Southwark Business Today December 2020

Southwark

BUSINESS TODAY Issue 31: Winter 2020

Council Leader

Kieron Williams proud of the resilience and fortitude Southwark residents and businesses have shown through this pandemic Page 16

LSBU Business School adapts to build future skills Page 18

• Chamber tackles inequalities in business opportunities.

Page 8

• Remembering when... the Troopship HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury. Page 28

• Full speed ahead with 1Gb Broadband. Page 15

Join an international, award-winning university business school with a reputation for a holistic approach to your personal development and career ambitions.

Applied, professional, accredited programmes in: • Accounting • Finance • Business • Economics • Marketing Full-time and part-time courses including apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees starting in January and September.

Visit your local university of choice at an Open Event: • Wednesday 8 January (Open evening for undergraduate and postgraduate study) • Saturday 7 March (Open day for undergraduate study)

University of the Year for Graduate Employment*

lsbu.ac.uk/SouthwarkBusiness *The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018/19.

Welcome Contents

Welcome to

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY The Southwark Chamber of Commerce magazine for all businesses in Southwark Welcome to the Christmas edition of SBT in a year that was anything but normal.

I am aware that most of you will see this online rather than in print and that is part of the story of 2020; where for much of the year there have been no face to face meetings, no in person events and for far too many, no customers. I am not able to predict what 2021 will bring but we all hope it will be better as a result of vaccines and other government initiatives; I also hope it will be better because of what WE the businesses of Southwark do.

Last week at the Southwark Business Awards many businesses demonstrated what can be achieved with determination and imagination; from pivoting clients to online business, to building websites to literally getting on their bike to deliver locally. Please read the feature on page 32 for details of how the winners got there.

I genuinely believe waiting for things to go back to normal is not an option, even in the hospitality industry businesses must take the opportunity to re-think, rebuild better and make their businesses

more futureproof. Southwark Chamber of Commerce wants to assist you and our programme of events reflects this with a virtual get together for beer tasting and a social media seminar before Christmas.

We recognise the challenges Southwark businesses face are not all about balance sheets, isolation can also be an issue and our virtual beer tasting will give you the opportunity to mix and to enjoy a local product from the comfort of your own home while networking, it is the Bermondsey beer mile without the mile.

Our seminar on choosing a social media platform is designed to give you an insight into this vital tool to move your business forward. See page 32 for details of how to book.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to remember our Chairman Les Johnson who died this summer after a long battle with Cancer. Les was active as Chairman right up to his death and though we all knew it was coming it was still difficult for us all. Les was passionate about the Chamber and about business in Southwark and he gave energy and commitment to it while maintaining a sense of humour and sociability which made trips to the pub with him so much fun. On behalf of the Chamber I wish his family all the best.

Peter Mantell Joint-Chairman Southwark Chamber of Commerce Limited

6

10

20

33

4 Legal 5-6 Up Front 8-9 BAME 10 Construction 16-17 Economy 18-19 Big Interview 20 Skills 25 Arts & Culture 27 Voice from Westminster 28-29 Remembering When…

31 Health & Wellbeing 32 Chamber Events 33 Last Word 34 Join Us

Enquiries

Southwark Chamber of Commerce 169 Walworth Road, London SE17 1RW Tel: 07477 581977 Email: admin@southwarkcommerce.com Web: www.SouthwarkCommerce.com

Editor

Jez Davison Email: jez@benhampublishing.com

Contributing Editor Susan Isaacs

Publisher

Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com

Published

Dec 2020 © Benham Publishing

Advertising and Features

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

Studio

Mark Etherington Email: mark@benhampublishing.com Media No.1761

Get more savings on business broadband Save up to 55% on our most popular packages, plus you’ll also get FREE activation (worth £300).

Disclaimer Southwark Business Today is mailed without charge to all Chamber members and distributed to businesses in the Borough. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Southwark

Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in publication are not necessarily those of Southwark Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2020. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material

published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 3

Legal Advice

Can a periodic business tenant in occupation ofto premises Returning Workobtain ainlease theiroflandlord? thefrom midst the You are a commercial tenant running a business from premises and you now want your landlord to grant you a written lease for a fixed term.

COVID-19 Pandemic You may have been paying rent

lease, perhaps in order to grow

Aneil Balgobin Head of Employment

resolve the dispute which could be

a new lease, the tenant will be

Unfortunately, does not always • and indirectly, employees to The current Pandemic feels like aor sell your business, you willsuch not dialogue monthly or quarterly for some unsatisfactory to both parties ablebytorequiring obtain a new lease on work to butbefailing to or account rollercoaster, with multiple result agreed conclusion – in those of a court casereturn toterms be able to serve on in theanlandlord years, but your landlord has still waves the uncertaintly agreed if not for a–notice undersituations section 26 the not given a fixed term lease. couldtobe avoided and fast you changing circumstances agreed as determined by the anofEmployer needs weigh up by agreeing health conditions; Whatminute can you people do to force terms. upon leasesteps court. Accordingly the landlord one arethe being told1954 to Act requesting whethera itnew haslease. taken all reasonable • directly,cannot by failing to consult an The right to do this only applies landlord’s hand? simply impose with any terms One waytointhe which the landlord stay at home wherever possible, to then to ensure thewas safe return of staff tenants whose tenancy employee who suffers from a health it wishes and the court will look can regularise the position is to Rights under periodic encouraged toaeat out to save thegranted for a workplace fixed term and certain balance those steps against the under conditionatthat atofa the higher risk; theplaces impliedthem terms periodic serve a written notice tenancy economy, before coming full circle and onerepresentations exceeding year or for anymade by any dissenting staff. and/or tenancy when considering what section 25 of the 1954 Act term and thereafter from year It is likelybeing that you are a periodic people instructed to work from terminating the tenancy and terms should be inserted in the to year. tenant and if you haveItbeen Employers should be mindful thatwhether there or not the • by failing tolease. make reasonable home if they can. has in been difficult stating landlord new occupation of business premises thebetenant do? who have adjustments for anisemployee withtoa is willing to grant a new lease and may employees underlying to keep pace for individuals and So what should The landlord therefore likely paying rent for more than if so on what terms including rent disability – by way of example someone businesses alike. health issues or other medical concerns Negotiate with your be agreeable to grant a lease to 12 months, you will have become and length of lease. using public transport mayespecially feel it is safer a periodic tenant since landlord – either affecting themselves directly or a protected business tenant with An employer has a duty to provide its If the landlord opposes the grant to travel itatcannot less busy timesthe of the and increase rentday without the rights granted by the Landlord involving people living in the same household.

A periodic protected tenant should staff with Act a safe and secure of a new lease, then it may only terminating the lease & Tenant 1954 Part 11. workplace,be in a strongThese thereforefirst want flexibility over theirunder working position to negotiate could be difficult conversations to refuse on certain grounds set out this is embedded within Health and Safety As such the landlord cannot the Act, they and the position willinto hours whenever have to travel a new lease with theespecially landlord when who such issues may have, in the statute, most commonly simply terminate your lease regulations.

Accordingly, thebyminimisation remain uncertain. would be keen to regularise the the office.

Likewise, if companies have on the grounds of not have been a problem refusal in the workplace giving onecontracting month’s notice. of the you risk of COVID-19 in the position. Without a lease, the car parking spaceslegal they may have to Taking advice persistent rent arrears, being able previously, but now take on a different landlord unilaterally It would need to serve with of this workplace is now at theyou forefront duty. cannot to a legal wideradvice groupfirst of to demonstrate an intention to make them It isavailable best to seek increase the rent, or regulate a statutory the is 1954 dimension due tothe the COVID-19 We have nonotice doubtunder that this not a simple occupy landscape the premises for its ownstaff as driving will generally beprinciple seen before in finalising terms in use of the premises or prevent Act giving you not less than 6 nor and can be particularly relevant it use or when an intention to redevelop. task and most employers have conducted as a saferwith wayyour to commute compared to landlord to ensure that the tenant from sharing more than 12 months’ notice and touches upon people’s commute into work. workplace risk assessments and taken huge the terms of the new lease are not The landlord must demonstrate occupation or assigning its using public transport. you will then have the right to the ability do these things if onerous and reflect the terms of strides protecting tenancy. It is These unlikelyare that the considerations that shouldtoform apply tointhe court forstaff. a new lease We and have no doubt that these difficult by producing plans your existing oral are tenancy.

Where landlord couldpart easily sell workplace its on terms to be agreed or decided of the risk necessary assessment.

However, wecourt. have also noted that thereinterest are in the property while specifications and the necessary considerations for any employer.

Our there is a dispute with the landlord upon by the A blanket requirement for all employees planning permissions. This Employment can a protected periodic tenant employees who remain concerned about and landlord is taking steps to Lawthe Team at Anthony Gold Can you require the to return tofor work consideration it difficultoffor a landlord to in occupation an without make terminate the tenancy without returning to work, especially those whocontiuues can are well versed at navigating employment landlord to grant a new regain possession. indefinite period. some individual needs could be risky for an offering acceptable new lease work from home, for a variety of reasons. legislation and current regulations and lease? terms, it will be important to seek If the tenant With oral tenancy agreements if employer as it may lend itself to a risk is of a protectedguidance around Where possible, it is usually desirable for Covid-19. Couple with our legal advice as to your rights and business and the landlord If the time has come that you a dispute arises the court would inadvertently discriminating againsttenant employees an Employer to open a dialogue with such commercial approach, we will offer unique how to protect your position. does not have grounds to oppose need the certainty of a fixed term need to hear evidence and try to with disabilities, as defined by the Equality an employee to attempt to understand any support that will seek to ensure that your Act 2010. contact Such discrimination could arise by email concerns haveexpert and what steps canadvice, be business protected and looked after If youthey need legal please Alan Zeffertt on isaze@anthonygold.co.uk efficiently and effectively. taken to deal with this situation. in a number of ways:

or ask for him or a member of our Commercial Property Team, telephone 020 7940 4000.

Anthony Gold Solicitors specialise in many different areas of law Our solicitors are experts in their fields. We are negotiators and litigators,

committed to doing whatever is best for our clients.

T: 020 7940 4060

64

Southwark BUSINESSTODAY TODAY Southwark BUSINESS

Offices in London Bridge, Elephant & Castle and Streatham.

E: mail@anthonygold.co.uk

W: www.anthonygold.co.uk

Up Front

More support needed for airport jobs London Assembly has called for a long-term plan that protects airport jobs and the aviation sector, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers at London’s airports and on their communities.

During August, usually one of the busiest months for foreign travel, passenger numbers at Heathrow Airport fell by 80%.

The London Assembly has agreed for its chair to write to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, asking him to lay out his long-term plan for protecting airport jobs and the industry going forward. As part of these proposals, the London Assembly has urged the Chancellor to extend for 12 months the 80% furlough scheme for workers in the aviation

industry, with an option to “taper” the support where needed.

Initially introduced in March, the scheme subsidises four fifths of furloughed workers’ wages up to a maximum of £2,500 per month.

It was then going to be replaced by a less generous scheme from November before the Chancellor decided to extend it at the 80% rate until March 2021.

Dr Onkar Sahota AM, who proposed the motion, said: “As we enter a second lockdown, the livelihoods of thousands of Londoners who work at our airports have been placed at further risk.

“The aviation industry is continuing to face huge financial and operational challenges, but amidst this there must be a long-term plan in place to protect its workers.

“I am standing alongside the unions in their campaign against the unacceptable plans laid out

by Heathrow Airport bosses to fire thousands of staff and rehire them under worse pay and contractual terms.

“The Chancellor can also step in here to lift some of the pressure and uncertainty by delivering a targeted and flexible twelve-month extension of the furlough scheme for workers in the aviation sector.”

Veg supplier wins Living Wage award In celebration of Living Wage Week in November, Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham councils have awarded Southwark community veg supplier Local Greens a Living Wage Award.

The Living Wage helps to tackle poverty by putting more money into the pockets of the UK’s lowest paid workers.

Local Greens stood out for paying its staff the Living Wage and helping the team through the challenges presented by COVID-19. After chatting with their workers and learning that they would rather keep working than be furloughed, the company introduced a shift system that allowed for social distancing and helped to keep vulnerable staff at work.

Local Greens offers a collection service – a vital service that helps to break the isolation of some people at home – and works with local businesses to come up

with recipes that include organic, locally sourced produce.

Cllr Stephanie Cryan, cabinet member for jobs, culture and skills at Southwark Council, said: “We thank all of the organisations that continue to support the Living Wage scheme, and encourage others to learn more and sign up as well. Businesses that pay a Living Wage consistently highlight the benefits to themselves and their employees.

“Local Greens has worked extra hard and expertly shown how small businesses can help to support their workers, their

community and other local businesses. I would like to congratulate Local Greens on winning the Living Wage Award.”

Jean Bergin, managing director of Local Greens, said: “Being a Living Wage Employer is a vital part of Local Greens’ ethical and environmental objectives. We pay our farmers and suppliers a fair price, which enables them to pay their workers a living wage and farm to higher standards.

We pay our staff the London Living Wage, which empowers them to live, work and shop in their local community.”

For more information visit www.southwark.gov.uk/business/london-living-wage

Deal reached on TfL funding The government and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan have reached an eleventh-hour agreement on a funding deal to keep tube, bus and other Transport for London (TfL) services in the capital running until March 2021.

The six-month deal means that £1.8 billion of government grants and borrowing have been made available to keep services running until March. TfL will make up through cost savings the £160 million gap the deal leaves from the nearly £2 billion the organisation projects it will need to run the tube, bus & other TfL services for the remainder of this financial year.

As part of the deal, London will also have to raise extra money in future years. Decisions about how this additional funding will be raised are yet to be made by the mayor, but some of the options that he and the government have agreed should be looked at include a modest increase in council tax, pending the appropriate consultation, as well as keeping in place the temporary changes to the central London Congestion Charge that were introduced in June 2020 – again, subject to consultation.

Sadiq Khan said the deal was “not ideal” but added: “We fought hard against this government, which is so determined to punish our city for doing the right thing to tackle COVID-19. The only reason TfL needs government support is because its fares income has almost dried up since March.”

The mayor said he had succeeded in “killing off the very worst government proposals”, which included the extension of the £15 daily congestion charge to the north and south circular roads, the scrapping of free travel for under18s and over-60s, and an aboveinflation increase in fares.

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 5

Up Front

New housebuilding scheme launched for rough sleepers Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is to fund the creation of 903 new longer-term homes for homeless Londoners.

Mr Khan is using a £93.4m government grant to provide accommodation and support for people currently living in hotels, hostels or other supported housing. Since the grant was announced, City Hall’s rough sleeping team have been inundated with bids from charities, boroughs and housing providers to deliver homes and provide support.

A total of 38 projects across London have now been selected to receive funding. The projects will begin work as soon as possible, with the aim that more than 900 people will be helped to move into homes completed

by March 31 2021. Many are likely to be rough sleepers who City Hall and boroughs are safely accommodating in hotels to protect them from the risk of COVID-19.

Sadiq Khan said: “A secure, longterm home should be a basic right for every Londoner, but a decade of austerity and the economic crisis created by the pandemic means far too many people have found themselves on the street or in temporary accommodation.

“My teams and their charity partners are working around the clock to help the most vulnerable people to work towards a life off the street – but this is only possible if there is high-quality, affordable accommodation available at the end of their journey. The projects I’m supporting will create the homes our fellow Londoners deserve and ensure they have access to the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of social justice charity Nacro, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for us to help homeless Londoners move on with their lives. In these difficult times, this funding is a vital lifeline for homeless people in the capital.”

Workplace training falls to lowest level since 2011 Staff training has dropped to its lowest level for almost a decade, a new survey has revealed.

The government’s latest employer skills survey shows that the proportion of staff being trained in the last 12 months decreased from 62% in 2017 to 60% in 2019 – the lowest level since 2011 when the figure dropped to 54%.

The proportion of workers considered not “fully proficient” at their roles rose to 4.5% in 2019 – equivalent to 1.25 million employees.

This marked the first increase in the number of employees unable to do their jobs properly since 2011.

Recruitment levels were down, with 46% of establishments hiring staff over a 12-month period compared with 50% of establishments in 2017 and 51% in 2015.

The business services and health and social work sectors had the highest volumes of skills-shortage vacancies, although the density of skills-shortage vacancies was highest in construction and manufacturing, where almost two fifths of vacancies were proving hard to fill because applicants lacked the appropriate skills, qualifications or experience.

By occupation, employers faced the greatest challenges in finding

suitably skilled candidates for skilled trades positions, with nearly one half of vacancies in these roles classed as skills-shortage vacancies (48%).

The report said: “The skills lacking among candidates comprised a range of technical and practical skills. The majority of skills-shortage vacancies (63%) were attributed to a lack of specialist skills or knowledge needed by candidates to perform their role. A lack of operational skills, including lack of knowledge of the products and services the employer offers and/or knowledge of how their organisation works, contributed to 45% of skills-shortage vacancies (up slightly from 43% in 2017).

“A lack of complex analytical skills also contributed to 45% of skillsshortage vacancies, although its importance has continued to decrease (down from 48% in 2017 and 50% in 2015). In terms of people and personal skills, the ability to manage one’s own time and prioritise tasks remained a common cause of skills-shortage vacancies (45%), although it was a less frequent cause than in 2017 (50%). When time management and task prioritisation skills are combined

with the ability to manage one’s own feelings and handle the feelings of others – which was cited as a skill lacking for 33% of all skills-shortage vacancies – just over half (52%) of skills-shortage vacancies were at least partly caused by a lack of self-management skills.

“Furthermore, a lack of management and leadership skills – such as managing or motivating other staff, persuading and influencing others, and setting objectives and/or planning resources – contributed to 44% of all skills-shortage vacancies.

While only one in 20 employers had skills-shortage vacancies, almost all reported that this type of vacancy impacted their business, with the most common impact being an increased workload for staff (84%).

Two fifths or more also mentioned financial impacts including loss of business to competitors (40%) and increased operating costs (45%).”

New retail arcade opens at Elephant and Castle Business owners welcomed residents and councillors to the formal opening of Elephant Arcade, a new retail space beneath Perronet House.

Located opposite the Bakerloo Line Station, Elephant Arcade is now home to 11 traders who relocated from the nearby shopping centre after its closure.

The arcade boasts an airy café space and diverse range of small businesses, including a hair salon, supermarket, haberdashery, tailors, computer repair shop and traders selling handbags, luggage, cosmetics, jewellery and clothing.

6 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Elephant Arcade, originally disused garages before being converted into retail units by Southwark Council, is managed by community interest company Meanwhile Space, which is running tours of the new area for local residents.

Councillor Johnson Situ, cabinet member for climate emergency, planning and transport at Southwark Council, said: “We were delighted to see traders settled into their new premises at Elephant Arcade after

all their hard work with the council and site managers to fit out the shops ready for opening.

“We have long been committed to supporting the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre traders so it’s really exciting that this location in the heart of Elephant and Castle has been put to good use, allowing small businesses to continue serving the needs of the local community. We wish them every success as they grow and thrive in their new home.”

We are a procurement project working with SMEs, bringing together buyers and suppliers to ensure a lasting legacy of economic growth in South London.

Since our inception in 2012, our network has grown to over 1000 members across South London.

We’ve helped South London based businesses win over £326 million worth of contracts, £89 million of that being with Southwark based businesses.

How we work with suppliers • Free face-to-face business advice • Support in specialised areas of business • Help getting your business fit to supply • Free events and workshops • Access to contract opportunities

How we work with buyers • Access to a variety of local suppliers to help you reduce your carbon footprint • Face-to-face engagement • Effective supply chain brokerage • Complimenting internal corporate social responsibility • Measureable results through tracking, monitoring and evaluation of activity

This service is funded by Braeburn Estates LLP, a joint venture by Qatari Diar Development Company (UK) and Canary Wharf Group PLC

Contact us: t: 020 7418 2532 e: info@slpn.org.uk w: www.slpn.org.uk

BAME

Chamber tackles inequalities in business opportunities The month of October was Black History Month, a chance to celebrate the excellent achievements of black people across Britain. It was also an opportunity to reflect on current inequalities that continue to cast a shadow on society as we know it.

Shade Abdul

Nowhere can these inequalities be seen more starkly than in the business community. The latest update from the Parker review on board diversity, published earlier this year, showed that more than a third of FTSE 100 companies and two thirds of FTSE 250 companies did not have any ethnic minority representation on their boards.

8 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

There are those who talk about tackling these inequalities and those who do something about it. Shade Abdul falls into the latter category.

A professional architect and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Shade sits on Southwark Chamber of Commerce’s executive committee and drives forward its engagement with local small businesses led by people of ethnically diverse backgrounds.

BAME

“We’re working with the Chamber to open up more gateways for BAME-owned SMEs, and to ensure that SMEs have better access to a pool of skilled BAME workers. Many developers have become more inclusive in their approach but the path is still blocked for many BAME individuals.”

On a practical level, Shade and SLPN are drawing up a list of BAME businesses in the borough and a list of tender opportunities that they could bid for. Shade and SLPN are in discussions with key developers, including British Land, to ensure that procurement opportunities on regeneration projects are extended to the BAME community.

She is also a director of Deft.Space, an interdisciplinary architecture and design studio that works across architecture, interiors, objects and strategies to create thoughtfully designed, environmentally friendly spaces for people.

Shade has been instrumental in the fight to restore equality in business. She has been working with the South London Procurement Network (SLPN) to encourage companies to provide more opportunities for BAME businesses to win more work and BAME individuals to climb the career ladder.

Petrona Wickham, director of SLPN – which works with micro businesses and SMEs to improve their capacity and competitiveness so they can win business locally – says: “We’re working with the Chamber to open up more gateways for BAME-owned SMEs, and to ensure that SMEs have better access to a pool of skilled BAME workers. Many developers have become more inclusive in their approach but the path is still blocked for many BAME individuals.

She says: “In partnership with SLPN I want to open up genuine opportunities for BAME owner-led businesses to tender for and win work. These businesses face structural inequalities which mean that even by the time they get to tender stage, they are disadvantaged.

Petrona Wickham

“In some cases, the old boys’ network still exists and some developers will always go back to their preferred suppliers, even if better value can be found elsewhere.

Let’s keep working to change ingrained attitudes because that’s the only way we can tackle longstanding inequalities that are unfair and outdated.”

“We’ve been talking about the need to address these inequalities for years but it seems that in many cases the message isn’t getting through. Unconscious biases, racism and prejudice still pervade the workplace and wider society. We’ve got to do something rather than just talk about it. Why not start this activity here in the borough of Southwark?”

SLPN is funded by Braeburn Estates.

“We’ve been talking about the need to address these inequalities for years but it seems that in many cases the message isn’t getting through. Unconscious biases, racism and prejudice still pervade the workplace and wider society.

We’ve got to do something rather than just talk about it.

Why not start this activity here in the borough of Southwark?”

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 9

Construction

The future of the construction industry 2020 as we all know has been a challenging year for us all in one way or another, as a business leader Carol Massay CEO of specialist construction software company EasyBuild UK talks to us about the future of the construction industry and recovering from a tough year for the sector.

The construction industry has come a long way since the mud and clay that it started from, with safety regulations to mobile devices and the use of technology, innovation has made a huge impact on the industry.

A move to digital transformation, driven by legislation and a new focus

on safety will become key priorities in a post pandemic world.

The construction industry needs a significant reliable update to do everything, from attracting new business to the basics of running a company day to day. The industry must improve, with changes being driven by improved technologies to aid decision making where this

delivers better outcomes. People, organisations, and data will come together through technology and smarter ways of working.

EasyBuild are one step ahead with their innovative award winning software platform, providing a comprehensive financial and commercial management solution for your projects.

“The industry must improve, with changes being driven by improved technologies to aid decision making where this delivers better outcomes. People, organisations, and data will come together through technology and smarter ways of working.�

10 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Meet Santa !

CELEBRATING THE FESTIVE SEASON Come along to Castle Square to join the festivities, with our fabulous tree and ‘herd’ of special visitors!

Free opportunities to meet Santa, with social distancing measures in place, on the following dates: 5TH and 6TH DECEMBER 12TH and 13TH DECEMBER 19TH and 20TH DECEMBER With 26 local traders, Castle Square is perfect for grabbing that extra Christmas present, festive beauty treatment or a delicious bite to eat.

Find us just 5 minutes walk from Elephant and Castle tube station, directly opposite the train station. castlesquarelondon.com

DON’T MISS THE ELEPHANT AND CASTLE COMMUNITY HUB’S VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy FREE festive workouts, arts and crafts and even a Christmas Panto! Visit communityhubse1.co.uk and Facebook @whatsonatelephant to find out more and for dial-in details.

Kristy Lansdown is the Project Director at Elephant Park, Lendlease’s £2.5bn regeneration scheme being delivered in Elephant & Castle.

Lendlease has now been hard at work in Southwark for over a decade.

Elephant Park is one of our flagship projects and by 2025, we will have delivered 3,000 new homes for the borough, as well as space for over 50 retailers, new workspace and more than 11 acres of parks, streets and public places.

Construction began in 2013 and since that time we have made great progress, working in partnership with Southwark Council. We have now completed almost 1,500 homes, with over 1,000 more currently in construction. Our first new high street – Sayer Street – has opened to the public, whilst the first phase of a new park opened in 2017 and a low carbon energy centre is now up and running.

Temporary projects and public art have been introduced whilst construction continues

But as well as this physical legacy of new buildings, streets, parks and infrastructure, Elephant Park also has the ambition of seeking to help address some of most pressing challenges that face cities like London today.

12 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

It’s why – at a time when Southwark Council has recently announced a Climate Emergency in the borough – we are proud that Elephant Park is committed to being a completely net zero carbon development in operation.

It’s also why almost half of our entire masterplan has been set aside for green and public spaces - and why, by the time the project completes, we will have planted over 1,300 new trees. The provision of green spaces in London has been increasingly valued by communities in recent years, but even more so in 2020 due to the pressures we have all faced during the global pandemic.

Perhaps chief among the challenges we are seeking to help address is ensuring that Elephant Park supports and promotes the long-term sustainability of the Elephant & Castle economy, and provides tangible economic opportunities for local people and businesses.

Lendlease We have already had some success. For example, the project has already provided work for over 1,500 local residents, with over half of these jobs going to people from previously unemployed backgrounds.

And to help close the skills gap of local people who were looking for construction work, but without the necessary skills, we partnered with Southwark Council to deliver the Southwark Construction Skills Centre.

Since 2016, it has trained over 8,000 people and secured work for over 1,100.

But it’s not just about construction jobs and skills. With Elephant Park now well over halfway through its delivery, we think we can do more to build on these early successes and leave a truly lasting economic legacy for Elephant & Castle and Southwark.

Over the past 12 to 18 months we have begun to open the first phase of retail at Elephant Park and we have been prioritising spaces for small, Southwark-based, independent businesses. So far, of the retailers who have opened their doors to the public, over half of them are local businesses taking advantage of affordable rents.

And four of those entrepreneurs have come from Artworks Elephant – a business incubator project we set-up between 2014-2018 to provide low-cost, flexible business premises for local firms.

There is no doubt it has been an incredibly difficult year for the retail sector, and small businesses in particular, so we have put in place extra business mentoring support for our retailers to access.

We have also recognised that, whilst parts of Elephant Park remain a construction site, we need to provide temporary installations and public spaces to create the best possible environment for retailers to thrive. One of these – The Living Room @ Sayer Street – opened earlier this year, providing a 70m part-covered structure for outdoor seating, planting and landscaping and three pop-up kiosks for creative businesses. It’s a stunning new installation that is already driving extra footfall into the area, as well as providing additional outdoor dining areas, which are of great benefit to our retailers given ongoing Covid restrictions.

The first phase of the park at the centre of the development opened in 2017

Almost 1,500 homes are already complete with 1,500 still to go

More retail units are set to open in 2021 Looking ahead, Elephant Park is set to deliver even more retail spaces between now and 2025 but also workspace as well, allowing an even broader range of businesses to set-up in the area.

And it is not just Lendlease that is hard at work in the area, the wider regeneration of Elephant & Castle is set to deliver a further 2,000 more homes, a 350,000 sq.ft university building for the University of the Arts’ London College of Communication, a new Northern Line ticket hall, a multi-screen cinema, a library and exhibition space, plus a wide variety of other retail spaces.

forward in the area and more and more people and businesses choosing, once again, to put down their roots here, it’s a reputation that has increasing resonance today. And by the time Elephant Park is complete, we aim to have played our part in helping to secure the Elephant’s long-term economic success.

At the turn of the 20th century, Elephant & Castle had such a thriving economy that it was known as the ‘Piccadilly of the South’.

With the scale of development now coming

‘Over the past 12 to 18 months we have begun to open the first phase of retail at Elephant Park and we have been prioritising spaces for small, Southwark-based, independent businesses. So far, of the retailers who have opened their doors to the public, over half of them are local businesses taking advantage of affordable rents.’

Sayer Street - a new high street providing affordable rents for small Southwark-based businesses

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 13

How Southwark’s digital stronghold could lead the new world of work 2020 will certainly go down in the history books for being the year that fundamentally reshaped the way we work. The virus has disrupted every industry structure and business model, whilst throwing a light on communication challenges and opportunities. Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, explained it well during his earnings report to Wall Street: “we’ve seen two years’ worth of digital transformation in two months.”

This monumental shift to ‘virtual business’ has placed an emphasis on technologies that enable us to seamlessly work online, such as broadband. A recent report from online conference provider, Powwownow, illustrated the importance of connectivity to London businesses in particular: “60% of SMEs based in the Capital now value “high broadband speed and quality” as more critical to their business operations than a fully functioning supply chain.”

This survey finding formed part of a letter it wrote to government, alongside SME company leaders, which called on them to accelerate the rollout of full-fibre broadband across the UK in its National Infrastructure Strategy. Currently, just 14% of the UK has access to this gold standard of broadband.

Looking ahead, hybrid working looks set to stay. With this new world of work, there will undoubtedly be growth opportunities from the digital sector, which already contributes more than £400 million a day to the UK economy.

There will also be innovations in e-commerce, delivery companies and green industry initiatives. So, what does this mean for the entrepreneurs, micro businesses, mid-size firms and large enterprises across the length and breadth of Southwark?

borough. Hyperoptic was the first ISP LIGHT to trial 10Gbps broadband speeds and has been instrumental in pioneering the nationwide shift to full fibre. Its network now passes nearly two thirds of all properties in the borough.

Put simply, it presents a huge opportunity.

Southwark is one of a handful of areas in the UK that has significant full-fibre coverage. This is thanks to the foresight of Southwark Council, who agreed a partnership in 2018 with a broadband company called Hyperoptic, to roll out its full fibre network across the whole

With full fibre comes unlimited potential, which has never been more important giving the changing world we live in. Until 31 Jan 2021, businesses can also enjoy huge savings from Hyperoptic, with up to 55% off and free activation (worth £300).

With a ‘full fibre’ connection, businesses have a service that they can truly depend and build upon. Businesses are developing with new models, which rely on real-time communications with suppliers and customers, data-driven cloud-based business processes, and high dependency on reliable, limitless broadband connectivity. With full fibre, these processes and interactions become instantaneous, giving them an immediate and significant productivity boost.

14 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

This means that businesses in Southwark can leapfrog the connectivity restrictions faced by the vast majority of UK LIGHT businesses. By being an undisputed digital stronghold, it’s perfectly positioned to lead the UK in the new world of work.

Check out the deals opposite.

‘Businesses are developing with new models, which rely on real-time communications with suppliers and customers, data-driven cloud-based business processes, and high dependency on reliable, limitless broadband connectivity.

With full fibre, these processes and interactions become instantaneous, giving them an immediate and significant productivity boost.’

LIGH

L

HTFAST

LIGHT

Get More savings on Hyperoptic business broadband

LIGHT FAST SUPERFAST

FAST LIGHT

FAST SUPERFAST ULTRAFAST

FAST

SUPERFAST ULTRAFAST MEGAFAST

SUPERFAST FAST

From:

HYPERFAST MEGAFAST MEGAFAST

HYPERFAST MEGAFAST

SUPERFAST ULTRAFAST SUPERFASTULTRAFASTHYPERFAST ULTRAFAST HYPERFAST

150Mbps £100

ULTRAFAST HYPERFAST MEGAFAST

£45 p/m

500Mbps From:

£200

£100 p/m

MEGAFAST

HYPERFAST

1Gbps From:

£300

£170 p/m

Save up to £1,620

Save up to £2,700

Save up to £3,420

For cloud-based applications, servers and customer wifi

For heavy data users and wifi to handle lots of customers

Experience the best business broadband you can get

Average speed 150Mbps

Average speed 500Mbps

Average speed 900Mbps*

Switch to the UK’s Hyperfast business broadband and save up to 55% on our most popular packages, plus get FREE activation worth £300.

Call us on 0203 318 8216 or visit hyperoptic.com/business Prices shown are for 24-month contracts and savings calculated across 24 months + free activation worth £300. All prices are ex VAT. Other contract terms are available. *Average speeds (achievable by 50% of users) are 900Mb on a 1Gb connection, 500Mb on a 500Mb connection, 150Mb on a 150Mb connection.

Same download and upload speed applies to 150Mb, 500Mb and 1Gb services. 900Mb speed is not achievable by a single device over wifi. For a 900Mb connection to a single device, a wired connection is required. Trustpilot rating correct as of 1/9/2020. Please see our website for full Terms & Conditions.

Economy

Council Leader proud of the resilience and fortitude Southwark residents and businesses have shown through this pandemic What a time to start a new job!

Kieron Williams has been the Leader of Southwark Council for only a matter of weeks and he has had much work to do.

With the country gripped in the worst health pandemic in living memory, he has been busy working with key stakeholders – businesses, politicians and lobby groups among them – to ensure individuals and companies have access to the right support.

Since taking over the reins from Councillor Peter John OBE in September, Kieron’s immediate job has been to lead the council’s response to the pandemic, ensuring that services continue to be delivered to high standards while supporting the many residents and businesspeople who’ve suddenly found themselves out of work.

Despite the current challenging conditions, he’s optimistic about the long-term prospects for Southwark’s colourfully diverse economy.

Kieron says: “As a business community, Southwark has enjoyed huge success in the last decade and will do so again.

We’re all going through tough times at the moment – the toughest I’ve lived through.

Many companies have had to temporarily cease trading, some have gone out of business and many people have lost their livelihoods. Although a potential vaccine on the horizon is great news, the next few months will be critical. My job is to find ways of supporting businesses in any way we can so that they can get through these winter months.

“Once we have the virus under control, I firmly believe that Southwark is in a favourable position to recover.

The borough has traditional strengths in culture and the arts, construction, regeneration, biomedical research and green technologies. There is also huge potential to grow and scale up some of the many local start-ups that have been established here. COVID hasn’t taken away these capabilities and this potential.

That’s why I believe that Southwark will flourish once this is all over.”

Under Kieron’s stewardship, the council has provided a wide range of support for local businesses.

He says: “We’ve made sure that government support has reached businesses as quickly as possible, and we’ve provided top-up funds for businesses that perhaps haven’t been eligible for support from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. We’ve also been proactive in lobbying government for more targeted support for businesses.

“The furlough scheme and the scheme for the self-employed was a lifeline for many businesses and workers,” he says. “It wasn’t enough to save every business and there are still some people who haven’t received any support. With levels of infections rising, the second lockdown was probably the right thing to do but now we’ve returned to the tier system I hope that businesses can start to recoup some of the income they’ve lost.

“Going forward, we are working in partnership with key stakeholders – including Southwark Chamber and the local business improvement districts (BIDs) – to get the message out there that we’re here to support businesses. The nature of this support may change over time as the COVID crisis develops so we’ll be as flexible and adaptable as we can.

“Recently I wrote to the government, along with other London leaders, to request that funding ratios are determined on the basis of the number of businesses in an area, rather than on a per head of population basis. This would ensure a fairer distribution of wealth.”

“It’s in everyone’s interest to get the economy up and running again and to do that we need fully functioning businesses with a strong customer base. This is particularly true of our town centre businesses, including retailers that have been through the mill in recent months.

While it is the right of council leaders to question government policy and hold ministers to account, Kieron believes that the support measures so far have helped to preserve jobs and keep some businesses afloat.

“I’m incredibly proud of the resilience and fortitude that local residents and businesses have shown through this pandemic. Here at Southwark Council, we want to do all we can to build a better future for them in every aspect.”

16 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Economy

“We’ve made sure that government support has reached businesses as quickly as possible, and we’ve provided top-up funds for businesses that perhaps haven’t been eligible for support from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.“ Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 17

Big Interview

Sarah Moore-Williams, Dean of LSBU Business School Change has been the watchword for many organisations in the current coronavirus pandemic. This has been particularly true at LSBU Business School, where a huge effort has been made to ensure students continue to get the skills they need to further their career prospects and personal development.

In truth, this effort started before the country went into lockdown in the spring. By March 13, ten days before the official lockdown, the LSBU Business School had already moved much of its learning provision online.

Sarah Moore-Williams, Dean of LSBU Business School and a member of Southwark Chamber of Commerce’s executive committee, says: “We were very prepared. We were already moving towards a position where staff and students could benefit from flexible working practices and this has been very well received. Learning is done via a mix of online and face-to-face contact, which gives our students the opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance.”

The LSBU Business School has also been working closely with employers to ensure that courses are designed to equip students with the right skills.

“All of our programmes have been re-written this year with input from employers and experienced industry practitioners,” says Sarah.

“They took the time to really analyse our programmes, tell us what they needed and make suggestions on how to adapt our courses to suit. There’s a much greater focus on digital and analytical skills, as that’s what is required in almost every sector now. By being flexible in this way, we can help to build skills and attributes that can add value in the workplace, both now and in the future.”

Business school adapts to build future skills 18 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

The new programmes are aligned with the United Nations sustainability development goals and have a clear focus on personal development – something which enables students to gain confidence and realise their own potential. This approach has underpinned the university’s existence for almost 130 years.

Originally branded as the Borough Polytechnic Institute, LSBU Business School has been improving the lives of students, businesses and the local community since 1892 by forging links with key organisations locally, nationally and internationally. The LSBU Business School offers courses across a wide range of subject areas including digital marketing, business, enterprise, economics, accountancy and finance – each one with a strong vocational focus.

Big Interview

The Inside Track Sarah Moore-Williams: u Favourite food?

Italian food.

u Favourite tipple

Since covid I don’t drink but it would have been a gin and tonic.

u Favourite holiday?

The Maldives. But I also love Cornwall. And Ibiza.

u Describe your family life?

The bread and butter of a professionally accredited course is only part of the offer, however. The LSBU Business School has been keen to develop a range of initiatives to improve the overall learning experience for students.

These include internship opportunities for undergraduates and postgraduates to give them vital workplace experience, and a professional learning community hour where employers, mentors and professional bodies are brought in to enhance students’ personal and professional development.

A high-flyers club has been established for top-performing students to help fast-track them into the workplace, while four dedicated members of staff at the LSBU Business School are responsible for helping students develop key employability skills that can give them an edge in the jobs market. In partnership with a professional accountancy body and the NHS, LSBU Business School has also created a yearlong internship scheme for budding numbercrunchers in their second year of study.

“We’re finding opportunities for students in innovative ways,” says Sarah. “We have deep roots in the local community and work with many employers across a range of sectors, including those in Elephant Castle and members of Southwark Chamber of Commerce.”

LSBU Business School is a sponsor of the Chamber’s Southwark Business Excellence Awards, which is being run virtually this year to celebrate the achievements and resilience of the borough’s vibrant business community.

Sarah says: “This is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the diversity of businesses within the borough. Southwark is a key economic hub in London and has a fantastic blend of large corporates and small independent businesses.”

Sarah has had strong links with LSBU Business School for the best part of a quarter of a century. She gained an accountancy and finance degree there in 1997 and forged a successful career in the industry before returning to LSBU Business School as a lecturer in 2009.

She became interim Dean of the LSBU Business School in August 2018, a position that was made permanent a few weeks later.

Looking to the future, Sarah believes that one of the biggest challenges will be to keep up with the changing needs of employers and anticipate what skills they’ll need in a few years’ time.

“That’s difficult because even the businesses themselves don’t know for certain,” she says.

“We’ll keep working with them and doing research that will help us to understand what they’ll need.

“We’ll develop our learning provision to make it even more accessible to students and do our utmost to keep them motivated for the long haul.

It’s easy for many young people to think that in the current climate they’ll never get a job, but COVID will eventually pass, the economy will improve and job opportunities will be made available, especially in emerging industries such as green technologies. Let’s not focus on what we’ve lost; let’s look to future opportunities that will inevitably present themselves.”

“This is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the diversity of businesses within the borough.

Southwark is a key economic hub in London and has a fantastic blend of large corporates and small independent businesses.”

Chaotic. 2 children, a husband, 2 cats and a horse. Quite chaotic but fun and challenging. Never a dull moment. Always something going on. Renovating our house which keeps us busy.

u How do you spend your downtime?

I don’t have any downtime!

But we do like going away.

We go to Cornwall quite a lot.

Or with family.

u What are your key strengths as a manager?

A sense of humour helps.

Creativity and empathy.

u And your limitations?

Patience and prioritisation when there is so much to do in a limited time.

u Best thing about doing business in the borough?

The diversity of the community.

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

Isambard Kingdom Brunel – an engineer from the Victorian times.

u Most interesting fact about yourself?

I have a long connection with Southwark and the surrounding area. My great-great grandad was an engineer operating Tower Bridge, my great grandma ran a pub on Jamaica Road in Bermondsey and my granddad was a train driver running from Waterloo.

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 19

Skills

Staffing, skilling and student placements: Solutions with LSBU Business School Utilise the skills of our students and graduates for business solutions various interim solutions, with many also keen to continue working on a part-time basis afterwards, giving some businesses the flexibility they are looking for”.

Harnessing students’ skills in the business environment

With the academic year well underway, our students are once again studying on courses and out on placement.

Business needs and students providing solutions At LSBU Business School, our Commercial Student Experience Team work closely with the local business community. Lyn Hamblin, Commercial Student Experience lead has been working with local businesses throughout the pandemic to support on finding solutions to overcome business challenges in these unusual circumstances.

Lyn has found that businesses are valuing placement opportunities our students are actively seeking, finding that these wellequipped students can provide interim solutions businesses can benefit from.

Lyn explains “these enthusiastic, cost-effective, committed, technically-minded students offer a way for businesses to take on staff for

Students are actively looking for placements as part of their course, keen to develop their skills and gain practical experience. Having already adapted to remote working for their studies, students across LSBU Business School have skills in a range of business areas; accounting, finance, marketing, planning and marketing – to name but a few.

employerenquiries@lsbu.ac.uk

20 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

What can you tell us about the courses?

I’m really excited about the digital leadership courses we’re launching, supporting businesses in the digital sphere.

We’re exploring current topics including Leading Business Transformation with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Leveraging Blockchain for Resilient and Sustainable Supply Chains, Blockchain for Enterprise and Big Data Analytics.

Who teaches the courses?

Many of our students are actively looking for work placements and placements from 1 month to 10-12 months in January, April and July/August.

Talent pool

What’s the importance of these?

Placements and Internships

LSBU Business School is a diverse student community, with a rich mix of students graduating with the skills and knowledge needed by businesses. Able to advertise to students soon to graduate as well as to those already graduated, our Commercial Student Experience Team are HR specialists and can handle the recruitment process for you end to end, to ensure the right fit for your needs.

Ways to get involved If you’d like to work with our students in another way, there are opportunities for guest speaking, mentoring and exhibiting at a job fair with us – please get in touch.

MSc International Business Management student Arpit Sarupria took on an Internship with Entrepreneur Rafael Dos Santos (MBA), working as a Social Media & Marketing Manager for “High Profile Club”. He was responsible for creating, tracking the performance of and reviewing blog posts, developing social media strategies and co-wrote two PR e-books for health and tech entrepreneurs during his placement. He says “my course helped me understand how the UK business market works, and the business practices people follow. In a nutshell, the course helped me implement my theoretical knowledge in a practical manner on the placement”.

To discuss your business needs and find out more about our talent pool, please contact our team at

LSBU Business School are launching a range of digital leadership courses.

We talk to LSBU Business School Head of Digital, Vijak Haddadi, to find out more.

The courses are led by experts and thought leaders with a wealth of knowledge in their area, including Technical Director at Deloitte, Ivana Bartoletti, Chief Inspiration Officer for a fintech company, Dr Jane Thomason, as well as Helen Disney, featured on the Women in Fintech Power List 2016, and one of top 100 Most Inspirational Women in Blockchain.

Case Study: Social Media & Marketing Internship

Get in touch

New Digital Leadership courses

There’s so much change in the digital world, keeping up as a business is key.

The courses tackle real issues, so having the time and space to think about these with other professionals outside of the office environment (even if that’s now online) is a great way to find solutions.

When are they taught?

We appreciate taking time out of work and other commitments can be hard, so we’ve developed the courses as a series of afternoons, meaning you progress through the course without needing to take substantial time off. The courses run from February 2021 throughout the year.

How are they taught?

We’re teaching online at the moment, but as and when it’s safe to do so we plan to move these to face to face delivery.

Are there any other options?

Absolutely; we can also work with businesses to develop bespoke solutions.

Business Development Manager, Dan Janowski would be delighted to have a conversation about the options.

Find out more at lsbu.ac.uk/digitalleadership or contact Dan Janowski via email at janowsd2@lsbu.ac.uk

Labyrinth Technology

EXPLAINER: 4 Elements of Todays IT for Business Matt Dunn Business Support Director

Labyrinth Technology has been working with businesses of all shapes and sizes for nearly 20 years. Our only aim is to provide an honest, efficient and proactive service so that we can help our clients get the most from their IT. In that spirit I just wanted to give Southwark Chamber members a quick guide to 4 elements of IT and IT support in today’s business world.

OUTSOURCED IT UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS (UC).  Eliminates the significant costs involved SUPPORT is when an IT company provides IT services as opposed to you having to employ your own team to do this. Why? As our name suggests, IT is a Labyrinth of complexity, with a multitude of products, services, platforms, hardware and so on.

Outsourcing your IT needs should be a cost-effective way for you to have the latest information, advice and support at your fingertips. And being fully scalable, IT outsourcing is suitable for businesses of any size and can adapt as your business grows.

Advantages are:

 Usually a remote service, meaning no need for you to invest in expensive office space.

 Fully governed by contractual SLA’s, meaning no more waiting for your IT department “to get around to it”

 Scalable, meaning the outsourced

in the set-up and maintenance of on-site servers.

 You can easily scale your service up and down at any time to meet your needs.

 If disaster strikes, you can quickly and

easily restore access to your Cloud services.

Usually, your data is mirrored in multiple data centres.

CYBER SECURITY is a term that is regularly in the news, but what is it? In a nutshell it is about protecting your SYSTEMS and DEVICES (laptops, tablets, phones etc) from theft, damage or attack. Enhancing your cyber security is a cornerstone of your defence against cybercrime, cyberterrorism and cyberattacks, as well as your data protection policies, and your disaster recovery capability. It encompasses such things as network, application, operational and information security, and increasingly endpoint security (or “end user” security).

We no longer live in a world bound by the constraints of the office desk. As devastating as Coronavirus has been, it has liberated the thinking behind how we communicate.

And the technology behind UC has moved at an overwhelming pace for most owners, managers and employees to understand.

The UC world can be divided into voice calling, video calling, messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, team collaboration and much more! Ultimately EVERY business needs to communicate. But whilst video conferencing may be essential, you may NOT need team collaboration.

So, understanding both your INTERNAL and EXTERNAL communications strategies will form the basis of your UC requirement.

Advantages can be:

IT support can grow with your business in an agile fashion.

 Reduced costs, because unlike traditional

to suit your requirements and budget.

 Better productivity, because employees

communications, UC systems operate in the cloud (that place again!).

 Cost effective; competitive pricing designed

will have a range of communications tools that they feel comfortable with.

CLOUD SERVICES is a subject that can be mystifying for many.

You may have heard of the terms “the cloud”, “cloud computing” or “cloud storage”, but what do they mean? Are they different services?

What exactly is “the cloud”? Well, put simply, it’s the internet. Or rather the ability to connect to products, services, data and storage via the internet.

Advantages are:

For years we have all looked to a local, physical and limited space server system for the storage of our sensitive and important data. But now, businesses are taking advantage of potentially limitless cloud storage space for data, services, backup and disaster recovery.

 Avoidance of legal action, because you may

Advantages are:

 Reduced chance of missed business

 Enables users to access their data and

applications from anywhere in the world where there’s an internet connection!

Particularly useful if you have more than one office.

 You can easily scale your service up and down at any time to meet your needs.

 Higher customer service, as now all

communications (as the name suggests) can be unified, and you can always be in control of your communications, wherever you are.

 Reduced financial losses. The average loss per breach for a medium UK business is £3,770.

 Reduced reputational loss. Do you want

YOUR customers to know that your data (and possibly THEIR data has been compromised?

find yourself facing this if you’re the victim of a data breach and didn’t have adequate policies in place to help prevent it opportunities, not only because your reputation remains impeccable, but also because if your systems and/or website go down, in todays world that means lost leads and sales.

IN SUMMARY, modern technology is a daunting thing for firms that simply want to focus on their day to day business. You need the best, clearest and most honest advice, and we make it clear on our website that “our approachable staff will use plain English and not confuse you with technical jargon”.

So, let us guide you through the maze of modern technology.

Call today and see how Labyrinth Technology can help power your business with IT that works.

Tel: 020 3790 7500

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 21

Grown Up Recruitment Here at Amdas, we measure success by end results. These are the results we deliver to clients and candidates. Our results are generated by the four core values of our company culture.

Each team member has been selected for their ability to work autonomously, take a logical approach, be open minded and to listen.

Let our experienced team help you.

Client or a candidate, we can assure you that you will have one, consistent point of contact throughout your recruitment journey.

Each Amdas consultant is a hands on, 360 recruiter. Each recruiter operates in their own niche sector. As a team, we operate on the principle that clients prefer one Key Account Manager (KAM). We have structured the business to this effect. Our sector specialists can resource in their given discipline using their market expertise, but will work in conjunction with your KAM. Therefore, if you have requirements outside of your KAM’s discipline, they will consult with another sector specialist. They will then utilise their specific knowledge to resource the most suitable candidates.

In addition to our specialists, our team has the advantage of people joining through training programmes. These people have developed into niche specialists with the support of experienced consultants and the directors of Amdas who continue to manage the business and operate in their own recruitment specialisms.

Candidates who register with us will benefit from our commitment to ascertaining their priorities and career ambitions. We cannot guarantee that we will always find them a job. However, we will do our utmost to assist them to secure the perfect role. We can assure you that you will receive honest advice, delivered by capable consultants whose skills have been honed through cyclical recruitment markets.

Delivering the best London talent

+44 (0) 203 814 3600

www.amdas.co.uk

AMDAS

BREXIT READY? with Daniel Malkoun

What a year 2020 has been to date!

With so many unprecedented challenges it is expected that most people have forgotten to address how an imminent Brexit will affect their businesses from January 1st 2021.

Amdas has been preparing to help and advise companies in 3 specific areas which are likely to affect businesses: 1. Data Privacy (GDPR) - concerns aspects of how you must handle personal data.

2. Cyber Security - covering how to protect your data including the wider issue of systems’ integrity.

3. Immigration Policy - advice on how the changes will affect staffing.

How will these external factors affect businesses?

•

GDPR

If your business retains customers’ personal data in any form you will be exposed to risks of fines from the ICO for GDPR non-compliance.

In the event of a no deal Brexit, the UK will no longer fall under the EU GDPR. The Data Protection Act 2018 will remain in place and the Government says it w intends to bring the GDPR into UK law on exit, to sit alongside it. The stated desired outcome as a Third Country is to achieve Adequacy Status but this cannot be applied for until the day the UK leaves.

There will be legal hiatus during this application period to cover the restricted transfer which can be covered by Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) or Binding Corporate Rules (BCR) in most cases.

If you don’t have this in place you may be subject to significant fines from the ICO.

•

Cyber Security

If your systems are hacked or this data is exposed due to inadequate cyber security protocols you could be prosecuted under GDPR. Additionally, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reported that 54% of UK SME’s had been victim to cyber crime with each incident costing up to an average of £5,000 per incident in 2019.

One of the best defences is the introduction of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus for companies. This involves a review of existing security protocols and practices with a bespoke plan to ensure a minimum level of protection. It has been shown that cyber criminals are 92% more likely to look for easier targets if you display the Cyber Essentials (and Cyber Essentials Plus) badge. This level of certification is also a requirement of dealing within the g-cloud.

•

Immigration

There is currently no provision for the employment of unskilled EU workers who don’t qualify for the proposed points based, or sponsorship, systems.

This lack of consideration covers what is widely regarded as the majority of the blue-collar labour force (excluding agriculture) and threatens to potentially criminalise employees and employers alike.

There are significant fines for employing illegal immigrants. The UK government wishes instead for companies to consider alternative paths for companies to pursue to fill hiring gaps once the economy starts to gather momentum again.

AMDAS has a range of options open to employers, they are well placed to advise companies on adapting to the new workspace, and filling these skills shortages at this operational level.

There are a number of schemes and strategies available which we have been working with companies on adapting to their needs over the last 4 months.

All of the above are likely to affect your business in some way and are imminent threats, yet are easily and cost effectively resolvable. Combined GDPR and Cyber Security solutions (in conjunction with our technical partners Privacy Specialists) are available from circa £2,950.

With non-compliance to GDPR and cyber security likely to result in expensive fines, loss of reputation and not being able to recruit the talent required, can you take the risk in ignoring these issues?

If the answer is NO, Amdas can help with a FREE consultation.

Call 020 3488 2022 or email daniel.malkoun@amdas.co.uk

Get 20% Off our bespoke services when booked before December 24th 2020.

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 23

The London Bridge BID Ballot 2021-26 WE ARE TEAM LONDON BRIDGE. You may know us for our local police officers and pocket parks, our community grants or arts programme?

Or perhaps our DealCard and CargoBike scheme? We put up living walls and pull-down social barriers. Our whole existence is dedicated to improving the area for local businesses, their customers and staff. It’s Our London Bridge, we’re in this together.

For the past 15 years local businesses have committed to being part of a Business Improvement District (BID) and now is the time to commit to Our London Bridge together for another five years.

Eligible businesses within the London Bridge BID area will be asked to vote in a ballot held between 25 January and 25 February. It’s a postal ballot so a nominated voter – usually the rate payer – will be asked to return a ballot paper sent to them at the registered address.

A YES vote will mean that London Bridge businesses will continue to fund things like additional police patrols, street and public space cleansing, promoting the area, events and arts installations, as well as being able to be part of a wealth of projects that are helping the area become more green and sustainable. The BID process means that a majority no vote will put an end to these additional services in the area.

2021 will be an important year for our businesses and Team London Bridge is geared up to support the local economy through turbulent times ahead.

See teamlondonbridge.co.uk for details of the London Bridge BID ballot

If the past 15 years has confirmed one thing, it’s that we are much stronger together than apart.

Vote YES this winter to achieve many more remarkable things together in Our London Bridge.

Soul Food from the

‘New East’

Rosehip and Rye cooked locally in Southwark’s Spa Terminus

By Susan Isaacs Arts and Restaurant Correspondent This evolved into a catering and delivery service, which is particularly helpful during the pandemic, and with lockdown in mind, they have developed recipes which can be prepared from frozen.

The company started out catering mainly for Russian expats, who are scattered all over London.

But they wanted to introduce these flavours from the New East to a whole new audience, and they are doing that extremely successfully.

Saturday afternoon our whole family waited in excited anticipation.

Snippets of Russian songs, and the soft thud of dancing feet reverberate from under the ice-cold railway arches near Maltby Street Market.

Two gorgeous chefs are dancing in several pairs of thick woollen socks to keep warm as they cook. They are Katrina Kollegaeva, an Estonian, and Karina Baldry, a Muscovite, cooks, food anthropologists and writers. They bring the delicious flavours of Eastern Europe from their kitchen in the heart of Southwark, to the UK. They cater for events and deliver a scrumptious array of Eastern European food to your doors, once a week. When the first lockdown came down, the two women quickly set up an online shop, where you can buy their own home-cooked food, as well as a selection of artisanal products from the UK, many of whom are their Spa Terminus neighbours: Oliveology Greek oil, raw yoghurt from Kappacasein Dairy, Welsh cured meats, Lithuanian honey.

The charismatic duo started out in 2012 when they met at the launch of Karina’s book ‘Russia on a Plate’. Their ‘modest’ mission was to revolutionise the image of Eastern-European food in the UK. They began by creating a supperclub exploring the food cultures from across, what they call, the ‘New East’ - from Estonia to Russia, Ukraine and Georgia.

Many of their events provided a dash of theatre as well. A white rabbit in full costume might beckon you to an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party, replete with Russian pastries, and Rosehip Tea.

At 3 o’clock on the dot came a ring on the doorbell. A tall dark handsome man, with the looks and accent of a Russian actor, put his head round the door. But he was no actor, he was the genuine thing. And he came bearing food wrapped in beautiful packages.

We leaped on the goodies.

Badrijani was the first dish we opened, delicate aubergine slices, griddled, cooked in spice and garlic.

There was delicious beetroot cured salmon, and Blinchiki parcels- little pastries filled with beef, incredibly more-ish.

Next came truffle pelmeni - frozen!

These are Siberian dumplings stuffed with buttery potatoes, mushrooms, and truffle paste. Following instructions, we boiled them gently for about 10 minutes until they floated to the top fished them out and served them with butter and caramelised onions.

I should have waited patiently for the Kartoshka truffles - chocolate, with walnuts, and brandy, but I must confess, once I ate one, I downed the rest of them very very very quickly indeed, to the irritation of everyone else.

The Bad dam buri - which are Georgian pastries with (more!) walnuts and cardamom, are equally delicious, and disappeared equally quickly.

It is so impressive the way Karina, and Katrina have adapted to this tough economic climate, and bring the delights of Russian food to Southwark and beyond. If you are looking for delicious and unusual food or want to give a special present to a friend, I cannot think of a better gift.

It is truly delicious. www.rosehipandrye.co.uk Instagram and Facebook @RosehipandRye

‘At 3 o’clock on the dot came a ring on the doorbell. A tall dark handsome man, with the looks and accent of a Russian actor, put his head round the door. But he was no actor, he was the genuine thing. And he came bearing food wrapped in beautiful packages.’

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 25

Looking for Ground Transport provider? Look no further...

Delivering Quality

Our Mercedes Fleet takes care ofWepassenger comfort can assist in providing vehicles for any occasion, Business or Leisure -

We can assist in providing vehicles for any occasion, or Leisure RoadshowsBusinessCorporate Meetings & Events

Weddings

Airport Transfers

Sight Seeing

Event Management

We can take care of any ground transport requirements and manage it for you. BOOK NOW!

0203 9970 092

res@ukcbgroup.com

www.ukcarbookings.com

Voice from Westminster

VOICE from WESTMINSTER Neil Coyle MP This year has brought great hardship and suffering across our country, in our capital, and here in our beloved Southwark. We have seen the highest death toll from COVID in Europe and tens of thousands of families will be missing loved ones this Christmas.

The year 2020 has been tragic on a human level and in terms of economic damage. A fifth of our economy has been lost and we are the worst hit country of the G7. In Bermondsey and Old Southwark, more than 5,000 people have already lost work and thousands more have been reliant on the furlough and self-employment income support schemes which the government only belatedly extended by default through the second lockdown.

The end of the first lockdown brought a glimmer of hope that was dashed as the government failed to administer an effective test and trace system, despite the best efforts of employers across our borough to participate, including those in the retail and hospitality sectors. The sacrifices of the first lockdown and costs of “COVIDsafe” measures in many businesses were squandered and the further – avoidable – lockdown imposed to try to reduce the rising covid infection rate.

The easing of restrictions post-lockdown is another huge test and comes alongside positive news of vaccine developments and improvements in treating people with COVID. But public safety concerns mean this Christmas will not reap the usual rewards for Southwark businesses, especially with further

growth in online shopping hitting high street firms. I believe online platforms need to pay their fair share of taxes, uphold employment rights and ensure consumer safety.

I have been working with the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), based in Southwark, on this issue. A shop would face heavy fines for putting fake or dangerous goods in their window, but online retail giants do not appear to face the same consequences. The BTHA recently reported that 60% of children’s toys sold online did not meet UK safety standards. This is hugely worrying; UK law needs to change to tackle the problem. I hope that the government acts to protect children as well as protect British businesses that make and sell genuine, safe toys.

I’ve also been working closely with the Bermondsey-based Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) ahead of the January 1 Brexit transition deadline. The government told us that this would be the “easiest deal in history” but has squandered hundreds of millions of pounds telling businesses to be ready for a deadline without knowing what to be ready for.

A limited deal, which is expected imminently, breaches most of the promises made by the Leave campaign and Boris Johnson on security (including Northern Ireland), economic access (especially for services) and more. But, with the threat of No Deal as the alternative, it appears that the country faces a Hobson’s Choice in order to protect the 43% of our exports which go to the EU. The WSTA and I campaigned against new, costly requirements on importing EU wines and convinced ministers to postpone government plans that would hit importers and wine drinkers. This would have done additional damage to our hospitality sector and thankfully we won a reprieve until July 2021 and hope to ensure that the government abandons the proposals in the new year.

As this difficult year comes to an end, I thank you for your resilience and fortitude in fighting COVID and ensuring Southwark continues to be such an excellent community in which businesses and people can thrive. I hope that 2021 brings a brighter and more prosperous time.

‘The end of the first lockdown brought a glimmer of hope that was dashed as the government failed to administer an effective test and trace system, despite the best efforts of employers across our borough to participate, including those in the retail and hospitality sectors.’

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 27

Remembering when...

Remembering when... the Troopship HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury

By Ken Hayes - Honorary Membership Secretary The Troopship HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury on 22nd June 1948 with 1,027 passengers from the Caribbean of which 539 were Jamaican.

They had come to England to find work at the invitation of the UK Government and had paid a fare of £28.10 shillings,

(£1,0029 in value today).

Among those Caribbean natives, there were Polish nationals, (mainly women and children), displaced by WWII, members of the RAF and British natives. Caribbean migration between 1948 and 1971 became known as the Windrush Generation.

28 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Britain was recovering from the WWII bombings and rebuilding was beginning.

Many young Caribbean men and women who had served in the British armed forces decided to come to Britain to help as unemployment was high at home. These new arrivals were not welcomed

as they thought they would be. Oswald ‘Columbus’ Denniston said, “the atmosphere on board the Windrush was jolly, we had two or three bands and calypso singers. Jamaican people are happy-go-lucky, when you have more than six you have a party”. He was 35 when he arrived in England and he began working the same day at the shelter in Clapham where the passengers were staying, handing out rations.

Oswald settled in Brixton where he worked as a street trader. He died in 2000 aged 86. He said. “Many of us thought we would come here for a better education and stay for about five years, but then some of us have stayed 50”.

Remembering when...

Many of the native British population resented the migrants arrival in the post war period, when rationing was still in place, housing was in short supply and they had a different skin colour. They also resented them taking their jobs, even those that they did not want to do themselves.

Signs were posted outside Public Houses and Lodging Houses which read. No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs. In spite of this resistance the immigrants knuckled down, worked hard and integrated into the communities where they settled. As British subjects the people who disembarked from the Empire Windrush in1948 were entitled to come to, stay and go from the UK as they wished.

They shared the same nationality as the resident population as well as the many other British subjects of the British Commonwealth.

Successive Acts of Parliament in 1962, 1968 and 1971 were passed to restrict the rights of Black and Asian people from countries such as Jamaica and India. The 1971 Immigration Act preserved certain immigration rights of Commonwealth citizens who had already settled, but firmly established a distinction among British subjects

“In 1995 two of the passengers on the Empire Windrush, Sam King and Arthur Torrington set up the Windrush Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to keeping alive the memories of the young men and women who came to Britain to build a new life for themselves after WWII.” concerning rights to enter and stay in the UK. A decade later in 1981 the British Nationality Act established what is now British citizenship.

The result of that was that many Commonwealth citizens ceased to be British subjects, but did not become British citizens.

In 1995 two of the passengers on the Empire Windrush, Sam King and Arthur Torrington set up the Windrush Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to keeping alive the memories of the young men and women who came to Britain to build a new life for themselves after WWII. Sam had served in the RAF in the last years of the War as a skilled aircraft fitter. Sam returned to Jamaica after the War but could not get a job due to the high unemployment rate in Jamaica. He saw an

advertisement in the Gleaner newspaper and bought a ticket on the Empire Windrush to come to Britain to help the country rebuild. Sam settled in Camberwell south London and he applied to the Royal Mail and got a job as a Postman and was subsequently promoted to a manager. He worked for the Royal Mail for 34 years. He recalled being greeted at work with a heckle by a white worker who yelled, “Send ‘em back”. Sam’s quickwitted riposte was, “I am all in favour of sending them back as long as you start with the Mayflower.”

Sam got involved with two Brixton based newspapers, founded By Claudia Jones in 1958, the West Indian Gazette and the Afro-Asian- Caribbean News. He was among those who helped Claudia to organise an indoor Caribbeanstyle Carnival at St. Pancras

Town Hall, which eventually became the annual Notting Hill Carnival.

Sam also became involved in community activism on migrant welfare issues. He joined the labour Party and in 1963 he was elected as a Southwark Councillor for Bellenden Ward in Peckham and a year later was elected the first black Mayor of Southwark.

The National Front were very active in the area and let it be known that if Sam became the Mayor they said they were going to slit his throat and burn his house down. Sam’s reaction was, “I am not against them slitting my throat, but they must not burn down my house, because it is not a council house. In 1998 Sam King was awarded an MBE for his community and political service. He was granted the Freedom of the Borough of Southwark in 2016. Sam died aged 90 in June the same year and there is a Blue plaque in his memory on his former home.

There is no doubt that the Windrush Generation migration from the Caribbean, helped Britain rebuild in the post WWII era and contributed greatly to the life and culture of our country.

“As British subjects the people who disembarked from the Empire Windrush in1948 were entitled to come to, stay and go from the UK as they wished. They shared the same nationality as the resident population as well as the many other British subjects of the British Commonwealth.”

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 29

Locked up during lockdown?

Long hours spent working from home?

Struggling with back pain?

Book an appointment at bodytonic clinic to find out how we can help you become pain free.

Quote ‘Southwark’

for

£10

off your first treatment *

0203 6060 490 bodytonicclinic.co.uk bodytonicUK

Osteopathy Yoga Pilates Massage Health & Beauty *£10 OFF only valid on first osteopathy appointment, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

bodytonic clinic

Life in

lockdown

How to boost your

exercise motivation

By Bethany Elliott-Hutton Struggling with motivation to exercise?

Here are 5 top tips on how to keep fit, focused and moving during lockdown, regardless of which tier you are in!

As COVID-19 persists and the country remains in tiered lockdown, it’s not surprising that many of us have lost interest in our home workouts and exercise routines. As lockdown continues we ask ourselves how do we stop our motivation to exercise from dwindling?

Exercise has been proven to have many benefits, here’s a few that might entice you to dust off your running trainers and yoga mats.

Exercise not only benefits our physical health but also plays a key role in maintaining good mental health.

During and after exercising hormones known as endorphins are released.

This hormone helps us deal with stress, pain and boosts our mood! As well as an increase in circulating endorphins, your body also experiences a healthy spike in the amount of oxygenated blood circulating post exercise.

Increased levels of oxygen in your blood is a natural energizer that will help make those looming work tasks and tricky conversations with your boss a little bit more manageable.

So you may be saying, yes this all sounds great, but how do I keep myself motivated to exercise?

Here are 5 top tips to keep yourself motivated to exercise during lockdown.

support bubble, or find a 1. Routine is everything, plan ahead - with the separation community online. Keeping between work and home life it competitive can also help becoming ever more difficult keep you motivated and stay to distinguish, finding time to accountable for those sessions exercise can be tough. that you could quite easily just It’s important to plan any pass up on. workouts into your daily 4.

Mix it up - don’t think that schedule. A workout first thing every workout has to be a in the morning may work best high intensity, heart pumping, for those struggling to start the day with a spring in their step. energetic endeavour. Mix The endorphins released during up your workout routines exercise can dramatically help by adding in some gentle increase energy levels for the yoga, meditation or breathing day ahead. Make sure to give sessions. Slowing down our yourself some accountability by breath and taking time out of writing down how and when our day to relax can help calm you plan to exercise, this will our nervous system down. make you more likely to do it!

5. Little and often - an hours 2. Pre workout prep - set exercise a day can sometimes up your workout area at the feel a little bit daunting. If beginning of the day. Make sure you haven’t got enough time, you have enough space for you may want to think about those side lunges or burpees! breaking up your workouts There is nothing more annoying into 3x20 min sessions a day. than hitting your hand on a This will make it feel more lampshade during a set of manageable. jumping jacks. Ensuring your space is ready to use gets you If you are injured, in pain or in the workout mindset and need some guidance on returning gives you less excuse not to exercise then the team at to get stuck in. bodytonic clinic are here to help.

We have a team of experienced 3. Keep it social - sometimes osteopaths, physiotherapists and exercising on our own can clinical pilates instructors who are get monotonous and boring. here to help you return to your Try and make your sessions optimal health and get back to more interesting by working out with someone in your the exercise that you love.

For more information on how to effectively boost your exercise motivation please feel free to contact bodytonic clinic at bodytonicclinic.co.uk and one of our team members will be happy to answer any of your questions.

10-11 Dock Offices, Surrey Quays Road, London, SE16 2XU.

0203 6060 490

bodytonicclinic.co.uk

Canada Water, Stratford and Wapping

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 31

Events

Southwark businesses celebrated at virtual awards ceremony

Southwark’s brilliant business community was celebrated at an awards ceremony held virtually for the first-time on Thursday 26 November.

The Southwark Business Excellence Awards, held in association with London South Bank University, saw more 190 hopefuls and their friends, family and colleagues log in to watch the awards evening, hosted by award-winning broadcaster Fayon Dixon.

an amazing year for us. We are in the events sector, and had to shut down, but we are problem-solvers so put our efforts into creating our online events solution. I didn’t launch my own business when I was younger as I wanted to be ready, and I have learned so much.

I am elated by the recognition.”

A total of 11 categories were decided on the evening, including the prestigious Southwark Business of the Year Award, which was won by Peace Ballers.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic causing disruption for so many, business resilience and a commitment to deliver for customers, clients and the wider community has remained as strong as ever. More than 120 entries from 84 businesses were submitted for the awards.

Zion Zachary, CEO, Peace Ballers said: “I am personally very touched to have been recognised as a winner and am totally blown away. This really has been

The 2020 Southwark Business Excellence Awards Winners: • Business of the Year Sponsored by London South Bank University Winner - Peace Ballers • Best Business for Customer Service Winner – D.A.Y Highly Commended – TheLodge.space Commended – Incentive FM Group • Best Charity or Social Enterprise Sponsored by Elephant & Castle Town Centre Winner – The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education Highly Commended – Theatre Peckham Commended – Restorative Justice for All International Institute (RJ4AII) Commended - UK Homes 4 Heroes Pride & Passion

Sarah Moore-Williams, Dean of London South Bank University Business School, said: “We’re delighted to have once again sponsored the awards – and what an evening it’s been. We have seen the best of Southwark’s Business community celebrated this evening and we’re proud to be a part of it.

“Well done to everyone this evening you’re an inspiration to so many.”

In a joint statement Peter Mantell and Richard Kalmar from Southwark Chamber of Commerce said: “Congratulations to each and every one of our finalists and award winners.

• Best Employer Sponsored by Landsec Winner – Inner Circle Consulting Highly Commended – TOPDesk Commended – Holistic & Beauty Therapy • Best Medium Sized Business Winner – CD International Highly Commended – Complete IT Commended – Inner Circle • Best Small Business Sponsored by Lendlease Winner – Support & Sustain Highly Commended – Adriot Accountax Commended – Berry Cole Studios Commended – Friddle’s Cakes • Contribution to the Community Sponsored by Great Portland Estates Winner – Unity Music Arts Team Highly Commended – VHR Commended – De’Osa Catering & Events

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

SOUTHWARK’S CHRISTMAS VIRTUAL BEER TASTING Thursday, 10th December at 6pm

Southwark was, and arguably is, the center of the world beer scene.

From the world’s largest brewery in the 19th century to the hippest hotspot of micro-breweries in the 21st century, and home to the world famous Bermondsey Beer Mile!

This tasting session is an opportunity to sample the traditional tastes of beer produced in Southwark and also learn how the new flavours are developing.

To celebrate this, Southwark Chamber of Commerce have arranged a virtual beer tasting and invites you to participate.

This is a great opportunity to: • Meet fellow local businesses and explore business opportunities • Learn about and, of course, taste the beer • Support a local brewer during a very challenging time with some CSR • Entertain clients safely in the runup to Christmas. We can arrange breakout rooms to facilitate networking.

• Actually, have some fun in the runup to what looks like a very restricted Christmas season. £35 for Chamber members and £40 for non-members, courtesy of chamber member Southwark Brewery, who will deliver a six pack of different beers to your home address and then give a virtual zoom presentation for about an hour, followed by breakout rooms for as long as you choose, or the beer runs out!

For your free registration contact: admin@southwarkcommerce.com or call Sonia on: 07477581977

32 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

“It was a pleasure to join our business community for an evening of celebration.

Everyone has worked so hard to get to this point and, in what has been a |difficult year, it has been great to highlight and showcase the hard work of so many people.”

The Awards programme is sponsored by headline partner London South Bank University, event partners Southwark Chamber of Commerce and Southwark Council, sponsored by British Land, Elephant & Castle Town Centre, Great Portland Estates, Landsec, Lendlease, and supported by Insight 6, Southwark News, Sea Containers London and Hiver Beers.

Entrepreneur of the Year Winner – Zion Zachary, Peace Ballers Highly Commended – Sean Baradaran, Greenzen Commended – Mark Allan, Job Doctors Women in Business Sponsored by British Land Winner – Sarah Preece, Mountview Highly Commended – Jennifer O’Donnell, Jane Jefferson Cleaning Commended – Helen Cuthbert, Planning Potential Commended – Jane Langley, Blue Patch • Best Business for Hospitality, Leisure, Food & Beverage Winner – Bankside Hotel Highly Commended – Diogenes the Dog Commended – Tower Tandoori • The Southwark Culture & Tourism Award Winner – Copeland Park & Bussey Building Highly Commended – Mountview •

•

WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM WILL YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF?

A FREE introductory talk for Southwark businesses We are all aware of social media’s increasing importance in promoting your products and business but, with Instagram ratings soaring, is LinkedIn still the go to place for business or should you be focusing on tweets and is it worth paying for Google AdWords?

To answer these important questions and have an interesting intro into social media at all levels we are delighted to have Tendai Chagweda, social media specialist lecturer, addressing the chamber on a virtualzoom meeting.

The details of the event are: • One hour talk at 6:00pm on Wednesday 16th December 2020 • Basic introduction • The advantages of the different platforms for your business To learn more about Tendai click: https://quest4success.co.uk/ Please register for free at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/128769658515 or contact: Sonia on: admin@southwarkcommerce.com or call: 07477581977

5

Reasons to Join Us

The Last Word

GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH QUALITY NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Our broad range of members share advice, experience and peer support for business owners who want to take their business to the next level.

business demographic of Southwark.

We help our members build strong commercial connections within London.

The Last Word

We support them in being part of the Capital’s community and economy.

Membership is great for networking and building your business.

Nabeel Sheikh Managing Director UK Car Bookings

1 Networking events

4 Southwark Business Today

•

Develop new business relationships

•

•

Find trusted suppliers and meet new customers

Free bi-monthly copy of Southwark Business Today

I am 40 years old now, started my work life at a young age, and aim to carry on for as long as possible.

•

Discounts for advertising in Southwark Business Today

•

Members can submit articles about their business sector

Whether you are a sole trader, microbusiness, a mid-sized firm or part of a global organisation, our members reflect the diverse

•

Regular mailings on news & up-coming events in the Borough Social events

2 Advice and Support •

Seminars on new developments, local policy, and key business issues

•

Access to peer-to-peer advice

•

Engagement with Local councillors

3 Affiliate benefits from London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)

•

Access to selected LCCI events as advertised by SCC

I have been employed in many positions.

I have spent over 15 years in Ground transport and now running my own business, which was running very well till COVID-19 came.

5 Discounts & Promotions •

Discounts at local establishments.

•

Member to member discounts ••••••••

JOIN TODAY Tel : 07477 581977

Email : admin@southwarkcommerce.com

www.southwarkcommerce.com

I believe in hard work and keep trying, I am positive that I can get my business back to where it was before 2020 through hard work.

Q1. What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

Mc Donald’s, in 1996, I think pay was around £4 per hour.

Q2. If you were prime minister,

what would be your first decision?

Every London street cleared of roadworks.

Q3. What is the biggest challenge

in your business?

Sales, I am the worst sales person and secondly keeping up with the technology.

Southwark Chamber of Commerce welcomes its latest member company

Q4. If you could do another job,

Church Street Hotel 29-33 Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8TR Contact: Jose Raido Telephone: 07841 519572 email: jose@churchstreethotel.com

what would it be?

Senior Police Officer.

Q5. What’s your favourite

London building?

Guildhall.

Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 33

Join Us

Join Us The Chamber is made up of active and successful business people from a wide range of sectors, who are based in Southwark, believe in Southwark and wish Southwark to prosper.

Making the most of your SCC membership Successfully helping Southwark Businesses for 95 Years

Our Committee Interim Chairman Peter Mantell and Richard Kalmar

Once you’ve joined us you have access to the opportunities we provide to help support you and your business. Whether you simply want to attend our networking events, run a seminar or sponsor or run an event, we’d love you to get involved. We like our members to make the most of their membership and get as involved as much as they can.

Membership Application

President Neil Coyle MP

• • • • •

(MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark)

Vice President Lord Roy Kennedy (House of Lords)

Vice President Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP

Company:

(MP for Camberwell and Peckham)

Address:

Patron The Worshipful Mayor of Southwark Patron Sir Simon Hughes

Post Code:

(Former MP)

Council and Community Representative Councillor Stephanie Cryan

Telephone:

(Cabinet Member for Jobs, Business and Innovation)

Email:

Executive Members

Vice Chair/Legal Advisor Vice Chair/Events Honorary Membership Secretary Honorary Treasurer Diversity and Inclusion Events Corporate Membership Membership

Employment/ Apprenticeships Publicity Small Business Tourism and Leisure Education Welfare Administrator

Number of Employees:

Peter Mantell Richard Kalmar

Full Name:

Ken Hayes Karon Cook Shade Abdul Emily Bentley-Leek Edward Cree Katharine Glass / Claire Shore William Harwood Susan Isaacs Parminder Kanda James Kislingbury Sarah Moore-Williams Cait Wilkinson Sonia Sutton

Sole trader ​​​​​ £100 per annum Small/Medium sized companies 2 to 50 employees ​​​​​​£150 per annum Large companies - 51 employees plus £300 per annum Corporate/PLC’s ​​​​by agreement.

All new members pay a one off administration fee of £25

Position: Payment Details: BANK DETAILS: Handelsbanken SORT CODE: ​40-51-62 ACCOUNT NO:​ 76489843

To join, please send your details to:

34 Southwark BUSINESS TODAY

Southwark Chamber of Commerce 169 Walworth Road, London SE17 1RW Tel : 07477 581977 Email : admin@southwarkcommerce.com www.SouthwarkCommerce.com Twitter : @southwarkcomm Facebook : southwarkcommerce

SOUTH LONDON’S LEADING AGENTS KALMARs are an expanding firm of south London estate agents and are currently opening a new office in the centre of the regeneration area around Old Kent Road where we have sold over 20 acres.

We have an unrivalled record in sales and lettings over 53 years of commercial and residential properties in the south London area.

AGENCY Covering Development, Office, Industrial, Retail and Residential Sales and Letting. Give us a call to find out why we are:

Jamaica Wharf 2 Shad Thames London SE1 2YU

SOUTH LONDON’S LEADING AGENTS

Dreaming of offices on Paradise Street?

KALMARs has the answer

The High Pavement 366 Old Kent Road London SE1 5AA CONTACT US

Telephone: 020 7403 0600 Email: info@kalmars.com www.kalmars.com

Power Your Business With IT That Works!

Special Offer for a Limited Time Only!

Free onboarding for new clients Offer available in December and January Usually £25 per user – HUGE potential savings!

No maximum user limit Quote Onboard1 when you call

Call us now for a friendly, no-obligation chat to see how we can help.

020 3790 7500 enquiries@LabyrinthIT.com

www.LabyrinthIT.com