Lets Talk Business August 24

THE OFFICIAL BUSINESS MAGAZINE OF WEST LONDON CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Woodford Tools

Michael Kyriacos

Welcome to the Summer edition of our magazine.

We hope that you are enjoying the long overdue summer sunshine and are using plenty of suncream.

In this edition we focus on having the best tools for your trade, be it power tools as we talk to Michael Kyriacos, Owner, and Director of Woodford Tools, in our big interview feature or to catch up on new skills and courses with apprenticeships.

Karim Fatehi MBE, new Chief Executive Officer of LCCI reviews expectations of the new Government and we feature a real-life hero centurion Normandy veteran‘s story. We also look at Heathrow’s future plans, as passenger number rise, with upgraded local transport links, and we have our spotlight

Enquiries

West London Chambers of Commerce

Spring Grove House, West Thames College, London Road, Isleworth TW7 4HS

Tel: 07879 813817

focus on hotels and restaurants growth with good well-paid jobs. All of this will feature in our Ealing festival of Business in October and celebrated in our Business Awards in November, hosted at Gtech Community Stadium, home of Brentford FC. We are also starting a “Meet the team” series of interviews, so our members can get to know more of us.

Finally, we highlight the importance of International Trade for West London with many international events features from Sri Lanka, China, and Morocco to help your business grow.

Enjoy the magazine!

Alan Rides Chief Executive Officer, West London Chambers of Commerce

Publisher Ian Fletcher

Benham Publishing Limited

Editor

Sarah Dale

Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ

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Fax: 0151 236 0440

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Web: www.benhampublishing.com

Email: sallysmith@westlondonchambers.org.uk

Web: www.westlondonchambers.org.uk

Media No. 2071

Published August 2024

Email: sarahdale@benhampublishing.com

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Features

Karen Hall

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Email:karen@benhampublishing.com

Advertising Sales

Karen Hall

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Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

Production

David Wright

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Let’s make London even greater together

Karim Fatehi MBE, the new Chief Executive Officer of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, talks to Sarah Dale about members’ expectations of the new Government and why he is so passionate about being an adopted Londoner.

Karim Fatehi’s passion for London shines through when you speak to him.He lives and breathes the city he made his home having moved from Iran to the UK in 1976 to study when he was 15.

“I have been very privileged to have lived here in the UK where I received the best education,” explains Karim, who is the new CEO of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

“Education is something I always cherish. As long as you have the education, you’re halfway there. I always had ambition and have had the opportunity to run two successful businesses. And my children

are very successful too – my daughter is a trainee doctor and my son works for Google. I want to see this success for everyone.

“As an immigrant, I do cherish the UK as the biggest opportunity for people globally.”

In 1995, he founded United Corporation, an engineering procurement management company in the oil and gas sector. The company has twice won the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2007 and 2011. He is now a judge of the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.

“Education is something I always cherish. As long as you have the education, you’re halfway there. I always had ambition and have had the opportunity to run two successful businesses. And my children are very successful too – my daughter is a trainee doctor and my son works for Google. I want to see this success for everyone.”

He was awarded an MBE for services to international trade in 2012.

“It’s not a decision I have taken lightly,” says Karim, of taking the Interim CEO role at LCCI in October 2023. The role was made permanent in March 2024.

“But my instinct was to accept the job.

“I’m well engaged with decision-makers and stakeholders and our own members, having been on the Board since 2022 and a member of LCCI for seven years.

“The real voice is our members. It could be a one-man operation or patron members with hundreds of employees, we represent them all.”

Since Karim took the helm, membership has increased to 8,500 businesses and the number of patron members has increased too.

“As an entrepreneur myself, I’m very privileged to be in this position,” says Karim, who has two grandchildren aged four and 18 months.

“It has a lot of responsibility, a full sevendays-a-week with the changes in the new Government.

“My priority is London competitiveness, it’s something that really matters to me. London directly impacts the UK economy. London’s success hinges on the ability to operate smoothly. The new Government can ensure that London remains attractive for inward investment and tourism. We need inward investment.”

The challenges ahead

To ensure London remains globally competitive, Karim says that there are several issues which will have to be addressed including infrastructure, skills and entrepreneurship, business visas, business crime, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), business rates, tax-free shopping, arts and culture, and affordable housing.

The LCCI released its report, Securing London’s Prosperity: Manifesto for Business Resilience and Growth, prior to the general election highlighting the above issues and what

members want to see the Government put in place to ensure economic growth in the UK.

Karim says he welcomes the new Government, adding: “We cherish this opportunity to make this great city of London even greater.

“We have a lot to ask and we’re not expecting miracles. I talk to members every day and we need to be more flexible, agile and address the businesses’ asks.

“We need a highly skilled workforce, that is crucial to our longevity, to our economy; we need to put the infrastructure in the right place to build our businesses; we need an agile training programme for SMEs which will include short-term visas; we need to reduce business crime.

“We are working very closely with the Metropolitan Police on reducing businessrelated crime. The police are doing a great job but are short on resources.

“Funding is essential for transport in London and connectivity to the North. The Government should not delay on this.

“I’m very hopeful about the new Chancellor’s plans to build more affordable housing. We need a sustainable business-friendly system for affordable housing, and we need more affordable housing near London so people can afford to work here.

“I used to travel overseas, and I know that our universities are the top universities in the world. We need to address the visa issue. It will promote a skills boost and help us be globally competitive, particularly London.

“London is a city of arts and culture and people around the world have a dream of visiting our capital and we must make it attractive. We need funding for arts and culture; it’s part of our constitution.”

Women in business

The LCCI has “always been positive” and committed to EDI. The LCCI has a Women in Business group which aims to grow the representation of women in underrepresented sectors and promote inclusivity as a marketplace and financial advantage.

“London is a city of arts and culture and people around the world have a dream of visiting our capital and we must make it attractive. We need funding for arts and culture; it’s part of our constitution.”

“It is encouraging to see that 44 per cent of the new Cabinet are women; it sends out a positive message,” he says.

“We need to have an equitable environment. My Chair and Deputy Chair Julia OnslowCole and Claire Broadbelt are both lawyers. They have a vision, they’re proactive and completely supportive. I’m very privileged to work with them both.”

Looking to the future, Karim’s vision for LCCI is to look at the weaknesses and the positives of the organisation to ensure they can do everything they can for members and have “a proper dial-up with Government as the voice of London”.

“Without that, we can’t echo the voice of our members,” he adds.

“I had the privilege of talking to Sir Keir Starmer before the election and he said to me if they don’t have that feedback from us, they can’t make big decisions on business. We are the voice of 8,500 businesses across London and we want to ensure we’re heard.”

Having known Karim for over 10 years, where I helped his business while at UKTI / DIT / now DBT, I am so proud that he has been promoted to CEO of LCCI. Our West London Chambers is a member of London’s Local Chambers, where in my new role, I am deputy Chair. LLC has 5000 members, who in turn feed in as members of LCCI.

Our business links are strong in West London, which can only add to the strength that makes London worth 25% of the total UK economy.

Alan Rides MIEx (Grad) Chief Executive

JCDecaux UK Colleagues take on the Lake District Challenge in aid of the British Heart Foundation

On Thursday, 11 July 2024, a group of JCDecaux UK colleagues tackled the Lake District Challenge to support and raise awareness for the British Heart Foundation.

The challenge was also undertaken in memory of Rob Wadsworth, a colleague and friend who was due to take part but tragically passed away in the months leading up to the Challenge. To honour Rob’s memory, JCDecaux screens at Manchester and Brentford displayed a tribute before the participants set off.

The journey began on Wednesday, 10 July, as team members departed from JCDecaux’s Brentford and Manchester offices. They headed to Cumbria, the home of the Lake District, in preparation for the challenge the following day.

At 4 a.m. on Thursday, 11 July, the team divided into groups to take on either the 5-peak or 10-peak Challenge. Starting in the village of Buttermere, those tackling

the 5 peaks covered 9 miles, climbing a total elevation of 3,800 ft, while the 10-peak challengers ascended a total of 6,500 feet across 13 miles of varying Lake District terrain.

Dallas Wiles, Co-CEO of JCDecaux UK, on completing the challenge said, “The Lake District Challenge was a tremendous display of teamwork and camaraderie. I know from being there that the support and encouragement of all the participants made the task of reaching every peak much more doable.

Participating in memory of Rob and raising awareness for the British Heart Foundation gave the experience meaning and made me proud of the community we have here at JCDecaux UK. I’d like to commend everyone who took part.“

So far, the team has raised over £11,000 which is a remarkable achievement. This will support the British Heart Foundation’s groundbreaking research and mission to save lives.

Many congratulations to everyone who took part in this challenge.

Local Hero Coach Ali sets sights on the world stage after British Championship success!

Brentford’s very own Coach Ali, founder of British MMA, has just clinched first place in the British Powerlifting Championship. Now, he is gearing up to compete on the world stage at the World Championships in Chicago this November.

Coach Ali’s journey from a local mentor to a national champion is nothing short of inspirational.

His dedication to the sport and his community has not only earned him personal accolades but also uplifted the youth in Brentford. This victory is a testament to the hard work and discipline instilled in every student at British MMA. With the World Championships on the horizon, Coach Ali is looking for sponsors to support his journey. This is a unique opportunity for local businesses to back a hometown hero and gain visibility on an international stage. Sponsorship will not only help Ali but also shine a spotlight on Brentford and West London as hubs of excellence and community spirit.

The peaks climbed included:

• Red Pike (2,478 ft)

• High Stile (2,644 ft)

• High Crag (2,442 ft)

• Haystacks (1,959 ft)

• Fleetwith Pike (2,126 ft) –

The 5 Peak Challenge Final Summit

•Brandreth (2,346 ft)

• Grey Knotts (2,287 ft)

• Dale Head (2,470 ft)

• High Spy (2,119 ft)

• Maiden Moor (1,886 ft)

• Catbells (1,481 ft) –

The 10 Peak Challenge Final Summit

Apprenticeships at West Thames College

Apprenticeships are designed by employers to help apprentices gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed in the workplace.

They are available to new staff and current staff who want to retrain or upskill.

Apprenticeships are available at different levels, starting from a GCSE equivalent to a university degree equivalent.

Training can last from 12 months to 5 years, depending on the level.

There are over 800 apprenticeship standards across 15 sectors, ranging from Finance and Accounting to Construction.

Benefits to your organisation

• 90% of apprentices stay on in their place of work after completing an apprenticeship

• There’s a wide selection of apprenticeships available, covering lots of different job roles

• You can adapt the training your apprentice receives according to the needs of your organisation

• An apprenticeship allows you to diversify and freshen up your workforce

• You can employ apprentices from age 16 up to any age, and from any background.

Some of our Apprenticeships offer

Priority growth sectors:

Digital – Cyber Security Technician (Level 3), Data Technician (L3)

Multi-Channel Marketer (L3), Digital Support Technician (L3)

IT Helpdesk (L3), IT Solutions Technician (L3), Radio Network Technician (L3)

What our Apprentices say…

Logistics – Express Delivery (L2), International Freight Forwarding (L3)

Construction – Property Maintenance Operative (L2), Installation and Maintenance Electrician (L3), Painter & Decorator (L2)

Green Skills Plus:

Business – Business Administration (L3), Customer Service (L2/L3), Team Leader (L3), Quality Practitioner (L4)

Costs and funding eligibility

Funding available depends on whether the employer pays the apprenticeship levy. The apprenticeship levy is payable by employers with an annual pay bill greater than £3m.

From 1st April 2024, the government will fund all training and assessment costs for:

• Non-levy paying employers – for new apprentices aged between 16 and 21

“I always loved to study and was always open to new learning possibilities. An amazing opportunity arose to work for the London Borough of Hounslow on an apprenticeship.

I really enjoyed how the apprenticeship was structured, how it pushed my limits to get me out of my comfort zone and have a different approach to my work. The best part is that I got to study during my work time so my life-work balance was not affected.

I definitely recommend this form of study to others, it’s a great way to show your employer that you are keen to improve and are dedicated to them.”

Lori Mocanu, Library Manager at London Borough of Hounslow

“I am enjoying that my apprenticeship allows me to acquire valuable skills and experience, which improves my CV and widens my career prospects for the future.

I recommend apprenticeships to everyone. At work I often encourage people to use their strengths and improve their qualifications. I believe that it is worth trying and investing in yourself and your development.”

Krystyna, Operation Department Manager at World Duty Free

• Non-levy paying employers with fewer than 50 employees – for new apprentices aged between 22 and 24 with an EHCP and/or Care Leavers

• 5% employer co-investment rate for all others

Your responsibilities

As an apprenticeship employer, you must provide:

• An employment contract for the duration of the apprenticeship (minimum 30 hours a week)

• A signed apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement from the apprentice and the training provider, such as a local college

• An induction that covers business policies, procedures, and a safe working environment

• On-the-job training (20% off-the-job delivered by training provider)

• Mentoring and supervision

What our employers say…

TOLL Logistics – L3 International Freight Forwarding & L3 Business Administrator

“I would not hesitate to recommend West Thames College as an Apprenticeship Delivery Partner – they have fully supported our apprentices throughout their apprenticeships, delivering consistently high-quality support, guidance and training. The staff at West Thames College are always approachable, professional and above all are passionate about what they do.”

Taufiq Es-haq

London Borough of Hounslow – L3 Business Administrator

“I have always found the assessor very informative, and he seems to have a great working relationship with our apprentice. In all the meetings I attended the assessor would explain the process thoroughly and answer all my questions, as well as letting our apprentice know the next steps required for coursework. All in all, the assessor came across as very professional and a great assessor for any apprentice to work with.” Jacqueline Nembhard

For more information please contact Jasmine Matthias Jasmine.Matthias@west-thames.ac.uk

The story of a D Day hero Dennis Donovan

By Sally Smith West London Chambers of Commerce

I am very privileged to number amongst my friends Dennis Donovan, who is now aged 100 and is a D-Day veteran. Dennis is the father of my best friend, and I met him when I was 19. In those days the Donovan family lived in Catford and I had no knowledge of what he did during the war.

I only discovered about 10 years ago, when Dennis was 90, what his role was. He was one of the first to land on Juno Beach, after the Canadians. There is a Chamber link here. Hugh Buckley, a Canadian tank veteran, father of Peter Buckley, also landed on Juno Beach in a tank of the Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment. I know Peter via the Chamber and the first time I went over for the D Day commemorations, I bumped into Peter at Pegasus Bridge. Hugh was a true gentleman and I so enjoyed hearing his stories. It was lovely to see him and Dennis together at the annual D Day ceremony at Canada House, on the beach in Bernieres-sur-Mer, near to where they landed.

Back to Dennis. He was born in Stepney, left school at 15 and had a number of jobs. Prior to being called up he was a messenger boy for the Port of London. In 1943 Dennis, aged 18, joined the Royal Marines, and was sent to Sicily three months later. He was then told he was going to join the 48th Royal Marine Commando. The history books talk about young men volunteering for this new unit, specially formed for D Day. It was more a case of being told, ‘You, you and you – you are going to be a commando’. He was sent to Scotland for training and on 6th June 1944 was sent over on a landing craft from

The soldier descending the flimsy landing ramp, in front of Dennis was shot, so Dennis jumped over the side, holding his rifle over his head. He waded to the beach and ran.

Southampton. He was just 20, his birthday being three days before. The crossing was bad, and Dennis recalls that many were seasick. The Canadians went in first but had such a hard time, with many losses. The soldier descending the flimsy landing ramp, in front of Dennis was shot, so Dennis jumped over the side, holding his rifle over his head. He waded to the beach and ran. He once told me there was no bravery involved, it was sheer luck that he survived. Many did not. What was left of the 48th Royal Marine Commando took St Aubin-sur-Mer, then straight onto Langrune-sur-Mer, the next door village, which they took the following day, with more loss of life. Dennis carried on to Sallenelles, about 20 miles away, after crossing Pegasus Bridge and he holed up there for eight weeks, before being relieved by the 45 RMC and then in turn by Belgian troops, so they could continue onto Holland.

Dennis had yet more luck, he was sent home for a signals course so missed the fight at Walcharen, Holland where the 48th lost a great deal of men. After peace was declared in Europe, Dennis ended up in Minden, Germany, protecting German farmers from displaced persons. He was demobbed in 1946, returned to England, and back to the Port of London where he worked as a docker in St Katharine’s Dock. He met his future wife, Kathleen and was married in 1950, and had his two daughters.

In 2015, Dennis went to his first D Day Remembrance commemoration, and this was the first time he had returned to the Normandy coast. I first went to the D Day commemoration in 2018 when Dennis was awarded the Legion d’Honneur and have been every year since, with a gap for Covid, but we were back in 2022. I feel honoured to be included. Dennis now lives in the Pyrenees with his elder daughter, where he enjoys the warmth and beautiful views of the mountains. A far cry from Catford. Dennis was personally mentioned by the previous Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak at the British Legion 80th Remembrance ceremony on 6th June 2024 at the British Memorial at Vers sur Mer. He enjoyed meeting the King and Queen, and Princess Anne the previous day at the Bayeux ceremony. But he also enjoys the simpler ceremonies organised by the Mayors in St-Aubin-sur-Mer and Langrune-sur-Mer. Before he left to return home this year, he asked to be taken to the beach where he landed. It was a glorious day, with such a blue sky. Vastly different from 6th June 1944.

I have so many moving stories about Dennis, and I hope the above gives you the gist of the man, his strength, sense of humour and humility. He is often feted when in Normandy which he finds difficult. He goes back to remember and honour his friends and comrades who did not make it.

Dennis receiving his Legion d’Honneur

Dennis with King Charles

The Leading Business Support Delivery Team in London and SE England

Heathrow’s vision to be an ‘extraordinary airport fit for the future‘

Helen Elsby, Chief Solutions Officer at Heathrow Airport, talks to Sarah Dale about being a Chamber Patron and Heathrow’s vision for the future.

Heathrow’s biggest challenge is getting the balance right between profitability and growing the business so it meets the demands of about 82m passengers in 2024 and being a good neighbour right at the heart of their community.

Being a Patron of West London Chambers of Commerce helps Heathrow achieve that by sharing their key messages with the business community, says Helen Elsby.

As Chief Solutions Officer – a “wonderfully grand job title that effectively means I look after change” – Helen’s focus is changes in technology and cyber, construction and infrastructure, procurement, business change, and process engineering.

Helen has always worked in the aviation industry, previously at British Airways and then at Heathrow for the past 15 years, taking on the Chief Solutions Officer role in September 2021.

Heathrow joined the Chamber more than 20 years ago and Helen says there are several reasons why.

“We are very committed to sustainability and connecting with the community,” says Helen. “The Chamber helps us to ensure we’re integrated into the community and achieve our strategic objectives.”

The company’s sustainability strategy “Connecting People and Planet” includes cutting carbon in the air by up to 15 per cent by 2030 (compared to 2019) and at least 45 per cent on the ground by 2030 (compared to 2019), working towards improving local air quality, quieter flights, a nature positive airport and zero waste.

“There have been lots of ways being a Chamber Patron has helped us,” says Helen. “Our membership allows us to network with local businesses, for example, we can share our Lift Off initiative, our friendly version of Dragon’s Den, where we pick a topic every quarter and find local SMEs who want to

showcase their work to Heathrow. We have had some great successes – one created the trophies for our business awards event last year and three applicants have secured work at Heathrow through our supply chain. It’s a great day for everybody but it also shows our commitment to make the community part of Heathrow’s success.

Heathrow has 7,000 direct employees, however, there are more than 70,000 people that form Team Heathrow as suppliers, retailers and airlines. The airport handles over 450,000 flights annually, serving 89 airlines with 239 destinations, and enabling carriage of 1.43 million tonnes of cargo a year.

“There are lots of different areas where the Chamber is a real conduit for us to connect to the wider business community.”

Helen’s advice to new members is to “be visible and be bold” and talk to as many people as possible.

“There will be a reason that you joined so utilise that reason and make the most of it e.g. workshops, seminars and advice,” she says.

“The Chamber is there to support businesses. They gave me a half-hour slot over breakfast at their Festival of Business which was not only a great opportunity to share what Heathrow is doing but also a chance to liaise with local businesses for feedback. This was really useful as I heard from businesses

about how can it sometimes be hard to get work at Heathrow.”

Heathrow has 7,000 direct employees, however, there are more than 70,000 people that form Team Heathrow as suppliers, retailers and airlines. The airport handles over 450,000 flights annually, serving 89 airlines with 239 destinations, and enabling carriage of 1.43 million tonnes of cargo a year.

“Heathrow can’t be successful on its own; it needs everyone in our supply chain to be successful,” she says.

“We’re a big employer in totality and also quite a big infrastructure in the heart of the community. We want to get that balance right of being profitable and also being a good neighbour.”

Earlier this year, Heathrow “refreshed its strategy” with its new vision to be an “extraordinary airport fit for the future”.

“We are trying to put the pandemic behind us,” she says.

“Recruitment was very hard for a lot of airports and a lot of people left the industry during Covid. We are probably through that now but the challenge we have going forward is that the capability we’re looking for evolves into what the airport needs. We are investing more in construction, infrastructure and technology and looking at skills pockets we need in the next 10 years and looking at more apprenticeship opportunities.

“We are back on a growth trajectory and hoping to have more passengers this year than ever before. Now we are looking at how we can take that to the next level such as investment in our technology. We are looking at how we can attract more passengers here and make it more enjoyable and easier. We are looking at options on how we can modify Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 to improve capacity as part of the overall master plan.

“We want Heathrow to be an extraordinary airport fit for the future.”

When

Michael

says

he will ‘go the extra mile’, he literally will!

From a chat on the football pitch sidelines to becoming the Owner and Director of Woodford Tools, Michael Kyriacos shares his story with Sarah Dale.

Nothing is too much trouble for Michael Kyriacos, the owner of Woodford Tools, as far as his customers are concerned.

When a client needed a hazardous chemical urgently so they could fulfil a contract, he jumped in his car and drove to Amsterdam to pick it up.

“When you’re talking to new customers, I can say all these things about valuing customers, but you won’t know for sure until we start working together,” says Michael.

“Everyone says their customer service is the best. It’s a phrase that people use but when you look at it closely, they’re talking about what people expect anyway such as quick delivery. We go above and beyond, like the example above.”

Woodford Tools is a supplier of abrasives, tools, PPE, Workwear, commercial hygiene, janitorial and may more products into the engineering, aerospace, automotive engineering, precision engineering, service and care sectors.

The original company was founded in 1977 under a different name and Woodford Tools was born in 1992 when a previous owner bought it. Michael bought it just over five years ago, having joined the company 10 years ago as Operations Director.

Michael’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked when he was just 13 years old and growing up in South Africa. He loved electronics and would spend hours taking apart remotecontrolled cars to see how they worked.

His aunt had a toy shop and when games consoles were out of warranty but needed repairs, she asked him if he would like to have a go at fixing them. And so started a regular source of income for Michael and gave him the bug of selling.

“I am a resilient and determined sort of person,” says Michael, Who has two children, the oldest 18, the youngest 14.

“In 2003, me and my wife – we were engaged at the time – decided that with nothing, no job, no house, we would move to the UK.

“From the company’s point of view, we have grown noticeably with large contracts. We’re big enough to cope but small enough to care. Every single customer, whether you spend £5 or £5,000, is treated the same. We value every relationship we have with our customers and suppliers.”

My wife had just finished studying her degree in skin science and wanted to work on a cruise liner but unfortunately, her application was rejected. We went out one evening in September 2002 and she was saying she was disappointed, and I said I was a bit fed up with my job. I flippantly suggested we move to England for a few years, and she said: ‘Yeah alright then’ and that was it!”

So they sold their possessions, bought two aeroplane tickets and moved to Hertfordshire. They both found work quite quickly and having already worked in retail, Michael got a job at House of Fraser as a Sales Manager before working for a luxury fragrance distributor.

“And then I just thought I need to do something else – so I resigned without a job, giving up a really good salary and company car,” he says.

His career at Woodford Tools started as the result of a casual chat at the sidelines of the football pitch of the junior team he coached in his spare time a few weeks after he became unemployed.

The former owner’s son went to school with Michael’s son and the fathers knew each other from the football team.

“We got chatting one day and I asked him how business was,” he says.

“He was really stressed and said his manager had resigned and I flippantly said I wasn’t doing anything at the moment, so if he

wanted some help, I could step in for a few weeks while I was deciding my next step and he said OK. I had been there three or four weeks helping out to prepare for an audit which I knew nothing about but managed to get us through perfectly, when he asked me to become Operations Director and run the company.”

About two or three years later, he bought shares in the company and five-and-a-half years ago, the owner wanted to retire so Michael bought him out.

“This was a big opportunity for me,” he says. “From the company’s point of view, we have grown noticeably with large contracts. We’re big enough to cope but small enough to care. Every single customer, whether you spend £5 or £5,000, is treated the same. We value every relationship we have with our customers and suppliers.”

Before Covid, the company had more employees but now has a team of 16 having not replaced team members who have moved on. When business was quieter during Covid – Michael refused to participate in the “PPE bidding war” of ordering in bulk and selling at high prices to profit from the pandemic as he witnessed other firms do – they developed their technology set-up meaning that stock management software has replaced the work of four people. Now the company is on a growth trajectory, they are about to appoint a Stock Operations Manager and are currently

recruiting for external salespeople. Woodford Tools joined West London Chambers of Commerce last year.

“Networking is such an important part of any business and we joined the Chamber because of their great networking opportunities,” he says.

“We want to mix with other local businesses.”

One of the biggest challenges the company faces is positioning Woodford Tools as a single source supplier from cutting discs and welding equipment to toilet rolls and washing-up liquid.

“We’re looking to continue to grow as a company and are always on the lookout for acquisitions as part of our growth plan and are currently in the process of finalising one,” says Michael.

“I’m very proud of being an independent, family-run company with family values and we look out for suppliers who are independent too.

“I read something years ago that stuck with me. The gist of it is if you buy from a small business, you’re not helping the Chief Executive buy another Porsche, you’re helping a dad buy his daughter a pair of ballet shoes. If we can do our bit to support other independent businesses, we will.”

For further information on what Woodfords can do for you or your business, get in touch at: Michael.Kyriacos@woodfordsuk.co.uk

Youth unemploymentwhose problem is it?

In London, addressing job access for young people, particularly those classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), has become a pressing issue. This group, often marginalised by social exclusion, financial insecurity, and limited professional growth opportunities, represents a critical segment of our population whose potential remains untapped.

Young people in the NEET category face a unique set of challenges that make entering the job market particularly daunting. Social exclusion often results in a lack of networks and support systems that are crucial for job hunting. Financial insecurity exacerbates this problem, making it difficult for young people to pursue further education or training that could enhance their employability. Additionally, the absence of meaningful work or educational engagement during these formative years can lead to a cycle of inactivity and diminished confidence, further hindering their professional growth.

The impact of prolonged youth unemployment is profound. Studies indicate that individuals who experience significant periods of unemployment during their youth are more likely to suffer from lower long-term earnings and limited career progression. This phenomenon, often referred to as „scarring,“ highlights the urgency of creating pathways to employment for young people. So, whose problem, is it? While many are willing to discuss the issue, the silence becomes deafening when it comes to taking ownership of the problem. This is where the TechStart programme stands out, tackling the problem of jobs head-on and making a tangible difference.

TechStart: Taking ownership and driving change

TechStart is a pioneering initiative designed to address youth unemployment in West London. TechStart is action-oriented, focusing on practical solutions that yield real results. By providing young people with access to training in cutting-edge technologies, TechStart equips them with the skills needed for today‘s digital economy.

The programme offers training, mentorship from industry professionals, and hands-on real-life work experience. This approach ensures that participants not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain practical skills that are immediately applicable in the job market. Furthermore, TechStart partners with local companies to create job placements for programme participants, bridging the gap between training and employment.

TechStart‘s impact is already visible. Past graduates of the programme are securing jobs in competitive fields, breaking the cycle of unemployment, and contributing to the local economy. By taking ownership of the youth unemployment problem, TechStart demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, young people can thrive.

To tackle youth unemployment effectively, we need more businesses to support initiatives like TechStart—programmes that don‘t just talk about the problem but take decisive action to solve it. By forming partnerships with local SMEs, investing in skills development, and providing robust support services, we can ensure that the young people of West London have the opportunities they deserve. Larger corporations can do their bit by providing sponsorship to contribute to the training costs of the youth served.

Tackling job access for young people in West London requires a collaborative effort that involves businesses, educational institutions, community organisations, and local governments. By addressing the specific needs of the NEET population and creating supportive pathways to employment, we can unlock the potential of our young people, ensuring a brighter future for them and our community as a whole. The question is not just whose problem youth unemployment is — it is who will step up to solve it?

If you’re an SME interested in providing a paid for work experience opportunity, or a large organisation keen to sponsor the programme, please do reach out and email us at: getstarted@techstart.org.uk

Studies indicate that individuals who experience significant periods of unemployment during their youth are more likely to suffer from lower long-term earnings and limited career progression.

Photo by Creative Christians @ Unsplash

Nothing beats face to face

DoubleTree by Hilton London Ealing

Nestled near Ealing Common and Ealing Broadway, DoubleTree by Hilton London Ealing combines comfort, convenience, and adaptability, making it the perfect venue for events and dining.

Accommodation & Event Spaces

We host 189 bedrooms, offering a warm welcome with our signature DoubleTree cookie upon Check-In. Our comfortable rooms provide the perfect retreat after a busy day of meetings or celebrations.

Our versatile event spaces cater to corporate meetings, weddings, and social celebrations. The Ealing Suite can accommodate up to 200 guests, providing a stunning backdrop for large events. For smaller gatherings, the Perry Suite and Townshend Suite offer a professional yet relaxed atmosphere. All rooms feature natural daylight and are pillar-free.

W5 Bar & Kitchen

Our newly revamped W5 Bar & Kitchen features an exquisite Pan-Asian menu. The chef and his team have curated a diverse selection of dishes, from succulent dim sum and aromatic curries to fresh salads and innovative plates. Using the freshest ingredients, every dish delights the senses. The chic, contemporary ambiance is perfect for pre-event gatherings, post-meeting networking, or casual dining, with a beautiful terrace overlooking Ealing Common. There’s always a special offer and feel free to learn more at www.w5barandkitchen.com

Why Choose Us?

Booking with us at DoubleTree by Hilton London Ealing ensures you benefit from our prime location, exceptional service, and versatile facilities. Our dedicated team assists with every detail, ensuring all runs smoothly. With our new Pan-Asian menu, your dining experience will be as memorable as your event or stay! For inquiries and bookings, contact us at LONEC_Events@hilton.com or call +44 (0)20 8896 8400. Visit our website at www.DoubleTreeLondonEaling.co.uk

We look forward to making your next event, stay or dining experience truly exceptional!

London’s world-leading hospitality sector is seeing a rise in face-to-face business events and meetings. From networking events in a variety of sectorleading hotels to quirky team-building activities, there is a venue to suit every kind of business get together.

West London Chambers of Commerce hold a variety of face-to-face events from business lunches to networking gatherings, including the annual Business Awards, Regeneration Conference and Festival of Business. This year the Chamber will also be taking charge of the Ealing Festival of Business in October. With London’s fantastic sector providers, we highlight three local venues for your next business meeting or event.

Novotel London

Brentford

Family friendly Novotel London Brentford is just a short drive from the beauty of Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, the historic avenues of Richmond and the roar of Twickenham Stadium.

Home of Brentford FC is Brentford Gtech Community Stadium, a 15 minute walk from the hotel. Our contemporary 4-star West London Hotel lies less than 8 miles east of Heathrow Airport, and the centre of London is easily accessible by rail (Brentford or Ealing Broadway station) or by tube (South Ealing Station).

Whether you’re in the area for business or pleasure, we’ll have your every need covered.

Want to grab something to eat, or perhaps stop for a quick drink? Visit our Gourmet Bar & Restaurant which offers traditional and modern dining throughout the day. Fancy a quick workout? Head to the gym or indoor pool for a quick session. Our saunarium is the perfect place to unwind after a day of city sightseeing or boardroom meetings.

Every Thursday we conjure up all the flavours of exotic India. Come and dine from our expertly prepared Indian menu.

Join us and enjoy:

• Authentic curry dishes from £18.95

• Traditional Indian street food for starters or to enjoy at the bar from £7.95

• Table and bar service

Great West Road, Brentford TW8 0GP Tel. 020 7660 2230 h6995@accor.com

Holiday Inn Brentford Lock

In the heart of West London, Brentford boasts a beautiful waterfront dock that‘s a backdrop to many London-based weddings.

This riverside location is also home to the Holiday Inn - Brentford Lock, a hotel venue that seamlessly blends modern elegance and versatility. It is especially renowned for hosting a variety of weddings, from classical ceremonies to externally catered Asian and Dry Hire weddings, all executed with style and sophistication.

Holiday Inn - Brentford Lock offers 134 en-suite bedrooms, providing ample accommodation for wedding guests. Its proximity to central London ensures convenience without sacrificing the ambiance that makes it such a sought-after destination. Whether you‘re looking for an intimate gathering or a grand affair, this venue promises to fulfill all your wants and needs, making your special day truly unforgettable.

The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from London Heathrow or you can jump on the tube and be in Central London in only 40 minutes. We are also close to amazing attractions such as Kew Gardens, Richmond and the famous rugby grounds of Twickenham are only 3 miles away.

The Waterfront offers one of the best event spaces in West London to host your wedding or event. Our attention to detail will ensure your special occasion runs perfectly and is remembered for all the right reasons.

Your wedding can be the event of the season, tailored precisely to meet your requirements and those of your guests, ensuring a memorable celebration for all.

For inquiries and bookings, contact us at events@hibrentfordlock.co.uk or call 0208 232 2005. Visit our website at www.hibrentfordlock.co.uk

NOVOTEL LONDON BRENTFORD

ChristmasFestiveMenu

Three courses£42pp addaglassofproseccoforonly£5pp

PartyChristmas Buffet Menu

Three courses£38pp addaglassofproseccoforonly£5pp

Christmas Day

Three courses£48pp Threecourses+glassofwineor prosecco £53pp Christmas bookings now being taken

Our contemporary West London hotel lies less than 8 miles east of Heathrow Airport, and the centre of London is easily accessible by rail (Brentford Station) or via the Elizabeth Line (Ealing Broadway) as well as by tube (South Ealing Station).

Visit our Gourmet Bar & Restaurant which offers traditional and modern dining throughout the day. Our 4-star Hotel boast 202 modern bedrooms, seven fully-equipped meeting rooms

catering for up to 60 guests, an indoor heated pool, a saunarium and fitness centre, plus complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.

Family-Friendly Novotel London Brentford is just a short drive from the beauty of Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, the historic avenues of Richmond and the roar of Twickenham Stadium.

Home of Brentford FC is Brentford Community Stadium, a 15 minute walk from the hotel.

Novotel London Brentford is a proud member of West London Chambers of Commerce

Hotel that makes every moment matter

Novotel London Brentford

Great West Road, Brentford. TW8 0GP

T:+44 20 7660 2230 E: H6995@accor.com www.novotel.com

https://all.accor.com/hotel/6995/index.en.shtml

Sam‘s Waterside listed in The Good Food Guide‘s ‘100 Best Local Restaurants 2024’

Sam‘s Waterside is thrilled be included on The Good Food Guide‘s list of ‘Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2024’!

The restaurant first opened its doors in November 2023, and to be included on this list in the first year is an incredible achievement. The list, voted for by diners, recognises beloved bistros, pubs & brasseries nationwide.

Huge thanks to our amazing FOH & BOH teams for their hard work & dedication, our brilliant suppliers and supporters, and to all our guests in this wonderful corner of West London...

Sam Harrison said:

“I‘m incredibly proud of my amazing team at Sam‘s Waterside. This is a great testament to all their hard work & a fabulous achievement when only 8 months old!“

Sam Harrison

UK’s first urban beavers thriving at Ealing nature reserve

A family of five beavers has been introduced into a West London nature reserve as part of a project in Ealing.

Eurasian beavers, one of the most impactful, native ecosystem engineers, have returned to Ealing for the first time in 400 years. This collaborative project provides access to a rewilded landscape for people to experience firsthand these animals’ incredible abilities to create nature rich wetlands.

As a fully accessible site, this project stands to be the first of its kind in an urban setting in the UK. As wild populations in Kent and Oxfordshire inevitably move closer to London, this is an incredibly important component of the project, preparing people to live alongside this species once again. Not only will it give people the chance to learn about these animals and their incredible behaviours but will provide key learnings on how we can coexist together.

Paradise Fields is a 10-hectare area of woodland and wetlands in urban Greenford in the north of the borough. The project is a collaboration between Ealing Wildlife Group, Citizen Zoo, Friends of Horsenden Hill and Ealing Council with support from Beaver Trust. Dr Sean McCormack, Vet and Chair of Ealing Wildlife Group said: “Many people assume beavers are a wilderness species, when in fact we’ve just forgotten how closely we used to live alongside them.

“We’re so excited to study how beavers interact with an urban river catchment and, crucially, with urban communities. Beavers are a keystone species, manipulating habitat to create biodiverse wetlands where many other species can thrive. Their activities can help combat and adapt to impacts of climate change through carbon capture, reduce flood

The Cabin on Feltham Green

Hounslow Council is delighted to announce that construction of the Cabin on Feltham Green has started and is due to be completed during the autumn, 2024.

We hope that the Cabin’s distinctive and low carbon design will signal a new level of ambition for everyone who lives, works or studies locally and create a renewed sense of ownership and pride in the town centre. Its highly visible position in the centre of the town will form an integral part of both the natural landscape provided by the Green and the urban landscape of the adjacent High Street.

Purpose of the Cabin

The Cabin will provide a visible and friendly space to engage the community and welcome visitors. Its principal purpose will be to provide a base for the Friends of Feltham Green and to create a central hub for

risk by slowing water flow in times of high rainfall and mitigate drought by holding more water on the land.”

Elliot Newton, Co-Founder of Citizen Zoo, said: “We are hoping to challenge perceptions, and demonstrate how London too, can embrace these ecosystem engineers as we strive for a healthier, wilder future in which our Capital can become a leader in urban rewilding. This will greatly benefit not only wildlife populations but local communities too.”

Head of Restoration at Beaver Trust, Dr Roisín Campbell-Palmer, said: “Now that beavers are back in Britain, learning to coexist with them is fundamental to the species’ successful restoration. We look forward to continuing to support the team to make the most of this superbly located site.”

Feltham’s many and varied local activities hosted by different community groups and public sector services. It will also provide much-needed storage for tools to support community gardening and litter picking. The Cabin has been designed to be used flexibly, for example as a pop-up museum/ art gallery/ exhibition venue/ meeting room/ workspace. The Cabin will also provide a venue for people from across the world who come to Feltham to celebrate the life of a one-time resident, Freddie Mercury.

The Friends of Feltham Green aim to make the Cabin available for the public and other local community groups on a ‘cost-recovery’ basis.

Its highly visible position in the centre of the town will form an integral part of both the natural landscape provided by the Green and the urban landscape of the adjacent High Street.

Photo by Bru-No @ Pixabay

When the fans become players

In the heart of Hounslow is the Gtech Community Stadium, the fortress of Premier League side Brentford F.C.

To walk onto the green expanse of this field is limited to the stars of the games and the top level staff. But for the 2nd year running, Hollywoodbets and Brentford F.C. have hosted the Hollywoodbets Supporters Cup, a thrilling event for 25 fans to not just step onto the pitch, but compete in an exciting game. This encounter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans who have followed and supported the Bees into top-flight football. The members of the Brentford Fans Team (BFT) were granted the opportunity to feel like a 1st team player for the night. Before standing in the tunnel to the strains of “Hey Jude”, the team were given the ultimate Brentford fan experience. This included walking through the players’ entrance; having their own cubby in the change rooms with their own personalised shirts and hearing their names called out on the pitch by the Voice of Brentford, Peter Gilham. Lead by Fifa Officials, the BFT and their Manager, Former Brentford player and current ambassador, Marcus Gayle, took to the field to meet their opposition, the Hollywood All Stars.The Hollywood All Stars consisted of legends Paul Gibbs and Sam Woods; Brentford F.C. staff; Hollywoodbets staff and sponsored team representatives from Wild Dogs 7s Rugby Club and Twickenham Cricket Club. The stellar squad proved to be too strong for the BFT, with the score ending 8-2 in their favour. The Manager of the BFT, Marcus Gayle, was all smiles as he handed out medals and awards and proved to be a sport after singing “Happy Birthday” to a proud mother in attendance.

Hollywoodbets wishes to convey its gratitude to everyone who made the Hollywoodbets Supporters Cup a resounding success. The memories that were made will be treasured forever.

Come on, you Bees!

Unique events and hospitality at historic Linden House

Linden House Riverside, a charming four-storey riverside event venue and private members club was surrounded, in Georgian times, by an area called Seagreens. The most famous owner of Seagreens was Louis Weltje, the continental head cook to the Prince of Wales.

Although the exact date of the construction of Linden House may never be known, it is first recorded as a named dwelling in 1795. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a Dutch merchant named Isaac le Gooch may have built Linden House as early as 1685. Although Linden House was used as a private dwelling for much of the 18th and 19th century the Victorian era brought major changes to the area.

By late Victorian times the house became home to St. Katherine‘s College for Girls and this occupation lasted until at least the outbreak of the First World War. In 1913 the Directors of the local bakery firm J. Lyons & Co bought Linden House as its sports and social club.

During the Second World War Linden House was used for various purposes to support the war effort, before reverting to a clubhouse use in 1946. Lyons remained in occupation until at least 1956 and the building subsequently transferred to Council ownership.

In 2001 the house was purchased and is now run by the London Corinthian Trust, a registered charity that promotes water sport and the preservation of this landmark. The London Corinthian Sailing Club and the Sons of the Thames Rowing Club boat from Linden House.

These associations help to give Linden House its unique character and atmosphere as a venue and part of the role of the London Corinthian Trust is to support the upkeep and preservation of this architectural jewel by hiring out its rooms and facilities and offering hospitality services.

West London Chambers will hosting a Christmas event for the Women in Business group at Linden House in December and we hope to host a summer event there in 2025!

UK businesses donate 1.8 million items to local charities via nonprofit platform A Good Thing

Nonprofit platform A Good Thing has been doing exciting things in west London for a year now: it has been 12 months since the Heston in the Loop project was launched – a collaboration between ReLondon and the London Borough of Hounslow aimed at reducing waste and creating a sustainable neighbourhood.

The A Good Thing platform allows businesses right across the UK to give things away to local charities. A huge range of things have been donated: in 2023, 1.8 million different items were rehomed with wonderful charities via the app. Everything from bags of cement, lanyards and stationery to laptops, socks and furniture. And 2024 has opened even busier: in the first few months of the year, double the number of matches were happening via the platform. Businesses up and down the country are loving the simplicity of being able to give away things they no longer need via the easy-to-use online platform. Sometimes these are items that have been sitting in warehouses or garages for months –or even years! – waiting for a solution. And now they can be rehomed in minutes via A Good Thing.

A really fruitful source of donations in recent months has been the hotel world: in November 2023 a Heston hotel signed up with A Good Thing as a result of the Heston in the Loop project, and many other hotels right across London quickly followed. The platform has now seen duvets, shaving kits, baby buggies, sofabeds, artwork, bowls, mattresses and hundreds of pillows from London hotels all rehomed with brilliant local charities in the past month or so.

To cap off this latest exciting period, and in recognition of the great work A Good Thing has been doing in the circular/sharing space, in March the charity was delighted to be awarded the Digital Leaders Impact Award 2024 in the Circular Economy category.

www.agoodthing.org.uk

Photo by Matthew Power

Be part of a new landmark facility at West Middlesex Hospital

Hounslow is experiencing a major wave of regeneration and development. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is investing in a new facility to meet the growing community needs.

With a renewal of Brentford Town Centre and other significant developments across the borough, there is a rising pressure on local infrastructure, especially our overstretched NHS services. Hounslow is already one of the most densely populated areas in London, where overall population increase was 7.7%, while in Hounslow it was 13.5% (2021 census). For many members of our community, better access to life-saving and life-enhancing treatments close to where they live is a core concern.

That is why Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is investing in the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex University Hospital—bringing care closer to home for thousands of people living and working in Hounslow, Brentford,

Chiswick and neighbouring Richmond and Ealing. This high-profile project will modernise and significantly increase the capacity for cancer, renal and cardiac services at our local hospital. Without this new facility, the needs of the local community cannot be met. Building work is already underway and on track for completion in 2026.

CW+, the official charity of West Middlesex University Hospital, is now raising £1.5m to enhance the core £80m build. This additional funding will help secure world-class imaging equipment and deliver a programme of enhancements – focusing on comfort, colour, light, sound, art and green spaces – that will humanise the space and create the best possible environment for patient care and recovery. With half of the funds already

secured, CW+ is keen to reach its target through galvanising support to make sure this huge local asset is built for the community by the community. This is an exciting time for local businesses and corporates based in West London to get involved with our fundraising mission and show their support for this state-of-the-art clinical facility at the heart of our local community.

CW+ was one of the local charities supported at the Chamber’s recent Golf Day on 18th July, which raised just over £2,300. With huge thanks to the sponsors of the event, the golfers and all those who came along to the fun dinner in the evening and put their hands in their pockets!

For more information please contact Mil Vukovic-Smart, Partnership and Philanthropy Manager at CW+ on mil.vukovic-smart@cwplus.org.uk West Mid appeal - CW+ cwplus.org.uk/adc

Street Elite celebrates another year of success

Street Elite is a training for work programme using sport and mentoring to help long-term unemployed young people turn their lives around and start their careers.

Since 2011 the initiative, which is a partnership between the Berkeley Foundation and The Change Foundation, has engaged with close to 800 young people aged 18-25 impacted by crime, violence and inequality. An impressive 80% of those to complete the nine-month programme have successfully gone into employment, training or education, leaving a hugely positive social legacy.

Each year, Berkeley Group (which set up and funds the Berkeley Foundation) supports young people coming through the programme by offering work placements on its regeneration and homebuilding sites.

Each summer the Street Elite graduates help to hold a series of community sports festivals events across London and Birmingham to celebrate their achievements and give hundreds of local children a chance to try new sports.

On Thursday 20th June, Berkeley’s The Green Quarter hosted the annual Street Elite Festival, with over 200 school children from local schools in Southall attending for an afternoon of sporting fun including padel at Parkside Padel Club, football competitions with Southall Football Club, riding a smoothie bike, yoga, street dance, golf and dodgeball.

Yvette Santana, one of the Street Elite coaches, said:

‘We work with people who face real challenges in getting back into work or education. They may have caring responsibilities, struggle with mental health issues, had negative experiences at school or not have the funds to travel to job interviews.

At the most extreme end, they may have been involved with criminal activity.“

Alex Feldman is Deputy Headteacher at Dairy Meadow School in Southall. His Year 4 pupils took park in the Street Elite Festival at The Green Quarter. He said:

“A huge part of primary teaching is inspiring the next generation to be fearless in their ambitions for the future. At Dairy Meadow we want all children to be able to believe they can be anything they want regardless of: colour, creed, religion or gender. The Street Elite festival has opened our Year 4’s eyes to sports that they may never have considered trying before. A 20-minute session of yoga may ignite a lifelong passion that can set a learner on a lifetime of discovery, meeting new people and possibly experiencing new cultures on the way.”

Sally Dickinson, Head of the Berkeley Foundation, said:

“We‘ve partnered with Street Elite for over a decade because it delivers long-term impact. This isn’t a two-week programme; it’s nine months of sustained, meaningful change.“

Find out more at www.berkeleyfoundation. org.uk/who-we-support/street-elite

Striving for good, well-paid jobs in Ealing

by Councillor Peter Mason, the leader of Ealing Council

One of our main goals is to help generate inclusive growth, in a borough where people want to live and work, and where businesses want to invest.

The local need for good, well-paid jobs is clear. Average earnings in our borough are some of the lowest in London, ranking 26th out of the 32 London boroughs. Two in every five jobs in Ealing are in typically low-paid industries, like in retail, hospitality, and social care. This has a knock-on effect on other challenges like housing affordability and deprivation. We want growth in Ealing to be inclusive, with more people benefitting from economic development. We want to create good quality jobs which enable residents to earn a decent living income.

A new jobs and skills strategy

To help employers create these jobs, we are working on a new jobs and skills strategy for the borough. The strategy will set out how we will support your businesses to thrive and grow, with greater access to affordable workspace, and how we will develop a skilled

local workforce that meets your needs.

It will help us and our partners reach our goal of creating 10,000 new jobs by 2026. We have made great progress over the last two years, delivering almost 5,000 opportunities for residents to access good and well-paid jobs. The strategy will focus our energies on the right areas and the right sectors.

Our vision for Ealing’s economy after 6pm

We are also developing a new plan to boost Ealing’s economy after 6pm.

17% of our population work in the evening and nighttime, including at major 24-hour employers such as Heathrow and Ealing Hospital.

We want the borough to be a more prosperous and inclusive place to live, work, visit and run a business after 6pm. Our new draft strategy will support night-workers and other residents to access more jobs, services, and amenities after 6pm.

You can have your say on both draft strategies by going to www.goodforealing.com

We want growth in Ealing to be inclusive, with more people benefitting from economic development. We want to create good quality jobs which enable residents to earn a decent living income.

Councillor Peter Mason

Dickens Yard

The London Living Wage is good for business

From grants to business support, we offer a range of new incentives to help you become accredited.

The LLW is an hourly rate of pay, currently set at £13.15, calculated to give workers in London enough to afford the essentials and to save.

For more than two-thirds of residents, cost of living is still what they’re most worried about. It is more important than ever for our residents to be paid a fair wage.

LLW accreditation is good for business. When the Living Wage Foundation surveyed accredited businesses across the country, 94% said it helped attract more customers

and improved staff recruitment and retention.

The survey showed that people want to work for a Living Wage organisation, with 93% of university students wanting to work for an accredited employer.

As part of our commitment to support more businesses in the borough to join the 60-plus local employers who are already LLWaccredited, we have launched a new package of incentives, including grants, training programmes, and free recruitment services.

These incentives are just one of the ways we can help support your business. Find out more by contacting our team on invest@ealing.gov.uk or by going to goodforealing.com

LLW accreditation is good for business. When the Living Wage Foundation surveyed accredited businesses across the country, 94% said it helped attract more customers and improved staff recruitment and retention.

Over 10,000 enjoy vibrant North End Road Festival

Discover Fulham partnered with Hammersmith & Fulham Council to deliver a successful North End Road Festival despite the best efforts of Mother Nature to ruin the day. Over 10,000 residents and visitors joined the annual event which showcases the eclectic range of businesses and communities who live and work around the North End Road where there is something for everyone

There were more than 150 stalls and food trucks from local businesses, selling everything from fashion to home accessories, with entertainment inspired by the spirit of Windrush Day and Pride month.

Looking forward to a Summer of Sport which includes the European Championships and Paris Olympics, Discover Fulham gave the chance for young people in the area to

try their hand at different sports including skateboarding, BMX, table-tennis, basketball and mini golf. There were also expert demonstrations of BMX and skateboarding in the half-pipe which showed what you can do with a bit of hard work.

Local businesses sponsored the giftbags which were given out to those who completed the mini-golf course including donations from Mountain Warehouse, Fulham Works Spacemade and Orange Theory Fitness.

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An eclectic mix of work at Gallery 475

It was with great delight that ArtCan took over Gallery 475 on Fulham Road for a week long exhibition of 2D and 3D art from 21 – 25th May this year.

Gallery 475 is home to P Freetham Framing but also welcomes short term hire of their bright, characterful gallery space facing directly onto the Fulham Road, opposite Chelsea FC.

ArtCan is a global not-for-profit organisation with around 600 artist members. Their corporate aim is to allow artists to gain experience and exposure to the art world without expectation of commission or large exhibition fees. This allows artists, at differing stages of their career, to establish their practice and gain fair payment for their work.

For this exhibition, curators Miranda Barber, Kate Enters and Caroline Wheaton brought together 45 artists’ works – both 2D and 3D –in a myriad of styles and materials. Caroline contacted West London Chambers and we were really pleased to hold an event at Gallery 475 on 22nd May. Sadly, the evening was tipping with rain, but the welcome was warm within the Gallery. In the words of Sally Smith, ‘The sculptures gave an extra edge to the networking. It was fascinating to learn which piece of art appealed to which Chamber member. I saw them in a new light!’

Miranda Barber commented: “As sculptors ourselves, we were keen to showcase the work of our 3D colleagues whilst having the colour and depth of our 2D contributors to bring the show together. Exhibiting such a vibrant array of styles and media in this lovely Central London gallery has been a delight.”

Caroline Wheaton added: “ Galleries often shy away from bringing together such an eclectic mix of work, but this exhibition has resulted in the coming together of an absolute treasure trove of pieces; something for everyone amongst the many and varied works.”

With the gallery situated so close to Stamford Bridge, it was only fitting that the local football club get involved. With the generous offer

of two wonderful prizes for the Exhibition prize draw, Chelsea FC again showed its commitment to the community and their ongoing support of local ventures.

Kate Enters, CEO and Founder of ArtCan, said of the Exhibition. “What a joy to be here in Fulham surrounded by all our artists’ work. The gallery staff at Gallery 475 have been hugely supportive of our organisation and mission. I would recommend to anyone needing gallery space to contact Michael & the team. They are a joy to work with, as are West London Chambers!”

Look out for more ArtCan exhibitions and activities www.artcan.org.uk.

Paving the way for sustainable art

Abstract House, based in Isleworth, West London is a designer manufacturer of original art and picture frames. The company, now celebrating its 8th year in business, caters to art lovers and interior designers for private residential and commercial spaces.

Their latest projects include creating the art for TikTok’s new headquarters, framing branded photographs for AVIVA, as well as artwork for recently renovated luxury spa Champney’s Mottram Hall and The Landmark Hotel.

Founder Omar Obaid always had a passion for art, but his studies in Computer Science took him on a different path through IT and technology, formerly working for The New York Times in their London office. After moving to Southfields, West London with his wife Summer, who persuaded him to revisit his passion, Omar created original paintings for their home. Following a few dinner parties, friends and family began requesting commissions and the rest was history.

The couple founded Abstract House, and sustainability has always been at the core of their business since learning about the impact of single-use plastic on the environment. In fact, 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped in our ocean’s every year (Source: WWF).

Abstract House believed that they had to find a way to improve this and create a change in the industry. By investing in technology and infrastructure, research followed into sustainable materials and packaging, and the business launched its in-house framing facility to create premium, sustainable frames made from glass, and not plastic.

The company joined the esteemed Fine Art Trade Guild celebrating excellence in framing, and every artwork is designed, crafted and framed in-house by their passionate team. By focusing on continuous improvement, in 2019, Abstract House became the first gallery to ship their premium art and glass frames without any plastic, and using 100% recyclable packaging.

“Our customers’ tell us how much they love unboxing their new artwork and frames, and can simply put their packaging in their recycling to be repurposed. Our ambitions of creating art that’s good for you, and the planet too, came to life” says Omar Obaid.

The business launched their annual Environmental Impact Report in 2023 to bring together their plans, ambitions and successes for reducing impact and documenting their journey to carbon neutrality. The business will also launch an Eco Day in 2025, enabling their staff to participate in green projects of their choice with a paid days leave.

Abstract House are supportive Chamber members and hosted West London Chambers drinks event, last November to promote the Hounslow Business First programme.

Meet the Chamber team

West London Chambers of Commerce Office Manager Lisa Rides, 27, lives in Whitton, Twickenham, with her boyfriend Daniel and their white Golden Retriever, Mercy. Here she talks to Sarah Dale about her role and how she switches off.

How long have you worked for the Chamber?

I first started working at the Chamber six years ago in 2018. Although I am Alan’s [Rides] daughter, I started working in the office before him.

What do you do? Describe a ‘typical’ day. There is no such thing as a typical day but I spend a lot of time on emails and training and supervising new members of staff. I have implemented a lot of the systems that we use so I know everything about them. A lot of my job is firefighting and fixing, but my biggest role is the Business Awards – that’s my event. I do everything from making the application forms to designing the trophies.

Career path so far?

My first job after college was working behind a bar serving food and drinks. I started at the Chamber as an in-between intern between American interns and would show them the ropes. Sally [Smith] liked the job I was doing and gave me more hours and took me on full-time in 2020 and I have done everything from creating flyers to sending out invoices. I became Office Manager last year.

What has been your proudest moment?

I think it has to be the moment when an event all comes together. We held our first Business Awards over Zoom as it was during Covid and it all ran smoothly and the second one was in person and there were a few hiccups but we fixed them without anyone even knowing. So much work goes into them that I always take the following day off.

Do you have a favourite event?

I have worked on other Chamber events such as the Festival of Business and the golf days, which I oversee, but the Business Awards is my favourite event. I love it. In 2020, we decided to run the awards ourselves for the first time and were in the middle of planning it when Covid hit. I work on the technical side and sort webinars so we decided to hold the entire awards via Zoom. Rather than charging people for tickets, we sent out goodie bags with an UberEats voucher and a bottle of wine. It went fantastically well and was great seeing people in suit jackets and their slippers!

When you are away from the office, what you do enjoy doing?

I’m quite boring! I like to turn off my brain and binge watch a good TV series or play video games. Mercy loves a walk in our local park and swimming in the river but once she’s at home, she’s a couch potato which suits us fine.

Tell us something people may not know about you. I’m a fully qualified make-up artist and hairdresser. I studied media make-up at college for two years and then I realised it’s a really hard industry to get into, so now I just have fun with it. I’m a good friend to have at Halloween! Then I did hairdressing for two years although the only person’s hair I cut now is my Dad’s!

There is no such thing as a typical day but I spend a lot of time on emails and training and supervising new members of staff. I have implemented a lot of the systems that we use so I know everything about them. A lot of my job is firefighting and fixing, but my biggest role is the Business Awards – that’s my event.

International trade is vital for UK growth

The British Chambers of Commerce has called for the new Government to focus on boosting services, advanced manufacturing, green and digital trade if it wants to hit its £1 billion trade target.

The move comes as research shows SME exports continue to languish:

• In Q2 of 2023, half of all SME exporters (50 per cent) saw no change in overseas sales, and almost a quarter (24 per cent) reported a decrease.

• Just over a quarter of exporting SME firms (26 per cent) saw their overseas sales increase in Q2.

• SME Manufacturers fared slightly better as 30 per cent saw an increase, with the services sector at 23 per cent.

• The last time more than 30 per cent of firms saw increased export sales was in Q4 2018. Boosting exports is key to the UK’s future economic prosperity, but firms of all sizes are facing a wide range of stumbling blocks. These include inflationary pressures, a restructuring of global supply chains and a continuing flow of new requirements from the EU trade relationship.

The BCC’s newly revised Trade Manifesto, supported by logistics company WTA Group,

“The

sets out a comprehensive list of steps to get more UK businesses, currently just 10 per cent, involved in international trade. It builds on other recent research by the BCC that found:

• 54 per cent of businesses say smoother customs procedures are the key to boosting UK exports.

• 42 per cent favour lowering tariffs, while 35 per cent said there is a need to reduce regulatory barriers, and 29 per cent want better support for smaller businesses

Among the Manifesto’s key proposals are:

• Establishing an Exports Council to focus on boosting the UK’s services, green, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing exports – achieving the £1 trillion exports target early in 2030s.

• Raising the proportion of UK exports done digitally to 60 per cent by end of the decade.

• Building upon trade documents digitalisation by moving to online border processes at pace.

world of international trade is where British business belongs. If our economy is to grow then we must export more, it’s as simple as that.”

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC

Photo by Danny Hawkwood @ Pixabay

“We need to look again at ways of improving trade with the EU. It remains our biggest trading partner, but firms continue to express huge frustration with the complexity and costs involved – which go beyond what they face elsewhere.”

• Updating the UK Export Strategy with specific support and promotion for green exporters.

• Earmarking additional dedicated UK Export Finance for green trade.

• Reaching an agreement between the UK and EU in the coming months on electric vehicles and batteries’ rules of origin, to avoid damaging new tariffs.

The new manifesto has been updated to account for the latest developments in the world of international trade and to reflect that several asks from the first edition have been acted upon.

These include:

• Establishing a Government trade growth office (Preference Utilisation Unit).

• Fixing problems with the Northern Ireland Protocol.

• Extending the grace period on CE marked goods.

• Resolving a dispute with the US to avoid punitive tariffs.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The world of international trade is where British business belongs. If our economy is to grow then we must export more, it’s as simple as that.

“Firms that trade overseas, grow faster, pay better, and are more resilient. If the UK wants to remain one of the world’s largest economies, then we need more firms selling more goods and services internationally.

“Our new Manifesto sets out a long-term

strategy on the key areas where the Government must focus if it wants to hit its target of £1 trillion of exports.

“Trade is constantly developing and there are real opportunities for a global Britain to exploit new markets as technology advances, Net Zero takes hold and the geopolitical landscape shifts.

“We are already a world-leader when it comes to digital trade and we must lean more heavily into the opportunities that will provide.

“We also need to build a strategy to protect the UK’s supply chains – the US, the EU and China are all investing £100 billion in sustainable and low-carbon technology.

“We don’t have that kind of money, but we do have great strengths – services, renewable energy, green finance, engineering, professional services, cutting edge manufacturing, food and drink exports, and R&D.

“We need to work with Government to put in place a framework that makes use of all the advantages the UK has, to keep us at the top table.

“Finally, we need to look again at ways of improving trade with the EU. It remains our biggest trading partner, but firms continue to express huge frustration with the complexity and costs involved – which go beyond what they face elsewhere.

“If we all work together to take action then we can revitalise our exports growth and help power up the UK economy.”

Alan Rides Chamber CEO said:

We need to bring a more joined up service for exporters by linking the following organisations in a closer way: DBT, UKEF, British Exporters Association, Institute of Export, Go Global and UK Chambers etc. We need to be truly export focussed and globally linked without adding cost to the empty public purse.

We do not want to see the UK slide from fourth biggest exporter to fifth, but instead we should target to overtake Germany who is in third place. In Germany, they show that their Exports account for one in every two euros earned.

By comparison in the UK, our Exports are £855.4 bn from a total economy of £2.274 trn. So, in the UK it is one in every three, which means we need to grow our exports from £855bn to £1.13bn. This is a challenge but can be achieved through a joined-up plan.

The challenge is clear, to encourage more UK companies to export. Currently 285,100 from 5.6m UK companies are exporting, so we definitely have room for growth, and West London Chambers can help!

We offer national award winner services for exporters including full export training and support from documentation, planning, market research and overseas market introductions.

Hounslow to move with the times...

Businesses urged to share priorities for Hounslow’s Transport Strategy

Movement can mean everything to business. It can be the path to hitting your targets, the direction of travel to reach your corporate objectives or the growth plan that will see your business thrive.

In the business world as in many other spheres of life, one thing is certain: if you’re not moving, you’re standing still. And if you’re standing still, you won’t grow.

The concept of movement is also vitally important to the day-to-day running of any business.

It defines how we travel, how we deliver to our customers and how our staff members get to and from work.

When it comes to transport and travel around our borough, Hounslow Council doesn’t want to be standing still.

That‘s why the Council is looking to the future and how we shape the borough’s transport network to best suit everyone who travels through our borough.

At the same time, we all need to rise to the challenges that climate change poses. We need to reduce harmful emissions and safeguard our borough’s health and wellbeing for future generations.

To continue to develop Hounslow as a vibrant hub of business and community life, the future of our transport infrastructure is key. And that is where you come in…

When it comes to transport and travel around our borough, Hounslow Council doesn’t want to be standing still.

Understanding how people and businesses travel within Hounslow is the first step to creating an effective Transport Strategy. The Council is looking for feedback on the methods of transport currently used by residents and businesses, and priorities going forward.

Hounslow Council is updating its Transport Strategy to face the future and to keep our borough moving forward.

We are calling our consultation Moving Forward – shaping the future of travel in Hounslow.

We are keen to understand your priorities moving forward for travel in the borough and where you’d like to see improvements. Why your views matter

Local businesses are the lifeblood of Hounslow‘s economy. Whatever the nature of your business, the efficiency and accessibility of our transport system directly impact your operations. The Council’s consultation aims to gather insights on current travel patterns, future transport preferences, and priorities for the borough. By taking part, you can help ensure that the strategy reflects the needs and aspirations of the business community. As part of this consultation, we are appealing to a wide cross-section of the population of Hounslow. We are asking young people to give us their views on how our transport network can help them to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to them for work, study and leisure. For older people, we want to know how accessible our network is.

Current travel patterns

Understanding how people and businesses travel within Hounslow is the first step to creating an effective Transport Strategy. The Council is looking for feedback on the methods of transport currently used by residents and businesses, and priorities going forward.

Are your employees primarily commuting by car, public transport, cycling or walking?

Do your customers find it easy to access your premises? Is it easy for your business to travel in the borough? Is moving goods around the borough easy? How do you and your customers find servicing and visiting your business?

By sharing your experiences, you can highlight areas that we need to focus on, such as congested routes, public transport services, or cycling infrastructure.

Setting priorities

What should the borough‘s future transport priorities be?

As a business owner, you have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Hounslow. Is tackling traffic congestion a top priority for you? Or is it improving connectivity to important areas such as central London or Heathrow? Is responding to the climate emergency a priority? By giving your views, you can influence the strategic decisions that will impact the borough for years to come.

Cllr Katherine Dunne is Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport. She said: “We have to continue to create a transport network for our borough that works for everyone. This is why we are asking all our partners to take part in this consultation and give their views.

“The input from the business community will be invaluable in helping us to shape a network that supports growth, sustainability, and the movement of people and goods.

“Once we have collected your views, we will put our strategy together. Then we will come back to you again to ask what you think.”

How to get involved

Taking part in the consultation is easy and will only take a few minutes. To take part, visit: https://talk.hounslow.gov.uk/moving-forward

We would also like to invite members of the business community to take part in online briefing sessions and discussions about the Transport Strategy. If you would like to take part, please let us know by email to: transportplanning@hounslow.gov.uk

Keep an eye on Hounslow Council’s website (Hounslow.gov.uk) and social media channels for updates on consultation events and deadlines.

GUNNERSBURY PARK SPORTS HUB

We have something to keep the whole family active and entertained including:

• State-of-the-art gym

• Sports hall

• Fitness studios

• Floodlit 3G pitches

• Floodlit tennis courts

• Football, cricket and rugby pitches

Discover more at better.org.uk/gunnersbury-park

health & wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing for Entrepreneurs

By Navjeet Grewal, Executive Coach | Leadership Coach | Consultant | Mindreorg B.sc, CAM, MBA, MA in Psychological coaching

Emotional wellbeing is pivotal for entrepreneurs as emotions influence every aspect of our lives, shaping behaviours, decisions, and interactions. Understanding and managing emotions can significantly impact mental, physical, and even financial health, fostering inner intelligence essential for sustainable entrepreneurship.

The Connection Between Emotions and Life Emotions like happiness, sadness, fear, and anger are universal and deeply ingrained in our daily lives. They inform our behaviour, actions, decisions, and judgments. Positive emotions enhance creativity, decisionmaking, and relationship building, while negative emotions, if unmanaged, can lead to stress and anxiety, impairing productivity and overall wellbeing.

The Need to Prioritise Emotional Wellbeing Ignoring emotional wellbeing can have

Photo by IStock

detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to significant changes in brain function. The amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, can become overactive, heightening anxiety. The hippocampus, crucial for memory and learning, can shrink, impairing cognitive functions. The prefrontal cortex, essential for decision-making and self-control, can become less active, leading to poor emotional regulation. The consequences extend beyond mental health, affecting physical health. Chronic stress can weaken immunity, elevate blood pressure, and increase the risk of heart disease and hormonal imbalances. It can also lead to sleep disorders, chronic pain, and digestive issues, exacerbating overall health problems.

Positive Effects of Emotional Wellbeing

Conversely, prioritizing emotional wellbeing brings numerous benefits. It enhances the connectivity between the prefrontal cortex

Anchor Counselling:

Empowering minds, transforming lives

Since 2005, Chamber member Anchor Counselling has been a beacon of hope in our community, providing support for those in need. Despite recent funding challenges, our mission remains steadfast: to empower individuals by offering accessible, confidential, and high-quality mental health services tailored to their unique needs.

Our proposition is simple: to create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can explore their emotions, confront their fears, and develop the resilience needed to lead fulfilling lives. Recognising that mental health is fundamental to overall well-being,

we strive to make our services available to all, regardless of financial status, cultural background, or life circumstances.

We offer a comprehensive range of services, including individual and group therapy sessions. Our qualified team of dedicated professionals brings a wealth of experience and diverse expertise, using evidence-based practices to create personalised plans that foster growth and healing.

Our impact extends beyond the therapy room. We are deeply committed to community engagement and education, conducting workshops and seminars to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention. We work in partnership with a local Foodbank to help their clients build resilience through difficult times. To continue our vital work, we seek the support and collaboration of compassionate individuals, businesses, and foundations. Funding is crucial for us to maintain and

and amygdala, improving emotion regulation and resilience. Positive emotions promote the release of oxytocin, enhancing social connectivity and motivation. They also stimulate neurogenesis, improving memory and cognitive function.

Strategies for Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing

To nurture emotional wellbeing, entrepreneurs should adopt holistic practices:

• Body: Maintain a healthy diet, limit substance use, engage in physical exercise, and spend time in nature.

• Emotions: Practice mindfulness, acknowledge and healthily express emotions, and enhance emotional awareness.

• Mind: Meditate regularly, cultivate positive thinking, and develop self-awareness. By focusing on emotional wellbeing, entrepreneurs can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, enhance emotional intelligence, and foster effective team management. Training employees to manage their emotional wellbeing can also lead to better team dynamics, increased creativity, and higher productivity, benefiting the entire organization.

Chamber member Mindre-org, Upvisors Ltd provide 1-2-1 coaching, training for you and your teams and retreats for enhancing emotional wellbeing.

enhance our services and reach underserved populations. Your support for Anchor Counselling is an investment in the mental well-being of our community. As a supportive network together, we can make a lasting difference, offering hope, healing, and a brighter future for all.

Join us in our mission to support and transform lives. Visit our websitewww.anchorcounselling.org

A huge thank you to our friends and supporters.

Establishing a baseline for cybersecurity

by Chamber Patron Timeless IMS

The weakest link in any organisation’s cybersecurity structure is often its employees.

To address this vulnerability, it is crucial to have a baseline understanding of where employees stand in terms of their cybersecurity knowledge. This insight will form the foundation upon which effective training and comprehensive cybersecurity protection for your business can be built.

A baseline in cybersecurity knowledge refers to the level of understanding that employees possess in regards to various aspects of cybersecurity. This includes awareness of potential threats, cybersecurity best practices, data protection, secure communication, safe internet usage, and identifying phishing attempts, amongst other critical areas.

By establishing this baseline, your company can gain an insight into its employees’ current awareness level and skills related to your cybersecurity. This knowledge is essential in devising targeted security training to address the specific gaps and shortcomings in your employee’s understanding and behaviour. By implementing these focused training programmes, you can help to defend your business against specific threats that you may encounter, while ensuring that your team receives the right training and skills they need to remain vigilant. For instance, if your employees lack knowledge about phishing attacks, your training can focus on identifying phishing attempts. You can then implement the best strategies to reduce the risk of falling victim to such attacks. This enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of training and ultimately strengthens your company’s cybersecurity posture by preparing your employees for potential threats.

Once the baseline is established and initial training initiatives are rolled out, it is important to monitor employees’ progress. By continually reassessing their cybersecurity knowledge, you can help track improvements, identify persistent weaknesses, and adapt training programmes accordingly. The need for ongoing education and reinforcement of cybersecurity knowledge will never disappear. Your business can stay ahead of emerging threats by regularly reassessing your employee’s cybersecurity knowledge.

The value of this insight cannot be overstated. Understanding how knowledgeable your employees are of cybersecurity threats and best practises serves as the foundation for tailored training and ultimately, your cybersecurity structure. Investing in employee cybersecurity education not only protects your business but also instils the importance of cybersecurity across your organisation, which is essential in your long-term success and resilience to cyberattacks. At Timeless IMS, we can offer your staff comprehensive cybersecurity training on a weekly basis. Gain insight into your team’s cybersecurity knowledge, contact us today!

By establishing this baseline, your company can gain an insight into its employees’ current awareness level and skills related to your cybersecurity. This knowledge is essential in devising targeted security training to address the specific gaps and shortcomings in your employee’s understanding and behaviour.

Photo by 123RF

A healthy body leads to a healthy mind

In our fast-paced world, maintaining good health is more important than ever. A proven approach to health is remembering our mind, body, connection. We can achieve overall well-being from balancing both aspects. A healthy body = a healthy mind.

Stay Active

Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and mind, exercise strengthens the heart, muscles, and bones, while releasing endorphins, which improve our mood and reduce stress. Whether walking, rowing, yoga, or playing a sport, if you find an activity you enjoy, it makes staying active fun and sustainable

Mental wellbeing

Mental Wellbeing is a key component when looking at overall wellness. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga and deepbreathing techniques, can help manage stress and anxiety, however, it‘s still important to take timeout for ourselves whether it’s through hobbies, spending time in nature, or connecting with friends and loved ones.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep, is essential for physical and mental restoration; sleep allows our body to repair and our mind to refresh. Establishing a bedtime routine and creating a restful environment can significantly improve sleep quality.

“Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new treatment that makes you live longer enhances your memory and makes you more creative it makes you look more attractive it keeps you slim and lowers food cravings, protects you from cancer and dementia, it wards of colds and flu, It lowers your risk of heart attacks and stroke, not to mention diabetes. You’ll even feel happier, less depressed and less anxious”

Ref: Matthew Walker “Why we Sleep”

Social Connections

Relationships and a supportive social network contribute significantly to our wellbeing. Engaging with friends, family, volunteering in the community, can all provide a sense of belonging and purpose, which is vital for overall happiness. Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in our well-being, embrace the journey to a healthier, happier you.

A health message from your local private medical insurance advisor, where healthcare policies are designed with your needs in mind. cora.corrigan@wpa-hcp.org.uk

Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and mind, exercise strengthens the heart, muscles, and bones, while releasing endorphins, which improve our mood and reduce stress.

Photo by iStock

Photo by iStock

Past Events

Trade mission reception form Northern Iraq region of Kurdistan

BEXA reception in House of Lords

Kyrgyt Republic ministerial visit reception and seminar

Planning meeting with Taiwan trade delegation

Palestine delegation meeting at London Tech Week

London Tech Week

Vietnam trade mission reception and interview on Vietnam TV

Indian trade delegation for London Tech week

London Bangladesh Press Club presentation and TV interview

British Chambers of Commerce annual conference

Opening London Stock Exchange with BMG

Libyan trade reception at House of Lords

Moroccan investment forum at London Tech Week

Russell Finex celebrate 90th anniversary

Regeneration Conference

May 16th (above)

We were really pleased that the Leaders of our three Councils could be with us for the dinner which closes the Regeneration Conference. This year John Bason, Chair of Primark was also with us. He will be heading up the Placemaking initiative for Hounslow, via BITC.

Breakfast June

Women in Business Breakfast

June 19th at Venture X, White City (above)

UK Economic Briefing with the Bank of England

July 9th (left)

Dr Joe Ganley, Deputy Agent for Greater London gave a fascinating presentation, on the eve of his retirement. We were honoured!

Acton BID

7th at PixiPixel (above)

Forthcoming Events

Summer Drinks

Linden House, 60 Upper Mall, Hammersmith W6 9TA

22nd August | 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm

Park Royal Business Breakfast

Hampton By Hilton London Park Royal

Connell Cres, Western Ave, London W5 3BQ

11th September, 2024 | 9:00am – 11:00am

Acton BID Business Breakfast

David Lloyds Gym, East Acton Lane, London W3 7HB

13th September, 2024 | 8.30 am – 10.30 am FREE to BID members

Women in Business Breakfast

Hammersmith venue tbc

18th September, 2024 | 8:30am – 10:30am

West London Chambers of Commerce

Ealing Festival of Business 2024

Weston Hall, University of West London, St Mary’s Road, Ealing W5 3TX

17th October, 2024 | 7:45am – 4:30pm

Breakfast 7:45am – 9:15am – Exhibition 9:30am – 4:30pm

Acton BID Business Breakfast

Venue tbc - FREE to BID members

Women in Business Breakfast

Hounslow Business First Networking

North Feltham venue tbc

26th September, 2024 | Time tbc

Landrover/Jaguar Networking

Lookers Land Rover West London, Concord Road, London W3 0BF

3rd October, 2024 | 6.30pm – 8.30pm

18th October, 2024 | 8:30am – 10:30am

Black History Month

Venue tbc 23rd October, 2024

Women in Business Breakfast

Chiswick Cinema, 94-96 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London W4 1SH

6th November, 2024 | 8:30am -10:30am

Hounslow Business First networking

Venue tbc 7th November, 2024 | Time tbc

Trade Mission to Morocco

11th – 15th November, 2024

Acton BID Business Breakfast

Venue tbc - FREE to BID members

Please contact Sally Smith on sallysmith@westlondonchambers.org.uk or 07879 813817 or visit www.westlondonchambers.org.uk for more information.

November 21st, 2024 | 6:30pm

Gtech Community Stadium (home of Brentford FC)

Lionel Road South, Brentford TW8 0RW

24designshop

Interior and exterior products

Julia Khomich www.24designshop.co.uk

3s Architects Ltd

Architectural and interior design

Reinhard Weiss www.3s-ad.com

Aciers UK Ltd

Steel exporters

Baikhlaq Hassan www.aciers.co.uk

Adamis Principle

Consultancy specialising in global currency markets

Adam Gazzoli www.adamisprinciple.com

ASC Handling

Ground Handling (Airport)

Jay Ali www.asccargo.com

Bahar Energy Ltd

Intermediary services for petroleum products

Bahar Choudhary

Barratt West London

Construction

Danny Farenden www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk

Brentford School for Girls

Secondary School

Marais Leenders www.brentford.hounslow.sch.uk

Bukmos Services Ltd

Management accountancy & services

Buki Brathwaite www.bukmosservices.com

Develop With Dawkins

Sales coach

Rob Dawkins www.developwithdawkins.co.uk

Kritrima Prajna (UK) Ltd

EdTech

Nilesh Patel www.educobot.com

EdyCreations

Bilingual virtual assistant

Edy Huang www.edycreations.com

Flame & Fire Restaurant

Restaurant

Francesca Hughes www.flameandfire.co.uk

Folio 5

Marketing and business development

Michelle Pontes www.wearefolio5.com

GMZ Homes Ltd

Real estate investment advisors

Ali Gharaaty www.gmz.homes

Greatview Realty Limited

Real Estate

Wahid Nosher

Hawley HR and Coaching Ltd

HR & Coaching

Caroline Hawley www.hawleyhrandcoaching.co.uk

Hayes Eye Clinic

Independent opticians

Vikram Mehra www.hayeseyeclinic.co.uk

Hedwyn

Business growth Philip Hellyer www.hedwyn.com

K4 Group Services

Security, training and workforce services

Arsalan Khan www.k4group.co.uk

K4 Medical Services

Private ambulance services

Jono Erototou www.k4medical.co.uk

London Corinthian Services Ltd

Exclusive members club and event venue

Kea Kouvatsis www.lindenhouse.london

London Paragon College

Independent training provider

Prakash Gautam www.londonparagoncollege.co.uk

M&M General Insurance Services Ltd

Insurance brokers

Zach Matai www.mandmgroup.co.uk

Medilus Cleaning Services Ltd

Meddie Kakinda

Professional & residential cleaning services www.mediluscleaningservicesltd.com

Mustashar Brand Solutions Ltd

Supporting Moroccan & Middle Eastern brands

Zayd Idrissi-Regragui www.mustashar.co.uk

Nanak Accountants

Accountancy firm

Baldeep Singh www.nanakaccountants.com

Novotel London West Hotel

Hotel

Adriana Rusu www.novotellondonwest.co.uk

Rihanna for Training & Consultancy RTC Ltd

Training services & consultancy

Mohammed Elaibi www.iq-rtc.com

Southern Gas Turbines Ltd

Product support and the development of gas turbines

Michael Thomas www.southerngasturbines.co.uk

Spovens

Sports & events promotion

Srik Gajewada

Enflow Solutions

Business energy solutions

Akif Thantrey www.enflowsolutions.com

The Golf Groove Wimbledon Ltd

Indoor golf experience

Richard Harrison www.thegolfgroove.com

The Parent Culture Ltd

Parent and family support

Ekua Barranha www.ekuabrown.co.uk

Walfinch Chiswick, Hammersmith and Kensington

Private home care service

Tanya Gomes Dos Santos

www.walfinch.com/branches/chiswickhammersmith-kensington

Watershed Chartered Architect

Architectural services

Raymond Wong www.watershedarch.co.uk

West London College

Further Education College

Daljit Bains www.wlc.ac.uk

5 minutes with...

Sam

Harrison

Who are you?

My name is Sam Harrison and I am a Restaurateur based in West London. I own and operate six outlets, all in West London. In Hammersmith we have our restaurant Sam’s Riverside, our deli shop Sam’s Larder and our café Sam’s Kitchen. In Chiswick we have our second Sam’s Kitchen and in Brentford we have another restaurant Sam’s Waterside and our second Sam’s Larder. I was born and bought up in Fulham and now I live in Hammersmith, with my wife and two year old daughter.

What’s your business all about?

Our business is all about hospitality and looking after our guests. My name is above the door as I want our guests to feel that they are visiting my home and will be looked after by me or one of my team. Without our loyal and local guests, we don’t have anything.

Three words to describe yourself?

Passionate, workaholic, driven.

Ideal customer?

Everyone! I want our business to be approachable to all. Come for coffee on a Monday morning, a simple lunch on a Wednesday or a blowout dinner at the weekend!

Biggest achievement?

I think surviving the pandemic and being able to grow again afterwards - it was very tough. I am very proud of employing 120 people.

Biggest gripe?

I think government needs to do more to help and support small business. There needs to be more reward/ upside for the risks we take

as entrepreneurs- we put our necks on the line to create/ open new businesses and create jobs etc. It would be good to feel that this was more recognised

Your inspiration?

Before opening my first restaurant in Chiswick in 2005, I worked for Rick Stein in Padstow. I learned most of what I know about restaurants from Rick and his ex-wife Jill. They taught me so much and always encouraged me to follow my dreams. Their management style and work ethic, was truly inspirational to me.

Philosophy in business?

Happy team, happy guests, happy business. My team are the core of everything we do. They work so hard to deliver consistently great hospitality and food. It is my role to make sure they have the support and structure to do this day in and day out.

Sporting hero?

Goran Ivanisevic - I love tennis and I was obsessed with Goran when I was growing. In 2001 Goran was a wild card at Wimbledon and I managed to go to the final and see him beat Pat Rafter in 5 sets - it was the greatest live sport I have ever seen.

Biggest tip for success?

Work hard every day. Success in anything takes work, work and more work. Look at Novak Djokovic - there is a reason he is still competing at the age of 37. Success and consistency in business, takes a lot of hard work.

I think government needs to do more to help and support small business. There needs to be more reward/ upside for the risks we take as entrepreneurs- we put our necks on the line to create/ open new businesses and create jobs etc. It would be good to feel that this was more recognised

Sam Harrison, who is a valued and supportive Chamber member.

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