Hounslow small business advertising competition winner unveiled

The winner of the new Advance for Growth competition, launched by Hounslow Council, JCDecaux and West London Chambers of Commerce in September has been revealed.

The winner, Hang, based in the new Hounslow High Street Quarter development, was unveiled at the annual Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, and have won the amazing opportunity to have their business seen by residents and visitors across the borough.

Hang will receive access to the Council’s and JCDecaux’s Out-of-Home advertising estate for a whole calendar year, as well as tailored business support from the Council and the Chamber. The competition’s runners-up – Hearing Well and CBA Rope Access Ltd– will receive access to business mentoring from the Council and a year’s free subscription to the West London Chambers of Commerce.

Jon Partridge, Managing Director of Hang said:

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us and we are so excited to share our love for climbing with the rest of the borough. Advance for Growth will help supercharge our plans as a business, bringing our brand to people when they are out and about in the borough. We are proud to be born in Hounslow and one of the very first commercial tenants at the prestigious new High Street Quarter development.

“Climbing is a fantastic way to keep on top of your physical and mental wellbeing. We have a range of options available whether you are an experienced climber or total beginner, every is welcome.

“We know times are tough at the moment, so we are proud to offer a wide range of discounts to help as many local people as possible experience the joys and benefits of hanging around.”

Hang, is a start-up launched by three friends who met and forged a friendship through a mutual love of climbing, opened its doors last year. The state-ofthe-art, indoor bouldering centre (a type of climbing without ropes, over a giant crash pad), includes a shop, café, and co-working space to combine a challenging physical workout with a fun, social environment.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat said:

“We received some fantastic entries from a diverse mix of businesses so picking a winner was very difficult, I want to thank every business that took the time to enter. Our winners Hang have an exciting offer for residents that complements our plans to transform our high streets into places where you don’t just shop, but where you can also spend your leisure time.

“Hounslow is proud of the many businesses that call our borough their home, and the Chamber’s annual business awards provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contribution they have made to both Hounslow and London’s economy.”

Chris Collins, CO-CEO JCDecaux UK said:

“We’re delighted to have worked closely with Hounslow Council and West London Chambers of Commerce on this exciting competition. We are thrilled to work alongside Hang to help them use the power of the public screen to take their business to the next level, harnessing Out-ofHome’s ability to build brands, create fame and drive business results.”

Sally Smith, COO, Hounslow Chamber of Commerce

said:

“Congratulations to Hang! What an exciting new company, located in Hounslow town centre, bringing such benefits to our youth and bouldering fans. This mixed use is what our High Streets need.

“We are very much enjoying working with Hang, especially spotting their eye-catching advertisement, which is currently showing across the borough. I hope you will agree that the front cover of this magazine is inspiring also. We have really enjoyed working with JCDecaux and the Council on Advance for Growth and hope it will continue next year.”

Fair pay and youth employment at the heart of Hounslow’s growth

Fair pay for Hounslow residents

The London Living Wage is based on the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s methodology for calculating a minimum required income and is considered the minimum income for healthy living. In London, it currently stands at £11.95 which is around 70% of the average London wage, and 25.8% more than the Government’s National Living Wage of £9.50.

London Living Wage accredited and the Council is rolling up its sleeves to increase this number. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t many more businesses in Hounslow paying the London Living Wage. They just haven’t taken the steps to becoming accredited and realised the benefits yet.

To and employers continue to be central to the Council’s ongoing development and economic success, but numbers say that things can get much brighter and prosperity can be shared with local people.

You can become an accredited employer through the Living Wage Foundation by agreeing to pay both your directly employed staff and contracted staff at least the London Living Wage.

According to data from the Living Wage Foundation, less than the London Living Wage in 2021 with 29.5% and 29% respectively. By contrast, Kensington and Chelsea and Richmond upon Thames saw only 10.5% and 11% of residents’ jobs classified as low paid.

Our interactive information sessions take place once Register onto an information session to find out your one of our advisors. Email skillsescalator@hounslow.gov.uk or call 07790359392.

Mapping the data

In London, there are currently 3,166 accredited businesses, representing just 0.1% of all companies based in the Greater London region.