Lets Talk Business Hounslow & West London December 2021 by Benham Publishing Limited

ISSUE 8: November 2021

talkbusiness let’s

the official business magazine of hounslow chamber of commerce and west london local chambers: ealing and hammersmith & fulham

WEST LONDON: a long-term investment opportunity Lloyd Lee

Yoo Capital

INSIDE: The Big Interview with Matt Snowden, University of West London (UWL) | Spotlight Area Focus - The changing face of Hounslow | International Trade - The Legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai | Profile with Yoo Capital | Environment - Heathrow’s Global Britain Business Champions | 5 minutes with IntelliCasa Ltd

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Contents & welcome

22 04 25

42 16 Welcome to our Winter edition. As the leaves fall and the season of good will gets closer, we give some thought to the last 18 months of the pandemic and have hope of a recovery over the Christmas season on our high streets plus celebrate the successes in our local business awards. By business pulling together, across our three boroughs, we have become stronger and have seen how this can help our local economy be more resilient. We are also pushing environmental companies to the fore at our Chamber, to help them grow and have more of an impact around us as best shown by award winning Ormiston Wire and Trash 2 Go Our landscape is changing with new developments across the three

boroughs plus via Heathrow are our relationships with our overseas friends. This month we celebrate, via a feature, with Dubai the Expo 2020 running from October 2021 to March 2022 at our Dubai Export Trade with Gateway markets event on 15th November with over 60 attendees. We have also signed a Chamber to Chamber MOU with Tripoli to promote trade which we will talk about more in the next issue. Wishing you all seasons’ greetings and a prosperous new year.

Contents 4-6 Hospitality

30-33 International Trade

34-35 Profile

Director Focus

10 News

36 Technology

14-15 Skills

37-39 News

16-17 The Big Interview

Chamber Events

Ask the Expert

New Members

Patron Focus

42-43 Environment

24-27 Spotlight Area Focus

44-45 News

28-29 Legal

5 Minutes with...

Alan Rides MIEx (Grad) Managing Director

Some articles and images may have been originated prior to Covid-19 restrictions Enquiries Hounslow Chamber of Commerce Spring Grove House, West Thames College, London Road, Isleworth TW7 4HS Tel: 07879 813817 Email: sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk Web: www.hounslowchamber.org.uk

Publisher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Web: www.benhampublishing.com Media No. 1837 Published November 2021

Editor

Jez Davison Email: Jez@benhampublishing.com Tel: 0151 236 4141

Contributing editor David Burrows

Features

Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email:karen@benhampublishing.com

Advertising Sales Karen Hall Tel: 07801 788880 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

Production Peter Wilkinson Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: peter@benhampublishing.com

Disclaimer: let’s talk business is published for the Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at the Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in let’s talk business are not necessarily those of the Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2021. Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. 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.

let’s talkbusiness

hospitality

A year of great change This time last year, the country was preparing to enter yet another COVID-induced lockdown to combat a deadly second wave of the virus. A COVID vaccine was just around the corner, but had not yet been discovered, and many businesses were closed with no certainty on when they’d be allowed to open again.

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Now, however, the picture looks much brighter. Despite rising numbers of cases, COVID vaccines have proved effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths. Lockdowns, hopefully, are a thing of the past, businesses are open once more and people can meet others face-to-face again. That has been a real boost to the events and hospitality industries, which were hit harder than most during the pandemic. As society starts to reopen again, events that were held online last year are now being hosted inperson. It has been encouraging recently to see the borough of Hounslow start to reawaken and see the bustle and life that characterised its community before the COVID pandemic hit. Businesses, of course, are a key part of this community – a fact recognised by Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, which holds its annual business awards to celebrate the achievements of local firms that have thrived under pressure and done something unique. This year, the awards were open to all businesses in the London boroughs of Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow. In addition, all Hounslow Chamber members were eligible to enter, wherever they’re based. The award winners are set to be announced at a glittering ceremony held at Clayton Hotel on Chiswick High Road, on Thursday November 25. It’s a chance for Hounslow business leaders – many of whom are making a hugely positive difference to the economy of

west London – to get together, share ideas and forge contacts that could lead to business opportunities somewhere down the line. This year’s awards will celebrate and recognise what businesses have achieved over the last 18 months despite the challenges of the pandemic. They will also recognise how companies adapted and innovated to sustain their business during these difficult times.

Sally Smith, chief operating officer at the Chamber, says: “Our awards provide a fantastic opportunity for small and large businesses that drive the local economy to shout about their successes and achievements. At our event on November 25, the award winners will be announced for their ‘Oscar’ moment. It will also mark the end of this challenging year and the start of the Christmas festivities. I for one cannot wait!

Our awards provide a fantastic opportunity for small and large businesses that drive the local economy to shout about their successes and achievements. let’s talkbusiness

hospitality

It has been so refreshing to meet and greet business leaders in person after so long

“Our Chamber is now pleased to be able to offer our services to our neighbouring boroughs: Ealing and Hammersmith & Fulham. From a business point of view, there is so much to celebrate in these areas, which are characterised by the innovation, agility and entrepreneurialism of the companies that do business there.”

“It has been so refreshing to meet and greet business leaders in person after so long,” says Sally. “We’ve had to get used to hosting meetings and events online during the pandemic, and while this has been useful in maintaining connections, it’s not as satisfying as shaking someone by the hand and greeting them with a smile.”

They included a Kylie Minogue Tribute show at The Arts Centre in Hounslow, and a recounting of Shakespearian tragedy MacBeth at the same venue – with an unusual twist. Murder, poetry and sword-fighting were combined as the dark tale unfolded using candlelight to ignite the imagination and chill the soul.

According to Sally, the event is a chance to celebrate all things good about businesses in west London – and in person rather than virtually on Zoom or Teams!

Other events – such as music concerts, weddings and informal greets in bars and restaurants – have also been held in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, there was a funfilled Halloween “Skele-bration” at The Brentford Project to celebrate the annual spooky season. To mark the occasion,

Ballymore hosted an afternoon of “fangtastic” activities for all the family, including mini pumpkin carving, origami spider decorating and Halloween mask painting. Events such as these have helped to underpin Hounslow’s thriving creative, hospitality and tourism sectors, which rely to a large extent on people meeting each other face-to-face. Now that lockdowns are hopefully a thing of the past, businesses in these sectors will be hoping for a much brighter 2022.

We’ve had to get used to hosting meetings and events online during the pandemic, and while this has been useful in maintaining connections, it’s not as satisfying as shaking someone by the hand and greeting them with a smile. 6

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director

focus

Inspirational leader Perhaps it’s not surprising that Mustafa Erdem has enjoyed a successful career designing schools and colleges. His grandfather was a respected philanthropist who was the driving force behind the development of a school for 1,000 children in Turkey. This family link with education and Mustafa’s natural talent for drawing and design goes some way towards explaining his career path. Initially, Mustafa studied landscape architecture at Ankara University but after moving to Germany in the early 90s he studied (building) architecture at Technische Universität Braunschweig. This was an incredible time to be studying and working as a designer, as he explains.

“It was just after the reunification of East and West Germany and this period provided huge opportunities for young architects like myself. I worked for an urban design company that was redesigning East German towns. This meant taking account of cultural and social considerations with the aim of designing something both useful and creative - I gained invaluable experience” After marrying in Germany, Mustafa moved to London where he studied for a masters degree in urban design at UCL. It was in London that he joined a company specialising in designing schools and community centres. He has not looked back since. He now works as a director for E&E Education using his extensive knowledge of the education sector to support the development of UK as well as

overseas private schools and universities – helping them reach their maximum potential. Amongst the many projects he has been involved with over the years, he is particularly proud of the West London Free School which opened its doors for the first time in 2011. It was a proud moment when his daughter and then his son went through the gates of the school he helped found and develop. Most recently Mustafa has cofounded an independent SEN (autism) school, Easy Steps Education In Ealing - which had its full complement of pupils from day one. He believes the school makes a real difference to the provision of care and learning in West London and is confident of delivering two or three more similar schools in the coming years.

Providing inspiration Hounslow Chamber of Commerce has been able to draw on Mustafa’s insight and inspiration for almost 10 years now – he was Chairman of the Board from 2013 -2015.

“I am one of the longest serving members now, and I have always felt that I am part of this community – and Hounslow is a wonderfully diverse community. My aim as a board member has always been to ‘add value’ where I can.” And one of the specific areas he could add value when invited to join the board back in 2012 was in procurement. Mustafa was appointed Lead Member of the Procurement and Sustainable Supply Chain Forum.

I am one of the longest serving members now, and I have always felt that I am part of this community – and Hounslow is a wonderfully diverse community. My aim as a board member has always been to ‘add value’ where I can.

“There is often a lot of red tape hindering SME firms’ efforts to take part in government funded projects. I drafted a supply chain document for Hounslow Chamber of Commerce. The intention was to provide more information to people on how to approach procurement and to increase the visibility of SMEs in Hounslow”. He adds that over the last 10 years he has met hundreds of creative and innovative SMEs in the borough and likes to think he has played a part in helping them secure both local council and public sector contracts.

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WORK

WORK HOUNSLOW

If you would like to reskill or upskill for work, come along to one of our Information sessions to find out more. Find out how Work Hounslow can help you re-skill or up-skill to improve your employment prospects at one of our information sessions. Our interactive information sessions take place once a week. Register onto an information session to find out your options with us today.

To find out more or register, talk to one of our advisors. Email skillsescalator@hounslow.gov.uk or call 07790359392.

Visit the website to register onto an information session: www.workhounslow.co.uk

WORK HOUNSLOW

How can we support you with jobs & training opportunities? We can offer FREE information, advice and guidance to residents who are unemployed, in low paid work and seeking work, training or up-skilling opportunities.

To find out more, contact one of our advisors today : Email work@hounslow.gov.uk or call 020 8583 6174 8

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WORK Take a look at our current opportunities: www.workhounslow.co.uk

digital dock

Digital Dock Brentford Digital Dock is Hounslow Council’s first affordable co-working space in the heart of Brentford. Supporting small businesses, freelancers and homeworkers looking for a creative, modern and inspiring space to work. Digital Dock will act as a hub for Brentford’s flourishing creative industries and provide much needed facilities for media and digital tech players. Digital Dock has been developed in response to changes in how we are all working – digitalisation and globalisation had already driven radical shifts in how we worked, further accelerate by the pandemic, changing our working lives beyond anything we could have imagined. By delivering a cost effective, flexible working arrangement we aim to attract a range of people – from those adapting to hybrid models of working between home, office and co-work space, to those just looking to escape their kitchen tables, connect and be inspired. The new space delivers a stylish, flexible and inclusive co-working space and collaborative hub for entrepreneurs, start-ups, micros or businesses needing a desk or meeting room or break out space at affordable prices. The digital studio provides a space for

workshops or even professional content creation (photography, video and streaming). We intend to bring people together and build a community by providing access to a great environment and excellent facilities. Digital Dock’s downstairs co-working area has desk space for 30 users, all benefitting from superfast fibre broadband, break out areas and kitchenette (with free tea and coffee); two meeting rooms are also available for hire (or time included as part of a package) on the ground floor. Four microoffices for one or two people will be available to rent on Digital Dock’s first floor, which also contains its own kitchenette and toilet. Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council “Helping Hounslow recover from the effects of the pandemic is one of our key priorities. We know that small

businesses will have an important role to play in the borough’s economic growth and the space offered by Digital Dock should offer an important helping hand for start-ups and SMEs. We hope the Digital Dock will be the launching pad for local entrepreneurs to set them on their path to success.” Digital Dock will build a space that boosts engagement between different communities and fosters a culture of networking and support by holding events and enabling people access to digital skills, business growth and capacity building training. We purposefully located the new hub in the town centre, responding to the vision documents co-created with the local communities through our Reimaging the Town Centres project – converting a two storey vacant shop on Brentford High Street, bringing in footfall and further spend.

The co-working space offers Pay as you go, monthly and annual flexible contracts through an online booking system with the option to book workstation desks, hire private offices, meeting rooms and the digital studio. A most successful Business Breakfast was held at the Digital Dock in November, with around 30 guests. Tours were offered and all were impressed with the facilities. More breakfasts will follow in 2022.

Please visit our website www.digitaldockbrentford.com to find out more. If you any questions, please email us at enquiries@digitaldockbrentford.com or call us on 020 8583 5556.

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www.shepherdsbushmarket.org

For the freshest, juiciest, most exotic fruits in W12, Steven Hill & Son is your spot. Bet you’ve never tasted an avacado so good.

Nearest tube Goldhawk Road.

news

Digital Festival Hounslow returns! Hounslow Council’s much anticipated Digital Festival Hounslow has returned once again this month.

The festival features a month-long celebration of technology, wellbeing, accessibility and digital learning, with all events completely free of charge. Digital Festival Hounslow began in 2020 to help residents and community groups across the borough connect and grow, despite the challenges of lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. Back for a second year, the festival supports Hounslow’s borough-wide Digital Strategy and Recovery Plan, helping to keep Hounslow digitally connected and support residents back into work. Over four weeks, 26 sessions will be live-streamed. Events will include building employment skills, developing digital capacity in Hounslow, community wealthbuilding and valuing diversity.

The action-packed line-up will also feature headline acts from tech giants, including Microsoft and LinkedIn. Highlights include: how to create a rocking LinkedIn profile, alongside Microsoft Employability sessions on preparing for job interviews and making your CV stand-out. The line-up also features bespoke sessions for local community and voluntary sector organisations, including workshops on social media and engagement, digital strategy and improved digital working. Digital Festival is completely free to all Hounslow residents – simply sign up for events at https://www.hounslow. gov.uk/digitalfestival?utm_ campaign=&utm_content=&utm_ medium=email&utm_ source=govdelivery&utm_term= One particular event that may be useful for local businesses is the Tech UK briefing, which is focusing on all the digital advances the council is making. For more information visit: https://www. techuk.org/what-we-deliver/ events/hounslow-council-industrybriefing.html

3 Myth-Busting Facts About Coworking After more than a year of working from home, it’s no surprise that for some the novelty has worn off. Many people are now splitting their working week between home and office. If you’re tired of working from home but you’re not ready to commit to a serviced office, why not try a coworking space? Perhaps you’ve previously tried coworking in the past, heard about it in the press, or from others and aren’t sure whether it’s for you. Before you make up your mind, here are 3 myth-busting things you should know about coworking:

Myth 1: “It’s busy and crowded” A busy and crowded space doesn’t help anyone, which is why our coworking space at The Mille in Brentford only accommodates a select number of people, to ensure a professional and focused business environment.

Myth 2: “It’s all beer and bean bags” Some high-profile coworking companies offer fun perks and freebies to attract a specific audience, but at UBC Brentford we prefer a more professional approach. You won’t find boozy Fridays in our workspace - instead, we give you the environment and support you need to work productively and grow your business. That being said, we are a sociable bunch and we regularly put on networking events, workshops and cake sales - take a look at the events page on ubcuk.com for what’s coming up

Myth 3: “It’s just not my thing” Maybe it isn’t, but how do you know until you’ve tried? That’s why UBC are happy to offer a free trial day.

Visit ubcuk.com for details Contact Manny Aduteye Email: brentford@ubcuk.com Tel: 0800 169 9822 www.ubcuk.com/locations/brentford let’s talkbusiness

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Build back better with the extra funding to recruit new apprentices Due to the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the government launched an incentive scheme to encourage employers to recruit new apprentices. This scheme was recently extended.

We will promote your vacancies for free and our recruitment officers will ensure they line up the best candidates to match your requirements. To recruit an apprentice, call 01895 853780.

Blended learning apprenticeships & employment courses for businesses and individual needs Blended Learning Apprenticeships: HCUC Apprenticeships & Skills has created a flexible blended learning platform to minimise disruption at your workplace. Industries include Accounting, Human Resources, Learning & Development, Mentoring, Team Leading and Operational Management.

Plus, there is a further £1,000 incentive for recruiting 16-18 year old apprentices. Terms & conditions apply.

The blended study platform means apprentices do not have to attend college as frequently as with traditional delivery models. So, it’s the perfect opportunity for employers to enable their ambitious employees to upskill without any interruption on-site. If you are keen to train your existing staff or hire new staff, call 01895 853780 or visit www.hcuc.ac.uk/employers for more information.

We offer apprenticeships in over 28 sectors. So now is the best time to take up the chance to access the extra grants to recruit and build a skilled and efficient workforce to help you boost productivity in your company.

Employability Courses: We are also offering a blended learning option to help individuals increase their skills set. Whether it is for job opportunities, plans for a career change or to simply gain in-depth knowledge in a specific

From 11 January 2022, you will be able to apply for a payment of £3,000 for apprentices with an employment start date from 1 October 2021 to 31 January 2022. Applications close on 15 May 2022.

topic of interest, these qualifications enable people to make their next step in life. Find out more here: www.hcuc.ac.uk/jobseekers

NEW! College Business Centre Our newly established College Business Centre (CBC) will support local businesses to increase their levels of innovation and productivity by meeting and driving demand for technical skills. It will harness business intelligence to improve technical education provision specifically, but not exclusively, for the T Levels, Higher Apprenticeships, and full-time HE students. This will enable these learners to develop skills that employers need, leading to rewarding work. The CBC technical delivery teams will support you to understand how investment in skills, new technology and innovative practices will help your business to drive increased productivity; and nurture the development of entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial talent.

Work with us we are a trusted provider With over 55 years of combined skills and experience we help companies as well as individuals build worthwhile futures.

• We are trusted experts in delivering specialist training. We are one of the first 12 institutions in the country to be an Institute of Technology, recently established by the government offering topquality qualifications including HNCs & HNDs, training and apprenticeships in STEM subjects • We were the first FE college in London to deliver T Level qualifications • We create strong industry links. We work with over 1200 employers such as Brunel University London, London Borough of Ealing, Martin Baker Aircraft Limited and Skanska • We support you to recruit locally and find the right talent - free of charge • We work with you to increase productivity by filling in skill gaps for present and future • We help you to progress your existing high performing staff to enhance efficiency. To find out more on how to get started, visit www.hcuc.ac.uk/employers or email employers@hcuc.ac.uk or call 01895 853780 today!

• A top college in London with consistent success rates • We provide you with a dedicated Account Manager until the completion of the apprenticeship

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skills The initiative is a COVID response programme to support unemployed people in receipt of benefits to re-enter employment. It is a national contract working to help develop employment skills and capacity, especially for those most affected by the pandemic.

JETS - JOB ENTRY TARGETED SUPPORT PROGRAMME It has been a tough year for everyone. However, Chamber member New London Educational Trust (NLET) is working hard to help London Borough of Ealing residents through our new office at the Lido Centre in West Ealing where we are pioneering the West London Alliance (WLA) and Shaw Trust Job Entry Targeted Support programme, or JETS for short.

NLET aims to help residents gain employment via a range of integrated employability support, personal development skills and information broadcasts. Our light touch employment support is linked to vocational upskilling and reskilling opportunities, preventing individuals from becoming long term unemployed or economically inactive.

We support participants to identify and overcome barriers to work, helping recognise transferable skills and career alternatives, providing up-to-date employability tools and rekindling motivation, drive and confidence, enabling more effective job searches and aiding in progress towards sustained employment.

Interventions include:

• Employability skills training • CV Sessions - all levels • Tailored support • Personal Development modules • Post Covid-19 support • One-to-one, group and remote training • Participant forums including peer led discussions • Employer Insight Sessions from Labour Market Analysis • Broadcasts including NHS opportunities

The Lido Centre, where NLET delivers its Ealing services, is a base for over a dozen Ealing charities. It is a community resource and venue for meetings, training and support services for Ealing residents. NLET is delighted to partner with the Lido Centre to widen our network of support. (#lidolife)

If this is the right opportunity for you or someone you know, please speak to your local Job Centre Work Coach and ask to be referred onto the JETS Programme.

For more information please email us on jets@nletrust.org NLET Lido Centre, 63 Mattock lane, Ealing W13 9LA European Union - European Social Fund

West London Alliance

lJM, o,

shaw trust

I�

Department for Work& Pensions

An exciting new project has been launched to help and support employees* in West London to develop their job-related skills, impro ve their technical knowledge and build their career prospects.

NLET is proud to offer a new and exciting opportunity that will enable eligible employees to gain units towards a qualification and knowledge in a flexible and accessible way fro m basic skills English/Maths to sector based units at Levels 1, 2 & 3. This project is co mpletely FREE to all eligible employees and their employers. Please contact us to discuss your eligibility for London Learning.

Contact us at londonlearning@nletrust.org or call on 020 8570 7766. *If you are currently furloughed, you may still be eligible to study.

European Union - European

i, • nlet

New London Educational Trust

Social Fund

NLET Sceptre House, 75-81 Staines Rd, Hounslow lW3 3HW www.nletrust.org

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skills

Temporary visas insufficient to address labour shortages The shortage of EU workers has had a major impact on UK supply chains across a vast swathe of sectors. Some supermarket shelves have been bare and cars and lorries have been queuing up for miles to obtain essential fuel.

with no clear roadmap as to how this transition would be managed without disruption to services and supply chains.

The government reacted by announcing a temporary visa scheme that will see 5,000 foreign HGV drivers and 5,500 poultry workers allowed into the UK on three-month contracts up to Christmas. However, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the move was not enough to address skills shortages, describing it as “a thimble of water to put out a bonfire”.

“Now some action has been taken, but additional testing will take time and the low number of visas offered is insufficient. Even if these short-term opportunities attract the maximum amount of people allowed under the scheme, it will not be enough to address the scale of the problem that has now developed in our supply chains. This announcement is the equivalent of throwing a thimble of water on a bonfire.

Baroness Ruby McGregorSmith CBE, BCC president, said: “Government has made clear its priority is to transition from a reliance on EU workers to a focus on the domestic workforce, and businesses have been ready to participate in this, but it is a longterm project.

“Government should be prepared to significantly expand the number of visas issued within this scheme and convene a summit that brings business and government together to find both immediate and longer-term solutions to the many challenges facing firms throughout the UK.

“A managed transition, with a plan agreed between government and business, should have been in place from the outset. Instead, the supply of EU labour was turned off

“Without further action, we now face the very real prospect of serious damage to our economic recovery, stifled growth as well as another less-than-happy

Christmas for many businesses and their customers across the country.” Hannah Essex, co-executive Director of the BCC, said: “Chambers of Commerce have been warning government about critical labour shortages for months now – not just in the food and haulage industries but in hospitality, construction, the care sector and elsewhere in the economy. Whilst businesses will welcome that government is finally taking action, this scheme does not go far enough.

“BCC data has shown that 76% of hospitality businesses and 82% of construction firms have faced recruitment difficulties in recent months. At the same time, we found that three out of four exporters reported no growth in sales in Q2. “Businesses are facing the most difficult environment for a generation. On top of labour shortages, border delays, increased debt and the rising cost of materials, shipping and energy are all putting huge pressure on firms struggling to recover from the pandemic. All of these issues are hitting smaller firms the hardest. “Attempts to address the deficit of HGV drivers and poultry

workers is a step forward, but these industries are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the huge impact of the current labour shortages. Without a comprehensive plan to tackle this issue across the board, we are facing a winter of lost opportunities for our businesses, hampering the UK’s economic recovery.” Mel Bruneau, Board Director Hounslow Chamber of Commerce said: “The impact of the delays at port has meant many importers are resorting to paying the extremely high fees to bring their goods in via airfreight instead. This has firstly resulted in an unprecedented volume of cargo coming through the airport.

The shortage of warehouse staff and drivers now means two things: 1. Warehouse issues - lack of space in warehouses meaning breaking down of aircraft pallets is slow and lack of warehouse staff to collate the shipments ready for collection is slow 2. A shortage of drivers means transport companies are reluctant to collect one piece at a time this is then causing a backlog of freight held at airlines and a delay in getting goods out to customers, which will result in low stock in the shops leading up to Black Friday/Christmas.”

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the big

interview

UWL supports innovation and enterprise Matt Snowden has spent the last two-and-a-bit decades in the fast-evolving higher education sector, which is a world away from his initial career choice.

“When I was five, I wanted to work in a tomato sauce factory,” says Matt, who currently holds the dual roles of Dean of Academic Partnerships (UK) and Director of Research and Enterprise Operations at the University of West London (UWL). “My career didn’t quite turn out like that but that’s probably a good thing!” Matt grew up in Walsall “at the edge of the black country” and studied philosophy, politics and economics at university. After that he worked in various roles in the public sector, including a job in the careers service where he managed a database that provided people with information on a wide range of training opportunities. He then went to the former Training and Enterprise Council where he landed a job advising people on apprenticeship opportunities. Matt moved into higher education in the late 1990s and in 2005 joined Stafford University as director of business development and resources, where he was responsible for growing new revenue streams and increasing entrepreneurial activity at the organisation. After a six-year stint there, he moved to UWL and has been there for almost a decade. Matt says: “Part of my role involves working with other organisations to support the delivery of training programmes and broaden our reach into different communities. I’m also responsible for generating alternative revenue streams – from research opportunities and apprenticeships, for example. We’ve grown

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our apprenticeship provision and its now worth around £4.5 million a year to the university.” UWL is a long standing Patron of the Chambers and is renowned for its high-performing School of Law. Its law courses are recognised as being the top in London for satisfaction in the Guardian Good University Guide 2022 and top in London for teaching quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022. UWL also has within its stable the London College of Music, which is the largest specialist music and performing arts institution in the UK.

business issues. We’d love more businesses to come to us with real-world challenges that our students can help to solve.” UWL has also established a centre for levelling up to discuss key policy issues and explore how education can support social mobility.

“There are huge inequalities in London, as well as in other parts of the UK,” says Matt. “We want to make sure that all people across London get fair access to learning and career opportunities.

Matt says: “About one third of what we do is not related to teaching. We’ve bought a small acting school in London and Ruskin College in Oxford, which provides learning and career opportunities for people from a range of different backgrounds.”

“We have three core missions at UWL. Firstly, there’s the creation of knowledge via our research; we ensure that staff who want to contribute to our research portfolio get the time to do so. Secondly, we try to impart this knowledge to students through our teaching.

Also central to UWL’s work is its relationships with employers. UWL works with companies to find out what their needs are – both now and in the future – and tailors its learning provision to suit.

“The third mission is to use our knowledge base to support employers and drive innovation and economic wealth. We encourage academics to engage with the outside world and come up with solutions to real-world issues.

Matt says: “We want our graduates to be employable when they leave us. We ensure that they acquire softer skills – skills that they can take into life and employment. The whole purpose of a degree is to give people a range of critical skills that are valued by employers.

“As part of students’ assessment, we offer internships and live briefs where they solve key

“We also want to fast-track the next generation of entrepreneurs. Our incubator hub supports about 20 start-up businesses at any one time. Small businesses of today might be the big businesses of tomorrow. Starting a business is now seen as a viable career. People want more control over their lives and being your own boss makes that possible.”

Matt Snowden: the inside story Favourite food? I love food so it’s hard to list a single favourite! I bought a pizza oven in lockdown so that would probably be the one food I could never give up. Favourite tipple? Whiskey (Bourbon in summer, single malt in winter and a Manhattan if it’s a cocktail). Favourite holiday? Not camping…I go each year but it feels more like hard work! I love sun so Hawaii would be a place I’d definitely go back to, although I’d try not to break my toe surfing again! Describe your family life? Dog-centric. We have two retired greyhounds so we try to find interesting places to take them for a walk, or enclosed areas so they can have a run (and not disappear at great speed over the horizon). How do you spend your downtime? Cooking, dog-walking and trying to finish my doctorate! What are your key strengths as a manager? I don’t believe in micromanaging people. I provide the space and trust to allow people to do their jobs. I find that this gets the best out of them and allows them to develop new skills and take ownership of what they do. And your limitations? I guess I’m not great at saying no or turning down opportunities; I thrive on new challenges. This tends to mean I end up taking on a lot (but that’s where having a great team to support me helps).

We want our graduates to be employable when they leave us. We ensure that they acquire softer skills – skills that they can take into life and employment.

Best thing about doing business in the borough? Hounslow is such a vibrant place, with a broad range of different businesses from the very large to micro. It’s a very creative borough and that shines through in its innovation and entrepreneurialism. Famous person you’d most like to spend dinner with? Great question…national treasure Stephen Fry. Most interesting fact about yourself? I make great sushi as well as pizza.

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Support your business The University of West London helps businesses implement the changes that will enable them to survive and thrive. Take advantage of apprenticeships Our apprenticeships can help you build a high-calibre team, improve your service, and motivate your employees. Whether you are a big or small employer, you can take advantage of government funds to upskill your workforce.

Upskill your employees We have developed a series of high-quality short courses that enable professionals to build their learning in bite-sized chunks. We can customise courses according to your needs and improve competitiveness for your business.

Transform your business We can support you as you develop your product or improve your business processes to drive growth by helping you secure investment via our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). As our business partner, you can gain access to government funding, academic expertise, and a KTP Associate working in your office.

Contact: employer@uwl.ac.uk Find out more at: www.uwl.ac.uk/business-services

inland

homes

Cavalry Barracks plans march onwards CAVALRY BARRACKS

Inland Homes aims for mid-2022 start date, amid anticipation around local benefits Of real significance to local people will be the delivery of more than 500 high-quality affordable homes.

Inland Homes, a new Patron of Hounslow Chamber, has submitted plans to create 1,577 new homes, more than 2,600 square metres of business and community space, a new convenience store, expansive public park, sports fields, and much more on the Cavalry Barracks site in Hounslow West.

“Subject to the final planning decision, which we are hopeful is getting ever closer, we’re looking forward to commencing construction on this landmark site in mid-2022” said Mark Gilpin, Group Planning Director at Inland Homes.

This will be achieved whilst retaining and refurbishing all of the Grade II listed buildings on site, and much of the historic setting. The plans are expected to unlock £12 million in developer contributions, £1.9 million in additional council tax revenue, approximately 750 jobs in construction and the supply chain, with a further 180 on-site once development is completed.

“Hounslow has had it particularly tough during the pandemic, with the slowdown at Heathrow having a real impact. The Borough’s economy was the second-fastest growing in London in 2018/19 – a trend which went into reverse in 2020.

“However, we’ve seen residents and businesses working hard to bounce back, and Inland Homes is determined to play its role in supporting the community, by unlocking the benefits this unique site presents. “Everything we’re doing is intended to align with the Council’s ‘One Hounslow, Forward Together’ Recovery Plan. Whether it’s job creation, embracing active travel, creating new green public spaces or providing quality housing, we’re serious about investing in the local community and Hounslow more widely.

“We can’t wait to get started.” To learn more, or to find out how you can support the plans, visit: www.cavalrybarracksconsultation.co.uk

Unlocking Hounslow West’s Potential Inland Homes has exciting plans for the Cavalry Barracks After more than two centuries, in 2019 the Ministry of Defence announced that it would be moving out of the Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow West. Inland Homes, a specialist brownfield developer with an established trackrecord of delivering outstanding schemes on former Ministry of Defence sites, is proud to be working with the London Borough of Hounslow and local community to unlock the potential this unique site presents.

Following extensive consultation, Inland Homes has submitted plans to create 1,577 new homes, more than 2,600 square metres of business and community space, an expansive public park and sports fields, and much more. All this will be achieved whilst retaining, refurbishing, and celebrating all Grade II listed buildings on site. Visit www.cavalrybarracksconsultation.co.uk to find out how our shared vision for the Cavalry Barracks is set to unlock Hounslow West’s potential.

www.cavalrybarracksconsultation.co.uk

CAVALRY BARRACKS

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Vivien Clarke is one of London’s premier skincare experts. Her main focus is understanding each client as an individual and customising treatments to their needs. Vivien has been mentored by esteemed plastics Surgeon Mr Andrew Williams based at Chelsea Westminster Hospital. Treatments and products are medically approved and chosen to deliver the very best results.

Treatments and services include: Facials a Anti-Wrinkle Injections a Dermal Fillers a Massage a Hair Removal and more... Call or email Vivien to book your appointment Head Office: 183 Boston Manor Road, Brentford, London, TW8 9LE, United Kingdom

vivienclarkeskincare@gmail.com | Tel: 07875 706535 Hand photo created by cookie_studio - www.freepik.com

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expert

Feeling good is great for wellbeing By Vivien Clarke

I was brought up in a town called Edenderry, Co. Offaly and came to London at the tender age of fourteen. I have an uncle back home Larry Clarke, who built his businesses from scratch; he is someone I admired and respect immensely for his entrepreneurial mind and work ethic. I always wanted to be “like him” and run my own business. Finally, I had the headspace to put my dreams into action! Fortunately, a close friend and business consultant, Catherina Casey, was happy to provide advice and guidance on setting up a business. Catherina is such a positive influence and force for good, I really would not have come this far without her. I qualified as a beautician at the London College of Beauty Therapy in 2012 and shortly after completed an adult nursing degree at Kingston University. I have always been innately caring and felt proud to be able to connect with my patients and clients in a gentle and compassionate way. As a beautician, I practice with laser (IPL) and micro-needling to rejuvenate the skin. These treatments work by penetrating the skin’s surface, enabling the light to target melanin, blood supply, collagen and bacteria. Photo-rejuvenation can drastically reduce skin imperfection such as thread veins, pigmentation and acne-prone skins while also boosting skin for a more youthful, clearer complexion. These treatments are incredibly affective with long-lasting results. The product range I use complements and enhances the treatments. I use Dermopen and Neal’s Yard Organic range for facials and massage for their ability to

skin rejuvenation treatments which may be more appropriate. I use Allegan and Juvéderm for aesthetics as they are considered to be the leading brands in the market.

stimulate the senses and promote relaxation. By using advanced technologies to rejuvenate skin, it felt natural to progress and train as an aesthetician. I decided to open my aesthetics business in 2021 following four waves of COVID-19 as an ICU & ICU burns nurse in a London hospital. I was fortunate to work alongside one of London’s finest plastic surgeon consultants, Andrew Williams, who has become my friend and mentor. Doctor Williams has been an aesthetics consultant for more than 13 years and I felt incredibly privileged that he entrusted me with his expert knowledge and extensive experience.

(BACN) and British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN). I have weekly meetings with my mentor and attend trade events to keep up to date and informed about the industry. If you are thinking of having a tweak, it’s important to do your research and be confident you have chosen a highly trained and responsible practitioner who knows how to deal with any possible side effects. Do not believe everything you see on social media. A professional will always provide a full and comprehensive consultation prior to any treatment. This will involve explaining other non-invasive

My clients are always followed up with a phone call/text after their initial treatments. I encourage my clients to stay connected and return for a review after two weeks to ensure they are happy with their results. Some of the feedback I have received from my clients makes me immensely proud and has been very humbling. Looking good enhances our self-esteem and confidence while enabling us to remain youthful and current. We all want to look our best, whether this is for our partners, colleagues, friends or just for our own wellbeing. This in turn give us a regular dose of positivity and calm, helping us to feel happy in our own skin. My motto is pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. For more information, visit www.vivienclarkelondon.co.uk.

I am a member of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses

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Certificate of Membership

patron

focus

Technology is the key enabler In September 2021 start-up business Trash2Go signed up as a Patron of Hounslow Chamber of Commerce.

they are unattractive, can smell and also attract vermin.” Trash2Go’s solution is to offer immediate collection of waste and in addition the company prides itself on the fact that above 94% of all the material it handles is recycled, and can make it higher if specified. A monthly tree-planting policy has also helped boost the firm’s green credentials.

“Trash2go is an online business providing environmentally-aware and professional waste collection to business and domestic customers through mobile app and website.”

Fly-tipping has become a major problem in the borough in recent times (over 20,000 incidents in Hounslow alone last year) – partly because those expected to take waste away fail to do so for one reason or another. “There have been so many stories of companies saying they will pick something up like a sofa – and they just don’t arrive. The collection services have been hugely inefficient for years,” Long explains.

James Long, founder and managing director of the West London-based business, explains that even before becoming a Patron, Hounslow Chamber of Commerce was highly supportive of the waste collection business.

“We first spoke to the Chamber of Commerce about eight months ago. They totally got what we were trying to do. They saw the public health benefits to the community and helped us by suggesting people and companies we could link up with”. He adds: “What we offer is not a ‘sexy product’ in any way but there is a real need for what we provide, and the chamber recognised the growth potential in this industry .” What exactly does Trash2Go do and what gap in the market does it fill?

technology can bring to solve a common household problem. In just the same way that Deliveroo or Just Eat deliver your takeaway food we are providing a tech-driven solution to taking away your rubbish. So there’s no lugging around dirty bags or trying to figure out where the local waste management centre is – customers have a near immediate solution at their fingertips and the reassurance that their trash will be dealt with promptly and properly.”

Long says the best way to look at it is as a business and waste collection service that draws on the concept pioneered by Uber.

Technology is the key enabler for this business model as various apps keep all participants in the loop – customer, company, driver management and the drivers themselves.

“This is all about taking the convenience and speed that

Invoices are all handled via the app and everything can be

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viewed in real time – this means customers can see where their driver is and know when they will arrive. All Trash2go drivers hold a Waste Carrier Licence, and a job is not deemed as completed until the company receives a Waste Transfer Note.

Gap in the market The obvious question is why the need for an additional refuse collection to what local authorities already provide?

“The reduced frequency of bin collection in London can present big challenges for business and residents alike.. Couple that with increasingly strict limitations on quantities and it can turn into a real headache. Nobody wants bins left outside their premises where

For Trash2Go to be a success and to solve the problems outlined, it needed to build its profile as quickly as possible. “We needed to get noticed in the community and Hounslow Chamber of Commerce played an important role here by providing excellent networking opportunities”. He adds: “These networking events gave us the opportunity to explain how we were trying to professionalise an industry notoriously unprofessional and often environmentally suspect.”

For more information please contact: Hello@trash2go.co.uk Download the app at either Google or the App store. Contact the Chamber of Commerce who will happily refer.

feature

Tenner helps retailers embrace digital change The Tenner management team is keen to stress that the company’s expertise does not lie solely in the technology sphere. Its key specialism is its ability to apply an understanding and knowledge of the digital world to catalyse digital transformation in SMEs and help them automate and simplify essential parts of their businesses and services.

The system can be adapted for many types of businesses in the form a range of customised apps, which cost businesses just £10 per month. The idea is that this will help retailers become more competitive as they look to bounce back from the pandemic. Chris says: “Everyone is going digital but we are the first company that delivers a tool at an affordable price to help SMEs improve their efficiency. It will be of particular benefit to SMEs that haven’t yet explored how digital innovations can help their business.

“Our digital ticket system is simple to use and very effective. It allows retailers to serve customers in an orderly manner, which is useful on several levels. It makes it easier to manage long queues and improves operational efficiency, which can then lead to increased revenue and profitability. Our system is also useful from a logistical point of view; it reduces the likelihood of congestion in the shop and means that staff don’t have to worry about people jumping the queue. “The high street has had a tough time of it during the pandemic. Hopefully our system can help them to become more efficient, streamlined and competitive.” Tenner has turned plenty of heads since its launch in November 2020, winning many accolades including Best Business for Innovation at the Richmond Business Awards. The company’s digital ticketing system is winning plaudits from retailers and customers. Here are just a few of the glowing testimonials received by Tenner since the system went live:

“It’s been a great addition to the business and a really affordable solution. The set-up was really simple and I can see the customers have really enjoyed the experience; they no longer get turned off by having to wait in a long queue or feel people are cutting in front of them at the counter.” William K, hot food takeaway owner

Following the development of a COVID check-in app as its first digital tool, Chamber member, Tenner’s latest innovation is a digital ticketing system that helps SMEs manage queues of customers who randomly arrive at their premises or turn up to attend pre-registered events. Chris Kwok, who established Tenner in November 2020, says: “Tenner’s target clients are SMEs with a physical venue who are having to allocate resources to trivial matters such as signing in customers, asking pre-arrival questions and managing queues. Business is moving towards a more digital era so traditional businesses looking to make the first move to digital will benefit greatly from our digital ticketing system.” The system is particularly useful for takeaway restaurants and just about any high street retail business – and the beauty of it is its simplicity. Every time a customer scans the venue’s QR code they will be allocated a number. The number being served at the desk will be

displayed on a screen. When the customer’s number appears on the screen, he or she can come forward. For venues that require collection, multiple numbers will display on the screen, including the person being served to order plus the numbers ready for collection. If the customer has no mobile phone, he/she may request a ticket and insert his/her details into an iPad installed at the venue. This name will be displayed on the screen when it’s the customer’s turn to come forward.

“Often new systems can be difficult to get used to but this one is really simple. I only have to press ‘next customer’ and it displays on the screen and the next customer comes forward in a timely manner.” Amarjit H, barber shop owner. “It’s great; I can settle down at the table with my family at the coffee shop and no one needs to physically queue up. We get called up and I can order and come back to the table. It feels less stressful.” Sally K, visiting her favourite cake shop.

Tenner Limited, Isleworth www.tenner.cloud | info@tenner.cloud

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We have a history of building high quality homes in Hounslow

As an award-winning, family owned property developer with almost 40 years industry experience, a Bugler home is a high quality home. We have developed a trusted relationship with the people of Hounslow, and our years of experience in the area mean that we know what works for the local community. London Road pictured above, provided 155 homes for rent and shared ownership.

bugler.co.uk | 01923 777988

Our most recent Hounslow-based development on Bell Road will mark the start of a new chapter for many, when it completes in 2023. We build desirable homes that people are proud to live in and our reputation is built on the highest quality and attention to detail. If you would like to know more, get in touch with our team.

spotlight

area focus

The changing face of Hounslow

High Street Quarter

Nowhere is this seen more clearly than at Barratt London’s High Street Quarter development, which has been designed to act as a catalyst for attracting future investment and spark the regeneration of the surrounding areas. Alongside 588 new homes, the £210 million mixed-use scheme is set to include a variety of new eateries as part of the commercial design, completing in late 2022. Set around a new town square, a crescent of cafés and restaurants with tables lining the pavements are poised to create a buzzing new culinary scene. Part of the west London regeneration corridor, the scheme builds on the millions of pounds of investment seen in Hounslow since 2016.

Local dignitaries including the leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Steve Curran, joined Barratt London to celebrate the topping out of Kempton Apartments, the tallest building at the High Street Quarter development. To mark the completion of the 27-storey building in the centre of Hounslow, Councillor Curran placed the final brick and was presented with a ceremonial trowel.

The borough of Hounslow is a bustling hive of activity. A series of investments are changing the local skyline and creating jobs and wealth – not only in Hounslow itself but also in surrounding areas such as Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham.

The topping out ceremony also marked the opening of Smithy Lane, the retail aspect of the mixed-use development. Smithy Lane will comprise 134,000 sq ft of new commercial space,

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spotlight

area focus time and enjoy life on the water. Already on site at The Brentford Project is the waterside café Rye by the Water, and classic and supercar hub, Duke of London – both of which give a real flavour of what to expect from the future neighbourhood.

including a new ten-screen Cineworld cinema and a range of restaurants, cafés and shops, including Kokoro, Flip and Hang, and Heavenly Desserts. Councillor Steve Curran said: “The topping out of Kempton Apartments at High Street Quarter is a key milestone in the completion of the development, and the opening of Smithy Lane is an indicator of its contribution to the community of Hounslow.

Ballymore has ensured there are new green spaces being created within The Brentford Project itself as well as the gardens of the deconsecrated Grade II* Listed St Lawrence’s Church, which will be reimagined with tranquil landscaping for local use. Combining its leafy position and the new offerings to the area, The Brentford Project is creating a new neighbourhood with something for everyone.

“The large retail space will create a new hub of activity for residents in Hounslow to come to shop, eat and enjoy themselves. We’re working closely with Barratt London to ensure the regeneration of Hounslow is a success, and that the community at High Street Quarter has a place they are proud to call home.”

The investments in Hounslow are having positive spin-off effects in other nearby areas. The £116 million regeneration of the High Lane Estate in Hanwell, West Ealing, will replace poorly designed housing blocks with mixed-tenure, energy-efficient family homes. Meanwhile, in Hammersmith, several areas have been earmarked for development, including White City, Hammersmith Town Centre, West Kensington and Earls Court.

More than 85 residents have now moved into the new homes at High Street Quarter, where prices for homes in the final phase, Thornbury Apartments, currently start from £322,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Two and three-bedroom apartments are also available.

For more information about High Street Quarter visit: www.barrattlondon.com Meanwhile, Brentford Football Club is enjoying life in the Premiership, with the team playing in a brand new 17,250-capacity stadium built by EcoWorld London. The development of the stadium was also extended to include sports, leisure, residential and educational facilities as part of a thriving urban quarter in the area. The borough of Hounslow in west London is home to a thriving community, and well-known for its fantastic transport links and

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diverse residents from young professionals to families and retirees. Growing ever popular as a place to live, the area is being rejuvenated with various exciting residential and commercial developments. A perfect example of this is Ballymore’s The Brentford Project which is revitalizing Brentford town centre. Alongside 876 new homes, the 11.8-acre scheme is reconnecting the high street with the waterfront bringing an exciting mix of dining, entertainment,

shopping amenities and new public spaces - a dedicated area for local businesses to thrive. Together with delivering a muchneeded modern selection of everyday amenities, The Brentford Project will create an exciting new destination, Workhouse Dock, an existing but neglected mooring on the River Brent, which will be refreshed with 24-hour moorings, and lined with restaurants, pubs and cafés, and a new public realm including tiered seating terraces – a space to relax, spend

It’s abundantly clear that Hounslow and surrounding areas are a magnet for investment – a positive development that will help to attract people to the area, retain top talent, and create jobs and work for local businesses. This will ensure that this part of west London will be a major contributor to the capital’s economy for many years to come.

For more information on The Brentford Project, please visit www.thebrentfordproject.com or call 020 3797 4875.

THE REJUVENATION PROJECT BRINGING BRENTFORD BACK INTO THE SPOTLIGHT Over the last 18 months, the pandemic has shone a spotlight on what our local communities offer and the way we live within them. What people want and have grown to expect from their surroundings has changed, with priorities now on work and leisure amenities within walking distance of their front door.

Dock is an existing but neglected mooring on the River Brent, which will be rejuvenated with 24hour moorings and lined with restaurants, pubs and cafés, with new public realm including tiered seating terraces – a space to relax, spend time and enjoy life on the water.

Prices correct as at time of print.

The Brentford Project will bring together existing mature trees, open spaces, and thoughtful landscaping with new, carefully designed covered walkways and porticos as well as an open-air pool to create a brand-new community hub.

This is Brentford

Homes at The Brentford Project have also been designed to accommodate modern lifestyles with Championing local, Ballymore has ensured The flexible layouts. Boasting far-reaching views over The concept of the 15-minute town, originally Lanes will be lined with a breadth of shops and St. Lawrence Gardens, the greenery of west London proposed by Sorbonne professor Carlos Moreno, independent businesses providing a dedicated including Syon Park, and waterscapes nearby, each is a solution to the question of how to establish area for these to flourish. Leading by example home features a contemporary open-plan layout healthy, sustainable urban environments. This and providing a flavour of what is to come, WEST LONDON WATERSIDE ATcafé THE REGENERATION OF BRENTFORD and floor to ceiling glazing, while many also have idea to create a “city of neighbourhoods”, which LIVING riverside Rye HEART by the WaterOF andTHE supercar in-demand private terraces. offers residents everything they need for work, hub Duke of London have already successfully education, retail, and leisure within 15 minutes positioned themselves on site and are proving For Londoners, connectivity remains a priority of their home, is something that has become ever popular with the local community. with people wanting easy travel around the increasingly popular particularly over the last year Furthermore, Ballymore will bring some of the capital - Brentford could not be better located as a result of Covid-19. best British retailers such as large supermarkets and is being hugely accessible for local, national, Setting the benchmark for the capital’s and wellness offerings to the existing high street and international travel. With easy access to walkable neighbourhoods is Brentford, one of – carefully chosen to meet the needs of the locals rail, underground and bus connections locals West London’s fastest-growing creative and and future residents throughout Brentford. can reach popular destinations such as London commercial hubs. This idea of ‘walkability’ is Waterloo, Canary Wharf, and the City in under 40 Access to green space has become increasingly the inspiration behind The Brentford Project, minutes. Furthermore, with the M4 motorway on important to many and has never been so highly an innovative new riverside community by the doorstep residents can reach the south and prized, especially within cities. Building on the Ballymore which is revitalising the Brentford high further afield easily, as well as Heathrow being only already leafy position - surrounded by Syon Park street and will deliver 876 apartments and over a 15-minute drive away. and Kew Gardens - The Brentford Project will create 150,000 square feet of retail space. beautifully landscaped public areas as well as The Brentford Project is seamlessly delivering sensitively renovating the gardens of desecrated the very best amenities for modern life and This exciting new neighbourhood will bring an Grade II* listed St Lawrence’s Church. Keeping the beautiful new pockets of green and blue eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, shopping community at the heart of the vision and creating space for everyone to enjoy – a true leading amenities and new public spaces to Brentford. NEW APARTMENTS NOW RELEASED a one of a kind offering to Brentford, these gardens Creating a new foodie destination, Workhouse representation of a 15-minute city.

For more information on The Project, 1, 2Brentford & 3 bedroom apartments 020 3627 4142 from £445,000 please visit www.thebrentfordproject.com or call 020thebrentfordproject.com 3797 4875.

ESTABLISHED 1882

Sponsor of Hounslow Festival of Business 2022

Solicitors and Notaries

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legal

What is a Life Interest Trust? Many of us worry about what happens to our assets when we die. For those who would like to leave something to their children a life interest trust is one way of securing that.

own £300,000, her share of the property is hers to do with as she pleases. There are no inheritance tax implications. The Taxman treats the property the same as he would if it was inherited outright. All assets passing between spouses are exempt from inheritance tax. There are no implications for nursing home fees as it is only the deceased spouse who is giving away an asset. The problem arises when you seek to put your property in trust during your lifetime with a view to avoiding nursing home fees.

A life interest trust means you have the use of an asset during your lifetime but give it back when you die. This doesn’t work that well with money. Unless you have enough to buy a house. If you can live in a house during your lifetime and give it back when you die you enjoy similar benefits to ownership. You don’t pay rent though and there are no pesky mortgage payments. I often recommend life interest trusts when clients make a will. If they are concerned about nursing home fees or their spouse (or civil partner, rules are the same for both) remarrying after their death and the children inheriting nothing as a result. Your Will provides that your spouse on your death, receives a life interest in your share of the

This arrangement is also adopted on second marriage, following the death of the first spouse. The surviving spouse is keen for their children to inherit the property but equally wants their new spouse to have a home during their lifetime. In such cases do think about repairs and any new partner of a second spouse, if surviving spouse dies.

property. After their death your share of the property goes to your children or other beneficiaries you wish to inherit it. Your spouse can move and buy another property, they can even downsize and spend their own share of the property and buy a smaller house with your life interest.

Example, Bob and Jane had a house worth £600,000. On Bob’s death, Jane inherits a life interest in Bob’s share of the property. Jane wants to raise some cash and move to a smaller property. She sells the house, buys a new one for £300,000 in which she has only a life interest having used Bob’s half of the property. Her

It’s important to plan to make sure this works properly. You need a will. If you want to ensure your hard-earned assets go to those you love then give me a call.

NIGEL GEORGE TEP partner in charge of Life Planning at Garner & Hancock Solicitors Tel: 0208 232 9568 Email: ngeorge@garner-hancock.co.uk

The article is intended only to provide an overview of the position. It should not be relied on in place of specific advice. For more detailed advice, please email the author ngeorge@garner-hancock.co.uk. We look forward to speaking with you in relation to your individual requirements.

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international

trade

The Legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai

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Running from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 is inviting visitors from across the globe to join the making of a new world during what will be a six-month celebration of human ingenuity, innovation, progress and cultures. H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on 23 June announced the 100-day countdown to the official opening of Expo 2020. To mark that milestone two iconic landmarks on the Dubai skyline – Al Wasl Dome and the Burj Khalifa – were illuminated to spectacular effect. As the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, Expo 2020 Dubai will see the UAE playing host to a worldwide sharing of culture and innovation. The event itself will run for all of six months, but Expo 2020 Dubai’s future legacy will have a more lasting impact.

District 2020 Part of this tangible future legacy will be the District 2020 smart city infrastructure development which aims to evolve into a sustainable mixed-use community built with humans at its core. Fuelled by cross-industry collaboration, District 2020 will contribute to the growth of Dubai’s innovation economy through its focus on four key growth industries and disruptive technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, and blockchain.

The innovation ecosystem will provide a work and lifestyle environment that will constantly evolve to cater to the changing needs of its future workforce and residents. As a community destination, District 2020 will welcome visitors and encourage residents to come together and enjoy the various attractions and spaces within the ecosystem, promoting a balanced lifestyle and personal wellbeing. District 2020 is a blueprint for a future-focused smart city that will evolve into a new type of urban experience in the region. Designed to be adaptable and human-centric, the community aims to curate an innovation ecosystem that meets the needs of its future workers, residents and visitors. Both its physical and digital infrastructure will ensure that District 2020 is a place where people can live and work in balance — they will have access to the latest enabling technologies (5G and IoT) while being in a holistic, integrated, mixed-use environment that equally promotes well-being. Through actualising values which promote a balanced lifestyle, District 2020 will focus on building a community which enables individuals to thrive. Post-Expo 2020 — one of the most anticipated mega-events of 2021 that itself will leverage smart technology to create a seamless

experience for visitors and partners — District 2020 will grow to become a blueprint for the kind of adaptable smart city that could prove so effective at managing the kind of disruption faced in recent months. Inheriting Expo’s advanced digital and ICT infrastructure, District 2020 will curate all the elements necessary to shape a cohesive smart city, including key players that are driving progress in smart city operations. They include German giant Siemens, Expo 2020 Dubai’s Official Infrastructure Digitalisation Partner, as well as China’s Terminus Technologies, a leader in AI and IoT that will establish an AIoT R&D centre at District 2020 following its involvement in Expo 2020 as its Official Robotics Partner. With a human-centric purpose, District 2020 has been designed to consider the many aspects of well-being of its future population and, most importantly, will provide a greater degree of control over such elements when compared to a conventional city. For example, careful consideration has been given to smart mobility and reducing the time spent commuting. As a solution, autonomous vehicle (AV) routes and interconnected pedestrianised pathways will allow workers to move around quickly and seamlessly, by car, foot, or bicycle.

Urban Lab By providing an urban lab, District 2020 will enable businesses and innovators to participate in piloting projects that offer solutions to urban issues. The community will benefit from optimised lifestyles, and they will also be involved in creating and implementing new ideas that could potentially be scaled to improve communities elsewhere. Additional smart elements supported by an underlying ICT infrastructure (Telecom, Network & Data Centre) will also allow for integrated sustainable practices. Buildings fitted with smart sensors and metering will provide precise analytics of water and energy usage, allowing for controlled and reduced consumption. These smart monitoring systems will constantly grow in sophistication to improve life for all those who live and work in District 2020. As District 2020 actively contributes to the discourse surrounding smart city developments which emphasise citizen well-being, it does so in a climate of uncertainty. The permanence of today’s changes in citizen behaviour is not yet known, which is why the pressure is on cities, industries, and businesses to work flexibility and adaptability into their future plans. Smart technologies are fundamental to

As the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, Expo 2020 Dubai will see the UAE playing host to a worldwide sharing of culture and innovation. let’s talkbusiness

international

trade

enabling evolution, as they provide the insight and intelligence authorities and organisations need to quickly assess and adjust their approach as society changes around them. Duration is fundamental to District 2020’s success and a cornerstone of the innovation ecosystem’s role in Dubai’s future. In this context, curation refers to District 2020’s mandate for attracting tenants and providing them with the technology, contacts, and tools they need to grow and thrive, alongside creating an environment that enables cross-industry collaboration with key players across multiple industries. With these collaborations happening simultaneously, tenants will forge connections and partnerships that will maximise the value they gain from being part of District 2020’s innovation ecosystem, empowering them to innovate and grow their business in Dubai and beyond. Attracting the likes of Siemens — District 2020’s first official anchor tenant — along with other large and small sized enterprises will help support Dubai’s economic progress. District 2020 is focused on curating businesses from sectors that are key to the UAE’s future, such as smart logistics, smart mobility, digital healthcare and smart cities; as well as the other industries that are set to grow in a post-COVID world. In addition, it is attracting enabling technologies, such as AI, IoT, blockchain, robotics and big data — which are all key in shaping the evolution of smart cities. Companies of all sizes are being targeted to curate a broad tenant mix comprised of Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, scaleups, accelerators, universities, and government entities, all of which contribute to the ongoing diversification of Dubai’s economy.

Business Benefits Businesses investing in District 2020 will benefit from being part of a highly diverse ecosystem. They will collaborate with

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access to seamless and advanced physical and digital connectivity, organisations will be supported to innovate, grow, and drive their industries forward while contributing to the prosperity of Dubai’s resilient and competitive economy. With curation firmly in mind, District 2020 is actively engaging with international organisations in each of the high potential industries listed above and is inviting leading businesses that are innovating and transforming in their respective fields. Alongside Siemens, other global names including DP World Cargospeed, and Terminus Technologies have already committed to becoming part of District 2020. Each recognises the opportunities the ecosystem will offer, and the chance they will gain to contribute to further innovation within Dubai’s borders. different sized companies from various converging industries to fuel the kind of industrial and societal transformation that benefits everyone. Meanwhile, tenants will profit from District 2020’s highly connected digital environment, which will include the latest and most advanced technologies and high speed 5G connectivity. With

District 2020 signed a 10-year lease agreement with Siemens that sees the German company grow its operations as an anchor tenant and establish different divisions of Siemens business group at District 2020, including the soon to be spun off Siemens Energy. Siemens will also establish its global

logistics headquarters within the innovation ecosystem in a move that transfers the company’s airports, cargo, and port logistics from Munich to District 2020. A larger presence for Siemens will encourage industry growth, accelerate innovation, and stimulate job creation, bringing continuous long-term value to District 2020 and Dubai’s economy overall. Additionally, Terminus Technologies — a China-based leader in smart technologies — will be setting up its first headquarters outside of China at District 2020, alongside a research and development (R&D) centre focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). Their presence will support the growth of transformative advanced technologies in Dubai and the region, and also signifies District 2020’s commitment to forging global partnerships including Chinese entities and contributing to strengthening UAE-China relations. Meanwhile, DP World will maintain a presence at District 2020 after the conclusion of Expo 2020 supporting the growth of smart logistics with education and capacity building.

Every tenant will contribute to the ecosystem in its own unique way, and District 2020 will coordinate such efforts to make sure all entities co-exist in a connected and collaborative community. Encouraged to innovate in their fields, tenants will also be instrumental in helping to create District 2020’s blueprint for a smart, human-centric city. For example, Siemens’ digital infrastructure, which will be inherited from Expo 2020, will enable the company to continue driving multi-sector innovation at District 2020 through its pioneering work in IoT, cloud computing, and big data. District 2020 is bringing together the best players and companies to foster an ecosystem that nurtures and promotes innovation and supports businesses to form meaningful connections that will further their growth. The diverse presence of Fortune 500 companies through to entrepreneurial start-ups each enabled by advanced technologies — will curate an environment to facilitate transformative growth across potent industries, fuelling the growth of Dubai’s innovation economy, with the potential to shifting the dynamics of industries on a global scale. Navigate with ease using dedicated walking paths, autonomous transport, cycle routes, and jogging tracks that connect all neighbourhoods to the six entry points of District 2020.

Working with the UK District 2020 has been forming partnerships with start-up enabling local and international entities that will support the development of its innovation ecosystem through its global entrepreneurship programme Scale2Dubai, including Dubai SME, MBRIF and others. District 2020 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK-based innovation accelerator, Connected Places Catapult — the UK’s innovation agency for cities, transport and places — working with Innovate UK, a nondepartmental public body operating close to the UK Government as part of the United Kingdom Research and Innovation organisation. The agreement between Connected Places Catapult and District 2020 will allow mutual areas of interest to develop urban solutions in the areas

of smart cities and mobility, within District 2020 – the future of Expo 2020 Dubai, that will be integral to the Dubai Government’s “Vision 2040” city-wide urban development plan. As the future of Expo 2020, District 2020 has been designated as the 5th Urban Centre of the city of Dubai, which will support the city’s economic growth, sustainable urban development and the goal of making it the most desirable city in the world to live in.

Mark Hayward

District 2020 will become a new urban development in the UAE and the region that is focused squarely on building a global innovation ecosystem and an integrated community lifestyle. For more on District 2020 see www.district2020.ae/en/contact-us

World Expo’s have been going since the first Great Exhibition in London 1851 Dubai will be another of the greatest shows the world has seen, showcasing itself as a UAE market and Gateway to the Gulf, West Asia and Africa. Dubai has the strongest links with the UK, a thirst for UK made products, plus a budget to afford them. This makes Dubai a perfect export growth destination and regional gateway for other markets. Our Chamber features regular seminars and webinars on exporting to this country, where I once had an office, so can speak with personal experience about the opportunities that await you and can help make your Arabic adventure a success.

BUILDING YOUR IDEA INTO A BUSINESS

n Do you want to start up a business? n Move your idea from a side hustle to business n We provide you with the building blocks of business n The 7 stages of start ups n Innovative techniques for entrepreneurship n Results driven coaching

Alan Rides

MIEx (Grad) Chamber MD

Please ask me any questions about building business on mark.j.hayward@outlook.com www.absolutebusinessmindset.com/ abm-coaching-services let’s talkbusiness

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West London: a long-term investment opportunity

Lloyd Lee

Managing Partner Yoo Capital

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West London is a magnet for investors, particularly those who specialise in real estate. Take Yoo Capital Management as an example. The privately held real estate investment firm has invested an eye-watering £1.7bn-plus in west London over the last three years, which has helped to create wealth and jobs in this part of the capital. venues and 2.5 acres of public realm to the area. Essentially, we’re trying to create something that not only takes the exhibition forward for the next 135 years but also builds a legacy for the next 135 years.

In September 2020, Yoo Capital, a member of West London Local Chambers acquired a majority ownerships in Shepherd’s Bush Market, one of London’s most iconic markets. Originally established in 1914, Shepherd’s Bush Market is one of London’s most historic and well-known markets. Each year it welcomes visitors from around the world, drawn by its character, charm and reputation for textiles and high-quality goods. The market is situated between the West London underground station and Goldhawk Road, and neighbours the White City regeneration area and Westfield London. The site involves a total of 4.2 acres, including adjoining land available for a mixed-use development with affordable housing. According to Yoo Capital’s managing partner Lloyd Lee, Shepherd’s Bush Market offers an attractive longterm investment opportunity. He says: “We like to find hidden gems and Shepherd’s Bush Market certainly falls into that category. It’s a well-loved London landmark although historically it has been a little neglected. We want to protect and celebrate its unique heritage while investing in it and the surrounding area.

“In the last 12 months we’ve worked with market traders to see

what’s needed and what sort of investments would be appropriate. We’ve also made good connections with local community groups, businesses and council leaders, who have a good idea of what drives the local economy. The physical fabric of the market needs an overhaul and market traders are coming up with their own ideas on how to improve it. “London is renowned for its markets and market traders and Shepherd’s Bush most certainly has a good long-term future.” Shepherd’s Bush Market is not the first investment that Yoo Capital has made in west London. In 2016-17, the company teamed up with Deutsche Finance International, the direct investment arm of Deutsche Finance Group, to become joint venture partners

in conjunction with major financial co-investment by BVK and VKB, two of the largest German state institutional investors. This paved the way for the £296 million acquisition of Olympia London Exhibition Centre from a FTSE 250 UK-listed company. In 2020 Deutsche Finance International and Yoo Capital announced an £875 million financing deal with Goldman Sachs as part of the revitalisation of Olympia. Lloyd says: “Olympia London is the only major exhibition centre in central London and has a tremendous 135-year history as one of the world’s premier exhibition, entertainment and cultural centres.

“We’ve made a commitment to invest in Olympia to bring hotels, live entertainment, hospitality

“Olympia remains operational and we’re on track to deliver the entire masterplan by the end of 2024. We’re building five live entertainment venues, which is a serious commitment to the performing arts industry – a key sector for Hammersmith’s economy. “We’re really proud and privileged to be owners of Olympia. It has a story that goes back multiple generations and together with our partners we can write the next chapter.” According to Lloyd, West London’s diversity makes it a solid investment opportunity.

“It has several key strengths in telecoms, hospitality, entertainment, media and the creative arts,” he says. “This diversity is helping to rebalance the economy here. “West London is an enormous part of the story of this city. It’s one of the most attractive longterm investment opportunities that we have seen in a long time.”

We like to find hidden gems and Shepherd’s Bush Market certainly falls into that category. It’s a well-loved London landmark although historically it has been a little neglected. We want to protect and celebrate its unique heritage while investing in it and the surrounding area. let’s talkbusiness

technology

What is Phishing? In this article, Chamber member Timeless IMS want to share tips on how to spot a phishing scam to remain safe and secure online!

Technology vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com

What is it? Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails, in which the fraudsters pretend to be reputable companies to gain personal information, such as passwords, phone numbers or bank details. They are used as a type of online scam where criminals impersonate legitimate organisations via email, text message, advertisement, or other means to steal sensitive information. This is usually done by including a link that will appear to take you to the company’s website to fill in your information – but the website is a clever fake and the information you provide goes straight to the crooks behind the scam.

How can you spot a phishing email? Here are a few simple ways you can spot a phishing scam and ensure your private information stays private. 1 – Public Email Domain Businesses and companies will have their own name in their email addresses, for example @ TimelessIMS. If the email claims to have come from someone at Netflix and their email address ends with @ gmail, it’s very likely a scam. 2 – Spelling and Grammar Any email you will receive from a reputable company will have

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correct spelling and grammar 99.99% of the time. So, if the email you’ve received contains a lot of misspelt words or simply doesn’t make much grammatical sense at all, do not trust it. Especially if they’ve spelled their ‘own’ company name wrong! 3 – Suspicious attachments and links All phishing emails will contain something called a “Payload”, which basically is an infected attachment or link. Payloads contain malware and when opened will release it onto the device and infect it immediately. Payloads are used to capture sensitive and private information, eg, login details, card information, phone, or account numbers. With suspicious links, you must always check the site address and ensure they match the content of the email. On a computer you can see the link before clicking on it by hovering your cursor over the button. On a mobile device you can hold the button down to revel the hyperlink. This way you can ensure it’s the correct link. 4 – The message is urgent Scammers want to create a sense of urgency with their messages. They want to grab the recipient’s attention and focus on them opening that payload. They want individuals to react quickly and

‘urgently’ which therefore allows them no time to think. However, if you took the time to think and look at the email in depth, you’re more likely to notice the mistakes and that something doesn’t seem right. So now you’ve read some of our tips on spotting a phishing scam, we hope you’re more confident and feel more secure when going through your inboxes. Three ways to make sure you don’t Fall for any phishing scams. Applying these two actions consistently will help protect you from online scams: 1. Don’t click. Use your own link. If you use a product or service from the company apparently sending you the message, don’t click. Instead, navigate to the website via a browser bookmark or search engine. If the email is legitimate, you will see the same information when you log into your account on the legitimate site. This is the ONLY way to guarantee you land on the legitimate site. 2. If you use the link or phone number in an email, IM, blog, forum, voicemail, etc. where you land (or who you talk to) is their choice, not yours. The

website they take you to or the “bank manager” on the phone may be a convincing copy, but if you share your information, it will be stolen and abused. 3. Use a browser filtering extension. There are browser extensions that grade search engine results based on known characteristics or behaviours and may even prevent you from navigating to malicious sites. Generally, sites will be graded on a scale from safe to suspicious to high risk. If you find you are the victim of a phishing scam, change all of your passwords immediately. Since most people use the same password for multiple sites (we hope you don’t), cybercriminals could be in the process of gaining access to your other accounts on commonly used sites. Sign up to our managed IMS Security – DarkWeb service to monitor if your email address and passwords are available to buy on the Dark Web. Contact us today to learn more about the managed security services we offer. www.timelessims.co.uk /latest-news/

news

UBC’s Brentford Workspace Shortlisted for Major Award UBC is thrilled that its Brentford workspace ‘The Mille’ has been named a finalist for ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ by the Flexible Space Association, the professional trade body for flexible workspaces in the UK. Over the past year, UBC manager Manny Aduteye has paid special attention to building a positive entrepreneurial community at The Mille, to help give back some of the creativity, inspiration, and innovation that small business owners have lost during these challenging times. Manny recognizes that while entrepreneurs may have all the physical amenities they need in a home office, they are missing out on those all-important human connections. Regular clients of UBC recognize these intangible benefits well. But for those who have become a little ‘stuck’ working from home, Manny has launched a series of free coworking days to help Brentford entrepreneurs break out of the isolation of working at home and rediscover the value of joining a professional community. Why do people choose coworking? We’ll let our members do the talking:

“I don’t necessarily want to sit in an office on my own, I might as well stay at home.”

“I like the idea that I could have an informal meeting with someone here on the day that I am hotdesking.” “I really don’t need an office Monday to Friday 9-5 (nor can I afford that at the moment). So it is great to have the flexibility to know we have a space to work from when we need it.”

and professionally, and as businesses continue to adapt to the current situation, the last thing they need is a fixed lease with sky-high rental costs.

Why not try it out for yourself for free? Come along to one of our Workspace Wednesdays to have a look around The Mille, meet Manny, and spend the day with our professional community. Sign up at www.ubcuk.com/whatshappening/events/workspacewednesday/ or get in touch via ubcuk.com to find out more!

That’s why coworking memberships at The Mille provide flexibility, low commitment, and affordable rates starting from just £18 a day or £249 on monthly contract.

And that’s not all. In addition to connecting with local likeminded professionals, coworking at The Mille enables business owners to enjoy a business-focused environment that’s finely tuned to their needs. A dedicated desk, high-speed WiFi, ergonomically designed furniture, friendly onsite staff, phone booths for private calls, and lounge areas. What’s more, The Mille is an impressive local landmark with plenty of curb appeal - it’s much more suited to client meetings than your home living room. Most importantly, coworking is flexible. We’ve all experienced many challenges over the past couple of years both personally

We help businesses to grow by using branding design and strategy to help them connect with their stakeholders and customers. Why not get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation to see how we can help your business.

simon@simoninc.co.uk 07787 150 390 www.simoninc.co.uk let’s talkbusiness

ibition news

as been enting with this year produced a f pieces by the five

On show are knives masquerading as bangles, wearable forks and scent pins to enhance the experience of eating as well as other pieces.

40 High Street Brentford TW8 0DS

When luxury meets smart home technology in London! Chamber member IntelliCasa has worked on an innovative project that has brought the latest cutting-edge smart home automation technology to a luxury property in London.

Qureshi is a ery er and who lises in ng jewellery cal and nable als.

Conceptual Cutlery t Solo Chamber member Farah Qureshi is a jewellery designer and maker who specialises in creating w

jewellery in ethical and sustainable materials in

in her will be house shown atstudio/showroom in London. rst soloFarah cutlery has been experimenting this year with n November; cutlery asfrom a temporary departure from jewellery and has produced ovember at 6pm, a range of pieces inspired by the five senses: the sense of touch, taste, smell, t December 2021. sight, and hearing. s the Riverside Art On show are knives masquerading as bangles, he Watermans Arts wearable forks, and scent pins to enhance the e in London. experience of eating, as well as other pieces. The pieces will be on display at Farah’s first solo cutlery exhibition from the 15t November until the 31st December 2021.

The venue is the Riverside Art Gallery at the Watermans Arts Centre in London. 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS

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a new swimming pool with its own party mode and unique virtual reality room with dancing lights! Further additions included a gym and a unique home cinema room.

automation and building control, managed to address the client’s requirements by offering the ultimate smart home system that encompassed full AV, lighting, HVAC, CCTV and door entry systems control. The system included the latest most powerful smart home processor from Crestron and elegant keypads with engraved buttons fully customised to the client’s preference, user-friendly wallmounted touch panels with slick design in every room and the most premium brands for the control of subsystems such as Banham for security and Mitsubishi for climate control.

Various centralised video and audio sources were distributed around the house from the Crestron digital media matrix. These included entertainment and security so the client could access each preferred source from every single room in the house. In-ceiling speakers were used for each room to reproduce audio that retain the room’s aesthetics and offer a top audio experience when needed.

k nThe ive s contains a wide variety of Farah has been house that was illuminated with aesthetic m a s q u e r a d i n g artwork as experimenting with Intellicasa a n g l eats the , w e a r alighting b l e design. Pre-set light scenes C u t l e r y t h i s y e a rThe client approached b were implemented for different lighting concept stage of the project to help design a f o r k s a n d s c e n tscenarios p i n s such t o as entertainment mode for and has produce d a bespoke, easy to use, intuitive system with n h aanstate c e oft h e r a n g e o f p i e c e s minimalistic design, toedeliver parties and the gaming room, night-time the mood lighting for the home smartehome x p esolution r i e n cforehis o f euse a tfor i nguests, g i n s p i r e d b y t h e art, f i veco-friendly e cinema, security lighting and vacation mode new home. as well as other senses. for outdoors and indoors. i e c ehome s. IntelliCasa, a specialist p in smart

Implements

The project represents one of the most highend projects that IntelliCasa has undertaken in London to date, with the latest, cuttingedge smart home automation technology incorporating comfort, luxury and aesthetics On show are in a one app solution.

The project also included the creation of a new basement extension to accommodate

Meanwhile, the bespoke home cinema room was designed to offer the ultimate visual experience with high-end lighting design and Dolby Atmos surround system for the client and his guests, whilst incorporating a stateof-the-art 8K projector.

Ormiston Wire named as Global Britain Business Champion Ormiston Wire is among ten SMEs across the country to have been named Heathrow’s Global Britain Business Champions. The award goes to companies that export their goods and services globally via the UK’s only hub airport and demonstrate the best of British quality, innovation, technology, or design. Ormiston Wire is a West Londonbased company, and a long standing Chamber member, that provided the wire for Heathrow’s past umbrella installation to raise awareness for neurodiversity. The company’s products have a wide range of uses, from surgical sutures to special effects for the film industry. As most of the cargo travelling through Heathrow is transported in the belly hold of passenger planes, international travel restrictions have severely impacted global supply chains and international trade. Heathrow’s August cargo volumes were 14% down on pre-pandemic levels, while EU hubs, such as Amsterdam Schiphol and Frankfurt were up by 9% and 6% on 2019 respectively.

This campaign showcases some of the businesses that have kept the country trading throughout the pandemic and profiles some of the regions, nations and sectors that benefit from Heathrow’s connections as the UK’s only hub airport. The winners will receive increased exposure as part of the campaign and will be promoted on digital billboards around the airport.

UK rely on Heathrow’s diverse route network to export their goods and services abroad. Their continued success is crucial to Britain’s post-

pandemic economic recovery, as well as the government’s own plans for levelling up every corner of the UK and creating a global Britain.”

Heathrow’s trade links are vital to businesses from a wide range of sectors, helping connect communities across the UK to each other and to global growth. These companies use air freight via Heathrow as it is faster, safer, and more reliable than other forms of transport. Research from Cebr suggests that cargo transported through Heathrow includes some of Britain’s highest quality goods and services and is worth 80 times more per tonne than shipping freight, covering vital sectors. Ross Baker, Heathrow’s chief commercial officer, said: “Companies in every corner of the

Charity day raises thousands of pounds for NHS Local Chambers in South and West London gathered to say a big thank you to local businesses that raised thousands of pounds for the NHS West Mid Hospital. Wyke Green Golf Course hosted a charity golf competition and raffle event organised by Hounslow Chamber & West London local Chambers (Ealing and Hammersmith & Fulham). The golf competition was won by the Ealing team led by business support specialist Branduin.

The event was supported with thanks by Chambers from Kingston, Wandsworth, Merton and Hillingdon. Finally, a big shout out to all the people who gave an additional donation:

• Hounslow Chamber of commerce • Jakub Kotan – Garner & Hancock Solicitors

• Edward Crowther – Agent and Homes

• Nauzar Manekshaw – Branduin Business Support

• Hasmukh Patel

• Tony Mulvahil – Planning for the Best

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chamber

events

Past Event The first annual South and West London Chambers Charity Golf Tournament took place in September. All monies raised went to CW+, the charity linked to West Mid Hospital. The date next year will be 30th June 2022 at Wyke Green Golf Club, who have just joined our Chambers.

Business Breakfast Costco Sunbury

January

Networking evening at Sky

03 February rd

Hounslow Festival of Business Holiday Inn, Brentford Lock, Commerce Rd. Brentford TW8 8GA

24 Feb 2022 th

8:00am-4:00pm

Events are being added all the time, so please check our website for more details Please contact Sally Smith on sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk or 07879 813817 or www.hounslowchamber.org.uk for more information. 40

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Thank you to all our sponsors of the Business Awards 2020/2021 Clayton Hotel Chiswick, 25th November 2021

Good luck to all our finalists! SPONSORS

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members Welcome to our New Members

Richard Meakin

Joyce Ong

Kim Gottlieb

Trash 2 Go Ltd

MarketingTech

61 Laurel Road

Canbury Business Park

Hampton Hill, TW12 1JJ

Units 6 & 7, Elm Cres

07966 132362

Kingston upon Thames

www.trash2go.co.uk

KT2 6HJ

Lochstill Ltd 135 Hammersmith Road West Kensington W14 0QL 020 7602 1000

07891 980881

Yvonne Baisden Baisden Property Services 24 Elton Avenue Greenford, UB6 0PW 0333 444 1071

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Tania Rodney Paper Flag Ltd 86 Addison Rd

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Hammersmith

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07951 583355

Fairview Estate (Housing) Ltd 50 Lancaster Road Enfield EN2 0BY 07443 576652 www.fairview.co.uk

Chaitany Sinha Emerald Homes and Estates Ltd 5 Spur Road Isleworth TW7 5BD 07828 219696

Asif Musa West London English School Shaftesbury House 49-51 Uxbridge Road

W14 8ED www.dandydillway.com

Michael Deller-Merritks Wyke Green Golf Club Syon Lane, Osterly Isleworth TW7 5PT 07507 157676 www.wykegreengolfclub.co.uk

Dan Feeney Chiswick House Garden Trust Chiswick House W4 2QN www.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

Damian James Alias Digital

Ealing

17 Templar Place

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079908 65232

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Sam Singh

Andrew Harman

Redwood Brokerage Ltd

The Eye Studio

8 Kingsley Road

229E Chiswick High Road

Hounslow

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07984 174649

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Jeremy Boorer Green-Mopeds.com Ltd Salatin House 19 Cedar Road Sutton SM2 5DA 0333 050 2570 www.green-mopeds.com

Robert Emma Human Sun Light Limited 27 Wood Hill Rise Holbrooks Coventry CV6 6GW 07546 289806 www.humansunlight.com

Akiko Sugata Bonsor Saki-Ataga CORP 13 Rue Charles Desvergne 92190 Meudon France 033 6757 34138

Paul Wing English Chamber Orchestra 2 Coningsby Road Ealing W5 4HR 020 8840 6565 www.englishchamberorchestra.co.uk www.freepik.com

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environment

Businesses fail to enact environmental or social value strategy There is a significant disconnect between UK businesses’ awareness of the www.freepik.com importance of an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) approach and how many have these policies in place. That’s the damning verdict of a new study by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and SUEZ ahead of the COP 26 summit.

• 64% of businesses trust their suppliers to adhere to sustainability and social value policies

The survey found that nearly seven out of 10 (69%) responding businesses, of more than 1,000 surveyed in the UK, think ‘environmental sustainability’ is about cutting carbon emissions, while most respondents (82%) think it’s about recycling and reuse of materials. However, only 36% said they had implemented an environmental sustainability policy and 15% had implemented a social value policy, dropping to 9% for microbusinesses.

The study also highlighted several barriers to implementing a social value policy, including:

Other highlights of the research include: • 71% think social value is about having a positive impact on employee welfare or job creation • 46% think it’s about a having a positive economic impact

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• 40% do not consider implementing a social value policy is a priority at present • 23% think there’s a lack of demand from stakeholders – staff, customers and their own boards • 22% think the costs are too high John Scanlon, chief executive officer for SUEZ, recycling and recovery UK, said: “There’s a clear need for top-down support to help unite firms across the supply chain, given the disconnect between business awareness of the value from both environmental and social value policies, and the overwhelming

lack of any such policies being in place. There’s no long-term future for business if short-term profit is chased at the expense of long-term environmental and social value policy planning. “The aims of COP26 will only be achieved if businesses are brought on board and the perceived administrative and financial burdens from incorporating sustainability policies are removed. Uniting businesses is essential if we are collectively to meet the objectives of this November’s global climate conference – to bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.” Shevaun Haviland, director general of the BCC, said: “This research shines a light on the mismatch between the clear understanding among UK businesses of what benefits can flow from

environmental and social value policies and the reality of how many actually have these in place. “Given the huge upheavals they’ve endured over the past 18 months, it’s perhaps understandable that these have not been a priority. Yet the consequences firms will face if they fail to adapt for the future cannot be ignored. “That’s why the Chamber network has been supporting its members to find more environmentally sustainable ways of doing business and identifying opportunities to boost their social value impact. “However, government also needs to help businesses help themselves, especially those smaller firms who remain understandably concerned about perceived extra costs and red tape if they want to change. This is not only a matter of a greener future for business, it’s about ensuring a brighter future for everyone.”

Renewable energy business, rescue vehicle manufacturer and Welsh cheese company are among Heathrow’s ‘Global Britain Business Champions’ – UK SMEs using the airport’s routes to export British excellence as long as Britain’s vital trade links are restored and strengthened.

• 10 SMEs from across the country have been named Heathrow’s Global Britain Business Champions - SMEs that export their goods and services globally via the UK’s only hub airport • The winners, which range from a Welsh cheese company to a Lincolnshire-based renewable energy business, are set to receive free promotion across the airport as part of a campaign to showcase some of the British businesses that use Heathrow to reach international markets • Cebr research reveals that Heathrow alone has the potential to facilitate a £204 billion trade bonanza benefitting British businesses in every corner of the country Heathrow Airport has unveiled the winners of its Global Britain Business Champions competition, celebrating some of the SMEs that export via the UK’s largest port. The 10 winners, from across the UK, all export either their goods or services via Heathrow and demonstrate the best of British quality, innovation, technology, or design. The winners include Ormiston Wire, the West London based company that provided the wire for Heathrow’s past umbrella installation to raise awareness for neurodiversity. Hounslow chamber was very pleased to recommed Ormiston Wire to Heathrow. Their products have a wide range of uses, from surgical sutures to special effects for the film industry. Yorkshire-based rescue vehicle manufacturer, Angloco, is among this year’s winners. The company exports its specialist firefighting equipment to over 70 countries

This boost has the potential to impact every part of the UK. Regions with a strong manufacturing base, such as the Midlands and North East, are likely to benefit most from future trade agreements with fast growing economies around the world. Scotland and Wales would see increased trade in agriculture, forestry and fishing.

via the hub airport. Lincolnshirebased renewable energy business myenergi and the Welsh Snowdonia Cheese company are also some of this year’s champions. Three of the Global Britain Business Champions - County Down-based packaging manufacturer, Premier Packaging Solutions; Redcar-based emulsions specialist, Micropore Technologies; and family-run Scottish woodcraft company, Reza Wood Designs - are also previous winners of Heathrow’s World of Opportunity grant. This was a joint initiative between Heathrow and the Department for International Trade, which provided grants to SMEs looking to fund trade missions to global markets of their choice. As most of the cargo travelling through Heathrow is transported in the belly hold of passenger planes, international travel restrictions have severely impacted global supply chains and international trade. Heathrow’s August cargo volumes were 14 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels, while EU hubs, such as Amsterdam Schiphol and Frankfurt were up by 9 and 6 per cent on 2019, respectively. This campaign showcases some of the businesses that have kept

the country trading throughout the pandemic and profiles some of the regions, nations and sectors that benefit from Heathrow’s connections as the UK’s only hub airport. The winners will receive increased exposure as part of the campaign and will be promoted on digital billboards around the airport. Heathrow’s trade links are vital to businesses from a wide range of sectors, helping connect communities across the UK to each other and to global growth. These companies use air freight via Heathrow as it is faster, safer, and more reliable than other forms of transport. In fact, research from Cebr suggests that cargo transported through Heathrow includes some of Britain’s highest quality goods and services and is worth 80 times more per tonne than shipping freight, covering vital sectors. Research conducted by Cebr this year shows the value of trade going through Heathrow in 2019 stood at approximately £188bn. Cebr forecast that by 2025 this could grow to over £204bn, creating economic opportunities that are key to achieving the Government’s own Global Britain ambitions and levelling up goals –

Heathrow’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ross Baker, said: “Companies in every corner of the UK rely on Heathrow’s diverse route network to export their goods and services abroad. Their continued success is crucial to Britain’s post-pandemic economic recovery, as well as the Government’s own plans for levelling up every corner of the UK and creating a Global Britain. We are proud to support these businesses and hope to facilitate even more opportunities, but Government needs to safely streamline the framework for international travel. Doing this will help to safely restore many of the invaluable trade links that have been severed as a result of this pandemic.”

Hounslow Chamber and West London Local Chambers will be introducing regular webinars, led by our newly appointed Director for Sustainability, Chris Greenwood, where our businesses can share their best environmental practices. For example, one of our local companies, Ajar Technologies has formed a group of 40 interested team members who meet regularly to talk through changes the company can make to decrease their carbon footprint. We all need to take responsibility in our aim to reach Net Zero.

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Hounslow Council beats apprenticeship target The London Borough of Hounslow has surpassed its target to create 4,000 additional apprenticeship and training opportunities across its neighbourhoods.

and was mirrored in Hounslow. The programme was designed to help employees gain the right skills to access a greater choice of appropriate, meaningful work that pays well and allows job progression.

The ambitious target was pledged in 2018, with the aim of providing residents with more chances to get into local and accessible work. This has proved even more vital during the continuing challenges which the COVID pandemic has brought. A total of 4,868 openings were created – 4,400 between the council and local employers, and 468 within the council itself. The figure goes way beyond the original target of 4,000 and is likely to reach 5,000 as the scheme continues. Opportunities are shared amongst age ranges, with a proportion for young people between the ages of 16-24 and for those aged 25 and over.

This pledge was created in direct response to the government’s 2018’s Apprenticeship Levy, which resulted in a national drop in apprenticeship starts

In support, the Council promised to ensure its own house was in order, committing to create 10% of the pledged apprenticeship and training opportunities themselves,

as well as key teams across the council working to support the local economy to successfully do the same. Together with the Shop Local scheme, apprenticeships are also empowering local businesses and employers to grow and repair the borough’s economy with a specially trained workforce. Cllr Tom Bruce, cabinet member for education, said: “I’m incredibly proud that we’ve not only met our apprenticeships and training opportunities target, but we’ve strived to go even further and create more opportunities for young people to get into work in a way that suits them. Residents have faced even more employment challenges during the pandemic, and this scheme has proved to be even more vital as we increase our recovery efforts as a borough.”

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THE GREAT RESIGNATION…ARE YOU READY??? Managers, HR teams and business owners are talking about the great resignation and the impact it will have on their businesses going forward. A recent study found that 69% of workers were feeling confident about moving from their current role. Whilst the movement of people seems daunting, it can also be good for business. It is a great

opportunity to re-evaluate business needs, functions and the type of people your business needs during this critical recovery stage. The right people will have a direct impact on your business reputation, the service your business provides and how your business responds to changes in the market. It’s important to plan it right.

Does your business have a people recovery plan? At Edworkation we can help you review, reclaim, and recover from the great resignation.

Email us at hello@edworkation.co.uk to book a no obligation review and recovery plan. 44

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Venture X White City Opens its Doors at Westfield London Following the success of its flagship branch in Chiswick Park, leading US coworking franchise Venture X is opening its doors at Westfield London in White City on 1st November 2021. Venture X members will benefit from an already thriving business community innovatively led by Westfield alongside White City Place and Television Centre. White City Venture X UK workspace has all the hallmarks of a Venture X space with its distinctive modern design and market-leading features and amenities, flexible membership options, wraparound terraces and stunning views. The workspace also features a stateof-the-art podcast and media room which will be available to book for all members and visitors. Chris Lukins, owner of the Venture X White City Franchise, is confident that the Westfield London site will play a vital part in the regeneration of White City and help the area to continue to evolve and is keen to work with Westfield to further enhance its reputation as a lifestyle destination brand: ‘Welcoming Venture X to our site expands the shared workspace offering within the White City area and creates an exciting new opportunity for London workers. The pandemic has shown us that people are

reluctant to go back to the long commute to the city and the 9-5, and our partnership with Westfield recognises the increase in demand for near to home working, which will revolutionise our working lives.’ Scott Parsons, Chief Operating Officer UK, Unibail-RodamcoWestfield says: ‘Since 2008, Westfield London has been a key part of the local community and has proved integral to the evolution of White City and Shepherd’s Bush, becoming a world-class place to shop, live and work. Welcoming Venture X to our site expands the shared workspace offering within the White City area and creates an exciting new opportunity for London workers. We have no doubt our new neighbours will enjoy everything that Westfield London has to offer, including a range of leisure experiences, over 60 places to eat and drink and 300 stores, right on their doorstep.’

Welcoming Venture X to our site expands the shared workspace offering within the White City area and creates an exciting new opportunity for London workers. let’s talkbusiness

5 minutes

with....

Andrew Kittredge Head of Sales and Operations at IntelliCasa Ltd Who are you? Head of Sales and Operations at IntelliCasa Ltd

What’s your business all about? We offer bespoke design, supply and installation of Smart Technology Automation Systems for both the residential and commercial sectors, specialising in Energy Saving, Smart Lighting ,Audio and Visual, Network Systems and Security. Operating within the UK, Europe and Middle East undertaking projects in prime locations since 2006.

Three words to describe yourself? Loyal, Professional and Humorous.

Ideal Customer? Someone who trusts our advice.

Biggest achievement? Changing industries from a long career in the beauty industry to Smart technology, it just goes to show you’re never too old!

Biggest gripe? Lack of common sense!

Your inspiration? My Grandparents: they arrived to the UK back in the 40s with only one suitcase each, and between them they worked seven days a week doing multiple jobs for many years to build a home and new life for the family, they both kept working well past retirement age and were always so grateful and thankful for all that they had great or small.

Philosophy in Business? Learn from your mistakes and move on.

Sporting Hero? Being in the school athletics team during the eighties one athlete Sebastien Coe was my hero, his determination to not let any world record stand in his way pushed me to try and beat my own school records, unfortunately I never got my name on the board, but I never gave up trying!

Biggest tip for success? Make time for yourself to see the bigger picture.

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