4 minute read
Big Interview
Revitalising the Blue
It’s fair to say that Russell Dryden has led a colourful career. The London-based entrepreneur has run all sorts of businesses, from printing and decorating firms to delivery and logistics businesses.
Russell is well-acquainted with Blue Market Bermondsey, which has been woven into the fabric of the borough’s history for more than 160 years. He has lived in the area all his life, has run businesses here and he’s currently the manager of the Blue Bermondsey Business Improvement District (BID). Established in 2014, the BID exists to promote the area, attract investment and drive forward projects that improve the trading environment for local businesses.
Under Russell’s leadership, the BID has secured its future until at least 2024 – and, typically, he’s been busy making things happen. Notably, he was instrumental in a successful community campaign that saw £2 million of capital funding secured from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, a £70 million regeneration programme to support growth and community development in London.
The £2 million cash boost is being used to drive forward Made in Bermondsey, an ambitious project that’s transforming the Blue into a thriving area so that it’s once more recognised and celebrated as Bermondsey’s historic town centre. The focal point of this transformation is the regeneration of Market Place.
Russell says: “We’ve retained historical features of the market while making it a greener, more accessible and attractive place to do business. We want to build upon the Blue’s strong manufacturing heritage by embracing the emerging range of local 21st century food production businesses and have them trading on the regenerated market, where we host regular cultural events that attract people from inside and outside of the borough.
“We’ve consulted widely with residents and businesses to find out what they want and we’re trying to deliver outcomes that will make their lives easier. We’re making better connections so it’s easier to get to and from the Blue, improving access to community buildings, adding colour to the high street with shop makeovers, and creating a stronger, more coherent identity for the area.
“The high street and the market are the heartbeat of this area. It’s where people come for lunch and to socialise and if we increase footfall here, that will be good news for local businesses.”
The BID is currently in negotiations with Southwark Council to take over the running of the market. Whereas relationships between some BIDs and councils can often be slightly fraught, Russell has nothing but praise for the proactive stance taken by Southwark Council’s economic development team.
“They’re really good to work with,” he says. “They seem to be on the same page as us; we both want to improve the lives of residents and make it easier for businesses to trade here.
“They’re also very good with businesses generally. If you’re an entrepreneur with an idea and a well thought out plan, they’ll listen to you and support you.”
While COVID was challenging for businesses, Blue Bermondsey BID was there to support them whenever possible. With typical optimism, Russell is keen to put the last 18 months behind him and focus on the future. “COVID put everything into perspective,” he says, “but now’s the time to find out what kind of support businesses need as we move into a post-COVID world. We’re carrying out an in-depth survey to see what the priorities are going forwards. What do people want to see happen in the future?
“We’re still collating all of the results but early impressions are that the green agenda, recycling and sustainability are key issues of importance for individuals and businesses. People may want to see more green public spaces in the area and businesses may need support to capitalise on opportunities provided by the green economy. Whatever they need, we’ll be there to support them.”
The Inside Story:
Russell Dryden
u Favourite food?
Fish.
u Favourite tipple?
Ribena.
u Favourite holiday?
Herne Bay. u Describe your family life?
Happily married to my lovely wife of 30 years. u How do you spend your
downtime?
Making music and poetry.
With businesses to run and the BID to manage, Russell doesn’t get much free time. But he still finds time to pursue his love of music – a passion that stretches back to his childhood.
“I’ve been in bands since I was young,” he says. “I used to be a promoter in the 1990s Britpop era. I still do gigs when I can and I help run the Bermondsey Carnival, particularly the music side of it.
“Because I’ve been in the borough for so long, I see myself as one of the village elders. I want to give something back to the local community. I’m not one to sit and watch telly; I want to be out and about in the community, doing things.”
u What are your key strengths
as a manager?
Reliability and passion.
u And your limitations?
Sleep (or lack of it). There are not enough hours in the day.
u Best thing about doing
business in the borough?
The people and places.
u Famous person you’d most
like to spend dinner with?
Human rights activist Malcom X (if he was alive) and Frank Bruno, the former heavyweight boxer. u Most interesting fact about
yourself?
I have a pet seagull called Pablo.
