Business Connexions June 22

Official Magazine for Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce | Issue 18 | June 2022

Inside • ENVIRONMENT GOING GREEN can help businesses during the fuel crisis.

Page 8

• RICHARD BURGE CEO (LCCI) OVERSEAS TRADE can get economy back on track.

Page 16

• BIG INTERVIEW

WAYNE WRIGHT, Principal of the London South Bank Technical College talks about the opening of its brand new Technical College in buzzing Nine Elms.

Page 18

WANDSWORTH COUNCIL New leader Councillor Simon Hogg Page 4

COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY

Has Covid-19 affected you?

Are you more Worried, Isolated, Lost your routine, W I Tfeel H Alow?

D EWe S I Gare N here E R Ffor I Nyou.

ISH Do you

FREE NHS Talking therapies

If you’ve got things on your mind that are affecting your day to day life, talking to us about your problems can really help Wandsworth Talking therapies Call 0203 513 6264 or Wellbeing Helpline 0203 513 4907 Visit www.talkwandsworth.nhs.uk Locks | Locksmiths | Doors | Gates, Grilles & Shutters | Safes | CCTV

talkwandsworth

Entry Systems | Intruder & Fire Alarms | 24hr Monitoring | Keyholding

@Talk Wandsworth - Wellbeing TalkWandsworthWellbeing

Wandsworth Workshops: www.banham.co.uk

WELCOME & CONTENTS

Welcome to the latest Edition of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Magazine It was particularly special to finally get the chance to run our “Changing Places” event so we could give Steve Pinto the thank you and send off he deserves after all his years of dedication as the previous CEO of Wandsworth Chamber.

There was a very good turnout of people whom Steve had built great relationships with over the years that he was happy to see and was pleased to receive his thank you gift. Thank you to all of you who put towards this £600 donation which he will be using to help landscape his garden.

W

elcome to the June 2022 edition of the Business Connexions magazine.

We have had an eventful 3 months at Wandsworth Chamber of commerce and it’s great to be able to report that we are fully back on track and running on all cylinders.

Thank you to all of you have demonstrated your commitment and support for the Chamber by returning and getting involved.

We’ve had full events and are pleased to say we have over 15 totally new members over the last 2-3 months. Long may this continue!

Special thank you to AFC Wimbledon for hosting the event in their fantastic conferencing facilities. We only had positive feedback and are looking forward to getting more involved with them over the coming year.

Since the last magazine I attended my first Mayor making ceremony to welcome the new Mayor of Wandsworth Cllr Jeremy Ambache and have welcomed the new Leader to Wandsworth Council, Cllr Simon Hogg. Labour have not been the controlling administration in Wandsworth for over 40 years so it was a significant occasion and we as Wandsworth Chamber look forward to continuing working with

the Council in our endeavours to support local commerce.

We also met the Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, Cllr Kemi Akinola at our Wandsworth Business Forum event on 1st June. Cllr Akinola is the speaker for Voluntary sector, Business and Culture so we appreciated her joining us to introduce herself.

We look forward to welcoming her to meet with our members and speak more fully at the next Big Breakfast, 15th June, so I hope to see you there – full event list is later on.

There is a lot of caution and concern with what is to come over the coming few months with the cost-of-living crisis and impact of supply chain issues. Which is why it is so important to be part of a business community such as Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, so we can support each other through the challenging times and look for opportunities to thrive. So, please continue to show up and get involved.

Wishing you a successful and happy summer.

Beverley Corson Chief Executive Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce

Inside: June 2022 4-6

18 The Big Interview 10 11 12 15 16-17

8

News Legal Battersea News Richard Burge

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 June 2022 © Benham Publishing Editor Jez Davison e: Jez@benhampublishing.com Advertising and Features Karen Hall e: karen@benhampublishing.com t: 0151 236 4141 Studio Mark Etherington e: studio@benhampublishing.com Media No.1871 Disclaimer Business Connexions is mailed without charge to all Chamber members and distributed to businesses in the Borough.

Wandsworth Council New Leader

Going Green

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

21 23 25 26

Economy Skills Top Tips News

The Person behind the Business 29 30-31 32 33 34

Health & Wellbeing Technology Chamber Events New Members 5 Minutes with…

Scan the QR code with your phone camera to see our events and get them in your calendar app.

27

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. © 2022.

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.

Our Patron Supporters

Business Connexions | 3

NEW LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

WANDSWORTH COUNCIL announces new leader Councillor Simon Hogg has been named as the new Labour leader of Wandsworth Council.

T

he Conservatives have lost London stronghold Wandsworth for the first time since 1978.

The Labour party won 35 out of 58 seats in the recent local elections in May – taking nine seats from the Conservatives.

Labour now holds 35 seats on the council, the Conservatives hold 22 and the independents one seat.

Cllr Hogg had predicted that the results would be tight, coming down to a few dozen votes in key wards. Before the results were announced, he said that he had

thought Labour’s chances were 50/50, and that the results had exceeded the party’s expectations.

He said: “This feels fantastic.

It was a really good evening and something I’ve been working towards for 20 years. Our newlyelected Labour councillors are ready to get to work and represent the interests of local people and businesses in the borough.”

Cllr Hogg has promised residents that his new administration will be based on fairness, and that the key priority is to support communities and residents in the borough.

He also committed to keeping council tax low for the long term.

Cont. Page 6>>

4 | Business Connexions

NEW LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

Business Connexions | 5

NEW LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

Those who are serving in the new council cabinet under Cllr Hogg are: • Councillor Kemi Akinola – deputy leader of the council and lead on the voluntary sector, business engagement and culture.

• Councillor Angela Ireland – cabinet lead for finance. She is responsible for all areas of town hall finances, including budget setting and attempting to ensure that departments are financially efficient and effective.

• Councillor Kate Stock – cabinet lead for children. Responsible for all council services relating to children and young people across Wandsworth communities.

• Councillor Graeme Henderson – cabinet lead for health. He will support Wandsworth’s elderly and vulnerable residents to try to ensure they receive high-quality social care. He will also drive forward the borough’s community public health initiatives.

• Councillor Aydin Dikerdem – cabinet lead for housing.

Responsible for the council’s housing stock, regeneration programmes and the creation of affordable homes for residents.

• Councillor Clare Fraser – cabinet lead for transport. Responsible for driving forward policies on transport improvements and infrastructure, including roads, parking and pavements.

• Councillor Judi Gasser – cabinet lead for environment. Responsible for recycling, waste collection, street cleaning, and the maintenance and management of the borough’s parks and commons. Will also spearhead Wandsworth’s attempts to tackle the climate change emergency.

Cllr Hogg said: “We are all proud to serve the residents of Wandsworth.

We want to embark on a journey of change, one that will support all of our communities. We’re putting residents at the top of the agenda as we strive to make Wandsworth an even better place in which to live.”

“The hard work has already started.

I promise that we will work tirelessly to create a borough that is cleaner and greener, with genuinely affordable homes, and a place that residents are proud to call home.

“We will also be true to our promise of keeping council tax low for the long term because we know how difficult many people are finding the current cost of living crisis.

“I want to run a council that is fit for the people of this borough and will stand up for all of the wonderful, diverse communities who call it home.

“This is a journey we will be embarking on together and we will prioritise what needs to be done to deliver change and make a real difference in our residents’ lives.”

The hard work has already started.

I promise that we will work tirelessly to create a borough that is cleaner and greener, with genuinely affordable homes, and a place that residents are proud to call home.

In this era of change for Wandsworth, a new mayor – Cllr Jeremy Ambache – has been announced.

Cllr Ambache worked in children’s and adults ‘social care as a social worker, manager and director for several local authorities and has advised central government on policies around health, social care and tackling abuse of vulnerable adults. He is supporting two charities, SEN Talk and Wandsworth Bereavement Services.

The new deputy mayor is Cllr Sarmila Varatharaj, who represents the new Wandle ward. A human rights activist, she volunteers for Global Human Rights Defence and has been the spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Council since the age of 21.

6 | Business Connexions

Top Corporate Supporter of the Year Plaque Support your local charity the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN) and become a named ‘top corporate supporter of the year’ and have your company engraved on our supporters plaque placed within the main reception of the hospital.

Companies who either donate, sponsor events or fundraise £5,000 and above throughout 2022 will be entitled a position on the plaque.

Your company will also feature on • All of the charity’s social media platforms • RHN website • The hospital’s e-screens daily for a whole year • Within an article in the RHN Newsletter

Sponsor a snowflake for Leisure and Family Services (LaFS) Sponsor a snowflake at £1,500 and light up the front of the hospital building for this years ‘Let it Snow for the patients’ campaign. You will be supporting the hospital’s Leisure and Family Services (LaFS). This fully funded service provides patients and their families with over 90 different activities including • Disability sports • Art and music workshops • Trips out and holidays • Gardening and hairdressing • Massage therapy Please help make a different to those living with an acquired or traumatic brain injury, neuro-disability or longterm neurological condition.

Please contact corporate@rhn.org.uk 020 8780 4565 Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability West Hill, Putney London, SW15 3SW 020 8780 4500

Business Connexions | 7

ENVIRONMENT

GOING GREEN

can help businesses during the fuel crisis

BY TOBY COSTIN DIRECTOR OF CREW ENERGY

While we are all struggling with our energy bills, businesses that don’t benefit from a price cap have been hit extra hard.

F

or some though, this could be the opportunity to consider installing green technology such as solar panels, smart heating controls and LEDs.

Paybacks are better than ever as technology gets cheaper and energy prices rise. Also, for another year businesses can take advantage of the government’s 130% super capital allowances. CREW is pricing projects all of the time and it’s not uncommon to see energy efficiency technologies with a two-year payback now.

If you’re interested in the potential to adopt new technologies contact info@crewenergy about our carbon assessment audit.

This service will explain which technologies are suitable for your building, help you look at the investment cost and the return on investment that you’re likely to gain.

8 | Business Connexions

CREW can also help you find funding partners and pockets of grant funding to support your decarbonisation plans. We can also make you aware of upcoming regulations, such as the updated rules for private renters who will now need to get their properties to SAP C by 2025-26.

In the meantime, look at encouraging your team to improve habits around energy consumption. Leaving devices on overnight could account for 10% of your bills. Do lights need to be on once the sun is up? Why is the heating on and windows open? Why are empty rooms being heated?

These are common themes we see time and again.

A little education and effort can go a long way to reducing bills.

For more information, visit www.crewenergy.london

Help is on hand

during the energy crisis

A

s the cost of living crisis takes full flight, it’s good to know there is friendly support in your local community.

CREW Energy and our partners Habitats and Heritage are offering energy support through cafes, home visits and a helpline to support residents in Wandsworth, Merton and Richmond who may be struggling to pay their energy bills.

Our independent advice, funded by grants from Wandsworth Council and The Energy Savings Trust, includes the supply of free energy efficiency equipment such as LEDs, draft excluders and radiator foils. We will also advise clients on debt alleviation and behavioural changes that can reduce your energy consumption.

For qualifying clients, we’ll make onward referrals to schemes such as LAD and ECO which could result in major upgrades to a person’s home.

So, if you, your staff or your clients are in need of assistance, check out our energy advice website www.swleap.org.uk.

Alternatively, visit our regular Friday energy cafes at the Climate Hub in Southside Shopping Centre in Wandsworth Town or call our helpline: 0800 0862 706.

ENVIRONMENT

Leadership coach Lydia Stevens of Climate Biodiversity Coaching explains how companies can play their part in tackling climate change… u How can companies reshape their business models to help in the fight against climate change?

I prefer to think not of a fight but a cause in which we’re all part of the problem as well as the solution. Once we’ve understood the causes of climate change and biodiversity loss, we can either freeze with sadness and overwhelm, turn to anger, blame and fight the powers of government and business to change their ways.

Alternatively, we can work with ourselves and find ways we can engage with businesses small and large and in every decision that we make for ourselves. By doing something, we’re already able to find our agency and dispel some of our feelings of hopelessness with those of hope. We can be motivated to change our actions.

u What benefits do companies get from doing this?

It’s not about the companies as, alone, individuals belong to organisations and the companies have choices to make in terms of their values and their impact on the world around us for future generations.

For qualifying clients, we’ll make onward referrals to schemes such as LAD and ECO which could result in major upgrades to a person’s home.

BCorp is one body which has embraced a different way of organising a business around purpose and values. Blueprint for a better business and On-Purpose are two organisations I’m associated with who also follow a path which is standing out for the future of ourselves and others in how we’re treated, how we treat others, what we all stand for and what impact we want to have on the world around us in our lifetime and beyond.

Can we think longer term? Can we role model a different way of being which our children, grandchildren and future generations would be proud of?

u What type of companies do you help/coach to improve their carbon footprint (e.g. which sectors)?

I’m also supportive of radical transformation of companies; therefore, I form part of change management processes from the perspective of human interactions and employee satisfaction. Change can come from anywhere within an organisation; once the organisation is wanting to change, it will find a way.

Individuals make up the culture and the culture drives motivation.

Where do you feel energy for change is coming from? How do you let go enough to enable change for the longer-term perspective whilst managing short-term thinking?

u Are we likely to meet climate change targets? If not, what else needs to be done by companies (in practical terms) to make these goals more achievable?

Climate change is here now, not next year, not for our children and grandchildren. If you read the reports from the scientists (IPCC), there’s not a bright future ahead whether in terms of food security, migration due droughts, sea level and temperature rise.

We’re consuming several times the planet’s capacity to regenerate. Scientists predicted that the permafrost would start to melt in 2090; this process started in 2019!

What can we do? Start to see where positive change is possible and listen to your customers and staff to engage the whole community to work together. Top tips - what are you throwing away? Where does it go? What are you buying? Where is it from? How are you traveling and using energy? Where is your money invested?

Less waste - think about energy and travel and how money is invested?

For more information visit

www.climatebiodiversitycoaching.com If you want something to mobilise your staff quickly, take a look at Couch to Carbon Zero www.couchtocarbonzero.org

My coaching is not sector-specific. Broadly I focus on female founders or those coming into a position of leadership (taking over from founders), purpose-driven entrepreneurs in start-ups, and younger people looking for a career in a purpose-driven business. I’d like to work with BCorp but I’m not there yet. I’ve been working with other leaders and coaches around the world and have co-founded a course called Climate Biodiversity Coaching.

Business Connexions | 9

NEWS

S JOIN U

Y TODA

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

NEWS

Young people discover world of security at Banham Two local organisations within the Earlsfield community have come together to provide inspiration and confidence to young people with special educational needs.

Security provider, Banham Security, joined forces with local special school, Garratt Park, through the Participation Lead in Wandsworth Children’s Services, when it was identified that their young people required more hands-on work experience opportunities within the local community.

The Council meets local businesses at Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce networking events – a brilliant way to build new partnerships.

To start with, a tour of Banham Security’s 50,000 sq ft headquarters in Earlsfield was arranged for key stage five (KS5) learners to delve into the world of security. They were taken through Banham’s expansive warehouse, its highly secure Alarm Receiving Centre where London homes are being monitored 24/7, and the Banham Academy which provides skills and training for young people. This was a fantastic opportunity for the young people to see inside a big, busy working environment and gain insight into the many different jobs that exist within their local community and beyond.

Banham’s Managing Drector, Martin Herbert, offered the KS5 learners work experience that took place across all areas of the business

within the warehouse, control room and academy. Banham organised hands-on activities and learning so that young people could gain insight into the world of security, its many systems and wide range of professionals.

Kevin Patterson, KS5 lead at Garratt Park, said: “This was a truly unique experience for our students, one that they fully appreciated and gained invaluable experience and memories from. To be so warmly welcomed into such a prestigious company, to be treated like valued employees and at the same time like important clients was something they will never forget.

It certainly inspired them to work towards gaining the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required to work in a fulfilling and fascinating environment.”

Martin Herbert, Managing Director of Banham Security, said: “For almost 100 years, Banham’s ethos has been centred around ensuring a secure future for the next generation, which is why we strive to provide opportunities to young people within our business and throughout our industry through the Banham Academy. We believe that all young people should have the chance to experience new opportunities.

We were delighted that KS5 learners from Garratt Park School attended a tour at our headquarters and took part in work experience across various departments at Banham. We’re so proud of all of the talented young people from the school and we hope that their time spent at Banham’s offices has inspired them to think about embarking on careers within the security industry.”

If you’re interested in finding out how your business may be able to support local young people, please contact: Santino Fragola, Head of Lifelong Learning and Amelia Willis, Participation Development Lead:

Santino.Fragola@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk and amelia.willis@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.

10 | Business Connexions

WHAT ...when construction TO DO projects go wrong

LEGAL

Businesses embark on construction projects for a number of reasons, including fitting-out a new unit and undertaking renovations to commercial premises. Building projects can be expensive, complicated and time critical. They may also be impacted by factors outside the control of the business or the building contractor. It is therefore common for disputes to arise on construction projects.

Common disputes include delay, defective work, and disputes about payment (including disputes about the value of the work completed). This article addresses several of the key issues to consider when such a dispute arises, and provides some guidance on how to navigate the process.

Assess the importance of the dispute It is important to assess the importance of any dispute and to understand your leverage. This will allow you to make decisions that fit with your objectives and that align with the commercial and practical reality.

An obvious starting place is the financial impact the dispute will potentially have.

The fact that a dispute has arisen often means that either the employer or the contractor will suffer some financial loss.

This may mean that the contractor needs to undertake additional work that it will not be paid for. Alternatively, it could mean that the employer needs to incur additional costs that it did not budget for.

The impact on the parties’ cash-flows is often a key consideration in any construction dispute. Many contractors operate on thin margins, and if they are pushed too hard to undertake additional work without payment, this can lead to their insolvency, or their abandonment of the project. Similarly, a business undertaking a construction project may be relying on incoming revenue to finance the works on an ongoing basis, and an unexpected rise in costs in the short term can disrupt its overall business activities.

Another important consideration is resourcing. Disputes require time and effort to resolve. This inevitably diverts the parties’ attention and resources away from their other responsibilities and activities.

Ricky Cella

Consider: • how much management time is likely to be absorbed in dealing with a dispute.

• the extent to which you will require third party input/expertise, whether from a construction professional (such as a surveyor) or a lawyer.

• the impact that the dispute could have on the future of your project, if it is likely that the dispute will result in you needing to hire a replacement contractor, if so, how easy is that likely to be, and what will the additional cost be?

Understand your position Construction disputes often leave parties with a series of less-than-ideal options in respect of which they have to choose the least worst. You therefore need to have sufficient information available to inform your decision-making, and to identify and understand the different options available to you.

At the outset of disputes, parties will generally need more information about the events that have led to the dispute in order to decide how to respond, and to understand what evidence might be available if the dispute escalates.

Gathering the key documents and other evidence will usually involve a review of your own records, in addition to requesting documents from third parties, including any construction professional engaged on your behalf.

Direct: Phone +44 (0)20 8394 6479 Email: Ricky.Cella@russell-cooke.co.uk

If the dispute relates to defective work, make sure that the issues are welldocumented (by taking photographs, site-notes, etc.), and consider engaging an independent expert to prepare a report, which you can later refer to and rely on.

If the dispute relates to the valuation of the works, you should seek input from the project quantity surveyor, or consider hiring one to review the account.

Deal with the dispute Often the most cost-effective way of dealing with construction disputes is through commercial negotiation.

However, if this cannot be achieved then parties have a number of options available to them, including litigation through the courts, and other formal dispute resolution processes, such as mediation. Parties to construction projects will often also have the right to refer disputes to adjudication, which is an expedited dispute resolution process, and which can often produce a decision which allows the parties to get on with the project, whilst not finally determining matters.

In any event, unless and until the dispute is finally resolved, you should continually review your options and strategy. If you would like assistance with this, please feel free to contact the Russell-Cooke dispute resolution team.

russell-cooke.co.uk +44 (0)20 8789 9111

Business Connexions | 11

BATTERSEA

Power to Connect Director recognised

in Queen’s Birthday Honours list

I

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list was published recently and among those recognised was Power to Connect Director, Isabel Oakley Chapman, who receives an MBE for ‘services to the community in the London Borough of Wandsworth, during Covid-19’.

sabel is honoured for the key role she has played in launching Power to Connect, the Wandsworth-wide initiative that started in April 2020

by Battersea Power Station and Wandsworth Council. Isabel led, the now independent CIC, to protect digitally excluded families and young people from the impact of Covid-19 by appealing to local residents and organisations for donations of unused devices and working with a team of IT and transport volunteers to refurbish and redistribute to families and young people in need.

Michael Hallick, Assistant Director - Business and Resources, Wandsworth Council Children’s Services said, “I am ecstatic that Isabel and the Power to Connect team have been recognised in this year’s honour list. Huge congratulations!

Isabel and our team have taken an idea, and through sheer determination, turned it into an organisation that has helped change many lives for the better. 2,000 laptops is 15% of the overall mainstream school population of Wandsworth, a huge impact at a very difficult time for so many.

Power to Connect was born out of a unique partnership between Wandsworth Council and Battersea Power Station. It’s incredible what has been achieved in two short years.

It is great Isabel has been so well recognised, huge congrats, just incredible.”

Emilie Haston, Head Teacher, Goldfinch Primary School said,“We have been so grateful for the lifeline that Isabel and Power to Connect gave many of our children during the lockdown when we didn’t have access to any additional devices. It enabled children who had limited access to a device the opportunity to log in every day and be part of live teaching and access google classroom to complete learning tasks.”

Sarah Banham, Head of Communities & Sustainability, Battersea Power Station Development Company, “We are so proud of Isabel and the Power to Connect Team receiving this honour. Isabel has worked with the Battersea Power Station Communities Team since 2018 and she is a brilliant example of a Wandsworth resident, who has gone over and above to make a difference in her community.

The Battersea Power Station team, alongside Wandsworth Council, were very involved in setting up Power to Connect with Isabel in the early days of Covid-19 and so it is amazing to see how the project has gone from strength to strength, with its social purpose growing beyond the pandemic. We will continue to cheerlead for the Power to Connect team and cannot wait to see what they do next.”

As a result of this collaborative work, and two years since launching, Power to Connect have received over 2,000 unused fully working devices for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents in the borough.

Ensuring that families are supported in accessing home-schooling and staying digitally connected during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

12 | Business Connexions

Since launching in April 2020, Power to Connect, which is run by local volunteers, has: • Received 2033 device donations from local residents and organisations • 1754 devices have been refurbished and redistributed to families and young people in Wandsworth • 77 schools and 16 community organisations have received devices from Power to Connect •

Last year, Power to Connect started to offer Digital Skills sessions, which are led by the project’s IT volunteers. The aim of the sessions is to ensure families who have been given a device are confident enough to be able to use them correctly, look after the device and keep themselves and their children safe online. So far, 11 Digital Skills session have taken place at six local Wandsworth Schools and a total of 45 parents/carers/grandparents have attended.

Below is some feedback from those who have attended sessions: “I learnt a lot of information regarding keeping our children safe when playing online games. I would recommend this session to any parent with concerns” “It was great to learn about online safety and understanding how parental control works.

Big thank you to the volunteers” “Really useful to be able to discuss freely in small groups and with experts” “I gained lots more confidence using the computer ” “This session was very beneficial, I’m super excited and have learned many things.

Specifically, how to secure my password a nd how to make the children websites or games safe.”

• Power to Connect have launch its Key Supporters Network, looking for annual contributions from local organisations to help keep up this vital work in the community.

• To sign up for FREE Digital Skills session, Donate Hardware or become a Key Supporter please email hello@powertoconnect.co.uk

Become a Royal Trinity Hospice

LOCAL BUSINESS HERO Join other local businesses raising funds for your local hospice Promote your business with a page on our website, window stickers and digital collateral We will thank you and promote your services to our supporters Bring your colleagues and customers together to support a local charity Pledge to raise £500 in your first year

You’re in good company

Find out more: www.royaltrinityhospice.london/local T: 020 7787 3234 E: fundraising@royaltrinityhospice.london 30 Clapham Common North Side, London, SW4 0RN Registered charity: 1013945 Registered company: 2673845

Business Connexions | 13

Celebrating 50 years in Wandsworth!

Generate is celebrating

50 years of working with people with learning disabilities in Wandsworth!

Our vision is that people with disabilities should live as valued members of society, entitled to equal rights and choice and be enabled to live their lives with dignity and respect.

Building on people’s strengths, we empower people to have a voice, make choices, enforce their rights and make a positive difference to their lives through learning, work and leisure.

get involved!

We are looking for people who share our passion to empower people with a learning disability to have a good life: if you would like to join our team, volunteer or are interested in becoming a trustee, visit our website

Why should somebody new come to Generate?

Shelton says, “if you come to Generate it will get bigger.”

Why is that good Shelton? “It will make me happy!”

After a bit of discussion Andrew and Shelton agree that a new person should come because it is a good place and there are lots of things to do.

“Like drawing, art or listening to music, or massage and meditation,” says Shelton.

Shelton says if you have any problems you just tell the staff. “And if you are ill or sick tell the staff. They make sure you are alright.”

www.generate-uk.org

Charity No. 1069548

NEWS

F

ootfall in the heart of London’s shopping, hospitality and theatre district – the West End – is 16% below pre-pandemic levels. While this has increased compared to March last year, the mayor has pledged to continue working alongside London’s businesses to bring tourists back to the capital.

In a keynote speech at London & Partners’ annual Tourism Means Business conference, Sadiq Khan addressed leaders from across the tourism sector about the power of collaboration and how they can work together to entice domestic and international tourists back to London.

Tourism plays a vital part in London’s social and economic life. It supports as many as one in seven jobs in the capital and contributes almost 12% of London’s GDP.

LONDON TOURISM

struggles to recover from pandemic The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has redoubled his commitment to boost tourism in the capital as new data revealed visitor numbers to key London tourist hotspots are still below pre-pandemic levels.

London is the third biggest driver for people visiting the UK and accounted for 53% of the UK’s international visits in 2019.

Sadiq Khan said: “While it’s promising to see more people visiting the heart of London, I know that it has been, and continues to be, a difficult time for the tourism sector in the capital, which is used to welcoming people from all over the world.

“I’m committed to doing everything I can to get London back on its feet after the pandemic, and I’ll continue to work alongside London’s businesses and tourism industry to encourage visitors back to our city. Now that restrictions for travellers coming to the UK have lifted, London is fully open once more, and our new £10m international tourism campaign will help to ensure we retake our place as one of the most visited cities in the world.”

£1.3bn of investment in London’s small businesses Some of London’s most well-known organisations have committed to supporting the city’s recovery from the pandemic by spending more than £1.3bn over the next five years on contracts with small businesses in the capital, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said.

B

y implementing changes to their budgets and suppliers, 16 of London’s biggest organisations – known collectively as The Anchor Institutions’ Network – have pledged to spend up to 30%of their annual procurement on small businesses in the capital. Members include the Greater London Authority, NHS London, TfL, the Metropolitan Police and the University of London, and the strategy forms part of an initiative to accelerate London’s social and economic recovery from the pandemic.

“I hope that the leadership shown by the Metropolitan Police, TfL, NHS London, the University of London and all of the other anchor institutions will encourage other organisations to join us in setting ambitious targets to help support a fair, green recovery from the pandemic.”

A total of £125m has already been earmarked to support micro and small businesses, voluntary, community and social enterprises and local supply chains in 2022, with an additional £1.17bn anticipated across the next three to five years.

NHS London is pledging to increase its annual spend with SMEs in London from 9% to 20%, representing an uplift of more than £312m to micro and small businesses, voluntary, community and social enterprises by the end of 2023.

Sadiq Khan said: “I’ve been working side-by-side with some of London’s largest institutions in this unprecedented partnership, ensuring that the collective impact of our procurement, hiring and estate decisions will contribute directly towards reducing poverty and inequality in our city.

NORTHERN LINE EXTENSION

proves popular with workers

Thousands of residents, workers and visitors are now using the new Northern Line Extension (NLE) at Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms each week as the area develops into a vibrant district of London.

T

he two new step-free Zone 1 stations opened on September 20, 2021 following completion of a 3km twin tunnel rail extension from Kennington. Passengers can now use the tube to travel to and from Battersea and the West End in less than 15 minutes.

Since opening the line six months ago, Transport for London (TfL) is now recording around 60,000 passengers entering or exiting the new Battersea Power Station Underground station per week and around 30,000 entering or exiting Nine Elms per week, with numbers expected to grow as more homes and businesses open and London’s post-COVID recovery continues.

Rob Niven, TfL’s head of investment delivery planning, said: “It’s wonderful to see how popular the two new stations at Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms have been in their first six months of operation. As London continues to recover from the pandemic and development in the Battersea and Nine Elms areas continues, we expect this number to keep growing. Extensions and improvements like this make a huge difference, and with sustained long-term funding we hope to be able to bring the tube network to new parts of the capital.” https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/

Business Connexions | 15

RICHARD BURGE

Overseas trade can get economy back on track Richard Burge is used to travelling the world, sometimes for business, sometimes for pleasure.

In the last few months, his business trips have taken in Washington, Ottowa, New York and Toronto, as he seeks to build relationships with Chambers of Commerce and other key organisations in these localities.

16 | Business Connexions

RICHARD BURGE

❛❛

With inflation going through the roof, it’s good to see that the

UK government has made a u-turn and imposed a windfall tax on oil

and gas companies. I’d also remove all planned tax increases because consumers are already nervous and starting to hoard money, which will inevitably have an adverse impact on the economy.

R

❜❜

ichard, who’s the CEO

The current trading environment will

stop. London is still viewed as a

of London Chamber

make this task more challenging, with

global destination and already holds a

soaring inflation heaping cost pressures

strong appeal to many individuals and

on businesses and the war in Ukraine

businesses across the world.

of Commerce and

Industry (LCCI), says: “Toronto in particular is very impressive. It’s a city on the up with a global outlook, very much like London. It’s amazing that when you travel

exacerbating already sky-high energy prices.

London businesses to trade with other

crisis is that many businesses are

companies across the world. If anything,

looking at the strengths and weaknesses in their supply chains,” says Richard.

“It has taught businesses the need to

synergies between London

be resilient, to know their markets and

that might not otherwise have been apparent from a

understand the vulnerabilities in their supply chains.

“With inflation going through the roof, it’s

distance.

good to see that the UK government has

“That’s the advantage of going to

tax on oil and gas companies. I’d also

these places; you can build links and

remove all planned tax increases

find people you want to invest in and

because consumers are already

vice-versa. From an international trade

nervous and starting to hoard money,

perspective, you need to eye-ball

which will inevitably have an adverse

people and not just spend your days

impact on the economy.”

on Zoom calls.”

Richard is currently on a mission to strike formal agreements with Chambers of Commerce in 30-35 cities around the world. The idea is to sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with each

job to seek new opportunities for

“The immediate effect of the Ukraine

the world, you discover and other places – synergies

“In my role as CEO of LCCI, it’s my

made a u-turn and imposed a windfall

Despite a highly uncertain trading climate, with many analysts predicting

building overseas trade connections makes war less likely. It demonstrates that the world of free, equitable trade should continue.

“The world is in a parlous state but we’re out of the pandemic now. Economic long COVID is fading and the impacts of economic long Brexit and economic long Russia are becoming clearer.

There are still many challenges in ensuring that barriers to trading with the EU are removed.

“The one thing that Brexit has done is encourage companies to look further afield. The world doesn’t stop at the borders of Europe. Many London

that the UK will tip into recession,

companies are trading successfully

Richard believes that opportunities

with companies in places such as the

provided by international trade can help

US, Asia and South America.

to boost economic growth.

“We have to keep our collective chins

Chamber and then embark on three-

“We’ll continue to build bridges globally,”

up and look outwards, not inwards.

year engagement plans that will,

he says. “Just because there’s a war

A tough economic climate can provide

hopefully, boost trade between London

going on and the economic situation

just as many trading opportunities

and each of these overseas cities.

is difficult, international trade doesn’t

as challenges.”

Business Connexions | 17

BIG INTERVIEW Tell us more about London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC)?

We are so proud of our new technical college, it is a fantastic £45 million, nine storey development and will deliver an innovative approach to learning. It will offer tech-forward, dynamic digital learning spaces right at the heart of London, close to Nine Elms.

Opening in September, it comes soon after the positive news that South Bank Colleges, which consists of Lambeth College and London South Bank Technical College, received a ‘GOOD’ Ofsted inspection rating.

At London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC), every student will receive high-quality, dynamic teaching and hands-on learning across key STEAM areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths (IT and Computing).

Our new technical college will be offering a range of new and expanding courses offers– everything from Dental technology with new nursing qualifications to new Level 4 courses such as Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Digital Arts and Design including motion graphics and animation, Esports, Robotics, Games Design and Software Development.

As we accept applications from students keen to be the first to experience this brand-new college, it marks the beginning of an exciting first phase of growth and innovation in employer partnership-working alongside the latest in learning and educational best practice.

We want every student to enjoy an immersive learning experience with us. We will give space to develop ideas, work collaboratively on work-based projects to stimulate innovation and drive aspiration.

We want our students to develop the right skills to not only meet the needs of employers now but well into the future.

Lastly but not least, London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) works with businesses to provide solutions, appropriate to your employee needs. Our innovative course offers were built in partnership with employers for exactly these reasons.

I am delighted to accept this undoubtedly challenging but exciting role as principal at the new technical college.

London South Bank Colleges opens its brand new Technical College in buzzing Nine Elms We interview Wayne Wright, Principal of the London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) to find out what makes it so special.

18 | Business Connexions

What is your aspiration for the new technical college - specifically for business and employers?

We are planning to offer an integrated service London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) based on a clear understanding of business need and the drivers that respond to challenges.

We actively engage with businesses, developing a coherent training plan that includes apprenticeships, work experience, graduate recruitment, and guest lecturing. My aspiration is growing our reach to even more employers, delivering the skills necessary to ensure their businesses expand even more whatever the economic or political climate.

We know the value of business partnerships, over 1000 employers work with us now. For us, the opening of the new technical college and the huge growth and need for more apprentices offers a fantastic opportunity to establish new and build on long-standing partnerships with local employers across the southwest of London.

It does not stop there; we also attract employers across the rest of London and beyond.

BIG INTERVIEW What do you think makes London South Bank Technical College so special for local businesses and employers?

For employers specifically, the new technical college will support growth by identifying skill gaps ahead of time, predicting changes to businesses and their employee requirements.

LSBTC’s curriculum and unique approach to learning will embed the best in industry-led technology, real-life project management, apprenticeship and work experience programme best practice and collaborative-working with employer partners will ensure that the future workforce is ready to meet demands across all STEAM industries.

More importantly, what makes London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) unique is its ability to collaborate with employers to actively support the onward progression and development of their students. For example, a civil engineer can begin a Level 3 course, progress to Level 4 to 6 then accept an opportunity to move onto a Master’s degree.

This is a unique offer available to employers.

Another big benefit of the technical college is that we are part of London South Bank University (LSBU), the LSBU group. LSBU leads the way for degree apprenticeships with local businesses and employers receiving access to long-term training plans.

The new technical college provides clear pathways for apprentices who start between Levels 2, 3 and 4, enabling smooth progression to Degree apprenticeships and higher qualifications with LSBU - bridging the gap between college and university. Our Level 4 apprenticeships offer professionally recognised qualifications to support career development while also offering the opportunity for students to progress directly onto degree qualifications with LSBU. LSBU has a reputation for successful delivery of degree apprenticeships, promotes an integrated approach to education and learning and provides the right kind of resources and support to build a long-term career with their chosen employer.

What will London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) offer me as a local business owner and employer?

London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) is a huge, transformative project and embeds the needs of south London employers and subcontractors into our curriculum development and will deliver a steady stream of skilled, motivated employees.

There are many ways we achieve this.

For example, we work closely with The Skills Centre, who support our built environment and construction course graduate students by offering interviews and opportunities to our enthusiastic students on completion of their courses with us.

Local business owners and employers can choose to work with us in different ways – from joining our employer advisory panel to influence the development of our curriculum, getting involved in our apprenticeship or WEX programmes, becoming a mentor or coach to individual students or supporting on-site events by becoming a guest speaker or delivering a specialist masterclass covering a particular industry.

I believe that working together - employers, the community, teachers, and students can play a significant role in addressing key skill shortages across the country.

The new technical college provides clear pathways for apprentices who start between Levels 2, 3 and 4, enabling smooth progression to Degree apprenticeships and higher qualifications with LSBU - bridging the gap between college and university. Our Level 4 apprenticeships offer professionally recognised qualifications to support career development while also offering the opportunity for students to progress directly onto degree qualifications with LSBU. What is your vision for the future development of partnerships with employers and business at the new technical college?

We are now entering a new normal and our experiences over lockdown has created new ways of working with employers and businesses which will only benefit our partnerships with business going forward.

There is a long-standing STEAM skills shortage in England.

How do you think the new technical college will benefit the wider community around Nine Elms?

We estimate that London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) will provide over 4000 Londoners and learners across England with the right skills and high-tech spaces to build the next generation’s workforce.

Between 2022 and 2026, we are aiming to increase this number of students by 55%, as the next phase of this exciting development opens.

By this time, the new technical college will be attracting and delivering learning for up to 10,000 new Londoners and students, all keen to fill technology gaps across STEAM areas.

Building on Phase one of the LSBTC development, the second phase will focus on the growth of the health and life sciences division, with the NHS Trust and Guy’s and St Thomas Hospital. London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) will be supporting and building the workforce of the next generation’s healthcare workers.

Can you share some examples of how new employers and business partners work with you?

One clear example of collaborative working with business is our Employer Advisory Panel that advises on the whole curriculum, including apprenticeships.

Our partnership boards also ensure that curriculum development is more employerfocused which means employers participate in generating course material and key delivery aspects.

We are proud to work with National, wellrecognised and respected employers like Network Rail, TFL, Guys and St Thomas’s Hospital and NHS trust. We also work with leading City corporations such as Morgan Sindall, Skanska, WSP and Troop Bywater and Anders.

Our partnerships with a large network of alumni from London South Bank University (LSBU) enables us to continually extend our collaboration with new business.

We are particularly keen to target and support businesses, employees and those looking to accept new job opportunities or training who live locally.

The new technical college will develop and deliver a series of short courses, targeting employees who are looking to reskill and upskill or those who are looking into a new career direction. Over the last two years, the biggest challenge has been the pandemic and the uncertainty of the economic climate.

London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) is removing barriers to opportunities by working closely with organisations such as The Skills Centre to better meet the needs of local employers, specifically within the tri borough and those with section 106 requirements.

Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships provide learners with valuable work experience and knowledge within a vocational setting. This is a real opportunity for employers to not only develop long term training plans and a more loyal workforce, but also contributes to creating positive connections with wider community.

With the extension of the northern line and development of new homes within the Nine Elms area, the wider community and businesses will see more trade, a direct benefit from the learners travelling across London to the technical college. The two new stations at the end of the northern line means that LSBTC will be much more accessible to Londoners outside of the Lambeth and Wandsworth boroughs.

Nine Elms’ Employment, Training and Business Charter pledges to create apprenticeship and training opportunities for residents within the Wandsworth and Lambeth boroughs. We are a major presence in one of the largest regeneration schemes in the country so well-positioned to support training opportunities for the local community and residents here in Nine Elms.

We are also part of the Green Skills Hub which is funded by the London Mayor. This provides training on new Green technologies and skills across Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark, leading to 600 employment opportunities. The Green sector is a growing industry with a high and increasing demand for skills and jobs in this area – from Green construction and waste reduction to recycling and energy systems.

Part of the vision of the Green Skills Hub is to support the Net Zero agenda and embed a diversity offer, supporting those of a BAME background, unemployed and economically inactive people, and those with disabilities.

This will build a more resilient local area, especially whilst adjusting to the effects of an ongoing pandemic.

Collaborating with you, local authorities and other employers on local initiatives will build a stronger, motivated, and dynamic growing STEAM workforce.

Find out more, www.southbankcolleges.ac.uk/about-us/lsbtc

Business Connexions | 19

Apprenticeships

SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS We’re here to upskill your workforce Our apprenticeship programmes deliver high-quality technical training and practical skills in partnership with leading employers covering: • Bricklaying • Business administration • Civil engineering • Dental nursing • Hospitality and catering • Early years • Technical surveying • Digital support

Get support and find out more about the April intake: t: 0207 501 5313 e: groupapprenticeships@lambethcollege.ac.uk w: southbankcolleges.ac.uk

ECONOMY

RECORD RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTIES add to firms’ woes THE PRESSURE ON FIRMS struggling to recruit staff remains at record high levels, a new survey has found.

T

hat was the main headline from the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook survey, in which 5,500 businesses took part.

Attempted recruitment in the first three months of this year was down slightly, with 60% looking to recruit staff (compared with 64% in Q4 2021).

However, the proportion of firms reporting difficulties filling roles remains at a historical high at 78%, dropping just one percentage point from the previous quarter (79%).

The hospitality sector was facing the most challenging recruitment issues, with 85% reporting difficulties, up from 83% in Q4 2021. This was closely followed by construction (83%), logistics (81%) and manufacturers (80%).

Retail and wholesale firms were the least likely to report difficulties at 69% but the proportions of firms that cannot find the staff they need remains worryingly high, the BCC said.

Firms reported a broad range of issues that contributed to the overall recruitment squeeze. This included disruption due to COVID and a drop in the availability of foreign staff.

Firms also reported that wage competition is proving disruptive.

Responding to the findings, head of people policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, Jane Gratton, said: “It’s now harder than ever for businesses to fill job vacancies and there are no signs of improvement. In an increasingly tight labour market, competition for skills is ramping up wage costs, leaving many firms unable to recruit the people they need.

“When combined with the escalating price of energy, shipping, raw materials and other costs, it’s a precarious situation for businesses. Inevitably, it’s the smaller firms, with little in the way of cash reserves after two years of the pandemic, who are most exposed to the risk all this presents.

“The UK government needs to take concrete action to address labour shortages as they’re a key factor in the economy’s stuttering recovery. If firms cannot get the people they need, then productivity and revenue are two of the first casualties.

“Government must also ensure that people can access rapid retraining opportunities for in-demand jobs at all skill levels in the workforce. At the same time, where there’s clear evidence of national shortages damaging the economy, we need temporary visas for hard working people willing to come to

the UK to work in the essential everyday roles that we all rely on.

“Businesses are investing more in developing home-grown talent – and creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce – but this won’t solve pervasive skills shortages overnight.

Right now, the priority has to be to improve access to skills and ease the wider cost pressures facing businesses.”

“It’s now harder than ever for businesses to fill job vacancies and there are no signs of improvement.

In an increasingly tight labour market, competition for skills is ramping up wage costs, leaving many firms unable to recruit the people they need.”

Business Connexions | 21

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP UNIT

Be One Step Ahead Unlock your workforce potential

Our free Business Partnership service is here to help support you and your business with: • ACCESSING FUNDING and making the most of new government initiatives • APPRENTICESHIPS from Level 2 to Level 6 (GCSE to Degree Level) • EMPLOYEE TRAINING – upskilling and retraining of your employees using our extensive online and training packages • LEVY SUPPORT and guidance.

You can place your trust in our exceptionally talented team, to build a bespoke plan that meets the specific needs of your business.

LET’S TALK business@stcg.ac.uk stcg.ac.uk/employers

Equipping you for

Lifelong Learning

By 2030 many of today’s school leavers will be embarking on jobs not in existence today. At South Thames College we recognise that innovating our curriculum is vital to equipping not only young people with the skills for their future careers but also our adult learners. Our flexible and dynamic courses meet the needs of a changing workforce and ensure that lifelong learning is at the heart of what we do.

Our Adult Courses are for learners aged 19 years or over. These qualifications are usually part time to fit around current commitments and to help you retrain, pick up new skills or progress in your chosen career. Many courses are free as they are 100% government funded via the Adult Education Budget.

We offer professional, certified qualifications in a range of subjects to help you achieve your career goals.

These cover various sectors and industries such as Accounting, Counselling or Teacher Training. Many students choose to study work-based degrees to improve skills and career prospects and gain a qualification whilst also earning a wage and putting the skills to use on real-world projects, with a benefit to the employer as well as the individual.

Ifeoma Iheanacho studying Early Years Foundation Degree at South Thames College commented, “I chose this course to learn about child development and to understand how children learn which will subsequently help me to adapt my pedagogy in supporting them. As we all know the Early Years Foundation stage is a starting point for every child, and they need a solid foundation. I am learning more about the educational theorists and their theories and the influence historical and international perspectives have on the EYFS today. I really enjoy how interactive the lessons are. I work in a school and studying this course has led me to rethink my pedagogy as well as giving me the confidence to speak up in the practice.”

Visit stcg.ac.uk/undergraduate for more information on our degree offering and tips for returning to education.

As well as work-based degrees, we offer bespoke training courses to upskill or retrain for both employers and individuals.

We have recently introduced new courses focused on Mental Health & Wellbeing training. All businesses can be affected by mental health and now require an understanding of the issues that are needed to support their staff. It is critical that businesses have trained and knowledgeable experts who understand mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Employees come away from our course feeling prepared and confident with the appropriate tools and resources to support one another in the workplace.

Email business@stcg.ac.uk to find out how we can support you or your organisation to be better equipped to deal with mental health workplace issues. stcg.ac.uk/south-thames-college

❛❛

I chose this course

to learn about child development and to understand how children learn which will subsequently help me to adapt my pedagogy in supporting them. As we all know the Early Years Foundation stage is a starting point for every

❜❜

child, and they need a solid foundation.

Ifeoma Iheanacho

Business Connexions | 23 Business Connexions | 23

TECHNOLOGY ADVERTISING FEATURE

Predicting resignation risk and

what to do with the data S ince I joined Wandsworth Chamber of commerce a few months ago and have had the pleasure of meeting many of you, my fellow members, I consistently hear about the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff in the current market.

There are 1.3 million job vacancies in the UK recorded in the three months January – April 2022. This is around 630,000 more than the same period in 2021.

We know this is in part due to the loss of foreign workers due to the UK’s exit from the European union, and many people deciding to stop working after the effect of the pandemic. We also believe that many workers stayed in their jobs through Covid for job security and then decided to leave once the country returned to some semblance of normality.

All of the above is of course interesting but doesn’t help those of you desperately trying to recruit and retain staff.

I attended a very useful presentation by a fellow chamber member providing tips on recruitment so I thought I would focus this article on retention and how to recognise the signs that your staff may be thinking of Ieaving. Before we get into the nitty gritty of that though just two key tips on recruitment: 1. Don’t just concentrate on a candidate’s technical skills. Think about the behaviours they need to do the job well and fit in with the culture of the company. Articulate those to enable you ask the right questions at interview to help you find out. If you need help to create those behaviours and questions, please do get in touch.

2. Make sure that you provide a good candidate experience. Other than the obvious being pleasant and communicative, also be on time, commit to clear timescales for the stages of the selection process, stick to them and provide feedback to the unsuccessful candidates so that even though they didn’t get the job they will have a good impression of your business.

How to recognise the signs that a member of your team is thinking of leaving Employee turnover is known to cost tens of thousands in direct and indirect costs. There are simple ways for companies to look ahead at what might happen and deal with the cases before they’re forced to react to a notice letter.

A few years ago (in 2019 to be exact), IBM announced that the company had developed artificial intelligence that can predict at 95% accuracy when an employee is planning to resign within six months. Technology has already transformed much of people management, and as solutions develop by becoming better and more cost-effective, the trend will continue.

If anyone has had good or bad experiences with resignation predicting AI, we’d love to hear?

Every company is not willing or able to invest in technology that will point out potential leavers.

Luckily there has been research that helps managers to look for signs of someone planning an exit. This SMHR article outlines the 13 things to keep an eye on – and also the ones that traditionally have been seen as clues that someone is on the market: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/ hr-topics/employee-relations/pages/signs-thatsomeone-is-about-to-quit.aspx For anyone too busy to read the whole article, here’s a list of the behaviours that research suggests to be strong indicators of potential resignation: 1. Their work productivity has decreased more than usual.

2. They have acted less like a team player than usual.

3. They have been doing the minimum amount of work more frequently than usual.

4. They have been less interested in pleasing their manager than usual.

5. They have been less willing to commit to long-term timelines than usual.

6. They have exhibited a negative change in attitude.

7. They have exhibited less effort and work motivation than usual.

8. They have exhibited less focus on job related matters than usual.

9. They have expressed dissatisfaction with their current job more frequently than usual.

10. They have expressed dissatisfaction with their supervisor more frequently than usual.

11. They have left early from work more frequently than usual.

12. They have lost enthusiasm for the mission of the organisation.

13. They have shown less interest in working with customers than usual.

We always recommend that clients train their managers to evaluate resignation risks and every 3-4 months evaluate how to proactively respond to individual cases – before it’s too late.

An annual or six-monthly evaluation is too infrequent, as a typical time between an employee deciding that they want to change to handing in their resignation is six months.

The typical first response to a flight risk is to look at the individual’s compensation. We know that it is a useful starting point (looking at internal peers and available market data for similar roles) but often is not the long-term solution if other factors causing unhappiness are at play. After all, if someone feels that they are underappreciated in other ways, they can’t take time off, get along with their boss or can’t see an attractive career path with the current organisation, offering more money will not increase their motivation to perform. It may buy some time, though.

Working for the right manager, having more interesting work, development opportunities, working environment etc. can often mean more if the money is at the right level. Not many people leave for less money but it’s not entirely unheard of.

Individual cases require individual attention but often companies deal with issues related to company structure. Apart from the cost of regrettable resignations (replacement costs and productivity losses), structural problems that can cause resignations are the same ones that impact the company’s performance negatively.

While exit interviews are a must anywhere, they are valuable only if they’re continuously analysed.

The limitation of exit interviews is that often tell what the leadership already know about resignations: remuneration budgets may have been limited, learning reduced to cut costs or not many people progressing because of limited positions.

The underlying reasons are more often found in three domains: 1. Do people have sufficient autonomy in their roles to perform and experiment, 2. Has the organisation expressed it purpose and mission in a way that it allows the employees to align with it, and...

3. Does the organisation support its employees to reach their full potential.

When we work with our clients, we help them anticipate the immediate needs, prioritise them and design workable solutions. But we also support creation of a culture that eliminates the individual cases as much as possible – making high performance and retention go hand in hand.

A typical quarterly review should go like this: each manager reviews with their manager those at risk of leaving and what they’ve seen to support that conclusion. Then a decision is made whether it’s

I hope that information has been helpful, please do get in touch if you have any questions or as struggling with issues of recruitment and retention at: info@jm-consulting.co.uk

www.jm-consulting.co.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jm--consulting-ltd JM_consulting_ltd @Jmconsultingltd 24 | Business Connexions

The regrettable resignations are obviously the ones with difficult to replace skills, sustained high performance and potential to take on weightier roles in future.

Companies cannot (and shouldn’t) try to stop every resignation. Some turnover is healthy and sometimes there’s an irrecoverable mismatch between the company and the employee. In these cases, the employee should be allowed to leave and wished all the best for their future.

For more updates on people issues please look at our website Please follow us on:

appropriate to take action to retain the colleague (a regrettable resignation) or plan for a replacement (no regret). Even the regrettable resignations can’t always be stopped if someone has been offered a role that the current employer simply cannot match.

TEN REASONS why booking a

professional headshot should be a priority These days we need photographs for everything from social media profiles to traditional publicity material, so it’s vital to have an impressive, professional headshot to present yourself in your best most, business-like way.

4 It’s the ultimate first impression – you should be putting your best self out there.

4 It shows you value yourself and your personal brand.

It’s a great investment showing you at your best - the way you want prospective clients to see you.

4 It gives you credibility and professionalism – and prospective clients/ collaborators are more likely to take you seriously.

4 It gives an hint of your personality. Whether you choose an approachable smile or a determined gaze, make your expression match your personality and the result will be an authentic photograph.

4 It’s a visual cue for business contacts who might have met you briefly at a function or conference and want to connect online afterwards.

4 A current headshot is important – you need to show what you look like now, so there’s not a disconnect when you meet in person.

4 A striking headshot will make you stand out from the rest – let’s ditch that grainy old holiday snap from your LinkedIn profile.

BOOK NOW

for a headshot session

£100 for a half hour shoot with three images included.

SPECIAL RATES available for whole-company headshots and rebranding

4 Having a flattering quality image of yourself to share with your professional peers is confidence boosting.

4 A professional photographer knows tricks with lighting and positioning to get the best out of you. They’ll also be experienced in subtle yet effective editing.

4 A professional portrait can be used for many other forms of branding – brochures, promotional materials, newspaper articles and magazines.

ALEXANDRA VANOTTI is an experienced photographer and an ex-BBC journalist with a keen eye for story-telling through her photographs.

• CONFERENCE AND EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY • ARTISTIC PORTRAITS • SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY • FAMILY PHOTOSHOOTS • PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY • WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND OTHER SPECIAL OCCASIONS •

alexandravanotti@hotmail.com • 07775 775691• www.lightbylexi.com Business Connexions | 25

NEWS

HELP for single mothers Senia Dedić, CEO of URBIS Business Consultancy, helps single mothers to become Entrepreneurs and solve their employability problem.

S Senia Dedić and Beverly Corso

ingle Mums usually have to decide either to stay at home with their child or go to work and pay the nanny, they usually choose the first option, especially if they have two children or a child with a disability. Senia found a solution for them - to work from home and bring up their children to become responsible adults. This was in 2010, before zoom meetings and working remotely.

We are a branding agency with over 15 years experince working across a range of sectors including; food and drink, culture and the arts, retail, property and charity. www.charliesmithdesign.com

26 | Business Connexions

As a Business Economist, Senia helps single Mothers to write their Business Plans, Cash Flows, Policies, and other constitutional documents, so they can start their business and use their talents and skills to become self-employed. Many of her clients run a successful business now and have won the Business Award given by Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce.

Our collaborative, thoughtful and engaging solutions cover all apsects of design, including; brand identities, websites, signage and exhibition design, packaging, printed communications, photography and art direction.

THE PERSON BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Collaboration is the key to success for Charlie CHARLIE SMITH CHARLIE SMITH DESIGN Some entrepreneurs set out with the goal of starting a business venture but Charlie Smith “sort of fell” into running her own company.

C

to expand too quickly. I’m a graphic designer by trade and if I grew the company exponentially, I’d end up solely running the business side of things. I want to remain hands-on, do graphic design and oversee every project, as I do at the moment.”

harlie has been heading up Charlie Smith Design since 2003 and for almost two decades has been providing thoughtful and engaging solutions for a diverse range of clients. The portfolio includes work for the likes of Byron, John Lewis and the V&A, and Charlie and her team have a wealth of experience across sectors including fashion, food and drink, retail and the arts.

worked with for over ten years. We really value the relationships we build and we look after them. We focus on creating timeless design that doesn’t just follow the latest trends, so will have much more longevity. We make sure we do lots of research and apply strategic thinking to really understand our clients needs and their business.”

However, prior to 2003, it looked as though Charlie’s career would go in a different direction.

“A few of our bigger clients paused on spending due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic,” says Charlie.

“Whilst some of our clients, were the opposite and were especially busy during this period. We ended up working on a rebrand for Morrisons which kept us extremely busy.”

“We’re excited to be working on a whole range of projects at the moment, including a bakery in the US, stamps for Royal Mail, a website for a Michelin starred restaurant and identities for some events around London this summer. We work with starts up to big corporations, and are always excited to work with new people.”

“Now we’re gradually getting back to pre-COVID levels but we don’t want

For more information visit www.charliesmithdesign.com

She says: “I was interested in art at school, imagining I’d be a painter, then at art school discovered all the different design disciplines and fell in love with Graphic Design. I was lucky to get my first break working at Pentagram, and after a few years took time off to travel. On my return, I was approached about three projects, including one working with John Lewis on their Own Brand packaging. Having never really considered starting my own business, things took off from there and soon I had a roster of clients.”

“We believe that collaboration results in better design, so we work really closely with our clients, some of whom we’ve

Whilst the journey of Charlie’s company has largely been on an upward trajectory, the COVID-19 pandemic did have an adverse impact.

Charlie and her team of five staff are now continuing to look for new, exciting projects to work on.

“We believe that collaboration results in better design, so we work closely with all of our clients.

We really value the relationships we build and we look after them.”

Business Connexions | 27

020 3409 4733 www.londonwaterdelivery.co.uk info@londonwaterdelivery.co.uk

We deliver Water Coolers, Bottled Water and Water packs to homes, offices and warehouses

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Wellbeing

within the Workplace

The majority of people spend more time at work than at home and therefore their wellbeing within the workplace is pivotal.

A

s an employer, it is our duty of care to ensure that our workforce are in a good place mentally. If you notice that your employee’s mood may be changing, and they are not being as efficient in their duties or if they are not as focused on their jobs.

This in turn will impact on their efficiency at work. If you see an employee struggling and becoming introverted, be kind and show compassion. It could be something as simple as they are struggling with a work-related issue, or it could run deeper. As a Life therapist I can recognise when somebody is just generally unhappy or if it runs to a far deeper level.

daily struggles to please get in contact and take advantage of my skills and have a FREE Life therapy session which will cost you nothing financially but could help you move forward with your life and save your sanity.

“What was not considered during the lockdowns was how

Maybe they are taking time off when previously their attendance record was impeccable. I implore you to consider your plan of action before going in with rage and frustration, it could be that they are just bored with their job role and need motivating, or it could be something which runs far deeper than that.

What was not considered during the lockdowns was how it would impact on individual’s mindset. It was prudent for the government to want everybody to stay at home to contain the spread of the virus, but this in turn has affected the mentality of people’s outlook. In hindsight, who would have thought that the conformity of staying in the secure surroundings of your own home would have been so detrimental.

All businesses look to make financial gain understandably, but at what cost?

With the aftermath of Covid and the stress it has had on our mental health, it is not surprising that so many are now suffering with issues and concerns which they have previously not experienced.

My workload has increased exponentially in the past few months, and this is a telling sign that peoples mental health is suffering. However, I would implore anybody who is finding that they are just not able to move forward with life and are experiencing

spread of the virus,

it would impact on individual’s mindset.

It was prudent for the government to want everybody to stay at home to contain the but this in turn has affected the mentality of people’s outlook.”

Reeta Minhas-Judd is a life therapist and has run her wellbeing company, RMJ Wellbeing, for the past three years. Her focus is primarily on the positive health and wellbeing of her clients, with the ultimate goal of helping them to enjoy a happy existence.

For more information visit www.rmjwellbeing.com Business Connexions | 29

TECHNOLOGY

London is a HOTSPOT for tech start-up ventures More than 18,000 new tech start-ups were launched in London last year – a 94% rise from 2020.

30 | Business Connexions

F

igures from audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK revealed that London accounted for the highest number of tech incorporations in 2021 (18,549), almost double the 9,572 recorded for the previous year.

A total of 38,240 tech businesses were incorporated in the UK in 2021 according to RSM UK’s analysis of data held by Companies House, up from 23,579 in 2020.

All regions in the UK saw an increase in tech incorporations. London recorded the highest percentage increase, followed by the West Midlands at 61 per cent; the North East at 59 per cent; Northern Ireland at 44 per cent and the North West at 43 per cent.

The UK tech sector this year became only the third economy, alongside the US and China, to reach $1 trillion in value after a surge in growth throughout the pandemic. The UK’s digital industry is now worth more than double Germany’s equivalent, its closest European rival.

TECHNOLOGY RSM’s latest analysis further evidences the UK’s key role in supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging innovation.

David Blacher, partner and head of media and technology at RSM UK, commented on the findings: “Our analysis shows an unprecedented level of tech incorporations. As expected, London saw the biggest take-up, but the regions aren’t getting left behind.

To be seeing incorporations increasing by between 40-60 per cent in regions throughout the UK is very encouraging and it is clear to see that the tech sector has thrived in conditions where other industries have either slowed or declined.

“COVID-19 has encouraged more businesses to embrace technology, both to operate successfully during periods of disruption and to adapt to shifting consumer demands. The rollout of 5G and experimentation with new ideas such as the metaverse and crypto has ledto more companies perceiving themselves as a tech business, which wouldn’t have been the case in the past.”

RSM’s research revealed the following findings across the UK:

Tech company incorporations by year Region East Midlands (England)

2020

2021

% increase

794

975

23%

East of England

1,722

2,190

27%

London

9,572

18,549

94%

North East (England)

295

469

59%

North West (England)

1,658

2,371

43%

Northern Ireland

227

326

44%

Scotland

772

1,055

37%

South East (England)

3,056

4,115

35%

South West (England)

1,156

1,445

25%

384

481

25%

1,119

1,799

61%

849

1,135

34%

Unknown

1,975

3,330

69%

UK Total

23,579

38,240

62%

Wales West Midlands (England) Yorkshire and The Humber

Business Connexions | 31

WANDSWORTH CHAMBER EVENTS

E V A S e t a d the

SCAN THE QR CODE (Caltrics.com) with your phone camera to see our events and get them in your calendar app.

Wandsworth Business Forum

Connect with Wandsworth Council and Experts for Regular Business Recovery Updates 1st Wednesday of Every Month 9.30am -11am Venue: ONLINE

Registration Link: https://cutt.ly/ZyNAqnQ

• 6th July

Wandsworth Business Forum

• 13th July

Networking at Hannah, Clapham Junction

• 3rd August

Wandsworth Business Forum

• 10th August Networking at the Earlsfield • 16th Sept

LinkedIn Accelerator Training Course

Please visit the events page of our website regularly to see what’s on and why not join us as we network through 2022.

For further details go to www.wandsworthchamber.org/events 32 | Business Connexions

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME to new members u

Arraco FX

u

Gillian Blore Unit 2, Riverside West Smugglers Way London SW18 1DF 020 7050 0584

u

London SW18 2BE 07462 722825

Auree Jewellery

u

u

74 Ramsden Road Balham London SW12 8QZ 020 8675 4036 u

u

Mike Oldham Tileman House 133 Upper Richmond Road London

Capital Wills and Estate Planning London Ltd

u

Light by Lexi Alexandra Vanotti 6 Valonia Gardens London SW18 1PY 0777 577 5691

Tooting Market

Shoshana Gilbert 21-23 Tooting High Street Tooting London SW17 0SN 020 8672 4760

GetSetGo! Family Clubs

SW15 2TR

Tiggo Care

Chris Williams Hyde Park House 5 Manfred Road London SW15 2RS 020 8102 8628

Emma Hammett

Barclays

Gary Morris 11 Prospect Cottages Wandsworth SW18 1NW 07955 250543

First Aid Online Limited

Square Space Property Karl Greenhill Tooting Works 89 Bickersteth Road London SW17 9SH 020 4509 1485

71 Aslett Street

Sacha Naidoo 7 St Johns Hill Clapham London SW11 1TR 07788 359129 u

u

Alberto Battaglia

Amelia Carmichael Unit A101 Riverside Business Centre Bendon Valley London SW18 4UQ 020 7993 5548 u

Deseyegn Ltd

u

Wandsworth Council Lifelong Learning Santino Fragola Gwynneth Morgan Centre 52 East Hill London SW18 2HJ 020 8871 8055

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 | 33

5 MINUTES WITH ...

minutes with ...

Wandsworth Civic Suite Q1 Who are you?

We are Wandsworth Civic Suite, operated by Enable.

Q2 What’s your business all about?

The Civic Suite is a historic, large events venue – perfect for hosting conferences, AGM’s, award ceremonies and dinner dances. We’re operated by not for profit Enable, which means that all profit goes back into enriching lives of people that live in Wandsworth.

Q3 Three words to describe yourself?

Historic, accessible, flexible

Q4 Ideal Customer?

Our ideal customer is really anyone who needs a large event space. We have a talented and experienced events team, who make any event planning easy – so we love customers that come with ideas, a vision and the imagination to consider what we can do with the space.

Q5 Philosophy in Business?

If you can dream it, you can do it

Q6 Sporting Hero?

We’ll have to go with Steph Davis and Katie Snowden – Wandsworth locals. We recently hosted the Active Wandsworth Awards, and it was such an honour to have two Olympians on the building.

Q7 Biggest tip for success?

For us it’s all about putting yourselves in someone else’s shoes. If we can get into the mind of our client, we know whatever happens we’ll deliver an event they’ll be happy with.

34 | Business Connexions

Wandsworth Civic Suite Explore this Grade II listed suite next to Wandsworth Town Hall.

Made up of two large interconnecting function rooms, the Civic Suite is the perfect blank canvas to accommodate a range of events and celebrations.

Perfect for conferences, AGM's, award ceremonies, dinner dances, examinations and more.

Dry hire venue Full kitchen facilities Includes a stage & lighting facilities No corkage fees Maximum capacity 500 people Parking facilities available Get in touch with our talented events team today at events@enablelc.org or visit enablelc.org/civic-suite

Business Connexions | 35

A NEW CONTEMPORARY OFFICE BUILDING SW8 3NS

Flexible workspace 2,865 – 12,709 sq.ft.

0207 344 6650

0207 924 4476