Business Connexions March 2022

Official Magazine for Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce | Issue 17 | Mar 2022

Inside • PATRON FOCUS

ADINA DAVID Director, urban living at real estate and property management specialist GREYSTAR supporting local businesses. Page 10

• BIG INTERVIEW

CLAIRE TUCKER Director and Co-Founder of HOMEWORK WORKSPACE inspires flexible working.

Page 18

• CHAMBER UPDATE

BEVERLEY CORSON CEO. What’s happening at Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce.

Page 30

ELIZABETH TAKYI A2I DYSLEXIA CIC

Celebrating International Women’s Day Female Business Leaders rise to the challenge. Page 4

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

Welcome to the latest Edition of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Magazine We want to thank our members who supported us throughout the pandemic and those who are returning and joining for the first time. You’re all helping Wandsworth Chamber to bounce back with renewed vigour so we can continue to support the business community.

W

elcome to the March 2022 edition of Business Connexions, my first time of writing this welcome piece, at a time when we’ve emerged from an incredibly challenging couple of years and are adjusting to life without restrictions.

Inside: Mar 2022 4-6

Women in Leadership News

9

You’ll read on pages 31-32 how we at Wandsworth Chamber have been progressing by getting more of the regular events back on track. Do have a look and come and meet us face-to-face. Non-members are also welcome. Our hope is that as businesses adjust to this refound freedom, you’ll be keen to get out and engage with us and other businesses again.

At this event we’ll be hearing from Sarah Banham from the Battersea Power Station Development Company who’ll be sharing with us where the development is at the moment and what to expect over the coming months. This is a crucial year as the power station itself will be opening so make sure you come along to find out more about that.

Also, as it’s recently been International Women’s Day, it seemed fitting to celebrate some of the inspiring business women in the borough of Wandsworth, so make sure you read their stories on pages 4-6.

Wishing you success as we continue to bounce forward.

We particularly want to highlight the return of the BIG Breakfast at Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel in April.

21 22-23 24 25

Economy Skills Technology Environment

Beverley Corson Chief Executive Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce

29

Health & Wellbeing

11 12 16-17 18-19

10

Legal Battersea Richard Burge Big Interview

Person behind the Business 27 The

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 March 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.1870 Disclaimer Business Connexions is mailed without charge to all Chamber members and distributed to businesses in the Borough.

Chamber Update

Patron Focus

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33 33 34

30

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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.

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Business Connexions | 3

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

Female business leaders rise to the challenge Elizabeth Takyi

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY took place on Tuesday, March 8 this year.

It was the ideal opportunity to celebrate the achievements of females, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.

From a corporate perspective, it was also a chance to showcase the best female talent in industry, high-achievers who are heading up successful businesses and driving their growth.

44 || Business Business Connexions Connexions

I

n the borough of Wandsworth, there are many shining examples of women who are doing just that. In the last two years, the trading environment has been challenging to say the least due to COVID-19, yet dozens of females have shown the resilience and fortitude to navigate their businesses through the pandemic.

customers. She travelled the world arranging flowers for events such as the Cartier Million Horse Race in Dublin to socialite weddings in the US and Europe.

Liz says: “I established the business in 1992 almost by accident. The first thing I did when launching the business was to start a family!

It was a challenge but I muddled through.

When the kids were young, I scaled back my work for ten years because I wanted to see them grow up. When they started secondary school, I still had this business and I was in a position to push on and grow it.

Liz Marsh most certainly falls into this category. Liz, who heads up Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design in New Covent Garden Market, has enjoyed a successful career after helping to run a small flower shop off Baker Street.

From here, she joined Kenneth Turner, the father of floral design and self-confessed number one floral “decorator”, who counted leading socialites and businesses in London as his customers during the boom years of the late 1980s.

Liz began working alongside Mary Portas as the last independent artist to design and install the window displays for Harvey Nichols; Le Caprice and the Ivy were regular weekly

Liz Marsh

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

There are many female solopreneurs but not enough women scale up their businesses. Women sometimes perceive barriers when they’re not there. They will only apply for a job if they can do 90% of it. Men apply if they can do 10%.

Emma Hammett “I sought help from a business coach in 2008 and the following year I started developing the business in earnest. The recession helped in one sense because business levels dipped and this gave me more time to grow the company in a more sustainable, controlled way.

“In 2017 our annual turnover reached £500,000 but we hit a ceiling. In the next three years we overhauled all of the systems and streamlined business processes. The COVID lockdowns were frustrating but now we’re ready to scale up by taking on bigger order and larger-scale projects.”

Liz manages ten staff within the business, including four florists, and says she leads her team in a collegiate, collaborative style.

“If there are more females in senior business roles, hopefully female values – collaboration, sustainability and an accent on personal development – will be accepted,” she says.

“In 2016 I started aligning the business with my own personal values, which are based on the concept of sustainability. We’ve started doing floral artistry installations that showcase the beauty of nature and the importance of looking after it. This has helped us to win work and allowed us to raise our profile. Companies want to work with us as they want to be associated with a sustainable brand like ours.

“In my career I’ve encountered lots of challenges being a woman. Early on I didn’t have any role models; most people in senior positions were men. I encountered some sexism from males – I’ve even had to sack a few! Now, though, more women are taking up these positions and that’s great from an equality point of view.”

Another high-flier is Emma Hammett, a qualified nurse and first aid trainer who runs First Aid for Life.

Emma was recently named “Most Inspirational Trainer” in a national competition and her organisation was named Best Business in London by the Federation of Small Businesses.

She trained and worked at St Thomas’ Hospital in the late 1980s and has since worked in both clinical and managerial capacities in many hospitals and across several specialist areas. These include: medicine at Hammersmith, Charing Cross and Queen Charlotte’s Hospitals; paediatrics, accident & emergency, acute admissions, medicine for the elderly and the Burns Unit at Queen Mary’s Roehampton. She has also been a community nurse in south west London and worked as a nurse at Wandsworth Prison.

Emma is also an ESOL teacher and is therefore ideal to teach first aid in a manner that’s easily understood, to nannies and au pairs from overseas.

work,” Emma says. “Now we can work remotely, women can juggle family needs with their careers. We are now truly able to work 100% effectively.

All of this experience has enabled Emma to establish First Aid for Life – finally fulfilling her passion and dream of empowering people to gain the skills and confidence to help in a medical emergency. However, she was initially inspired much earlier when nursing, as she explains.

“There are many female solopreneurs but not enough women scale up their businesses.

Women sometimes perceive barriers when they’re not there. They will only apply for a j ob if they can do 90% of it. Men apply if they can do 10%. I know that’s a generalisation but it’s often the case.”

“I repeatedly saw the difference that prompt and appropriate first aid makes to someone’s prognosis,” she says. “My key motivation came when working in the burns unit, looking after a little boy so badly burnt that he needed skin grafts. Had his mother known basic first aid skills, he might not have needed to be admitted to hospital. My sister and nephew both became paraplegics following accidents and it opened my eyes to the importance of accident prevention, management and support following an accident. It also highlighted an overwhelming need to empower more people with the skills and confidence to know how to help in those first vital seconds.”

Julia Pittman believes that the challenge of balancing work and home life sometimes deters women from applying for leadership roles.

Emma manages six staff and a team of 46 trainers around the country. Since starting the business in 2007 she has diversified significantly; the organisation now has several strings to its bow. First Aid for Life offers practical first aid courses to schoolchildren, charities, health practitioners and businesses, including management teams at fast food chain McDonald’s. Onlinefirstaid.com was established in 2016 to provide web-based courses, while Firstaidforpets.net offers first aid for dogs and cats.

Julia, who is a Director and Head of Sales and Marketing at Beaver Pest Control, says: “When in a high-level position you have to be very focused and dedicated. This becomes more difficult if you’re trying to raise a family.

I had four small children when I joined my first company so childcare was an issue. A support network is critical for your work and home life.

I work in a male-dominated industry and it can be difficult – quite daunting, in fact – to disagree with a room full of men!

“If people put excessive pressure on themselves, it can create a feeling of self-doubt; perhaps this is why some women don’t go for the top jobs. I’d like to see more female mentors saying: you can do this. That would encourage more females to apply for senior roles.”

Julia has been at Beaver Pest Control since 2014. The company provides a range of innovative pest control services including general pest control, bird control and wildlife

In addition, Emma launched Stay Safe for Older People, a free information and resource website signposting older people and their family, friends and carers to a wealth of expert advice and support. The content on this site is continually updated to help older people stay safe, remain healthy and prevent avoidable hospital admissions resulting from accidents in the home environment.

Having enjoyed a successful career to date, Emma believes that women can show strong leadership by staying calm, being able to adapt, building relationships and recognising their strengths and limitations.

“Women can sometimes be overly cautious but if you can be more ballsy about embracing opportunities, there’s usually a way of making it

Julia Pittman

Cont. overleaf >> Business Connexions | 5

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

Elizabeth, who was also diagnosed with dyscalculia in 2019, supports adults with dyslexia and other learning difficulties who want to start their own businesses, return to further education or improve their employability skills.

management to commercial customers in the construction, education, health and leisure, facilities management, food and retail sectors.

Previously she worked her way up the ladder at a commercial cleaning company, eventually becoming head of service then commercial manager and head of IT. In 2013 she left her career in the facilities industry to teach English in Cambodia for a year before joining Beaver the following year.

Julia says: “I’ve enjoyed my career but another challenging factor for me recently has been the menopause, which has left me with symptoms of anxiety and brain fog. The company has supported me really well but accepting that my work may sometimes not reach the high standards I set myself has been difficult. GPs need to do more to recognise the effects of the menopause.”

It’s true that having support from a variety of people can help women climb the career ladder. In recent years, both Richmond and Wandsworth Councils have been striving to provide extra support for female entrepreneurs in these two boroughs.

Julia also sits on the Executive Board of the British Pest Control Association and is Chair of the Outreach and Communications Committee. Julia is the only female executive board member.

Susan Shaw, Head of Enterprise and Business Growth at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, recognises the value of local female entrepreneurs.

She says: “What better way to celebrate their success than International Women’s Day in March? This year is no exception, and we’re delighted to be hosting an event in the London Borough of Wandsworth.

“In Wandsworth, Women’s Enterprise Day, which is now in its eighth year, is a celebration of female entrepreneurship and success in in the borough. The event, on March 24 at the Elm Grove Conference Centre in Roehampton, will feature a panel discussion with local founders - who will reveal their start-up stories and share their highs and lows, including how they navigated through the pandemic and the valuable lessons they learnt along the way motivational talks; interactive group sessions and a networking lunch.

6 | Business Connexions

She says: “Our not-for-profit organsiation is the first social enterprise in Wandsworth to raise awareness of dyslexia and other learning difficulties within the community and to encourage entrepreneurship amongst dyslexics. We support dyslexic adults who want to return to education and selfemployment, and we also help them to acquire employability skills. Our aim is to provide one-to-one support to adults and children who want to reach their full potential by identifying their skills and talents and utilising them to the best of their ability.

We believe that with the right support in place, you can reach your goal in life.

A2i Dyslexia is about helping the individual; we’ll empower you by believing in you and supporting you.

“As a female black woman living with a disability, dyslexia and other learning difficulties, the challenges have been many. There are very few black female CEOs who run dyslexia organisations so there are few black role models.

The images of dyslexic people have always been predominantly white.

“When I established A2i Dyslexia, because it was an organisation led by a black woman, there was very little support initially and I had difficulty in securing funding. Since the pandemic there has been more support but we still have a very long way to go.

Susan Shaw Guest speaker, Jacqueline Gold, CEO of Anne Summers and Knickerbox, is known for championing female entrepreneurs. Jacqueline will provide practical tips on how to reset and refresh your business and mindset. She will also share her inspirational story and discuss how setting yourself apart from the competition and knowing what you stand for plays a big part in succeeding in business.

The event will also see the launch of the Wandsworth Women Enterprise Awards, which will celebrate founders in the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’, ‘Best Contribution to the Community’ and ‘Rising Star categories.’

Winners in each category will receive four hours of one-to-one business coaching.

“More often than not, the corporate boardroom has been male-dominated with very few women. In addition, as a dyslexic I’ve found it hard to deal with adminbased paperwork although we have a very supportive team at A2i Dyslexia who’ve made this organisation what it is today. Another challenge has been trying to balance work life and being a single mother to three children.”

So, why are more women not in senior leadership roles?

“There are many reasons why,” says Elizabeth. “Sometimes it’s due to taking time out to raise a family, sometimes it’s due to discrimination or unconscious biases present in the workplace. As a black woman, I’ve encountered racism at a senior level.

Gender biases and stereotyping work against professional women’s leadership aspirations.

“More females need to apply for leadership roles and not be fearful of the unknown.”

Jenni Asiama, Enterprise and Business Communications Manager, leading the event for Wandsworth Council, said “We have received a number of strong nominations for the Women’s Enterprise Awards. We do hope you can join us at the event to celebrate some of the fantastic female entrepreneurs we have in Wandsworth”. To book a ticket for the event, please visit https://wandsworthenterprisehub.com While female success stories are gaining well-earned recognition, many women have had to overcome barriers to fulfil their potential. Elizabeth Takyi was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia and Irlen Syndrome (also known as visual stress), and this gave her the inspiration to launch her current venture, Aspire2Inspire (A2i) Dyslexia, in 2016.

Elizabeth Takyi

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www.hanne.co.uk www.hanne.co.uk Business Connexions | 7 www.hanne.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

We are NOT the HR police and dispelling other myths about the HR function

G

reetings to all my (new) Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Colleagues. To introduce myself, I am Judith Moeckell founder and director of JM Consulting. We are an HR consultancy specialising in two main areas • A specialist consultancy in all or any part of the end to end employee career cycle starting with who and how many resources are needed, how and where to attract them and how to develop and keep your employee’

• A zero hours trusted HR Resource for SME’s or companies that don’t require a permanent HR resource but do sometimes need help with any or all of the parts of the people function

At JM Consulting ❛❛ we have a small core team and a large network of associates.

This means we have access to all areas of expertise within the people function without having the overheads of a large resource heavy consultancy enabling us to provide relevant and cost effective services and solutions.

❜❜

I have been a resident of Wandsworth for 14 years now and have been lucky to attend some great chamber functions in the past. I think we are very lucky to have so many SME’s and entrepreneurs in the borough backed up by a great business focused council and chamber of commerce. Having done a lot of work with SME’s through COVID and established a great team of associate HR experts. Now seemed an ideal time to join the Chamber of commerce and to take this opportunity to introduce myself and JM consulting.

As March is dedicated to the empowerment of women with national woman’s day on the 8th, I did think about making that the focus of this article, however while I am a) female and b) a great supporter of empowerment for woman it would be fairer to say I am a great supporter of empowerment for all people. Particularity those that are currently in situations where they don’t have a voice or a choice. Sadly, many of those are women but not exclusively so.

Therefore, I decided to dedicate this article to dispelling a couple of common myths about the HR function.

Firstly, we are not the HR police. I am still very surprised when I encounter comments like ‘ooh, don’t tell HR they will fire/discipline us’ as if we sit in some ivory tower malevolently scanning the employee database and randomly picking on hapless people to terrorise. Firstly, we don’t have that power, the role of HR is to guide and provide expertise to the line manager in order for them to make the right decisions on their teams and secondly why would we want to. Apart from the very rare exception of some distant relative of the marquis de Sade, most HR people I have met in my time are generally quite nice people who like a laugh and think the most satisfying part of the role is to help contribute to a happy high performing workforce.

The second myth I want to dispel is that HR is only about employee relations (i.e. the hiring and firing bit). That’s a bit like saying all engineers can do anything from fixing the electrics in your house to building a nuclear power station. HR is a generic term for all things related to the

www.jm-consulting.co.uk • info@jm-consulting.co.uk 8 | Business Connexions

employee lifecycle, and within that function there are operational HR people who are very good at the day to day running of the people function (including the employee relations area), and there are specialists in all of those areas: reward (pay, benefits etc), talent (terrible term but it’s now been around for a few years and has now stuck - how to identify, evaluate and develop your people), change, recruitment etc etc. The trick for all employers is knowing what you need and who to go to help you achieve that. For example, I am foremost a talent specialist so am the ‘go to’ person if you want to understand the skills you need in your company and how to acquire, evaluate and develop them.

If you were looking for someone to create and implement some HR policies, I would absolutely not recommend myself but of course I know a man (or woman) that can.

And lastly everyone thinks they are experts in people. Respectfully you are not. While your opinions are very important, if you invest in financial expert to assist in the cots and revenue why not do the same for your human capital because what have you got without an effective workforce!

Here at JM Consulting we have a small core team and a large network of associates. This means we have access to all areas of expertise within the people function without having the overheads of a large resource heavy consultancy enabling us to provide relevant and cost-effective services and solutions.

I hope to meet you all or some of you face to face at the forthcoming chamber events this year however if you would like to have a further chat before then please do not hesitate to contact us at info@jm-consulting.co.uk or visit our website/ Instagram/ Twitter/ LinkedIn for more information. We regularly post HR related blogs on there and you can also sign up for events such as free seminars on relevant People related topics e.g. how to have difficult conversations, manage your stakeholders, enhance your influencing skills.

Kind & Co named as building contractor for new housing project Wandsworth Council has announced that Kind & Co is the new building contractor on a scheme to transform a garage site on Whitlock Drive in West Hill, Wandsworth, into nine new homes.

The council initially obtained planning permission for the scheme in April 2021.

Councillor Jonathan Cook, cabinet member for housing at Wandsworth Council, said: “We’re looking forward to working with Kind & Co on this scheme, which will make an important contribution towards the council’s Housing for All programme and our promise to deliver 1,000 new council homes by 2027.”

When it is complete, the Whitlock Drive garage site will deliver a threestorey building comprising a single one-bedroom home, along with six two-bedroom and two three-bedroom homes, with undercroft parking and landscaping. There are also some street improvement measures associated with the project including new tree planting, reconfigured parking and pedestrian pathways.

Bill Bassenger, joint managing director of Kind & Co, said: “We’re thrilled to have been appointed to work on this scheme with the council. Currently on site further north of the borough delivering 18 homes in Gideon Road, we look forward to continuing to partner with the team at Wandsworth, to work towards the delivery of their current housing programme – which will bring 1,000 new homes to residents by 2027.”

The Housing for All programme is on track to deliver 1,000 homes by 2027, with 188 having been completed across 14 sites and a further 312 across 29 sites being built or having obtained planning consent.

All new homes within the programme are prioritised for Wandsworth residents and key workers.

The Disco Dance Club The club was officially opened

by Councillor Jane Cooper at a rapturous evening on the 20th November 2021.

It was great to lift it off the ground despite the spectre of Covid.

The purpose is to connect people with the same passion as mine and foster community.

There will be themed events, birthday and anniversary celebrations all linking in with Disco Dance.

JOIN US T NEWS ODAY

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

There are challenges, but we hope it will rise from the ashes of Covid. It is on the third Saturday of every month.

For details please visit www.discodanceclub.co.uk

Thank you to everyone supporting us to make the community live again.

Business Connexions | 9

PATRON FOCUS

Greystar supports local businesses ADINA DAVID, Director, urban living at real estate and property management specialist Greystar, explains how the firm is reaping the rewards of being a Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Patron…

How long have you been a Chamber Patron?

Greystar joined Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce in December 2021.

Why did you sign up?

We signed up to the Chamber because we’re active in Wandsworth as an investor, developer and operator of rental housing for the long term and wanted to support local businesses through engagement with the Chamber and fellow patrons. We currently have one community under development, opening later this year called Bloom at Nine Elms; this will provide 894 new build-to-rent homes and ten new shops,

10 | Business Connexions

restaurants and leisure spaces. We also hope to develop another community in the Battersea area that will welcome local businesses as either occupiers or beneficiaries of the services to be provided on site. These services include co-working spaces, a convenience store, a coffee shop and a bike workshop.

What benefits do you get from this arrangement?

Given our intentions to be present in Wandsworth for the long term, we’re eager to connect with businesses, learn about their needs, and seek to address them by finding ways to support them through our developments.

CGI of Bloom at Nine Elms

by Henderson Park and Greystar - aerial view

We hope to integrate our future developments into the existing community and enhance the services offered locally.

We believe that our future success depends on working closely and well with local stakeholders.

What benefits can your company provide to other Chamber members?

Our business focuses on delivering and operating large-scale rental housing communities that often have commercial uses on the ground floor, spaces that can welcome non-residents for events and, of course, long-term accommodation.

We hope to meet with other Chamber members and explore partnerships that will be useful to them in the long run.

Our residents are also active users of local businesses and services, which helps to support the communities in which we operate.

DON’T PANIC!

LEGAL

TOP TIPS for dealing with HMRC furlough enquiries

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), commonly referred to as ‘furlough’ was introduced by the UK Government in March 2020. While relatively unheard of prior to the pandemic we have, since March 2020, been consistently hearing or using this word.

In this article Sheetul Sowdagar from Russell-Cooke gives some top tips to wrap your head around furlough fraud and dealing with enquiries.

Many of us may or may not know that the Oxford English Dictionary defines furlough as “to give somebody permission to leave their duties for a period of time”.

the furlough scheme to help retain their

show your intention of being cooperative,

employees during the pandemic may

but will also help address any issues,

receive queries from HMRC. These could

without the need for escalation.

even be in cases where only legitimate

In the press, we have seen increasing mention of ‘furlough fraud.’ It has recently been estimated that the UK Government is likely to write off £4.3 billion in furlough fraud.

furlough claims had been made.

Tip 3: Make sure you review your records and keep copies.

What is furlough fraud?

respond to any queries received.

Examples of furlough fraud could include:

Tip 1: Do not panic!

• Furloughed staff being asked to continue to work; • Claiming furlough pay for staff who did not qualify for the scheme; • Claiming furlough pay for ‘made up’ staff; • Over-claiming furlough pay;

Help – I’ve had a query from HMRC

This will allow you to refresh your

Below are some practical tips to help you

HMRC if needed.

Understand that HMRC may be following up leads or simply asking questions to ensure that all claims made were done so properly.

Tip 2: Do not bury your head in the sand.

While it is easy to get distracted in keeping the business running, it is

• Not passing the full amount of furlough pay to the furloughed employees;

important to understand that this is not

• Deliberately providing false information to receive furlough pay from HMRC.

yourself to engage with HMRC, then make

While it is understood that only a very small minority intended to defraud HMRC, it is known that HMRC have started ramping up their investigations and actively following up on tip-offs received. Many business owners in the UK who had accessed

going to go away. If you cannot find time sure you instruct an adviser who can do so on your behalf.

memory and more importantly have all your documents ready to disclose to

Tip 4:

Be transparent.

In the event you realise that a mistake has been made, or any overpayments have occurred, make sure you promptly inform HMRC.

Tip 5: Keep records for a minimum of six years.

Even if you were successful in addressing any queries and the matter was subsequently resolved, do keep your records for a minimum of six years to assist you with any potential future queries.

We can help It goes without saying that if any actions

It is often too easy to say that we ‘will deal

are being taken against you by HMRC,

with this later’ and soon enough a month or

please seek independent legal advice

more has gone by. It is always better to be

urgently. Contact our senior associate

proactive and start engaging with HMRC

Sheetul Sowdagar in our professional

as soon as possible. This will not only

regulation team, for help.

Sheetul Sowdagar

Direct: +44 (0)20 7440 4806 Email: Sheetul.Sowdagur@russell-cooke.co.uk

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

Business Connexions | 11

BATTERSEA

Battersea Power Station

Celebrates 100th Apprentice Milestone Battersea Power Station has welcomed its 100th local apprentice working on the restoration of the Grade II* listed Power Station, bringing the total number of local construction apprentices from Wandsworth and Lambeth working on the project since it began in 2013 to 176.

O

pening to the public in September, the London landmark will be the centrepiece of a new ‘15-minute’ live, work and play neighbourhood, which will act as a new hub for the local and wider communities, a new business quarter for the capital and an exciting retail and leisure destination for Londoners and international visitors.

Kallol Karanjai, a 38-yearold Electrical Apprentice for TClarke, is the 100th local apprentice to work on the Power Station building, the second phase of the wider redevelopment project.

Wandsworth resident, Kallol, heard about the apprenticeship through Wandsworth Work Match, Wandsworth Council’s brokerage service. Battersea Power Station and its contractors work in partnership with Work Match to offer job and apprenticeship opportunities to local people.

On being the 100th apprentice to work on the restoration of the London landmark, Kallol Karanjai said: “I’m delighted and I’m pleased that I can help raise awareness of how apprenticeships can enable you to develop new skills and a career at any age. When I started applying for apprenticeships, I was worried that employers would only consider recent school leavers but the team at Battersea Power Station have been extremely welcoming and supportive. I really enjoy working on the iconic Power Station itself, it’s a huge reputable project which will definitely stand out on my CV.”

Local apprentices currently working at Battersea Power Station. Credit Charlie Round Turner

Director of Battersea Power Station’s BASE (Battersea Academy for Skills and Employment), Andre Burwood said: “Developing a unique community and neighbourhood, which generates opportunities for local residents has always been important to our shareholders and we’re delighted that we have been able to offer 100 apprentices’ roles which are helping to restore the iconic Power Station itself back to its former glory. We have seen an increasing number of people looking to change career paths during the pandemic and apprenticeships are a great opportunity to learn new skills which open doors to different industries.

Getting people upskilled and into work is a primary focus at Battersea Power Station and we work with education providers, local councils and businesses to ensure we deliver the best for our local community and for our project.”

The project is currently recruiting for roles in property management and security, as well as looking for more apprentices to work across the active construction sites on the 42-acre development.

Councillor Rhodri Morgan, Wandsworth Council’s spokesman for Economic Development, Skills and Employment, said: “Starting work as an apprentice builds valuable skills and on-the-job experience so we’re delighted that Work Match and BASE are able to provide so many opportunities at Battersea Power Station.

Circus West Village, the first chapter in the regeneration of Battersea Power Station, is already home to 1,500 residents and more than 20 bars, restaurants, cafes, fitness and leisure offerings including Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza, The Turbine Theatre, Black Sheep Coffee, Boom Cycle and The Cinema in The Arches. The thriving riverside neighbourhood usually welcomes over three million people on average each year thanks to its annual events programme.

“I really enjoyed meeting new apprentices Daniel, Hayley and Nicola who are so enthusiastic and excited about the work they’re doing. It’s wonderful to know that local residents are playing a vital role in securing the future of this incredible London landmark and getting a foot on the career ladder as they work.”

To date, the Battersea Power Station development has filled 606 construction and 136 operational jobs with local residents in Wandsworth and Lambeth on top of the 176 local apprenticeships.

For current opportunities, please visit www.baseskillsacademy.co.uk/yourrecruitment-journey/ Opening in late Summer, the Power Station will be home to 254 residential apartments, over 100 retail shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as unique event spaces including the Chimney Lift Experience. The opening will coincide with the launch of this exciting riverside neighbourhood’s new high street, Electric Boulevard, which will offer a mix of office space, shops, bars and restaurants, a 164-room hotel, a park and a community centre.

With the Northern Line extended to give this new riverside neighbourhood its very own Zone 1 London Underground station, Battersea Power Station is now within 15 minutes of the West End and the City and is expected to draw visitors from across the capital and the globe, becoming one of London’s most visited destinations, boosting the local economy and creating over 20,000 jobs.

For more information about Battersea Power Station please visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk 12 | Business Connexions

Business Connexions | 13

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

SKILLS

New London South Bank Technical College opens in September 2022 What it means for local business

London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) opens this September in Nine Elms.

I

t will give local employers looking for newly qualified and skilled employees’ new opportunities to develop and support their workforce in challenging times.

The ground-breaking new technical college will deliver a stimulating vocational and technical curriculum in a realistic workplace environment.

It will also add a further college to LSBU Group’s portfolio and sits under South Bank Colleges (SBC) with Lambeth College and focuses on delivering a fresh, dynamic educational and vocational experience for students to make them fit for the future.

This year, Phase 1 of the new College will be completed and will be ready to open in September 2022. It will offer Level 2 to 4 courses covering Engineering and Science, Construction and the Built Environment, Creative and Digital Industries from this year. In 2024, Phase 2 will open and offer Health and Life Sciences, Service Industries and Early Years and Education.

Partnerships with employers and a growing focus on apprenticeships are integral to new College’s strategy.

The Group’s apprenticeship team understands the value and importance of supporting local businesses and growing local talent within an area.

The new Technical College is in the Nine Elms area. The team are actively working closely with employers to make this happen.

Manjinder Chhokran, Head of Business Engagement explains, ‘Our apprenticeship programme is a core stream at LSBTC. It will transform how we all learn, work and support employees. The value of apprenticeships for businesses is significant, giving them a talent strategy solution for their organisation.

Our collaboration will drive innovation, bring together state-of-the-art equipment and industry-led technology in work-based education to closely match employer need.

Our partnership with employers will deliver apprenticeship training programmes will deliver a vision of a workforce that’s fit for the future now.’

AN EMPLOYER CASE STUDY

“Apprenticeship schemes help create a dedicated, loyal workforce.” – Andy Tookey, Managing Partner at Baily Garner

Support for local business But what’s in it for employers near LSBTC in Nine Elms? The on-site apprenticeship team will provide tailored support to achieve a nationally recognised qualifications, deliver learning and training in an environment that reflects a contemporary working environment.

LSBTC will provide every employer with the resources and training to ensure that their apprentice develops the skills required to match the company or organisation’s needs.

We want learners to apply practical skills at the workplace right from the start and add value to your organisation quickly. Every apprentice is given continuous on programme guidance via a support system consisting of the skills coach and LSBTC will be the training provider.

For businesses that are SME or a Levy paying or unclear about the funding requirements of an apprenticeship, the LSBTC apprenticeship team can support. As part of the tailored recruitment process, the team can provide guidance on specific funding requirements to make the best decision for your business.

The team currently work with a range of companies and organisations to support them by clearly identifying training needs and how those skills gaps can be plugged. Their expertise allows then to appropriately map the programme that best fits the right employer job profile.

The team believe that one of the key factors to a successful apprenticeship is fostering that three-way relationship between the learner, training provider/ skills coach and you as an employer.

This dynamic approach provides a strong foundation for engaged learning and career success.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH These are just some of the examples of the success stories here at LSBTC. We believe in a fully holistic approach meaning learners could start at level 1 with LSTBC, really grow within their chosen career pathway, and become professionally qualified right through to degree and masters’ levels with London South Bank University.

Why we invest in apprenticeships?

Having the opportunity to shape your apprentices experience of work is incredibly rewarding.

We feel that: They bring a fresh perspective Apprentices might not have any workplace experience, but they can offer a fresh perspective and new ideas, which are just as valuable to a growing business like us.

They help create a committed workforce Apprenticeship schemes help create a dedicated, loyal workforce. We’re able to recruit enthusiastic team members and arm them with the skills and knowledge that make them a perfect fit for our business – encouraging them to climb their career ladders with us.

They help bridge the skills gap It can be difficult to recruit people with the skills we need to help move our business forward. Taking on an apprentice helps solve this issue, as we can hire those with the enthusiasm and talent we’re looking for and train them for a specific role.

AN APPRENTICE CASE STUDY

“Nothing else I investigated for someone my age (16) provided such a sense of job security and progression” – Hugo Webb – Surveying Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) I knew I wanted to go into the construction industry but wasn’t sure what route to take. So, I spoke to lots of different people and learnt more about apprenticeships.

That’s when I knew an apprenticeship was the right route for me as it provides a stable career path. Nothing else I investigated for someone my age (16) provided such a sense of job security and progression.

I’ve seen how successful an apprenticeship has been for others.

Now it’s my turn!

NEXT STEPS

For anyone interested in exploring their interests in fast-moving tech industries, the new College is taking applications now.

New course pathways include digital animation, forensics and Esports with focus on delivering a stimulating vocational and technical curriculum, ensuring any students are

well-positioned to excel in careers, mainly in fast-moving tech industries.

For employers, the new College will place employers at the centre of their apprenticeship programmes.

If you’re interested in becoming part of this opportunity to improve your workforce’s training strategy, join the conversation.

Find out how LSBTC can support your employee training and development programme.

T. 02075015313 E. groupapprenticeships@lambethcollege.ac.uk W. southbankcolleges.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships

Business Connexions | 15

RICHARD BURGE

London builds bridges with overseas cities 16 | Business Connexions

RICHARD BURGE

It’s fair to say that RICHARD BURGE has had his travelling boots on recently. In the last few months, he has visited Hamberg and Berlin in Germany, Los Angeles, Dubai, San Francisco and San Diego in a bid to build relationships with Chambers of Commerce and other key organisations in these localities.

E

ssentially, these visits have been fact-finding missions, an attempt to explore synergies between these localities and London – still viewed internationally as a global destination for trade.

My job is to see where the synergies

There are also clear synergies between

and gaps are so we can build mutually

London and Dubai, particularly the

beneficial relationships between

Thames Freeport, a major economic

London Chamber members and

zone that connects Ford’s world-class

members in Chambers overseas.

Dagenham engine plant to the global

Ultimately, memorandums of

base on which to build connections

companies in the freeport can take

between Hamburg and London

advantage of tax benefits that make

Chambers. Can we, for instance,

it easier and cheaper to move goods

facilitate more trade between SMEs in

into and out of the country. This could

these two regions? Can we get more

also encourage some Dubai firms to

small businesses here to export into

re-shore all or part of their operations

north Germany?”

to the freeport.

understanding (MOUs) will be agreed with each Chamber before the implementation of three-year engagement plans that will, hopefully, boost trade between London and each of these overseas cities.

It’s a bold, ambitious plan that Richard has been driving forward since assuming his current role as CEO of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) two years ago.

He says: “We’re trying to create and maintain international relationships in a post-Brexit world. Despite all of the political rhetoric, London is a global, welcoming city with good connections to the outside world. Essentially, we’re still the same outward-facing, probusiness city as we were before

“I’ve learned something from all of the places I’ve visited. For example, there’s already something to work with in north Germany, where there are 4,500 British businesses. This gives us a strong

❛❛

Our engagement

plans will be very

specific and tailored to each city region; they won’t be a one-

strengths and challenges to overcome.

trade of goods and services between London and Dubai, particularly as

Richard. “Berlin is a significant city in the EU’s future and the business ecosystem in Los Angeles is quite similar to the one we have in London.

“I also met the CEO of a San Diegobased tech business that has just launched an operation in London.

He stressed the importance of

As I’ve been

international business. We have to

discovering in recent has its own strengths

recent months, each city has its own

there are opportunities to explore the

having a presence in the UK capital

“Our engagement plans will be very

boilerplate. As I’ve been discovering in

by Dubai-headquartered DP World,

size-fits-all boilerplate.

months, each city

region; they won’t be a one-size-fits-all

Given that London Gateway is owned

“I see opportunities everywhere,” says

Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

specific and tailored to each city

ports at London Gateway and Tilbury.

and challenges to overcome.

❜❜

to position his company as an keep reminding ourselves of the attractiveness of London.

“San Diego also has a strong trading relationship with Mexico, with good access to Mexico’s skilled labour force. Historically, this draws parallels between London and the EU, where the movement of labour has benefited both parties for many years.”

Business Connexions | 17

BIG INTERVIEW

CLAIRE INSPIRES FLEXIBLE WORKING

CLAIRE TUCKER spent many years working for large corporate firms but, like many entrepreneurs, she got the urge to fly solo and launch her own venture. Now she’s the CEO and co-founder of HOMEWORK WORKSPACE, a fully serviced local workspace with all the facilities you’d expect from an office but with all the flexibility you’d have if you worked from home.

C

laire says: “I qualified as a chartered accountant and worked for 14 years at PwC, having joined on their graduate scheme. I enjoyed it as it gave me the opportunity to spread my wings. I moved to Australia with PwC before leaving to work for an investment bank. Then I returned to the UK and went back to PwC. “PwC was a fantastic place to start my career but I didn’t imagine myself being there forever. I reached a tipping point in my career and took a career break in November 2017. At the time, my husband worked for a private equity firm but had also worked at PwC for several years. There we had had the flexibility to work from home but it was difficult because of the distraction of my kids!

That’s when we spotted a gap in the market for a more local, flexible work space and the idea of HomeWork was born in 2018 over a few glasses of wine.

“We felt passionately that the existing co-working offerings didn’t quite hit the mark, particularly in London, and we wanted to do something that would better support individuals and smaller businesses.

“Big co-working sites still require long commutes to central locations and cater better for larger businesses than individuals.

Working from home may lack facilities or feel isolated and working from your local café has inherent limitations.

18 | Business Connexions

BIG INTERVIEW

Claire Tucker Fundamentally, for a nation of people who are supposed to be working flexibly, options on where we can work remain limited! With HomeWork, our high street locations make it local and convenient, and desk space is available on an hourly or a monthly basis – and various options in between.

“Fundamentally, for a nation of people who are supposed to be working flexibly, options on where we can work remain limited!

“With HomeWork, our high street locations make it local and convenient, and desk space is available on an hourly or a monthly basis – and various options in between.”

The company currently has two workspaces: one in Putney and another in Southfields. The former opened its doors in 2019, while the latter was operational from last summer.

Claire recalls: “The Putney space was a shell when we first saw it.

We scraped some money together and undertook a comprehensive fit-out of the building in 2018 before opening the following year.

“We didn’t undertake a huge marketing campaign. We did some introductory offers and were completely full within five months. It has everything you need: a dedicated workstation, Wifi, private phone booths, meeting rooms and complimentary filter coffee and tea.

“It’s only £4 an hour or £20 a day to sit at your desk, so it’s affordable for micro-businesses and freelancers.

Since covid we’re accommodating a lot more corporate employees as well now that so many are working remotely. Essentially, we can cater for everyone who works at a desk!”

Southfields has a similar offering although with 5,800 sq ft of space it’s three times larger than Putney.

Claire and her 20-strong team of staff are planning to open a third site in Fulham Broadway this spring and a fourth site in south west London is also in the pipeline.

“COVID has helped our business in that it accelerated the move to hybrid working,” says Claire. “Staff often don’t want to work from home for large chunks of the week and instead want an affordable, convenient space where they can carry out their day jobs. People who’ve enjoyed flexibility in the pandemic want to retain that flexibility. For employers, the hybrid model appeals because it allows them to save money on rent and rates. Also, they can’t be heavy handed about getting people back into the office five days a week because nowadays staff will leave to work for a company that offers more flexibility.

“In the future I’d love to expand geographically and get a decent foothold in the south of England.

We’re also recruiting in advance of the opening of the Fulham Broadway site.

“I’ve always been a hard worker and I am passionate about what I’m doing. This passion rubs off on my staff, who are all super-engaged in what we’re trying to achieve. I firmly believe that local workspaces are the future for all of us and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.”

the inside story: Favourite food?

Wagamama takeaway – edamame, gyozas and yaki udon!

Favourite tipple?

A cold glass of pale rose.

Favourite holiday?

An amazing little guest house in Tuscany called Locanda Al Colle. We went there on our honeymoon and my husband is taking me back there later this year for our ten-year wedding anniversary. I also love skiing!

Describe your family life?

I live in Earlsfield with my husband Sam, two children, Jack (8) and Isabel (6), and a puppy, Tilly (a fox red Labrador). Family life is hectic and noisy! It’s also lots of fun; my children go to the local primary school which is a few minutes’ walk from our house so life is generally centred around the school day.

We spend the weekends walking the dog, seeing friends and family (lots of whom live very close) and running around between various clubs or birthday parties!

How do you spend your downtime?

Downtime? What’s that?!

What are your key strengths as a manager?

Having loads of energy and passion, always being receptive and empathetic, and getting stuck in with absolutely everything.

And your limitations?

Getting stuck in with absolutely everything!

I have a brilliant, infinitely capable team; I need to let go a bit more.

Best thing about doing business in the borough?

I particularly love the local business community and I’m delighted to have a business that can support this community.

Famous person you’d most like to spend dinner with?

Adele. I reckon she’d have a few stories to tell and would be a great laugh on a night out!

Most interesting fact about yourself?

I trained as a ski instructor in my twenties.

I also have an art foundation in fashion design which I did after my degree in maths and before I started my graduate job as a chartered accountant. email:

georgie@homeworkworkspace.com claire@homeworkworkspace.com

website: www.homeworkworkspace.com tel:

020 8051 6980 Business Connexions | 19

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INTEREST RATE RISE unlikely to curb inflation - BCC INTEREST RATES HAVE RISEN for the second time in three months as the Bank of England attempts to curb soaring prices and a swift rise in the cost of living.

T

he recent rise – from 0.25% to 0.5% – comes as the price of energy and some commodities soar, putting the squeeze on households and businesses.

Rising gas and electricity costs are the main factors pushing up prices across the economy, although food prices and rental costs have also begun to rise.

As a result, inflation as measured by the consumer prices index (CPI) has risen sharply and analysts say it could increase further, peaking at more than 7% this year. This is more than three times the Bank of England’s inflation target of 2%.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the recent rise in interest rates would do little to curb inflation.

Suren Thiru, head of economics at the BCC, said: “While expected, the decision to raise interest rates will cause considerable consternation among households and businesses given the mounting cost pressures and soaring energy bills many are facing.

“Although a quarter point rise may have a limited impact on most firms, many will view back-to-back rate hikes, and four Monetary Policy Committee members voting for a more significant rate rise, as a leap towards a sustained period of significant monetary tightening.

“The Bank of England is seeking to dampen an inflationary surge it has little control over. Higher interest rates will do little to limit the soaring energy costs and persistent supply chain disruption that are driving the current spike in inflation.

“With the increase in Ofgem’s energy price cap from April set to push inflation to around 7%, despite government support, further interest rate rises are inevitable. However, raising rates too aggressively risks undermining confidence and lowering growth.

“There should be a greater focus on government’s Supply Chain Advisory Group and Industry Taskforce to work with industry to deliver practical solutions to ease the supply constraints that continue to drive the upward pressure on prices.

“Action to limit the unprecedented surge in costs facing businesses, including financial support for those struggling with soaring energy bills, would help ease the pressure on firms to increase prices further.”

If interest rates continue to rise, businesses may find it more expensive to borrow from high street banks and other lenders. Higher interest rates could also encourage more consumers to save rather than spend their cash, which potentially could mean less money going through the tills at high street retailers.

“While expected, the decision to raise interest rates will cause considerable consternation among households and businesses given the mounting cost pressures and soaring energy bills many are facing.”

Business Connexions | 21

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

ECONOMY

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

Unlock your workforce potential

with South Thames Colleges Group Business Partnership Team The Business Partnership team are innovative, supportive, professional and ambitious whose core values are to: • Listen to employers and offer flexible and adaptable solutions for their changing workforce • Identify and fill skills gaps and offer the appropriate employee training required to upskill your workforce • Help employers to recruit their future workforce through Apprenticeships • Work with industry experts within each curriculum area South Thames Colleges Group (STCG) has a long-established relationship of working with employers locally, regionally, and nationally to deliver a skilled and productive workforce through bespoke training programmes, training for work programmes including Free CPD Courses, Apprenticeships and Work Experience and Industry Placements.

We have a reputation for developing innovative and dynamic training solutions for an extensive range of public and private sector employers of all sizes, from the micro business to the large multinational.

The Business Partnership Team understand the importance of working with you to meet the challenges that your business faces. Together we will plan a responsive, flexible, and timely training solution that fulfils agreed objectives.

We offer a diverse range of skills training.

We work with a range of businesses, including Marlon Commock, Founder and Managing Director at McJones Group & Pulse Social, who commented on our partnership: “I have offered several placements to College learners ranging from social media management to business development, and even running sports activities. I have always been keen to give young people the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence in a work setting. The partnership with the

College has been a great support in developing my business presence, with us co-hosting a networking event for the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce and looking at more ideas for events in the future.”

We have recently introduced a variety of free online courses, available to employers and individuals to help advance your career prospects, achieve nationally recognised qualifications, and learn in a flexible environment with courses designed to fit around you.

These courses are sector relevant, professionally accredited, and free.

Course topics include but are not limited to: • Customer Service • Business Administration • Retail Operations • Leading teams and managing people • Exercise, Health & Nutrition • Equality & Diversity • Understanding Autism • Awareness of Mental Health • Principles of Dementia Care • Principles of End-of-life Care • Dignity and Safeguarding in Adult Social Care • Caring for Children and Young People

“I have always been keen to give young people the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence in a work setting. The partnership with the College has been a great support in developing my business presence, with us co-hosting a networking event for the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce and looking at more ideas for events in the future.”

Marlon Commock, McJones Group & Pulse Social

We also offer free face to face courses for specific sectors including door supervision and barista training.

Email business@stcg.ac.uk to find out more.

Business Connexions | 23 Business Connexions | 23

TECHNOLOGY

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

Survey uncovers rising cyber attack fears in hybrid working world A new survey of almost 1,000 UK firms, from all sectors and sizes, has revealed that more than half believe their IT systems have been left more exposed to attack following the huge increase in people working from home during the pandemic.

24 | Business Connexions

T

he research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and IT company, Cisco, also found that one in 10 firms said they had been the victim of a cyber-attack in the last year, rising to more than one in seven for larger firms.

Yet despite this, four out of five firms said they did not currently have accredited cyber-security measures in place to protect against attacks.

Reacting to the findings, Shevaun Haviland, director general of the BCC, said: “The huge shift to home-working, and the use of cloud computing, for tens of thousands of employees happened almost overnight. It is therefore not surprising that many firms were caught out by the implications this had for their cyber-security arrangements.

“All of the BCC’s research indicates that a shift to a more hybrid way of working, with many staff now splitting their time between the office and home, is here to stay, so it is more vital than ever that firms have the right cyber-security protections in place.

“With one in 10 firms confirming they have come under attack in the last year, the need to take action now could not be more important.”

Aine Rogers, head of small business, Cisco UK & Ireland, said: “The lines between professional and personal are more blurred than ever. Organisations are no longer just protecting an ‘office’ but a workforce at the kitchen table.

“As businesses and individuals, we’re more exposed than ever to security threats. Whether it’s fraudulent SMS campaigns, posing to be a delivery company, targeted social engineering to access the passwords for your customer database, or hacking your home network, criminals in the cyber world are cunning.

“That’s why we need to evolve thinking to focus on securing your employees and what they are doing, not where they are.”

In summary, the survey revealed that: • More than half of firms believe their exposure to attack has increased due to working from home arrangements • One in 10 firms have been the victim of a cyber-attack in the last year • This rises to more than one in seven for larger firms with more than 50 employees • Only one in five firms have cybersecurity accreditations in place

ENVIRONMENT

Bold plans to secure

A new report has set out the scale of the action required to move London towards a greener future and net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

P

ublished by Element Energy and commissioned by the Mayor of London, the analysis shows that more action will be required by City Hall, particularly around reducing vehicle use in London, but that the mayor does not have the funding or powers to deliver everything that’s required alone.

Sadiq Khan called the report a stark wakeup call for the government to provide much greater support to help London reach net-zero by 2030 and help the UK reach national targets announced before COP26.

He has outlined several policies that could be ready within the next few years to encourage Londoners, and those who drive within London, to shift from polluting cars to electric vehicles, public transport and sustainable active travel such as walking and cycling.

The potential approaches under consideration are: • Extending the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) even further to tackle more of the dirtiest vehicles: extending the current zone beyond the north and south circular roads to cover the whole of Greater London, using the current charge level and emissions standards • Modifying the ULEZ to make it even more impactful in reducing emissions: building on the existing scheme by extending it to cover the whole of Greater London and adding a small clean air charge for all but the cleanest vehicles

• A small clean air charge: a low-level daily charge across all of Greater London for all but the cleanest vehicles to nudge behaviour and reduce the number of short journeys by car • Introducing a Greater London boundary charge, which would charge a small fee to non-London registered vehicles entering Greater London, responding to the increase in cars from outside London travelling into the city seen in recent years The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) will now begin a consultation with Londoners, local government and businesses about how to achieve the clean, green and healthy future London and the world desperately needs.

Sadiq Khan said: “This new report must act as a stark wake-up call for the government on the need to provide much greater support to reduce carbon emissions in London. It’s clear the scale of the challenge means we can’t do everything alone.

“We simply don’t have time to waste.

The climate emergency means we only have a small window of opportunity left to reduce carbon emissions to help save the planet and, despite the world-leading progress we have made over the last few years, there is still far too much toxic air pollution permanently damaging the lungs of young Londoners.

“This is also a matter of social justice, with air pollution hitting the poorest communities the hardest. Londoners on

lower incomes are more likely to live in areas of the city most badly affected by air pollution and are least likely to own a car.

Nearly half of Londoners don’t own a car, but they are disproportionally feeling the damaging consequences polluting vehicles are causing.

“It’s clear the cost of inaction – to our economy, to livelihoods, to the environment and to the health of Londoners – would be far greater than the cost of transitioning to net-zero and reducing toxic air pollution.

That’s why I’m beginning a conversation with Londoners, local government and businesses about the best way forward to create the green, sustainable city we all want to see.”

“This new report must act as a stark wake-up call for the government on the need to provide much greater support to reduce carbon emissions in London.

It’s clear the scale of the challenge means we can’t do everything alone. ” Business Connexions | 25

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

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THE PERSON BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Going for growth After working for more than 30 years in the IT corporate sector, Alex Miller fancied a change of career. Now he dedicates his time to coaching and mentoring others, providing practical advice to entrepreneurs to help them scale up their business.

A

lex is the founder and director of Eiger Coaching, and works with a range of start-up and established businesses across many different industry sectors.

“I work with seasoned leaders and those new to leadership,” says Alex. “Whether you’re looking for an accountability partner, a sounding board to share ideas with or just someone who’ll provide support and guidance, I can help remove blockers and reposition my clients to be more successful and productive. I’m independent, confidential and non-judgemental.

He says: “As your coach and mentor, I provide practical advice and guidance as well as being your accountability partner, which will set you up for the success you want.

“When growing or scaling their business, entrepreneurs sometimes go down a path that does not leverage the successes of their existing business. They go off at a tangent and move away from their core business rather than building on their current business portfolio and investments. Other entrepreneurs have some great ideas but don’t have the focus to integrate them into a proper business development strategy.

“I work with a wide range of people, some with just a vision, start-ups looking to get all the pieces in place to launch their business as well as established businesses looking to increase their revenues, profits and overall operational business performance.

“I’m a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and follow their best practice and code of ethics.

With extensive experience across multiple business sectors and industries along with professional coaching skills, I bring the expertise and structure that my clients are looking for to help you build or develop their business. Whether they are a solopreneur or an established multi-million business, I’ll work with each to identify clear goals and actions to be taken in the right order, right time and with confidence.”

Alex helps entrepreneurs to commercialise their ideas and established firms to scale up their business. He also acts as a sounding board for business leaders to air their views, including those who are suffering from stress and burn-out and those who are new to a leadership role and are struggling to make an impact.

Alex has developed a framework called “Kinetic”, to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. The framework provides a structured, proven method to ensure activities are carried out systematically, potentially saving entrepreneurs significant time and money.

It can also help entrepreneurs who are further ahead on their journey, on areas such as business and strategic planning.

Alex says: “The business plan maps out what the business will do: the company’s purpose (vision and mission), and the key financial and success factor goals.

The strategic plan maps out how the entrepreneur is going to achieve these goals. The “Kinetic Framework” comes with a 36-page guide that can be used during coaching and mentoring sessions to provide focus and clarity at different stages of an entrepreneur’s journey.”

“When growing or scaling their business, entrepreneurs sometimes go down a path that does not leverage the successes of their existing business.

They go off at a tangent and move away from their core business rather than building on their current business portfolio and investments.”

For more information, visit https://eigercoaching.co.uk/ Business Connexions | 27

Champions

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Will your business become a Champion and pledge to raise £5,000 to help us transform our children's services?

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Charity number 1171195

HEALTH & WELLBEING

New Year, New You Many of us have started the new year with best intentions to improve our outlook and to make radical changes to find happiness and inner peace.

However, this can only be found if you’re ready and in a state of acceptance.

Since Covid, we have all been confined to our own homes to remain safe, but unfortunately the safety of our physical health has come with a price to our mental health.

Being in the same surroundings and sometimes being alone for months has caused us to become our own enemy mentally. Whereas under normal circumstances, we may wake up for work feeling a little low but, once at work, we are able to interact with colleagues who can help; this way a problem is aired and shared and you’re able to move on knowing that you have verbalised your concerns.

When you have been on your own during lockdown, or still working from home and having no human face to face interaction, the thoughts which have been supressed for many years start to arouse themselves and pop up when we least expect them to. We try to deal with them internally, hoping that tomorrow is another day and the feelings will have returned to their suppressed state.

However, this is not the case and as the days and weeks pass, the anxiety of these concerns increase to a point where from the moment you arise to the time you try to sleep the thoughts are constantly spinning in your mind.

Also, because you’re already in a negative state, the concerns are not being dealt within a positive mindset, so this in turn exacerbates the issues even further. All rational thoughts are non-existent because you’re not able to focus on anything but your worries, which remain in a negative state.

So what is the answer? To move on from this state, I would firstly recommend you be honest with yourself and accept that you need support. This can be found by speaking with a professional, whether that be a counsellor, therapist or somebody who is able to listen to your concerns in a professional capacity.

I don’t always recommend confiding in a friend, because as a friend they may tell you what they think you want to hear and this is not dealing with the issue, but merely placating you.

As a Life Therapist, I listen to my client’s concerns, and discuss your past history as far back as childhood or your earliest memory, because how we feel in the here and now is always an association of a past experience we’ve faced. The traits we carry from our parents can also

have a major impact on how we conduct ourselves as adults.

I would strongly urge anybody who feels that they are not in a positive mindset for a large part of their day to seek help.

If you would like further information, or to book a free 90 minute life therapy session, please visit my website rmjtrainingservices.com

“When you have been on your own during lockdown, or still working from home and having no human face to face interaction, the thoughts which have been supressed for many years start to arouse themselves and pop up when we least expect them to.”

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

CHAMBER UPDATE

What’s happening at Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Re-starting Wandsworth Chamber

W

andsworth Chamber has had a great start to the year, with in-person events, a refreshed Business Forum and many more events planned for 2022. A lot has been happening behind the scenes as the Chamber’s new CEO Beverley Corson gets to grips with all that the role entails.

30 | Business Connexions

Like with so many membership organisations which rely heavily on running face to face events, Covid-19 was challenging for Wandsworth Chamber. Although we worked harder to support all businesses, many members could not manage their subscriptions and took a payment holiday or left us because their business was dormant. In many ways our main focus has been that of restarting the chamber; reconnecting with members who dropped away, reinstating relationships with venues, organising regular events and very importantly, reconnecting with a long list of the borough’s key stakeholders.

Events Update Regular face to face events are back There were a few successful events last year at South Thames College, AFC Wimbledon and The Earlsfield which demonstrated an appetite for attending these events and meeting with people in person.

This will be continuing this year now that the core Wandsworth Chamber events have been scheduled including: • Earlsfield, 2nd Wednesday in April, June, August and October • Hannah, 2nd Wednesday in March, May, July, September and November • The BIG Breakfast is back at the Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel.

There will be 4 events in 2022 with the next one on 23rd March, 8-10.30am • Rosslyn Park FC Business Club in Partnership with Wandsworth Chamber will be running 3 events this year with the next one on 20th April

CHAMBER UPDATE

Welcome to the new Wandsworth Chamber Chairman Wandsworth Chamber are delighted to announce that Martin Herbert from the Banham Group has been appointed as the Chair and will be advising and supporting the CEO in working towards achieving its vision.

He is well suited for this role having been the Managing Director for Banham Group for many years. Martin is also a member of the board at Kensington & Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and has been a great friend to Wandsworth Chamber, since Banham moved to Earlsfield a few years ago.

After many years supporting Wandsworth Chamber in various roles, Douglas Shanks, DSC Metropolitan,

has stepped down as Chairman to pursue other interests including very proudly becoming a Grandfather for the first time, twice over.

The Goodbye and Thank You Event below will be an opportunity to say farewell to Douglas and Steve and to welcome Martin and Beverley to their new roles.

SAVE THE DATE

Steve Pinto - Goodbye and Thank You Event 19th May 6pm - 10pm (venue to be confirmed).

Beverley Corson has been keen to run a special event to give people the opportunity to say a massive thank you to Steve Pinto (the previous Wandsworth Chamber CEO) for all his years of service to the local community through the Chamber and has finally set the date!

If you would like to be informed of this and all other events, then do make sure you are signed up to the Wandsworth Chamber mailing list.

For more information on Wandsworth Chamber and their events visit www.wandsworthchamber.org and join their mailing list.

Business Connexions | 31

CHAMBER UPDATE

The Business Forum is evolving Having successfully run the Business Forum online every week throughout the height of the pandemic and really supporting businesses to navigate their challenges and get direct access to the Council for information about grants and support that was available, it now runs on a monthly basis on the first Wednesday of the month and continues to offer support and access to senior Council officials.

Now that we are no longer locked in so much of a crisis Wandsworth Chamber

seeks to understand what attendees want from this event going forward.

By running some interactive breakout discussions and asking for feedback from everyone in the February meeting, this gave us more insight into the challenges businesses are facing and the opportunities they want to maximise. We also gained valuable feedback on the forum, all of which will be helpful in planning events for the rest of the year.

Below is a summary of the two February Business Forum discussion groups: Q1. What were the main challenges you are facing as an SME?

Q2. What Opportunities do you see for the future and what support do you need?

3 A lack of resources and time to devote to additional tasks need to bounce back

3 Ability to get out again and meet face to face

3 A shortage of affordable workspace, especially for businesses requiring studio and workshop facilities

3 Improving the local supply chain

3 Access to more events 3 Access to good information on Finance and loans 3 Difficulty in maintaining turnover to meet costs

3 Getting back to ‘Normal’ 3 Opportunity to embed sustainable Tech 3 Big Demand for help with ‘Marketing and Sales’ 3 Need for University of Roehampton to create a bulletin board, promoting their services

3 Difficulty finding new clients

3 People seem to be less transient and so more locally focused

3 Difficulty in developing sufficient new skills to make the most of digital marketing channels, especially when working from home

3 Wandsworth Business Forum and the Chamber to continue to raise awareness of issues facing businesses

3 Lack of time and support focus on growth and scaling up

3 Wandsworth Business Forum to consider more event and sector-specific groupings/ discussions/ networking

3 No time for training 3 Support/ Funding for Women in business 3 Managing Logistics, transportation delays, and rising costs/ inflation

3 Wandsworth Business Forum to be more structured, more information on Sales and Marketing

3 Quality of staff available through recruitment

3 Wandsworth Business Forum to have regular speakers from other Council Departments

3 Maintaining prices when everyone is asking/ expecting a discount (Confidence in pricing)

3 Need to explore the digital training market

3 Home/ Team working 3 Working from Home – the work-life balance and how to separate the two 3 Making sense of how to get involved in ‘Greening your Business’ and associated costs/ barriers 3 Understanding resources, that the local University and College have to support businesses

3 Support to help businesses be more resilient 3 Support to help understand your customers better There was unanimous positive feedback on the forum being more interactive so anyone attending future events can expect elements of networking and interactive discussions on relevant business topics.

Visit www.wandsworthchamber.org to view dates for forthcoming Business Forum events 32 | Business Connexions

WELCOME to new members

u

Blue Dragon Acupuncture

Kayvan Beklik FeelGood Unit 7 Hildreth Street Mews London SW12 9RZ 07411 261411 littlecicero@yahoo.co.uk u

Earlsfield Foodbank

Charlotte White 25 Littleton Street Earlsfield London SW18 3SZ 07585 064428 earlsfieldfoodbank@gmail.com u

Eiger Business Coaching

Alex Miller 12 Loxley Road London SW18 3LJ 07768 127685 alex@eigercoaching.co.uk u

Greystar

Charles Parry Finsbury Circus House London EC2M 7EB 07854 705273 cparry@greystar.com u

JM-Consulting Limited

Judith Moeckell 85 Plough Road London SW11 2BJ 07870 804184 judith@jm-consulting.co.uk

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

STARTING UP

Starting Up...

Grace Williams Pure Zeal www.purezeal.co.uk Q1 Tell us a bit about your business?

Pure Zeal can help your business from an overall operations basis with skills in marketing, events, recruitment and HR. Think of Pure Zeal as your go-to Operations or General Manager all in one package.

Grace will personally get to know your business to ensure the very best results will happen.

Q2 What gives your business ‘the x-factor’?

The ability to come into an organisation and make a difference immediately by looking at the business as a whole. The slightest improvements can make all the difference to the recruitment process or marketing campaign.

Q3 What motivated you to set up in business?

Something I have always wanted to do, then COVID hit and like many got made redundant. My company took me back on a freelance basis but working on a different business venture, this then gave me the opportunity to explore the possibility of working for myself. As always I like to make the best out of any situation and to see the positive aspects.

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

To have flexibility to work on different projects and with various industries. It keeps daily work so interesting and the passion alive to give an exceptional service.

Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date?

A successful project was recruiting and setting up a team in Germany for a UK based company. They hadn’t successfully managed to recruit or have the correct HR and payroll processes in place before.

The team has now grown to 5 and is set to further expand as the company grows across Europe.

Q6 What has been your lowest moment?

On the events management aspect of my skills, I organise a motor racing series. Check it at www.zeoracing.com.

The series was built from scratch and the team was all set for the race then the first weekend was cancelled.

Huge was a disappointment but we thankfully had a great debut at Silverstone a few months later.

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

To ensure my clients have the best service and will always pick up the phone to me when projects become available. I want Pure Zeal and l to be their go-to for marketing, events, HR and recruitment projects

Q8 What would be your top tip to someone

thinking of starting up their own business?

Grab every available opportunity possible then keep a great network around you to increase the likelihood of referrals/new business from suppliers, partners, clients etc.

Word of mouth is the best form of business development!

Business Connexions | 33

5 MINUTES WITH ...

minutes with ...

Anna and Victoria Agyekum

Co-Founders of On Point Property Management Ltd & Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo Q1 Who are you?

Q5 Biggest achievement?

Sisters Anna and Victoria Agyekum are the Co-Founders of On Point Property Management Ltd & Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo.

Having accomplished co-founding an international property consultant firm as sisters. Our mission has been to bridge the gap between the global diaspora and a wider audience through our property platforms. e.g (Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo & On Point Property Portal). So far, we have achieved elements of our career dreams, however there is more work to do!

Q8 Philosophy in Business?

Q6 Biggest gripe?

NEVER ENOUGH TIME! Q7 Your inspiration?

Q9 Sporting Hero?

On Point Property is a real estate agency based in Battersea, that provides a onestop solution for property investment in Ghana, Accra and London.

Q2 What’s your business all about?

Assuring hassle free, efficient management of a client’s property purchase and achieving their property investment objectives is our goal when helping them purchase properties.

Q3 Three words to describe yourself?

V: Assertive, Fair, Problem Solver A: Optimistic, Assertive, Agile

Q4 Ideal Customer?

Property investors or individuals wanting to purchase an investment property in London (Ideally Wandsworth Borough or South West London)

34 | Business Connexions

It was our mother who was the first woman we knew to inspire us! She taught us the skills of being patient and showing gratitude for all the experiences in life, which is priceless. She also bought land and built a multiple residential homes.

Michelle Obama is one example of the unimaginable dream of becoming a black female first lady in a country with the most powerful economy in the world.

Her influence on young girls and women of colour has been tremendous.

Business never runs smoothly, so it is very important to have a solution-based mindset.

Then you should always be consistent, have integrity, and perform to your best ability in all you do at all times.

William’s sisters, with their strengths, work ethic, and resilience, and because they are sisters like us. They broke the status quo when opportunities were limited.

Q10 Biggest tip for success?

Do not sell yourself short, remain focused on your dreams and business ideas. There will be a lot of advice given to you and many directions which may be enticing for your enterprise. However, remain poised as there are no short cuts in business, and it is ok to not know all the answers.

ON POINT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD

Penhurst House, 352-356 Battersea Park Road, Office 17, London, SW11 3BY

info@onpointproperty.co.uk • www.onpointproperty.co.uk • 0203 7358977

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