Southwark Business Today April 2015

Southwark

Business Today Issue 3: April 2015

Interview Keith Davis p20 Spotlight

on Peckham p12

Up Close

Genevieve Glover p25

Focus On

Nelsons Cafe p31

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Welcome

Welcome to

Contents

Southwark Business Today

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he Southwark Chamber of Commerce and Industry magazine for all Business in Southwark It has been difficult and still not yet achieved, trying to persuade our Council to reinvest some of local businesses’ £200 million of Business rates into projects that increase business revenue in our Borough and produce more jobs for Southwark residents.

More business means a more prosperous Borough, more business rates/council revenue, other increase in tax intake and fuller employment – it is so obvious for any business minded person but not getting through to Tooley Street.

On a sad note this is the end of my 3 year tenure as Chairman of the Chamber and at the AGM to be held in the George Inn, on the 23rd April I shall be handing over the Chain of Office to the next elected Chairman.

Its rather apt that the 23rd April is St Georges day and the anniversary of Shakespeare’s Birthday – a regular drinker in his day at the George Inn.

3 good reasons to come to the AGM, at The George Inn, 23rd April at 6pm and then join in the post meeting networking and drinks to celebrate the occasions.

It has been an honour to serve as Chairman these last 3 years and the thrill of seeing things happen after a lot of work has far outweighed the disappointments that the job meets with.

Disclaimer

Southwark Business Today is published for Southwark Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members businesses in the Borough.

Southwark Business for Southwark Businesses has always been the Chamber’s watchword and we continue to promote this amongst our membership and to push this with Local Government and the Borough’s health and Transport authorities.

Southwark is a great Borough for the tourist, the business visitor to London and for all of us Businesses that ply our Trade here.

Southwark is moving fast and by 2018 it will be a modern metropolis, fantastic transport links and termini, great hospitality with 5 star hotels, celebrity restaurants and pubs, Theatres, Museums and of course, our History.

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Cage Rattlers Up Front news Remember when.....

Spotlight On Peckham Trading with Russia Property Uncover Southwark Big Interview Voice from Westminster Up Close Hospitality Focus On Nelsons Business News Last Word

Enquiries

Southwark Chamber of Commerce Southbank Technopark 90 London Road, London SE1 6LN 020 7403 9922 Email: admin@southwarkcommerce.com www.SouthwarkCommerce.com

Yes I have been proud to be Chairman this last three years and I am so excited about the future of Southwark.

Editor

John Dean Email: deangriss@btinternet.com

Thank you all for supporting your Southwark Chamber of Commerce.

Publisher

Barry Martin Chairman Southwark Chamber of Commerce & Industry

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

Views expressed in publication are notnecessarily those of Southwark Chamber of Commerce.

Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2015.

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On the brighter side it has been so rewarding to see Southwark Businesses meeting and talking to each other at the once a month networking events – finding new clients and new suppliers within the Borough.

This is the third edition of our magazine - so the publication is now six months old and it is already leading with the news and promotion of our 90 year old Chamber.

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Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com

Published

April 2015 © Benham Publishing

Advertising and Features

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

Studio

Mark Etherington Email: mark@benhampublishing.com Media No.1444

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

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

Southwark Business Today

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Cage Rattlers

The Chambers Cage Rattlers he Chamber examines some of the big issues facing our businesses - and demands action!

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Borough High Street - Historic highway Borough High Street is the ancient and oldest road into London London Bridge was the only land connection across the Thames.

‘It is Historic with the sites of 15 Inns and Coaching stops and many Historical buildings.

Look carefully at the side Alleys you will see the remnants of wall reinforcements to protect against the old Coaches bashing their way through to the Yards of the Taverns to deposit their passengers and freight from the

Continent and the South of England.

The Borough High Street is;Birth place of John Harvard, drinking holes of Shakespeare and Dickens, Incarceration of Daniel Defoe, Entrance to the Market, The Prisons, site of the first English Printed Bible and even a Palace are all memories of this Historic road to London.

Southwark are the custodians of this ancient highway and are entrusted

with its upkeep and a duty to maintain its traditions.

Sorry but it is a disgrace to our Borough - it is dirty, scruffy, rundown with a mish mash of take aways, boarded up shops and nothing done to enhance it.

Where is the board telling people they are entering the oldest road into London - we are fortunate to have this road in our Borough why are we not looking after it and promoting it?

(Name and address supplied)

London Bridge Station Rebuild Chaos for Southwark Commuters.

Pre Station Rebuild there was a very good train service twice an hour, well patronised from London Bridge to Dover Priory right up to late at night.

The Trains start from Charing Cross and Cannon Street.

Cannon Street has always closed early evening so the last service on this rail line pathway is 6.30.pm Due to the London Bridge Rebuild the Charing Cross

rail line pathway is now closed until August 2016.

So the 6.30pm is the last train service to Kent from London Bridge for Southwark Commuters – crazy.

The Cage Rattler is that surely during this rebuild crisis Canon Street Station should be kept open to Midnight.

As the rail line pathway Cannon Street - London Bridge - Kent is still

open to train services, why not switch the Charing Cross Timetable to commence from Cannon Street thus providing the twice an hour service up to midnight for the thousands of Southwark commuters.

To me it seems a simple solution but then I am not Network Rail.

(Name and address supplied)

Taxi Route London Bridge I always take a taxi from the Borough where I work to Liverpool Street Station.

Now the junction at the northern end of London Bridge is chaotic enough but only one of the three lanes northward on the bridge can be used for traffic going north and east – the majority of the traffic across the bridge and towards two major railway terminals.

There are two nearside lanes that are virtually empty - one for north west traffic and the other a bus lane.

This is one of the few bus lanes that are banned for taxis - Why?

The bus lane is empty so why ban Taxis in it? (so are the buses most of the time )

On a Friday night to get across London Bridge can take 30 minutes – this is disgusting for a major thoroughfare into the City of London.

There is no logical reason for this bus lane ban for taxis.

(Name and address supplied)

What’s rattling your cage? Write and let us know Email at admin@southwarkcommerce.com

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Southwark Business Today

Up Front

Pensions Seminar at Millwall Football Club Conference Suite

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outhwark Chamber of Commerce hosted a ‘Pensions - the New Legislation’ Seminar at Millwall Football Club.

The Seminar presentation was given by Fiona Tait, Business Development Manager of the Royal London Pensions Group, and the event was well subscribed to by a variety of businesses, large and small.

This new legislation relating to the provision of pensions by companies of all sizes were fully explained in a very clear and concise manner. The new laws will come into effect on 6th April and all companies, even with one employee, must take immediate steps to comply.

Your PAYE reference will determine when your company must commence this procedure, it is not an easy process and can take up to 6 months to put into place.You are strongly advised to start researching and check your starting date NOW. New software will be needed or if you already have a payroll software in place you need to check with your supplier or a pension provider, the cost and timescale to include the new pension legislation. Don’t delay. Heavy fines will be levied on companies that fail to comply with their start date.

News company backs initiative to help women back into work ews UK signed up to a major research project called She’s Back, which aims to help women return to the workforce after taking time out to have a family or an extended career break.

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The She’s Back initiative is based around an online survey designed to collect the views of women who have left work for an extended period.

In addition to taking part in the survey, News UK, which is based in London Bridge Street, arranged two workshops in March geared towards shaping the best practices for retaining female talent.

The second part of the seminar covered the new legislation affecting those with Private Pension plans already in place.

There has been much in the media about being able to take your pension pot out and do what you want with it. Sounds like a great idea, however it is a minefield that needs careful consideration before you splash out on the proceeds!

Take financial advice from a fully licensed finance adviser. Read the small print, it could save you thousands and protect your funds from the Taxman.

The Southwark Chamber of Commerce offer sincere thanks to Millwall Football Club for hosting the Seminar with their splendid conference/catering facilities and to the Royal London Group for the excellent presentation of this new legislation and answering the many questions that were raised in a clear and simple manner without self promotion.

Copies of the Presentation slides will be available to anyone who would like more information, please visit the the Southwark Chamber of Commerce website: www.southwarkcommerce.com

“New software will be needed or if you already have a payroll software in place you need to check with your supplier or a pension provider, the cost and timescale to include the new pension legislation. Don’t delay. Heavy fines will be levied on companies that fail to comply with their start date.”

Ann Paul, Organisation Development Director of HR at News UK, said: “At News UK, we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best talent and encouraging a diverse workforce.

“We are keen to get the views of as many women as possible through the survey and to really understand what News UK can do to support women who are balancing work with a family through our two workshops. This is a great project for us to be part of.”

Lisa Unwin, founder of She’s Back, said: “Businesses across Britain recognise the value in having a diverse workforce and specifically in having a good representation of women at senior levels. But look around corporate Britain and you will see that whilst there has been progress, it is stubbornly slow.

“There are currently limited programmes available that help women to get back on the ladder, and at the right rung. This research will identify the actions that women and organisations can take.”

Barry Martin Chairman of Southwark Chamber

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Up Front

Council gives backing to airport’s expansion plan outhwark Council is backing Gatwick Airport’s bid for expansion and has entered into a partnership to take advantage of any opportunities that would arise if a second runway goes ahead.

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The news came as the Government’s airport commission continues to consider whether or not a new London runway will be at Heathrow or Gatwick.

Councillor Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, has written to Stewart Wingate, chief executive at Gatwick Airport, to propose a Memorandum of Understanding that would mean the airport and council would work together to help Southwark realise the opportunities that a Gatwick expansion could provide.

Cllr John said: "Government policy makes airport expansion inevitable so we need to make sure now that any expansion offers benefits to our residents

Theatre project earns support outhwark Council became the first in London to officially commit to a new Endowment Trust set up by the Old Vic theatre by giving £500,000 to the project.

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The money will come from the council’s Youth Fund, which was set up in 2011 to help young people in the borough enhance their CVs.

Councillor Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “Children and young people in Southwark have so much potential and as a council we want to help them realise this potential and benefit from all that our borough and London has to offer.”

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The Old Vic’s chief operating officer, Kate Varah, said: “Our corporate membership tell us that employability skills among young people aren't always at the level they need to be.

As a theatre, we can see how to address that gap and look forward to working with Southwark Council to help realise their ambitions for young people in their Borough.

Southwark Business Today

and will deliver real jobs and growth to Southwark.

"I am backing Gatwick’s plans, which offer a real opportunity for Southwark and south London.

“More frequent trains for London Bridge, the opportunity for local people to access thousands of new jobs and apprenticeships and opportunities for businesses to supply the new airport will all benefit local people.

“Noise from aircraft, particularly in the south of the borough is a real headache for local people as flights come in to land at Heathrow. Gatwick flights predominantly fly south of London over less built up areas so far fewer people will be affected.”

Up Front

Architects selected for regeneration project outhwark architects Landolt + Brown have been selected by the council to take forward the design of the new square and key buildings at Peckham Rye Station.

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Councillor Mark Willliams, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transport at Southwark Council, said: “We were very impressed with Landolt and Brown’s work and how they have completely understood what we are trying to achieve through heritage led regeneration.”

Adam Brown, co-founder of Landolt + Brown, said: "We are very excited to be working with Southwark and Co Design Peckham on the Peckham Square project. The section of Rye Lane that runs beneath the railways is one of London's most

characterful, diverse and vibrant streets, but it is not without its problems, particularly along the narrow, dim approaches to the Station itself.

"We are relishing the opportunity of developing designs for new spaces and buildings that are firmly rooted in Rye Lane’s distinctive local character and which will create a more uplifting setting for the historic station building and the arched brick viaducts."

The design process will continue throughout the spring with a planning application due to be submitted in the summer.

Jobs project is launched hree south London boroughs have joined forces T in a new project to help local people find jobs, with £1.3m funding from central government.

Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark are on the verge of commissioning a pilot to deliver Pathways to Employment, which will support more than 500 residents to secure work or move closer towards employment.

Pathways to Employment, delivered in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, will run for 15 months and test a model of assessment and support with nearly 3,000 residents from across the three boroughs.

Out of-work residents identified as having complex barriers to employment - such as mental or physical health problems, low confidence, lack of motivation, drug and alcohol misuse, and poor skills - will be offered support from a keyworker, who will work with them to design a plan of action.

London technology sector attracts record funding from the US merican investors are putting more money A into London-based technology companies than ever before, according to figures published by the Mayor of London.

New figures compiled by London & Partners, the Mayor’s promotional company for the capital, show that London-based tech firms attracted $795.2m from US investors in 2014, more than doubling the previous record figure from 2012 of $296m.

London firms attracted $1.4 billion in venture capital funding in 2014, meaning that US funds were responsible for more than half of all new

funding received by the city’s tech sector.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: “As the digital capital of Europe, London is clearly the place to create fast-growing tech companies, and our flourishing tech sector has caught the eye of US investors. London’s talent is attracting global investment, enabling our innovators to turn their ideas into companies that create jobs and economic growth in London.”

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Up Front

Looking good for The Shard he Shard has made a strong start to 2015 with a further 61,200 sq ft of office lettings confirmed, taking its total tenant roster to 21.

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The lettings reinforce the vision of creating a vibrant and dynamic business community in Europe’s first vertical city, and within the London Bridge Quarter estate.

New health centre to be built in Dulwich he NHS in Southwark has T announced that the planned health centre in Dulwich will be a new build.

The proposal is to build the centre in the south east corner of the current Dulwich hospital site.

Work on site could start in 2016, with services up and running in the new centre by the end of 2017.

Site owners NHS Property Services (NHSPS), will work to find a buyer for the remaining land.

Since The Shard’s launch, more than threequarters of the entire estate has been let, with around 8,000 people now working in The Shard and the adjacent News Building.

Latest lettings include io oil & gas consulting, a GE and McDermott venture which is leasing 15,400 sq ft of offices on Level 9.

Dan Jackson, CEO of io said: “The launch of io marks a significant milestone in the offshore oil and gas industry, and taking offices in this prestigious and iconic building is a sign of our commitment to recruit the best talent. We will build a distinctive environment, unlike any other consultancy in the market, which puts innovation and powerful thinking at its core.”

This new consultancy will be joining global analysts and business consultants Gallup, which is to lease 12,200 sq ft on Level 18.

A further 33,600 sq ft has been taken by design-led flexible office provider The Office Group, which will occupy levels 24 and 25.

Founded 11 years ago The Office Group is recognised as one of the Capital’s leading providers of flexible office space aimed firmly at the emerging generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who expect their work places to reflect their lifestyles.

It is anticipated that The Office Group’s latest centre at The Shard will be home to at least 30 small to medium sized companies on a permanent basis most of which will be from the creative, media and technology sectors, London’s fastest growing areas.

Companies appointed for project after devastating fire T

he consultant and design team has been appointed to draw up new plans for the Walworth Town Hall and Newington Library buildings that were gutted by fire.

Faithful+Gould limited have been confirmed as lead consultants with Avanti selected as architects for the project.

Following the fire in March 2013, Southwark Council agreed to the rebuild to create a new civic centre for Walworth and the whole borough.

The new building will include an enhanced space for Newington Library, space to display the Cuming Collection and items from the Southwark collection and a space that can be used for a range of activities such as civic events, performances,

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Southwark Business Today

exhibitions and registrar facilities with space for wedding receptions.

Jane Foulkes, Associate Director at Faithful+Gould, said: “Faithful+Gould is delighted to be part of this interesting project, bringing these listed buildings back to life, and creating a community hub at the heart of Walworth as part of the surrounding regeneration.

“The project will bring together library and heritage services, museum and registrar services and other community uses under one roof and we hope that it will provide facilities

which the locals, and users from the wider area, will enjoy for generations to come."

Amir Ramezani from Avanti Architects said: "We are delighted to be appointed to transform Walworth Town Hall into a new revitalised cultural venue and look forward to working with the community to create a civic hub they can take pride in."

Avanti’s design proved the most popular among the people who responded to the consultation.

However these are not the final designs and a full consultation process will begin later this year.

Remembering when ...

Remember When?

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look back at matters affecting business in Southwark 35 years ago.

By Ken Hayes, Honorary Secretary

Looking through the early 1980s’ editions of the Chamber magazine Borough, a constant theme is the regeneration of the Surrey, Rotherhithe and Canada Water docks turning them into a viable site for the largest centre city redevelopment anywhere in Europe creating thousands of jobs, new homes and industrial buildings and leisure facilities.

Thirty five years on and these facilities are being regenerated

once more and brought up to date, with the redevelopment of the Associated Newspapers printing works, and creating a new Town Centre in Rotherhithe.

A similar redevelopment is taking place In Peckham with the creation of a new Town Centre around the Peckham Rye Railway Centre and the proposed Bakerloo extension to Camberwell and Peckham.

Another burning issue of that time was the high level of Business Rates and the

proposed increases to them.

These were having a crippling effect on small and medium sized businesses.

Business rates are as crippling today on small and medium sized businesses. as they were in the 1980’s.

An item which caught my eye in the Autumn 1981 edition of the ‘Borough’ magazine was entitled, “Not to be sniffed at” it reads.

Retailers who stock glues have been warned by the Hardware Trade Journal not to sell certain

types of glue to children under 16 years of age. Glue sniffing killed 22 teenagers in Britain last year.

Their editorial stated.

“A voluntary decision to refuse to sell harmful solvents to children will have more effect that any mandatory legislation.

Responsible action by the trade could reverse the glue sniffing trend until manufactures find a way to make their products unattractive to abusers”.

Thankfully that action has brought the desired result.

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Up Front

Apprenticeship scheme begins I nfrastructure giants Crossrail, Network Rail, Balfour Beatty,Vinci Construction, HS2 and Thameslink have launched a major apprenticeship programme.

The London infrastructure firms announced the London Major Programmes Apprenticeship (LMPA) to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week.

The project is designed to support young people in becoming leaders in project management. An initial cohort of 17 apprentices have started their on-thejob training to develop their knowledge.

At the end of the two-year programme, apprentices will gain a Level 4 Diploma in Project Management, and an Association for Project Management qualification – and will be supported in achieving continued employment.

The programme will consist of two cohorts per year, each with 15-20 new apprentices, and is supported by partnerships with the Mayor’s Fund and

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The Crossrail Employment Brokerage, which supports those struggling to find employment.

Mark Glaysher, Head of Consents and Environment within the Network Rail Crossrail Programme, said “It is our aim to provide solid rewarding career paths that help to develop young people.”

Darren Jaundrill, director of n:gaged, the social enterprise leading the apprentices’ personal and professional development said: “Social mobility is at the heart of LMPA. The economic downturn has left many school leavers, graduates, ex-forces and other young people in a difficult position regarding making sensible and directional career choices.

The focus for this scheme is to help these young people secure a career rather than simply to find a job.”

Southwark Business Today

£1.8m apprenticeship scheme receives go-ahead

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ayor of London Boris Johnson marked National Apprenticeship Week by confirming a £1.8 million scheme that will create more than 3,500 new apprenticeships across the Capital.

The funding is expected to open up opportunities in thousands of London businesses that may never have taken on an apprentice before.

Specialist recruitment and training providers will help deliver the programme, which will target businesses of every shape, size and specialism.

Boris said: “We want to extend the fantastic benefits apprenticeships offer to thousands more businesses and young people across the Capital and help drive the skills and opportunities Londoners need to excel.

“Our new programme will reach out to those companies yet to dip their

toe into the rich pool of talent contained in our Capital, and help maintain London’s position as a world leader for training, development and expertise.”

About 190,000 16-24 year-olds have become a London apprentice since 2010. To find out more about the Mayor’s scheme, visit www.london.gov.uk or view the Mayor’s 2020 vision at www.london.gov.uk/mayorassembly/mayor/vision-2020

Up Front

Time to support Apprenticeships scheme

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usinesses are being encouraged to sign up to Southwark Council’s new apprenticeship standard, which will benefit job seekers and businesses alike.

More needs to be done for women in the workplace’ The Southwark Apprenticeship Standard is the first programme of its kind, and aims to improve the number and quality of apprenticeships available, bringing together the expertise of the council’s own Apprenticeship Scheme and the experience of other local employers who provide apprenticeships.

To meet the Southwark Apprenticeship Standard, businesses must ensure that they pay their apprentices the London Living Wage, offer a contract term of a minimum of 12 months, use a training provider that meets Southwark’s Approved Learning Provider criteria, and provide access to mentoring support and guidance to help secure a positive outcome at the end of the apprenticeship.

In return, the council will support businesses working towards the Standard on a range of activities and advice.

Councillor Ian Wingfield, Cabinet Member for Communities, Employment & Business said: “We’re really excited about this opportunity to support our residents and young people get the best start in life. Southwark is absolutely committed to building a strong local economy and helping people to make the most of the opportunities that brings.

"Well managed, fairly compensated work creates motivated and engaged employees. In the past, expectations were set too low in the apprenticeship sector, which led to a loss of confidence in this form of training and missed opportunities for employers and residents.

"The Southwark Apprenticeship Standard sets a high bar for quality apprenticeships in the borough. We are committed to ensuring every school leaver has access to further education, employment or training, and creating 2000 new apprenticeships in the borough.”

Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) were one of the first companies to sign up to the new Standard.

David Adair, Head of Community Affairs at PwC, said, "PwC are delighted to support the Southwark Apprenticeship Standard as it compliments both our own higher apprenticeship programme and those we offer through the relationship with our suppliers.”

“We are committed to ensuring every school leaver has access to further education, employment or training, and creating 2000 new apprenticeships in the borough.”

ocal MP Simon Hughes Lmade a plea for more to be done for women in the workplace in comments made to mark International Women's Day. The Lib-Dem, who represents Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said: “While exceptional advances have been made in gender equality issues over the years, there is still far to go.

“The UK is only 26th on the WEF Gender Gap index, lagging behind countries like Iceland, Finland, Rwanda and the Philippines. Equally concerning, the UN recently reported that the global gender pay gap would only close in 70 years at the current rate.

“This is unacceptable. From representation in business to politics, from banking to health services, more needs to be done to create a gender equal society that values women not only through words but by actions, too.”

He said that the Government had taken on big businesses that have traditionally failed to represent women sufficiently on their boards, by pushing for every FTSE 100 company to have at least 25 per cent of their board consisting of women.

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Investment underpins dramatic regeneration eckham is definitely an area on the up with largescale investment bringing about a dramatic transformation which respect its unique nature while also breathing new life into the local economy.

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From new housing to improved stations, facelifts of much-loved areas to proposals to encourage the letting of vacant commercial properties, millions of pounds has been invested in the area by a variety of organisations.

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The catalyst for much of the work was the announcement last year that Southwark Council had received a confirmed grant of £1.675m to help restore Peckham Town Centre under the Heritage Lottery Fund Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

The five-year Peckham Townscape Heritage Initiative

Southwark Business Today

(THI) scheme will see 44 of the most important historic buildings on Peckham High Street and Rye Lane shortlisted for a grant to repair damaged facades, reinstate lost historic features and install high quality traditional windows and shop fronts.

Owners will be encouraged to bring vacant floor space in the upper floors back into use to support the local economy and provide much needed housing.

The grant will also fund a programme of complementary initiatives including an education programme for local schools; a traditional building skills and apprenticeships initiative for young people; design guidance about the historic town centre and a ‘Celebrate Peckham’ programme. The council will work with voluntary groups like Peckham Vision and the Peckham Society to put this programme of initiatives together.

Sue Bowers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for London said: “Investing lottery money to revitalise historic buildings at the heart of a community not only makes a place more attractive to live,

visit and invest in, it also provides jobs and training opportunities for local people.

“We are delighted to make this award to Peckham as part of our on-going commitment to preserving London's heritage.”

In addition, more than 2,000 new homes, including affordable homes, and a newlook station at Peckham Rye are among other potential developments announced.

They are part of the Peckham and Nunhead Area Action Plan (PNAAP), which was formally adopted at a council assembly in November.

Councillor Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "We are very excited to see our vision for Peckham and Nunhead, developed with local residents, become a reality.

“The PNAAP sets out a detailed vision for this part of the borough with capacity for hundreds of new affordable homes. This includes 307 new council homes, over half of which will be part of the 1,500 we will build by 2018 across Southwark, community facilities, open spaces and

Spotlight

“Investing lottery money to revitalise historic buildings at the heart of a community not only makes a place more attractive to live, visit and invest in, it also provides jobs and training opportunities for local people. We are delighted to make this award to Peckham as part of our on-going commitment to preserving London's heritage.”

health and leisure facilities to active travel and public transport, heritage and building heights.

“It will help us deliver our fairer future promises; particularly our pledge to build 11,000 new council homes, and help us ensure that future development in Peckham and Nunhead is in line with our vision for the area."

On the transport front, the opening of a new station square, new entrance and new lifts - making the station easier to use – was marked at Queens Road Peckham.

The joint project saw Southern, Network Rail and Southwark Council work to improve the area for Queens Road passengers who take more than one million journeys to and from the station each year.

The project team secured Department for Transport funding for the lift and, combined with funds from Transport for London, Southwark Council, Network Rail and Southern, this has provided a step-free route to the platforms which sit at the top of a steep railway viaduct.

There is also an additional entrance and station plaza at the west side, transforming the surrounding area.

Complementing the new plaza in an adjacent railway arch is the new Blackbird Bakery, a local south London bakery and cafe.

Network Rail's route enhancement manager for the South East Route Mike Smith, said: "This is a great scheme and shows how well the railway can be integrated into the community and how it can act as a focal point for regeneration. By adding the lifts, we've also made the station available to everyone, which is what we all aspire to."

Cllr Williams said: “The station improvements, new cafe and new plaza all add to the regeneration of the local area.

New shops, homes and offices are opening up as well.”

The redevelopment of the station is part of a programme of improvements to the Queens Road area led by the council, including working with local businesses to improve the high street.

It builds on earlier developments at the station

such as opening up the forecourt to the original station entrance, as well as the addition of London Overground trains to Clapham Junction and Highbury and Islington.

Southwark Council also recently announced that local architects Landolt + Brown had been selected to take forward the design of the new square and key buildings at Peckham Rye Station.

Adam Brown, co-founder of Landolt + Brown, said: “We are very excited to be working with Southwark and Co Design Peckham on the Peckham Square project.

“The section of Rye Lane that runs beneath the railways is one of London's most characterful, diverse and vibrant streets, but it is not without its problems, particularly along the narrow, dim approaches to the Station itself.

“We are relishing the opportunity of developing designs for new spaces and buildings that are firmly rooted in Rye Lane’s distinctive local character and which will create a more uplifting setting for the historic station building and the arched brick viaducts."

Southwark Business Today

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Spotlight

Peckham - the place to be an Harder, director of print design at Concentric Blue and secretary of the Chamber’s new Peckham chapter, celebrates the area’s revival.

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“Over the course of a few short years, loads of shops and restaurants have sprung up to complement the existing exotic grocery and beauty trade for which the area is known.”

Peckham is going through a resurgence at the moment.

Everywhere is absolutely buzzing with exciting commercial activity, both new and well established.

Over the course of a few short years, loads of shops and restaurants have sprung up to complement the existing exotic grocery and beauty trade for which the area is known.

Only ten minutes from London Bridge, 15 from Victoria, 20 from Shoreditch, or 30 from St Pancras, its location is an absolute winner. Rye Lane is the main shopping street in the area, and it is thriving with local shops and has a consistently low vacancy rate.

Some started life as pop-up shops that then became more permanent, including the contemporary gift, homewares and flower shop Quaint and Belle on Bellenden Road, and The Nines café bar in Copeland Park just off Rye Lane.

The Peckham Peculiar is a hyper-local newspaper focusing solely on SE15 that has been running for just over a year and has already established itself as a trusted source of local information. If you ever yearn for the days of playing Pac-Man, Asteroids or pinball, The Four Quarters is an excellent place to spend an evening or two.

At the same time as all these exciting developments are taking place, new problems are starting to pop up. Some landlords are doubling their

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Southwark Business Today

rents in one swoop, which is leaving some shops that have been trading for decades with little choice but to shut.

Peckham is a pretty amazing place to be at the moment, with opportunity, diversity and inspiration everywhere.

Of course, there are plenty of businesses that established themselves long ago that show little sign of going anywhere.

Wilsons Cycles has been on Peckham High Street since around 1870, and the Liberal Club on Elm Grove has been going since 1875.

Concentric Blue Limited operates from Peckham’s Bussey building and provides high quality design services to exacting clients across print, digital and video.

Trading with Russia

A Southwark Company sends Convoy Veterans to St Petersburg to Celebrate 70th Anniversary of Victory in WWII s we approach the date of the 70th anniversary of victory in the Second World War, we remember the residents of Southwark.

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It must have been quite eerie for some residents of Southwark who remember the London Blitz, to learn about the 250 kilograms undetonated air bomb discovered in Bermondsey only a few weeks ago.

Such is the history of our borough, rich in Shakespearian, Dickensian and Luftwaffe autographs. How coincidental are the locations of the Imperial War Museum and, of course, the HMS Belfast.

The legendary HMS Belfast was one of the escorts on the Arctic Convoys to the JW55B convoy, which became a triumph for the Royal Navy on Boxing Day, December 1943; for it was the day when the Battle of the North Cape took place in the Barents Sea of the Arctic. It was the day when one of the capital battleships of Nazi Germany, Scharnhorst was sunk, and only 36 of her 1,968 crew were saved.

One of the HMS Belfast crew members at that time, Ted Cordery, years later recollected: “We spent two day shadowing Scharnhorst and eventually she was

sunk. I fired three torpedoes at Scharnhorst. It was so dark, whether they hit or not she went down not too long afterwards. And when she went down I had tears in my eyes. Because she had two thousand men there. All with mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, and I thought – what a waste. But, faced with those circumstances, it could have been us and not them.”

Visit to St. Petersburg Russia 70th Anniversary Celebrations

Ted (aged 91) will be one of eleven veterans of the Arctic Convoys from the UK who will travel to Saint Petersburg in Russia in May for the celebrations of 9 May Victory Day, together with their comrades in arms, the Russian veterans of the Second World War. This visit is a continuation of a long-standing project Victory Day London founded by the The Russia House.

Since 2007,Victory Day London has held annual events where we celebrate and remember the almost forgotten heroic chapter of the Arctic Convoys. These convoys, between 1941 and 1945, were the extreme missions of supplying the

Soviet Union with tanks, fighter planes, fuel, ammunition, raw materials and food during the largest part of the Second World War.

Every year on May the 9th, on board HMS Belfast, British and Russian veterans of these convoys celebrate their joint victory in the presence of Royal Family members, ambassadors and Royal Navy senior officers. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra took part on a number of occasions with Gala concerts in Hay’s Galleria.

This year, the Victory Day London organiser The Russia House decided to make a special occasion even more special for the veterans by taking them to the historic naval city of Saint Petersburg.

Simon Hughes MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark said:

HMS Belfast

The Arctic Convoys played an enormous role in assisting the Soviet Union to defeat the Nazi Army on the Eastern Front and to advance the liberation of Europe. I would like to wish the veterans the most happy and memorable time spent together in the historic naval city of Saint Petersburg, on such a remarkable occasion.”

The Southwark Chamber of Commerce & Industry would like to join Simon, and wish the veterans a wonderful time together with their Russian shipmates during the celebrations of the Victory in the Second World War. The visit will take place between 7th and 11th of May 2015.

For further information contact Eugene Kasevin The Russia House 0207 403 9922 www.VictoryDayLondon.co.uk

“This year the world celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War. In May a group of British veterans of the Arctic Convoys from England and Scotland are due to travel to Saint Petersburg to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of victory, together with their Russian brothers in arms.

Southwark Business Today

15

Property

Barratt London’s development outhwark's vast regeneration programme makes this one of London’s Smost dynamic boroughs. minute walk or three minute bus ride from the development, providing excellent links to central London and beyond on the Jubilee line, including Canary Wharf in two minutes, Waterloo in seven minutes and Piccadilly Circus in 17 minutes.

Two Overground stations, Surrey Quays and Rotherhithe, are a 15 and 18 minute walk, respectively, while the Hilton Dockland Pier is a 13 minute walk away, where residents can catch a river taxi ride or Thames Clipper Riverbus to Canary Wharf Pier in around three minutes.

After an initial regeneration in the 1980s, the old docks region of Rotherhithe has become an enticing Southwark neighbourhood, largely due to the arrival of the Jubilee line in 1999, which gave quick connections to the West End and to Canary Wharf and the London Overground in 2010, permitting a simple route to the City of London.

The current regeneration initiative is rapidly advancing along the Downtown Road and Rotherhithe Street area. The programme is transforming Rotherhithe’s future by creating a flourishing new waterfront zone next to Canada Water Jubilee line station, an important nexus between Canary Wharf and the West End, as well as an interchange on the East London line.

Canada Water’s new town centre, with restaurants and retail as well as new residential developments, is emerging around the existing freshwater dock and transport hub.

Barratt London’s Redwood Park development, located on

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Downtown Road, Rotherhithe SE16 6NP, is one of the significant projects which is changing the way residents live, work and socialise.

Adjacent to the picturesque Russia Dock Woodland and Stave Hill Ecological Park, Redwood Park will be a community of 212 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, in this Zone 2 location just moments from the River Thames. Prices start from £350,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, with final completions scheduled for December 2015.

The new Surrey Docks Health Centre opened within Redwood Park in the summer of 2014, offering a GP practice with surgical facilities, NHS dentists, chiropodists and more.

For visitor convenience, the Centre was designed as a single-storey building with good wheelchair access and ample car parking.

Redwood Park is especially appealing to those working in London’s financial and business destinations, as Canada Water Underground station is a nine

Southwark Business Today

For pleasure, residents of Redwood Park can look forward to living minutes away from Tower Bridge, Shakespearean performances at the Globe, the Tate Modern and St Paul’s Cathedral which can be reached in just two stops on the Jubilee line.

Shoreditch, London’s creative hub, is a direct eight minute journey on the London Overground offering the very best of trendy bars, rooftop patios, weekend markets and unique boutiques.

The introduction of Crossrail at Canary Wharf in 2018, Europe’s largest infrastructure project, linking East and West London, will make Southwark, and Rotherhithe in particular, an even more accessible part of London.

Barratt London has dedicated much effort to the regeneration and support of the existing community at Redwood Park, including donating £10,000 to Redriff Primary School, which is adjacent to the new development, for the second consecutive year. The gift which this year will be used to fund a school trip for Year 5 pupils,

going to the Arethusa Adventure Centre in Kent for a week of fun and challenging activities, is part of an ongoing partnership between Barratt London and the school.

Since building commenced at Redwood Park, Barratt London has worked closely with Redriff Primary School, including arranging for the children to visit the development to learn about the construction, and the importance of safety on site.

The company has also displayed drawings by the pupils across the hoarding which surrounds the development, funded the landscaping of the present playground and the total refurbishment of the nursery play area.

Barratt London has made a similar commitment to regeneration in the nearby neighbourhood of Deptford, where the company’s Greenland Place development of 562 studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments is set for completion in summer 2018. Respected London design firm RMA Architects, which specialises in the design and regeneration of waterside sites, has designed the development as a series of perimeter blocks, mews, courtyards and squares, creating an attractive new residential neighbourhood. The development offers 6,500 sq m of commercial space, including a new business centre, which could offer some residents the convenience of working adjacent to their own home.

For more information and prices please contact our central sales team on 0844 811 4334 Or visit: www.barrattlondon.com

Property

What is your Commercial Property worth? or most businesses, after staff, their property is by far the largest outgoing or if they own it their largest asset. By Richard Kalmar Managing Director of Kalmars Commercial.

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My own business is typical, excluding staff, property outgoings comprises around 25% of costs. Consequently ensuring that you understand trends to get maximum benefit at minimum cost is essential to maximise profitability. This does not necessarily mean as cheap as possible, location particularly for shops, is critical which can mean paying a significant amount to get the right opportunity.

I recently did a presentation to Southwark and Southside Chambers’ of Commerce firstly hilighting some of the criteria we use in considering the value; secondly setting out typical values in inner South London; thirdly looking at the pattern of property values over the last 5 years.

Offices

The Principal considerations of office values are: • Locations, public transport, the local environment, proximity to complementary businesses, perception of the location, and the potential of the area.

• Specification including age, amenities, such as air conditioning, raised floors and car parking.

• Outgoings including service charge or maintenance, and rates.

• Lease terms, where rented.

Industrial The Principal considerations for industrial values are: • Location, particularly access for transport purposes, all too often difficult in inner London, proximity to client market.

• The environment, the potential to create noise, pollution and the effect it may have on neighbours.

• The cluster effect, working with other local businesses.

• Specification, the quality of the building, age, eaves height i.e. the cubic capacity, yard space, office content etc.

• Outgoings, service charge/maintenance, rates.

• Tenure, 10 year lease with 5 year tenant’s option to break.

Current Rents and Sales Values Shops Hub Zones A = £80-£100 £200 B = £40-£50 Local £20 or £12-£15,000 Industrial Prime £14.50 psf Standard £12.00 psf Basic Quality £10.00 psf Office

Shop / Restaurants Valuations of this type of property is particularly complex as slight variations can result in huge difference of prices. Factors considered include: • The position, prominence and neighbouring users.

• Location, environment, market, the cluster effect, future change to the area. For locations like Canada Water, where around 150,000 sq ft of new retail is proposed, this is particularly significant.

• Frontage, critical for most shops, the first 6 meters, Zone A, being worth twice as much as the next 6 meters and so on.

• Specification, quality, ceiling height, air conditioning, parking.

• Outgoings, service charge/maintenance, rates • Tenure, generally the longer the lease the better.

Conclusion The above information gives a broad picture of property valuations and trends, for specific information contact KALMARs who would be pleased to help. 020 7403 0600 or info@kalmars.com

£25 £35/£45 £55 £80

- Low Quality - Standard - Prime - Exceptional

£15 £20 £35 £40

- Low Quality - Standard - Prime - Exceptional

£20 £30 £40

- Low Quality - Standard - Prime

Southwark Business Today

17

Destination Southwark

Southwark - where it’s all happening here’s so much to see and do in Southwark, all of which is helping the area to become one of London’s most popular tourist destinations.

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Whether you are a lover of green open spaces or prefer heritage, arts and culture, Southwark has much to entertain.

Southwark is London’s most historic borough and many of its popular attractions are located in the district of Bankside and Borough, bordering the south bank of the Thames between Blackfriars Bridge and London Bridge.

Among them are the landmark Tate Modern building, linking to St Paul’s Cathedral via the Millennium footbridge, and converted from an old power station to showcase the world’s finest contemporary art.

Its neighbour, the Bankside Gallery, exhibits watercolours and original prints, showcasing some high quality art and is one of many galleries in the area.

Another stunning building is the re-creation of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, which hosts plays, an exhibition and guided tours of both the Globe and the nearby Rose Theatre, an Elizabethan venue also associated with Shakespeare. Its remains, uncovered in 1989, have been rehabilitated for performances.

Southwark Cathedral, which is London's oldest Gothic structure, is another major attraction, as is the Borough Market, a centre of food excellence that is featured elsewhere in this magazine.

In addition, the area has plenty of museums, including the Kircaldy Testing Museum, the London Fire Brigade Museum, the Clink Prison Museum and the Golden Hinde Educational Museum, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Tudor galleon.

And when you are weary and fancy a rest, the area has plenty of pubs, restaurants and

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Markets

Bermondsey Square Antiques Market

Long Lane /Tower Bridge Road junction, SE16 3FD Friday 6am to 2pm, wide range of antiques from cutlery to furniture, china to jewellery.

Borough Market

ED Warehouse Indoor Market

1 Zenoria Street, SE22 8HP Open Tuesday to Sunday, featuring fresh, specialist and organic foods, plus furniture, household, fashion, books, jewellery, gifts and crafts.

Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre and Market

off Borough High Street, SE1 Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. London’s oldest fine foods market.

Elephant and Castle, SE17 6TE Open Monday to Sunday, featuring fashion, jewellery, bags, CDs and DVDs, shoes, health and beauty, household, confectionary and food.

East Street, SE17 1EL Open Tuesday to Sunday, featuring a range of foods, flowers and plants, clothes, cards, with Latin American food nearby.

Lordship Lane and Crystal Palace Road, SE22 9EV Open Monday to Saturday. From organic sausages and freshly ground coffee to baked cakes and handmade

East Street Market

Hidden Gems

Abbey Street, SE1 Free Entry Experience the history and heritage of the historic remains of 11th century Bermondsey Abbey an ancient monument located in Bermondsey Square.

Bellenden renewal Area

Bellenden Road,SE15 Free Entry Enjoy a feast of public art including Flat Time HO, Anthony Gormley bollards, Zandra Rhodes designs, Bellenden Topiary Project, All Saints Church gates and Tom Phillips mosaics.

Cherry Garden Pier

Bermondsey Wall East, SE16 4TU Free Entry Boat tours, shopping and eating nearby, plus a sculpture celebrating Dr. Alfred Salter, a local doctor, politician and campaigner.

Southwark Business Today

Peckham Square Sunday Market

Peckham Square, SE15 5JT Open Sunday 8am to 2pm, with jewellery, ceramics, paintings, photography and sculptures, plus a variety of food stalls and local eateries.

Northcross Road Market

Dulwich College

Dulwich Common, SE21 7LA Free Entry Open during term time, Monday to Friday (by appointment only).You can see an exhibition and marvel at this school’s heritage and architecture.

Golden Hinde

Bermondsey Abbey

jewellery, this market is popular with local residents and visitors alike.

Pickfords Wharf, SE1 9DG Open Monday to Sunday, entry £6 (£4.50 concessions).

Step on board this famous replica of Sir Francis Drakes warship and experience its history on a guided tour. Offering children’s activities and unique educational programmes.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Montague Close, SE1 Free Entrry A stunning public light installation on this renovated route to Bermondsey Village, the Thames and London Bridge.

Peckham Library

Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR Free Entry Open every day, see bold architecture of Alsop and Stomer and a sculpture of civil rights campaigner, Dr Harold Moody.

Southwark Cathedral

Montague Close, SE1 Free Entry Free entry and group tours available to discover the rich heritage and architecture.

South Dock Marina

Rope Street, SE16 7SZ Free Entry See London’s largest marina and enjoy parks, attractions, shopping and eating nearby.

Surrey Docks Farm

Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5ET Free Entry Open Tuesday to Sunday, a working city farm to learn about farming, food production and horticulture.

The Clink Prison Museum

Clink Street, SE1 9DG Open every day, £5, (concessions £3.50).

Dating back to medieval times this prison claims to be England’s oldest and where the phrase ‘in clink’ originates from.

Tower Bridge Exhibition

Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP Open every day, entry £7 (£3 concessions). Under 5s free.

Tours include architecture, heritage and an exhibition on the bridge’s history.

Winchester Palace

Clink Street, SE1 Free Entry Open Monday to Sunday.View the ruins of this 12th century former London residence of the Bishop of Winchester. Destroyed by fire in 1814, now only the west wall with its 14th century Rose Window survives.

Destination Southwark

Theatres

Blue Elephant Theatre

59a Bethwin Road, SE5 0XT A vibrant arts venue aiming to nurture new and emerging artists across the performing arts.

Shakespeare’s Globe

21 Bankside River Walk, SE1 9DT Dedicated to the exploration of Shakespeare’s work and the playhouse for which he wrote.

Southwark Playhouse

51 Southwark Street, SE1 1RU A theatre, restaurant, bar, exhibition and rehearsal spaces, presenting acclaimed premieres and revivals.

Havil Street, SE5 7SD Creates accessible, relevant and exciting theatre, arts education and training programmes.

103 The Cut, SE1 8NB An iconic building with a history of great productions, under the artistic leadership of Kevin Spacey.

Theatre Peckham

The Shunt Vaults

66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ An intimate venue showing rediscovered classics, international theatre and vibrant new writing.

27 Denmark Hill, SE5 8SR Free entry Exhibits a unique collection of works from modern, international and contemporary fine artists.

Jerwood Space

171 Union Street, SE1 0LN Free entry Venue for the arts and events, which includes a contemporary art gallery, café and courtyard.

Lichtaffen Gallery

Bankside Gallery

48 Hopton Street, SE1 9JH Free entry Houses the best of contemporary watercolour and printmaking with many works for sale, plus a diverse range of other exhibitions.

Cafe Gallery Projects

1 Southwark Park, SE16 2UA Free entry Artist-led exhibition space with an active community learning programme.

Coleman Project Space

94 Webster Road, SE16 4DF Free entry Contemporary gallery space with events and temporary exhibitions

Dulwich Picture Gallery

7 Gallery Road, SE21 7AD Home to one of the most important collections of European old masters paintings of 1600s and 1700s, and temporaryinternational exhibitions. Plus, education programme, talks and workshops.

Unicorn Theatre

Young Vic

GX Gallery

9 North Cross Road, SE22 9ET Free entry Diverse exhibitions that celebrate film, photography and the visual arts.

London College of Communication Gallery

Elephant and Castle, SE1 6SB Free entry Part of the University of the Arts London, the gallery showcases some of the brightest young talent in contemporary art.

Museums

The Old Vic

147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ UK’s flagship theatre for young people.A wide range of performances, special events, workshops and other theatre activities.

Joiner Street, SE1 9RL Open Friday and Saturday. Shunt is a collective of 10 artists creating large-scale performance events in unexpected, abandoned or derelict buildings throughout London. Their current home is a sprawling labyrinth of railway archesunder London bridge station.

Galleries

The Menier Chocolate Factory

Tooley Street, SE1 2TF Providing a platform for emerging theatre practitioners and a programme of performance, education work and community drama.

London Glassblowing

62 Bermondsey Street,SE1 3UD Free entry A leading glass art gallery and workshop focused on the creation and display of contemporary glass art.

South London Gallery

65 Peckham Road, SE5 8UH Free entry Contemporary art gallery hosting major shows of national and international visual arts with associated talks and a community programme.

Spacestation 65

65 Northcross Road, SE22 9ET Free entry An artist-run, shop front contemporary art gallery.

Tate Modern

53 Bankside, SE1 9TG Free entry (fee for special exhibitions) Internationally renowned centre for modern and contemporary art.

Brunel Museum

Railway Avenue, SE16 4LF Free Entry Displays on the construction of the Thames Tunnel and other projects by Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Cuming Museum

155 Walworth Road, SE17 1RY Free Entry Home to the worldwide collection of the Cuming family, and the museum of Southwark’s history from Roman times to the diverse communities of today.

Design Museum

28 Shad Thames, SE1 2YD Devoted to contemporary design in every form from furniture to graphics, and architecture to industrial design.

Fashion and Textile Museum

83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF A cutting edge centre for contemporary fashion, textiles and jewellery in London.

Imperial War Museum

Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ Free Entry (Special exhibitions may charge a small fee).

Its unparalleled collection covers all aspects of twentieth and twenty-first century conflict involving Britain and the Commonwealth.

Horniman Museum

London Road, SE23 3PQ Free Entry Family friendly museum with exhibits from around the world.

The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret

St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY One of London’s most unusual museums and the UK’s oldest operating theatre in the unique setting of a church roof.

The Pumphouse Education Museum

Lavender Road, SE16 5DZ Free Entry Home to the Rotherhithe Heritage Museum, a variety of historical exhibitions and an environmental study centre.

Southwark Business Today

19

The Big Interview

Borough Market - a thousand years and counting B

orough Market is one of those businesses that is able to combine a strong sense of where it has come from with a powerful vision of where it wants to go.

However, very few can point to a history that stretches back one thousand years.

The area in which the market sits has long been synonymous with food and as far back as the 11th Century, London Bridge attracted traders selling grain, fish, vegetables and livestock.

In the 13th Century traders were relocated to what is now Borough High Street and a market has existed there ever since, but not without a battle or two along the way.

In 1755, for instance, the market was closed by Parliament, but a group of Southwark residents raised £6,000 to buy a patch of land known locally as The Triangle, once the churchyard of St Margaret’s, and reopened the market in 1756. The Triangle, where you’ll find Northfield Farm and Furness Fish and Game, is still at the heart of the market today.

It may be a proud history but the market is very much focused on the future and responsible for guiding the next chapter in its story is current managing director Keith Davis, whose career path is somewhat unconventional.

Having dropped out of school without any qualifications, he became an apprentice in the

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motor trade ‘until I worked out that you had to get your hands dirty, which is when my interest in management began’. His first post was to manage a garage aged just twenty.

He was also a good squash player, earning money from the game just as it was becoming popular thanks to the impact of players such as Jonah Barrington, winning a tournament and playing against the Australian and New Zealand number ones.

However it all came to a halt in a terrible accident – ‘I fell off a mountain while skiing and tore my knee apart- - and he retired from the sport, moving instead into local government where he started as a cleaner in a small sports hall and occupied senior positions at several councils before becoming a Chief Executive of a local Authority, including at one stage being responsible for leisure and markets.

He came to Borough Market in 2011, tasked with the job of guiding it through a period of change and balancing its roles as a market and its increasing popularity as a tourist attraction.

He said: “The market has seen many changes down the years

Southwark Business Today

Keith Davis Managing Director Borough Market

and when I arrived Network Rail were doing a lot of work in the area and we had to decant to a local car park, which gave us the chance to look with fresh eyes at what we wanted the market to be.

“One thing we knew was there has been a market in the area for 1,000 years – there is a reference from King Olaf to a

trading area on the banks of the river – and what has allowed it to survive is the uniqueness of what we offer.

“I think one of the key developments in making it a success was the decision ten or fifteen years ago to move from wholesale to wholesale and retail, something we have been developing ever since.

The Big Interview

“One thing we knew was there has been a market in the area for 1,000 years - there is a reference from King Olaf to a trading area on the banks of the river and what has allowed it to survive is the uniqueness of what we offer.” we ever do have a space, which is rare, we do not just go out and replace them with the same thing, we ask ourselves if there is something different we can offer. It is all about getting the right balance.

“The diversity of what we offer is one of our strengths and it is all about discovery for the customers. Perhaps they will end up buying something they had not thought about before.”

“The people who made that decision really were pioneers and it helped make the market a destination.

“There was a time 15-20 years ago when people would not come over to this side of the river but that is changing thanks to the arts, with museums and galleries and the Globe Theatre, and to food, in which we have played a big part.”

Reflecting the public’s increasing passion for food, the market has grown to more than 100 stalls and, alongside the original fruit, veg, bakers and butchers, now sells a huge variety of British and international produce.

The market ensures high standards of produce by having a comprehensive food quality process, including a panel of

impartial experts who ensure that the taste, provenance and quality of foods sold there are all regularly measured and maintained and we support small traders to meet these standards.

Keith said: “What makes us special is that you can look the trader in the eye and be told the provenance of what is being sold, where it comes from, how you add value to it by adding X,Y and Z.You just do not get that from plastic packaging in a supermarket.

Standing testament to the market’s unique standing in the community, it was awarded a Blue Plaque, voted for by the people of Southwark, marking its place as London's Oldest Fruit & Veg Market.

But there is more to the story than that. The market is a

charitable trust and working alongside its Trustees, Keith and his team are currently looking at how best to secure the future of the market for generations to come. This means responding to the needs of the changing local environment and ensuring the best use of the properties which the charity owns in the locality.

Keith said: “We are more than just a market these days.

We are a world class food destination and we need to respond to the needs of the modern day whilst staying true to our historic roots.

“For us, it is about being at the heart of the community that we have served for a thousand years.”

“All of our traders share a love of food and many of them make, grow or rear the produce they sell so now, just as in 1755, our customers know exactly where their shopping has come from.

“Our selection criteria for stallholders is strict and and if

Southwark Business Today

21

Finance

Key facts about auto enrolment

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he Government has introduced auto enrolment to help more people save for their future.

This means that employers will have to automatically enrol some workers into a workplace pension plan and give other workers the option to join.

Decisions, decisions e take a look at the effect that the introduction of "Freedom and W Choice in Pensions" in April 2015 will have on pension savers.

More choice is a good thing but it does lead to increased decisionmaking, and the consequences of each choice could be profound.

Here you'll find the key facts about the employer duties and what they mean for employers and their workers. All of the information is based on our current understanding of the relevant legislation and regulations and may be subject to change.

When it's happening The employer duties started being introduced in stages from October 2012.

Employers need to identify their 'staging date' to determine when the duties first apply. This also sets the date for automatic re-enrolment.

Choosing a pension scheme Employers will have to set up and contribute to a pension scheme suitable for auto enrolment.

The effect on the workforce Employers must assess their workforce to determine which type of worker they employ. Workers can be categorised as eligible jobholders, non-eligible jobholders or entitled workers.

Employer duties Employers will have different duties depending on the types of worker they employ. They'll need to automatically enrol some workers into an auto enrolment scheme and arrange membership of a pension scheme for others.

Keeping records Employers will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the scheme and have an obligation to keep certain records. This includes information about their workers and the pension scheme which must be provided to TPR when requested.

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) The employer duties are not optional.

TPR will ensure employers comply with their duties. Although TPR's approach will be to educate and encourage compliance, employers will face substantial fines or even imprisonment if they don't comply.

Further information can be found on the Royal London website.

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Southwark Business Today

When to retire

Historically the decision to retire was largely dictated by an individual's employer, and was often linked to the state pension age (SPA).

Changes in employment law mean that it is no longer possible for employers to dictate the age at which their employees retire, and the decision of when is the right time is now down to the individual saver. Already we are seeing a trend for older workers to stay in employment longer.

How much to take

Another decision people face that in the past was largely made for them, is how much income to take from their pension fund.

Previously income was limited by government rules based on prevailing interest rates and the saver’s age.

The new "freedom and choice" means individuals will now have to decide how much to take for themselves. Famously, you are free to take it all up front and buy a sports car, although you are likely to face a hefty income tax bill if you do so.

For many people the question to ask may be "how much can I take without running out of money before I die?"

Where to invest

Decisions need to be made about how whether you want to remain invested, whether you want some form of guarantee and which investments you want your

income to come from. Income portfolios are much more susceptible to investment volatility than growth portfolios. In a preretirement portfolio you may be able to sit out any short term losses; in an income portfolio those losses are felt immediately.

When to cash out

Lastly you need to decide when to cash out.

When annuities were more or less compulsory this was an automatic occurrence as soon as any money was required from the pension fund.

Under the new rules it will be possible to avoid buying an annuity at all, but the likelihood is that the majority of retirees still will at some point.

This is because as you get older your income needs tend to become a bit more predictable and you also are more likely to get a favourable annuity rate, particularly if there are health issues to consider.

In addition if the annuity is paid out over a shorter time period it is less likely to be impacted by inflation.

Find out more

The government has set up a free guidance service, PensionsWise to help retirees with these difficult decisions or you could contact an independent financial adviser who is qualified to recommend the most suitable options for you circumstances.

Voice from Westminster

Why thinking big holds the key to Southwark’s future A

lthough he is impressed with the growth in the area’s business community, Simon Hughes, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, believes that much needs to be done to ensure that it remains sustainable.

And for Simon, the key to achieving continued growth is for decisionmakers to be ambitious and think big.

The MPs says that supporting new infrastructure projects in the area will make it easier for businesses to survive and thrive and also attract investment and create jobs.

Simon said: “The number of people in the area who are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance is at an all-time low and 16,000 new jobs have been created in the area since 2010.

“I was also checking up on the figures for business in the constituency the other day and they are phenomenal; 75 large businesses, 1,365 SMEs and

6,480 micro-businesses or selfemployed.

“They are remarkable statistics but we need to do more to support those businesses and I think that bringing forward infrastructure projects is one of the ways to do it because of the benefits they bring to the area.”

To support his argument, he points to the success of the campaign to extend the Jubilee Line and the way it has helped people living and working in the constituency by having stations.

Now, he says that a similar extension is needed for the Bakerloo line, an idea for which he says the Government has now agreed to conduct a feasibility study.

There is a need for a cycle and pedestrian bridge linking Surrey Docks with Canary Wharf, an idea which is now being seriously considered

The 400th anniversary of the sailing of The Mayflower from Southwark in 2020 should be marked by a new pier at Rotherhithe, which will attract visitors and regenerate the area In addition, he argues that the council must continue to press for more affordable housing ‘instead of the area seeing houses built and marketed abroad’ and the campaign must continue to improve better broadband in the Old Surrey docks because ‘we have to fill in those black holes’.

Simon said: “The area is doing well but by bringing forward infrastructure projects we can support local business even more.

“Not only will new stations and a new bridge make it easier for people to get around but such projects bring with them largescale investments which, in turn, create jobs and apprenticeships, further reducing the number of people who are out of work.

“That is why I am campaigning for such major projects to go ahead and I am encouraged by the conversations I am having with the key organisations involved. Such projects are an important part of this area’s regeneration.”

Southwark Business Today

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Business News

How Deaf aware are you? here are around 10 million people in the UK with some form of deafness and hearing loss. Making your business Tmore accessible to deaf people is an important business proposition

So you think you’re Deaf Aware?

Find out if that’s true...

1 2 3 4 5

All deaf people have deaf children Deaf people can lip read Deaf people follow better if you raise your voice and shout You know when a deaf person has understood you because they nod in agreement Hearing aids restore hearing to normal

True False [

Deaf Awareness Test Answers 1 False! 90% of deaf children are born to hearing 2 3 4

parents (Source: National Deaf Children's Society, www.ndcs.org.uk/) False! It has been estimated only 30-40% of English is actually lip readable as many words look exactly the same on the lips - try saying ‘mat’ & ‘bat’ or ‘she’ & ‘he’.

False! Shouting produces distorted lip patterns and makes lip reading even harder. Also it can be a painfully loud noise to a hearing aid wearer.

False! Deaf people have become expert nodders to avoid attention and embarrassment at not having followed the conversation – ask them a question back to check they’ve understood ok.

6 7 8 9

5 6 7 8

Sign Language is international There are Hearing Dogs for the deaf just as there are Guide Dogs for the blind Deaf people take a different driving test to hearing people In a staff meeting, deaf people will often need to see the notes as well as having an interpreter

True False

Find out how you did ....

False! Hearing aids amplify sound to various degrees but don’t restore normal hearing.

False! Each country has their own sign language, and even English speaking countries such as America and Australia have different signed languages.

True! Hearing Dogs for Deaf People work by alerting the owner to the source of the sound, e.g. if the doorbell rings they will go and sit by the door. (For more information visit the Hearing Dogs website: www.hearingdogs.org.uk) False! Deaf and hearing people take exactly the same driving test, though consideration needs to be given to appropriate communication support, e.g. a BSL interpreter.

Lets get physical

9

True! It is impossible to write down notes and watch the interpreter at the same time

Less that 5 correct answers: You need urgent help! Deaf Awareness training will enable you to feel more confident when communicating with deaf people, and it can also prevent unwanted litigation.

5 or more correct answers: You have some knowledge but would greatly improve your understanding and empathy towards deaf and hard of hearing people with Deaf Awareness training.

Based in Southwark, Signamic is a specialist training provider in Deaf and Deafblind Awareness and British Sign Language.

Visit www.signamic.co.uk

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Southwark Business Today

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• • • • • •

Close Up

Tackling the challenges surrounding mental health enevieve Glover has an exciting and challenging job, one that makes for busy working days as she leads an organisation dedicated to deepening a widening understanding of mental health.

G

“No two days are the same.

We believe in flexible working.

We do not judge people on how much time they spend sitting in the office, it is much more about delivering successful projects.

“I tend to spend four days of the week in the office or in meetings, talking to my team of 15 or meeting people from the organisations with which we collaborate, or with potential clients, in the corporate sector primarily, explaining what we do.

“We at Maudsley Learning are big believers in the benefits of collaborative working.

As the Managing Director of Maudsley Learning, she heads a Community Interest Company that bridges the gap between the clinical and academic world and the wider community.

Genevieve became the company’s first employee in August 2012 after 20 years in the private sector, including working with start-ups and spending 13 years in the fitness and corporate health management sectors.

Her core expertise is HR and she was part of the team that launched The O2 as well as being Group HR Director for AEG Europe and Chairman of Thames Clippers.

Now she is bringing those skills to Maudsley Learning, which is

based at the ORTUS learning and events centre in Camberwell, and is ideally situated at the heart of an area of excellence in the field of mental health and wellbeing.

Its neighbours and partners include the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and King’s College Hospital.

The company, which is a subsidiary of the Maudsley Charity, arranges everything from in-house learning, courses and workshops to conferences, debates and other community events.

Genevieve said: “There is no such thing as a typical working day but it usually begins at eight to eight thirty, depending on when I drop my daughter off.

“We are only eighteen months old as an organisation so a lot of what we have been doing has been about establishing ourselves and helping to raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health and wellbeing with key audiences, more specifically those interested in mental health in the workplace, children and young people, sport and e-mental health.

“One moment I could be talking to a clinician or a neuroscientist, the next to an HR professional, many with dual experience.

“We are very proud of what we have achieved to date and we are proud to be based in Camberwell. Having said that our digital platform Maudsley Learning Online, will extend

our reach into the global online community.

“My working day ends around 5-6pm unless we’re staging an evening event which is then shared around the team to attend. One of these more regular events is one in which a psychiatrist is ‘in the chair’, which allows members of the public to find out not just about their work but also about them as people.”

In line with the idea of flexible working, Genevieve tries to spend some time away from the demands of the office.

She said: “I try to have one day a week working from home.

That combined with a run round the Common, allows me to do my thinking, preparation and follow up actions.”

She believes that the work of Maudsley Learning is contributing to the changing perception of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and across the wider public.

Genevieve said: “I do think that things are changing and that there is a growing awareness about mental health and mental ill health. After all, we all have mental health as we have physical health, so the information and learning that we provide is relevant to everyone.”

“We are very proud of what we have achieved to date and we are proud to be based in Camberwell. Having said that our digital platform Maudsley Learning Online, will extend our reach into the global online community.”

Southwark Business Today

25

Property

CDM 2015 - all change from 6th April

Prepared by: Les Johnson BSc, MaPS, TechIOSH

Director at the Association for Project Safety (APS)., Vice Chair of Southwark Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Owner of LJPM Ltd,

S

ignificant changes with the new regulations, now including Domestic Projects and Coordination of all projects with more than one contractor so affecting a large sector of the industry previously exempted.

Those of us in the Construction Industry, either design or management of construction activities, are used to working under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations - lovingly referred to has the ‘CDM Regs’, since 1994.

We’ve seen one revision in 2007 and now we will have the 2015 regulations which are planned to come into force on 6th April.

These regulations still retain the core principals of CDM - to protect the health & safety of people working in construction and others who may be affected by their actions.

They also seek to address previous concerns of: • Burdensome bureaucracy created by the industry, especially pre-assessment and competency and a disproportionate approach; • The coordination function within pre- construction phase was often not very well embedded and not adding value but cost.

26

• Changes needed for the UK to comply with the corresponding EC Directive.

So what are the changes in 2015 Regulations?

• They apply to all construction projects – including domestic;

• All projects must have a written construction plan;

• All Clients of construction projects have duties;

• The role of CDM Coordinator has been removed;

• A new Role of Principal Designer has been created;

• The Client has to appoint a principal designer and a principal contractor for any project where expected to be more than one contractor;

• If the Client is a domestic client most of their duties will be carried out by the contractor, principal contractor by default or principal designer if appointed in writing;

Southwark Business Today

• A duty to make sure all persons carry out a role have the right skills, knowledge, experience and training; • Notification to be made by the Client and the criteria changed. Notification is no longer associated with appointment of duty holders.

• There are transitional arrangements – see below What will this mean?

The project team members will have to prepare and adopt the new regulations to gain adequate knowledge, skills experience and training where required.

• Clients will need to adapt arrangements and strategies for managing their construction projects.

• Designers will take on the role of Principal Designer on projects with more than one contractor. They are required to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health & safety in the pre-construction phase of a project.

• Other Designers preparing or modifying designs will continue to eliminate, reduce or control foreseeable risks arising from their design.

• Principal Contractors are required to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health & safety in the construction phase of a project.

• Contractors are required to plan, manage and monitor construction work under their control and coordinate with others if more than one contractor so that it is carried out without risks to health & safety.

• Existing CDM Coordinators will lose their role but may in certain qualified cases be able to act as Principal Designer or be in a position to offer CDM / H&S Advice to Clients, designers and contractors on larger, complex projects where they have acquired significant skills, knowledge and experience in design and construction risk management.

Property The biggest impact, in my view, will be on contractors and designers taking on the role of Principal Contractor and / or Principal Designer for multicontractor projects.

Those working on Domestic Projects may not have worked under the CDM Regs before and may be too small to be legally required to have a written health & safety policy.

Domestic Clients - HSE do not wish to create a burdensome role on domestic clients, the majority of whom may never have undertaken construction projects nor involved with health & safety at work.

Therefore in domestic projects the Client duties will be transferred to the contractor on single contractor projects or

Principal Contractor if more than one. The Client may appoint in writing their Designer / Principal Designer to carry out Client Duties if they wish.

Transitional arrangements

There is a six month period running to the 6th October 2015 that will apply to certain projects:

Projects where no existing CDM Coordinator or Principal Contractor and construction started: • The Client must appoint in writing a Principal Contractor as soon as practical after 6th April.

• The Client may appoint in writing a Principal Designer

• The Principal Contractor must draw up a Construction Phase Plan as soon as practicable after 6th April.

Projects with an existing CDM Coordinator

• CDM C appointment continues until a Principal Designer is appointed or the project comes to an end • The Client must appoint in writing a Principal Designer by 6th October unless the project comes to an end

• If the Client does not appoint a Principal Designer then the Principal Contractor must prepare a Health & Safety File as soon as practicable after 6th April.

Projects with only one contractor

• The above does not include a domestic Client

Any questions, queries or advice email: les.johnson@ljpm.co.uk

• If the Client fails to appoint a Principal Contractor then their duties must be fulfilled by the Client

Key Statistics:

• Where construction phase has started, the Contractor must draw up a Construction Phase Plan, as soon as practicable after 6th April.

Further Information

CDM2015 is aimed more towards SME’s and smaller construction projects.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) experience shows that these are the sites where the majority of the accidents and non-compliance with regulations are found. Up to 75% of major accidents happen on sites where fewer than 10 people are working.

Additional information and detail, including frequently asked questions on CDM 2015 can be found on the APS website: www.aps.org.uk/cdm2015

• Fall from height is still the largest cause of fatalities accounting for 19 workers.

That is 45%;

Construction Industry Training Board website: www.citb.co.uk/health-safety-andother-topics/health-safety/constructiondesign-and-management-regulations/cdm -guidance-documents/

In terms of accidents, whilst there has been an overall reduction there were 42 fatal injuries to workers in 2013/204, 14 of these were the self-employed.

• It is also the largest kind of injury for major /specified injury with 31% of total injuries. Slips, trips and same level falls is close behind a 27%.

• 47% of reported injury occurs in remodeling, repairing, extending and building maintenance projects.

The Health and Safety Executive website: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l153.htm

See CITB App for Android phones – CDM Wizard.

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Working with private residential and commercial clients, our expertise adds value to your project to save you time and money.

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Southwark Business Today

27

Hospitality

Restaurant Reviews

By Margaret Rowse Executive Committee

HMS Belfast Open New Bar/Café

Mug House: Wine Bar and Dining Room

1-2 Tooley Street, SE1 2PF Tel: 020 7403 8343

HMS Belfast have opened a very conveniently situated new Café Bar at HMS Belfast this looks to become one of the best located bars in Southwark.

Situated at the main entrance to HMS Belfast on the riverside, the upstairs seating area gives stunning panoramic views the City of London.

The new café also boasts a retail area for souvenirs and you can purchase your tickets here to board the HMS Belfast.

The Bar can seat up to 24 diners and is available for private hire.

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The design is modern and will be focusing on seasonal dishes, locally sourced.

The Café will be open all year round, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The café / bar will be open from 08.00 - 10.00pm and they do have a licence to sell alcohol.

Perfect for a summers evening, a snack or meal and glass of wine beside the Thames.

They offer a take away service for coffee and tea.

Later this Spring the will open the upper deck which overlooks the spectacular HMS Belfast, with good views of Tower Bridge, Tower of London and City Hall.

Southwark Business Today

Another unusual Davy’s bar that is hidden underneath the actual London Bridge, to the left of ‘Nancy steps.’

Although strangely the address is 1-2 Tooley Street, SE1 2PF

This Davy’s bar is situated in the cellars and tunnels that run under the bridge. There are lots of nooks and crannies and candlelight on the tables. The lighting lends itself to the

ambience and atmosphere of times past. It is warm and cosy and at first glance looks small, but the dining room that is hidden away goes quite a long way back and has plenty of space - but it does get busy.

They boast many different wines and Davy’s ales and lager on tap.

Bar snacks are available and the food is good traditional fayre.

If you get the chance, go for a visit, you will be surprised!

Hospitality

The Bunch of Grapes

TAS Restaurant

72 Borough High Street, London SE1 1XF Tel: 020 7403 7200 - Borough High Street Tel: 020 7928 3300 - TAS Pide (Globe)

2 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RS Tel. 020 7403 2070

Email: bunchofgrapes@youngs.co.uk A Young’s pub situated close to London Bridge stations.

Good choice of Young’s fine beers and an excellent selection if good wines. Tasty and wholesome Pub Grub. Upstairs restaurant that seats 30, which can be hired as a function room.

Like all Young’s pubs the staff are trained bar people and give a good, fast service.

A unique outdoor area which is on three levels and mostly covered by professional umbrellas incorporating heaters—probably the best outside area for smokers in the area. The high seats are rather uncomfortable. Gets extremely busy early evening.

The Heeltap

TAS has three restaurant in Southwark, in Borough High Street, The Cut and along by The Globe Theatre. All serve traditional Turkish food in comfortable surroundings.

The Borough High Street restaurant is very modern in its design and décor, it is on two levels street front and raised slightly at the back with a view of the busy open kitchen. Downstairs there is also a large eating area.

Walk in the door and you are immediately greeted by the friendly staff who offer you a choice of tables. Once seated you are given olives and warm bread with a dipping sauce with compliments.

The choice of menu is extensive and is explained in plain English underneath the Turkish description, which makes the choice no easier as there is so many things you want to try.

My dining companion and I decided it was better to order dishes to share, a main course and two or three sides so we could try different dishes. The portions are not big, but more than sufficient when mixed.

Prices are very reasonable for such a restaurant and their attention to detail, from the beautiful etched glasses, crisp white tablecloth and sparkling cutlery to the attentive yet un-intrusive service is excellent.

In contrast the TAS Pide restaurant near the Globe Theatre is like a small piece of Turkey on your doorstep. An open kitchen where you can watch them produce authentic Turkish dishes, décor has greenery, Turkish artefacts and traditional items on show. The food and service is equally as good as TAS but in totally different surroundings. This restaurant is less formal and a little quirky, perfect before or after a visit the The Globe Theatre, Shakespeare I am sure would have been a frequent visitor in his day if it had been there then. Luckily for us we have a choice of two to try in the Borough and both are worth a visit.

Chaucer House, white Hart Yard, London SE1 1NX Tel: 020 7407 2829

Email: info@davy.co.uk

A Davy’s bar situated off Borough High Street with an entrance from either White Hart Yard or George Inn Yard.

The outside is in terrible contrast to the magnificent George Inn, a 16th Century Façade, but once inside you can enjoy the views of its neighbour (The George), the décor is modern, smart and spacious.

Excellent staff serve good beers from Shepherd Neame and a wide range of magnificent wines. The food is more wine bar/restaurant fare than pub grub, but the sharing plates go well with a lunchtime drink.

Lunchtimes are comfortably empty, but Thursday and Friday nights it’s a crush.

An excellent venue to hold meetings.

The outside patio is well furnished with sturdy furniture and heat lamps.

Southwark Business Today

29

Hospitality

Sea Containers Restaurant Mondrian London 20 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PD 020 3747 1000

The Royal Oak 44 Tabard Street, London SE1 4JU

Tel: 020 7357 7173

The Royal Oak is the only Harvey's of Lewes house in London. Situated just off Great Dover Street, 200 yards from the Borough tube station.

This pub is well appointed with an old fashioned interior or days gone by, a large front bar and a smaller back bar, joined by a ‘jug and bottle’.You can always find 5 staple Harvey's Real Ales, plus seasonal ale and a guest Fullers Ale on tap and in bottles, two ciders, one traditional and two lagers, plus Guinness,

The pub is unique as in no background music, television or gambling machines.

Just a well kept traditional pub with real ale, good conversation and excellent food.

The Royal Oak has an upper floor function room for private hire and for those that like a traditional English pub this is an oasis in a desert, which is in evidence by the number of ‘Pub of the Year’ awards adorning the walls, the latest being Greater London Pub of the Year award from SPBFW. ••••

GOOD BARS + GOOD PUBS IN SOUTHWARK

Southwark has an abundance if good bars and pubs, we will be doing a review in this and future editions of Southwark Business Today.

Reviews from readers are welcome ••••

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Southwark Business Today

Sea Containers restaurant, located in Mondrian London on the South Bank, is launching a signature weekend brunch

Culinary director Seamus Mullen (of Tertulia in New York) has devised the new menu to include a blend of his signature light and healthy plates as well as heartier options. There will also be new fresh juices as well as brunch cocktails by Dandelyan’s Ryan Chetiyawardana.

Award-winning chef Seamus Mullen, known for his inventive

flavours and emphasis on real, whole foods, launched Sea Containers in October 2014 in Mondrian London. Sea Containers features an open kitchen, visible wood-fire oven, central “diner” bar and a restaurant space designed by Tom Dixon to complement its sensational location on the river Thames. The ‘farm to table’ movement is integral to the Sea Containers kitchen and its menu; produce is carefully sourced from organic farmers and Fair Trade cooperatives from around the UK and the Continent.

The new brunch menu is split into three main sections, ‘From Our Bakery’, ‘For The Table’, and ‘Mains’, offering guests plenty of options for leisurely weekend dining. Dishes include mainstays such as Blueberry Pancakes, Waffles and a Full Farmer’s Breakfast.

Wholesome ‘Mains’ include Steak & Eggs and a Kale Caesar salad. Sharing options include the Seafood Platter for two (with oysters, crab, scallops and shrimp) or Burrata (with radishes on grilled country sourdough).

“The ‘farm to table’ movement is integral to the Sea Containers kitchen and its menu; produce is carefully sourced from organic farmers and Fair Trade cooperatives from around the UK and the Continent.”

Focus on

Cafe that is definitely number one elsons Cafe has enjoyed its fair share of stardust in its time, having attracted plenty of budding pop stars and producers over the years.

N

But despite its occasional brushes with fame, Nelsons remains today what it always has been, a muchloved down-to-earth café and sandwich bar.

The business, which was based at several locations in London before moving to its current site in Borough High Street in 1990, has been a family business ever since it was opened in the 1960s.

In that time, it has established an enviable reputation for good food served in enjoyable surroundings at competitive prices.

For many people, a visit to Nelsons is part of the daily routine but alongside the ‘ordinary’ man and woman have come all sorts of celebrities, attracted by the café’s home-cooked Italian-English fare.

For its customers, famous or not, the friendly, lively atmosphere is a big attraction, according to family member Paul Cordani, who runs Nelsons with brother Claudio and mother Yolanda.

He believes that atmosphere can be attributed to the homely surroundings, excellent hot meals and its award-winning melts, voted among the best in London by the Standard newspaper.

He said: “We began as a family business and that is what we have always been and we always will be. People like the atmosphere.

“Over the years, we have had lots of well known faces coming in, including budding pop stars and some producers who were working at the nearby studios.

“I think they like the fact that everything we serve is home-cooked and made with fresh ingredients from the local markets.

We start work at 5am and buy stuff fresh for that day’s meals.”

The café itself opens its doors at 7am to catch the breakfast trade and remains busy right through the day until it closes ten hours later.

Busy it may be but surviving can sometimes be a battle, according to Paul, who said: “We have seen a lot of changes over the years, not all for the better.

“One day we came in to work and they had put double yellow lines down outside the cafe, another time it was a bus lane, which has killed off the morning trade.

Things like that do not help.

“There has been so much change in the area - buildings demolished, new places opening up – and we are hoping to take advantage of the regeneration of the area which we hope will increase our trade as the developments happen.

“It does not help when you hear of a supermarket opening up nearby or another sandwich outlet but we keep going, just like we always have.”

“For many people, a visit to Nelsons is part of the daily routine but alongside the ‘ordinary’ man and woman have come all sorts of celebrities, attracted by the café’s home-cooked Italian-English fare.”

Southwark Business Today

31

Business News

Caffè Ottavo appoints Seymour Valentine as Exclusive UK Distributors ast-growing Italian gourmet coffee brand Caffè Ottavo has appointed Seymour Valentine as its exclusive UK distributor.

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The news comes as the roaster, based in Fano on Italy’s beautiful Adriatic coast, launches its first Nespresso compatible pods into the UK marketplace.

‘The coffee business has been pretty flat in the past ten years, so for us to grow as we have demonstrates that we have something of genuine quality that people want’, said Caffè Ottavo MD Guy Fridja.

It’s by responding to what people want that Fridja expects Caffè Ottavo to mirror its continental success in the UK, with Seymour Valentine at the helm. ‘Single serve is the way coffee drinking is going’, he explains. ‘People want great tasting coffee but they want it as quickly and as easily as possible without complications.’

Seymour Valentine will initially target the Business and Industry sector on Caffè Ottavo’s route to market, with small businesses, such as hairdressers and local offices, firmly in their sales sights.

In terms of the cultural match between Caffè Ottavo and Seymour Valentine, Fridja has no doubts: "As soon as I met Cevat Riza, Seymour Valentine’s MD, I realised he’d be a fantastic guy to work with," he said.

It’s all about whether you trust people and like them."

Seymour Valentine’s strategy will be to improve upon other offers, by providing customers with not just the pods, but a machine too - The Simba - and with the high-quality support and back-up Seymour Valentine customers have come to expect thrown in for good measure.

‘Just contact us and we’ll provide you with the machine, the pods and everything else you need to make sure that the coffee and tea you offer is the best it can be’, Seymour Valentine MD Cevat Riza said.

To find out more contact Seymour Valentine on 08454 133 033.or visit www.seymourvalentine.co.uk

New ‘connect card’ will help SMEs work with schools and colleges employers are keen to develop stronger links with schools and colleges in order to help prepare Many young people for work but are struggling to make this happen.

However, a new report from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), London Councils, the London Enterprise Panel and South East Strategic Leaders, gives practical advice on how education organisations and local business can work together to make young people ‘work ready’..

Based on research with SMEs, micro- businesses, further education colleges and secondary schools in London and the South East, the report includes case studies and a ‘connect card’ with advice on how to develop effective partnerships.

Forming partnerships between SMEs and education is not easy, the research finds that whilst many larger companies have welldeveloped education links programmes, SMEs are less likely to have strong links with education.

A key assertion is that relationships between education and business need to be driven by schools and colleges, but with input from SMEs.

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To help develop these relationships, the research partners have produced a ’connect card’ containing a checklist of five key questions designed to stimulate discussion, plus advice on understanding business needs and developing long-term relationships.

“The more informed and involved employers are, the more they will realise that schools and colleges cannot produce a ‘work-ready’ young person alone and that their input is crucial to the better preparation of young people to the workplace,” the report says.

It identifies the key things that improve education-business relationships. They are • having a single line of communication (face-to-face where possible) to help SMEs understand the importance of their role and break down barriers • joint involvement by SMEs with the content of careers information • showing how employers can get involved, with flexible methods of engagement such a providing

Southwark Business Today

apprenticeships and work placements • a dedicated careers coordinator who can broker long-term connections.

Senior NFER Research Manager Tami McCrone said: “Concerns amongst employers about the lack of ‘work readiness’ amongst young people leaving education have been raised. The contribution made by small and medium-sized enterprises to improving the employability skills of young people is invaluable.

Schools, colleges and businesses are keen to work together, but the challenge is not knowing how to go about developing partnerships that work.

“The research not only shows the value of developing direct relationships between schools, colleges and SMEs, but also how to do it.”

Cathy Walsh, Member of the London Enterprise Panel said: “Improving employability skills, enriching our economy comes at a key stage in the debate on how the London Careers Offer can be enhanced to help young people make more informed career choices.

“The Panel’s Skills and Employment Working Group, is particularly interested in what a London Careers Offer would look like and welcomes the report’s findings particularly the importance of the development of employability and enterprise skills within education, through direct involvement of employers.

“It is a win win for everyone.

It better prepares young people for work and it benefits businesses by shaping the employability skills of their future workforce.”

The report is timely as concerns about young people’s employability skills have been raised by the British Chambers of Commerce. In a recent survey, it revealed that more than half of UK employers believe a lack of soft skills is hindering young people’s readiness for work and that there is a lack of focus on employability and enterprise in schools and colleges.

The report and connect card are available at www.nfer.ac.uk/employability

Business News

Time to speak up for authentic London M ayor of London Boris Johnson has unveiled his vision to build on London's success as a top destination for culture hungry visitors and Southwark attractions are among those singled out.

Hidden cultural gems n Evening Standard poll asking Londoners to recommend a hidden cultural gem took place in February this year.

A Four out of five travellers say culture is their main reason for coming to London and a new report shows that they spent £7.3 billion in 2013, supporting 80,000 jobs in the Capital.

London’s top 20 attractions account for 90 per cent of visits by tourists, but the success of events and attractions like Secret Cinema, which draws almost 50 per cent of it audience from outside the capital, and the weekend crowds heading to places like Brick Lane and Borough Market, suggest tourists also have an appetite for local activities that provide more ‘authentic’ cultural experiences.

The Mayor of believes more needs to be done to maximise the full potential of culture in the capital.

He said: “Cultural tourism generates billions for our economy but we are up against other great destinations like New York, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin who are also competing for the attentions of the savvy traveller.

“We celebrate our world-class museums, galleries, theatres and concert halls in the heart of the city, but we must stop underselling the cornucopia of other cultural riches to be found right across the capital.

“I want more visitors to experience London as the glorious garden of culture we as Londoners know it to be. We want them to enjoy the giant oak trees of our world-class major cultural institutions, but also to dig deeper into the undergrowth and savour the wild flowers of our quirkier and more off-beat attractions.'

About 1,000 Londoners recently responded to a poll asking them to choose a hidden cultural gem they would recommend to a tourist. The survey produced a diverse array of responses, from

Denis Severs' House in Folgate Street E2 to the antique shops in Lillie Road, Fulham; from the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park to the Bussey Building in Peckham and from the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, to the Oval Theatre in Lambeth. Parks, historic pubs and pie and mash shops also appeared.

City Hall is now working with the capital's promotional agency London and Partners, Visit Britain, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions and cultural leaders to investigate ways to promote more of what London has to offer.

Munira Mirza, Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture, said: 'It is vital that we keep reinvigorating the London experience. As important as iconic symbols of London are in the promotion of London, it is not sustainable to keep recycling stereotypes of Bobbies, Beefeaters and bowler hats. From rooftop cinema shows to immersive theatre in unusual locations we want to create a bigger cultural bucket list of experiences that adds to our great institutions.”

Chris Macleod, Marketing Director, Transport for London, said: 'Our research has shown that most visitors currently stay within zones 1 and 2, especially during their first stay in the city.

We want more visitors to explore the breadth of London's exciting cultural offer.”

Bernard Donoghue, Chief Executive of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions and Chair of the London International Festival of Theatre, said: “'Visitors come for authentic experiences that transcend tick-list sightseeing.”

• 'Take a Closer Look – A Cultural Tourism Vision for London' can be downloaded from: www.london.gov.uk/culturaltourism

It received 974 suggestions.The ones that received the most number of recommendations were: • Sir John Soane's Museum

• Walking along the Thames / Thames Path / beaches of the Thames • Wallace Collection

• The Temple - area - Inner and Middle

• Postmans Park

• Horniman Museum

• Wilton's Music Hall

• Denis Severs House • Pie and mash shops

• Fulham Palace/Bishops' Park Fulham • Little Venice

• Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park • Leighton House Kensington

• Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park • Kenwood House • Geffrye Museum

• Chelsea Physic Garden • Fan Museum

• William Morris Gallery • The Guildhall

Southwark Business Today

33

Last Word

What is the difference between DP Graphics and our competitors? DP Graphics start at the end!

My company believes in physical hard copy proofs. We live in an age where almost the complete design and artworking process of most printing jobs is produced and proofed on screen, (which is quick and cheap) but colours cannot be accurately judged on the screen and it is not easy to check the final output size.

No one wants an unhappy customer who, despite approving a screen PDF, is disappointed with the printed documents they ordered.

If you, the client, receive a physical proof early, see it, feel it, measure it, put something in it, put it in something, you can see the end at the beginning.

Q1

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

Q2

If you were prime minister, what would be your first decision?

Apart from a paper round when I was 12, apprentice lithographer ÂŁ5.6s.1d.

Protect factory space in London

Name: Derek Payne Company: DP Graphics Limited Job title: Managing Director

Q3

What is the biggest challenge in your business?

Q4

If you could do another job, what would it be?

Q5

What's your favourite London building?

Managing new technology.

Plumber.

Tower Bridge .

Join Us For further information contact: Southwark Chamber of Commerce Southbank Technopark 90 London Road, London SE1 6LN Tel: 020 7403 9922 Email: admin@southwarkcommerce.com www.SouthwarkCommerce.com

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.

We are run by an annually elected Executive Committee who meets ten times a year and there are a number of active sub-committees who work on behalf of the membership.

Their work includes developing business networking opportunities and events, organising conferences and workshops, offering business support and advice surgeries and lobbying local decision-makers on the big issues of the day.

By working together we can help create the conditions for business to thrive in the area.

34

Southwark Business Today

Considering a construction project?

If the answer is Yes! Then we may be able to help.

How?

We can discuss your requirements and expectations and assist with project management.

With our expertise we can save you time and help avoid the pitfalls.

This could range from a simple chat to advice on how best to plan.

We can outline the legal requirements; for e.g. planning permission and building regulations as well as party wall matters, CDM regulations, Equality Act provisions, rights of light, thus eliminating risk early on. We are also able to assist by carrying out the above for you.

Make that free, no obligation call and mention 'Southwark Business Today' for a free initial one - one consultation. It may make a difference!

Contact Les Johnson on 07931 231 898 Or email: les.johnson@ljpm.co.uk www.ljpm.co.uk

• • • •

Project Management Contract Administration Building Surveying Services CDM Coordination and Design Risk Management • Client Advisor / Compliance Report • Independent Assessor / Certifier on PFI & PPI Projects

‘Les Johnson of LJPM has been working with me for the past 8 months. It has been a pleasure to have Les on board for a number of reasons.

Les is very knowledgeable in all areas within the building industry, he has been a great problem solver and sound board during the development of my new venture Cafè1809.

I have also enjoyed working with Les as he is very polite and considerate.’

'I have no hesitation in recommending Les Johnson and will definitely being working with him on my future projects.'

Dame Kelly Holmes

LJPM Ltd Construction Consultants

3 More London Riverside SE1 2RE. Tel. 020 313 79808

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Prices and availability are correct at the time of going to press. Computer generated images are for illustrative purposes only and may include optional upgrades at additional cost. *Travel times approximate. Sources: www.tfl.gov.uk