Business Connexions September 2018

Official Magazine for Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce | Issue 3 | September 2018

Inside

• Patron Focus Chamber Patron building resilience in a time of uncertainty

Page 13

• Positively Putney

Have you visited recently?

Page 16

• The Person behind the Business

Where creativity meets business innovation.

Page 27

• Skills

The importance of hiring apprentices for your workforce.

Page 29

SELF EMPLOYED – a Career that was always meant to be

Page 8

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

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

Welcome and Contents

Welcome to the latest Edition of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Magazine we are avid dog lovers and come away with a host of other Bearded Collie families. Feeling totally refreshed, looking forward to more sun filled days and cannot wait to get back and prepare for the Chamber’s AGM later this month.

WELCOME to Business ConneXions, a quarterly magazine focused on promoting the best our businesses have to offer and highlighting some of the many opportunities in Wandsworth.

Sharing news and views from businesses

Inside :

across the borough, this magazine is presented with connecting businesses as its main focus.

As I write this foreword, I am sitting in our caravan in Perranporth, Cornwall, in to the second week of a summer holiday. As you can see from the picture

This edition feature the Putney area of Wandsworth and our main guest contributor is the lovely Denise Waterman, who gives us an great insight into the varied work she does as a very successful self employed person.

I hope you will enjoy this edition of Business ConneXions and thank you to all those who have

given some very positive feedback. If you’re business is not already a member, why not join your chamber and help us to create a better business environment. If you are a member, thank you for your support and belief in what we strive to achieve and please tell more businesses about us.

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

News Economy Finance

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News

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Patron Focus

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Editor John Dean e: deangriss@btinternet.com

Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce

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

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Big Interview

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25

Festive

Health & Wellbeing

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Skills

33

New Members

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Our Patron Members

Spotlight on Putney

Legal

Chamber Events

5 minutes with...

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 Sept 2018 © Benham Publishing

Steve Pinto CEO

September 2018 4 6 7

Enquiries Studio F8 (Le Bureau) Battersea Studios 80 Silverthorne Road London SW8 3HE t: 020 3289 7887 e: enquiries@wandsworthchamber.org w: www.wandsworthchamber.org

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The person behind the business

Studio Mark Etherington e: studio@benhampublishing.com Media No.1664

Disclaimer

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

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

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

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

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

Business Connexions | 3

News

FILL YOUR EMPTY NEST with children who need a home Exam results are in and your children are off to university.

Many mums and dads dread the sudden silence of an empty home – so Wandsworth Council is inviting empty nesters to think about becoming foster carers.

By fostering, you can offer a stable, loving home to a young person who has been through a tough time.

With your help Wandsworth’s young people can stay in the area in which they grew up, keep contact with school, friends and family and get the support and guidance they need from you.

If you become a foster carers you can turn your empty nest into a safe haven and make a huge difference to a young person’s life.

Foster carers in Wandsworth get extensive, ongoing support: • We’ll guide you through the foster process step-by-step and make it as clear and straightforward as possible • You’ll get full training and generous fees and allowances • We’ll be here to support you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• We’ll be flexible and help you fit fostering in with your busy life.

If you have at least one spare bedroom and would like to become a foster carer for Wandsworth Council, get in touch now.

Tel: (020) 8871 6666

carerrecruitment@wandsworth.gov.uk

www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering

GLITTERING FINALE for business awards

The 2018 Wandsworth Business Awards reach their glittering finale on 16th November with a gala dinner at the prestigious Roehampton Club.

Now in their sixth year the awards, organised by Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, aim to recognise and reward the achievements of the local business community across the whole of the London Borough of Wandsworth. Title-sponsored

by McDonalds (through local franchisee Mike Smith) and sponsored by Wandsworth Council, Roehampton University, South Thames College, the Roehampton Club, Banham Security, Hodders Law, Battersea Power Station and Southside Wandsworth, businesses were invited to put themselves forward for the awards by completing an online entry form. The entry

forms are currently being assessed by a panel of judges before the 2018 cohort of finalists are revealed and invited to a judging day where they will be interviewed by one of the award’s judges and asked follow-up questions based on their original written entry. All finalists are invited to the gala dinner and awards ceremony in November.

Steve Pinto, Chief Executive of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, said: “I continue to be very impressed with the quality, enthusiasm and passion of the businesses that enter these awards. These awards demonstrate that Wandsworth is an exciting

place to work and recognition from these awards can make a difference when securing new customers and new business”. The awards dinner on 16th November is also an opportunity to celebrate everything great about Wandsworth, and businesses who haven’t entered the awards or who don’t make the finals are welcome to attend the dinner to host clients, reward hard-working staff or network with other businesses from across the borough.

Further information on the awards, and the gala dinner, can be found via www.wandsworthawards.biz

YOUNG MUMS Support Network

...is now working out of a house on the Griffin Primary School estate to provide support to school parents and mothers in the local community.

Fiona and her team live and work in South London in the communities that are in need of support.

We have first-hand experience of the difficulties faced by young mums who are struggling to cope in a high stress environment, where access to local services can be both confusing and intimidating and where family and

community support has broken down.Speaking their language, sharing their issues and difficulties we can provide a non-judgmental, unofficial access to support and facilities that they are unable or unwilling to reach.

We can provide young mums with the self-confidence to reach out and to change attitudes that are life changing

in their application. We run courses to help young mums with basic skills, such as cooking a healthy meal on a budget and managing their home to provide a stable environment for them and their children.

If you can help or would like to know more please contact Fiona at fiona@ymsn.co.uk

EXPERIENCES that led to start-up business

By Geniyo, aka d sharp, a Wandsworth-based singer songwriter and teacher

I’m presently in the process of mixing and mastering some records for release, having set up my own business, which is extremely exciting and new.

I taught for more than eight years at South Thames College, managing award- winning students and it’s their encouragement that has led me to Setting Up It Iz Wot It Iz

4 | Business Connexions

Records and the d sharp Vocal Workshops Program, helping Wandsworth residents and businesses to find their voice through inspirationally engagingly fun group singing, team building workshops and Music Performance Workshops.

Students would hear me sing and play and say, “Sir, no offence what are you doing here? We appreciate you helping us and all that but you really need to be out there performing making and releasing records so that you can help us live our dream of making records too.”

Hence my quest to set up a record company and music academy in Wandsworth, reconnecting with hard working talented ex-students and young people who are serious about becoming industry professionals and also local businesses organisations and charities in Wandsworth looking to use the voice to bring community groups together

Setting up a business is really hard work and it’s all about working with other people helping them and providing

service which naturally comes back to you. Steve Pinto has been a great mentor - patient, generous and honest - so I’d just like to thank him for inspiring and supporting me.

Setting up a business is not for everyone and it’s really challenging at times but I’m a natural competitor and with the Chamber’s help it’s working for me.

Contact Geniyo aka d sharp at:

urban_meditation@yahoo.co.uk

Or call 074906 50278

MAYOR CALLS FOR A UNITED EFFORT to help save London’s Pubs

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called for a united effort from government, local authorities and the pub industry to help protect the future of the Capital’s hostelries.

His call came as he released new figures showing that numbers continue their long-term decline across the city.

The figures show that while pub numbers have increased in Hackney, City of London, Camden, Bexley, Greenwich, Hounslow and Lewisham, the numbers overall in London have fallen by 2.4 per cent, from 3,615 to 3,530.

Sadiq Khan said that he was doing everything within his powers to support the trade, including establishing more stringent planning requirements to help save pubs, appointing a Night Czar to champion London as a 24-hour city, and establishing a world-first “Culture at Risk” Office to help save pubs for communities.

The Mayor wants the Government, local authorities and the industry to follow his example and do what they can to play their role.

He said that this should start with the Government reviewing its valuation policy for pubs following large rises in business rates which are saddling pub owners with soaring bills.

Between 2000 and 2018, demolition of pubs has been the most common reason

for pub closures in London.

Sadiq is calling on local authorities to become stewards of their local pubs and to use the tighter planning powers in his draft London Plan to support their pubs.

The problem of falling pub numbers is not a new one with numbers declining since the 1960s. It is thought to be down to a number of pressures, including changing drinking habits, development, rising rents and business rates.

Small pubs are the most vulnerable, with a 50 per cent fall since 2001 (3,390 to 1,710 pubs) while the number of larger pubs has increased by 28 per cent over the same period (405 to 1,445 pubs).

Although the number of pubs in London fell in 2016/17, the number of people employed by pubs has remained steady at 46,400 people.

The Mayor said: “The traditional London pub has been at the heart of London’s communities for hundreds of years, but sadly they continue to face a long-term decline in numbers. As Mayor, I have made safeguarding and growing London’s night-time economy a priority, and am doing all I can to protect the Capital’s iconic pubs. “

Geoff Strawbridge, Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Regional Director for Greater London said: “CAMRA branches would like to see all London Boroughs adopting robust pub protection policies in their strategic plans and enforcing them in their planning decisions.”

Cllr Steffi Sutters, Wandsworth Council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “We began offering greater protection to our most cherished and historic local pubs in the summer of 2014 when we ran a successful campaign to stop one of Tooting’s best loved from being turned into a minisupermarket.

“Since then we have used our planning powers to add extra layers of protection from closure and redevelopment to more than 120 Wandsworth pubs that have all been identified as having historic or architectural value, are in a conservation area or make a positive contribution to their community. We are just not prepared to sit by and watch all our local pubs close or become supermarkets or estate agents. The best way to protect London’s pubs is to use planning powers to preserve our common cultural and architectural heritage.”

Steve Pinto, CEO of Wandsworth Chamber commented, “Wandsworth Pubs are encouraged to join Wandsworth Chamber and open up their quiet times to local business people looking for a shared co-working space. Working with the local business community is a great way for local pubs to build in loyalty and engagement”

News

Sigh .... If only there was some place to go for all our networking needs...

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 3289 7887

enquiries@wandsworthchamber.org

Business Connexions | 5

Survey points to testing times for UK economy

Economy

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is predicting difficult times ahead for the UK economy.

Key findings in the Q2 2018 survey for the services sector included:

• The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales rose from +20 to +23, while the balance reporting improved domestic orders fell slightly from +16 to +15

• The balance of firms reporting increased export sales also rose, from +13 to +15. The balance reporting improved export orders also rose slightly, to +12 from +10

• The balance of firms increasing investment in training fell slightly to +16 from +18

BCC is basing its warning on the results of its survey for the second quarter of the year, which received responses from more than 6,000 businesses.

According to the findings, consumer-facing industries such as hospitality and retail, so important to the Wandsworth economy, continue to report tougher trading conditions.

Cashflow and investment intentions are falling significantly for retailers in particular as consumer spending, a key driver of UK growth, continues to remain subdued.

In the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting improved domestic sales rose in the quarter, and improved orders increased to the highest level since Q1 2015.

However, the size of the sector means that its contribution to UK growth remains limited, says the organisation.

A number of the key indicators, if sustained, point to a subdued outlook. The number of businesses reporting that they are intending to invest fell in the quarter, and business confidence for both sectors also fell. The biggest concern for businesses, however, continues to be the difficulties they face when trying to access skills, with the percentage of firms reporting problems rising again.

6 | Business Connexions

The BCC has called for a push to fix the fundamentals for business, fixing the crisis-hit training system, improving connectivity, delivering infrastructure improvements and incentivising investment.

At the same time, says the BCC, the Government urgently needs to provide clarity on the questions that businesses are asking on the UK’s status after leaving the European Union to give firms a clear path that would enable them to invest and grow.

Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Amid growing international uncertainty, from escalating trade disputes to oil price rises, the UK economy continues to grow at a sluggish rate. Brexit is a key factor – but long-standing structural issues are also holding companies’ growth back.

“The availability of skilled staff remains the biggest issue that firms face. Unless the Government gets a handle on the disarray in the training and apprenticeship system and sets out a clear immigration policy that enables firms to cover vacancies, the economic potential of many areas across the UK will continue to be held back.

“Business needs clarity on Brexit, and a strong domestic agenda that creates a ‘Brexit hedge’ as we navigate turbulence over the next few years. Big, bold action is needed for the UK to buck the current slow-growth trend – with major new incentives for business investment, confidence-boosting infrastructure projects, and a concerted effort to slash the up-front cost of doing business, which is putting consumer-facing businesses especially under intense pressure.”

• The percentage of firms looking to recruit rose from 50% to 60%, but the number of those struggling to recruit also rose to 63% (from 60%)

• Cashflow is a concern, with just +9 reporting improved cashflow. Consumer-facing firms struggled more, with the number falling to just +4

• The balance of firms expecting turnover to increase in the next year nudged down slightly, from +42 to +40

• Among B2C firms, the balance of firms expecting to turn a profit is +21, compared to +43 for B2B firms

• Confidence that turnover will improve over the next twelve months eased from +42 to +40 Confidence that profitability will improve over the next twelve months decreased from +33 to +29

“Wandsworth Chamber is keen to promote ‘business as usual’ for the many small and micro businesses in the borough. It is easy to get distracted, lose focus and become despondent as Brexit hangs over the economy like a rotting carcass adrift in an unchartered sea. The simple truth is most SME’s need to continually assess risks and plan ahead but most importantly they need to stay focused and get on with the job in hand. Make sales and thrive – sit in the office, worry about what might happen and it probably will. SME’s need to use their strengths to remain flexible, versatile and open to change with speed and in positive ways.”

Investors seek opportunities with a global feel

The UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) has released research into the role that UK technology investors want SMEs to play on the international stage after Brexit and it revealed a growing willingness to think big.

Based on responses from 1,206 investors, the resear ch highlighted an increasing liking for projects that have international nature, particularly when it comes to investment in technology.

Results included: • 4.2 million investors said they are more inclined to invest into an internationally scalable business as result of Brexit • 15% said that an international outlook from an SME is important when considering whether to invest or not • 11% said that having IP/infrastructure that can be scaled globally is important when considering whether to invest or not in a SME • A further 4.2 million said it is important that a lead angel has previously invested in start-ups in which they themselves are considering investing

Jenny Tooth, CEO of the UKBAA, said: “The research reflects the huge range of innovative technologies, products and services being developed here in the UK; and demonstrates a strong capacity for scale and market disruption.

“UKBAA is delighted to continually recognise and highlight the success stories of the fantastic entrepreneurs in these sectors, as well as the contribution made by their investors who bring such vital finance and support.

“We are supporting the UK’s tech growth with capacity building actions, including new regional Angel Hubs, combined with our new national e-learning programme on angel investing.”

A separate piece of recent research, commissioned by international payments firm OFX, showed that small British businesses plan to boost

European sales despite Brexit uncertainty. In a U-turn from last year, replies from 500 small business owners showed that UK SMEs focus their export ambitions on Western Europe as Brexit uncertainty loses its bite.

Sixty two per cent feel confident about doing business overseas, with 47% increasing international sales by an average of £50,000 in the last year. Forty six per cent said that Brexit uncertainty has had no effect on their appetite for international trade and 40% expect to increase international sales in the next year.

Surprisingly, with just a matter of months until Brexit and continued uncertainty around its outcome, Western Europe became SME respondents’ favoured export market this year, with the USA falling dramatically in popularity.

It was a completely different story last year, as small businesses looking abroad for growth singled out the USA as the most attractive market for exports (62%), with Western Europe lagging far behind in popularity at just 20%.

Jake Trask, FX research director at OFX, said: “More than a year after Article 50 was triggered, small businesses have learnt to live with Brexit uncertainty, and refuse to let it limit their European ambitions. Despite the slow progress of Brexit negotiations, businesses are increasingly optimistic about trade with Western Europe, suggesting a desire to keep calm and carry on with international business, along with a quiet optimism that all will be well.”

Business Connexions | 7

Big Interview

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Self Employed

Big Interview

- a Career that was always meant to be It was inevitable that Denise Waterman would go into showbiz, given the nature of her childhood.

It was a decision that she never regretted and which led her to embark on a career which has seen her work on stage with some of the greats of British entertainment.

Denise, whose current projects in a colourful career include those in Wandsworth and Putney, came from a showbiz family and spent her summers helping out her parents as they toured their musical double act round the country, appearing at a range of theatres.

The experience gave Denise a taste for showbiz as she recalls: “I have never really had a ‘proper’ job. I think that I was always going to be a performer because it was the world in which I grew up.

“I had two brothers, both of whom went on to perform in the West End. We would accompany our parents to theatres during the summer season and there was always work to be done to support their shows; if I was selling programmes, a brother would be selling ice creams up and down the aisles.

“We went onto stage school and at the age of 16 I was hired as a dancer on a Krankies Show in Jersey.

“I was too young to leave the country so the Krankies had to go to court to sign up to be my guardians, which was hilarious because Jannette Krankie only came up to my knee!

“But it was through those kind of connections that my career developed, primarily as a dancer, and I was a Benny Hill Girl and worked with the likes of Kenny Everett, Les Dawson and Russ Abbott as well as in Panto.

“I also appeared with the great Morecambe and Wise. It was the time when their Christmas specials attracted millions of viewers and the previous year, their Christmas Show had featured newcaster Angela Rippon revealing her legs in

a dance number, which attracted a lot of publicity.

“The next year they wanted to do the same thing with the newsreader Anna Ford but she refused to do it and I ended up dancing dressed like her on the Morecambe and Wise Show.

“However, for all I loved doing things like that, I had started out my career wanting to be a presenter, something I wanted to get back to.”

She made her dream come true with the help of a showreel designed to show off her talents.

Denise said: “The idea was to show that I could get the best out of people and that I could be entertaining while I was doing it.

“I dressed up in military uniform and went out onto the streets to interview old folks about the good old days.

“The showreel featured me acting crazy and it led to me landing a number of jobs, including presenting two series of the Irish DIY show Room for Improvement.

“I had to talk about the likes of painting and decorating, about which I knew very little but I have always been able to bluff my way through jobs. My philosophy is that if you do not believe in yourself, who will?”

Her adaptability has been the key to her success and led to a career which has included more appearances on stage and television, numerous pieces of voice-over work and musical

appearances. She appeared as part of Eighties pop group Tight Fit, which got back together after 35 years and perform at 1980s events and private and corporate parties up and down the country.

She also hosts an open mic evening called Sing It. … Your Way at Hemingways Cocktail bar in Wimbledon village every Wednesday night. Denise said: “It’s great fun and there is some local talent there, too, a perfect night out with a difference for all ages young and older!”

Denise often comperes events and fashion shows around the country; this year, for example, she compered the London Independent Designers Fashion Show London 2018 and appeared in the Virgin Trains Commercial as well as hosting The Barclays Theatre awards show with John Stapleton.

She has also appeared in adverts for the likes of Webuyanyhome.com and Panasonic. Perhaps her best-known adverts were for British Telecom, for whom she featured in 35 commercials filmed all over the world.

Denise said: “The BT adverts featured thirty strangers going on holiday together so I’d get regular holidays to the likes of Bali with lots of people I did not know!

“I love the variety of things that I do and I do not think that I could hold down a conventional job.

“I love the thought that I do not know what I could be doing next

Don’t miss Denise’s interview with Steve Pinto from the Wandsworth Chamber in her very first episode filmed in The Pod! You can follow South West London TV and sign up for video notifications on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook – quick links are available on their website www.swl.tv so please get in touch if you have a great story to share.

week. That the phone could ring and suddenly I could be doing something completely different.

“Recently, for example, I appeared in a Rap star’s video which attracted ten million hits within 24 hours and I have also done a lot of work as a lifestyle model, posing in various scenarios – I have had a dozen husbands in the past year and none of them my own!

“I work because I love doing these things and I have had a life full of things that most people will simply never experience.”

A lot of her current work is based in Wandsworth through her connections with South West London TV (SWL.TV).

She has presented items on issues like Wandsworth Council’s anti-litter campaign, and, because much of her career has been based on her ability to put her subjects at ease, she was selected by SWL.TV to front its new Up Close and Personal slot based on a series of interviews with local people conducted in a specially constructed Pod in Putney.

Denise said: “I am happy to say I've been involved as ‘the people presenter’ since SWL.TV was launched and have had the pleasure of reporting on not just local businesses but local people, too.

“I have always loved presenting and interviewing and the idea with the Pod is to seek out really interesting stories.”

Business Connexions | 9

News

WHY CONNECTIVITY is so important to Wandsworth New research has revealed the importance of work being carried out in areas like Wandsworth to improve domestic and commercial digital connectivity.

The research from property consultancy Cluttons has revealed the impact that online connectivity in London has on everything from the properties in which we choose to live, to the places where we can work and our overall happiness both at home and in the office.

Carried out in partnership with YouGov, the research investigated resident and landlord attitudes to connectivity and identified the impact that our culture of ‘always-on’ flexible working has had.

London currently ranks 30 out of 63 UK cities for the number of premises covered by ultrafast broadband and is positioned in the bottom five UK cities for 4G coverage but, when questioned, 73% of residential tenants stated that good connectivity is an important consideration when choosing a property to rent.

Seventy per cent of those who work from home at least one day a week say that they would be likely to reconsider

10 | Business Connexions

renewing their current contract if they were not satisfied with the connectivity in their homes.

John Gravett, Head of Infrastructure at Cluttons, said: “As London’s property market becomes more competitive, it is important for landlords to think of their tenants as customers and offer them properties that meet current demand.

“While traditionally it would fall to tenants to find the best offering from broadband service providers, now landlords are realising how important it is to make sure their buildings are well connected.

“As a result of this, our research found that 49% of landlords are already working to improve connectivity in their buildings and of those 72% say this is as a direct result of tenant demand.”

There has been a growing concern about the ‘digital divide’ in places like Wandsworth, particularly in areas where broadband is either not available, not fast enough or too expensive.

That situation is being addressed in Wandsworth through a partnership that is connecting thousands of homes and businesses using fibre cables owned by London business Community Fibre, which is supplying the fastest broadband available at a cost far less than currently available.

The work started when the London Borough of Wandsworth announced that it had teamed-up with Community Fibre to roll-out a new 1000Mbps ultrafast fibre optic (FTTP/H) broadband network to thousands of council homes in the area.

Cluttons’ research identified that good digital connectivity in commercial London properties is worth up to an additional £4.17 per square foot (for properties in the West End, with the average London commercial property being 15,000 square foot). At C-Suite level, 57% of respondents said they would be prepared to pay more for better digital connectivity in the office.

Both employees and decisionmakers rank connectivity as

the fourth most essential consideration after location, rental cost and transport links when choosing a new property, putting it above relocation costs, staff amenities and the flexibility of a space.

Eighty one per cent believe that employees are more satisfied in their roles when an office is well connected, with 85% saying strong connectivity within an office should be a standard offering and 79% stating that offices that are well connected lead to better-performing businesses.

John Gravett said: “Good connectivity has knock-on effects to many aspects of our lives, from how we communicate with each other to maintaining flexibility and, therefore, diversity in the UK’s workforce.

“It is increasingly important for landlords to consider the connectivity of a building to attract tenants, help businesses perform better, boost staff morale and ultimately, ensure that London is not left lagging behind other UK and global hubs.”

Approval for Royal College of Art building

Wandsworth council’s planning committee agreed to grant permission for amendments to the design and materials to the scheme, which was originally approved earlier this year.

The site is being redeveloped to accommodate the RCA’s new flagship Battersea South campus.

The research building is a key element and will house new research, knowledge exchange and innovation centres including the Material Science Research Centre and Intelligent Mobility Design Centre.

Its amendments aim to create a lighter appearance to the building, plus a better functioning

The Royal College of Art (RCA) has been given approval for planning amendments to its new research building in Battersea. and more flexible building for the RCA. It will include a doubleheight space for exhibitions and a café and arts material shop.

Chairman of the planning committee Will Sweet said: “The committee was convinced that that changes made to this scheme overcame concerns about its appearance and will result in a landmark building for the area “We feel the development will bring real benefits to the borough in terms of fostering creativity and innovation and we’re pleased the RCA is committed to working with local people and that the changes agreed last week mean that the site will be more open up to the public.

Minister visits Battersea Power Station

Construction Minister Richard Harrington visited the Battersea Power Station construction site to see at first-hand how work is progressing.

A Construction Leadership Council meeting, of which Richard Harrington is Co-Chair, was held at the power station before he was shown around the site by Simon Murphy, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company and Mace.

The Minister also visited the new Construction Skills Certification Scheme test centre, which opened at Battersea Power Station in June and met a number of apprentices who have recently received their CSCS cards.

The main purpose of the CSCS centre is to provide a free ESOL and CSCS testing service to Battersea Power Station site workers across all phases and for the local community. The aim is to enhance both English language and maths skills on-site, supporting upskilling and career development.

The visit was part of the Construction Sector Deal announcement by the

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which supports the industry.

Richard Harrington said: “The sector employs nearly one in ten working people in the UK, giving it unparalleled potential to develop skills right across the country to meet the demands of digital and offsite construction and build greener, affordable and more energy efficient buildings throughout their lifetime.

“I saw first-hand how Battersea Power Station’s apprentices on the Construction Skills Certification Scheme have benefited and I’m delighted that as part of the Deal we’ve committed to increasing the number of construction apprenticeship starts, creating 1,000 Construction T Level placements by 2020 and investing £34m to scale up innovative training models throughout the country.”

Simon Murphy, CEO of Battersea Power Station

Richard Benson, Chief Operating Officer, Royal College of Art, said: “We are delighted with this decision which will enable us to deliver a more refined building and provide more flexibility internally so that we can respond to future developments in research and innovation.”

The RCA is working with the council’s leisure contractor Enable Leisure and Culture to offer bursaries to young artists and makers to enable them to take part in October’s Wandsworth Artists’ Open House. Recipients will receive a mentoring session with a staff member or student.

News

NEW LEASE OF LIFE for historic building One of Tooting’s landmark buildings has been preserved and will play a key role in the regeneration of the town centre after redevelopment plans were approved.

Councillors on the planning committee approved plans to bring the currently vacant RACS building back into use, providing new shops, restaurants and a 96bedroom hotel. The development will also provide 41 residential units, including affordable homes for local people on lower incomes.

As well as delivering new homes and jobs for local community and providing a boost to the Tooting economy, the developers will be required to pay a £1m levy which will be used to fund local neighbourhood improvements.

Development Company, said: “We strongly believe that construction plays a key role in supporting the UK’s economy and therefore welcome this announcement. The investment into skills training and apprenticeships is particularly key in ensuring the industry remains world-class and sites like Battersea Power Station continue to be delivered.

“We have more than 3,000 operatives working on restoring this iconic building and turning the wider area into a new town centre and, therefore, a dedicated training and apprenticeship programme was put in place at the beginning to support this project.

“Hundreds of apprenticeships have been awarded on this site and it remains a key priority of our shareholders to invest in skills to ensure we continue to have a talented and productive labour force for the remainder of the project.”

The planning permission, which was approved with cross party support, means that the historic and attractive façade facing Tooting High Street must be preserved. The RACS building was originally constructed in the 1920s as a three storey department store.

Planning chairman Cllr Will Sweet said: “The redevelopment of this key town centre site is very welcome indeed. It will bring a vacant high street building back into use and provide jobs and homes for local people, including those on lower incomes.

“The provision of a town centre hotel will also have a beneficial knock on effect for other businesses in the area, while the developer will also be required to pay one million pounds towards neighbourhood infrastructure improvements in this part of Tooting and other good local causes.”

The site includes the various buildings and structures that stand between 180 and 214 Tooting High Street. It includes almost the entire high street frontage between Hebdon Road and Hereward Road.

Business Connexions | 11

Legal

SURVIVING the retail revolution

2018 has seen a long list of big high street

names reporting disappointing sales

figures. Many high profile retailers have

looked to safeguard their businesses by taking steps to deal with what appears to be a permanent shift towards online shopping.

While the likes of Marks and Spencer have announced mass store closures, others, such as House of Fraser, have resorted to the formal legal processes designed to help financially unsustainable companies recover. Although they receive less attention from the press, small independent retailers are facing similarly difficult choices.

Marks and Spencer, whose store in Putney has fallen by the wayside, is an example of a large retailer which has been slow to react to the trend for consumers to shop online.

While some retailers have managed to offset weak performances on the high street with strong online sales, others have lagged behind in their online presence. M&S and many of its competitors are looking to increase the speed and modernity of their websites as part of plans to create more digital businesses.

With even the slow-turning behemoths of the high street now prioritising online growth, it could be only a matter of time before many retailers give up on the idea of physical stores altogether. Those at the head of large and successful online sales companies may decide that it is not worth paying high rents, business rates and shop workers’ salaries for a service that is merely complementary to the core online business.

But among these challenges are opportunities for businesses that are willing to adapt to consumer trends.

12 | Business Connexions

Some retailers are starting to adopt unconventional methods to maintain footfall and store viability. For instance, there has been an increase in smaller retailers sharing space with one another. Others, particularly those in the technology sector, are trialling the use of augmented reality to attract a new generation of shoppers.

Although we are not seeing a marked decline in store acquisitions from all of our retail clients, they are all trying things outside the scope of what would be considered traditional.

It is likely that most retailers who already have a strong national presence will decrease the size of their property portfolios in the coming years. That may or may not be the case in terms of the number of stores, but there will almost certainly be a reduction in occupied floor space. There will be a number of ramifications for those of us in the property industry. One of those is that, in order to maintain their rental income, landlords will have to show more flexibility. The days of rolling out the same old 10-20 year lease and insisting on its virtue may be coming to an end as the high street becomes more of a buyer’s market.

One growth area we are seeing is investment by both landlords and retail tenants in warehouse distribution centres. With the rise of online sales showing no sign of abating, retailers may look to differentiate themselves from their competitors by diverting funds from stores to maximise the efficiency of the delivery process.

Many businesses are turning to formal insolvency processes to support their turnaround plans.

Recently there has been significant publicity about CVAs (Company Voluntary Arrangements). A CVA is a compromise between a company and its creditors.

The terms of a CVA might provide for debts to be reduced, rents to be slashed or stores to be closed. So long as at least 75% of creditors are in favour of the CVA (and there is no legal challenge) it will be approved and all unsecured creditors will be bound by it.

For obvious reasons, the process is attracting criticism in the media and it is becoming more common for CVAs to be challenged. Despite the criticism, the CVA process has some merit; it is often more sensible for creditors, including landlords, to agree to a compromise rather than to let the company fail outright, leaving behind unpaid debts and vacant properties.

Administration is another turnaround process which is designed to give a struggling company some breathing space to get its business in order,

Kieran Soobadoo Associate, Real Estate

russell-cooke.co.uk

focus on its profitable trading activities and turn the business around.

Successful turnarounds are rare and often an administration leads to the sale of valuable assets to a new company, leaving the debts behind, as in the recent case of House of Fraser.

All of these processes attract criticism in the media, but the reality is that insolvency processes are necessary to avoid catastrophic failures, to preserve jobs and to ensure creditors are able to make some recovery.

Meanwhile company directors, whether of small family firms or significant corporations, need to be mindful of their duties to the company and its creditors.

They should take early advice to ensure that they do not run up more debt, for which they can be personally liable.

The retail environment is changing fast, and it is necessary for all of us in the industry to be aware of how retailers, big and small, are innovating and using insolvency processes to stay afloat.

Thomas Bond Associate, Insolvency

+44 (0)20 8789 9111

Patron Focus

CHAMBER PATRON building resilience in a time of uncertainty

Chamber Patron Russell-Cooke

is a law firm with long roots in

Wandsworth and a commitment to its success, something that

comes through time and time again in its support for local businesses.

Russell-Cooke has strong connections with Wandsworth, where it has had a base either in Wandsworth Town or Putney for its entire 130-year history.

Throughout that history, Russell-Cooke has played a significant role in the community, something that is highly valued by Senior Partner John Gould.

He said: “Because we have a geographical base in the borough and are one of its largest employers, it makes sense for us to be a Patron of the Chamber. Historically, we have been a member but we feel in the current uncertainty it’s time to step up and set an example.

“We are keen to further develop our role as active participants in the borough’s economy and forge links with other businesses. We bring our experience and our contacts with us but also look forward to expanding our network and learning from other members.

“We have always seen ourselves as part of the community and continue to be very interested in supporting the small businesses that are a major feature of Wandsworth today, including start-ups.

Their success will benefit the whole borough in the long term.

They may not be large now but they may become so in time. The Chamber allows us to connect with them and support them in their growth.

“Of course, being a Patron also raises our own profile and increases awareness of the firm. As a business we clearly want to attract new business, but we see membership of the Chamber as a mutually beneficial relationship, not a one-way street.”

Russell-Cooke, a Top-100 legal firm, has been growing for many years. This growth has largely been organic but has also included the acquisition of a number of specialist teams to deepen the firm’s expertise.

Success has come from offering Central London large firm expertise, but at more competitive value with most of our three hundred or so employees based in thelower cost environment of Putney.

John said: “As a firm, we have demonstrated resilience through major change, world events and political upheaval. We have grown steadily since 1980 and since 2010 have grown by 52%”.

“Today we have some 200 lawyers and a turnover of around £35 million so I am optimistic about our future as a firm.

“However, I have to say that I am concerned about the uncertainty that has been created by Brexit particularly

for London – which highlights the need for businesses of all sizes and all sectors to work together in what may be challenging times.

“Wandsworth has a flourishing business community - we want to help it to thrive, whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations.

Our advice is: manage potential risks well in advance; be wellinformed; know what your options are. This will help with resilience and sustainability.

As lawyers, we think we can bring a lot to the Chamber in these challenging times.”

One thing is sure, though; businesses which bring energy and real expertise based on a solid foundation of experience and success have much to offer the business community in Wandsworth.

“Today we have some 200 lawyers and a turnover of around £35 million so I am optimistic about our future as a firm.”

Business Connexions | 13

Festive

Why Wandsworth businesses need to invest in Christmas

Amid all the uncertainty in the world, one thing is certain.

It will soon be Christmas and many businesses in Wandsworth are already planning their festive celebrations.

14 | Business Connexions

Plenty of Wandsworth company owners recognise the value of a staff party and now is the time to select the venue for your event before it gets booked up because Wandsworth’s pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels are very popular.

But why have a party anyway?

Surely, in turbulent times it’s an unnecessary expense? Well, no, exactly the opposite, in fact.

A good Christmas Party can do wonders for staff morale and getting the festivities right is not difficult in an area blessed with excellent venues that can stage the best parties possible plus taxi companies that can get you home or hotels and guest houses should you decide to spend the night.

Selecting the best venue is crucial but how do you get it right? Well, much of it is down to first impressions - do you like the décor, does it look like it can generate a good atmosphere, are the staff friendly?

Also ask yourself is the ambience right for all your people? Some staff members might not appreciate busy bars and pubs, whilst others might not want a restaurant.

If you want to try something a little different this year, themed parties can work really well and London has plenty of companies skilled in making the magic happen.

If you do decide to experiment, bringing in a specialist company to help you plan and work with the venue to get the décor right makes a lot of sense.

Everything from Thirties America to space-age celebrations is possible but to pull it off successfully you may need expert help.

Also, remember that people like to be appreciated. Maybe your staff and suppliers have gone over and beyond what was expected of them to help the business. Maybe they have played a key role in helping you survive and thrive this year.

A good boss knows that it makes sense to acknowledge their contribution at the Christmas party. Maybe a tribute in a short speech would go down well or a thank you note on place settings would be a good idea.

But be warned. Yes times, have been tough for some, yes, budgets have been tight, but a cheap party still looks cheap and reflects poorly on the business so if you are a boss who is determined to hold an event, loosen the purse-strings a little - your staff will appreciate the gesture.

Spotlight on Putney

“The BID's main mission is to make Putney a more vibrant, attractive place for those who work, live and visit. We focus our efforts on the promotion and marketing of the area's diverse business and leisure offering, supplemental cleaning of the BID area and facilitating collaboration amongst businesses to discuss and resolve issues.�

16 | Business Connexions

Spotlight on Putney

POSITIVELY PUTNEY – have you visited recently?

Positively Putney has successfully completed its first year in operation.

We focus our efforts on the promotion and marketing of the area's diverse business and leisure offering, supplemental cleaning of the BID area and facilitating collaboration amongst businesses to discuss and resolve issues.

The BID plays a number of vital roles, acting as neighbourhood planner, caretaker, problem solver, marketer, and promoter of economic development.

Putney was the 280th town centre in England that decided becoming a Business Improvement District was the best way to be managed in the future.

Putney BIDCO Limited is a not for profit limited company funded by an annual levy from the businesses within the boundaries of the BID.

We employ two Ambassadors who are the eyes and the ears of the BID, they patrol every day visiting businesses, resolving problems and reporting issues; these range from daily quality-oflife issues such as broken paving, damaged street furniture, homelessness, unlicensed vendors and flytipping.

It is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. Each business within the BID is a member of the BID and includes retailers, restaurants, service businesses, offices and charities.

The BID's main mission is to make Putney a more vibrant, attractive place for those who work, live and visit.

We work closely with the local Police, making Putney safer, we host regular meetings with the pubs providing information of football fan ticket sales so the pubs can be effectively managed and reduce anti-social behaviour.

To liven up the town centre in year one, Positively Putney placed small Christmas trees along Upper Richmond Road for the month of December and bright yellow bunting across the whole BID area for the month of March.

In its marketing role, the BID promotes Putney as one entity encouraging people to come and discover what we have to offer. We are active on all social media channels and send out a monthly newsletter.

We also support a number of community events including the University Boat Race, Ride London, September Putney party, and Christmas tree lighting ceremony and associated celebrations.

These events are to foster community spirit and to showcase the unique offering that Putney has.

Representing nearly 400 businesses we are also very well placed to lobby organisations on issues of concern to Putney.

We regularly have discussions with developers and comment on most large planning applications as it is important that we get the mix correct.

Town centres are a tough environment at the moment, if you want Putney to continue to thrive please think next time you are on your smart phone buying online whether a business in Putney could provide it for you instead.

If you are a business in Putney and would like to know more please email Nicola Grant, Executive Director of Positively Putney nicolagrant@positivelyputney.co.uk

Taste of Putney 8-23 September

Positively Putney are showcasing some of the amazing food and drink venues in Putney. During the fortnight there will be special offers, deals and events for everyone to enjoy.

Check out our guide on line www.positivelyputney.co.uk for details on locations and discover how positive Putney is.

Tag us in your photos #tasteofputney

Kicking off with a party Saturday 8th September along the river bank in Putney Wharf and Church Square 10am to 3pm, radio Jackie’s roadshow, circus workshop, kids rides and slides, delicious foods whilst watching over 300 boats go past in the Great River Race.

Business Connexions | 17

Spotlight on Putney

Businesswoman seeks support for PLASTIC FREE PUTNEY Businesses in Putney are being urged to pledge their support for an initiative to cut down on the amount of plastics they use.

Local businesswoman Diana Szpotowicz has launched the Plastic Free Putney campaign, which is part of the Plastic Free Communities initiative organised by Surfers Against Sewage to cut down on the horrifying amount of plastic in our seas and on our beaches.

According to SAS, there are approximately 51 trillion microscopic pieces of plastic, weighing 269,000 tonnes and breaking down into tiny pieces that damage wildlife.

There is widespread concern about the problem after the BBC television programme Blue Planet II highlighted the damage being done and high-profile supporters of the campaign to tackle the problem include Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Diana was so concerned at what she was seeing that she volunteered to become one of 300 community leaders involved with the SAS campaign around the UK.

She said: “The idea is to create a plastic-free Putney and I am seeking businesses who are prepared to pledge their support.

“Those businesses that sign up will be provided with information to help them cut back on the amount of plastic they use.

“This is something that we must do when you realise, for example, that only 1% of the 2.5 billion paper coffee cups used in the UK each year are recycled.”

In addition to business prepared to support the initiative, Diana is looking for a couple of business leaders to be part of her Steering Group. She will host an official beach/community clean up on Saturday October 27, with details to be announced.

Diana said: “Taking part in the clean-up will be an extra way to for business leaders to get involved and show they are committed to the cause.”

Anyone interested is asked to contact Diana at plasticfreecommunitiesputney@gmail.com

“The idea is to create a plastic free Putney and I am seeking businesses who are prepared to pledge their support. Those businesses that sign up will be provided with information to help them cut back on the amount of plastic they use.”

18 | Business Connexions

Improving Air Quality in PUTNEY HIGH STREET

Spotlight on Putney

London’s air quality has become of increasing concern to local communities and businesses.

Putney High Street hit the headlines in 2012 as it breached legal limits for Nitrogen Dioxide only a matter of days into the year.

Local businesses have identified poor air quality as one of their top concerns regarding the attractiveness of the town centre.

Wandsworth Council took action to identify the reasons for the high pollution levels. More than 100 buses an hour use Putney High Street. In 2012 a unique research project by the Council exposed the bus fleet as responsible for over 80 per cent of nitrogen dioxide build ups.

The findings were presented to Transport for London to convince it to put routes serving Putney at the front of the queue when switching to greener buses. As a result, cleaner buses have been introduced along the street and Putney High Street was designated by the Mayor of London as the first Low Emission Bus Zone.

The council also introduced restrictions on delivery vehicles stopping to unload in the High Street to reduce congestion further. These measures have led to significant falls in pollution levels with a 99 per cent reduction in breaches meaning that the number is now below the legal limit.

The Council is keen to improve the situation further and commissioned a study to investigate improvements to Putney High Street’s layout and traffic signals that would improve air quality as well as make the town centre

a more attractive place. With strong involvement of local businesses, communities and stakeholders, a five phase package of measures has been drawn up and agreed by the Council.

Just under £2m of funding has been secured that will allow delivery of improvements to junctions and for pedestrians and cyclists over the next 12 months. Other measures that could be introduced include photo-catalytic paints, green walls and other local greening projects such as parklets, planting of gardens in traffic islands, tree planters or city trees.

The Council’s environment spokesman Jonathan Cook said: “Our campaign to ban polluting buses from Putney High Street and our ban on daytime deliveries have both been significant factors in cutting the congestion which contributes to pollution build ups.

“Progress has been excellent so far, but there’s no room for complacency.

We will continue to work to reduce air pollution in Putney and across the borough as set out in our Air Quality Action Plan. Our recently approved package of High Street improvements will also contribute as well as supporting Putney as a destination.

“We will continue to lobby the Mayor to ensure all the bus routes serving Wandsworth use low-emission buses – not just those in pollution hotspots.

All our residents deserve cleaner air, and the fall in Putney’s pollution proves that our focus on buses was correct.”

“With strong involvement of local businesses, communities and stakeholders, a five phase package of measures has been drawn up and agreed by the Council.”

Wandsworth Council is taking a wide range of actions to tackle air pollution in the borough, including: • Training members of the council’s civic enforcement team how to explain to drivers of stationary vehicles why they should not leave engines running. If drivers refuse to switch engines off they can issue fixed penalty notices.

• Supporting Clean Air Day and encouraging local people to make clean air pledges • Helping schools develop School Travel Plans which reduce the number of cars used on the school run through initiatives like 'walking buses' and car pools.

• Championing car clubs which dramatically reduce total vehicle use and take older, more polluting cars off the road.

Wandsworth now has the highest car club membership in London.

• Providing a comprehensive network of electric vehicle charging points.

• Promoting cycling and investing in the borough’s cycle network. Wandsworth now has the fastest growing cycling rate in the country according to Government statistics.

• Restrictions on delivery vehicles in busy high streets • A free airTEXT messaging service warns residents when high pollution levels are forecast.

For more information about the work being carried out locally to improve air quality, visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/airquality.

Business Connexions | 19

A law firm with its roots deep in Putney

Spotlight on Putney

William Russell-Cooke

One of Putney’s longest-established businesses is law firm Russell-Cooke, which traces its beginnings back to the 1870s.

Location of the Putney office in 1905

That was when law firm Slopers was founded in Wandsworth. On hearing that the National Westminster Bank intended to build a onestorey building at the bottom of Putney Hill, Mr Sloper persuaded them to build two more storeys and, along with his partner Mr Potter, moved part of their firm to the iconic building shortly after its completion in 1906.

Original Slopers office

At around the same time, William Russell Cooke, solicitor and legal adviser to the Liberal Party, started his own firm in Lincoln’s Inn. Eventually the two merged to create the firm that exists today, then known as Russell-Cooke Potter & Chapman.

The firm has a strong connection with women’s rights campaigner Margaret Mary (Maye) Russell Cooke, who married William in 1891. She was an active member of the

20 | Business Connexions

Russell-Cooke newly built office Putney Hill 1906

National Society for Women’s Suffrage and was known domestically and internationally for her campaigning.

The first name change for more than forty years in 2001 saw Russell-Cooke Potter & Chapman become Russell-Cooke. Now a Top100 legal firm, after over 100 years there, Putney remains central to its operations.

When the National Westminster Bank moved out of No. 2 Putney Hill in 1992 the firm bought and occupied the entire building.

Now the building has a contemporary link to a further 30,000 sq ft of modern offices.

Despite its growth, RussellCooke has never forgotten its roots and still acts for some of the families it served in the late 1800s, something reflected in its loyalty to the area. It is a core supporter of the Putney BID and one of its partners sits on the board of directors.

Senior Partner John Gould said: “There are a number of reasons why we have stayed in Putney.

“Firstly, it is a good place for our staff, many of whom live locally.

There are plenty of facilities and it also has strong transport links. This is good for work-life balance, and less commuting, which we actively support.

“We have a very large client base carrying on business or living in the area. It is convenient for them to visit us here. And with clients based throughout London and beyond, including overseas, we compete in terms of quality with the best central London firms, but lower rents make us highly competitive when up against them.

“Most important is our commitment to Putney as part of our strategic development as a business. Wandsworth is home to many businesses in the new economy.

Russell Cooke founding partner Mr Potter

Russell-Cooke office Putney Hill, present day

Start-ups which get good but economical legal support have a better chance to prosper and grow from a sound foundation.

Large well established businesses also benefit from relationships with the right lawyers particularly in challenging times.

“Wandsworth is home to a vibrant mixed community – ranging from prosperity to underprivilege. This reflects the profile of our clients. We have an enduring commitment to social justice, providing advice to criminal defendants, those in urgent housing need, children in very challenging domestic circumstances etc.

We also have high net worth clients for whom we act in divorce and trusts cases involving a lot of money.

And of course we act for local businesses of varying sizes.”

Putney is a place with a long and fascinating history and a very bright future. So, it would seem, is Russell-Cooke.

8 - 23 September 2018 This September Positively Putney are showcasing some of the amazing food and drink venues in Putney. During the two weeks there will be special offers, deals and events on for everyone to enjoy. Check out our guide for details on locations, offers and events and come and see how positive Putney is.

Be sure to tag us in your pictures and posts and use the hashtags: #tasteofputney #positivelyputney

1 December 2018 Christmas light switch on at 17.00. Festive singing and live entertainment compered by Wandsworth radio from midday.

For latest info on Putney events and offers see www.positivelyputney.co.uk

STEEPED in History

Spotlight on Putney

Pay as you go car club

Co-wheels is the only independent national car club operator and has a fleet of nine cars across Wandsworth borough.

The Telegraph is named after the Admiralty telegraph that stood nearby.

It had been erected in 1795 and was originally a shutter station – a large frame with six shutters. This was replaced in 1822 with a mast and two arms – or semaphore – and this is what we commemorate in our logo.

Steeped in history, The Telegraph is situated in a beautiful location within large landscaped gardens in the heart of Putney Heath.

We might appear to be in the countryside but we are only minutes away from central Putney, seconds from the A3 and just 30 minutes from London’s West End and City.

Great in the summer with our garden BBQ and Bar and our children’s play area and cosy in winter with our snug areas and fires. The Telegraph is a great pub for the great English Sunday roast.

We are proud to be a Country Pub, where you will find our food fresh, tasty and seasonal. This month we will launch Le Bistro du Telegraph.

Lionel Jouanet, our chef patron, will be launching in the evenings a classic French menu with an extensive and

fantastic value wine list.

Lionel comes from the Loire Valley and so we will be serving regional dishes from there and from around France.

We serve a range of wonderful local and national cask ales and keg beers.

The Telegraph boasts a number of areas ideal for private parties. Our first floor William Pitt room is perfect for standing receptions, dancing and seated meals.

You will find all the amenities to suit any function from a private meeting to a bespoke wedding. You guests will enjoy exceptional food and an extensive selection of wine while appreciating a relaxed atmosphere.

They are a great option for staff and business travel instead of using pool cars or taxis. With dedicated parking nearby, included fuel, MOT, tax and insurance and complete flexibility.

Co-wheels has 5 cars in Putney, 2 in Wandsworth and 2 in Upper Tooting – and unlike most other car share clubs we are truly national so you can use cars for business or pleasure in more than 50 towns and cities across the UK from Aberdeen to Bournemouth.

We are also a social enterprise with a clear purpose to benefit the environment and local communities, so we tend to be more affordable, with no hidden costs or tariffs, boost pricing or higher costs for under 25s.

As a pay-as-you-go car club you can quickly book cars online or via our phone app. Each member receives a smart card which allows remote entry without the need to pick-up keys. Our outstanding in-house customer service team provides 24/7 phone support.

Sign up today for just ÂŁ1 (usually ÂŁ25) and receive ÂŁ30 FREE driving credit on your account. Additional drivers can be added for just ÂŁ1 each. www.co-wheels.org.uk/businesses

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8X^R _ed ]_bS N^R =_X^ Nd gggÍśQ_Î?gWSS[cÍś_bVÍśeZĎŽPecX^SccSc Business Connexions | 23

CAN YOU

FOSTER? Be there for a child in Wandsworth... ...and we’ll be there for you

Come to one of three events taking place on the dates below (10am - 12noon or 2pm - 4pm or 6pm - 8pm) Thursday 20 September 2018 Thursday 18 October 2018 Thursday 1 November 2018

Call us now on (020) 8871 6666

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

To find out more: wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering carerrecruitment@wandsworth.gov.uk wandsworthfostering

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

SME EMPLOYEES are 50 per cent more likely to suffer ‘constant stress’

Working in a small business is twice as stressful compared to larger enterprises, according to research from HR and payroll specialist Moorepay.

The study, which concluded that companies should do more to protect employees, found that 12% of employees working in firms with fewer than 50 employees suffer from stress on a constant basis, compared to 8% in larger companies.

The Health and Safety Executive reports that more than 11 million days are lost at work a year because of stress, costing the UK economy more than £5 billion each year.

Businesses with smaller workforces are hit the hardest as

A new survey shows that employers value the differing skillsets and knowledge that a multi-generational workforce can bring, but many worry that with this comes the increased potential for conflict in the workplace, a new survey has found.

The YouGov survey of middle market businesses commissioned by leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM found that seven in ten (72%) of firms in the Midlands and East Anglia said that an age diverse workforce helped the company to have a more comprehensive skillset and knowledge base. Almost eight in ten (77%) felt that a multigenerational workforce brought contrasting views to their organisation.

However, four in ten companies (38%) said that a multi-generational workforce also increased the risk of conflict in the workplace.

they often don’t have the additional resources to fill the gaps.

Despite this, many SMEs struggle to support their staff and alleviate work pressures. Moorepay’s research found that half (47%) of small businesses don’t provide mental health support to staff, compared to the national average of a third (34%).

Employees across businesses of all sizes agree on what would help combat stress at work, with flexible working (44%), reducing working hours (34%) and offering access to counselling (34%) coming out

The survey also found that managers tend to find managing their own generations easier than managing others.

The results are likely to be replicated in other parts of the UK and Emily Robinson, a senior consultant from RSM HR, said: “Having five generations under one roof doesn’t have to create friction or management headaches.

“As our survey found, many organisations value the diversity of opinions, experience and knowledge that a multigenerational workforce can bring.

But taking advantage of those benefits will depend on the ability of organisations to create a culture where everyone feels heard, valued and understood.”

RSM has published a new report called New Forces at Work which advises employers to consider

as the top three initiatives.

Andrew Weir, Employer Services Manager at Moorepay, said: “There are many advantages to working in for a small firm, but these businesses often lack the time and resources to devote to wellbeing and mental health initiatives.”

“Businesses, whatever their size, have a duty of care to support their employees. Supporting staff with stress or other mental health issues doesn’t have to be expensive or involve a complete process overhaul. Many effective

Health and Wellbeing

initiatives are simple to introduce and within easy reach for many smaller organisations.

“Insight in people data is crucial to helping smaller firms identify warning signs and provide help and support where it’s needed.

This includes absence, training and progression data. Ultimately, this will have positive impact on productivity, and the bottom-line.”

The survey, conducted by 3Gem on behalf of NGA HR, questioned 1,000 full-time employees across the UK.

Coping with an OLDER WORKFORCE

One of the advantages of increasing health in the community is the fact that many people work until they are at, or beyond, retirement age. new approaches to people management and incentivisation.

Practical steps include: Work out your age profile – Carry out a workforce audit to get a clear picture of the age profile of employees to ensure that those at the top can understand why the company’s approach to people management may need to change.

Create an inclusive culture – Those at the top of the organisation need to lead by example to create an inclusive and dynamic culture.

Go beyond stereotypes – Don’t rely on stereotypes about baby boomers and millennials to inform your strategy. The only way you'll find out what your workforce wants is to ask them.

Organisations need to run regular employee engagement surveys to understand what people think about your organisation and what will motivate them to do a good job.

Find similarities, celebrate differences – Stagnant wage growth and rising living costs have toppled the long-held belief that each generation should have a better life than the one that came before. As a result, cross generational tensions have begun to rise.

Consider ways to strengthen inter-generational relationships, for example, by setting up reverse mentoring to allow younger generations to share their ideas and perspectives with older employees.

Watch out for age discrimination – With an ageing workforce, the potential for age discrimination claims can increase.

To protect your organisation, you must make sure your policies, procedures and practices don't help one generation while alienating others.

Business Connexions | 25

Skills

Worth enquiring.

Carol Stewart – 020 8871 5473 or 07870 974 893 Shana Savoury – 020 8871 8627 or 07966 216 703 email: apps@wandsworth.gov.uk www.wandsworthlifelonglearning.org.uk

Apprenticeships at all levels in:

Management, Business Admin, Customer Service, Child Care, Support Teaching & Learning.

Funded short courses in:

Team Leading, Customer Service and Con ict Management, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity.

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Empower your Employees

A new creative co-working space

Looking for a space to grow?

We believe that creativity unleashes great ideas and positive change Scratch Hub is a unique co-working space for social and creative entrepreneurs to: Ŕ Share skills Ŕ Be a source of feedback for each other Ŕ Spark connections and collaborate Limited number of memberships available bac.org.uk/scratchhub 26 | Business Connextions

scratchhub@bac.org.uk 020 7326 8201 @battersea_arts

The Person Behind the Business

WHERE CREATIVITY meets business innovation Business and creativity have always gone together and now the two are being combined in an exciting new venture launching at Battersea Arts Centre.

there’s the co-working community but there is also this much wider cultural community of artists and people who are coming to this building. There’s a whole business ecology that potentially Scratch Hub members could tap into.”

David Jubb Scratch Hub at Battersea Arts Centre Scratch Hub is a new creative co-working space opening on 17 September and located in the beautifully remodelled Grade II listed former Town Hall building.

Scratch Hub will be a home for local businesses, start-ups, artists, creative companies, charities and social enterprises.

Membership will be curated

by Battersea Arts Centre to create a diverse business community who will share skills, spark unexpected connections and be a source of feedback for each other.

Artistic Director and CEO David Jubb said: “The creative environment of Battersea Arts Centre and the Scratch Hub will give members opportunities to take creative risks, test ideas and grow their business.”

The idea behind the Scratch Hub is the ‘scratch’ process which has been used at Battersea Arts Centre since 2000 to develop theatre and is now adopted as far away as Sydney and New York.

It is based on the belief that by testing a small idea with people first - a ‘scratch’ - you can develop even better ideas, networks and teams.

David said: “Start-ups as well as established companies have to be very agile in the 21st Century, thinking about how they design their products, services, and ideas in partnership with people, and not just as something that delivers for people.”

The Scratch Hub encapsulates this way of working in a co-working space. It provides more than 50 workspaces and meeting and social spaces in a beautiful setting.

Skills will be shared through a time-banking scheme, and talks and events will encourage collaborations and creative conversations.

Support is available from Battersea Arts Centre’s producing team, and there will be a dedicated space for Scratch Hub members at the front of the building for product launches, workshops and receptions.

David said: “What’s brilliant about the Scratch Hub is that

The creative industries is the fastest growing sector of our economy; it currently represents 5% of our total GDP. In terms of employment, it is the fastest growing sector and is dominated by small companies. The Scratch Hub recognises the connection between the creative industries and the cultural industries.

David said: “We’re a theatre, an arts centre and a community arts centre but actually there’s a very powerful connection with the creative industries through music, fashion, video, design, IT and so on.

“The cultural industries have always been a pipeline to develop talent for the creative industries. I think we could be a bit more strategic about it and bring those things closer together.”

Battersea Arts Centre talked to businesses about the kind of

working space they’re looking for. They have created a flexible working environment which will continue to be adapted in the spirit of the ‘scratch’ approach.

All members will have a desire to play a part in Battersea Arts Centre’s purpose: to inspire people to take creative risks to shape the future.

Memberships begin at £125 per month for 60 hours of flexible hot-desking, and go up to £275 per month for a full-time, fixed desk space.

Fees will feed directly back into Battersea Arts Centre's work with the local community, ranging from projects with families and young people to artists and third sector professionals.

If you live or work in Wandsworth or Lambeth, there are also a limited number of free, means-tested Springboard memberships available thanks to Battersea Power Station Foundation.

Only a limited number of memberships are available and people can express interest on the website at www.bac.org.uk/scratchhub

“The cultural industries have always

been a pipeline to develop talent for the creative industries. I think we could be a bit more strategic about it and bring those things closer together.”

Business Connexions | 27

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Delivering the goods in Putney for 15 years!

To celebrate 15 years business in Putney, Mail Boxes Etc. are offering a 15% discount off all Shipping Services to Business Connexions readers.

At MBE, we are experts in packing and worldwide parcel delivery.

Whatever you want to send, wherever it’s going, we offer the right parcel delivery service to meet your specific needs every time.

No-one has a wider range of big-name carriers to choose from, we work with Fed Ex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce and the Royal Mail, amongst others, and our professional packing means your parcel will be secure in transit, arriving safely at its destination.

Choose from services tailored for small businesses, SME’s, Auction Houses, collectors of fine arts and antiques, students, people buying and selling on eBay and many more.

Whatever your needs, we’ll be happy to personalise our service for you too.

Whatever you want to send, the team at Mail Boxes Etc. can expertly pack it ready for safe delivery.

28 | Business Connextions

We can save you time and give you peace of mind that your items are secure and protected while in transit.

We specialise in professionally packing antiques, artwork, electronics, glassware and china.

We’re trusted by Auction Houses, fine art and antiques dealers around the world to collect, pack and deliver the most treasured, delicate and irreplaceable items.

We provide a range of custom packaging solutions to help with those unusual shapes and sizes, or particularly fragile items which require specialist packaging.

We offer bespoke packaging and handling, from foam packs to custom cartons and crating.

Our skill in secure packing and custom boxing means that any item, no matter how precious or fragile, will be safe in our hands.

So if you have any shipping, courier or postage requirement, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us at MBE Putney.

P.S - help us celebrate our 15 years in Putney with a 15% discount on all shipping services. Offer available until 31st December 2018 please quote “Business Connexions offer.”

Skills

The importance of HIRING APPRENTICES FOR YOUR WORKFORCE

The value of apprentices in the workplace is still shockingly overlooked, which is a serious error from employers.

The benefits of investing in apprentices and the immense value they can offer the growth of any business, is something that I feel passionately about and would want to encourage businesses across all sectors to get on board with more.

I am a Director of the Banham Academy, the educational leg of the Banham Group, who are the largest provider of security systems in London and the South East of England.

Our Academy is seen as one of the ‘new kids on the block’ as we have only been directly funded by the ESFA since the apprenticeship levy scheme was introduced in 2017.

We have a purpose-built academy in Earlsfield, South West London, and deliver one of the new apprenticeship standards, the Level 3 in Fire, Emergency and Security Systems.

This is a challenging, advanced apprenticeship over a period of 3 years aimed at equipping the apprentice with all the skills required to work as a technician, installing and maintaining intruder alarms, access control and CCTV systems.

We are in a sector that has an ageing workforce with a skills shortage, so why is the apprentice take up by employers so slow?

I can understand small employers and SMEs may be hesitant to pay a coinvestment fee of 10% of the apprenticeship funding value if they employ an apprentice of 19 years of age or older, but levy payers are not affected by this.

To me, that doesn’t seem fair and a change in these rules would be highly beneficial.

Sadly, this is not likely at the moment so for now, let’s focus on the positives and the benefits and incentives associated with employing an apprentice: One interesting piece of research by Sheffield University stated that a Level 3 Advanced apprentice will generate an additional lifetime benefit to themselves and their employer of £105,000 compared to someone who does not gain an apprenticeship.

This is of course incredibly positive, and it is also widely recognised that any initial investment in an apprentice would be recouped two years after completion in the more technical sectors.

Kevin Faulkner, Director of Banham Academy

I personally think that any investment by an employer is repaid before the end of the apprenticeship, but it’s how to convince employers of this.

To start with, over the three years, what we must do is list the forecasted capabilities of the apprentice at the end of year 1, 2 and of course 3, which is covered in the apprenticeship standard.

By doing this there has to be a measurement of ability at each year end, and therefore creating an internal annual assessment, that is something similar to the end point assessment, is vital.

Completing this and giving the employer the confidence that their apprentice can now do certain required tasks in the workplace will start to help pay back the initial investment associated with hiring an apprentice.

What are the other options to hiring an apprentice?

You can advertise via conventional recruitment methods for a technician, and if experienced or qualified, this will come at a price.

With an apprentice, you have someone easily mouldable and extremely eager not only to learn new skills but how your Company operates.

There will be no bad habits to iron out and you can turn your apprentices into excellent engineers with your dedicated training rather than risk hiring an average engineer, not trained as you would want.

I am confident that if put to the test, apprentices who have completed Level 3 would more than exceed the skills of the average engineer.

Kevin Faulkner, Director Banham Academy

“We are in a sector that has an ageing workforce with a skills shortage, so why is the apprentice take up by employers so slow?”

Business Connexions | 29

“Our aim is to ensure that Wandsworth Town increasingly is regarded as one of the best places to visit, work, live and do business by delivering positive change and improvements to the Town Centre that enhance its competitive position. We represent the interests of around 300 businesses and our projects and services directly reflect their expressed, up-to-date priorities, namely: that the town should be made safer, better promoted, more attractive and more accessible to encourage footfall and business to the area.”

Caryl Davies, Wandsworth Town BID

Website

The first Wandsworth Town website is now live – wandsworth.town

Loyalty card

Doing business in Wandsworth Town is about to enter a whole new chapter with the launch of our exciting new loyalty card, pioneered in the town by Wandsworth Town BID.

The card aims to boost trade by rewarding loyalty card holders with exclusive discounts and offers from a wealth of shops, bars, gyms, restaurants, and businesses across the Town Centre.

The scheme will be open to employees, residents and students alike. Once they have registered, they will be kept up-todate of all the latest offers available.

This has a full range of opportunities available to all our BID businesses such as an opportunity to promote upcoming events; offer local visitors, staff and other businesses discounts at certain times to boost business; a chance to attend free networking and training events in the town centre as well as a business directory open for all to browse helping to drive traffic and interest in the service you provide.

Please help us promote the website as widely as you can by sharing on your social media or with clients – we want to make sure everyone gets the chance to see it!

A number of our wonderful businesses have already pledged their support and listed offers.

By galvanising direct support for Wandsworth Town from shoppers, visitors and local businesses alike, the scheme has the potential to represent a real winwin situation for everyone. Not only will it attract and incentivise new and existing customers, it also provides positive and practical support for all businesses in the Town Centre, by helping them to boost sales and reward employees at the same time.

The Welcome Ambassadors

The Welcome Ambassadors are now an identifiable and valuable resource in the town centre, bringing that outstanding welcome experience to Wandsworth Town. It’s already pushing us forward as a friendly, welcoming destination for business and leisure visitors.

If businesses have an offer for card holders please do let us know. And remember This card is available to you and your staff as well!

Please remember to make sure we have your email address

so we can keep you updated.

Contact us:

wandsworth.town

30 | Business Connextions

info@wandsworth.town

@WandsworthTown

RAM QUARTER TAKING SHAPE:

exciting new location emerging on the banks of the River Wandle in Wandsworth Town centre

Child Safe Zone Children’s Safety

Wandsworth Town BID has launched the Boroughs first Child Safety Zone for the town centre in response to consultation with businesses about making visitors feel safer. For visitors we will supply tough, waterproof wristbands and stickers which parents can write their contact numbers on. Wristbands are the simplest and most effective tool for reuniting a lost child.

These are branded with our easily recognisable symbol to follow should anyone get lost.

For businesses, we provide an information pack filled with stickers to display in your shop windows to let parents and carers as well as those that are lost and vulnerable know that you are able to help.

In addition, these packs include details of the free training and guidance on offer to staff on how to deal with such instances.

If you are a local business and would like to sign up to the scheme please email us on info@wandsworth.town

Business Cost Savings Open to ALL businesses…

Meercat Associates will be working for Wandsworth Town BID to help our businesses reduce their costs. This is a free service provided for you by the BID so that you can save ££ across a number of services including: telecoms; merchant services; safety; energy; waste; insurance etc.

Contact the BID to book the free service for you on info@wandsworth.town

Greenland’s ‘Ram Quarter’ development is fast-emerging on the banks of the River Wandle, regenerating and reinvigorating the former Young’s Brewery site and connecting Wandsworth High Street, Southside and Garratt Lane through to Old York Road and Wandsworth Town station.

As one of the biggest investment and redevelopment sites in the borough, Ram Quarter will be transformational creating a new retail and residential destination for South London.

The £600m master-plan by Greenland Group consists of public retail boulevards, restaurants and inviting open space, along with commercial premises and 713 private and affordable new homes, ranging from studios to four-bedroom duplex apartments.

The scheme will involve the wholesale transformation of the historic Ram Brewery site, famed for being Britain’s oldest continuously operating brewery, in a development that brings together distinct retail, cultural and residential opportunities.

This August, Ram Quarter launched a selection of Help to Buy properties, making it possible for prospective buyers to become part of this exciting new location with just a 5% deposit. Enquiries through the Help to Buy scheme have been strong and the two-bedroom apartments have sold out, but a handful of the spacious and light-filled studio and one-bedroom apartments are still available under the scheme.

As a large mixed-use development, with schools, amenities and travel connections nearby, Ram Quarter is ideal for family living and also for those taking a first step on the housing ladder or downsizing in later life.

fully-pedestrian public spaces including the prominent main boulevard and the river walk, making it both attractive and functional.

Commercial uses are threaded through the development with 100,000 sq ft set aside for new retail and leisure space. Approximately a quarter of this space will be dedicated to new restaurants, and all of the commercial space is integrated into the scheme’s

Interested residential buyers can talk to the team and make an appointment to visit the development and show apartment.

Designed by award-winning EPR Architects, Ram Quarter blends the heritage associated with brewing on the site, which has been continuous since at least 1533, with innovative architecture and design, creating the best of contemporary space.

Ram Quarter’s Marketing Suite is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm on Mondays to Fridays, and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

It is a 4-minute walk from Wandsworth Town station, and is located at 11 Armoury Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1TH.

For more information visit www.theramquarter.com or contact the sales team on sales@theramquarter.com or 020 3918 9287

Business Connexions | 31

Chamber

Chamber Events

For further details go to

www.wandsworthchamber.org/events

October

Metro Bank Mondays Monday 1st October 2018 8-10AM Venue: Metro Bank, Clapham Junction

Earlsfield Business Network

Wednesday 10th October 2018 6-9PM Venue: Wandsworth Professional Development Centre 3rd Floor, Building 1, Burntwood School, Burntwood Lane SW17 0AQ

Fore Business Golf Invitation

Thursday 11th October 2018 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey (and other clubs around London)

Putney Business Hub

Tuesday 16th October 2018 6-9PM Venue: The Telegraph Country Pub Putney Heath Putney London SW15 3TU

November

Fore Business Golf Invitation

Thursday 8th November 2018 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey (and other clubs around London) 32 | Business Connexions

Business Metro Bank Mondays

Monday 12th November 2018 6-8PM Venue: Scratch Hub, at Battersea Arts Centre With Joe Sucharewicz "Common Sense Business Funding"

Earlsfield Business Network

Wednesday 14th November 2018 6-9PM Venue: TBC

Wandsworth Business Awards 2018 Ceremony and Gala Dinner Friday 16th November 2018 6PM-Midnight Venue: Roehampton Club

Lionheart Challenge School Events During Entrepreneurs Week

Thursday 12 - 16th November 2018 2-4PM Venue: Various schools

Putney Business Hub Tuesday 20th November 2018 6-9PM Venue: Roof Terrace, Revolution Bar, Putney

Wandsworth Chamber Big Breakfast

Wednesday 28th November 2018 8-10AM Venue: TBC

Events December

Metro Bank Mondays Monday 3rd December 2018 5.30-7.30PM Venue: Metro Bank, Clapham Junction

Earlsfield Business Network

Wednesday 12th December 2018 6-9PM Venue: To Be Confirmed

Fore Business Golf Invitation

Thursday 13th December 2018 7AM - 1PM Venue: Silvermere Golf Club, Surrey (and other clubs around London)

Putney Business Hub Tuesday 18th December 2018 6-9PM Venue: TBC

January

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

Earlsfield Business Network

Wednesday 15th January 2019 6-9PM Venue in Earlsfield: TBC

Putney Business Hub Tuesday 22nd January 2019 6-9PM Venue: TBC

Wandsworth Chamber Big Breakfast Wednesday 30th January 2019 8-10.30AM Venue: TBC

News

Blink and it’ll be

WELCOME New Members

to new members

Angella's Kitchen

Angella Williams 43 Telford Avenue Brixton London SW2 4XL 07979 777 862 team@angellawilliams.co.uk www.angellawilliams.co.uk Business Services/ Catering

How to make sure you maximise on the busiest quarter of the year...

I can hear the groans already. “You’re not talking about Christmas yet are you?!” But, as we all know, the festive season comes around faster than you expect and the last quarter of the year tends to be a big one for businesses.

According to research by the project management tool Redbooth, October is the most productive month of the year and Autumn ranks as the most productive season. (https://redbooth.com/blog/ your-most-productive-time).

It makes sense. Generally we will have a rest over the summer period so we will be coming back refreshed and with renewed enthusiasm in the Autumn. For those with families they can get a positive boost from the “back to school” mentality too. And, yes, it is the lead up to Christmas so people often start thinking right, head down, big push now

before we get into silly season and more time off.

So if, broadly speaking, people are at their most productive during this time, it means it will provide some of the highest volumes of opportunity, as individuals and businesses seek out your products and services.

Particularly if you’re in retail, with many retailers doing 50% of their annual trade in the last 2 months of the year.

So it’s worth taking a little time out to think about how you’re going to maximise on the opportunity. If you know there are going to be more potential customers out there looking to buy, do you have a marketing machine and sales funnel in place to attract and capture as much of that business as you want? Do you know who your best customers are so if you have limited capacity, you can make sure you prioritise the enquiries that will be the most lucrative

Samuel Estates

and enjoyable? Do you have the systems, processes and people in place to deal with the increased volume of work? Do you have the cash flow or a plan for your finances in order to manage the build-up of stock or capacity that you require in order to make the most of the opportunity the season presents?

We help established business owners develop their businesses in exactly this way as part of our ‘ Next Level Business Club’, through our 1-2-1 coaching and on our ½ day masterclasses.

To find out more check out our website (www.engineeringbusiness growth.com) or to dive straight in and start thinking about your business why not book on our next Wandsworth ½ day at www.engineeringbusiness growth.com/wandsworth

announces acquisition

Samuel Estates has announced the acquisition of Gibbs Estate Agency.

Nicholas Samuel, Director of Samuel Estates, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Gibbs team into the Samuel Estates fold and I speak for the whole team at Samuel Estates when I say we are all excited about what this means for the future of the company.

“We look forward to the changes that will come with this expansion but remain

committed to the core values of great customer service and local knowledge that have always kept the company in good strength.”

Gregg Gibbs, Director of Gibbs Estate Agents, said: “In Nick we have found an exceptional personality to take over the business.

Samuel Estates is an awardwinning estate and letting agency with a superb track record in providing a truly

personal and effective service that matched our own expectations.

“Samuel Estates know the local market intimately, so I am absolutely delighted to be able to put the business in such proven and reliable hands.”

Following the acquisition, the Gibbs office will close and the Gibbs team will move in to work from the Watermill Way office of Samuel Estates.

Fortis Financial

Glen Jingree 82 Stafford Road Wallington Surrey SM6 9AY 0208 339 4395 glen@fortisfinancial.uk.com www.fortisfinancial.uk.com Financial Services

Go4Goal Ltd

April Maciel 198 Portsmouth Road Cobham Surrey KT11 1HS 020 7859 4347 bookings@go4goal.org.uk www.go4goal.org.uk Sports Clubs & Fitness Centres

Happy Dog Plumbing & Heating

Ed & Kate Barros Trident Business Centre 89 Bickersteth Road Tooting London SW17 9SH 020 8879 7372 kate@happydogplumbing.london www.happydogplumbing.london/ Plumbing & Heating

IBISS & CO LTD

Muhammad Moavia 188 Mitcham Road Tooting London SW17 9NJ 020 8664 8096 tax@ibissandco.com www.ibissandco.com Accountants & Bookkeeping

KSBC Plc

Chris Kwok 6 Metro Centre St Johns Road Isleworth LondonTW7 6NJ 020 8104 8002 chris.kwok@ksbc.co.uk www.ksbc.co.uk Building Services

Russell-Cooke

Wendy Watson 2 Putney Hill Putney London SW15 6AB 020 8789 9111 Wendy.Watson@russell-cooke.co.uk www.russell-cooke.co.uk Solicitors

The Telegraph Country Pub

Maria Carroll Putney Heath Putney London SW15 3TU 020 8788 2011 maria@thetelegraphputney.co.uk www.thetelegraphputney.co.uk Pubs & Restaurants

Translind

Marit Slind 4 Riverlight Quay, 129 Wandsworth London SW118DU 07834 859868 maritslind@translind.com www.translind.com Business Translation Services

Business Connexions | 33

5 Minutes with...

with... Councillor Rory O’Broin

Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Skills and Employment at Wandsworth Borough Council.

Q1 What's your business all about?

Wandsworth Council is the local authority for London's ninth biggest borough in terms of population (more than 320k residents) and the third biggest 'inner' London borough, in terms of geographical area.

The council’s ongoing ambition is to deliver high quality, value for money services, with a low council tax that our residents can afford.

• Providing the best start in life • Cleaner, safer, better neighbourhoods • More homes and greater housing choice • Helping people get on in life • Encouraging people to live healthy, fulfilled and independent lives • Value for money

Q2 Three words to describe yourself?

Open, positive and pragmatic.

Q3 Ideal Customer?

No ideal customers. The council strives to serve the entire community.

Q4 Biggest achievement?

Too early to tell…..!

34 | Business Connexions

Q5 Biggest gripe?

There is never enough time to do everything I want to do.

Q6 Your inspiration?

I’m a Conservative councillor and motivated by our core values of aspiration, opportunity and fairness.

We have pursued a specific ‘aspirations agenda’ in Wandsworth for a number of years, focused on the most deprived parts of our borough - its aim is to bring council departments and other public agencies together in a targeted way to help regenerate whole neighbourhoods, create more homes, help people get into work and encourage people living in our borough to aspire to better, safer, healthier lives.

In my specific area, we also have some pretty inspirational people working for us - our WorkMatch service is now 5 years old, and so has far helped over 1000 local residents into work. It is free to Wandsworth residents looking for work, and also provides a recruitment service to businesses seeking motivated and skilled local employees.

Most recently, alongside businesses large and small, Wandsworth Council became the first local authority employer to commit to the Social Mobility Pledge.

Q7 Philosophy in Business?

Local government can and should support enterprise and help those who want to start or grow a business. There will always be a limit to what a local authority can do, but we certainly have a role to play in creating the right environment for business to thrive – this includes encouraging the development of more employment space, improving skills and knowledge in the workforce, revitalising our public spaces, and attracting investment into the borough.

Wandsworth was recently recognised as the best London borough for small businesses and I am pleased by the Council’s contribution to achieving this.

We also help bring together our fantastic business community during the annual Wandsworth Enterprise Week – which will be extended to a month in 2019.

Q8 Sporting Hero?

From present day, I would probably say Andy Murray. Resilient and totally committed, you can tell he cares about what he does and his achievements speak for themselves - three grand slams, two Olympic golds and leading GB to its first Davis Cup in over 70 years.

Q9 Biggest tip for success?

Keep going, never give up.

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

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

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

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

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