Business Connexions December 2018

Official Magazine for Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce | Issue 4 | December 2018

Inside

• Patron Focus Bringing employers and students together to narrow the skills gap.

Page 13

• Spotlight on Tooting

Businesses play their part in creating the Tooting vibe.

Page 16

• The Person behind the Business

Rewards solution to support and grow the local economy with shopping and trade throughout the borough.

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• 5 Minutes with....

JULIA PITTMAN

Award Winning Pest Control Company based in Tooting Page 8

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP Labour MP for Tooting

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BREAD CENTRALE Your peaceful neighbourhood brasserie with riverside views Open all day

Tel : 0207 978 5055 Plantation Wharf Battersea SW11 3TN www.breadcentrale.co.uk

Welcome and Contents

Welcome to the latest Edition of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Magazine

WELCOME to Business ConneXions, a quarterly magazine focused on promoting some of the best our businesses have to offer.

Christmas is upon us and on behalf of the Wandsworth Chamber board, I would like to extend the warmest Seasons’ Greeting to all our readers, members, sponsors and key stakeholders –Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

As this Business ConneXions goes to press, we have just celebrated our 6th annual Wandsworth Business Awards at the prestigious Roehampton Club. The cover of the magazine features Julia Pittman from Beaver Pest Control, a Tooting based company who are recognised for their continual

Inside :

business process improvements, professionalism and growth.

Winning the Best SME and Overall Business of 2018, we are delighted for this business and their staff.

This edition features the Tooting area of Wandsworth and our main guest contributor is the new CEO of South Thames College, Andrew Slade. The expanded South Thames College Group now covers four London boroughs and are an exceptionally committed and locally engaged business. We work on many projects together around the Young Chamber and Take One programs, helping to promote opportunities for businesses to engage and support the development of young professionals and students.

I hope you will enjoy this edition of Business ConneXions and thank you to all those who have given some very positive feedback.

If you’re business is not already a member, why not join your chamber and help us to create a better business environment.

If you are a member, thank you for your support and belief in what we strive to achieve and please tell more businesses about us.

We are so much stronger when we work together and we can achieve so much more when we help each other.

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Business Awards News Economy Finance

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Big Interview

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Our Patron Members

Spotlight News Legal Patron Focus News News The person behind the business Health & Wellbeing Skills News Chamber Events New Members Starting Up

Editor John Dean e: deangriss@btinternet.com

Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce

on Tooting

Publisher Benham Publishing Limited, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ t: 0151 236 4141 e: admin@benhampublishing.com w: www.benhampublishing.com

Published Dec 2018 © Benham Publishing

Steve Pinto CEO

December 2018

Enquiries Studio F8 (Le Bureau) Battersea Studios 80 Silverthorne Road London SW8 3HE t: 020 3633 6575 e: enquiries@wandsworthchamber.org w: www.wandsworthchamber.org

Advertising and Features Karen Hall e: karen@benhampublishing.com t: 0151 236 4141 Tony Sheldon e: Tony@benhampublishing.com

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5 Minutes with ...

Studio Mark Etherington e: studio@benhampublishing.com Media No.1665

Disclaimer

Business Connexions is mailed without charge to all Chamber members and distributed to businesses in the Borough.

All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce.

Views expressed in publication are not necessarily those of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2018.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content.

Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

Business Connexions | 3

WINNERS OF 2018

Wandsworth Business Awards announced

The winners of the 2018 Wandsworth Business Awards were announced at a glittering ceremony at the prestigious Roehampton Club on Roehampton Lane.

Now in its sixth year, the 2018 Wandsworth Business Awards were hosted by Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, in association with McDonalds as headline sponsor.

The annual awards aim to recognise and reward the achievements of the local business community across the whole Borough of Wandsworth.

The winners of the categories are: 1 Marketing & Social Media Cremoloso Gelato Ltd 2 Best SME Beaver Pest Control 3 Customer Service reCentre Health Limited 4 & 5 Entrepreneur of the Year London Barberhood & Under the Doormat 6 Charity or Social Enterprise Wandsworth Mediation Service 7 New Business Wash Doctors 8 Employer of the Year Edward James London 9 Independent Retailer Minar Jewellers 10 Innovator of the Year Delta Solutions Group 11 International Business Inside Marketing 12 Best Eatery Chit Chaat Chai 13 Overall Business of the Year Beaver Pest Control Speaking at the ceremony Steve Pinto, chief executive of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, said: “I continue to be very impressed with the quality, enthusiasm and passion of the businesses that enter these awards. They demonstrate that Wandsworth is an exciting place to work and recognition from these awards can make a difference when securing new customers and new business.

We received so many entries from local businesses in the borough, large and small.

To get to the finals is absolutely fantastic, winning an award is amazing, but it’s important to use information to support your employees and customers and bring out the best in what’s happening in your business.”

Mike Smith, of headline sponsor McDonalds, said: “I am delighted that McDonalds is the title sponsor for these very special Wandsworth Business Awards.

They recognise the dynamism, diversity and entrepreneurial flair that characterises the business community in the borough. I passionately believe in supporting entrepreneurial flair. I extend my congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the awards and thank the Wandsworth Chamber and FHW for putting on a fantastic, celebratory event.”

Cllr Rory O'Broin said: "What an amazing evening celebrating with some of the most vibrant and successful businesses in Wandsworth!

The Council is a proud member of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce and I'd like to thank them, once again, for organising these awards.

Running a business today can be challenging, which is why the Council is constantly exploring ways to help.

My congratulations to all of the finalists and winners of tonight's awards. As their success shows, Wandsworth is a great place to start and grow a business."

Presided over by TV and radio presenter David Blackmore - a regular on ITV's This Morning – the awards were handed out by category sponsors in front of an audience of nearly 200 people from across the local business community, following a gala three-course dinner.

The sponsors were: McDonalds, Aspire2inspire, Wandsworth Chamber, London Borough of Wandsworth, Roehampton University, South Thames College, Roehampton Club, Hodders Law, Battersea Power Station, Banham Security, Southside Wandsworth.

For more information visit: www.wandsworthawards.biz

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News

CELEBRATIONS for Broadband Milestone

Join Us Today

Wandsworth Council has been named as the first local authority in London to offer 50 per cent of its councilowned properties access to full fibre broadband.

Community Fibre, the Gigabit FTTH provider backed by Railway Pension and Amber Infrastructure (Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund), praised the council for setting an example that other landlords should follow.

The provider confirmed that Wandsworth residents can now experience Gigabit speeds 33 times faster than the national average.

Full-fibre networks can be up to 40 times faster than the part-copper networks offered by other providers. Earlier this year, Chancellor Philip Hammond set a target for 15 million homes and businesses to have full-fibre broadband by 2025.

The council celebrated its 50 per cent milestone with a roundtable discussion at Dimson Lodge in Battersea attended by Margot James, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries, Councillor Kim Caddy, Wandsworth’s Cabinet

Member for Housing, and Jeremy Chelot, CEO of Community Fibre.

Dimson Lodge is a Wandsworth Council-owned clubroom for local older people, who are also sheltered housing residents and which has also been equipped with free Gigabit connectivity by Community Fibre.

Cllr Caddy said: “Our partnership with Community Fibre has been a resounding success and together we have worked very hard to allow our tenants to make the most of fast online access and all the benefits it brings.

“I know just how important this is for our residents and it is all part of our vision to help people get on in life by giving them access to the same opportunities, regardless of background, age or where you live.”

Margot James, Minister for Digital, said: "Partnerships, like the one between Wandsworth Council and

Margot James, Minister for Digital, said: "Partnerships, like the one between Wandsworth Council and Community Fibre, will be instrumental in delivering this, and we want to see more boroughs working with network operators to make sure residents get the connectivity they need for the future, as soon as possible.”

Community Fibre, will be instrumental in delivering this, and we want to see more boroughs working with network operators to make sure residents get the connectivity they need for the future, as soon as possible.”

Jeremy Chelot, Chief Executive of Community Fibre, said: “The residents of Wandsworth are now some of the best-connected people in the country, with access to the fastest speeds in the UK. “We believe in providing better internet for everyone, and this milestone is a significant first step in our commitment to eliminating the growing issue of digital poverty, where a large proportion of UK consumers have access to some of the slowest broadband speeds in Europe.”

Headquartered in London, Community Fibre are in the process of installing their network into 180,000 homes and businesses, with a planned 500,000 by 2022.

Steve Pinto, CEO of Wandsworth Chamber says, “We are delighted to be working with Community Fibre to extend their network to businesses in the borough. If your business wants future proofed broadband connectivity at incredible speeds, contact Community Fibre now and mention Wandsworth Chamber for a great deal.”

Whether you are part of a large organisation or work from an office at home, there are many good reasons for joining The Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce.

As the business hub of Wandsworth, your Chamber is influential in helping to create the right business environment for local companies to flourish. Through membership you have the ability to use our "business voice", the opportunity to meet key stakeholders, network and do business with many other local businesses that you won't find anywhere else.

So, do it now, online, and start enjoying the many benefits on offer.

www.wandsworthchamber.org

For more information or to discuss how we can help you, please contact us at: Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce

020 3633 6575

enquiries@wandsworthchamber.org

Business Connexions | 5

Economy

A quarter of UK adults ‘have ambitions to start a business’ Twenty six per cent of UK adults want to start their own business, according to a new survey.

With more than half a million businesses being created across the country each year, London-based digital agency Studio Graphene commissioned an independent survey of more than 2,000 adults to find out how many people harbour ambitions to start their own company.

It found that the number goes up for Millennials (45%) and parents with children aged 18 and under (41%).

Thirteen per cent of people said that in the past five years they have had an idea for a business they wanted to start but abandoned their plans when they found out someone else had already acted on their idea.

Twelve per cent of the population also said they had seen a new product being advertised in the past year that they had previously wanted to create themselves.

According to the latest figures, 589,000 new companies were established in the UK last year, a 22% increase from 2012, when 484,000 businesses

6 | Business Connexions

were formed. In total, over the past five years, the country has witnessed the creation of almost 3.5 million start-ups.

However, Studio Graphene’s research revealed a variety of reasons which stopped people going into business for themselves.

They found that:

• 46% of UK adults said they feel that they lack the skills and knowledge to be an entrepreneur Women (51%) are more likely than men (40%) to feel this way

• 50% of respondents said they would not know how to fund their business if they were to start one.

This is a particular issue for millennials – 64% of 18-34-year-olds said it is a problem

• 13% of UK adults said that they want to launch a new technology product but do not know how to go about developing the tech

Ritam Gandhi, director and founder of Studio Graphene, said: “We’ve seen a huge rise in the number of people starting their own businesses over the past five years.

“This research shows that this trend is likely to continue for some time yet, with a significant proportion of the UK having ambitions to become their own boss.

“This should be celebrated – start-ups are driving innovation in our day-to-day lives while also contributing to economic growth.

“We’ve also uncovered that many people are coming

up with ideas for new businesses only to see that someone has beaten them to it but competition shouldn't be a deterrent – as they say in business, you must ‘pivot’ and create a new niche for your company.

“And for those who fear they lack the required skills or know-how to launch a start-up, it’s important to remember that there are vast numbers of people they can approach for support to help get their business off the ground.

That’s what makes the UK such a great place for budding entrepreneurs.”

“Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce is a great place for start ups and aspiring businesses to meet, test ideas, share information and learn how to overcome problems before they arise. We have a diverse range of members who can help and advise and the friendly meeting environment is also an amazing way to grow your business contacts. With over 60 event annually there is a meeting suitable for everyone.”

Finance

ArchOver launches Investment Plan Business lending platform ArchOver has launched an automated portfolio investment option for SMEs.

ArchOver connects businesses requiring finance with investors seeking a secure and favourable return and the ArchOver Investment Plan has an annual target rate of up to 6.4%.

CEO Angus Dent said: “Peer-to-peer was established to democratise finance. We knew there was demand from potential investors who could benefit from our model, but didn’t necessarily want to lend borrower-project-byborrower-project, including investment houses that require a more diversified portfolio with cross-sector exposure.

“Institutions using the service will now be able to let ArchOver administer their portfolio for the first time.

“We also wanted to provide a portfolio lending strategy for private investors. With the entry point at £250, our platform will now be accessible to an even wider group of people.”

Each Investment Plan will be spread over a minimum of ten secured investment projects

on the platform, with no more than 10% of the portfolio being exposed to any one Borrower.

The loans will benefit from ArchOver’s full range of security measures, including controlled accounts, credit insurance (where applicable), dispute resolution and an all-assets charge with Companies House.

Lending with ArchOver takes place over its secure online platform.

Every loan listed on the platform has been screened and approved by the in-house credit team.

Companies that borrow over the ArchOver platform are UK-based, have been trading for a minimum of two years, and are seeking a minimum loan of £250,000.

They must have an established management team and a proven business model based on trading business-to-business.

Loans are for any business purpose, typically raising working capital, replacing invoice discounting or bank overdrafts. Loans are fixed term, for a fixed amount and at a fixed rate of interest.

Report says businesses need help to invest in green revolution

New research amongst UK SMEs reveals that 90% of businesses believe that incorporating sustainable and environmentallyfriendly processes is important but that not enough is being done to persuade them to invest.

CitySprint’s sixth annual survey of more than 1,000 SME decision-makers found that, while businesses believe in the importance of sustainability, 53% have not invested in it at all yet.

Fifty per cent of the businesses questioned think the Government needs to do more to deliver ideas on how companies can become more sustainable and reduce emissions.

Half think there isn’t enough funding for green projects, and 51% believe there isn’t enough information available about how companies can access what funding is available.

Patrick Gallagher, CitySprint Group CEO, said: “It’s incredibly heartening to know that small businesses understand the importance of sustainable and environmentally-friendly processes, and choose to prioritise these because they want to make the world a better place, whether or not this leads to any financial benefit.

“One of the biggest barriers preventing the adoption of more sustainable processes is the lack of funding and government-led infrastructure to support them, something that we have also experienced as a business.

“We have learned that there’s strength in numbers, and SMEs should look to form partnerships with other businesses with areas of common interest who are committed to making a difference.

This could be as straightforward as making greener choices in your supply chain, choosing partners and suppliers whose sustainability goals support your own.”

Business Connexions | 7

Big Interview

“Beaver Pest Control are thrilled to be winners of the Best SME and overall Best Business of the Year 2018, at the recent Wandsworth Business Awards. We are great supporters of the Wandsworth Chamber Trusted Business network and are delighted to add these trophies to our collection.�

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Education is important in the battle against the pests

Big Interview

They are the creatures that can cause immense concern for many business owners in London, the pests that can work their way into buildings and cause all sorts of problems both to bricks and mortar and to reputations.

The job of dealing with the likes of rats, mice, grey squirrels and wasps falls to specialist companies like Beaver Pest Control, which was formed in 1990 by current director Graham Lodge and has been growing rapidly as demand for its services rises.

Helping guide the growth is the company’s Head of Sales Julia Pittman, who used to be a customer when she worked for a commercial cleaning business and who joined Beaver in 2014.

Since she joined, she has seen the company grow dramatically. Turnover in 2014 was £1.8 million, this year it is expected to be £3.4 million and the business employs 60 people, working with both commercial customers and residential.

She says that, in addition to eradicating pests, Beaver Pest Control seeks to educate clients wherever possible.

Julia, who focuses mainly on commercial customers, ranging from restaurants to councils, said: “Education is as important as eradication to us and we spend a lot of time showing clients how to keep these creatures out of their buildings.”

“The thing about rodents is that it is better to keep them out of a building in the first place than it is to get rid of them once they have found a way in.”

“Take grey squirrels as an example. In a garden they are not a problem, but they can cause all sorts of difficulties if they get into your roof-space.

They, like all rodents, like to gnaw through wiring, which can be dangerous.

“I went out to a job on a housing estate in Lambeth where the lift was out of order and it turned out that the reason for the fault was that a rodent had gnawed through the cable.

“However, if you block up the holes that allow rodents into the building in the first place, you can prevent the problem in many cases.”

“That is why a big part of our work is preventative and we estimate that, although you can never say that you can keep everything out, if we fill the gaps in a building we can keep 80 per cent of pests out. Proofing a building is an important part of the job for us and we have a specialist team to carry out proofing work.”

Julia says that the wider public have a part to play in tackling

rodents because the large amount of litter that is dumped on the Capital’s streets can lead to a rise in their numbers.

She said: “I think that we all have a role to play in guarding against pests. If we leave food lying about the streets, it can provide a food source for the likes of rats and mice.

“Sometimes we have to teach people about the creatures they are identifying as pests as well. Wasps are an example.

Early in the year quite a lot of the reports we receive about wasps actually relate to honey bees and responsible pest control companies will do their best not eradicate them.

If you leave a swarm it will soon disperse.

“That is certainly our approach and we help people identify the difference between bees and wasps.

“Sometimes, though, the problem is not what you expect. We attended a call about rodents sighted in a refuse room only to discover that it was a domestic hamster that someone had released.

The story had a happy ending because the hamster went home with one of the maintenance men!”

One key factor that could be leading to an increase in demand for the Beaver Pest Control’s specialists may be climate change, said Julia.

She said: “We are certainly seeing an increasing demand for our services, whether that is because there are more pests or because we are becoming more prominent as a business I am not sure.

However, the warmer climate may be having an effect.”

“Certainly, the long dry spell during the summer had an effect. We were seeing birds having a second clutch of eggs late in the season, for example, and it is possible that there were more pest species around as well because the change in climate is changing breeding patterns.”

Whatever the cause of increased pest numbers, one thing is certain – Julia and her colleagues at Beaver Pest Control will be ready for them!

“We are certainly seeing an increasing demand for our services, whether that is because there are more pests or because we are becoming more prominent as a business I am not sure. However, the warmer climate may be having an effect.”

Business Connexions | 9

News

Up, up and away for new attraction Battersea Power Station has unveiled plans for a major new London attraction, a glass elevator which will travel 109 metres to the top of one of the iconic chimneys.

The Chimney Lift is one of three new event/attraction spaces planned for the Power Station. It will provide visitors with the unique experience of travelling up the interior of the north-west chimney in a glass elevator which emerges at the 109 metres high summit as a viewing platform, offering 360° panoramic vistas across the Capital and into the Home Counties.

Other planned innovations will include The Venue, which will feature a series of connected spaces. The space has the flexibility to host a wide variety of cultural events, including live music, product launches, fashion shows, conferences, dinners and other entertainment.

The Event Box, the main space, can hold up to 1,500 people and also being developed is Control Room A, a rare example of a complete 1930s Art Deco interior, which overlooks the Turbine Hall through a series of bay windows and balconies.

The space, which has capacity for 250 people, will form a backdrop for a wide range of events either in conjunction with, or separately from, The Event Box.

Control Room A contained the equipment necessary to

monitor the electrical output of the Power Station when it was operational.

Andrew Hilston, Head of Leasing at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: “These unique spaces are central to our plans that will make Battersea Power Station one of London’s most exciting destinations.”

The latest additions will sit alongside the many shops, restaurants and office spaces within the Power Station when it opens to the public in 2021.

Battersea Power Station is working closely with a wide collection of heritage and emerging retail brands from the UK and across the globe to complement its vision for the 1930s and 1950s turbine halls.

Apple has already pre-let 500,000 sq ft of office space for its new London Campus within the building, which will sit next door to business members club No18, which has pre-let 40,000 sq ft of office space.

The first phase of the wider redevelopment, Circus West Village, is already open with more than a thousand residents living there and more than a million people having visited the variety of independent restaurants, shops, bars and leisure facilities that have opened.

“Battersea Power Station is working closely with a wide collection of heritage and emerging retail brands from the UK and across the globe to complement its vision for the 1930s and 1950s turbine halls.”

Business Connexions | 11

Legal

A BITTER PILL for employers

by Carla Whalen Associate, Employment

In October this year the Court of Appeal rejected an appeal by Morrisons against a High Court ruling that the supermarket was vicariously liable for damage suffered by its employees after an IT auditor deliberately disclosed their personal information on the internet.

Coming at a time when businesses of all sizes have been working hard to ensure they are compliant with the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), this decision raises difficult questions about how employers can avoid liability for data breaches perpetrated by rogue employees.

What happened?

In January 2014 Mr Skelton, then a senior IT auditor at Morrisons, deliberately posted the personal details (including payroll data) of almost 100,000 Morrisons employees on a data sharing website. He was acting in revenge for disciplinary action Morrisons had taken against him the previous year.

Mr Skelton was arrested, charged and eventually convicted and sentenced to 8 years in prison.

Over 5,000 employees whose personal data had been disclosed by Mr Skelton then brought a group civil claim against Morrisons seeking compensation. They argued that Morrisons was liable for its own acts and omissions, and that it was vicariously liable for Mr Skelton’s actions.

Morrisons’ liability Morrisons was not directly liable for the data breach as it had not directly misused the employees’ personal data and it had not permitted the breach – no reasonable measures could prevent an employee like Mr Skelton from disclosing information, if they were determined. However, the Court of Appeal agreed with

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the High Court that Morrisons should be held vicariously liable for Mr Skelton’s actions.

Firstly, the Court of Appeal confirmed that data protection legislation includes the possibility of vicarious liability.

It then went on to set out a two-part test for deciding whether Morrisons should be held vicariously liable: 1. What functions or ‘field of activities’ had been entrusted by Morrisons to Mr Skelton, and what was the nature of his job?

2. Was there sufficient connection between Mr Skelton’s job and his wrongful conduct so as to make it right for Morrisons to be held liable?

The Court of Appeal was satisfied that Morrisons had entrusted Mr Skelton with the employee data as part of his day-to-day role and that he had been appointed to the position of senior IT Auditor on the basis that he could be trusted to deal with this kind of confidential information. It agreed that Morrisons should be vicariously liable as there was an unbroken thread that linked Mr Skelton’s work to the disclosure and which therefore constituted a continuous sequence of events.

It did not matter that Mr Skelton’s motive in committing the data breach was to harm his employer.

The fundamental aim of data protection legislation is to protect the rights of individuals and, if an employer were to cease to be liable when an employee went off on a frolic of their own, that would defeat individuals’ rights rather than protect them.

Where does this leave employers?

This decision will certainly not be welcomed by employers as it effectively means that, no matter how good your data security measures are, there is no way to guarantee protection from vicarious liability if one of your employees deliberately and maliciously sets out to cause a data breach.

It also increases the potential risks for employers who suffer a data breach as awards of compensation are entirely separate from any monetary penalties that the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) might impose for failure to comply with data protection legislation.

Nevertheless, the decision does provide a forceful reminder of the importance of having robust data protection measures in place to protect against internal as well as external threats.

For many small and mediumsized businesses, this will mean reviewing what personal data can be accessed by

self-employed consultants, agency workers and/or interns as well as employees.

Businesses should also ask: • Do we have appropriate authorisation levels in place so that confidential information can only be accessed by the people who really need to see it?

• Do we provide data protection training to all personnel on induction?

• Do we have strict information retention and deletion processes in place to ensure we don’t keep more data than we need?

• Do we regularly check that data security processes and procedures are being followed?

• If all else fails, does our insurance cover personal data breaches?

This is the first group litigation case in the UK relating to a data breach and we do not yet know how much Morrisons will be required to pay as this will be decided at a separate hearing. Morrisons has also indicated its intention to appeal to the Supreme Court, so this may not be the last we hear.

Carla Whalen Associate, Employment

russell-cooke.co.uk

+44 (0)20 8789 9111

BRINGING EMPLOYERS AND STUDENTS together to narrow the skills gap

Patron Focus

Construction students

When it comes to preparing students for the world of work, they have a very hands-on approach at South Thames College, one that seeks to benefit both the young person and the employer.

The college’s students are constantly stepping outside of the classroom scenario to obtain a realistic feel for what today’ employers are looking for, direct from the people who could end up giving them a job.

It is an approach that many educators and business people argue is vital if the UK is to narrow the skills gap, and one that finds strong support from College Principal Andrew Slade.

He said: “You hear some employers saying that they cannot find people with the skills they need. To address that, we are working with a lot of employers who come in and tell the students what they are looking for.

“It gives them the opportunity to talk about the skills they need and also to talk about things like time-keeping.

“Hopefully, the approach inspires the students so that they want to work for that company and it also gives the company the chance to

Stephen Merritt and students

choose the student that they would like to employ.

“It means that the companies are more embedded in the college and more and more they come to us looking for students to fulfil specific roles.”

Examples of the approach is the work done by South Thames College’s Employability and Work Experience team, who have worked closely with employers to develop a series of Employer Inspirational Talks for students across a variety of curriculum areas.

The sessions included a recent one when the Construction Department hosted a talk from Stephen Merritt, one of the founders and Directors of SAB Projects, a London-based construction company who predominantly focus on basement structural shell and finishes, refurbishments and superstructure works across South West, West and North West London and Surrey.

During the visit, Stephen toured classrooms and workshops to

Construction students

meet learners and staff and delivered a talk covering types of jobs in the industry, routes into employment, employability skills such as punctuality, time management professional behaviour and Health & Safety in the workplace.

Also taking place recently, Level 2 and Level 3 Sports students attended a workshop dealing with careers in sport and employability skills at Fulham Football Club’s ground, Craven Cottage, delivered by Jim Hart, Fulham FC Employability Coach.

Sports students Citycise

The focus was on developing personal and social skills and the employability skills and attributes that employers such as Fulham FC look for from their staff.

The College is always looking for more businesses to become involved. Andrew said: “Being a Patron of the Chamber of Commerce is incredibly important to us.

It opens us up to so many companies and we have an open invitation for employers who want to come in and find out more about what we do.”

“Hopefully, the approach inspires the students so that they want to work for that company and it also gives the company the chance to choose the student that they would like to employ.”

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a p l e h s s e in s u b r ? u k r o o y w o t Can n tio i s n a r t r i e h t student in

If every Wandsworth business were able to help just one student in a Wan dsworth school or co llege it would really make a difference to prep ar e young people to kick start their careers.

Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce joined forces with South Thames College and the Wandsworth Ambitions Careers Initiative to set a challenge for Wandsworth businesses to ‘Take One’ young person.

Our Take One campaign asks business to do their bit to help young people understand the changing, and challenging, work environment. You could do this by providing a visit to

your work place, deliver a talk to students about your business and the skills of your employees, or provide a work experience opportunity.

Getting to know some of the young talent in Wandsworth schools and colleges could also help you fill a job vacancy when it arises. Training provided through apprenticeships will support business and young people in that transition to work.

you can get For more information about how involved contact Nathaniel business@stcg.ac.uk Telephone: 020 8918 7272 Email: The Wandsworth Ambitions careers initiative is supported by:

Earn Money From Your Property G Various lettings schemes available

G No management fees or commission G Free professional letting

G Free management service G Cash incentives available* * depending on scheme

We are looking for properties to let in Wandsworth borough and surrounding areas.

We offer a: LET ONLY SCHEME RENT GUARANTEED SCHEME FULLY MANAGED SCHEME For further information on these schemes and other letting opportunities, call us on (020) 8871 7333 or email landlordlettings@wandsworth.gov.uk

Refer a landlord and receive

£200!

www.wandsworth.gov.uk/privatehousing 14 | Business Connexions

Deal signed to build another 92 affordable homes in Wandsworth How the Battersea homes will look

Wandsworth Council has signed two contracts with leading developer Wates Residential to build the 92 affordable homes by the spring of 2020. The new low income council homes will be built in Battersea and Putney.

In Battersea, 71 homes will be built for social rent in Shuttleworth Road, which forms part of the council’s wider Winstanley and York Road Estates regeneration programme, to increase the number of affordable homes available for local people.

And in Putney, Wates will build 21 affordable homes in Stag Lane. Eight of the homes will be available for low cost rent while the remaining 13 will be designed to support some of the borough’s more vulnerable residents who have physical and learning disabilities with the aim of helping them live independently.

The supply of homes in Wandsworth for people on lower incomes has been boosted by the formal signing of contracts for the construction of 92 new affordable homes.

On both projects, Wates and the council have also made a joint pledge to provide employment and training opportunities for local residents, including on-site apprenticeships, work experience placements and structured training programmes.

Nine long-term unemployed adults from the local area have already taken part in Wates’ accredited Building Futures programme, which provides basic construction training and helps participants develop new skills to help them make the transition into employment.

One of these participants is now working on the company’s Abbey Road site in Camden.

The developer has also committed to working with a local employment agency to ensure that at least ten per cent of the workforce is comprised of local residents from Wandsworth.

Wandsworth’s cabinet member for housing Cllr Kim Caddy, said: “This is part of our Wandsworth Homes For Wandsworth People

development programme that’s providing more and more housing opportunities for people on low to middle incomes.

“But there is a lot more to the programme than providing more council housing. We are working to give people choices by generating employment and training opportunities, helping our residents to develop new skills and ultimately improving lives.”

Paul Nicholls, Managing Director of Wates Residential South, said: “We are looking forward to delivering these much-needed affordable homes for local people and building on our excellent relationship with the London Borough of Wandsworth.

“Local communities are at the heart of every project we work on so we are really pleased that our development will also leave a positive lasting legacy through our commitment to invest in creating training and employment opportunities throughout the duration of both projects.”

Council leader outlines case for second entrance at Putney Station

News

Brexit Business Hub is launched

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has launched a new online portal to help the Capital’s companies cope with Brexit.

The Brexit Business Resource Hub at www.growthhub.london/brexithub has been set up in response to a consultation that the Mayor held with businesses to determine what support they need to ready themselves for Brexit.

The consultation revealed that businesses feel they have not had sufficient guidance from Government ministers on how to prepare.

The Hub contains Brexit-related news, links to industry-specific reports and checklists, and an events calendar, with information on all Brexit related events taking place across London.

It is part of the Mayor’s London Growth Hub that was launched two years ago as a one-stop shop for all business support in London, in partnership between the Mayor and the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP).

Simon Pitkeathley, LEAP Board Champion for Small Business, said: “Whatever the outcome of Brexit is, business owners need to know what the implications will be to their business. In a time of uncertainty for businesses, our City needs this forward-thinking and tactical approach to ensure that London’s economy remains strong and vibrant.”

Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia repeated the case for a second entrance at Putney Station when he met Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.

Wandsworth Council has signed two contracts with leading developer Wates Residential to build the 92 affordable homes by the spring of 2020. The new low income council homes will be built in Battersea and Putney.

In a meeting at the station, Cllr Govindia told the minister that a new entrance could ease overcrowding on platforms at Putney and shorten journey times for thousands of local residents who use the station each day.

The council has been leading a longrunning campaign to open a second station entrance at Putney. This would lead directly onto the platforms via a footbridge from Oxford Road.

The council has consistently offered to help fund a new footbridge which would offer people living in East Putney vastly improved access to the station, shorten overall journey times and ease overcrowding at the single existing entrance in Putney High Street.

It would also improve the interchange with tube passengers using District Line services at East Putney Station.

The council conducted a feasibility study in 2014 to see where a new entrance could be provided, how much it might cost and where other funding could come from. The council has repeatedly indicated its willingness to provide money from the Community Infrastructure Levy fund (CIL) which requires developers to pay a financial contribution towards local infrastructure improvements.

Councillor Govindia said: “It was good to meet the minister face to face and put the case to him direct.

“I told him that there is an absolutely compelling argument to open a second entrance at the eastern end of the platforms.

“You only have to look at the positive effect a second entrance has made to the daily lives of thousands of people who use the new Brighton Yard entrance at Clapham Junction.

“The meeting has left me more optimistic and more confident that there could be some long-awaited light at the end of the tunnel.”

Business Connexions | 15

Spotlight on Tooting

Businesses play their part in creating the Tooting vibe

16 | Business Connexions

With its lively streets, its mixture of well-known and emerging shops, its restaurants, cafes and pubs, its cultural attractions and its wealth of green spaces, Tooting has a lot going for it.

The phrase you hear time and time again about the area is that Tooting has a ‘good vibe’ about it, which is why it has become a favourite location for young professionals and families who are looking for their own bit of space amid the hubbub of the Capital.

Indeed, Tooting has a particularly young population with nearly a third aged between 15-29 years.

Tooting was not always part of the city: the modern community can trace its development back to its growth as a settlement on the old coach route out of London to the south and west.

The neighbourhood was still largely rural until the late 19th Century when the railway arrived and significant development started.

Today, its strengths include a diverse and multicultural population, a unique retail offer and excellent public

Spotlight on Tooting

VIiew at Tooting Junction showing new pedestrian crossings transport access with two tube stations, one main line and 14 bus routes.

People who live in the area comment on the strong community feel that has grown up, helped by an expanding bar and restaurant scene, with the area particularly known for its wide range of Asian cuisine.

In fact, in August 2017, Lonely Planet declared Tooting one of the top ten coolest neighbourhoods in the world on account of its trendy indoor markets, great restaurants, pubs, bars, Tooting Common and Tooting Lido.

Time Out London often features award-winning Tooting establishments in the magazine.

A significant number of restaurants can be found along Tooting High Street and Upper Tooting Road and, adding to the food and drink scene, Tooting has a series of festivals throughout the year, including

Foodival, the annual food festival celebrating everything that’s good about locally produced food, and Tootopia.

The Tootopia festival runs for three days on the penultimate weekend of September with its foodie trails, thirst quests, street food takeover, pooch parade and live music, which attract crowds from far and wide.

Tooting has plenty of other attractions, including The Gala Bingo hall, a spectacular Grade I listed former 1930s cinema and concert hall, which played host to Frank Sinatra and Carmen Miranda in its heyday.

There is also the opportunity to take a trip to the London Sewing Machine Museum to see machines owned by the likes of Queen Victoria.

Shopping is hugely important to the town centre, which is predominantly retail.

Big-name high street retailers attract a strong customer base

and it is well served by convenience retailers with a good mix of multiple and independent businesses.

The northern and southern sections of Tooting High Street and frontages on Mitcham Road form the centre’s secondary retail frontages. These locations are characterised by smaller retail units and make up a large proportion of retail services, including banks, cafes, restaurants, travel agents, ethnic fabric/clothes shops, butchers and grocers.

Tooting is a favourite haunt for dressmakers, amateur and professional, because there is a whole host of small, family-run fabric outlets along the high street and in the markets.

Tooting has two indoor markets.

Broadway Market is one of the biggest indoor markets in London, with more than a hundred stalls and can trace its history back to 1936.

Its neighbour Tooting Market has been established for more than 80 years and includes its newest expansion, the Yard Market where a previously

underused empty yard area has now become a vibrant, colourful shopping destination with more than 7,000 sq ft of new space which is home to a mix of retail and food units.

In total, there are 432 business units across the Tooting, Graveney and Bedford wards.

The town centre, where just 3% of units are vacant, is supported by a Town Centre Manager, employed by Wandsworth Council and who is accountable to the Tooting Town Centre Partnership Board.

This meets once every two months to review strategic priorities, progress against key actions and updates from partner representatives.

The Board is comprised of business representatives (e.g. Tooting Market, Pearl Chemist Group, McDonalds, Tooting Business Network,) Metropolitan Police Service Tooting (Safer Neighbourhood Team), local charity representatives (Business Launchpad and Wandsworth Oasis), TfL London Underground and local ward councillors.

“In August 2017, Lonely Planet declared Tooting one of the top ten coolest neighbourhoods in the world on account of its trendy indoor markets, great restaurants, pubs, bars, Tooting Common and Tooting Lido. Time Out London often features award-winning Tooting establishments in the magazine.”

Business Connexions | 17

Major changes on the way as part of significant investment

Spotlight on Tooting

Tooting does not rest on its past achievements and residents and businesses recently took part in a public consultation on proposals to improve pedestrian safety in the town centre as part of a £7.5 million investment.

In Mitcham Road, the work is proposed at the following junctions: Udine Street, Bickley Street, Valnay Street, Melison Road, Franciscan Road, Rookstone Road, Vant Road, Charlmont Road, Church Lane, Bickersteth Road, Avarn Road, Bevill Allen Close and Byton Road.

The plans have been drawn up by Transport for London (TfL) in conjunction with Wandsworth Council’s highways engineers and are designed to encourage more journeys on foot by improving conditions for pedestrians and making the town centre a safer place for those who walk.

They plans call for a wideranging set of urban realm improvements, including: • The introduction of continuous footways

• The introduction of a 20mph speed limit through the area.

• Improving existing pedestrian crossings and introducing new ones.

• Introducing a community space on Totterdown Street.

• Changing the turning priority at some side streets including introducing a oneway system for Moffat Road and Hereward Road.

Pavement treatments would be installed at side road junctions to form ‘continuous footways’ giving the impression of a continuous pavement across the junction.

This treatment has been

18 | Business Connexions

installed at other locations along the Transport for London road network, including at the junction of Upper Tooting Road and Stapleton Road.

This measure would seek to prioritise pedestrian movements by encouraging vehicles to slow down and give way to pedestrians. For vehicles exiting the side road, TfL is looking to introduce give-way markings, in addition to the continuous footway, to encourage car drivers to stop and enable pedestrians to cross safely.

The proposals are for continuous footways to be used at the following junctions with Tooting High Street: Carwell Street, Trevelyan Road, Aldis Street, Sellincourt Road, Tooting Grove, Recovery Street, Nutwell Street, Woodbury Street, Hoyle Road, Coverton Road, Ivy Road, Gilbey Road, Garrat Terrace and Selkirk Road.

In the Upper Tooting Road they would be introduced at these junctions: Gatton Road, Totterdown Street, Broadwater Road, Moffat Road, Kellino Street, Hereward Road, Letchworth Street, Cowick Road, Hebdon Road, Lessingham Avenue, Lynwood Road and Price Close.

arms at the same time. TfL also plans to introduce a new crossing in Tooting High Street near Selkirk Road.

As well as these measures TfL is also proposing to reduce the speed limit to 20mph on its main trunk roads – to complement the 20mph limit that was introduced by the council in all the borough’s residential side streets last year.

The proposals would also see Lessingham Avenue made leftturn only on to Upper Tooting Road, Derinton Road become right turn only on to Upper Tooting Road, and there would be a new one-way facility on Moffat Road and Hereward Road whereby Moffat Road would be entry only from Upper Tooting Road and exit only from Hereward Road on to Upper Tooting Road. It would operate one-way clock-wise.

The plans also call for existing pedestrian crossing in Tooting High Street to be widened and raised and for the introduction of “straight across crossings” rather than the current staggered ones outside Tooting Broadway Station, while a new signalised crossing would be installed at the junction of Longmead Road and Mitcham Lane. This would bring together two crossings that already exist and provide a junction where the green-man phase is present across all

Wandsworth Council’s transport spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: “We have been exploring ways to make Tooting safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users for some time now and we’re delighted that TfL has come on board and worked with us to draw up these proposals.”

TfL also wants to protect bus journey times, where possible, by extending bus lane facilities along the A24.

At Totterdown Street, the plans could see it become more of a community-oriented space. This would not mean wholly trafficfree but could see changes to parking, road surfacing and planting to make it a more inviting space for local people.

5 Terrific Things about Tooting

Spotlight on Tooting

Dave Mauger, Publisher of online news and community resource Tooting Daily PRSS, tells us 5 of his favourite things about Tooting...

Tooting has, over recent years, become a destination. We’ve always known it’s a great place, but this was firmly cemented last year when Lonely Planet named it one of the Top Ten Neighbourhoods to visit in the world. There are a multitude of reasons to support this, and I’ve tried to cover as many as I can.

1. Community and Diversity

in the area, and of course in the two markets, and you have a foodie destination that’s second to none.

There’s very few places on the planet that don’t have their food represented in Tooting, and you’re always assured of a terrific meal!

3. Open space

Always top of the list of people’s favourite things about Tooting!

This is truly what makes Tooting special – it’s home to a huge array of different ethnicities, cultures and religions. One example is the fantastic Balham & Tooting Community Association (BATCA), a multifaith group who promote good work in the community, no matter your beliefs, and hold an annual Peace Ceremony as well as annual Community Awards.

There’s also community kitchen the Graveney Canteen, babybank Little Village, amongst many others…truly an example of a community working together to make their neighbourhood a better place.

2. Food

I could take up this whole article about food in Tooting and still not have enough space to cover it all!

The South Asian population makes Tooting one of the top destinations for South Asian food in the UK – add to that the superb variety of new eateries (offering food from around the globe)

We’re so lucky to have such a huge open green space in Tooting, which incorporates playgrounds, an athletics track, ponds, a café, and of course the magnificent Tooting Bec Lido – the largest freshwater pool in the UK. The Common hosts numerous family events throughout the year, many of them run by the Friends of Tooting Common.

There’s also the recent addition of the Tooting Folk and Blues Festival, a free live music event in the summer that attracts thousands every year.

4. Businesses

Tooting is home to businesses that are still thriving after many years (Harrington’s Pie Shop are now celebrating their 110th year) and is awash with fantastic fabric shops and jewellers, which attract customers from across London and beyond.

New businesses are cropping up all the time, many of which are housed in the Trident Business Centre, who rent office

space to businesses and reinvest the earnings into Business Launchpad, a charity to help young people start their own business.

As well as a plethora of food, Tooting boasts some of the best pubs and bars in London, celebrated every year with the Tootopia and Tootsmas festivals.

5. Sustainability

Tooting is growing greener every day.

Long-standing community group Transition Town Tooting run events about sustainability throughout the year (including the annual Foodival), plus zero-waste businesses such as BYO London and Tap 13 (in the brilliant Tooting and Broadway Markets respectively) aim to further help Tootingites reduce their waste.

The Work & Play Scrapstore promotes the re-use of resources that you might otherwise throw away for educational, artistic, creative, social or therapeutic activities.

www.tootingdailyprss.co.uk Facebook: @TootingDailyPRSS

Instagram: @tootingdailyPRSS

Twitter: @tootingPRSS

And that’s without mentioning St George’s Hospital, the South West London & St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, the Community Garden, transport links and loads more… Can I come back next month?

Business Connexions | 19

News

The Living Wage

GreenZone Cleaning & Support Services are recognised Service Providers of the Living Wage which is an hourly rate set independently and updated annually.

GreenZone are committed to ensuring their staff earn a wage they can really live on, not just the government minimum.

The Living Wage is calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK. Employers choose to pay the Living Wage on a voluntary basis.

The Living Wage enjoys cross party support. The London Living Wage was reviewed in November 2018 and is currently £10.55 per hour and covers all boroughs in Greater London.

The UK Living Wage for outside of London is currently £9.00 per hour.

These figures are set annually by the Resolution Foundation.

GreenZone encourages all their clients to follow them and also commit to paying the Living Wage.

You can find out more at www.livingwage.org.uk

Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and their Future

By Julian Jackson

Cryptocurrencies came into the world in 2009 with the rollout of bitcoin. The mysterious creator "Satoshi Nakamoto", who seems to have disappeared, solved the practical problems of a digital currency, which had been attempted in other forms which did not succeed.

The technical aspects are not the focus of this article.

Roll forward to 2017, and a plethora of new currencies and blockchain-enabled projects took off. Although this year has been turbulent, many startups have made significant progress.

What is a blockchain?

In non-technical terms, it is the underlying backbone of the technology: a ledger (like Excel) which is distributed over many computers, or “nodes” which does away with the need to have a trusted third party, like a bank or insurance broker, or any kind of middleman, to facilitate a deal between two parties who do not know each other.

What is a dAPP or decentralised application “a smart contract” The next innovation came in with the second cryptocurrency to be invented, ethereum.

It can have actual computer programs triggered from within the blockchain, so let's imagine a kind of blockchain-based eBay-type bidding site.

Russell-Cooke in Africa

You want to buy (or sell) a laptop, when you win the bid, the computer is delivered, and when you sign for it, payment in cryptocurrency is automatically sent from a wallet of cryptocoins you hold.

There are many applications for this new protocol, but cryptocurrencies are at a very young stage – really like the days of squeaky dial-up modems in the early years of the internet.

What practical application can any of this have to business?

Actually, this is potentially vast. Almost any goods or service industry may well have some or all of its functions automated, particularly if combining with other technologies like AI, 3D printing, and robotics. One area where cryptocurrencies are starting to make an impact is in foreign exchange

transactions because the costs are minimal and transmission very quick. This is such an advantage over the ageing bank system that it is already having an effect.

There are many other potential new opportunities including ID verification and voting, tracking goods, healthcare and records, land registry and many others.

Overall, blockchain and its offshoots will become as much a part of our lives as the internet, smartphones, and home grocery deliveries have become. We are not there yet, and may not be for a few years, but I sense that time is coming.

Wandsworth Chamber will be holding an event devoted to explaining the possibilities of blockchain, cryptocurrencies and associated technologies early in the New Year. Watch out for further announcements in the Chamber’s email.

Julian Jackson is Wandsworth Chamber’s blogger, his portfolio is here: https://julianj.journoportfolio.com

Opening of the new Le Bistro du Telegraph

We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Wandsworth Council, Councillor Piers McCausland, the Chief Executive of The Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Steve Pinto and 60 members of the Business Network for the formal opening of Le Bistro at The Telegraph in October.

The Mayor, who came with the Deputy Mayor Councillor Jane Cooper and numerous fellow councillors, opened Le Bistro and gave an inspiring speech to mark the occasion.

Putney headquartered law firm Russell-Cooke has recently provided a mixed rugby team at a primary school in northern Zimbabwe with a set of branded rugby shirts. This unusual turn of events has come about through the firm’s relationship with Barnes RFC Chairman Mike “Rhino” Whitfield and his involvement with a charity called TAG Rugby Trust. The charity aims to “use the power and simplicity of team sport to engage with and educate individuals” worldwide. Russell-Cooke has sponsored Barnes RFC since 2014.

20 | Business Connexions

An evening of good food and networking in an amazing venue was enjoyed by all.

THE TELEGRAPH THE COUNTRY PUB IN LONDON Set in the heart of Putney Heath, The Telegraph is a stone’s throw from Putney High Street and Wimbledon Common yet only 30 minutes from The City and The West End. Set in extensive gardens The Telegraph has the feel of being in the countryside.

The Telegraph Telegraph Road, Putney Heath SW15 3TU T • 020 8788 2011 E • info@thetelegraphputney.co.uk W • thetelegraphputney.co.uk

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF OUR SISTER SITE

We are delighted to be taking a giant leap away from our base in the heart of Putney Heath into the heart of Barnes at The Tree House on White Hart Lane. We will be introducing our regular wine events and dinners and a new Bistro menu to match an extensive wine list. We look forward to welcoming you.

The Tree House 73 White Hart Lane, London SW13 0PW E • info@thetreehousebarnes.co.uk W • thetreehousebarnes.co.uk

Workforce Training

South Thames Colleges Group Business Centre

South Thames Colleges Group Business Centre works with local employers to support them with training and development needs.

Our Business Centre is your one-stop shop for:

Apprenticeships • We’ll identify how and where an apprentice can benefit your business.

• We’ll help you recruit the right candidate.

• We’ll assist you to access appropriate funding and grants.

Workforce skills We can help you identify skills gaps, recommend training and professional development for your staff, and help access funding where appropriate.

We can design Government funded pre-employment courses to help you fill vacancies and support your recruitment.

Bespoke and Commercial Training

Contact our Business Centre Team today

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020 8918 7272 business@stcg.ac.uk

• We can design programmes specifically for you.

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all its staffing needs.

The Person behind the Business

Wandsworth Rewards gives independent retailers a chance to take on the big names

It is an old adage that the best ideas are the most simple ones and that is certainly the case with a solution that promises to give Wandsworth’s independent retailers a competitive advantage within an increasingly competitive marketplace.

rds a w e R h t r Wandswo

Supported by Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, Wandsworth Rewards is available for use in shops, restaurants and businesses throughout Wandsworth Borough and allows them to play the big names at their own game through their own loyalty solution.

Under the solution, members who sign up receive member benefits every time they shop; every time they shop at participating outlets, they receive money back on every purchase, as well as other member benefits.

Wandsworth Rewards is powered by Cashback World (CBW), an international, multi-sector shopping community which was created in 2003 in Austria by an independent retailer.

Andrew Soper, who works in Business Development for CBW, said: “The idea was to give small, independent traders a way of competing with the big name companies. Providing both discounts and a cashback element was an ideal way of doing it.

“Since the idea was launched, it has grown to operate in 120,000 outlets in 47 countries with more than twelve and a half million people taking part. It is estimated that the figure will be half a billion by 2030.

“Using our unique expertise and by working closely with the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, we have developed Wandsworth Rewards, ensuring a local community focus.

“We aim to support and grow the local economy with shopping and trade throughout the borough of Wandsworth.”

As well as shopping in-store and online, you can use the Cashback World app, your Wandsworth Rewards card and purchase e-vouchers from major high street retailers to help with everyday shopping across all sectors, allowing members to be rewarded on everything they already do and much more.

Wandsworth Rewards offers up to 5% cashback on every purchase along with member offers at a mix of independent shops, boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops.

Andrew Soper Through Love2Shop and eVouchers you can also access many high street brands.”

All card holders have their own app and portal on the CBW website, to which cashback is added. In addition, texts will be sent each time a customer gains cashback and shopping points.

Once a minimum of £9 cashback has been accumulated from personal purchases, the money can be transferred to a specified bank account.

Providing a retailer accepts Wandsworth Rewards, this can be used to secure shopping benefits anywhere within Wandsworth, along with any of Cashback World’s 120,000 merchants in over 48 countries worldwide.”

Wandsworth Rewards cards are all Love2Shop-enabled, which allows them to be used at all participating outlets, which currently includes more than 90 well-known national High Street names. Whether doing a weekly shop or enjoying a treat, everyone can benefit.

All participating reward merchants in Wandsworth will be offering their customers the opportunity to join with a Wandsworth Reward card, which will be fully branded to the merchant. Merchants are identifiable by the CBW smiley face logo in the window and at the till point.

Andrew said: “This is an idea that is already proving popular across the world because on their own small businesses cannot compete with the big retail names. They cannot afford the amount the big companies invest in search engine optimisation or advertising but this solution gives them an incentive to offer customers and thereby attract people to their local high street.”

To find out more contact: Andrew.soper@myworld.com

Business Connexions | 23

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Read about our foster carers’ experiences at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/carer_experiences

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Designed and produced by Wandsworth Design & Print. wdp@wandsworth.gov.uk AD.1196 T&L (8.18) Photos: istock, digitalvision, netnatives

Health and Wellbeing

How to improve your health, happiness and wellbeing in the workplace

MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK becoming less taboo as the number of cases rise Mental health is becoming less of a taboo in the workplace, according to a new survey.

The research comes at a time when more employees are struggling with the problem. Almost 30% of businesses have seen an increase in the number of staff taking time off for mental health reasons, according to the survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce, and Aviva, the UK’s largest insurer.

One in three business leaders have also noticed an increase in the length of time that staff are taking off due to mental health issues.

The survey of more than 1,000 business leaders from every region and nation of the UK, suggests that firms are more aware than ever of mental health concerns in the office, and that the topic is becoming less taboo for both employees and employers alike.

The findings suggest that employers are supporting staff with mental health issues, from reviewing individual workloads (36%) and flexible working options (35%), to organising counselling for staff (20%) and training for managers to better support staff (18%).

However, the findings also suggest that firms could do more. Nearly half (49%) of

those surveyed said that they did not access occupational health support for their staff from external bodies, and 10% were not aware of any available support.

Adam Marshall, BCC Director General, said: “As the world of work changes, it is absolutely crucial for business leaders to pay ever closer attention to the health and wellbeing of their employees – especially at a time when firms are facing severe challenges finding and retaining the skilled staff they need.

“While legions of firms are now more aware of mental health concerns and acting accordingly, far too many businesses are still turning a blind eye to this issue, which saps productivity, morale and individual wellbeing.

Our message is that it is no longer acceptable for firms to ignore mental health in the workplace, and all companies need to step up their game.

“Tackling mental health concerns in business need not break the bank. Reviewing workloads, considering flexible working practices and improving the skills of managers are simple measures that can help all firms build a happier and more productive workforce.”

Dr Doug Wright, medical director at Aviva, said: “It is encouraging to see that more businesses are not only more aware of the topic of mental health in the workplace but also actively offering initiatives like flexible working options to help encourage a healthy work-life balance.

“It is, however, worrying to see almost a third of businesses have seen an increase in people taking time off for mental health reasons and whilst some of this increase may be down to staff feeling more able to discuss the issue of mental health which is, in itself, good news, it also suggests that more can be done to help.

“Looking at our claims data for protection insurance we know that mental health conditions are the number one reason for rehabilitation referrals, and that early intervention by experts can bring a huge benefit to employees, helping them make a safe and timely return to work.

“It is therefore important to look at what health and wellbeing initiatives are on offer to staff to make sure they have a breadth of options to support them.

Doing so will reap rewards for both employee and employer.”

Mental Health First Aid London

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses teach people to spot the symptoms of mental health issues, offer initial help and guide a person towards support.

We have training options to suit a range of timescales and budgets, from basic mental health awareness sessions to a full Mental Health First Aider qualification. They courses are designed to benefit employees, line managers, HR professionals, OH workers and senior leaders alike - to let all your people meet the challenges of the workplace head on.

Contact:

Peter Rolfe

email: peter@mhfa.london Tel:

Web:

07973 191609

www.mhfa.london

What are the Main Reasons for Workplace Sickness/Absenteeism?

An estimated 137.3 million working days were lost due to sickness or injury in the UK in 2016 according to the Office of National Statistics.

This is equivalent to 4.3 days per worker Minor illnesses (coughs and colds) were the most common reason for workplace absences (24.8%). This was followed by musculoskeletal problems such as back and neck pain with 22.4% of total sick days. Mental health issues (including stress, depression and anxiety) were the next most common reason for absence, resulting in 15.8 million days lost (11.5% of absences).

Does Your Mood Actually Impact your Physical Health?

Psychoneuroimmunology is a new field that measures the relationship between emotions and your physical health. And there is growing clinical evidence that your mood impacts your physical health. Negative emotions harm cardiovascular, immune, and endocrine systems in humans, whereas positive emotions appear to help them (Kiecolt-Glaser et al, 2002).

Blanchflower, Oswald and Stewart-Brown (2012) found that happier individuals have a healthier diet, eating more fruits and vegetables.

A positive mood is associated with lower rates of strokes in senior citizens (Ostir et al, 2001) Simple Steps to Improve Happiness, Health and Increase Productivity Boost Your Immune System: Your immune system not only prevents you catching flu when all around you are bed-bound, a poor immune system is the main cause of many chronic diseases. Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut and even yogurt can boost your immunity as they introduce beneficial microbes into the gut. There are many publications that have recorded the benefits on the immune system of β glucans which are found in Shiitaki and Reishi mushrooms as well as seaweeds and Brewers Yeast.

Boost your Mood: There are five clinical trials evidencing Saffron benefitting people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Saffron has an antidepressive effect as it boosts Serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that boosts happiness. Saffron is not just for a paella, it is drunk as a tea in the Middle East and it also helps improve your vision.

Boost your ability to cope with stress: It is hard for Sole Traders to reduce stress due to the many hats they must wear in their business.

However, a study on 56 doctors on Night Duty demonstrated that the herb Rhodiola rosea reduced fatigue during their stressful shifts and improved mental alertness and concentration.

Anita Chakraburtty is a Registered Naturopathic Physician who has professionally peer-reviewed academic texts on Naturopathy prior to them being published. consultation. http://www.multidimensionalhealing.co.uk/

Business Connexions | 25

26 | Business Connextions

Wandsworth Rewards has arrived and is available for use in shops, restaurants and businesses throughout Wandsworth Borough giving you cashback and so much more when you go shopping!

wards e R h t r o w Wands

The business specialists

All participating reward merchants in Wandsworth will be offering their customers the opportunity to join with a Wandsworth Reward card, which will be fully branded to the Merchant.

Merchants are identifiable by the CBW smiley face logo in the window and at the till point.

For further information email Andy at andrew.soper@myworld.com or phone 07958 569004 to find out more about how this can reward you when you shop!

Comprehensive Practical • Cost effective Legal Solutions

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• Corporate Immigration • Debt Collections

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Read all of our customer reviews at www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hodders.co.uk

Email: enquiries@hodders.co.uk Tel: 08442 640 290 www.hodders.co.uk

15% discount to members of the Wands worth C h a mb e r o f Commerce

Hodders Law Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority number 554857 and is a company registered in the UK under company number 07221841. The registered offices are at 50 Station Road, Harlesden, London, NW10 4UA

Business Connexions | 27

Skills Aside from staff pay, firms are more likely to increase their investment in training, and introduce more flexible working practices in order to keep their people, according to a survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and recruitment company Indeed.

The research was carried out against a backdrop of growing concern at the lack of young talent coming through for businesses seeking to recruit.

The survey of more than 1,000 businesspeople across all sizes and sectors shows that just under half (42%) of businesses would invest in training and developing their staff in order to increase staff retention, while 38% would look to introduce flexible working practices, from flexible hours and remote working to job-sharing.

Training and flexible working ‘key to staff retention’

The desire to retain staff is a key driver for businesses when they are deciding on training priorities, according to a new report.

Skills shortages are at near record levels, and this survey reveals that the most likely approach that firms will take to address gaps they have are to use self-employed workers, or contractors (30%), followed by investment in recruitment and training (both 25%). Developing a relationship with the local school comes next, at 22%.

When it comes to conducting interviews, the businesses surveyed are overwhelmingly likely to decide between two equally qualified candidates based on their performance in interview (70%), followed by quality of job application (50%). Skills gained in extra-curricular activities are important for a quarter of employers surveyed (24%).

Jane Gratton, Head of Business Environment and Skills Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Access to people and skills is a top priority for employers and firms are doing everything they can to recruit, retain and upskill their workforce.

“Increasingly, employers are embracing flexible working practices as a sensible way to retain staff who need to balance work with family and other commitments. Amid rising upfront costs for businesses, it is crucial that innovative ways are found to motivate staff.

“Flexible access to the Apprenticeship Levy funds would enable more firms to boost productivity by training and developing their teams, and we urge the government to consider this as soon as possible.”

Tara Sinclair, senior fellow and economist at job site Indeed, said: “Attitudes to work are changing and salary is no longer the only way employers compete to attract and retain workers. Workers today seek work-life balance – searches for ‘flexible’ jobs on Indeed are at a three-year high, suggesting a growing number of jobseekers start their application with job satisfaction in mind.

“A tight labour market – where employer demand for staff is outstripping the supply of workers – places greater emphasis on staff retention, but investing in training should not be viewed as a short-term fix to keep hold of the best talent. Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity for employers of all sizes to unlock the long-term potential in their staff.”

“Businesses with a wage bill in excess of £3M will have been charged an Apprenticeship Levy. Most businesses don’t know the amount of the levy paid can be claimed back and invested in their people as well as in apprenticeships. The levy renews in May 2019 and if businesses don’t spend in these areas they will lose the financially beneficial opportunity as the levy paid does not roll over.”

For more information on how to use this resource contact: steve@wandsworthchamber.org

Business Connexions | 29

Spanish learning hub

After 6 years in business the school has grown into a vibrant oasis on Lavender Hill for people to who are interested in Spanish language and Latin culture to come along to meet new people and progress with their learning.

People come to Battersea Spanish for a huge variety of reasons, from wanting to be able to make the most of their vacations abroad, to engaging with friends and extended family, learning some new dance moves, or mastering a new Spanish dish.

Battersea Spanish helps people, who are often very local, to find their tribe and share their love of Spanish and Latin culture – often rescuing them from the

From the beginning Sara and Ben intended Battersea Spanish to be a hub of learning and creativity, serving the local community. isolation that comes with learning online or from impersonal, overcrowded classes. The school immerses them in intimate, social classes intended to help foster conversation and bring out their natural curiosity.

Sara and Ben started teaching from their living room in 2012 and since then through listening to what their students wanted from their local school, have grown to offer Spanish language from beginner to advanced level, Saturday Creative School and events specifically for kids, flamenco and salsa, authentic Spanish cooking classes, creative writing, zumba – as well as a offering range of cultural and social events that are designed to bring together

learners, native speakers and anyone who has a passion for all things Spanish/Latin in Southwest London.

Battersea Spanish now have over a hundred 5-star reviews, from their community of nearly 10,000 Londoners! Sara and Ben’s hands-on approach and level of service has led to them winning the LUKAS award for Best Language School in the UK as well as several accolades from the Wandsworth Small Business Awards. Ben tells us that they fully intend to keep on this trajectory of growth and will be unveiling some exciting plans for expansion in the coming months, making the most of the regeneration of Battersea.

Barclays in Putney reopens after refurbishment batterseaspanish.com

Barclays has underscored its commitment to Putney with a significant investment in the branch in the High Street.

The branch reopened on 3rd December after a major remodelling which has seen the banking hall redesigned and expanded with a new layout and a mix of state of the art self– service technology and traditional counters.

The branch now includes a Digi Zone where customers can learn how the latest digital technology can help them achieve their personal and business aims. Also a meeting and seminar room where the teams will run events for personal and business customers. The branch also now has the facility to offer a co working space for businesses.

News

Branch manager Leila Button said: “I’m proud that the branch has benefitted from this refurbishment, it’s a big investment for Putney and a vote of confidence in the area.

The improvements mean that we will be able to work even more closely with the business community and I encourage local businesses to visit the branch to see what we can offer. There has been a Barclays in Putney for 100 years and I look forward to supporting customers in the town for many years to come.”

Paul Kelly, Corporate Relationship Director said: “We are committed to supporting local SMEs in

the ever changing physical and digital landscape.

As such we are planning to hold seminars on Digital Disruption, Artificial intelligence - its impact on business and Financial well-being.

We are committed to having a physical and digital presence to help both our SME clients and their communities to grow.

We are proud to be partnering with ‘positively Putney’ and the local Chambers to help local businesses to thrive."

The branch will host a Putney business hub networking event on 18th December.

Self employment the way forward for WoW Mums Women of Wandsworth have formed a WoW Enterprise Club in 2010 to help single mothers become entrepreneurs, with aim to solve the Catch 22 problem.

Single parents have a big dilemma to choose between their career and caring for a young child. We discovered that self employment is the way forward, as Mothers can use their skills and still have caring for their children as their priority.

WoW Mums have established their small businesses with success and a couple of them have been nominated for Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Award and won Highly commended awards.

Last month WoW Mums attended The Edge of Box networking event at Stamford Bridge, organised by Chelsea Foundation for job seekers with an idea, start ups and businesses who care about start-ups.

Women of Wandsworth have been invited to Wandsworth Job centre to give presentation to single mothers about becoming entrepreneurs as a solution to the employment problem.

Business Connexions | 31

Chamber

Events Chamber Events

January

Metro Mondays

Monday 7th January 2019 8-10AM Venue: Metro Bank, Clapham Junction

Earlsfield Business Network

Wednesday 9th January 2019 6-9PM Venue: TBC

Putney Business Hub

Wednesday 16th January 2019 6-9PM Venue: TBC

Fore Business Golf Invitation

Thursday 17th January 2019 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey

Wandsworth Chamber Big Breakfast

Wednesday 30th January 2019 8-10AM Venue: TBC

February Metro Mondays

Monday 4th February 2019 6-8PM Venue: TBC

Earlsfield Business Network

Wednesday 13th February 2019 6-9PM Venue: TBC

Putney Business Hub

Wednesday 20th February 2019 6-9PM Venue: TBC

Fore Business Golf Invitation

Thursday 21st February 2019 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey

32 | Business Connexions

Wandsworth Enterprise Month 4th-29th March

Meet The Experts 1-2-1

Business Advice Clinics Monday 4th March 9AM - 3.30PM Venue: Wandsworth Civic Suite

Start Up Wandsworth

Monday 4th March 10AM - 4PM Venue: Wandsworth Civic Suite Set up or grow your start up in just one day.

With Enterprise Nation

How to use Social Media to grow your small business Tuesday 5th March 9-11AM Venue: Battersea Arts Centre

Know your worth: The Art of Persuasion for creative businesses owners Wednesday 6th March 1 - 2.30PM Venue: Battersea Arts Centre

The Foodie's Networking Event: Meet your Peers, Grow your Business Thursday 7th March 6-9PM Venue: The Exhibit, Balham

Women's Enterprise Day: Turning Passion into Purpose Friday 8th March 9AM - 4.30PM Venue: The Thames Rowing Club, Putney

Fore Business Golf Invitation

Thursday 21st March 2019 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey

Wandsworth Business Forum Thursday 21st March 2019 6-9.30PM Venue: TBC

For more Wandsworth Enterprise Month Events visit the website www.wandsworthenterprisemonth.biz

April

Metro Mondays

Monday 1st April 2019 8-10AM Venue: TBC

Earlsfield Business Network

Wednesday 10th April 2019 6-9PM Venue in Earlsfield: To Be Confirmed

Fore Business Golf Invitation

Thursday 18th April 2019 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey

Putney Business Hub

Wednesday 17th April 2019 6-9PM Venue: TBC

For further details go to

www.wandsworthchamber.org/events

WELCOME

New Members

Starting Up

Enjoying the sweet taste of success

to new members

Andre Joseph Estates

Marcello Posteraro Unit 3, The Swan Centre Rosemary Road Tooting London SW17 0AR 020 3287 1773 marcello@andrejoseph.co.uk www.andrejoseph.co.uk Property Services, Refurbishment & Developers

Name: Angella Williams Company: Angella's Kitchen Website: www.angellawilliams.co.uk

Q4 What do you like most about working for start-up?

Even though its hard work, I love the freedom and energy I have.

Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date?

Receiving a Streatham BID nomination for Best Small Entrepreneur 2018.

Q1 Tell us a bit about your business?

Q6 What has been your lowest moment?

Losing my Mum.

Angella's Kitchen uses food to build relationships, helping colleagues to get to know each other outside of the workplace."Team Building Caribbean Style"

FJF Notary Ltd

Fiona Fleming 3 Alma Terrace London SW18 3HT 07712 186871 fiona.fleming@fjfnotary.com www.fjfnotary.com Solitors & Legal Services

Globexpert

Harold Davies 10 The Stables Caswell Park Towcester Northamptonshire NN12 8EQ 01604 801202 hd@globexpert.co.uk www.globexpert.co.uk Business Services Helen Wild 11 Hatton House 81 Hartaild Road London SW19 3ES 07973 3534463 hello@hrmattersltd.com www.hrmattersltd.com Business Services

Angella's Kitchen allows teams to explore work related challenges in a relaxed, enjoyable environment.

I worked in the Corporate sector and became jaded so my brother, who lives in the States, encouraged me to cook for people.

Claude Parfai 20 -22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU 020 3858 7973 claude.parfaitm@escale-cg.com https://escale-cg.com Catering

HR Matters

Q2 What gives your business 'the x-factor'?

Q3 What motivated you to set up in business?

Escale Catering Services

Lanop Chartered Accountants

Q7 In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next year 5 years?

Premises where I can deliver cooking lessons and to have my brand in the supermarket, along with a recipe book.

Q8 What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

Go for it!

Zaib Chawala 389 Upper Richmond Road Putney London SW15 5QL 020 8392 9375 ac@lanop.co.uk www.lanop.co.uk Accountants

Mental Health First Aid London Peter Rolfe 19 Coalecroft Road London SW15 6LW 07973 191609 peter@mhfa.london www.mhfa.london Schools & Education

Metro Bank Putney

Anthony Hicks 89-93 Putney High Street Putney London SW15 1SR 0780 5041266 anthony.hicks@metrobank.plc.uk www.metrobankonline.co.uk Banking Services

MyWorld

Andrew Sopher 40 Bank Street London E14 5NR 0795 8569004 andrew.soper@myworld.com www.myworld.com Retail Services

Randell Commercial

Ashley Brudenell The Old Print House 173 Northcote Road London SW11 6QE 02071352033 ab@randellcommercial.uk www.randellcommercial.uk Property Services, Refurbishment & Developers

Riverside Nursery

Enley Taylor Ensign House Juniper Drive Battersea Reach Wandsworth London SW18 1TA 07971 570591 enleytaylor@btinternet.com www.riverside-nursery.co.uk Schools & Education

Sunflower Network

Lou Mason Flat 5 Staplehurst Court 156 Northcote Road London SW11 6RF 07939 023582

lou@butterfliesandcaterpillars.co.uk

www.butterfliesandcaterpillars.co.uk

Training & Personal Development

SWS Ltd

Aarti Raicha 102 Headstone Lane Pinner London HA2 6JN 02082488032 aarti@sws-ltd.com www.sws-ltd.com Reputation management

The Neem Tree Dental Practice

Smita Mehra 515 Old York Road London SW18 1TF 0208 870 0030 arun@samera.co.uk www.theneemtree.co.uk Health & Beauty

Business Connexions | 33

5 Minutes with...

with... Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP Q1 Who are you?

Labour MP for Tooting

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Member of Parliament for Tooting and Shadow Minister for Sport - Tooting girl born and bred.

Q2 What are you focused on locally?

Since first being elected in 2016, I made it clear that I wanted to Tidy Up Tooting to make sure people felt proud to live here.

I have also been so proud to launch both the Take One scheme with South Thames College to give apprenticeship opportunities to vulnerable young people locally, and the Women's Business Network to bring local women entrepreneurs together.

Q3 What is the Women's Business Network?

To mark International Women's Day 2017, I launched the Women's Business Network to give local women in business to chance to meet up and share experiences of setting up and running their businesses.

I wanted to build a community of women who felt that they had a support network something which can be incredibly important if you are self-employed busines owner.

The network continues to grow and we have held events in Parliament, Ben's Canteen and the Trident Business Centre.

If you are interested in getting involved, please get in touch.

34 | Business Connexions

Q4 Three words to describe yourself?

Tenacious, Energetic and Driven.

Q5 Best thing about Tooting?

I am so lucky to represent Tooting, Earlsfield, Balham and Furzedown - the area is so vibrant and diverse that there are so many things to do, see and eat!

I am so glad that the area is getting the recognition it deserves - Lonely Planet named it one of the 10 coolest neighbourhoods in the world.

This is the ideal place to raise a family, spend a lazy weekend and the multicultural community spirit encourages people to stay.

Q6 Biggest achievement?

I have many that I am proud of but getting into medical school was, for me, a dream come true and had been a long time in the making.

Q7 Your inspiration?

Quite simply, my mum. She raised two children through so much adversity, never gave up and is a born survivor.

Q8 How have the last two years been as a MP?

It has certainly been an exciting two years in Parliament to say the least.

I have been proud to stand up and listen to Tooting residents, and as such, I voted against triggering Article 50.

I have also ran a number of campaigns across Tooting, including encouraging local pubs to ban plastic straws, tackling the fly-tipping across Tooting and I have just taken schools and community organisations to Wembley to watch England vs. USA.

Q9 Sporting hero?

Martina Navratilova - what a fantastic role model for all women in sport.

She encouraged me to get stuck in with sports at an early age.

Q10 Biggest tip for success?

Never ever accept the limitations placed on you by others. You are the master of your destiny and where one door may seem closed to you, you find a window, kick through it and go that way instead!

“I am so lucky to represent Tooting, Earlsfield, Balham and Furzedown - the area is so vibrant and diverse that there are so many things to do, see and eat! This is the ideal place to raise a family, spend a lazy weekend and the multicultural community spirit encourages people to stay.�

“It’s smart, modern and slick.”

This RIBA award winning building offers excellent room spaces ideal for your meetings, networking events and conferences. Our spaces are adaptable so we can work with you to fully utilise the spaces available for your event.

Our bright and modern venue has everything you need to deliver a professional and impressive event: I Audio Visual and IT facilities I Wi-Fi throughout I A dedicated, friendly team I Cost-effective pricing structures

I Full on-site catering facilities offering a range of options I Facilities fully accessible to wheelchair users

Our location has excellent transport links and is just a short stroll from Earlsfield Station and local bus routes. There is a small on-site car park and cycle rack for visitors.

The WPDC is open 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, but can accommodate bookings up to 9.30pm. Saturday bookings are also accepted.

For more information, to arrange a visit, or book an event please email: wpdc@wandsworth.gov.uk or call Angela Blake on: 020 8871 8784 Download our full colour brochure for further details. http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/file/13524/wpdc_brochure

Handelsbanken Clapham: local relationship banking for you and your business At Handelsbanken, relationship banking still lives up to its name. Our simple aim is to provide the best possible service. • Direct line access to your account manager • Key decisions are made locally by us at the Clapham branch • Our experienced managers work with you to develop solutions to fit your requirements We provide a wide range of banking services, from mortgages and current accounts to savings for personal customers, and business banking services including finance for specific funding requirements, asset and trade finance specialists and cash management solutions.

Founded in 1871, Handelsbanken has over 800 branches in more than 20 countries. The Clapham branch is one of 50 branches in the South East.

To find out how you might benefit from a more personal banking relationship, please call us on 020 7498 5022 or email: clapham@handelsbanken.co.uk

Office 5, 16 Porteus Place, Clapham, London, SW4 0AS handelsbanken.co.uk/clapham Handelsbanken is the trading name of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ). Registered Office: Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ), 3 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1WY. Registered in England and Wales No. BR 000589. Incorporated in Sweden with limited liability. Registered in Sweden No. 502007-7862.

Head Office in Stockholm. Authorised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) and the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.