and jazz music, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, with great food and magical summer moments.
• Urban Flow (13 September) – A stunning silk banner procession, animated by 100 performers and digital art, blending movement, martial arts and dance, developed with India's Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts and Wandsworth’s Tavaziva Dance.
• Liberty (26-28 September), Battersea Arts Centre and other venues) – Working in collaboration with CRIPtic Arts, the festival will offer a bold platform of work from some of the most exciting disabled creatives.
• Palace of Varieties (26 November) - the Clapham Grand celebrates its 125th anniversary and they are marking the occasion with a birthday extravaganza at Wandsworth’s iconic ‘Palace of Varieties’.
• The Wandsworth Way (July 2025 - March 2026) –A brand-new radio drama series, produced by Theatre503 and Riverside Radio. Imagine The Archers, but set in South West London.
• Our Music Our Freedom – a deep dive into the last 50 years of Wandsworth’s rich and diverse musical heritage
• Portrait of a National Treasure (early 2026) – a powerful tribute to Dame Carmen Munroe, a national and local icon whose trailblazing career has shaped British cultural life.
• Tooting Food Festival is a feast of togetherness, sustainability and the rich diversity of Tooting. Locals grow, cook and share homegrown produce, connecting through flavours, stories and traditions.
• Culturally Mindful: Diversity in Creative Health (year-long) – A pioneering project using arts and culture in social prescribing to boost mental wellbeing. Working with the NHS, it brings together Global Majority artists and lived experience groups to co-design inclusive creative health interventions.
• Memory Boxes for Dementia Patients (year-long), in partnership with the University of Roehampton and local organisations, will bring Wandsworth’s rich heritage collection into care homes and community spaces.
Tooting Works: An Affordable Hub for Business Growth and Community Connection
Discover workspace solutions tailored for Small Businesses, Sole Traders and Creative Entrepreneurs in the heart of Tooting.
In the bustling, diverse tapestry of Tooting, a vibrant business ecosystem is flourishing, and at its heart lies Tooting Works. We are not just another business centre; we're a dynamic community, a launchpad for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a haven for sole traders, a culinary incubator for food entrepreneurs, and a nurturing space for art and wellbeing innovators.
We understand that the path to success for these diverse businesses demands more than just desks and chairs. It requires a supportive environment, flexible solutions, and, crucially, affordability.
Our offerings include rental office spaces, coworking spaces, meeting rooms, an events space, a commercial kitchen and a dining space. But what truly sets Tooting Works apart is the community we have cultivated.
Our clients are not just tenants; they are partners in a thriving ecosystem. But don't just take our word for it, here's what our clients have to say:
IntelEd’s spacious office setting fosters collaboration and active learning for their young clientele.
Citywide Solicitors have designed their space that is welcoming space for both, their team and clients.
"Tooting Works has provided Citywide with a highly professional and efficient workspace solution. The modern, wellmaintained offices have significantly enhanced our team's productivity, and the reliable high-speed internet ensures seamless communication with our clients. We consider Tooting Works to be an invaluable asset to our business operations." – Theo Mathias-Nwaulune, Founder, Citywide Solicitors
A large office space designed to facilitate efficient healthcare administration and collaboration.
"Our NHS team needed a workspace that understood the demands of public service, and Tooting Works has been incredibly accommodating. Their flexibility with our oftenunpredictable timings has been a real lifeline. More than just a place to work, we've found a genuine community here. The regular community events and informal gatherings have allowed us to connect with other local businesses, fostering a sense of shared purpose. It's refreshing to find a workspace that prioritises both professionalism and human connection; it makes a real difference to our team's wellbeing." – Senior Staff Member, St. George’s Hospital.
Our fully-equipped kitchen is ideal for food start-ups, caterers, culinary workshops events.
"Since our recent move to Tooting Works, IntelEd has experienced remarkable growth. The spacious office environment has been a significant advantage, allowing us to create a comfortable and welcoming space for our young clients. The atmosphere is vibrant and conducive to learning, which has greatly enhanced our tutoring sessions. The flexible layout has also been perfect for our expanding team." – Amir Khan, General Manager, IntelEd Centre.
Offering 400 sq.ft of events space designed to accommodate a range of workshops and celebrations.
"The events space at Tooting Works has proven to be an ideal location for Pilates Republic. Its proximity to the tube station makes it incredibly convenient for our clients, which is a major plus. The expansive space easily accommodates our sessions, ensuring everyone has ample room to move comfortably. Moreover, the Tooting Works team is exceptionally friendly and accommodating, which creates a positive and welcoming atmosphere for both our instructors and clients." – Sandra Igel, Lead Instructor, Pilates Republic.
“The Enterprise Kitchen has been ideal for our team, from photoshoots, website content, to menu ideation and catering bookings. It's equipped with all the necessary appliances and tools, making it feel like a professional culinary hub. The Tooting Works community was crucial to our growth, with over 100 businesses supporting our journey. Our expansion into Dubai this year, a significant milestone, was made possible by the foundational support provided by Tooting Works.” – Troy Johnson, Founder, Sweet Dee’s Jerk.
We understand that affordability is paramount, especially for SMEs and sole traders. That's why we've designed our pricing structure to be accessible, ensuring that you can access premium workspace solutions without straining your budget. We believe that everyone deserves a professional and supportive environment to thrive.
Beyond the physical space, Tooting Works fosters a strong sense of community. We host regular networking events, workshops, and social gatherings, providing opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, and build valuable relationships.
As an accredited social enterprise, Tooting Works directs its generated income toward funding and resourcing Business Launchpad, our sister charity. Dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs aged 16-30, we provide on-site incubation and foster a community that gives back to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover the perfect affordable workspace solution for your business starting at £500 per month.
Visit our website at www.tootingworks.co.uk or call us at 020 8516 7700. Join our community and unlock your business's full potential.
GETTING READY TO SELL YOUR BUSINESS?
Law firm Russell-Cooke highlights key preliminary considerations to help you avoid potential headaches.
A considerable amount of work goes into preparing your business for sale and it all starts well before the sale agreement is signed and announcements are made. There are some key points which will need to be dealt with at an early stage:
• non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) should be entered into before you share any confidential information about your business with potential buyers
• decisions need to be made about how your company is valued
• a term sheet should be drawn up which sets out the key items that are agreed between you and the potential buyer
In addition, it is very much worth undertaking some pre-sale due diligence (maybe even before a specific buyer is in mind) which is discussed in this article.
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
As a seller, it is important to enter into NDAs before any confidential information about your business is shared with potential buyers so that all parties understand exactly what the nature of their rights and obligations are.
NDAs are particularly important as they will protect your trade secrets, intellectual property, terms you have with key suppliers or customers and more.
A buyer will want to make sure it can receive as much information about your business as possible in order for the buyer to consider whether the business is actually worth buying. A buyer will also want to make sure it can distribute the information that you share to its advisors and internal employees, consultants and others who need to know the information in order to progress the purchase of your business. Legal advice will ensure that this type of dissemination of information is possible whilst continuing to protect your confidential information.
Valuations
Valuation advice is given by accountants and/ or corporate finance advisors (not lawyers) who will be able to discuss with you differing valuation methods which can then be used as a starting point for pricing your company. There may well be two phases to this initial valuation process:
• obtaining your own preliminary advice to determine if an exit at an acceptable price is likely to be viable, and the type of offers you should be expecting to receive; and
• evaluating and negotiating any offers –although ultimately most discussions around valuation will come down to commercial negotiation, being able to underpin those discussions with objective and informed insight is a powerful tool.
Also, valuations usually remain subject to the buyer’s due diligence.
Term sheets
A properly drafted term sheet usually indicates that due thought has been put into the sale or purchase of your business. An appropriately drafted term sheet considers what the key transaction documents should cover and the overall structure of the transaction and can lead to significant savings in time and legal costs because all parties have come to an understanding before the drafting of those documents has commenced.
Important themes to consider in a term sheet include:
- Purchase price
This is probably the first matter that comes to mind when drafting a term sheet. Hopefully the headline price will already have been determined at a preliminary stage, as previously outlined. But as well as that initial figure, it is also important to determine how the purchase price will be paid. Will it be paid in total at completion or deferred? Will there be a price adjustment to the headline price such as completion accounts or a locked box?
- Exclusivity
Buyers will likely push for exclusivity as this will stop the seller from negotiating with other potential buyers and/or continuing to solicit further offers for their business.
- Documentation
We know that there will be a share purchase agreement dealing with the transfer of shares (or asset purchase agreement dealing with the transfer of assets) from the seller to the buyer but sometimes other documentation is required too (for example, a service agreement if the sellers is staying on for any period).
Pre-sale due diligence
Spending some time and effort on getting due diligence material in order prior to a sale process commencing and anticipating the buyer’s legal requirements has many advantages. It helps you as the seller control the timing of the work necessary to collate information so as to minimise the disruption to management’s day job of running the business (i.e., ‘front loading’ the work). It also may reveal matters which should be sorted out now and/ or dealt with in the term sheet (problems which emerge after the deal is struck may not be accepted by the buyer without a significant reduction in price).
Think of it a bit like a medical check-up with the result of spotting legal risks early.
What the buyer will want to see will depend on the kind of business being purchased but as a minimum:
- commercial contracts (including employment): are they fully documented and up to date? How may they be terminated? Do they have unusual and expensive obligations?
- disputes: are there any? If so, what is the likely quantum, who is involved and what is the current stage of proceedings?
- real estate: have the usual information and documents to hand in order for the buyer to properly interrogate titles (this will often tie in with the position of secured borrowings which may be important to a purchaser with plans to gear the company more highly).
- intellectual property: if this is a key part of the business, a buyer will be keen to check very carefully that it is secure with appropriate registrations and documents. Gathering that information from trade mark and patent agents can take time and will be essential to aid a smooth sale.
How can we help
Rachael Taylor is a legal director in the corporate and commercial law team, advising on a wide range of corporate matters including mergers and demergers, the sale and purchase of private companies (including MBOs) as well as distressed/administration sales. For more information contact us or visit our website.
Rachael Taylor
director
How being a Patron will Enable our community to live happier lives
Ian Mitchell, Chief Executive of Enable, tells Sarah Dale why he decided to become a Patron member of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce and how the local business community can support Enable’s vision to expand and improve residents’ lives.
Being an integral part of the Wandsworth community is a key goal of Enable, a not-for-profit organisation which works in partnership with councils, charities and other organisations to deliver health, leisure and community services and events that enrich people’s lives.
Their work ranges from managing local parks to staging public and private events, from running sports and community facilities to organising local health programmes.
And they are proud to manage a diverse portfolio of public services on behalf of Wandsworth Council.
So, being a proud Patron member of the Chamber was the obvious next step of their growth plan, explains Ian Mitchell, Enable’s Chief Executive since 2018.
“At Enable, we are primarily focused on the community and there are so many business connections that the Chamber is working with, it made sense to join,” says Ian, who is also a new Board Director at the Chamber.
“One of our key aims is to expand and improve people’s lives in the borough and local businesses can play a big part in that. I also wanted to be part of the great work that the Chamber does and benefit from their support of local businesses, whether that is through jobs or connections.
“And already within the first couple of months, we have made so many connections, which will only grow over time, and been able to add some support to local businesses. It is an amazing network and we are very pleased with the initial introduction to the Chamber.”
Being a Patron will also help to boost Enable’s brand awareness and reputation in the borough and showcase their wide range of services.
The organisation is “continuously expanding” and has doubled in size over the past five years and now has 240 employees. They are currently recruiting in a variety of departments, including in marketing and communications, health and wellbeing, events, and support services.
“Our main focus over the next 12 to 24 months is getting more involved in the community,” he adds.
“There is a lot of need out there, particularly in Wandsworth, and we want to improve people’s lives as best we can. We are very lucky to have a great staff cohort who all want the same thing: to improve people's lives, whether it is through our work with parks, events and filming to health and wellbeing.”
Enable carried on throughout the Covid pandemic providing vital services looking after two crematoria and five cemeteries , as well as a range of parks and green spaces across the borough.
The organisation’s focus on health and wellbeing includes a range of exercise classes and an accredited walking scheme that offers a variety of free walks around the borough.
Enable also looks after filming and photoshoots in Wandsworth, on behalf of the council, and some of the notable past productions filmed on location in the borough include Killing Eve and The Crown.
“Having come out of the other side of Covid, we have really leaned on that ability to flex during challenges and stay resilient,” he says.
“Personally, my resilience comes from the fact that I get a lot out of what we do, supporting our residents. I am very output driven and I like to go out in the community to see how our work is benefitting others. We are making a difference and our staff are very proud of what they do. We put a lot of energy into our staff. I am very lucky to have a team who are very passionate about what they do.
“As an organisation, we stay resilient by having a strong plan and vision and a very good board of trustees – and we get things done. I have seen businesses talk a lot about what they’re going to do and then staff don’t see it happening. Here, we do what we say we’re going to do.
“Funding is a big challenge, but the more we do, the more funding comes in, so we can help more people.
“It’s tough out there as a business, as a charity. Doing what you say you’re going to do retains staff, retains credibility and retains relationships with stakeholders. That gives us a lot of resilience.”
Enable has taken on a couple of apprentices who now work full-time with the organisation and Ian says they are looking to take on more.
❛❛There is a lot of need out there, particularly in Wandsworth, and we want to improve people’s lives as best we can. We are very lucky to have a great staff cohort who all want the same thing: to improve people's lives, whether it is through our work with parks,
events and filming to health and wellbeing.
“Providing work to local people is another way to help the local community,” he adds. “We also provide volunteering opportunities, which helps with social isolation, health and wellbeing.”
Find out more about Enable at www.enablelc.org
Local businesses ‘thrive together’ in Chamber community
Aurangzaib Chawla, Managing Director of Lanop Business & Tax Advisors, talks to Sarah Dale about the significance of being a Patron.
Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce is more than a networking platform, says Aurangzaib Chawla, who joined as a Patron member in 2017.
“It is an opportunity to collaborate, exchange expertise and build long-term relationships with like-minded professionals,” says Aurangzaib, Managing Director of Lanop Business & Tax Advisors, which has a team of UK chartered accountants and financial advisors supporting businesses of all sizes.
“Over the years, I have not only actively participated in Chamber events but have also supported fellow members by engaging their services, ensuring that local businesses thrive together.”
As well as being a Patron member, Lanop is the official accountant and financial advisor for the Chamber.
“This has helped position Lanop as a trusted partner for local businesses,” he says.
“Through the Chamber, we have expanded our professional network, formed key collaborations, and built strong relationships that have translated into long-term business growth. More importantly, it has given us the opportunity to give back to the business community by offering free accounting, financial and tax consultation to fellow members – something that aligns with our core values of service and expertise.
“The Chamber is a community, not just a directory of businesses. I always tell new members to actively engage and build relationships. Attending events, sharing insights and offering support to fellow members can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
“Networking isn’t just about finding new clients; it’s about developing partnerships, learning from others and positioning yourself as a leader in
“Additionally, I encourage businesses to think ahead and embrace change. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and those who anticipate trends, invest in innovation and adapt quickly will always stay ahead of the curve.”
One of the biggest challenges businesses face today is navigating economic uncertainty, tax regulations and international expansion.
“At Lanop, we have tackled these challenges by staying proactive, diversifying our services and expanding into global markets,” he adds.
A key example of Lanop’s proactiveness lies in its decision to establish Dubai Business & Tax Advisors (DBTA) in response to the growing demand for tax-efficient business structuring in the United Arab Emirates. Lanop is supporting businesses to expand between the UK, EU, US and the Middle East.
“The Chamber can further support its members by facilitating
discussions on cross-border taxation, global expansion strategies and regulatory challenges, ensuring that businesses have the right knowledge and tools to succeed internationally,” he says.
Resilience is crucial in thriving in business and Aurangzaib says that resilience comes from foresight, adaptability and continuous investment in technology and talent.
At Lanop, they were Covid-ready before the pandemic hit because they had already invested in real-time collaboration tools, cybersecurity and cloud-based accounting systems. This meant that while many firms struggled to transition to remote working, they were able to operate seamlessly across multiple locations without disruption.
“For my team, I focus on building a culture of mentorship, continuous learning, and strategic thinking,” he says.
“As a public speaker and mentor to other accountancy firm owners, I believe that knowledge-sharing and collaboration are key drivers of success. Internally, we encourage problem-solving, innovation and leadership development so that every team member is equipped to navigate challenges with confidence.”
Lanop is in a strong position for growth and international expansion with its new Dubai office already creating new opportunities and they are also exploring expanding into Saudi Arabia to support companies entering the Middle Eastern market.
“In the UK, we remain committed to strengthening our core advisory services, supporting Chamber members, and positioning ourselves as leaders in business structuring, tax efficiency and financial strategy.
“As part of my personal commitment to mentorship and thought leadership, I also plan to increase my public speaking engagements, collaborate with multi-national startups and contribute to shaping the future of the industry.”
For more information, visit www.lanop.co.uk
A thank you to Branduin
Recapping the outcomes of the Supply Wandsworth Business Mentoring programme delivered by Branduin on behalf of LB Wandsworth.
Branduin Business Support EMPOWERING GROWTH
London Borough of Wandsworth reconnected with Branduin to deliver our Fit to Bid® Supplier Development Programme to SMEs based in the Borough of Wandsworth, with 40 businesses to receive up to 4 hours of personalised individual mentoring support to help them access opportunities and win more local business.
These high impact 1-2-1 tender advice sessions with 41 unique interventions (vs profile target of 40) also including 25 follow up sessions totalling 160 hours of offered business mentoring support.
Whilst each session was different there were some key similarities between the SMEs using the programme mainly on the need to understand how to build a Value Proposition that was of interest to large buyers, this comes from the idea that most of the SMEs had limited understanding of procurement and bidding processes, some had no knowledge of access points or experience then tender application process.
Overall feedback from the popular 1-2-1 tender advice sessions was highly positive. Some SMES expressed frustration at inability to access opportunities; that bid sizes/parcels were far too large; fears of spending scarce time of completing paperwork with limited chance of a successful outcome. These challenges are currently being addressed by Supply Wandsworth and Branduin.
The ability to signpost to further support including the learning resources suite, digital playbook, access to procurement databases, and social value guides leveraged the value.
Chocolate Films an awardwinning video film maker had expanded into a new state of the art filming facility in Nine Elms - just as the impact of the cost of living and US Writers strike started to hit.
In a couple of sessions, Branduin were able to review their strategy and start to develop a revised value proposition. That is focussed on turning a good history of public sector commissions into regular engagements and moving away from competing solely on price with smaller providers.
Rachel Wang CEO: The 1 to 1 sessions were excellent and exactly what we needed, and I am grateful for the Supply Wandsworth team for organising this important support for small businesses in Wandsworth.
Resilience in Business: Prioritising intentional presence over passive attendance
The Future of Work: Why Flexibility is the Ultimate Business Advantage
In the ever-evolving world of business, one truth remains constant: adaptability is key to success. The past few years have reshaped how people work, where they work, and what they expect from their workplaces. Organisations that embrace flexibility are not just surviving: they are thriving. Nowhere is this shift more evident than in the rise of coworking and flexible office spaces.
A growing number of businesses are rethinking traditional office setups. Rather than securing fixed desks for every employee, some companies are opting for a mix of dedicated workspaces and flexible hot desks. For example, companies that have 40 employees might choose to take a 20-desk office space for their hybrid team, and on the larger in-office days can easily accommodate all their staff by combining this with day passes or flexible memberships.
This approach recognises that not all employees have the same working preferences. By offering choice, businesses can create a workplace culture built on trust, autonomy, and respect for individual working styles.
The Rise of Flexibility in Wandsworth’s Business Community
Across Wandsworth and beyond, businesses are redefining what productivity looks like. Traditional longterm leases no longer align with the needs of modern companies, leading to a surge in demand for flexible workspaces. Spaces such as The Gatehouse in Wandsworth provide businesses with the ability to scale their office needs up or down without the constraints of conventional leases.
Beyond essentials like high-speed internet and bookable meeting rooms, these workspaces also include collaborative break-out areas, on-site gyms, and regular networking events - all designed to foster efficiency, inspiration and a healthy work-life balance.
The Power of Connection in a Coworking Space
Beyond flexibility and convenience, coworking spaces play a crucial role in building meaningful connections. The most successful businesses are not only productive but also built on strong professional relationships. A well-designed coworking space creates an environment
A well-designed coworking space creates an environment where collaboration happens naturally, enabling new ideas to flourish and partnerships to form.
where collaboration happens naturally, enabling new ideas to flourish and partnerships to form.
Coworking spaces regularly host networking events, industry talks, and informal gatherings, encouraging professionals to share knowledge and support one another. Whether through casual conversations over a coffee or structured meetups, these spaces offer valuable opportunities for freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike to expand their networks and join forces on new projects. The sense of belonging and shared purpose strengthens workplace culture, making it easier for teams to integrate, exchange ideas, and work together more effectively.
The Future Is Choice
With flexibility, community, and collaboration leading the charge, flexible workspaces are revolutionising the way we work. By embracing this new era, businesses can create dynamic environments that fuel creativity, inspire innovation, and foster meaningful connections.
We went from shutting down the business to making £1-2 million a month. We went from zero revenue to £20 million a year overnight. We had a big pool of casual workers for events, so we deployed them to help with the pandemic.
Arsalan Khan, K4 Group CEO
Using hurdles as opportunities for growth has secured K4 Group’s success
From providing security for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral to providing medical training for thousands of people, K4 Group has grown exponentially over the past seven years. Group CEO Arsalan Khan talks to Sarah Dale about pivoting challenges into opportunities as he plans to grow the business further.
Being able to pivot in business is crucial to surviving when challenges arise – and K4 Group has this flexibility and foresight in bucketloads.
Founded in 2018 by Arsalan and Tamaryn Khan, the company started out as an events management and planning company providing security services to the public and private sectors.
When Covid hit the UK and the first lockdown occurred in March 2020, all events stopped overnight, and K4 Group CEO Arsalan Khan admits they were considering closing the business.
“All our work had finished, so we were looking at shutting down,” he explains.
“But we ended up providing covid marshalls –a job that never occurred before Covid or since! That came into play because we had a lot of manpower. We quickly did some upskilling and provided covid marshalls for the NHS, retail stores and local businesses to maintain social distancing.
“We went from shutting down the business to making £1-2 million a month. We went from zero revenue to £20 million a year overnight. We had a big pool of casual workers for events, so we deployed them to help with the pandemic.”
At the time, they had an office management team of five people and 300 casual workers registered with the company. “We rejigged a few parts of the business, changed our approach and remortgaged our family home,” adds Arsalan.
Events began to start up again and the security aspect of the business grew to cover a range of services, including manned/static guarding, front of house and concierge, canine security services, gatemen and traffic marshalls, key holding, mobile security patrols, and alarm response, as well as providing events consultancy and planning. They now provide alarm response to 700 properties.
Next, they realised that it would be more beneficial for the company and clients if they
brought the medical provision for events in-house and so K4 Medical was formed. They added a doctor and medic to the team, acquired Primary Ambulance Services, and started providing a range of courses from door supervisors to first response emergency training.
On the events side, they have worked on some of the biggest events in the UK, including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (where they deployed 700 members of staff), the Queen’s funeral and manning the queue to visit the late monarch when she was lying in state at Westminster Hall (providing 400 staff members a day), and tours for big names in the music industry.
“Every time we have hit a problem or a hurdle, we have been very flexible,” he says.
“None of our team is afraid to get their hands dirty and they can adapt to anything.”
K4 Group, which is the parent company of K4 Security, K4 Medical, K4 Training and K4 Global, has its head office in Hounslow with regional offices in Leeds, Peterborough and Cardiff and overseas offices in Pakistan and Turkey.
They are a SIA-approved contractor which now employs 71 managers and 60 administrative staff members and a freelance team of between 4,500 and 5,000 people. Out of 7,000 security firms in the UK, about 700 are part of the
approved contractors list for the Home Office including K4, a fact Arsalan is extremely proud of.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” says Arsalan.
“Our core senior management team is very dedicated, very driven and very flexible and we have great staff.”
Arsalan’s wife, Tamaryn, rejoined the business at the start of the year after being a stay-at-home mum for a couple of years to look after their three daughters aged between nine and five.
“Having my wife in the business definitely helps with our work-life balance,” he says.
“We have amazing family support and amazing team support. A lot of the management team have kids, and we understand the work-life balance. We all support each other; we are like a family unit within the business.
“I’m one of those people that doesn’t mind change; I really enjoy challenges. My goal is to do whatever I can to help our customers. We are driven by solving challenges rather than money, which makes us competitive and resilient. If there is a problem from our senior leadership team to staff working on the ground, no-one walks away until a job is complete. Everyone is willing to change and adapt – and that’s always been the key to our success to our resilience and growth.”
Looking towards the future, Arsalan says they are excited to commence work on a whole range of projects secured during last year’s boost on raising brand awareness, attending exhibitions and networking to meet more clients.
“This year will all be about growth and working on new projects but remaining as committed as ever to our existing customers,” he adds.
“We are small enough that everything and everyone matters within the business, and we have grown together. Every customer matters to us. We have a big team behind us, so we are also large enough for our customers to trust us with the bigger projects.”
www.k4group.co.uk
DELUXE DRIVEN
Luxury Chauffeur Service and Luxury Self-Drive Hire
Bringing the Mayfair experience to you
Deluxe Driven is your premier choice for a luxury chauffeur-driven experience. We specialise in providing elite transportation services tailored to the needs of executives, high-net-worth individuals, and those who demand excellence in their travel.
Our fleet features high-end vehicles under three years old, including the prestigious Mercedes S-Class, Mercedes V-Class, Mercedes Jet-Class, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and more, ensuring every journey is defined by style, comfort, and reliability. Whether you require executive travel, airport transfers, special event transportation, or bespoke chauffeur services, Deluxe Driven delivers beyond expectations.
We take pride in offering:
• Highly trained, professional chauffeurs
• Punctual, discreet, and seamless service
• Luxury vehicles with premium amenities
We operate 24/7 to cater to your chauffeur needs, ensuring you arrive in style and comfort at any time.
• Corporate accounts welcome – streamline your business travel with Deluxe Driven. At Deluxe Driven, we don’t just provide a ride, we offer an exceptional experience that embodies sophistication and elegance. Supercar self-drive experiences are also available. (Areas covered: London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire)
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP UNIT
Be One Step Ahead
Unlock your workforce potential
Our free Business Partnership service is here to help support you and your business with:
• ACCESSING FUNDING and making the most of new government initiatives
• APPRENTICESHIPS from Level 2 to Level 6 (GCSE to Degree Level)
• EMPLOYEE TRAINING – upskilling and retraining of your employees using our extensive online and training packages
• LEVY SUPPORT and guidance.
You can place your trust in our exceptionally talented team, to build a bespoke plan that meets the specific needs of your business.
LET’S TALK
WORKING TOGETHER to create the Employees of the Future
South Thames College is delighted to work with organisations and employers in the local community, over many years these partnerships have created valuable career opportunities for generations of our students. This supports our students in developing the employability skills needed to succeed in today’s ever more competitive employment market.
Examples of a few ways we work with organisations include:
- Keynote speaker visits
- Industry led projects and competitions – see page 4 for details of the recent Design Competition to create this edition’s cover image.
- Attendance at College events such as our biannual Employability weeks, including workshops on improving CV skills and mock interviews.
- Work experience and industry placements, where we will carefully work with employers to select the most appropriate candidate for their business needs.
We are always keen to join forces with more organisations, to find out more please email our Head of Employability Scott Sherriff, scott.sherriff@stcg.ac.uk and see how you can inspire the next generation of employees.
Showcasing Creativity in Employerled Cityscapes Project
Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design learners recently completed an exciting employerled live project as part of their Cityscapes curriculum. In collaboration with Ayca Vural-Cutts, Director of the renowned architecture firm Studio AVC, the project challenged students to design innovative cardboard structures incorporating biodiversity, wellbeing and sustainability.
Ayca Vural-Cutts, whose career spans over 20 years at prestigious firms like Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects, brought her expertise to the initiative.
As Director of Studio AVC, based in
Merton Abbey Mills, London, Ayca emphasised the importance of creating designs that balance functionality, aesthetic excellence and environmental harmony.
Crafting Adverts for Beverage Brands
Learners from Level 2 and Level 3
Media courses recently had the unique opportunity to collaborate with two leading beverage brands—Chapmans of London and Rubicon (part of the AG Barr group)—on an exciting live industry brief. The project challenged students to plan, film and present innovative advertisements tailored to each brand’s identity and vision.
“Learners develop a sound understanding of current working practices and trends within their chosen industries.”
Ofsted May 2024
Chapmans of London, led by Tolani, encouraged learners to create culturally rich adverts reflecting the company’s Nigerian heritage and its range of non-alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, Rubicon, represented by Viren Chauhan, set a brief focused on promoting healthconsciousness through engaging stopmotion advertisements, showcasing their vibrant fruit beverage range, including selections from their popular Spring Collection.
Throughout the collaborative sessions, learners demonstrated exceptional creativity, engagement and professionalism, impressing both brands with their enthusiasm and insightful questions. This partnership enhanced students’ creativity, confidence and employability skills.
Inspiration at Chelsea Bridge Wharf
Earlier in the year Construction students had the amazing opportunity to visit Berkeley Group Plc at their stunning Chelsea Bridge Wharf site, thanks to the incredible Liza Smith, Employment & Skills Manager at Berkeley St Edward, and her team.
The day was packed with exciting activities including learning about the property development lifecycle and planning process, a tour of the site and gaining a practical insight into how projects come to life.
The students loved every moment, walking away inspired and motivated about their future in the industry!
The countdown is officially on for the 2025 Wandsworth Business Awards - the most prestigious event in the Wandsworth Chamber calendar!
Wandsworth is a creative, diverse borough and the 2025 Business Awards are a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate the hard work, resilience and success the businesses achieve.
The Wandsworth Business Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 11th June at The Clapham Grand and will be a fabulous evening including award giving, food, music, dancing and networking.
This year’s number of entries has broken last year’s record and we have received 191 entries with almost 100 businesses entering! A real showcase of the best businesses in Wandsworth!
Wandsworth Chamber are pleased to announce the host for this year will be Jenni Falconer.
Jenni Falconer has been a presenter for almost 30 years in both television and radio and is known for hosting TV shows such as ITV1’s ‘This Morning’, Entertainment Today and GMTV; BBC1’s ‘The National Lottery Show’; Channel 5’s ‘Britain’s Worst Celebrity Driver Live’ and game show ‘Wordplay’,
plus Sky1’s ‘Cirque de Celebrité’ as well as being a regular host on premiere red carpets in London’s West End.
Jenni can currently be heard across the UK every weekday morning from 6-10am as the Host of Smooth Breakfast, the only solo female Breakfast Show Host in the UK. Previously, Jenni began her radio career in 2000 where she started waking up the nation on Heart on Early Breakfast.
Back this year by popular demand, the entertainment will be provided by one of the UK’s most in demand bands Hand Fulla Soul. Hand Fulla Soul specialise in Award Ceremonies and after parties. They bring Award Ceremonies to life with high energy live walk-up music - perfect for celebrating the winners, and after that, the dance floor will be packed as they kick off the after party.
The Wandsworth Business Awards are a great opportunity not just for the winners in each category but for those who have been named finalists. With so many companies competing, being shortlisted is a great achievement and is certainly something to promote.
Image courtesy: Craig Sugden
We are pleased to announce and congratulate this year's shortlisted businessess and wish them all the best of luck for the next stages of judging.
Shortlisted for the Best Customer Service Award:
• Spirohealth
• Jefferson's Ice Cream
• Live Free Wellness Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
• Spacemade
• Strike Bowling Ltd
• Weiz Styles
• MIX AND MUNCH LIMITED
• Carter Rose
• Bike Clinique LTD
Shortlisted for the Best Start up Business:
• Tooting Delivery
• Furzedown Builders
• Chapmans of London
• Ask A&K
• TIDYO Cleaning
• Bourne Fitness
• Whirlylicious Ltd
• Archer Franklin Education
Shortlisted for the Health & Wellbeing Award:
• Soma Yoga Studio
• Parthian Climbing
• Your True Reflection AO CIC
• Paradise Cooperative
• Kidz4
• Ital Vital Herbs
• South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust Charitable Fund
• Bourne Fitness
Shortlisted for the Best Charity:
• STORM Family Centre
• Be Enriched
• Power to Connect
• Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability
• BeyondAutism
• Learn to Love to Read
• St George's Hospital Charity
• Age UK Wandsworth
• Samuel's Charity
Shortlisted for the Innovation Award:
• Tooting Delivery
• Petit Pli
• Archer Franklin Education
• South West Podiatry
• Ascetic Aesthete Perfume Creation
• Bike Clinique LTD
Shortlisted for the Environmental/ Sustainability Champion:
• Studio AVC
• Work and Play Scrapstore
• Merry Go Round Club Limited
• Cognito Hair
• Studio Slapdash
• Paradise Cooperative
• Switched on London
Shortlisted for The Best Independent Retailer:
• Minar Jewellers
• Moxon's Fishmongers
• Florentina Boutique
• Sam Ubhi
• Lockdown Bakehouse
• Robbies Photographics Ltd
Shortlisted for the Best Independent Hospitality Business:
• Strike Bowling Ltd
• Le Gothique
• The Candlemaker - SMOK'D
• Octagreen Putney
• Rick's Dining Room
• Graveney Gin
• Chook Chook Indian Railway Kitchen
• Jefferson's Ice Cream
• Lockdown Bakehouse
Shortlisted for the Best Large Business:
• Spacemade
• Gravity MAX
• Roehampton Uni
• Assael Architecture
• Eden Court Luxury Care Home & Retirement Village
• Southside Shopping Centre
• Park Hyatt London River Thames
Shortlisted for the Best SME Business:
• Strike Bowling Ltd
• Octagreen
• Switched on London
• South West Podiatry
• Lanop Business and Tax Advisors
• Jefferson's Ice Cream
• Minar Jewellers
• Le Fez
Shortlisted for the Business Owner/ Entrepreneur of the Year:
• Rachel Wang from Chocolate Films
• Jo Field from JFG Communications
• David Lyons Whyte from Switched on London
• Nathan Bourne from Bourne Fitness
• Aurangzaib Chawla from Lanop Business and Tax Advisors
• Sam Ubhi from Sam Ubhi
• Nazmin Choudhury from NC Law
• Zainab Abdul Ghani from Florentina Boutique
• Mark Strippel from Graveney Gin
Shortlisted for the Diversity and Inclusivity Champion:
• Northcote Church
• Signs Express Battersea
• Parthian Climbing
• BB Broadway
• South Thames Colleges Group
• Business Launchpad Tooting Works
Shortlisted for the Best Micro Business:
• MIX AND MUNCH LIMITED
• Vintersol Distillery
• Graveney Gin
• JFG Communications
• The Avenue Cookery School
• Free Birds Interior Design Studio Ltd
• Helen Constantine - Professional Organiser
• BB Broadway
• The Quick Brown Fox
Shortlisted for the Best Creative Sector Business:
• daab design Architects
• Keepsake Videos
• National Opera Studio
• Assael Architecture
• bbodance
• CHOCOLATE FILMS LIMITED
• Work and Play Scrapstore
• Jigsaw Arts Balham (Little Theatre LLP)
• BB Broadway
Next phase of EV charging point transfer due to begin
A new operator of many of the lamp post charging points has been appointed. char.gy Ltd takes over from ubitricity through a phased rollout which started last July.
There are more than 1,200 electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the borough, including 613 lamp post charging points which have been operated by ubitricity under contract with Siemens. The technology of these charge points is open access and designed to be transferable between operators.
Phase one involved transferring the 220 ubitricity charge points originally installed over 2023/24. Phase two incorporating 167 chargepoints, primarily in Lavender and Thamesfield wards, started from 19 March 2025 and the final phase of 226 sites will begin in November 2025. char.gy operatives will attend each of the chargers to replace the payment QR code and signage, and ensure all systems are operational. Works are programmed across two weeks but some sites may take longer if issues arise on transfer.
The charge points themselves will not change, and there will be no changes to the charging process other than payments now being made to char.gy instead of ubitricity via the new QR code provided.
The pay-as-you-go price of electricity at each of the charge points will be 39p per kWh.
All live sites can be found on ZapMap. These also include more than 600 chargepoints which will remain under direct contract with ubitricity which are not included in the transfer arrangements.
Fees waived for VE Day 80th anniversary street parties
Street parties to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day are being encouraged in Wandsworth.
Wandsworth Council has waived fees for street closures to support celebrations over the Early May Bank Holiday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, known as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).
Street parties were held in Wandsworth on 8 May in 1945 and other significant anniversary dates over the years.
Residents must apply to host a street party at www.wandsworth.gov.uk.
The council is waiving the usual fees for road closures from 3-5 May to allow street parties to take place, but applications must be received by 6 April.
Wandsworth residents organised 144 street parties across the borough to celebrate
King Charles III’s Coronation in a joyful display of fun, festivity and the borough’s infectious community spirit.
Sana Jafri, Mayor of Wandsworth, said: “It is always wonderful to see national celebrations such as these, which bring people together up and down the country, embraced across Wandsworth.
“We are delighted to be waiving street party fees once again to encourage local communities to host a street party for their neighbours, families and friends to share food, get to know each other better and remember the heroes behind the historic 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
“The buzz of these events is electric so I’m looking forward to attending many over the Early May Bank Holiday!”
London-wide increased fines for illegal parking
Fines for parking and traffic penalty charges are set to increase across London on 7 April 2025, to deter dangerous and inconsiderate parking and driving. The new charges aim to bring fines in line with the Transport for London's (TfL) road network.
From 7 April, higher-level charges in Band A areas will rise from £130 to £160, while Band B areas will see an increase from £110 to £140. Lower-level charges in Band A will rise from £80 to £110, and Band B will rise from £60 to £90.
Charges are set by London Councils to ensure that charges are consistent throughout London.
London boroughs differentiate penalties based on the severity of the contravention, with higherlevel charges for more serious transgressions, such as obstructing roads, and lower-level
penalties for less severe matters such as overstaying in parking bays. The 50 per cent discount remains in place for those who pay their Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) within 14 days across all higher and lower-level charges.
The number of people receiving PCNs has increased by 50 per cent over the past 12 years across London. In that time, enforcement costs have risen but fines have not increased since 2011. PCNs are seen as a vital way to keep London moving by deterring inconsiderate driving and protecting kerbside space such as disabled bays.
Illegally parked vehicles can be reported on the council’s website. Any net revenue raised by PCNs goes toward transport schemes, such as highways improvements and maintenance.
• Wednesday 7th May
• Wednesday 25th June
• Wednesday 24th September
Pestana Hotel 8 - 10.30am
Please visit the events page of our website regularly to see what’s on and why not join us as we network through 2025. For further details go to www.wandsworthchamber.org/events
CHAMBER EVENTS
• Wednesday 9th April
Business Networking in Earlsfield at The Earlsfield 6 - 9 pm
• Wednesday 14th May Business Networking at Hannah in Clapham Junction 6 - 9 pm
• Wednesday 4th June
Wandsworth Business Forum, Online 8 - 9.30 am
• Wednesday 11th June
WANSDSWORTH BUSINESS AWARDS, Clapham Grand, 5.30 - 11 pm
• Wednesday 18th June ‘Building Wandsworth’ Business Breakfast at Roehampton University 8 - 10 am
• Wednesday 2nd July Wandsworth Business Forum, Online 8 - 9.30 am
• Wednesday 3rd July Summer party at Eden Court 6 - 9pm
• Wednesday 9th July
Business Networking at Hannah in Clapham Junction 6 - 9 pm
• Wednesday 10th September Business Networking in Earlsfield at The Earlsfield 6 - 9 pm
SCAN THE QR CODE
(Caltrics.com) with your phone camera to see our events and get them in your calendar app.
Wandsworth Healthy Workplaces
healthy business is a productive business!
April marks Stress Awareness Month, an annual event championed by the Stress Management Society to raise awareness of the negative impact of stress on mental and physical health and encourage people to take steps to reduce it.
The theme for Stress Awareness Month 2025 is #LeadwithLove - encouraging us to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion and acceptance no matter the challenges we face.
Good Thinking has a wide range of free resources available to Londoners to help combat stress, including:
• advice on identifying the symptoms and types of stress;
• NHS-approved apps on topics such as mindfulness and meditation;
• articles and podcasts on stress management from people with lived experience;
• helpful guides on dealing with stress and supporting good mental wellbeing.
Visit Good Thinking’s dedicated Stress webpages (https://www.good-thinking.uk/ stress ) for more information. Alternatively, you can use Good Thinking’s simple search function to find the right help for you.
DOES YOUR ORGANISATION SUPPORT THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUR EMPLOYEES?
Five steps your organisation can take to make an impact on your employees' Mental Health and Wellbeing:
1. PROVIDE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AND LOCAL SERVICES
Ensure employees have access to mental health resources and support services. Promote local mental health services available in Wandsworth and encourage participation in public health initiatives and activities organised by the council.
Resource: Mental Health Services in Wandsworth (www.wandsworth.gov.uk/mental-health)
Resource: Public Health in Wandsworth (www.wandsworth.gov.uk/public-health)
2. IMPLE MENT
MENTAL HEALTH POLICIE S
Develop and implement comprehensive mental health policies that outline support mechanisms for employees. Include mental health days, access to counselling, and clear procedures for addressing mental health issues.
Resource: How to Implement the Thriving at Work Mental Health Standards Resource: CIPD - Mental Health Support Guide
3. FOSTE R OPENNESS AND PROVIDE TRAINI NG
Provide regular training and development opportunities focused on mental health awareness and support. Use awareness days, such as Stress
Awareness Month, as an opportunity to promote mental health initiatives. Encourage employees to participate and provide them with resources to help manage stress.
Resource: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training
Resource: Making Every Contact Count (MECC) Training. Emotional health and wellbeing and Suicide Awareness
4. IMPLEMENT FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS
Implement flexible working arrangements to significantly reduce stress and improve work-life balance. Offer options such as remote working, flexible hours, and job sharing to help employees manage their mental health more effectively.
Resource: CIPD's Guide to Flexible Working Resource: ACAS Flexible Working Guidance
5. ADOPT THE MAYOR'S GOOD WORK STANDARD
Adopt the Mayor's Good Work Standard to ensure your workplace meets high standards of fairness, inclusion, and wellbeing. Use this standard to create a supportive and healthy work environment.
Resource: Mayor's Good Work Standard
For links to resources please visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/healthy-workplaces
To find out more about healthy workplaces Wandsworth and for further resources check the council webpage: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/healthy-workplaces
Scan the QR to access Wandsworth Healthy Workplaces!
Mental health and resilience within your business
RMJ Wellbeing is a multi-award-winning health and wellbeing business situated in the heart of Earlsfield, in South West London.
We have recently been inundated with local businesses who want to take advantage of our latest service which is titled “Wellbeing Within The Workplace Talks”.
This service is proving popular in local businesses because employers are struggling with the lack of resilience of their staff within their organisations. These talks are bespoke to each business and are aimed at supporting staff on how to check in with their own mental health and that of their work colleagues. The talks are delivered in person at the business location and offer an overview of how important one’s mental health is.
It has been challenging times for many companies and there are several factors as to why resilience is being depleted. A main reason behind this is related to Mental health which is a critical aspect of overall well-being that affects how individuals think, feel, and act. In a business setting, fostering good mental health among employees is paramount to ensure resilience is at its peak. It not only ensures a healthier workforce but also enhances productivity, reduces absenteeism, and improves employee morale. A proactive approach to mental health can create a supportive environment where employees feel valued and understood.
Resilience is having the ability to bounce back from adversity and manage stress effectively.
In a business environment, resilient employees are better equipped to handle challenges and maintain performance under pressure. Building resilience can lead to a more robust and adaptable workforce.
As a Director and Member of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, it is apparent how resilience is a pivotal part of helping to support our members businesses.
Creating a culture of open communication is crucial for building resilience. Employees should feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of judgment or retribution. Regular check-ins, team meetings, and anonymous feedback mechanisms can foster a transparent and supportive environment.
Offering training and development opportunities can empower employees and enhance their resilience. Programs focusing on stress management, time management, and conflict resolution can provide employees with the tools they need to navigate challenges effectively.
A positive work environment plays a significant role in building resilience. Encouraging teamwork, recognizing achievements, and promoting work-life balance can create a supportive atmosphere where employees thrive. Acknowledging and celebrating milestones can boost morale and reinforce a sense of community within the workforce.
Leadership plays a pivotal role in promoting mental health and resilience in the workplace. Leaders must lead by example, demonstrating the importance of well-being and resilience. They should actively engage with employees, provide support, and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
To ensure the effectiveness of mental health and resilience initiatives, businesses should measure their impact regularly. Surveys, feedback sessions, and performance metrics can provide valuable insights into the success of these programs. Continuous improvement based on this feedback can help in refining and enhancing the initiatives.
Fostering mental health and resilience within a business is essential for creating a thriving and productive workforce. By recognising mental health challenges, implementing supportive initiatives, and promoting resilience, businesses can build a strong foundation for employee wellbeing. Investing in mental health and resilience is not only beneficial for employees but also for the overall success and sustainability of the business.
Leaders must lead by example, demonstrating the importance of wellbeing and resilience. They should actively engage with employees, provide support, and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
to new members
u Acquisitions By AG
Abiel Ghezae
Southfields
London
SW18 0207 046 0963
u Anomali Art Ltd
Assa O'Connor Unit 2c, 9-15 Elthorne Road
London N19 4AJ 07547 985301
u Ask A&K
Neda Abdi
Wandsworth
London
SW18 07767 036416
u Blue Dot Consulting Limited
Michael Austin
Bedford House
Fulham Green
London
SW6 3JW 020 7125 0270
u BlueGreen ESG
Adam Williamson
London SW8 07766 701212
u Consult DSR
David Smithson-Rudd
London
SW8 07540 737181
u Direct Digital Ltd
Christopher Downing
London 020 3633 6575
u Frame by Frame Productions
Cailum Khan
London
SW17 07958 036982
u Ignite Your Leadership Prowess
Mutiat Adebowale
Wandsworth
SW18 07425 973443
u J2 Software Ltd
John Mc Loughlin
Wandsworth
SW18 020 3824 9690
u New Cross Events Ltd
Alain Bastel
London
SW11
u Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
Rhona Ness
West Hill
London SW15 3SW 020 8780 6534
u SmartPA
Elaine Jackson
Battersea SW11 07777 135727
u Stuart Crofton at Quilter Financial Advisers
Stuart Crofton
3 Hughes Mews
143 Chatham Road
London
SW11 6HJ 07814 462123
u White Pebbles Consulting
Sofia Simaria
London
SW18 07590 013216
u Zest Mentoring Limited
Sonia Danner 128 City Road
London
EC1V 2NX 07743 125 662
Find us on the Chamber Directory: https://www.wandsworthchamber.org/directory
Starting UP
Q1 In a few words tell us a bit about your business?
BlueGreen ESG helps businesses, particularly SMEs, integrate social responsibility into their day-to-day operations without incurring unsustainable costs.
The assistance offered includes everything from full strategies to individual initiatives, to creating content for a variety of platforms and audiences. This could mean helping to measure and reduce energy cost or working with staff to create a sense of purpose for the organisation and identifying the actions that support the purpose, or producing training and information material to help staff, clients, customers and suppliers to understand what part they can play in building better business.
Q2 What gives your business 'the x-factor’?
Few advisors offer the level of personal, handson experience I bring in building responsible business strategies from the ground up. I’ve done everything from big-picture 10-year plans, to designing and running training and stakeholder buy-in sessions, to getting my hands dirty picking through the details of the processes and tools
needed to drive the initiatives that make the plans a success.
The advice is based on personal need and affordability, not creating initiatives that look or sound great, while adding little in the way of tangible benefits to the business or any of their stakeholders.
Many consultants focus on reporting, data analysis, and certification, with off-the-shelf solutions. At BlueGreen ESG, the focus is on real impact—helping businesses implement meaningful changes that drive success. One of the key differences setting BlueGreen apart from other consultants operating in this area is not assuming prior knowledge. The acronyms ESG (Environment, Social & Governance), DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and others are often not particularly helpful for most SMEs. They are so vast in their definitions and scope that they lead to confusion, worries about not speaking the right language and just generally seeming like barriers to smaller businesses. BlueGreen ESG is all about materiality – what is specific to the purpose, values and goals of each business, and the individuals that make up their workforce and their communities.
Q3 What motivated you to set up in business?
I could see a growing gap between large and small firms when it comes to engaging with the wider responsible business agenda. Larger firms often have ESG strategies and systems, however basic, but were now concentrating on reporting rather than continuing to push forward. This means that there is less leadership and innovation being shown to help SMEs take the same journey.
My experience of working with SMEs has revealed a real fear factor which was stopping them engaging with ESG and other responsible business thinking. They have concerns over not understanding how to start, that it would cost too much, or that they would be spotlighted for never doing enough - no matter how hard they tried. I wanted to use my extremely wide-ranging experience to help overcome those barriers, and to start to unlock the potential within the 5.5 million SMEs in the UK. After all, they form the backbone of the UK economy and society. With the right tailored and affordable support, SMEs have immense power to drive meaningful change.
Q4 What do you like most about working as a start-up?
The ability to be truly flexible and treat every client as an individual. I began working in
the responsible business field because the issues involved were those that were key to how I live my life.
Being an independent start-up means I can fully align my business with my values, ensuring integrity remains at the core of everything I do.
Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date?
As a newly launched business it is still early days but helping a small accountancy firm develop from expressing a general interest in ESG to being able to offer tangible and expert client services, has been hugely satisfying.
I’ve also been very proud of having been able to work with partners to reshape some of their conversations about responsible business issues, bringing it back to the basics of how business and society can benefit, and away from using reporting as a substitute for driving change. That shift has the capacity to create more involvement and better results.
Q6 What has been your lowest moment?
I wouldn’t call it a low moment, but the sheer amount of admin required to get started was an unexpected challenge!
Q7 In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years?
A classic job interview question!
I want to continue doing what I do now but on a larger scale, helping more businesses to be engaged with the wide range of social issues that affect them, their stakeholders, and their communities. I want to be integral in turning that engagement into business benefits that bring success to all those groups.
I want BlueGreen ESG to be recognised as a value-driven, client-oriented consultancy that is still changing the world for the better.
Q8 What would be your top tip for someone thinking of starting up their own business?
Be completely confident in your product or service. Your purpose is your foundation—stay focused on it. If your business is value-driven, make sure those values guide every decision. If it's product-based, prioritise quality, utility, and customer satisfaction.
Secondly, talk to as many people as possible. You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to help—so reach out and connect!
minutes with ...
John Mc Loughlin Group CEO & Sales Director UK
Q1 Who are you?
I am a South African born husband, father and entrepreneur living in Wandsworth with my family. I enjoy discovering new places and living like a tourist in my new city.
I am driven to succeed by growing our customer base and providing practical cyber security services to customers of all sizes, meeting new people and forging new relationships.
Q2 What's your business all about?
J2 is an award-winning cyber security focused services provider founded in 2006. Our team help secure over 700 customers on five continents.
We provide practical, cost-effective security services to our customers and partners based off our proven cyber resilience framework that addresses the five key areas of digital business risk. This framework allows us to tailor a solution specifically for your business, allowing you to do better business in the modern world.
J2 allow businesses to stay in business by ensuring their people can work securely from anywhere.
We build cyber resilience for businesses of all sizes. Our team are on call 24 hours a day, you are not alone. We detect, prevent and eradicate cyber threats.
Having practical security led services ensures compliance measurement and the ability to work in regulated environments giving you the peace of mind that you and your people can do their work without having to be cyber security experts. We are a proven cyber security partner to your business.
Q3 Three words to describe yourself?
Resilient, accepting and driven.
Q4 Ideal Customer?
We work with customers of all sizes who understand that their information, and their people, are the biggest assets in their business. We provide compliance support, cyber security and technology that enables better business.
Our solutions are tailored to where our customer is on their security maturity journey, and we lay the right foundation to build upon as requirements change.
Q5 Biggest achievement?
I have so many that I am proud of. One of the most recent being successfully establishing our UK business and moving my family halfway across the planet to settle in Wandsworth.I am so excited and proud of the future opportunity available to my family and I. I am grateful for the chance.
Q6 Biggest gripe?
I wish that politicians would stop causing division to stay in power. If we could get the government to step out of the way and allow businesspeople to make the world a better place.
Q7 Your inspiration?
My family are my inspiration. I do all that I can to open opportunities for them to thrive in a changing world.
Q8 Philosophy in Business?
We do good by doing good business.
Q9 Sporting Hero?
Siya Kolisi as he is an inspirational and aspirational leader who has overcome diversity to be among the best in the world. He is a true example of resilience.
Q10 Biggest tip for success?
Be honest, be authentic and always do the things you say you will do, when you say you will do it. Never be afraid to learn and make sure that you leave the place in better condition than you found it.
❛❛ We provide compliance support, cyber security and technology that enables better business. Our solutions are tailored to where our customer is on their security maturity journey, and we lay the right foundation to build upon as requirements change.
