The Masthead January 2023

We held a successful Executive Lunch with guest speaker, Rob Elder from the Bank of England and this was was held at Davy’s Wine Vaults. James Davy is the Big Interview this month and I can recommend the new Escape Rooms. A few of us spent an hour trying to escape from RMS Titanic and were timed out.

The power of networking: Peabody and the University of Greenwich are two of our Strategic Partners and they are also represented on the Board. The University hosted a business forum for Peabody at the Greenwich campus Powerhouse last Autumn. A start-up company, Notpla Limited attended and they were subsequently invited to present on their seaweed based packaging at the Greener Greenwich ‘Just 1 Thing’, sustainability knowledge exchange event at the Powerhouse.

We were absolutely delighted when in early December, at the prize giving in Boston USA they were announced as the only UK winner of a £1m Earthshot Prize. Read all about Greener Greenwich ‘Just 1 Thing’ on Page 10 and Notpla on Page 28.

We will have some great networking opportunities this year but cannot guarantee quite such large prizes!

Helen McIntosh FCIPR President

Chamber photography by Warren King

South East London Chamber new appointment

Terri Johnson stood down as a director of SELCC at the AGM.

She has agreed to return in the part-time role of Chief Operating Officer to oversee the new backoffice systems which will automate the routine work of the office, which in turn will free up the office team to work more closely with members.

Her assistance will help SELCC become an up to date digital chamber.

Life peerage for Teresa O'Neill OBE

Cllr O’Neill has served on the Council since 1998 and as Leader of the Council since May 2008. She has led her party to five successive election victories and is the longest-serving Council leader in London.

Teresa was awarded the Order of the British Empire (Officer) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2015 for service to the community and local government

in London. She was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in April 2022 for her part in the Londonwide strategic planning and response to Covid.

She is currently Vice Chair (Leader of the Conservative group) on London Councils, Deputy Chair of the Local Government Association, Chairman of Local London, Board member of Thames Estuary Growth Board and a Board Member of Homes England.

The Chamber is delighted to congratulate our long-term supporter the Leader of Bexley Council, Teresa O’Neill as Baroness O’Neill of Bexley, OBE. She was elevated to the House of Lords in November 2022.

The college works closely with local, regional and national businesses to gather valuable expert advice to inform the teaching and curriculum, and to provide students with the opportunity to interact with some of the best employers in the country. This keeps staff and managers up to date with employer requirements and industry standards, and allows local businesses to advise on curriculum and courses.

Employers are regularly invited by the college to participate in “Learning walks”, giving them the opportunity to experience – first-hand – the

skills, techniques and workplace-readiness that are prioritised in the learning offered to students. College managers and staff take part in “Employment walks” on local business’ sites to refresh skills and upgrade their commercial awareness and expertise.

A cornerstone of the employability offer at Croydon College is the large number of apprenticeships on offer, including opportunities in the following professions and industries:-

• Accountancy

• Building and construction

• Carpentry and joinery

• Digital marketing

• Engineering

• Hospitality

• HR

• IT

• Plumbing and heating

• Project management

• Property maintenance

• Teaching

Apprenticeships are offered at Intermediate, Advanced and Higher (degree) levels, depending on the applicant’s existing qualifications and experience. There are no tuition fees due by the student, since training costs are funded by the government and employer.

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) acknowledged Croydon College’s focus on employability in their review of the provision and stated, “There is strong evidence of the development of employability skills.”

At its most recent inspection, Ofsted noted, “Initiatives introduced by the college to develop students’ employability skills have been successful in exposing students to the world of work in a number of different ways, including through imaginative projects and live briefs.”

Croydon College continually works to maintain and improve its relationships with employers to ensure students leave with the skills they need, and employers want.

If you are interested in working in partnership with Croydon College, please contact apprenticeships@croydon.ac.uk or telephone 020 8686 5700.

Councils call for more evidence amidst plans to expand ULEZ

A growing coalition of London councils has written to the Mayor of London insisting on more evidence on his ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) expansion plans that stand to cause misery and chaos for residents and visitors to the outer boroughs.

The London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon are requesting the Mayor demonstrate the lawfulness of the proposals and the data behind them.

Bexley Council reports that until they have seen compelling evidence to the contrary, it remains the councils' position that the scheme will not translate successfully to outer London boroughs and that the negative impact to local households and economies will far outweigh the negligible air quality benefits.

It is proposed the Ultra Low Emission Zone will be expanded to all London Boroughs from the end of August, in a bid to “help clear London’s air and improve public health”. However, the

plans would mean anybody driving within the ULEZ would have to pay a daily charge of £12.50 if their vehicle does not meet emissions standards.

The plans are based on the latest data from the London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI, 2019), which shows that, although improvements are being made, road transport is the single biggest contributor of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter emissions in Greater London.

According to the Transport for London website, more than four out of five vehicles do meet the required emissions standards and therefore would be exempt from the charges.

Friday 29th Sept

Celine Dion

Nikki Aston

George Michael

USE YOUR TAX ALLOWANCES WHILE YOU’RE STILL ABLE!

Following the Autumn Statement on 17 November 2022, tax director Stephen Metcalf examines the impact on tax allowances

There have been many changes to process over the last seven months since the Spring Statement in March thanks to the September mini-Budget (Growth Plan) swiftly followed by a statement from Jeremy Hunt in October which undid the miniBudget – and now the Autumn Statement.

It is fair to say taxpayers can be forgiven for scratching their heads and wondering what allowances are now available?

Fiscal drag are the two words of the moment with many allowances frozen until 2028.

The dividend allowance, introduced in April 2016 when it was £5,000, will now be reduced from its current level of £2,000 to £1,000 in April 2023 and then £500 in 2024. This will not only impact owner managed businesses but investors too as their allowance shrinks.

The headline move in the latest statement was to lower the 45% tax rate band from £150,000 to £125,140. A hidden impact of this will come to those who have previously enjoyed the £500 savings allowance, which will be lost completely when income hits £125,140.

The other major change announced was the allowance for capital gains tax (CGT), which has been more than halved from £12,300 to £6,000.

This reduction will ensure many more people will pay CGT. A report out last year suggested that only 96,000 people were filling out CGT pages on their tax return. The reduction to £6,000 increases that figure to an estimated 235,000.

Remember that if you sell a residential property you must now deliver a CGT return within 60 days of completion. Taxpayers must have their own government gateway account (as a part of the government’s Making Tax Digital project) so it’s good to get that sorted early.

The inheritance tax threshold will remain frozen at £325,000 until 2027/28. It is worth noting that the last time the allowance was raised was in 2009, meaning it will be nearly 20 years since it was last increased. IHT receipts have more than doubled in that time.

Other allowances have remained unchanged for longer – the £3,000 annual exemption for gifts, for example, hasn’t changed since 1981.

So, what can people do to minimise the impact of frozen allowances and tax increases?

1. Personal pension contributions – these are a really good way of preserving the personal allowance when your income is over £100,000 and can also assist with high income child benefit charge, where income is above £50,000.

2. Gift Aid donations – work in a similar way to pension contributions with the basic rate tax paid to the charity, and the higher rate relief given to you personally.

3. Remuneration planning – review how much income you have taken from your business so far in the tax year, ensure all allowances are used up, and consider what level of dividends and salary produce the optimal result.

4. Ensure other family members have used their allowances eg ISA allowances.

5. Review shares and property values now and take advantage of the current CGT annual exemption by selling ahead of the new tax year in April 2023.

6. Consider the availability of many other allowances, such as the trading allowance, property allowance and savings allowances, and consider how to structure your business affairs to get the maximum benefit.

It should be noted that the measures announced by Jeremy Hunt in his Autumn Statement will have a significant impact on HMRC. After years of taking taxpayers out of annual tax reporting, these latest changes create the opposite effect, bringing many more individuals into the self assessment net.

STEPHEN METCALF TAX DIRECTOR

£24 million boost to

£19m was awarded from the second round of the fund, with £5m of additional match funding from the Council.

The money will be used to rejuvenate Lewisham Market, renovate Lewisham Library and make the high street greener, safer and better connected – making the centre a more attractive and welcoming place for residents, visitors and tourists. This will help to boost footfall and spending, which will in turn support the local economy.

Lewisham’s historic market will be transformed to support local traders, encourage visitors and create a welcoming space for the community to enjoy. Both traders and shoppers alike will benefit from a new market layout with improved stalls and a permanent green canopy over the market, providing space for more traders and creating opportunities for events, pop-up stalls and an evening market. Funding will also be used to improve the area around the market with new lighting, better pavements, more trees and planting and a refurbishment of the iconic Grade II listed Clock Tower.

Lewisham Library will be renovated to create a new cultural and business hub and safeguard the future of this vital local service. These renovations will include the provision of a new community space - ‘Lewisham Lounge’ - for socialising, exhibitions and cultural attractions, supporting Lewisham’s London Borough of Culture legacy. A new business hub in the library will also offer flexible office space, meeting rooms and workspaces, with a new café and rooftop bar improving the library’s hospitality offer and providing more spaces for local residents to enjoy.

The funding will also be used to make the high street greener, safer and better connected, with new access routes through the town centre, more pedestrian crossings, improved cycle infrastructure and new lighting and CCTV. These improvements will ensure the high street, market, library, shopping centre and key transport hubs are better linked, creating a more pleasant environment for residents boosting footfall for local businesses. New trees, green pocket spaces and more electric vehicle charging points will also help improve air quality in the town centre and support the Council’s overarching mission to make Lewisham a net-zero borough by 2030.

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “This is fantastic news for Lewisham Town Centre. This money will enable us to make big improvements to the market, including a new canopy so it’s a nicer place to shop in all weather, a total refurbishment of our library, with plans for a new café and rooftop bar, restoring the historic clocktower, new pedestrian crossings and lots of new trees and plants. It’s going to make a significant difference.”

The bid received strong support from local partners and key stakeholders, including all three Lewisham MPs and local ward Councillors; educational institutions such as Goldsmiths and Lewisham College; community and cultural groups including Lewisham Local and the Migration Museum; and private sector partners such as Landsec, Get Living, South East London Chamber of Commerce and local market traders.

Lewisham Council will continue to work closely with residents, businesses, market traders, community groups and other local partners to develop the proposals and set out timescales for the various projects.

Check the Council’s website for further updates lewisham.gov.uk

Lewisham Works free service for local employers

Lewisham Works is a free, Council-led service to match unemployed residents with the training and support they need to find jobs and change lives.

If you are a local business or organisation and you are looking to strengthen your team, please get in touch. Lewisham Works’ specialist advisors have in-depth knowledge of the local jobs market:

• Work with local employers to understand your business and who you’re looking for

• Promote your vacancy and screen interested candidates to ensure you only receive the most suitable CVs and broker interviews for you with suitable candidates

• Offer additional support, including training, to settle your new staff member in

• Help to reduce your recruitment costs

For more information, please visit lewisham.gov.uk/lewishamworks

London Borough of Culture

It’s a really exciting time for Croydon with our year as London Borough of Culture starting on 1 April 2023.

When I became Executive Mayor, I said that I wanted to put Croydon back on the map for all the right reasons and I pledged to make sure the council plays its part in driving regeneration. I’ve now launched my first Mayor’s Business Plan, with one of my top priorities being the recognition of Croydon as a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning.

One of the ways I want us to do this is by attracting inward investment into our borough, and the London Borough of Culture programme is a great example of this.

Our programme, ‘This is Croydon’, will feature 15 exciting flagship events, and hundreds of smaller cultural activities taking place in every corner of the borough until March 2024. The full programme will be announced this spring ahead of the opening event, the Oratorio of Hope, being held at the Fairfield Halls.

This is fantastic news for residents, businesses, our creative industries and all local enterprises, who will benefit from significant investment into our borough over the coming months. We recently saw the largest single increase of Arts Council England’s (ACE) funding for any local authority area through National Portfolio (NPO) awards. The borough – designated an ACE Priority Area – gained four new NPO funded organisations, bringing our total to six.

Our unique model for delivering London Borough of Culture model is also a good example of the council working in partnership with business and community to make things happen.

‘This is Croydon’ is a true collaboration between the council and cultural sector –a community-led celebration of everything that is great about our borough.

We are harnessing a wealth of local talent, skills and experience to deliver an outstanding year, with the council acting as facilitator and enabler, and I want this to act as a blueprint for how the council can work together with the public, private and community sectors in future.

It’s going to be a fantastic year for Croydon, an opportunity to bring investment to our borough and restore local pride, and I want to encourage everyone to get involved. For a taste of what’s to come ahead of the full programme launch in 2023, visit www.culturecroydon.com and follow @CultureCroydon on social media.

Getting the basics right

Delivering exciting opportunities like the London Borough of Culture is important but the council has an equally important role to play in kickstarting regeneration by making our town and district centres safe, welcoming places that people want to visit.

This means getting the basics right – like clean, safe streets – and in my first months in office this has been an important focus for me.

One of my first actions was to reinstate the graffiti removal service – which makes a huge difference to how people experience our borough. We have council teams working with private landowners so that together we can ‘blitz’ hotspots, making sure that we make a real difference to the local area. We’re also now working with residents and local businesses to shape a new waste collection and street cleaning contract, to make sure this service is the best it can be.

At the same time I’ve taken action to make our town centre safer, with the recent introduction of a new Public Space Protection Order which will give our police more powers to tackle antisocial behaviour – a move welcomed by local businesses and residents.

As a council, we’re working in partnership and using our powers effectively to drive regeneration and change.

Backing our businesses

Also in my first Mayor’s Business Plan, I’ve set out how I want us to support the local economy and enable residents to upskill and access job opportunities.

I know that the new year is when we tend to think about new markets and new ways of doing things. We are fortunate to have London Southbank University (LSBU) in our town and we are working with them to make sure local business owners can access the very best in training and support. Start-up Croydon also has a wide range of support for new and existing businesses, including a new business breakfast MOT programme and Croydon Works free job brokerage service can help businesses recruit the very best talent to help enterprises grow.

We are also very aware of the impact of the rising cost of living on our businesses, and we are working to help them access the support that is available. For example, the London Business Hub can help businesses access loans and funding as well as providing information to help them understand how to negotiate with landlords through property advice clinics.

I look forward to continuing to work with all our partners and businesses to maximise every opportunity for them and for our borough.

Jason Perry Executive Mayor of Croydon

University of Greenwich host Greener

Attendees heard a number of presentations, including a talk from Professor Jane Harrington, Vice Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, who looked at the university’s journey to its 2030 net zero carbon goal.

exchange around sustainability

Already ranked as one of the world’s top 75 universities for climate action, the University of Greenwich is well into that journey, cementing its intent in early 2021 with the launch of a robust and extensive Corporate Plan. Its overarching strategy is to put sustainability at the heart of everything the university does, to improve their impact on the planet and to leave a positive legacy. This approach is already underway. The university has a long history of acting as a force for good by driving sustainability throughout the organisation, and its net zero goal is fully supported by the Vice Chancellor, the Sustainability Management Committee and the senior leadership team. The university has an inclusive, collaborative approach to delivering the plan, encouraging staff and students to input into strategy and share ideas with senior management.

Delegates also were introduced to the collaborative opportunities available to all through the world-class research that happens at the university such as the Carbon8 project led by Professor Colin Hills.

There can be no denying that the construction industry plays a major part in the production of CO2 emissions across the globe. Through his research and determination Professor Hills has discovered an innovative solution that will help to reduce carbon emissions across the construction industry. The process involves taking solid waste from normal construction processes and mixing it with CO2 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, to create man-made aggregate and building materials.

Local business, government authorities and stakeholders from across the Royal Borough of Greenwich gathered at the university’s Powerhouse Building to share tactics to make Greenwich greener.

The process can be replicated on almost any industrial site with the right kind of waste and will help the construction industry to shrink its massive carbon footprint. To this end, Colin has found a way to make the process mobile by containerising it and taking it onto building sites to make use of waste that would otherwise end up in landfill.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich spoke to those in attendance about the council’s own journey to net zero.

In 2019, the Royal Borough of Greenwich declared a climate emergency and put together an ambitious plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of the national target.

The council’s plan to hit net zero and help limit global temperature rise to 1.5C recognises that drastic change, major investment and the engagement of both businesses and individuals is critical to make this target achievable.

With the action already under way, delegates heard of some the key landmarks achievements so far:

• Retrofitting 28 council buildings with low carbon technology.

• Replacing 20,000 streetlights with modern LEDs.

• Committing £42.5m of the Council’s Pension Fund to a Renewable Infrastructure Fund.

• Creating safer routes for walking and cycling.

Installing over 250 electric vehicle charging points.

• Creating controlled parking zones to discourage car use.

• Building 750 low or zero carbon council homes.

During the course of the day, presentations were also made by key stakeholders from across the local area including representatives from Intercontinental Hotels – The O2, Visit Greenwich, South East London Community Energy (SELCE), City of London Corporation, University of Greenwich Business School, Peabody, Notpla, Local London, British Business Bank and Profit Impact.

Simon Goldsmith, Head of Sustainability at the University of Greenwich said: “It was an inspiring day, showing that sustainability is at the forefront of innovative thinking and resilience responsiveness of key stakeholders in our borough The ideas and energy generated showed that there are huge areas of collaboration and growth, linking our public services, business and teaching and research organisations to create solutions delivering from local to global levels.

At the university we are always open to collaborating with local organisations in the borough. We often have surplus stocks of furniture, and we make that available to local hospitals, care homes, schools, and other charities. Last year we donated around £50k of furniture that may have otherwise ended up in landfill but are now back in use by the local community. We collect regularly for foodbanks throughout the year, and, at the end of last year, students across our campuses were encouraged to donate items that were no longer of use to them, and to give them to the British Heart Foundation. This initiative encouraged reuse, recycling, repurposing, and reducing landfill waste whilst raising £19,000 for the charity. We are looking to replace our gas boilers, and are working closely with the Council, partnering with them on a district heating system proposal that could heat the university with zero carbon energy.

“We have an Edible Garden in Avery Hill that is a space for university staff and students but also the wider community if they want to spend time there, to learn how to garden or to make new friends. We also have space where local beekeepers can keep their hives on each of the campuses.”

AFTER DARK: Woolwich named as Mayor of London’s Night Time Enterprise Zone

The

2022 with some exciting

Woolwich was launched as one of only three new Night Time Enterprise Zones in the capital, alongside Bromley town centre and Vauxhall, at an event organised by the Greater London Authority at the Woolwich Town Hall on Thursday 17 November.

The project is aimed at enlivening Woolwich’s high streets with innovative events, public realm interventions and business support, encouraging more residents and visitors to spend time in local high streets after 6pm, thus driving the area’s social and economic recovery.

The Council’s proposal for Woolwich includes a series of at least 12 ‘lates’ events – a mix of Retail, Arts, Market, Fitness and Family Lates –activating key spaces and creating opportunities for local businesses, as well as a low-level sustainable lighting scheme connecting the town centre and the Royal Arsenal.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Local businesses are the backbone of our high streets and communities and they are key drivers of social and economic recovery. As they face rising operating costs, they need our support more than ever. Our priority is to develop a vibrant, diverse and welcoming night-time economy in Woolwich that benefits our businesses and residents. The Elizabeth line opening earlier this year has made Woolwich a better connected town centre, attracting new people to the area. The support of the Mayor of London’s Night Time Enterprise Zone will help us to capitalise on this.

“We aim to build confidence in the town centre as a night time destination, connecting the growing night-time activity on the Arsenal with the town centre. Celebrating Woolwich’s rich culture, heritage and local stories will be central to this”. Find out how to get involved in the Woolwich Lates programme: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/woolwich-lates

Helping businesses to become Living Wage Employers

The Council has announced a new grants scheme to help employers in Royal Greenwich to gain Living Wage Employer accreditation. This covers the cost of three years of accreditation through the Living Wage Foundation for the first 100 businesses, of 250 employees or less, that come forward.

The real Living Wage is the only rate independently calculated based on what people need to provide for themselves and their families. It takes into account rising costs – including fuel, energy, rent and food. The real Living Wage rate is currently set at £11.95 in London. Businesses that pay this rate to all directly employed and sub-contracted staff, can become

accredited Living Wage Employers to show their commitment to their staff, partners, funders and other businesses and stakeholders.

Cllr Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Skills, said: “Promoting a real Living Wage is one of the Council's key priorities for tackling in-work poverty in the borough amidst the cost of living crisis. Since 2013, the Council has been an accredited Living Wage Employer and has since established a Business Rates Relief Scheme for registered Living Wage businesses.

“We want to continue to support and elevate the businesses that put their employees first during the current crisis. This small grant scheme provides another incentive for employers who want to do the right thing.”

“Adopting the real Living Wage benefits employers as well as workers. This is why it’s at the front and centre of our work to tackle the cost of living crisis.”

Promoting the London Living Wage also forms one of the key pillars of the Community Wealth Building Strategy for Royal Greenwich.

In November, the Council was joined by the Living Wage Foundation, local Living Wage Employers and businesses interested in becoming accredited, at a special Living Wage event at the Town Hall.

Royal Greenwich Businesses who meet the criteria and want to apply for the grant scheme, can contact the Business team at business@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Council ended

news; it has successfully secured Mayor of London’s Night Time Enterprise Zone status for Woolwich. This sees £130,000 worth of funding awarded to the borough by the Mayor of London and the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP).

❛❛

Adopting the real Living Wage benefits employers as well as workers. This is why it’s at the front and centre of our work to tackle the cost of living crisis.❜❜

Cllr Denise Hyland, Former Interim Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Skills and local Living Wage Employers celebrate Living Wage Week

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Night Czar Amy Lamé join Royal Greenwich Leader, Cllr Anthony Okereke, to announce the new Night Time Enterprise Zones.

A guide to Corporate Insolvency

With Bimal Kotecha, Litigation Solicitor, Grant Saw Solicitors LLP

In this article, I set out an overview of corporate insolvency, highlight the warning signs to be aware of, briefly inform you of the different forms of insolvency processes, the order in which an insolvent company’s assets are distributed in an insolvency situation and explore the impact that corporate insolvency may have on directors and company officers.

What is corporate insolvency?

Corporate insolvency takes place when a company’s liabilities and debts outweigh the value of its assets, or it is unable to pay its debts as they become due. Corporate insolvency does not always result in a company going into liquidation. Many businesses can recover or use the process as a catalyst for restructuring their business. To return a company from facing insolvency to a solid financial position requires prompt action and difficult decisions.

There are two principal tests for corporate insolvency:

1) Cashflow test: is the company currently, or in the future, likely to be unable to pay its debts as they are due for payment?

2) Balance sheet test: is the value of the company’s assets less than its liabilities, considering future and uncertain liabilities?

What are the warning signs to look out for?

When facing challenges such as the current economic downturn, it can be easy for senior members of a company to get caught up in day-to-day trading without taking a step back to look at the company’s finances as a whole. Some of the warning signs which indicate that a company may need to consider obtaining insolvency advice are:

• If the company has reached its borrowing facilities and been refused further lending.

• When suppliers are refusing credit.

• Where creditors are threatening legal action or debt enforcement for unpaid debts.

• Where a company’s outgoings exceed its profit.

• Where there is a substantial reduction in turnover.

• If there are extenuating circumstances which prevent a company from trading for a lengthy period of time (e.g. regulatory intervention or damage to goods or property).

• Generally, where the company is having long term cashflow issues.

What are the different forms of insolvency processes for companies?

There are several options available to companies in financial distress. An overview of the main insolvency processes is set out below.

Administration

Administration is a short-term measure for a company in financial difficulty. The main advantage of administration is that the company is protected from creditors enforcing debts whilst an administrator considers how the company can be rescued as a going concern or how best the assets can be reorganised or realised.

The company is operated by the administrator with a view to restructuring and selling elements of the business or assets.

❛❛To return a company from facing insolvency to a solid financial position requires prompt action and difficult decisions.❜❜

An alternative process such as a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) or liquidation may also be explored by an administrator, if appropriate.

Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)

A CVA is a legally binding arrangement that is effected between the company and its creditors to enable the company to pay a portion (or sometimes the entirety) of the debts it owes over a longer period of time. In order for a CVA to be implemented, it must be approved by 75% of the creditors in value.

Compulsory Liquidation

Compulsory liquidation usually occurs where a creditor has petitioned for the company to be wound up by the Court. If a creditor is owed £750 or more by the company and the debt is not materially disputed, a creditor can serve a statutory demand on the company thereby giving the company 21 days to make payment of the debt. If the company doesn’t make payment within the 21 day period, or set out details of any dispute it may have, the creditor can apply to the Court for the company to be wound up and subsequently be placed under the control of a liquidator.

Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL)

A CVL is a voluntary form of corporate insolvency. The process starts with the directors calling a shareholders’ meeting to vote on putting the company into liquidation and nominating an insolvency practitioner to be the liquidator. Thereafter a creditors’ meeting takes place to appoint the liquidator. Once appointed, the liquidator’s function is to collect in and realise the company's assets, and to distribute the proceeds to the company's creditors and, if there is a surplus, to its members.

Members Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)

Very much like a CVL, MVL is also a voluntary process. The main difference is that for an MVL to be applicable the company must be solvent. MVL is typically utilised where members of a company no longer have any use for it but do not meet the requirements to dissolve the company. The process starts with the directors swearing a declaration of solvency. Thereafter a resolution will be made to put the company into MVL and appoint a liquidator to wind up the company and distribute the company’s assets.

A licenced insolvency practitioner is appointed to administer the abovementioned insolvency processes. Although the duties of the insolvency practitioner will vary depending on the type of insolvency process utilised, broadly, their function is to act in the best interests of creditors.

How are the assets of the company distributed?

The assets of the insolvent company will be distributed in accordance with the prescribed list of distribution. This is set by law as follows:

• Secured creditors with fixed charges.

• Expenses of the winding up (i.e. the Liquidator’s fees and their professional advisor’s fees).

• Preferential creditors (i.e. employees and HMRC for some taxes such as PAYE and VAT).

• Monies secured by a floating charge (subject to ring-fencing for unsecured creditors).

About Grant Saw

• Unsecured creditors.

• If there is any surplus, the remainder is distributed to the members of the company.

Part of the Insolvency Practitioner’s function is to investigate the affairs of the company and explore whether there could be any claims that can be made against company’s directors or its officers.

Typical claims include recovery of overdrawn director loans, misfeasance (i.e. claims where directors have breached their duties thereby causing loss to the company), transactions at an undervalue, fraudulent trading, wrongful trading and claims involving antecedent transactions.

Grant Saw Solicitors LLP is a leading firm of solicitors based in South East London, with offices in Greenwich and Blackheath. We provide a range of legal services for individuals and businesses including conveyancing, Wills and probate, contesting Wills, powers of attorney, commercial leases, disputes, insolvency advice, divorce and separation and employment services.

Our Litigation lawyers are experts in corporate insolvency and advise businesses, stakeholders, insolvency practitioners, debtors, creditors, and directors in all aspects of insolvency law.

www.grantsaw.com 020 8858 6971

❛❛

Part of the Insolvency Practitioner’s function

is to investigate the affairs of the company and explore whether there could be any claims that can be made against company’s directors or its officers. ❜❜

What impact does a company’s insolvency have on its directors?

BROMLEY: THE BEST PLACE TO DO BUSINESS IN 2023

“Bromley is a brilliant place to do business, whether you are an established organisation or just starting out. Our town is well connected from town and country, with excellent offices and retail spaces available. There is also plenty for employees to do, and of course the town and its businesses benefit from the ongoing support we provide at Your Bromley, driving footfall into the town centre with our programme of events and business services. Read on to find out why Bromley could be the perfect place for you to do business in 2023.”

Basing Your Business In Bromley

Bromley is home to letting agents and property developers ready to help you find the perfect home for your business. Its many serviced offices offer solutions for smaller businesses too.

Well Connected

Only 20 minutes from London Victoria and with a brilliant network of local train and bus routes, Bromley is highly accessible making it ideal for businesses with city and country loving employees.

Please keep in touch with Your Bromley by subscribing to regular e.shots via yourbromley.com. Follow Your Bromley BID on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @YourBromley

Thriving Visitor Numbers

Bromley saw an 8% footfall increase year on year, significantly higher than the UK average for Market Towns which saw only a 1.4% increase over the same period. And that key Christmas period, so many of our businesses rely on? Well the second week in December visitor numbers grew by 5.5% compared to a shrinkage of -2.4% nationally.* (source: Springboard 5th-11th Dec 2022).

BID Benefits

Your Bromley BID is on hand to help build your business. From staff wellbeing initiatives like free yoga and pilates sessions and quiz nights, to business benefits like the Your Bromley Business Awards, free business recycling and an exciting events programme to attract more people into the town.

Bromley Named Best Place to Live

New findings from property reviews website, HomeViews, have just (Jan 2023) named Bromley as the best place to live in London citing its green spaces, transport links and great shopping.

Frances Forrest BID Manager Your Bromley BID

BUSTLING BROMLEY HIGH STREET to see creative new events

Two young persons’ market days will be held in the town centre, hosting a range of interesting stalls and free fun activities, as well as performances from emerging talents who will take to a high street stage. The innovative markets will take place this Spring, with visitors encouraged to come and see the festivities.

A further programme of special evening events will then build on this excitement later in the year, to boost the town centre’s night-time economy as Bromley becomes one of London’s three new Night Time Enterprise Zones.

Evening library activities, an interactive celebration of sports, and a Winter lights spectacle will feature among these special leisure events. Alongside this entertainment, town centre improvements such as lighting upgrades will be delivered to ensure a welcoming high street is created.

Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “I am absolutely delighted that Bromley is becoming one of the new Night Time Enterprise Zones, which will build on the innovative youth markets that will soon enliven our high street.

Bromley Town has long acted as a central hub for residents due to its extensive retail and entertainment offering and, following the pandemic, demand for things to do locally has been increasing. I look forward to seeing this investment boost evening activity in the town centre by making a series of special events available to enjoy locally. I want to thank our partners for their ongoing support on this project, including Your Bromley, as we continue to work to make Bromley even better.”

The market events will build on the success of the popular Charter Market that is regularly located on Bromley High Street, as these projects trial a specialist market model for delivering increase footfall and dwell time in town centre locations.

The night time economy project will see over £250,000 invested in events and improved infrastructure in Bromley town centre with Bromley Council and partners Your Bromley collectively providing match funding to the grant received from the Greater London Authority. A grant of £140,000 has also been awarded to Bromley for the young persons’ market project as part of the Mayor of London’s ‘High Streets for All’ challenge.

Stay up to date with the project www.bromley.gov.uk/highstreetsforall

Celebrating culture in Crystal Palace and Penge

The London Festival of Architecture will be highlighting Crystal Palace and Penge as an official destination for the London-wide celebration of culture this June.

Thecelebrations within the London Borough of Bromley will showcase the local Victorian architecture that dates back to the world-famous Crystal Palace of the 1850s, with some of this architecture remaining prominent throughout the famous Park and beyond into Penge.

Such captivating history can be found in structures like the Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway, which is currently being regenerated so it can again be enjoyed by visitors and the local community. A wayfinding tour of Penge will draw visitors to architectural highlights such as the Free Watermen and Lightermen’s Almshouses and allow them to take in some of the local vibrant street art that enlivens the town.

Find out more on the Bromley Council website bromley.gov.uk/FestivalOfArchitecture

A host of exciting events are coming to Bromley town centre this year in two innovative new projects, starting with engaging market days with stalls and performances to draw young people to the high street.

❛❛Bromley Town has long acted as a central hub for residents due to its extensive retail and entertainment offering and, following the pandemic, demand for things to do locally has been increasing.❜❜

Free Watermen and Lightermen’s Almshouses, a Victorian architectural highlight of Penge

Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway

Bexley’s a winner in FSB Awards

Bexley and its local business partners were among the winners recognised in the inaugural All-England FSB Local Government Awards.

The Council was a winner in the ‘Future Ready’ category for Greater London for its work to help local high streets get back on their feet through their High Streets for All programme.

After securing funding through a competitive bidding process, Bexley’s Business and Employment team and the Bexleyheath BID worked to bring a series of activities to the town centre. This included a monthly night market which has proved popular with residents and businesses.

The future of Erith

The public were consulted in 2019 and 2020 and based on this the proposed plans (subject to approvals) are to turn 66 and 68 Pier Road into a family-friendly café and bar. The space could also be hired by local food businesses and used for workshops, training and cooking sessions for local families.

As the Council continue to develop the proposals, it has appointed specialists in economic development and regeneration Redo and PRD, to get local people’s views. Residents can have their say in an online survey.

The London Borough of Bexley is asking businesses and community groups in Erith for feedback on proposed plans to bring empty units on Pier Road back into use.

Just a short distance away, a focal space known as Erith Pier Square has benefited from a recent expansion. Along with a variety of new seating and enhanced lighting, there are new trees to provide shade, shelter, and habitats. The space has been landscaped at

The new Storyteller in Sidcup

The new Storyteller library and café opened its doors in December. The new four-storey building is also home to a three-screen cinema with an additional studio, a new Changing Places toilet and nine residential flats.

The cinema will screen its first movie later this spring.

different levels to provide better views over the River Thames and Erith Pier.

The space is available to hire for events and has already hosted the successful Erith Made Festival.

w Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE and Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Growth, receiving the award from the Federation of Small Businesses.

Warren King is a professional, freelance photographer based in SE London. He has many local London and nationwide clients and has been working with SE London Chamber of Commerce for the last 22 years.

Photography is all around us, whether it be on an advertising billboard, on the side of a bus, staring out from a magazine rack or on social media.

So what makes us interested enough to stop and look?

Good images create a measure of quality, a sense of professionalism. Whether it be your profile picture on LinkedIn or an illustration of your services or products on the business website it helps to promote yourself with the right imagery.

Photography: How good images can make the right ‘First Impression’

DIY or Using Stock Images

There has been a huge uptake of everyday people taking photos since the advent of the smart phone. Although a lot of that involves personal pictures, we now see that crossing over to business. The quality of the sensors and lenses on smartphones has dramatically improved since their inception and does often beg the question “Why don’t I do it myself, instead of using a professional?”.

Unlike having a go at plumbing, people are more apt to shoot photos themselves. The other option is to license stock imagery. A cheap option and sometimes free.

The drawbacks of these options are lack of ‘quality’ and ‘authenticity’.

The sensor on a smart phone is great but how is the framing of the image? Is the lighting any good? Are you shooting from the right angle? Selfies are normally at arm’s length,

so can look awkward. With stock images; do the pictures accurately reflect your business? Are the photos too perfect? They usually contain models in locations that do not reflect your services or working circumstances.

Working with a Pro

Working with a professional photographer means you can tailor your shoot and get the quality of results that also reflect your business values. You get to choose the location, compose a shot-list and brief the photographer to gain a set of images that can be used over all media. The relationship offers a collaborative effort and can be adapted and reviewed as a project develops.

Photo assets

It makes sense to keep your own library of images to resort to for any situation. You may get asked to write an article and need a profile picture. If you get offered a keynote speaker slot, can you provide a headshot? What if a publication needs a photo of you in action. All these and more should be at your disposal and also, importantly, kept up to date; many LinkedIn profile pictures are old photos, which look nothing like you do now.

Conclusion

Photography helps you stand out from the crowd, whereas good quality photography makes you ‘jump out’!

If you would like a free review of the imagery you are using for marketing and PR, get in touch at warren@wkphotography.co.uk or give me a call at 07779 337765

Portrait photography

London and the South East

Profile photos, headshots and portraits. Photoshoots at SE London studio or at a location of your choice. Contact Warren: 07779 337765 / warren@wkphotography.co.uk www.wkphotography.co.uk

Whether it’s your profile picture or an illustration of your business activity, it makes sense to have good images.

LP Networks’ expert guide:

Support?

Many businesses have embraced hybrid working, which in turn has impacted on both their IT hardware requirements, as well as the use of cloud-based technology. Additionally, with staff and equipment spread across a wider area the need for remote IT services has increased. New technology can bring new security risks, especially if cloud services have not been configured correctly.

And let’s face it, if you’re a business owner running a busy company, do you have time to keep up to date with the latest IT changes and upgrades? Outsourcing your IT can pay dividends by preventing or reducing downtime, reducing cyber security risks, advising on the right technology to support your business plan.

Outsourcing your IT to us can provide you with the added security that your business is compliant when it comes to the latest security standards, whilst reducing the risk of cyber security breaches by using the latest technology in a layered approach.

IT and Cyber Security services that suit your business

One size does not fit all! We understand that every business is different, and we can tailor an IT package to suit your business requirements. We also have 3 standardised packages that have been designed with small businesses in mind, which include Support, Security, Licences and Compliance for a fixed monthly fee.

If you already have an IT department on site, then we can provide something called ‘team extensions’, which allow your IT staff to focus on a certain project, whilst our team run your dayto-day IT operations. We also offer businesses a consultancy service, which provides you with expert advice on the best IT strategy to take and recommends the latest tech advancements.

Giving you peace of mind

Our IT services are designed to ensure that you can run your business without worrying whether your IT is going to let you down. Our team of IT experts can develop and design your IT solutions, whilst delivering and then maintaining them too.

This could include providing services such as ensuring that your hardware and software is regularly updated, ensuring that back-ups are completed on time, and that you have a robust disaster recovery plan in place too. All whilst providing you with an IT Service Desk that is available during your working hours.

There when you need us:

Our standard IT support remote help desk is open 8am-6pm 365 days of the year, if you need different hours, then we can support you as part of a bespoke package.

Whilst we try to resolve any issues remotely, you can be assured that if that’s just not possible, that one of our IT engineers will be able to visit your business to get you up and running again.

If you are considering outsourcing your IT, our team are always happy to help. Drop us an email or give us a call to arrange an appointment.

with Lee Pepper, Owner LP Networks

Discover how we can help support your small business.

It is 2023, is it time to outsource your IT

❛❛

When Greenwich is lit up at night, it looks spectacular. It draws crowds from near and far. It’s one of the activations that we are using to test what keeps people staying and spending into the evening. We want people to enjoy the attractions as well as shop and eat out locally.❜❜

Barrie Kelly, Visit Greenwich

Developing local sustainable tourism

Visit Greenwich is helping local businesses to recover, sustainably, using the benefits that tourism brings. Still emerging from the pandemic when the economic downturn hit, Greenwich’s businesses are committed to recover and grow in a sustainable way.

Visit Greenwich, working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, is extending their award-winning 2020-21 Covid-recovery campaign to help sustainable recovery across the borough. The campaign has three main components: growing the evening economy; increasing visits in ‘shoulder seasons’; and encouraging local shopping. Businesses are also being encouraged to recruit locally and source local supplies.

According to Visit Greenwich CEO Barrie Kelly, ‘Visit Greenwich is working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to deliver a campaign that will promote not only how to enjoy Royal Greenwich as a local visitor, but also more importantly to shop and buy locally to keep money in the borough. In turn, the campaign encourages businesses to source local suppliers and partner with local businesses to join up resources. This all makes a strong sustainable approach as it builds a local regular customer and reduces carbon footprint, all contributing to the Royal Borough’s aim to become a net zero borough by 2030.’

Strategies to grow the evening economy focus on local residents without ignoring the wider visitor market. One exemplary initiative is ‘Light Time Greenwich’, funded by the Mayor of London’s High Streets for All Challenge. Running across Greenwich town centre and the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site (WHS) until March 2023, this programme of events and activities encourages locals to stay, shop and play past 6pm.

Light Time Greenwich includes two ‘light up’ events – Diwali (22 October) and Lunar New Year (21 January, 2023). Both use the magnificent buildings of the WHS as a backdrop to activities, events a nd markets that entice visitors to linger into the evening.

Barrie Kelly enthuses, ‘When Greenwich is lit up at night, it looks spectacular. It draws crowds from near and far.

It’s one of the activations that we are using to test what keeps people staying and spending into the evening. We want people to enjoy the attractions as well as shop and eat out locally.’

With Woolwich being a vital emerging cultural destination within the Royal Borough, Visit Greenwich supported the local authority to successfully bid for the Mayor of London’s Night Time Enterprise Zone funding for Woolwich. The funding will be used to boost evening activity in Woolwich’s high streets after 6pm. Visit Greenwich will lead on the marketing for programme, which promotes connectivity between town centre businesses and the Royal Arsenal creative district.

Complementary to these projects is Visit Greenwich’s 2nd aim, increasing visits in shoulder seasons. The autumn-winter destination marketing campaign promotes

the off-peak season as a wonderful time to enjoy the Royal Borough, particularly giving emphasis to evening events and activities with a new Greenwich Lates creative.

The £75k paid-media campaign, Greenwich Means More Time, is funded by Visit Greenwich partners and targets 18 to 45-year-olds pre-nesters and families across London and southeast England. This huge market promises a high lifetime value and propensity for repeat visits.

Initiatives to encourage local visits and shopping include the Royal Greenwich One Card. Launched by the Royal Borough of Greenwich in partnership with Greenwich Leisure, this expanding scheme is persuading more local businesses to offer discounts and incentives to residents, students and visitors. Reaching over 40,000 leisure-centre and library users, One Card marketing gives increased visibility to participating local enterprises.

To support the Royal Greenwich One Card, the borough and Visit Greenwich have developed the Enjoy Royal Greenwich website (enjoyroyalgreenwich.org.uk ). This locationsensitive mobile site allows visitors to access in-situ content on Greenwich transport, shopping, events and activities.

Cllr Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Skills, said “We’re pleased to have joined forces with Visit Greenwich to stimulate local tourism, through our Shop Local campaign. As part of the campaign, we’re asking businesses to sign up an offer on the Greenwich One Card and list

their businesses on the innovative Enjoy Local website for extra, free promotion. One of our key missions as a council is to support our high streets and town centres to be vibrant and prosperous, for the benefit of our residents and local businesses. Encouraging people to shop locally lies at the heart of this. Not only does it support small and independent businesses, it also nurtures our community and creates jobs.”

Working together, the various facets of Visit Greenwich’s campaign offer programmes, ideas and support that promise real, sustainable recovery for participating local businesses.

One of our key missions as a council is to support our high streets and town centres to be vibrant and prosperous, for the benefit of our residents and local businesses.❜❜

Cllr Mariam Lolavar, Royal Borough of

Greenwich

Ed Simmons, Visit Greenwich

Croydon’s GOING PLACES

That’s why LSBU are here and committed to this area.

Our new campus is the latest in a string of exciting developments in one of London’s most ambitious areas. Home to big businesses, start-ups and a uniquely South London buzz: we’re playing our part in its future.

Our new home will be in a Grade II listed building, Electric House, in Croydon town centre. With its original purpose of empowering local people to explore new technology in mind, we aim to build on this mission by allowing our students to engage with the latest innovation in technology and build digital innovation.

LSBU is here to meet the need for an exceptional civic university powering the future workforce, building sustainable and engaged communities and boosting the region’s standing on a national and global stage.

Find out more www.lsbu.ac.uk/croydon

We’re providing ambitious, business minded Londoners with a brand new business hub, brimming with entrepreneurial spirit, where students, staff and our Croydon community alike gather to share knowledge and ideas.

As well as Undergraduate programs in Business Management and Accounting and Finance, LSBU Croydon offers CPD and upskilling short courses, designed to help the local community get into careers and improve their job prospects.

Boost

There are six million SMEs in the UK which account for over 99% of all businesses, 33% of employment and 21% of all turnover – so the effect on the UK economy will be felt for a long time unless they are prioritised in receiving support.

Over recent years there has been increasing demand for fairer government funding and investment in south London, coming from the public, the council and members of parliament. LSBU is taking action in supporting business growth in south London and the Croydon area with this subsidised programme, designed and delivered around the needs of business owners. Participants of Help to Grow receive multi-faceted training to develop strategic skills to increase their business’ long-term productivity, resilience and capacity to innovate. Some of the key benefits to business leaders include peer support, one-to-one mentoring, a hybrid learning environment and access to an alumni network. Let’s explore what the programme entails.

Accessible Training

The fact that Help to Grow is a 90% government funded programme means that specialised business growth training becomes accessible and affordable, especially in the wake of unprecedented disruption when SME debt has increased significantly.

Expert-Led

Participants will learn directly from industry-leading facilitators, trainers and support leaders, who have been handpicked based on their knowledge and understanding of the challenges faced by SMEs. All have extensive experience in either leading small businesses to success or are experts in their particular business discipline, meaning business owners will find the support they need to achieve their individual business goals

Peer Support

Peer group sessions provide an invaluable opportunity for business owners to share ideas, challenges and successes in a confidential and supportive environment. Peer collaboration allows participants to gain insightful and objective viewpoints that help tackle problems from a different perspective and feed directly into plans for business development.

One-to-One Mentoring

Navigating an ever-changing economic climate is more challenging than ever, so receiving tailored advice to reach individual business goals can vastly impact success. Each participant receives 10 hours of dedicated support from an experienced mentor to develop a business growth plan unique to their needs and ambition.

Flexible and

Hybrid

Designed with business owners in mind, the programme is manageable alongside full-time work and fits around busy working schedules. The combination of virtual and face-to-face learning allows flexibility whilst retaining the same level of high-quality teaching.

In times of uncertainty, business owners need to equip themselves with a robust business plan that mitigates risks, accounts for varying scenarios, and keeps operations agile and resilient against external influences. The Help to Grow programme takes participants through the four key stages of Innovate, Market, Build and Grow, to create a realistic and valuable Growth Action Plan specifically for their business.

Current participant Liam Oliver has already seen the benefits of attending the course and says: “The whole course has been invaluable in changing my mindset towards the growth of the company. We move into this year with natural growth but the course has changed the conversation between myself and the other directors, enabling us to start planning strategically. The sessions with the mentor have been extremely useful in focusing on a strategic growth plan for the business.”

By sharing real world practical experiences of scaled-up businesses, combined with the latest academic research, the Greenwich Scale-Up Accelerator, provides a great lift to carry businesses to the next level.

The Accelerator will include:

• Case studies showing how ordinary businesses scaled up

• Teaching of the traditional MBA theories

• Opportunity to learn the latest thinking and research on scaling up businesses

• Delivered in a best practice learning format

Businesses can Accelerate with the University of Greenwich

The scheme is designed to help current businesses which are aiming to grow.

In-person sessions will run for eight consecutive Tuesdays at 6.30pm, starting on 31 January 2023. They will take place at the Powerhouse, Greenwich Campus (SE10 9JH), which is the university’s focal point for research, enterprise, and knowledge exchange.

After the eight workshops are complete, companies will get a bespoke, detailed plan

covering all aspects on how to grow the business.

The University of Greenwich has a strong track record of supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. It has established a range of initiatives to help students and alumni to develop their own businesses, and has forged partnerships with organisations throughout the region and beyond.

To apply please email: accelerator@gre.ac.uk

Links: https://www.gre.ac.uk/business/generator/about-us https://www.gre.ac.uk/accelerator https://www.gre.ac.uk/bus/employability/networking-with-companies

Sales success for Icon Outlet on O2 Arena Entertainment District

Icon

The shopping centre, which is owned and operated by Waterfront Limited Partnership - a joint venture between AEG and Crosstree Real Estate Partners - saw a 16% increase in like-for-like sales in 2022 compared to 2019.

It also reported a 12% rise on weekly average sales and an average spend increase per customer of 16%.

In December alone, the outlet achieved sales growth of 13% compared to 2019 during the ‘Super Saturday’ weekend of December 17 and 18 and recorded its biggest day for sales since opening on Boxing Day, with a like-for-like uplift of 11% versus 2019.

During a “standout summer” in 2022, outlet shopping sales increased 28%,

while overall Entertainment District trading was up 56% from June to August compared to 2019.

Janine Constantin-Russell, managing director of Icon Outlet and the Entertainment District at The O2, said the whole “formidable” O2 team was “extremely proud of the success enjoyed across The O2 in 2022”.

“With colossal coordination, collaboration and a can-do attitude, we not only overcame the obstacles thrown at us last year, but we emerged stronger and more agile, and this is reflected in our impressive 2022 results,” she said.

“We have celebrated solid growth across outlet shopping, leisure and F&B at The O2 and look forward to the year ahead to continue building on this success.”

Icon Outlet welcomed several high-profile new brands to its retail line-up in 2022, including Superdry, Claire’s, Raging Bull and murmur, as well as a number of short-term activations for high street favourites such as Reiss.

Global K-pop superstars BTS, also introduced a pop-up shop featuring music-themed merchandise and a range of immersive experiences.

The O2 Entertainment District will welcome a London first with the opening of iFLY Indoor Skydiving in February.

The Stargazer, a new 8,000 sq ft Wetherspoon pub is also due to open in Spring, representing a £3m investment by JD Wetherspoon.

Combined, the new signings and openings in 2022 across the destination at The O2 totalled over 54,000 sq ft.

The University of Greenwich is launching the Greenwich Scale-Up Accelerator in February, providing expert support and resources for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Escape the humdrum at Greenwich’s hidden gem

One of London’s oldest family-run wine businesses has opened a suite of escape rooms at its Greenwich headquarters. Fifth generation of Davy’s Wine Merchants, JAMES DAVY talks about his love of fine wine and bringing something a little bit different to Greenwich.

Photography by Warren King

Wander into Greenwich

hidden gem nestled amongst Victorian buildings, adjacent to the DLR and mainline station.

Regulars of Davy’s Wine Vaults, which is in the historic Royal Greenwich on Greenwich High Road, will know the venue stocks fine wines and traditional British fayre but new to the venue is a very different sort of attraction.

Davy’s, wine merchants and operators of several wine bars in London, have teamed up with Houdini’s Escape Rooms to offer three exciting escape rooms for corporate teams, families and friends to tackle and enjoy.

James Davy, who is the fifth generation of his family to run Davy’s, said: “We had some space in the building which had been used for offices and we wanted to use it for something active, exciting and people-led and more fast-moving than an office space.”

There are three escapes rooms on site: Escape from RMS Titanic, Escape from Alcatraz and Room 13 (a haunted hotel-themed room). Both the Titanic and Alcatraz games are suitable for 2-6 players whereas the Room 13 one is for 2-8 players.

“The 60-minute experiences are in a suite of rooms where you have to unlock clues to reach the next room,” added James. “They are all brilliantly set up with a very authentic décor and sound effects. The reason we partnered with Houdini is because the games are so well-managed which really sets them apart.”

The escape rooms can be found in Vintners Yard, a wonderful outdoor space to the back of Davy’s Wine Vaults which also provides a stunning location for wine bar revellers.

“During covid, we cleared out the yard to increase our outside space available to customers,” added James. “It is halfcovered and is a nice area for people to sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine.”

Below the Greenwich wine bar, there is also an “atmospheric venue” which is used for weddings, quiz nights, comedy evenings, wine tastings, wine education courses, and lunches or dinners.

On the same block is Davy’s hybrid wine shop which sells fine and everyday wines and doubles up as a wine bar in the evenings.

“This is a retail space for people to drink wine surrounded by wine,” said James. “In the shop you can pick a bottle from the shelf and just pay corkage to enjoy with charcuterie or cheese platters”.

“Our wine bar presence in central London has shrunk since covid, so we are moving into hybrid wine shops and looking at widening our presence into commuter towns and London villages.”

Pre-pandemic, the business employed 450 people but post-covid, it has 260 people on the books and their collection of 25 bars and restaurants has reduced to 16.

“We changed shape quite a bit during covid,” said James, who joined the family business in 1992 and took it over from his father in 1997, after working elsewhere in the industry first.

“Our fine wine and on-line trade was great throughout the pandemic, as was wholesale when things opened up again, but many Davy’s wine bars are reliant on the City of London as they are designed for commuters.”

As workers move from five-day working weeks to a two to four-day timetable and remote working continues, business lunches and dinners are less of a part of the weekly routine.

It is to combat this that Davy’s is looking to widen its perimeter from central London to London villages and commuter towns.

“The City has changed, and it’s been changing for a while but covid has accelerated that,” said James, a father-of-three.

“We want to see the business into the next generation and beyond as well as spreading our name further afield. We have a great reputation in a very small area but, as we move further afield and become more of a destination venue, we aim to become better known so a wider customer base can discover our selection of exclusive wines, and high level of service.

“Greenwich is a great place, we are close to the DLR Greenwich Station, and the mainland Greenwich Station and we have car parking on site too. This is a period building; it’s an interesting place to visit and our offer of great food and fine wine has been upgraded by having the Houdini Escape Rooms on site too.”

Davy’s was founded in 1870 off The Strand in Central London and is one of the oldest family-owned wine merchants and operators of wine bars in London.

and you will find a

❛❛

We have a great reputation in a very small area but, as we move further afield and become more of a destination venue, we aim to become better known so a wider customer base can discover our selection of exclusive wines, and high level of service. ❜❜

Plastic-alternative packaging company wins global environmental award

A packaging company which uses seaweed instead of plastic is one of five winners of £1 million prestigious global environmental award, The Earthshot Prize.

London-based start-up Notpla, founded by Pierre Paslier and Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, won the Build a Wastefree World category for its plastic-alternative packaging made from seaweed.

Notpla is a natural and bio-degradable plastic alternative made from seaweed and plants and can be used to create a range of packaging products, such as a bubble to hold liquids, a coating for food containers, and a paper for the cosmetic and fashion industry.

This year, Notpla has made over one million takeaway food boxes for

JustEatTakeaway.com, and the company has the potential to replace over 100 million plastic coated containers in Europe in the future.

The Earthshot Prize was launched by Prince William in 2020 to discover and scale innovative solutions to help repair and regenerate our planet.

The five prize winners are entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world who have developed game-changing solutions to Protect and Restore Nature, Revive our Oceans, Clean our Air, Build a Wastefree World, and Fix Our Climate. Each winner was awarded a £1 million prize at the second annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony held in Boston, US.

Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s Moonshot challenge in the 1960s, which united millions of people around the goal of putting a person on the moon within a decade, The Earthshot Prize aims to discover and help scale innovative solutions that put the world firmly on a trajectory towards a stable climate by 2030.

Notpla co-founder Pierre Paslier said: “I want to start by thanking the amazing Notpla team who’ve been working so hard to make our innovation come to life and everyone else who’s supported us along this journey. I’d also like to thank The Earthshot Prize for creating such a great platform and believing in our solution.

“When Rodrigo and I started Notpla eight years ago in our student kitchen, we would have never imagined we would be here today. No one wants to live in a world full of plastic waste but it’s not too late to act. There’s never been a greater time to use natural solutions to solve the plastic challenge.”

The other winners were: Mukuru Clean Stoves, Kenya, who won the Clean our Air category, a start-up providing cleaner-burning stoves

to women in Kenya to reduce unhealthy indoor pollution and provide a safer way to cook; Kheyti, India, who won the Protect and Restore Nature category for its pioneering solution for local smallholder farmers to reduce costs, increase yields and protect livelihoods in a country on the frontlines of climate change; Indigenous Women of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, won the Revive our Oceans category for a women-led programme that combines 60,000 years of indigenous knowledge with digital technologies to protect land and sea; and 44.01, Oman, won the Fix our Climate category for developing an innovative technique to turn CO2 into rock and permanently store it underground.

The Earthshot Prize conducted a nine-month search around the world to discover the most inspiring and innovative solutions to the greatest environmental challenges facing the planet.

Over 1,000 applications were considered, with 15 finalists from ten countries chosen. The final five winners were selected by The Earthshot Prize Council, which includes HRH Prince William and Sir David Attenborough.

Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez Cofounder & Co-CEO

Pierre Paslier Cofounder & Co-CEO

Photo: Sam Scales

Notpla celebrate winning The Earthshot Prize

London South East Colleges: Engaging with local employers and recognising exemplary support

London South East Colleges has brought employers from a range of industries together to help develop its curriculum strategy. This will ensure that its students are equipped with the right skills for the current and future job market.

Four employers were also conferred with College Fellowships – awarded in recognition of their outstanding personal contribution to supporting the college and its students.

The event, which took place in BR6 Restaurant at the College's Orpington Campus, saw representatives from businesses across the region joining College leaders to discuss plans for the curriculum over the coming five years.

The employers provided crucial insight, responding to questions about the draft strategy and discussing collaboratively how it could help meet their business’ future skills needs.

The College also conferred its first Fellowships on the following people:

• Fiona Cummins, Learning and Development Manager, Cory Riverside Energy

• Alex Dimsdale, Cluster Director of Human Resources – Central UK, Marriott International

• Mark Hammond, CEO, Bromley FC

• Barrie Kelly, CEO, Visit Greenwich

Speaking at the event, Dr Sam Parrett CBE, thanked everyone for their involvement and added: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring every learner can progress into jobs with great prospects – while also ensuring that we meet employers’ skills needs both now and in the future.

“To do this, we need to collaborate and engage with local businesses, so they can tell us first-hand what it is they need from their future workforce.

Mark Hammond

Fiona Cummings

The input and feedback we have received today is incredibly valuable and will inform our curriculum strategy over the next five years.

“In addition, to recognise the contribution of some key individuals, we are delighted to have launched our College Fellowship programme. The support of people like Fiona, Alex, Barrie and Mark is fundamental to our students progressing into great jobs and we thank them for their continuing commitment.”

Attendees discussed the draft curriculum strategy over a special meal prepared by students in BR6 Restaurant. Following this input, the strategy will be finalised over the coming weeks and implemented from September 2023.

Alex Dimsdale, Cluster director of human resources, central UK, Marriott International, was conferred as one of LSEC's first College Fellows in recognition of his commitment to supporting students into careers. Writing for FE Week, he says: I’m proud to have been conferred as a fellow of London South East Colleges for my work in supporting their students into careers. As an HR professional within international hospitality, I am seeing first-hand the challenges with recruitment across every area of our business.

After the pandemic decimated our industry, we are now beginning to rebuild, economically and culturally, and to do this we need people joining us who have passion as well as the right skills and knowledge.

This is no easy task, particularly with Brexit severely compounding post-pandemic recruitment issues. But attracting staff into hospitality has always been challenging. With a long-standing perception of low pay and unsociable hours, the sector is often wrongly viewed as less aspirational, careerwise, than other industries.

The reality is that our business can offer employees fantastic progression, travel and training opportunities in a wide range of specialisms. To communicate this to young people, and secure a pipeline of skills, engagement with FE providers has never been so important to us.

When we began working with London South East Colleges pre-pandemic, a particularly successful initiative was the ‘student takeover’. This saw 20 students spend two weeks at our County Hall property, rotating around departments and getting direct experience of working in a real-life hotel environment.

Pleasingly, the programme resulted in permanent appointments. But while short-term gain in terms of instant recruitment is a huge positive, the real prize is securing skills pipelines for the months and years ahead and achieving that is about nurturing relationships. So it was all the more pleasing for us that every student gained meaningful experience, and crucial that it helped change their perceptions of what working in our industry is really like.

While most FE tutors are industry professionals, they may not have worked in the setting for some years, and hospitality

London

– like so many other sectors – is constantly changing in response to technology and other trends.

We addressed this by inviting tutors take part in our staff orientation and spend a week with us. The experience gave tutors a new perception to take back to the classroom, enabling them to excite and inspire their students ahead of their period with us and to make sense of their experience afterwards.

The key, with staff and students alike, is to identify enthusiastic and passionate people and to give them the dedicated time they need. When it comes to students, our experience teaches us that a shorter period of intensive, compressed work experience over a 2- to 3-week period is more useful than one day a week over a more protracted placement.

It’s important to note that the hospitality sector isn’t just looking for young people interested in careers in hospitality. This makes for a need partition of the curriculum, but the reality is that we need to fill roles in specialties from HR, marketing and business administration through to maintenance engineering and events management.

The same will be true of other sectors, and the silver lining in these difficult times may be that meeting the challenges we all face gives rise to new and more sustained relationships between employers and colleges.

https://feweek.co.uk/what-employersreally-want-from-college-partnerships/

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If you are an employer who may be interested in working with the College to support students and help address skills gaps in your sector, please contact neil.coates@lsec.ac.uk. There are many ways to get involved and LSEC would be delighted to hear from you.

Barrie Kelly

South East Colleges offers a wide range

qualifications across its campuses in Greenwich, Bexley and Bromley, from entry level and vocational courses through to degrees and higher education. Operating as a social enterprise, the College is committed to supporting its local communities and ensuring everyone has access to high quality pathways and career opportunities.

Making the right connections

Charity Quiz Night

Thursday 17 November 2022

A combination of entry money and raffle tickets at our SELCC Charity Quiz Night, raised an amazing £973 for South London Special League! This is a fantastic charity focused on providing opportunities for disabled people in South London.

It was great to have so much support and such a fun night! Congratulations to Visit Greenwich for taking home the win!

We want to give a huge thank you to The Clarendon Hotel, for hosting this wonderful event and of course for the delicious bangers & mash!

SELCC Executive Lunch

with Jason Perry

Tuesday 25 October 2022

It was a pleasure to welcome attendees and another high profile speaker at our Executive Lunch kindly sponsored and hosted by one of our strategic partners, Spurgeon’s College, which is now of Croydon’s first homegrown university.

We were honoured to be joined by the Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, who shared his plans for Croydon over the next few years, and the benefits for local businesses. Over a delicious lunch, we found out more about his role within the GLA, before guests were invited to ask their questions. An enjoyable, informative event!

Update on Commercial Rent Arrears

with Thackray Williams

Business Breakfast

with Damien Egan

Tuesday

8 December 2022

Our business breakfasts are a great way to kickstart the day, hearing from distinguished speakers about the issues that affect you and your business, while taking the opportunity to make new connections.

At this breakfast in December, We were delighted to be joined by Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan at The Clarendon Hotel where he updated attendees on plans for Lewisham over the next few years.

Highlights include the building of 1,200 new social homes, and increasing the number of London Living Wage Employers in the borough. The Mayor took time to answer questions and explain the impact on businesses in the area.

SELCC Annual Christmas Lunch

Thursday 15 December 2022

Our free webinars are hugely popular for businesses looking for expert advice on the issues facing them and this event was no different!

David Hacker, Head of Property Dispute Resolutions at Thackray Williams LLP guided us through all the need-to-know changes to commercial rent law. He shared his expertise in dealing with rent arrears, which is particularly acute in London, where the cost of renting office space is among the highest in the world. Attendees were invited to ask questions, and left armed with useful tips on tackling the problem, and the steps to take to avoid arrears becoming an issue for their business.

We were treated to lovely food and even better company at our annual Christmas lunch; a much-anticipated occasion and the perfect way to end the year!

Hosted by our friends at the Bromley Court Hotel, we were delighted to see members and non-members alike from across our five boroughs to celebrate 2022.

Everyone had a wonderful time, seeing old friends, making new connections, and enjoying the festivities. All are welcome, so if you’ve never attended before, do consider joining us this year, along with your staff, clients, colleagues and suppliers.

SELCC Executive Lunch

with Rob Elder

Thursday 19 January 2023

We were delighted to welcome guests to the first executive lunch of 2023, and would like to give a special thanks to Rob Elder, the Agent for Greater London at the Bank of England who was kind enough to be our guest speaker and give us an overview of his recent activities, which included many financial insights.

We’d also like to thank Davy’s Wine Vaults for use of their wonderful private room, The Cooperage. This characterful, original Victorian cellar was the perfect setting for our event.

We have a wealth of events throughout the year, aimed at providing advice, support, and of course, great networking opportunities!

Check our events page at https://www.selondonchamber.org/events/ to see what’s coming up.

If you’d be interested in being a guest speaker at a webinar or event, or a host venue, we’d love to hear from you!

Please contact office@selondonchamber.org

Photos: Warren King Photography

GreenwichB2B Link N Drink

Tuesday 7 February 2023

Tuesday 7 March 2023 Tuesday 4 April 2023

18.30 onwards

GreenwichB2B Link ‘n Drink in association with the South East London Chamber of Commerce is an informal and free networking event for businesses from Greenwich and bordering boroughs, as well as those from further afield. Meet us on the first Tuesday of the month at the Greenwich Tavern.

You can expect informal networking with representatives of small and medium sized businesses, brief introductions of attendees, and often a short presentation by a regular

Business Breakfast

with Anthony Okereke

Thursday 16 February 2023 07.30 – 09.30

The Royal Borough of Greenwich Council Leader Cllr Anthony Okereke will be sharing his vision for businesses in the Royal Borough of Greenwich at our February business breakfast.

Local businesses, members and their non-member guests are invited to hear about the leader’s plans, ask any questions and network with other likeminded business people based in the borough.

Guests will enjoy a full English breakfast (with vegan/vegetarian options available) which can be pre-ordered when booking, plus tea and coffee. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an interesting and lively start to the day!

SELCC Bromley Link N Drink at Bromley Court Hotel

Wednesday 22 February 2023 17.30 – 19.30

Don’t miss our upcoming Link ‘n Drink, a chance to enjoy some informal networking make local connections with other businesses and grow a resilient SME network in Bromley. We’ll start with some elevator pitch-style introductions, before pulling up a chair, grabbing a drink and having a fun evening with representatives of small and medium-sized businesses. Who knows who you’ll meet?

Attendance is free and all are welcome.

Izzy PR: How to define your target market and Key Messages

Wednesday 22 February 2023 10.00 – 11.00

Every customer buys for a different reason – knowing what these reasons are will help you to define how you can help them, and why they should buy from you.

But how do you find out what they want to know? How do you find the words to tell them what you do?

How do you get across how you can help?

In this webinar, marketing and PR expert and journalist Sarah Hawes from Izzy PR will take you through a simple method she uses with her clients and within her own business, to identify the right audiences, and reach them with tailored, effective communications.

Cashflow Projections: Survive or Thrive?

Wednesday 1 March 2023 13.00 – 13.45

Cashflow forecasting is a vital part of any business as it enables owners and managers to make informed strategic decisions. In short, it allows businesses to have a view of the future by identifying cashflow pinch points and possible opportunities for investment, in addition to providing the opportunity to stress test their business.

Please join Mark Grady, partner, and Simon Laurie, outsourced business services senior manager, both from our member, McBrides Chartered Accountants, in this 45-minute webinar. They’ll take you through the benefits of cashflow forecasting and address any questions you have.

Friday 16 June 2023

Join us at the majestic Royal Blackheath Golf Club for the SELCC Summer Golf Day 2023. Enjoy a morning of golf, whether you’re a seasoned player, beginner, or would simply like to enjoy the superb 18-hole course and grand 17th century club house; all are welcome. Guests can look forward to meeting with new people and re-connecting with others. It promises to be a fun day out, whether playing or watching.

Put the date in your diary and keep a check on our website for full details coming soon: www.selondonchamber.org/events Royal Blackheath Golf Club, Eltham, SE9 5AF

To BOOK EVENTS please visit www.selondonchamber.org/events

Tough times ahead but at least the grown-ups are in charge

In a matter of weeks, Liz Truss’s whirlwind Premiership had come and gone. So now that the dust has settled somewhat, is there reason for the country and businesses in general to be positive?

“You have two captain sensibles in charge of the two main parties – and this is how a grown-up country runs its government I would say I am relieved rather than optimistic or positive,” Richard says.

As for the ‘B’ word Brexit and news coverage indicating that the impact of being outside the EU is now being felt, Richard believes that more pain and confusion could lie ahead.

“Brexit impact is starting to come through but the EU has still paused some changes that will be brought in – for instance regarding Solvency II ( a Directive in European Union law that codifies and harmonises the EU insurance regulation)”.

Richard also namechecks the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark which has been pushed back two years.

UKCA is the new UK product mark that will be required for certain products being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most products that previously required the CE mark.

The UKCA mark will not be recognised outside of Great Britain and products will still need to bear a CE mark to be sold in the EU.

“The UK could choose not to do it – it would equally be a sign of a sovereign nation - but it is probably unlikely.”

Thawing of UK and EU relations?

Returning to the idea of ‘grown ups’ being in charge, Richard points out that while Rishi Sunak supported ‘Leave’ it was from a standpoint of believing the UK would be better outside the EU – rather than an ingrained hatred and suspicion of the EUlike some of the zealots within his party.

So far there has been no sign of the provocative language used by Brexit hardliners.

“Rishi Sunak doesn’t have the same baggage as others. It is true that French President Macron is of the view that the UK must feel it has lost something from leaving the European Union. But there is also the feeling that dialogue in general is improving on all sides.”

Richard adds: “With Northern Ireland for instance, language is starting to emerge that you have two incompatible international treaties – the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Ireland Protocol. You get a sense now that both sides realise a solution has to be found.”

This is important as it could help build UK’s tarnished reputation not only in Europe but around the world. “Boris Johnson negotiated the NI Protocol and then said; ‘we don’t have to obey it’. This was really damaging to our reputation and the importance now is to make it clear that we are a nation that does not bend the rules”.

Overseas trading opportunities

A potential thawing of relations with the EU and a focus on pragmatism - rather than the abrasive rhetoric from both sides of the English Channel – is no doubt encouraging. Especially as the frequently touted major trade deal with the US looks no closer now than it has ever been.

“Democrats are not by instinct in favour of free-trade, so there is little reason to expect US-UK trade deals to suddenly open up.”

Richard adds: “You are never going to get a US-wide trade deal as so much is done at a state level. Agreement with individual states in the US is the way forward,” Richard argues.

Other items on his wish list include a review of IR35 (off-payroll working rules) and a root and branch reform of business rates.

“We need a major review of how the government taxes business but that is Royal Commission territory so that will not happen quickly.”

Backing small business

More support for SMEs is something that Richard would particularly like to see.

“We still haven’t cracked the problem of opening up capital equity markets to SMEs. The mechanisms aren’t there to enable SMEs to tap into this market. The UK government needs to make it easier for SMEs to access capital rather than most of the money going to bigger businesses.”

He concedes that fledgling high-tech businesses might attract capital from investors without too much difficulty since there is the opportunity for stellar growth

Last time we interviewed Richard Burge, the UK had just seen its ‘latest Prime Minister’ installed in Number 10.

followed by relatively swift merger or acquisition. However, for most companies attracting financial support is a hard slog.

“If your business is in plumbing or retail, your reward comes from the return of your investment rather than the sale of your business.”

And finance from other sources might not only be difficult to secure but the other downside is there is there is little in the way of a buy-in to the venture. For instance, banks will only lend, they won’t invest – the only risk they take is on a default.

For high-tech businesses that may find it easier to access capital, Richard has concerns that while the concept might offer enormous potential, a lack of business acumen could prove a stumbling block. “You have a tech business run by a group of 25-year olds, they have no HR skills – why would they at that age? They often lack soft skills - how to engage with people which is essential in running a successful business. It is something that should be taught in schools but isn’t. Teachers have a lot on their plate as it is, but we need to look at equipping young people better in this area.”

❛❛

Rishi Sunak doesn’t have the same baggage as others. It is true that French President Macron is of the view that the UK must feel it has lost something from leaving the European Union. But there is also the feeling that dialogue in general is improving on all sides. ❜❜

LCCI - Richard Burge

Hybrid flexible working is needed to rebuild our economy

Celebrating a win for #Flexfrom1st campaign

The CIPD’s #Flexfrom1st campaign

They encouraged employers to support flexible working for all and the right to request flexible working from day one of employment - current UK law states employees can only request to work flexibly after 26 weeks of employment, with a limit of one request per 12 months.

While the COVID-19 pandemic saw huge increases in remote working, CIPD research found that 46% of UK employees did not have access to any form of flexible working in their current role, despite many different types of flexible working arrangements available. Those without access to flexible working are around twice as likely to be dissatisfied in their job, compared to those who do.

CIPD research also clearly identified the benefits of flexible working arrangements for employers and employees, from improved wellbeing and work–life balance to greater engagement and job performance.

On Thursday 23rd September, the Government published a consultation on making the right to request flexible working a day one right for all employees. The CIPD welcomed the consultation and responded positively to the proposed change in legislation.

CIPD surveyed over 1,000 senior HR/ decision-makers and found 57% were in favour of a day one right to request flexible working.

The result of this consultation has concluded in the UK Government pledging to change the policy, enabling employees to make flexible working request from day one of their employment (law date change TBC).

The new hybrid working guidance from the Flexible Working Taskforce has been welcomed by the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC).

As part of its involvement in the Flexible Working Taskforce, the CIPD has jointly produced practical guidance to support effective hybrid working.

The guidance focuses on people management; recruitment and induction; inclusion and fairness; and health, safety and wellbeing. It looks at providing training to managers on how to manage hybrid teams effectively, reviewing HR processes, keeping any hybrid working policies and principles under ongoing review –including the impact on workers with protected characteristics.

Commenting on the new guidance from the Flexible Working Taskforce, Jane Gratton, BCC head of people policy, said: “Many businesses have experienced the benefits of staff working from home over the past 18 months and our research indicates three quarters of employers will continue to offer hybrid working going forward.

“This new guidance will help all employers to confidently implement and roll out hybrid working in a way that is fair and accessible to their workforce.

“Flexible working makes good business sense and is increasingly becoming a standard part of staff benefit packages. While remote working may not be practical for all job types, the wide range of other flexible working options that firms can consider opens the doors to new talent to fuel growth and rebuild our economy.”

aimed to make access to flexible working arrangements more equal.

Photo: Pixabay

BAE Systems’ drive for new intake of apprentices

Nurturing a new generation of a skilled workforce is key to any large, successful business and BAE Systems is looking for its next intake of high calibre apprentices.

DAVE BANKS of BAE Systems explains who makes a good apprentice and how to apply.

Apprenticeships are vital to the future of business and provide an opportunity to earn, learn and gain valuable industry experience and qualifications.

BAE Systems, which has more than 90,000 employees across the world, is Medway’s largest private employer with more than 1,400 people at its Rochester site, a figure that is set to grow to between 1,700 and 2,000 over the next five years.

At Rochester, employees design, develop and manufacture some of the most advanced technology in the world for the commercial and defence aerospace sectors, including digital helmets, head-up displays, active control sticks and flight control computers for aircraft. They are also developing the new control system for the Dreadnought submarine programme, as well as maintaining battery electric systems for buses.

Across the business, more than 2,600 new apprentices and graduates will be hired this year with 84 being taken on in Rochester.

“It’s absolutely essential for us to plan for the future and create a workforce that can deliver on our objectives for years to come,” said Dave Banks, Business Centre Director.

“We’ve got a proud history of not only developing talent but maintaining it too.”

Some of the firm’s senior leaders and most experienced employees started on the apprenticeship scheme with some joining between 30 and 40 years ago. In engineering alone, for example, there are currently 45 people who successfully completed their apprenticeship at Rochester and are still based there, with some of those starting back in 1999.

“Providing high quality early careers programmes gives young people a route into long-term employment,” added Dave.

Starting salaries for apprenticeships range between £15,842 and £24,000 a year and gives new starters the chance to learn, earn and gain valuable industry experience and a nationally recognised qualification.

At Rochester, the apprenticeships on offer are for technical, software and finance positions. The software engineering apprenticeship leads to a BSc (Hons) in digital and technology solutions, the technical apprenticeship leads to Level 2 and 3 diplomas in advanced manufacturing engineering, and the finance apprenticeship leads to a Level 4 diploma in professional accounting. The apprenticeships range from those starting at age 16 to 18 plus and run between two and four years.

At BAE Systems, around 95% of apprentice trainees complete their apprenticeship and go on to secure full-time employment with the company.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn and earn,” added Dave, who started his career at BAE Systems as a junior clerk.

“It is also a great opportunity to come into the business, as they don’t come around very often. We have an ageing demographic and we want to nurture future talent.

“We are looking for anyone with the ability to adapt, learn, think outside the box and be committed to contributing to the success of the business. This is a team sport so being a team player is key.”

The company is keen to employ more females and has pledged its aim that by 2030, women will make up at least 50% of the executive committee and 30% of the workforce.

Previous apprenticeship applications have been submitted by approximately 85% males and 15% females. Promoting STEM to girls in schools is one of the ways the company is encouraging more women into the industry.

“We want to inspire and invest in the next generation of female engineers, so through our work with Stemettes we are going to be welcoming 40 pupils from local schools to hear from some of our amazing female role models in science, technology, engineering and maths about a career in STEM,” said Dave.

The event, which is on 23rd March, will give girls the opportunity to tour the site and hear from the Rochester team about a career at BAE Systems. Stemettes is an awardwinning social enterprise working to inspire and support young women and non-binary people into STEM careers.

The Rochester site is also undergoing a multi-million pound rebuild over the next five to ten years.

“For people who have a love of electronics and innovation, Rochester can sometimes

feel like a technology theme park because of the variety of things that we work on here,” said Dave.

“With so much investment and changes coming over the next 10 years, it is a great time to join the business.”

The company invests approximately £100 million in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK annually. Its apprenticeship programme is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and the company recently ranked in the Top 10 of the Department for Education’s apprenticeship employers and Top 25 for The Times’ graduate employers.

• The deadline for applications for the apprenticeships is 28th February. Apply via the website www.baesystems.com/apprenticeships

Providing high quality early careers programmes gives young people a route into long-term employment.

How to write good editorial

If writing isn’t your day job, and for most of us it’s not, you might be unsure what editorial actually is.

Quite simply, it’s an article that is intended to inform, educate or entertain. It’s completely different to advertising, so avoid anything that screams ‘buy’!

Keep referring back to it; if your text starts veering away from the headline, take that sentence out unless it provides some context or necessary extra information.

It’s not an advertisement

Editorial should be a good read above all else, while also portraying your business favourably. If a reader feels they’re being sold to when they were simply looking to read a news piece, educational content or something interesting, you could lose them.

Drafting editorial about your business for a magazine, such as this one, can seem daunting if you’ve not done it before.

Sarah Hawes from Izzy PR, gives her advice, garnered from her 22 years in journalism, marketing and PR.

You can create content that will be pleasing to editors and readers alike.

Create a working title

Start with something basic, such as, ‘We’ve been voted best restaurant in South East London’. You can amend it later to a more attention-grabbing headline but to start with, this will help to focus your writing.

If your story angle is: ‘’Dine at our fantastic restaurant!”, that’s advertising, and it belongs on an ad page.

Keep your audience in mind

Remember that editorial should serve the reader, not the subject.

Apply the ‘so what?’ test; ask yourself if you were reading the article about another business, would it really interest you?

Is the topic genuinely useful, enlightening, or intriguing?

Length

This varies hugely. This magazine has a 300-word limit for news pieces. Other titles that accept editorial will have

different limits, so always check. Many will only take submissions in the form of a press release which they’ll use to create their own article, if it’s of interest; in this instance,

it should be two pages maximum.

Add headers throughout to break it up and help the eye glide easily through the piece.

If you would like help with managing your PR, get in touch at hello@izzypr.co.uk or find out more about our services izzypr.co.uk

Grade II Listed Broadway Theatre set for grand reopening

The Broadway in Catford is set for a grand reopening, following a major refurbishment.

The Grade II listed venue begins an exciting new programme of live performances from Sunday February 12, while also creating a home for a number of community projects and new writing.

The Broadway, which celebrated its 90th birthday last summer, closed in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions and Lewisham Council used this time to invest in key improvements to future-proof the venue and meet the needs of a 21st century audience.

Councillor James J Walsh, cabinet member for culture, said completion of the refurbishment programme marked the beginning of a new chapter and fresh new era for The Broadway.

“We cannot wait to welcome people back,” he said. “The theatre has such a rich history and has been the go-to venue for the best live entertainment in south east London for the past 90 years.

“The refurbishment was about safeguarding that history and also its future, which are at the heart of our borough’s cultural offering.

“Our investment ensures that new generations benefit from the institution and opportunity it brings.”

The restoration was carried out by Rooff Construction and includes upgraded seating, a more contemporary bar area, improved access and facilities for those with restricted mobility and new digital signage at the front of the building, to deliver a more inclusive and enjoyable theatre experience for both audiences and visiting productions.

Nouveau Riche are The Broadway’s newest Associate Artists and will be bringing high quality, original theatre to Catford.

They will also use the Studio space to nurture emerging talent and produce their own groundbreaking work.

Residents can become a ‘Friend’ of the theatre, with memberships starting at only £3.50 per month entitling cardholders to benefits such as discounts on drinks, priority booking and the chance to meet cast members.

The Royal Borough

Greenwich

working with community groups to tackle barriers to accessing physical activity programmes

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities said:

“The Council are working with a number of partners to develop opportunities for the community to engage with physical activity programmes in their locality area

“We want all of our residents to benefit from our leisure facilities but we know that financial hardship can be a barrier to accessing them. The Give It A Go programme offers local community groups the chance to try out taster classes and make use of a free gym membership.

“As well as boosting physical and mental wellbeing, participation is a great way to socialise with likeminded people. It’s been great to see our community groups reap these benefits over the past few weeks.”

To date the Give It A Go programme has engaged with 80+ individuals, through eight community groups.

The programme runs in throughout the year with targeted groups. Places are limited and are offered through community groups only.

If you run a community group that is interested in discussing physical activity opportunities within community spaces, please contact our sport and leisure team at Greenwich. getactive@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

The Greenwich Get Active Give It A Go programme is part of the Struggling Families Fund, which supports communities post covid and amid the rising cost of living.

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is

MILLIONS INVESTED in Arts & Culture in South East London

Memorial to 19 Men Killed in Woolwich Arsenal has been Restored

The new national portfolio of funded organisations for 2023-26 includes more than a dozen funding allocations to the arts across South East London.

The Arts Council’s Levelling Up for Culture Places will see a 95% increase in investment, with 78 designated towns and cities to receive £43.5 million annually, for the next three years.

There will be a 20% increase in organisations delivering creative and cultural activity for children and young people.

The local organisations set to benefit include Boundless Theatre (£189,487), Eye Music Trust (£104,086), Stanley Halls (£307,000), Talawa Theatre Company Ltd (£698,407) and Zoo Co Creative Ltd (£200,000) in Croydon; Blink Dance Theatre (£258,599), Deptford X Ltd (£97,000), Entelechy Arts Ltd (£133,226), Heart n Soul (£304,904), Spare Tyre Theatre Company (£153,646), The Albany (£179,254) and The Midi Music Company (£119,391) in Lewisham; and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (£127,300) in Greenwich and Woolwich.

Arts Council England’s research over the past five years has revealed that people want “easy access to meaningful, impactful cultural events and creative activities in the places where they live”. The focus for this funding allocation has been to reach as many people as possible, the Arts Council said, with particular focus on areas which haven’t previously received funding.

The funding is a mix of renewed support for “brilliant, established organisations” as well as investment in 276 new organisations of all shapes and sizes.

Levelling Up for Culture Places (LUCPs), such as Blackburn with Darwen, North Devon and Mansfield, will receive £43.5 million each year – a 95% increase in investment in these areas.

Arts Council England chair, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “We are facing economic pressures at present but this funding is about an investment in our future. This portfolio will support the next generation of visionary inventors, makers, performers and artists. In particular, the growth of our funding for organisations that support and develop work for children represents a profoundly important long-term investment in our country’s talent.”

Arts Council England chief executive, Darren Henley, said: “Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps.”

Originally built in 1904, the monument in Plumstead Cemetery

The obelisk is a tribute to three men who died in February 1903 in a gun cotton explosion, and 16 men who lost their lives the following June when Lyddite exploded there.

After being contacted by Darren Beck, whose great-great-grandfather was one of the 19 victims the statue commemorates, Councillor Leo Fletcher, Mayor of Royal Greenwich, joined forces with the council officers and Berkeley Homes to secure funding to restore it.

Cllr Fletcher said: “When this monument was built back in 1904, the mayor at the time, Lewis Jenkins Jones, promised to take every care and attention looking after it. As Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich today, 118 years later, I commit to that pledge.

“Thank you to Darren, whose great-great-grandfather is commemorated here, for bringing the state of the memorial to our attention.”

❛❛We are facing economic pressures at present but this funding is about an investment in our future. This portfolio will support the next generation of visionary inventors, makers, performers and artists.❜❜

Arts Council England has announced £446 million of investment each year for the next three years shared across 990 organisations spanning the country.

A memorial to 19 men killed by explosions in Woolwich Arsenal in the early 1900s has been restored.

had fallen into disrepair in recent years

Be who you’ve always been... a social butterfly

At Smyth Lodge care home being a social butterfly doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home.

Award winning, person-centred care for over 40 years.

If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one call 020 3993 9207.

Trusted to care.

Smyth Lodge care home

Sidcup careuk.com/smyth-lodge

Take a break and focus on your mental wellbeing

According to the NHS, evidence suggests that there are five steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your wellbeing because they help you build a sense of belonging and self-worth, give you an opportunity to share positive experiences and help you support others.

• Take time daily to be with your family e.g. eat dinner together

• Arrange a day out with friends.

• Switch off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends or family

• Have lunch with a colleague

• Visit a friend or family member who needs support or company

• Volunteer at a local school, hospital or community group

• Have a video chat to keep in touch with a relative or friend who you can’t see face-to-face or ring them for a chat (try not to rely solely on social media and text messages to keep in touch)

2. Be physically active

Not only does being active improve your physical health and fitness but it also improves your mental wellbeing by raising your self-esteem, helping you to set and achieve goals; and causing chemical changes in your brain to positively change your mood.

Don’t feel you have to spend hours in a gym if that’s not your bag. Have a read up on different activities you can try to keep active including running, aerobic exercises, classes, and strength and flexibility exercises.

3. Learn new skills

This can boost self-confidence, raise self-esteem, help you build a sense of purpose and connect with others.

• Try learning to cook something new

• Take on a new responsibility at work such as mentoring a junior staff member or learning a new business-based skill such as making presentations

• Work on a DIY project such as fixing a garden gate. There are lots of free video tutorials online

• Sign up for a college course to learn a new language or practical skill

• Try new hobbies e.g. writing a blog, taking up a new sport or learning to paint

4. Give to others

Carrying out small acts of kindness can create positive feelings, give you a feeling of purpose and self-worth and help you connect with others.

Start by asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer. Offer to help someone you know with a home DIY or work project. Or volunteer in your community by helping at a school, hospital or care home.

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

• Notice the everyday e.g. food you eat, environment etc

• Pick a regular time to be mindful e.g. your morning commute or lunchtime walk

• Try something new e.g. go somewhere new for lunch

• Try and empty your mind from thoughts and worries. Gentle yoga or walking can help

• Practise mindfulness when you find yourself either reliving past problems or pre-living future worries because it brings you back to the present.

A new year is the time we traditionally look at every aspect of our lives – home, family, work, health – and do a general audit to see what’s working and what we can improve on. Whether or not you are an advocate of the New Year, New You premise, there is no better time than now to have a look at your mental wellbeing.

Image: Karolina Grabowska pexels.co

Welcome to our new members

All Well Property Services

Limes Avenue, Unit 1 London SE20 8QR

Contact: Richard Thomas-Pryce Tel: 0203 920 9617 Email: hello@allwellpropertyservices.co.uk

Besbike Ltd

118 Bellville House London SE10 9FW

Contact: Shih Cheng Teng Tel: 02080503856 Email: info@besbike.co.uk

Boba & Co 90 Plumstead High Street London SE18 1AD Contact: Tahmid Mia Tel: 02083167807 Email: info@bobaandco.uk

Champion3D

10 Monro Way London SE10 0EJ

Contact: Josef Dunne Tel: 07483148418 Email: josef@champion3d.com

Flagstone Investment Ltd

2 Sherman Walk London

Contact: Dean Pooley Tel: 020328600882 Email: dean@flagstoneinvestments.com

GSK Accountancy Ltd

Howbury Technology Centre Unit 9, Crayford Dartford DA1 4RD

Contact: Gurjinder Singh Telephone: 07825355086 Email: gsk148@yahoo.co.uk

Hilary Gee – Coaching & Training

543 Upper Elmers End Road London Contact: Hilary Gee Tel: 07966444383 Email: hilarygee@me.com

Mediatasks Limited

2 College Approach London SE10 9HY

Contact: James Thomson Tel: 02033030005 Email: james@mediatasks.co.uk

Melodic Decoder

48 Glenluce Road London SE3 7SB Contact: Alison Wood Tel: 07837 800790 Email: info@melodicdecoder.com

SMLL Limited

14 Victory Parade, Unit 7 Plumstead Road London SE18 6FL

Contact: Thomas Tompkin Telephone: 07825190322 Email: ttompkin@trl.co.uk

Sugar Studios South Warehouse Greenwich Beach Modern Wharf Road London SE10 0PA Contact: Loanne Collyer Tel: 07795148121 Email: bookings@sugarstudios.co.uk

Tag Discount Ltd 48 Winchester Road London Contact: James Duffy Tel: 08000487741 Email: info@tagdiscount.co.uk

The Cheese Collective 1 Limes Avenue London SE20 8QR

Contact: Sam Elsdon Telephone: 07817229825 Email: sam@thecheesecollective.co.uk

prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience

stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

Membership

The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership* is £22 ex VAT (£26.40 inc VAT). The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership* is £28 ex VAT (£33.60 inc VAT).

The annual membership fee for Executive Trade Membership is £56 ex VAT (£67.20 inc VAT). The annual membership fee for Executive Individual Membership is £62 ex VAT (£74.40 inc VAT), which also includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. Executive Individuals earn a 2% Reward on most purchases up to a maximum of £400 per year, and receive this in their annual renewal notice, to use against goods in the warehouse.

And finally

David Finnis is the Marketing Director at Judge and Priestley solicitors, the South East London based practice with offices in Bromley, Beckenham, Blackheath and Sidcup.

David has had a varied career in Marketing over 30 years, working across a variety of industries. Prior to Judge and Priestley he was the Marketing Director for FastMarkets, overseeing its transition from a print based supplier of news and analysis to metals traders to an online real-time data analytics platform. Other senior roles have included positions with Thomson Reuters, Pegasus Solutions and the P&O Group.

David Finnis Marketing Director Judge and Priestley Solicitors

Successful marketing and business development in the digital age is constantly evolving at pace and it remains as exciting, fascinating and challenging a profession to me as when I first started out all those years ago.

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

A My first job was Marketing Assistant working for the FTSE 100 P&O Group, working for the Ferries division. My salary was £12K.

Q What would you do with your last pound?

A There is very little you can do with £1 nowadays!

Selfishly I would probably spend it on Marmite crisps.

Q What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

A Like everyone I suspect, cost pressures are an issue and hiring suitable candidates remains challenging.

Q If you were Prime Minister, what would be your first decision?

A A realistic plan to tackle the crisis in the conjoined issues of the NHS / social care for the elderly.

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

A I dabble in trading fine malt whiskies at auction and it would be fascinating to make that a job rather than a hobby.

Q What book are you currently reading?

A The Bullet That Missed – Richard Osman. Sorry it is not some guru business or marketing book.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT APPRENTICESHIPS RECRUITMENT

STAFF DEVELOPMENT APPRENTICESHIPS RECRUITMENT

We can help you train and sustain a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce that makes a positive contribution to the success of your business.

We can help you train and sustain a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce that makes a positive contribution to the success of your business.

Apprenticeships are essential in helping businesses recruit the right people. Keep your business up-to-date and recruit an apprentice today.

Apprenticeships are essential in helping businesses recruit the right people. Keep your business up-to-date and recruit an apprentice today.

Get involved in designing our course content to ensure our graduates have the right skills to meet your industry needs and attract young people to your business.

Get involved in designing our course content to ensure our graduates have the right skills to meet your industry needs and attract young people to your business.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS.

UPSKILL YOUR WORKFORCE.

UPSKILL YOUR WORKFORCE.

At London South East Colleges, we work with many local, regional and national employers to identify their training needs to upskill their workforce, allowing them to compete more effectively in today’s ever-changing environment.

At London South East Colleges, we work with many local, regional and national employers to identify their training needs to upskill their workforce, allowing them to compete more effectively in today’s ever-changing environment.

We can help you mould the workforce of the future. Get in touch today at employers@LSEC.ac.uk or call us on 020 3954 4965 LSEC.ac.uk

We can help you mould the workforce of the future. Get in touch today at employers@LSEC.ac.uk or call us on 020 3954 4965 LSEC.ac.uk