OUR EVENTS DESIGNED TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW

Networking

We’ve designed our events to help you broaden your network, learn something new or get involved with key topical issues for businesses in Southwark. Our networking events are great for regular members to make and maintain useful contacts, and we always welcome first-timer.

Business Events

Our events cover a variety of topics, often hosted by key speakers. Examples include:

4 Meet your councillors - Council initiatives for business

4 Discussions on Business Rates

4 Marketing and social media presentations

4 Apprenticeship and meet the buyer sessions

Non Members are welcome to attend two FREE networking events before joining.

Social Events

Joining the Chamber is a great way of growing your network. Examples of some of our social events:

4 The Annual River Cruise

4 Lunch in the Houses of Parliament

4 Southwark Business Excellence Awards

4 Private tours of Southwark’s most iconic buildings

4 Christmas drinks at Southwark Cathedral

For further details on all forthcoming events

Email: admin@southwarkcommerce.com www.southwarkcommerce.com

Oz Izzet

The Scissors of Oz and The Sisters of OZ CIC, CEO and Hair Wizard

I’m Oz the heartbeat and founder of The Scissors of Oz, empowering people through hair and Leader of The Sisters of Oz creative hair and healing hub. I am a single parent, born and bred in Peckham and a proud business owner here too!

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

My first job was in a salon where I lived in Peckham. What started off as escapism eventually brought me in a decent amount of pocket money! I cant remember how much it was as i was around 15 years old when I started getting paid!

Q2 If you were prime minister, what would be your first decision?

This is tough but it would be the climate crisis and scrapping the patriarchy. Equality is a human right and looking after our planet is a collective responsibility!

Q3 What is the biggest challenge in your business?

I’ve had many challenges face me since I started my own business but the biggest would be getting through COVID and balancing grief whilst trying to hold everything together.

Because I wear so many hats and am currently the main earner of the business the responsibility and stakes are high, whilst being a working class woman of colour is incredibly difficult.

Q4 If you could do another job what would it be?

Easy! Interior design! I designed and made my salons from upcycled materials with my loving friends and community.

Q5 What is your favourite London building?

Obviously the one I run my business in - Peckham Levels! What was once a car park my father drove in to get our shopping is now a multi storey building full of creatives and independent businesses!

Successfully helping Southwark Businesses for almost 100 Years

Our Committee Chair (Temporary)

Shade Abdul BA(Hons) DipArch(UCL)

RIBA FRSA

Director, Deft.Space President Neil Coyle MP (MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark)

Vice President

Lord Roy Kennedy (House of Lords)

Vice President

Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP (MP for Camberwell and Peckham) Patron

The Worshipful Mayor of Southwark Patron

Sir Simon Hughes (Former MP)

Executive Members

Chair/Equalities/ Shade Abdul

Diversity and Inclusion

Procurement

Membership Secretary Lyn Hamblin

Honorary Treasurer Agata Wiak

Council Representative Councillor

Martin Seaton

Employment William Harwood

Publicity