Masthead May 24

the masthead

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH EAST LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHARITY

Building purpose-driven partnerships with charitable organisations makes such good sense.

ECONOMY

James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The sky’s the limit for the LCCI’s sustainable aviation campaign.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

The importance of wellbeing in the workplace.

Charlie Methven co-owner of Charlton Athletic Football Club Football has the power to unite a community

• Underpinning the technologies modern businesses rely on

• Enabling organisations to innovate and grow

• Helping attract investment and employment opportunities

• Underpinning the technologies modern businesses rely on

• Connecting residents with fast and affordable internet access

• Enabling organisations to innovate and grow

• Working with the community

• Helping attract investment and employment opportunities

• Connecting residents with fast and affordable internet access

• Working with the community

To check your postcode for ultrafast connectivity

To check your postcode for ultrafast connectivity

visit www.digitalgreenwichconnect.com or scan this QR code

visit www.digitalgreenwichconnect.com or scan this QR code

WELCOME

SELCC has been very busy organising the Greener Greenwich Summit 2024 held at our Strategic Partner Charlton Athletic Football Club’s ground (see the front page of Masthead) and you will read more about this throughout this issue.

We have learnt so much from the keynote speakers and presenters and we look forward to working with our other four boroughs to help with the journey to Net Zero. As well as changing office lights to LEDs, every business can produce its own green journey plan – even if you are a sole trader. We will be holding further events around the green theme, and these will be open to all SELCC members.

In early March, Lewisham Council held its election for a new Mayor and SELCC looks forward to working with Brenda Dacres who is the first Black woman to serve as a directly elected Mayor in London.

SELCC is proud to be affiliated to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry who in turn, is an accredited member of the British Chambers of Commerce. Last December, I spent an enjoyable morning in Deptford to celebrate Small Business Saturday. I was accompanied by Vicky Foxcroft MP and the Acting CEO of LCCI, Karim Fatehi MBE. I am delighted to announce that Karim is now the appointed CEO of the London Chamber and we are working closely together to promote the work of Chambers of Commerce.

Helen McIntosh FCIPR President

Join LCCI as we launch our new report analysing London’s economy, featuring a borough-by-borough breakdown of how the capital is performing across a range of indicators.

The report – compiled by Centre for London on behalf of LCCI – highlights

the key growth sectors in different parts of the city, as well as evidencing the variety of lived experiences for Londoners.

We will be joined by an expert panel to give their views on the findings, and guests will have the opportunity to ask their own questions on the key issues affecting London.

Budget boosts jobs but economic challenge remains

Although business confidence is improving, the coming months will remain challenging for many companies, says the British Chambers of Commerce following the Budget announcement by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, shares her reaction to different parts of the Budget statement.

“Following the Autumn Statement this Budget was always set to deliver less for business although changes to National Insurance will provide some momentum,” she said.

“However, beyond this there were no major announcements to help shift the dial on conditions for business.

“The clock is now ticking to the General Election – and this Budget could be the last fiscal event before voters go to the polls.

“Business confidence is improving but the coming months will remain challenging for many companies. It is vital that the economy remains front and centre of the campaign to come.”

On jobs, Shevaun said: “The prospect of an additional 200,000 entering into the workforce, due to cuts in National Insurance, would make a significant dent in the job vacancies holding back our economy. It will also provide a welcome boost to economic growth.

“Combined with the increased child benefit threshold, this should help business find the staff they so desperately need.”

On the VAT threshold change, she added: “Increasing the VAT threshold to £90,000 from April will help SMEs in our Chamber network to grow and invest but a more

fundamental review is required. We will continue to engage with Government to push for this.”

Responding to news of new funding to train planners, Shevaun said: “We are pleased the Chancellor has joined forces with the BCC and our founding partner Aviva, by committing £3 million of matched funding to our business-led programme to unlock the planning system. This is a clear signal from Government about working in partnership with business to solve problems.

“We now have a real opportunity to make the system quicker and more efficient for everyone. It is all about investing in talent and building communities.”

On the new Growth Guarantee Scheme, she said: “It’s also good news that the Chancellor has listened to our calls for the Recovery Loan Scheme to be extended. Under its new name, the Growth Guarantee Scheme will continue to be a financial lifeline for thousands of businesses to get back on track after recent economic shocks and plan for future growth.”

On tax free shopping she added: “There will be huge disappointment that a new internationally competitive tax-free shopping scheme was not mentioned by the Chancellor. We will review the OBR’s evidence and continue to make the case for this.”

We are pleased the Chancellor has joined forces with the BCC and our founding partner Aviva, by committing £3 million of matched funding to our business-led programme to unlock the planning system. This is a clear signal from Government about working in partnership with business to solve problems.

Royal Greenwich signs the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping

Council Leader, Cllr Anthony Okereke and Cllr Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness have signed the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping on behalf of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

The signing of the Charter builds upon one of the Council's key missions of ensuring people have access to a safe and secure home that meets their needs. The Charter signing was also attended by Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive of Thames Reach, a charity working to end rough sleeping in London. Royal Greenwich now joins a range of organisations including homelessness charities, businesses and local authorities, to agree to the six key principles to help end rough sleeping in London. These principles are accepting people, safety for everyone, being open-minded, prevention, partnerships and helping people thrive.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, said: "I am incredibly proud to be able to sign the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping with our Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, on behalf of Royal Greenwich. It is vitally important that we come together with partners and as a community to develop and deliver solutions to end rough sleeping for good and ensure that everyone has a roof over their heads."

Cllr Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said: “Many people who sleep rough can face fear, loneliness and hunger and we are determined to do everything we can to end it here in Greenwich, which is why the Leader and I are delighted to have signed the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping.

“As a Council we are already at the forefront in London of providing emergency support to rough sleepers during severe cold weather spells and our Housing Inclusion Service works tirelessly to offer much-needed longer-term supportincluding permanent placements - to help many of them rebuild their lives and stay off the streets permanently.”

If you're concerned about someone sleeping on the streets in Royal Greenwich, visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/rough-sleeping

Council, educators and employers call for urgent reforms to apprenticeships

Calls have been made for “urgent reforms” to the apprenticeship system to widen access to apprenticeships for both learners and employers.

Leader of The Royal Borough of Greenwich Council, Cllr Anthony Okereke, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Skills, Cllr Mariam Lolavar and Clive Efford MP, sent a letter to the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education, Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP, during National Apprenticeship Week, calling for changes to be made.

The letter was written following a crosssector apprenticeship roundtable meeting with leading representatives from education and skills organisations. It highlights the key issues with the system and sets out six policy reforms the programme needs to succeed.

Cllr Mariam Lolavar said: “Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways of boosting social mobility and creating an inclusive economy, where everyone has the opportunity to secure a good job. Not least, young people who are not currently in education, employment or training, among whom we have seen a sharp decline in apprenticeships starts. “Strategic action is needed to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to overcome the financial barriers to accessing and remaining in apprenticeships, such as low levels of pay. Crucially, the system also needs to offer greater flexibility to businesses, particularly in how funding is used.”

Since 2017, the number of young people starting apprenticeships has dropped significantly - by a staggering 85 per cent across councils, a survey by London Councils shows - and many businesses

in Royal Greenwich are expecting to return up to 50 per cent of their unspent levy funds to the Treasury. This does not reflect the high demand there is for apprenticeships, showing that there is a misalignment between the resources available and the need from young learners, the letter states.

The roundtable discussion was held by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London South East Colleges and Visit Greenwich.

Chair of the roundtable, Dr Sam Parrett CBE, Group Chair and CEO of London South East Colleges, said: “As a Further and Higher Education college, we know how important high-quality apprenticeships are, and the huge benefits they provide to apprentices, employers and the local and regional economy.

“Working collaboratively with business leaders and Local Authorities is essential here, enabling us all to ensure the right skills are being delivered to meet the current and future need of industry.”

The recommendations are:

1. Make the apprenticeship levy system more flexible.

2. Establish new funding rules for priority groups.

3. Promote equitable access.

4. Protect child benefit payments for families of young people starting an apprenticeship.

5. Provide targeted funding for pre-apprenticeship training.

6. Reinstate incentives to SMEs looking to take on apprentices.

Bexley Mayor hosts special event for Nuclear

Test Medal recipients

The Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Ahmet Dourmoush hosted a reception for four local ex-servicemen to recognise their service during the UK’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s.

Representative Deputy Lieutenant, David Easton DL and Mayoress Elmaz Dourmoush attended the event which welcomed the men who received their Nuclear Test Medals late last year.

The Mayor said: “I was extremely grateful to have this long overdue opportunity to express our borough’s gratitude for their service and sacrifice and to recognise the award of their medals. It was wonderful to listen to the moving stories told by these brave men who had all been part of the testing operations.”

The reception for four ex-servicemen and their families was held in the Civic Offices in February.

What is a protected lease?

Ask an Expert

Shannon Hartland, a commercial property solicitor at Amphlett Lissimore explains protected commercial leases and outlines what security of tenure means for both the landlord and the tenant.

When would a landlord serve a Section 25 notice?

When a lease has security of tenure, a landlord wishing to change or terminate the lease can issue a Section 25 notice. It can be a “hostile” notice, opposing the renewal of a lease, or a “friendly” notice agreeing to a renewal but setting out new terms.

What is a Section 26 notice?

A tenant can trigger renewal by serving a Section 26 proposing new lease terms. Unless the landlord serves a counter-notice within two months the tenant can apply to the court for a new lease.

Does security of tenure only apply to commercial leases?

A commercial lease is protected by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (“the Act”), and the tenant has "security of tenure" unless the landlord and the tenant agreed to exclude this protection.

What is security of tenure?

Security of tenure means that the lease will not automatically end on its expiry date but will continue so long as the tenant carries on business unless the landlord or the tenant serves a notice to end it.

When a protected lease ends, the tenant has a right to a new lease on similar terms but at an updated rent, unless the landlord opposes renewal on one of the grounds set out in the Act.

What if a tenant does not have security of tenure?

If the landlord and tenant agree in the lease that the Act will not apply, and the tenant signs a declaration, the lease is not protected, and the tenant must leave when it expires.

Not having a protected lease could affect a tenant’s business plan. A business can be harder to sell without a protected lease.

Section 30(1) of the Act sets out the grounds a landlord can rely on to oppose renewal, including persistent delays in paying rent, breaches of lease terms, or intended redevelopment.

Some grounds are compulsory, meaning that a court must refuse renewal if the landlord proves they apply. Others are discretionary, when the court can consider the tenant's circumstances even if the ground is proved.

What are the rules about the termination date of a Section 25 notice?

A Section 25 notice must specify a termination date no earlier than when the lease expires and be served 6 to 12 months beforehand. A tenant can challenge a hostile notice by applying to the court for a new lease. If a friendly notice is served, the landlord and tenant can negotiate terms and sign a renewal lease before the termination date.

Tenants lose protection under the Act unless they apply to the Court before the termination date, unless the landlord and the tenant agree to allow longer for negotiations.

Yes. The 1954 Act only applies to tenants occupying premises for business purposes. For residential tenancies the law is different.

Can tenants get compensation if a renewal lease is opposed?

Whether tenants can get compensation depends on which grounds the landlord relies on to oppose renewal. How much they get depends on how long they have occupied the property.

Tenants may lose compensation by vacating the premises early or winding up their business. So, remember if you are a tenant, to stay in the property until the Section 25 notice expires!

Should landlords be concerned?

Landlords should consider their future plans before granting a protected lease. Wanting to sell does not enable a landlord to oppose a renewal lease.

Landords intending to rely on Section 30(1) grounds to oppose a renewal should ensure they have evidence to support their claim. Just mentioning a ground in the Section 25 notice is not enough; you may have to prove it in court.

Opportunity for local businesses to get behind new festival in Catford

• SEEN Lewisham is a new Global Majority festival for London which debuts at Catford’s Broadway from Monday 10 – Sunday 16 June 2024

• The festival is expected to attract audiences of over 5,000

• Selling and sponsorship opportunities for local businesses

Nouveau Riche founder, Ryan Calais Cameron, said “I grew up in Catford, an area that has always been a huge colourful cultural hub of art and creativity. SEEN will continue in that legacy, a festival that will have the very best of what Lewisham and London has to offer all in one place, an opportunity for locals and visitors to come and see work and artists that reflect themselves.”

There are lots of opportunities for local businesses to get involved. By applying to take part in the Show & Sell, you sign up for an unforgettable day of networking, sales, food and celebration.

By sponsoring SEEN festival, or donating your products and merchandise, you bring your business to the heart of Global Majority arts and culture in London, connecting with new audiences and amplifying your brand through extensive exposure.

Festival sponsorship will spotlight your company through advertising and marketing across the borough and online, as well as brand placement throughout the festival and a host of wider benefits. SEEN is a chance to connect with diverse audiences in a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.

Contact Lewisham Council’s Culture team to discuss how you can get involved cultural.development@lewisham.gov.uk

More About SEEN Lewisham

SEEN Festival will celebrate the incredible talent of Black, Asian and Global Majority artists and creatives from Lewisham, one of London’s most diverse boroughs. From Monday 10 June to Sunday 16 June, the Broadway theatre in Catford will come alive with an electrifying programme of theatre, dance, and music.

A programme of cutting-edge performance and family-friendly activities will attract over 5,000 audiences throughout the week. A ‘Show & Sell’ event, offering a platform for Lewisham’s Global Majority business owners and entrepreneurs to step into the spotlight and showcase their work, will take place on the second day of the festival.

SEEN Lewisham is a partnership between Lewisham Council and the multi-award-winning arts company Nouveau Riche. Nouveau Riche is the driving force behind powerful productions such as For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy and No More Mr Nice Guy.

Kicking-off our first programme announcement is Black Wall Street, The Dreamland, the latest production by Khareem Jamal on Friday 14 June. Taking place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921, the production brings to life the extraordinary tale of Greenwood, a predominantly black neighbourhood within Tulsa.

Through an artist grant programme, SEEN will provide mentoring and funding to participating artists, with industry pioneers helping them to bring their performances to life. Mentors include Nouveau Riche, Alleyne Dance and Josh Oladipo. Meet the mentors:

Nouveau Riche

Our production partner, Nouveau Riche, is a multi-award-winning creative movement led by Global Majority artists. Their objective is to discover, nurture, and produce unique stories with a keen focus on work that is both educational and entertaining.

Alleyne Dance

Alleyne Dance is a UK-based company founded in 2014 by award-winning twin sisters Kristina and Sadé Alleyne. Their choreography blends West African, Caribbean, Hip Hop, and Kathak influences into dynamic movement. With five main works presented internationally, Alleyne Dance is committed to learning and participation, engaging audiences worldwide.

Josh Oladipo

Josh Oladipo is a dynamic force in music. From his role as one half of Billy Dukes to his presence on Reprezent Radio, his collaborations with talents like Kojey Radical and Lucy Rose showcase brilliance. Hailing from South London, his sound combines electronic psychedelia and soul, enchanting audiences worldwide.

London Borough of Culture – a lasting legacy

Croydon’s landmark Clocktower was transformed into a beacon of light, and the town centre was brimming with colour and activity as Croydon Remix – the finale of our year as London Borough of Culture – took place at the end of March.

It was wonderful to see street performances, concerts, puppetry, dance, art shows and the light show, all centred around The Clocktower and town centre area, that reunited many of the artists and community groups for a fitting celebration of This is Croydon, which has proven to be a hugely inclusive, collaborative, and vibrant year.

Since we launched London Borough of Culture in April last year, Croydon has hosted a varied programme of events that have brought communities together and shone a spotlight on our rich cultural heritage, of which we are very proud.

Among the highlights were: Citizen UK, Croydon’s Caribbean Influencers exhibition, a performance from the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine; and a festival of Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent artists. Croydon Stands Tall, saw Croydon BID (Business Improvement District) and local businesses collaborate with artists and schools to create a town centre trail of colourful giraffes; while Rewind: This is Croydon’s Music exhibition, explored the borough’s incredible music heritage and continues at the Museum of Croydon until 7 September.

Being London Borough of Culture 2023 has boosted pride in Croydon as a place to live, work and visit and it has showcased our incredible people, talent, and history. It has enabled new opportunities and ways of working – in terms of how we invest in young people, in the local cultural sector, and given a boost to the regeneration of our town centre.

In just 12 months, we have reached an audience of more than 500,000 people. More than 85% of our schools have taken part, giving young people of all backgrounds access to creative education. There have been more than 12,000 development opportunities for young people, including performances, hands-on participation, and co-creation, with many more attending events and exhibitions.

The delivery of the year has been powered by more than 90 partner organisations in a truly collaborative partnership between the council and the cultural sector.

Detailed work to quantify the economic impact of the year is still underway. However, it has increased footfall to our high streets and local businesses and brought cultural funding into the borough that we are building on as part of the legacy of the year.

The number of Arts Council National Portfolio Organisations (NPO) in Croydon increased from 1 to 6, representing a tenfold increase in annual NPO funding to the borough. In addition to this and investment from the Greater London Authority (GLA), the London Borough of Culture secured more than £600,000 from Arts Council England and £485,000 from National Lottery Heritage Fund towards programming the year and its legacy.

The work that went into staging the festival, and its legacy will continue, and the memories will be preserved for future generations through a digital archiving project made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Ten young people will be trained in archiving, digital skills, research, and exhibitions. This will create digital archives of our year as London Borough of Culture – so residents and visitors will be able to see what happened in 2023-24 for many years to come.

See the This is Croydon website for cultural events in 2024: https://www.culturecroydon.com/

A Woolwich Works Welcome

Celebrated as London’s ‘best new culture spot’ by TimeOut magazine, historic Woolwich Works are capturing the hearts and minds of the community, as well as businesses, with their wide variety of public programming and private hire opportunities.

Located right on the river Thames, Woolwich Works features both indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for events and performances for 60 to 1,800 people. A dedicated technical team on-site as well as a variety of AV packages, steel deck staging and tech support, plus on-site furniture included make it easy to plan and execute spring flings and summer parties and events. Woolwich Works’ modern, refurbished

spaces are fully accessible, stylish and flexible with easy access to the venue only a short 3-minute walk from the Elizabeth Line’s Woolwich Station.

Hirers of Woolwich Works can also feel good about their choice knowing that every pound towards venue hire goes back into the Woolwich Works Trust, an independent registered charity with a commitment to community access, engagement and participation, providing facilities to improve the conditions of life of the residents of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Woolwich Works is also home to resident artistic companies Acosta Dance Centre, Chineke! Orchestra, Luca Silvestrini’s Protein, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Punchdrunk, and the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair.

Planning a meeting or event in April and May and still looking for a place to host your guests?

Save 20% with Woolwich Works’ Spring Offer on venue hires in April and May.

Quote WWSPRING24 when emailing the events team at events@woolwich.works

• Dedicated events and technical teams on site

• Host conferences from 60-900, gala dinners for up to 550, standing events up to 1,800

• Fully accessible, modern, industrial spaces

• Speedily connect via the Elziabeth Line to Canary Wharf in 8 minutes, Liverpool Street in 14 minutes, and Tottenham Court Road in under 20 minutes

• Right on the river with excellent links to Woolwich Arsenal rail station, DLR, Woolwich Pier, and London City Airport

Woolwich Works offers the best of blank canvas hire spaces

Woolwich Works is the perfect venue for all event needs. From brand activations to conferences and trade shows to gala dinners, community events, parties and more.

This summer the Workers’ Yard courtyard sees the return of a summer bar with a garden theme and installations by a local artist. Available for exclusive private party bookings in July this space is a sun-drenched summer oasis.

The events team welcomes all enquiries and site visits and is ready to chat through plans at any stage to help make event dreams a reality. Contact the Events Team at Woolwich Works to make your enquiry:

Email: events@woolwich.works

Phone: 020 8035 8835

In Person: Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street, London, SE18 6HD

Email: events@woolwich.works

In Person: Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11

Focus on Greenwich

Celebrating female-led businesses

We’re very proud of the variety, character and individuality of the businesses in the borough, many of which are female-led. Ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD) in March, we spoke to some of the women leading local businesses to learn more about their jobs which support the economy of Royal Greenwich.

We also asked for their advice for others wanting to build their career in their fields or set up their own businesses.

The five women featured work in different sectors, from construction and set design to not-for-profits supporting people with learning disabilities and care leavers. All are drivers of positive change, who go above and beyond at work and in the local community and area that they love.

Benita Ager, Director of Flower Skills

Benita is one of our Greenwich Learns skills learning providers offering courses in construction.

On overcoming challenges that still exist in the sector

“It needs to start in schools, to show girls that they, too, can have a successful career in the industry. Construction should not be a sector only for underachieving boys – high achievers, and girls of all abilities can forge a good career.”

Chloe Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Helix 3D

Helix 3D are specialists in design and fabrication for TV, film and commercials, winner of the Business of the Year 2023 award and Made in Greenwich category.

On what she loves about working in Greenwich “Greenwich is a brilliant place to run a business. The links are great, and the Elizabeth line has been a game changer. We are fully committed to the area, and we try and prioritise employing local workers wherever possible.”

Kemi Madumere, Co-Founder for Camouflage Cafe

Kemi’s cafe is run by adults with learning disabilities and was the winner of the Best New Business category at the Business Awards 2023.

On what this year’s IWD theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’ means to her and her business

“It means backing our words with meaningful action. This translates into hiring inclusively ourselves, upskilling our female managers, advocating for local women and disability-owned businesses, and enabling platforms for marginalised women’s voices.”

Learn more about support available for people with learning disabilities: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/disabilities

Christina Hsieh, Founding Director of Matter

Christina won the Professional Service award at our 2023 Business Awards.

A tip for others

“There is space for everyone, you just need to look for it and seek support when you need it. We need more women in the sector so we can influence the design of buildings more to ensure they reflect the needs of women.”

Nathalie Delahaye, Director of Roar Pursuits CIC

Nathalie’s business was the winner of the Health and Wellbeing category.

A tip for others

“Find people who are doing what you want to do, connect and learn from them. No one is an expert in everything, so outsource what you struggle with to someone who is. Find your team.”

Read the interviews: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/international-womens-day-business

Looking to change careers and need some support? Visit: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/gllab

Sign up to receive the business e-bulletin from the Royal Borough of Greenwich at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/business-bulletin

Is your business in Greenwich? Make sure it’s featured on Enjoy Local

Greenwich is brimming with so many brilliant shops, restaurants, cafes, markets and attractions, it’s sometimes hard to pick which ones to visit or to find out what events are happening near you.

As part of our Shop Local campaign, we joined forces with Visit Greenwich to develop the Enjoy Local platform, which encourages people to shop and enjoy local. Not only does this support local businesses — it also nurtures the local community and economy.

Aimed at anyone who lives, works or studies in Greenwich, and designed to be accessed from people’s mobile phones ‘on the go’, Enjoy Local suggests the best places to shop, eat and drink closest to you, wherever you are in the borough. It also tells you what events are happening, where and when. All you need to do is turn on your location settings and start exploring at enjoyroyalgreenwich.org.uk

If your business is in Greenwich, make sure it’s featured on the Enjoy Local website for free: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/enjoylocal-list-your-business

For extra promotion, remember you can share a special offer or discount on the Greenwich One Card discount scheme, delivered with GLL-Better.

List your business at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/OneCard

BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL BROMLEY

“Bromley is a bustling, thriving market town with a healthy footfall. Minutes from central London, on the Superloop and within touching distance of the countryside, Bromley is the ideal location for businesses, large or small. This makes Bromley perfect for attracting and retaining quality staff. Your Bromley runs an exciting programme of events and activities for town centre visitors, workers and residents and we’re very proud to have an approval rate of 96% from our member businesses.”

Frances Forrest BID Manager Your Bromley BID

Uncertain Times

During the cost of living crisis the work the BID does is even more important than ever. Your Bromley delivers services above and beyond those offered by the council and is the voice for 500 town centre businesses.

Investing In Bromley

Over our second term, Your Bromley is investing at least £2.7million into improving Bromley town centre, including £609K over the last year.

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

Supporting Business

Your Bromley offers many business support services. Our website includes a commercial spaces directory, making finding office space easy and our team have the contacts for the key landlords for those wanting ground floor space instead. It also features an area exclusively for our BID Members, offering access to training videos and self help guides.

Engaging Events

Alongside our events and activities, we collaborate regularly with the local authority and other key partners to promote the town centre. In 2023 these partnerships delivered three successful NTEZ events, attracting a total of 33,000 visitors, in addition to our own Christmas Lights Switch On event, Floral Fest, Make Music Day and Black History Month celebrations, giving people more reasons to come into Bromley than ever.

Securing the future of Crystal Palace Park

The extensive regeneration plan for Crystal Palace Park will see many famous features restored across the park, from the Grade-I Listed dinosaurs to the Italian Terraces, which once led visitors up to the original Palace.

Beyond these more distinctive aspects included within the regeneration, the wider plan helps secure the future for the park and the tremendous history contained within.

Significant investment and expertise are required to turn the £52m regeneration plan into a reality. The next major stage of capital restoration works, which alone represent a £17.5m investment, have been enabled through grant funding secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The restoration of the Victorian Subway, a former entrance to the park, from the High Level Station, has similar support, with a successful grant application to the City of London’s Strategic Investment Pot, partners Historic England providing grant funding, alongside contributions from local community group the Friends of the Crystal Palace Subway.

Further funding is needed to support the remainder of Bromley Council’s Regeneration Plan and much work goes into identifying and securing funding opportunities. Investment opportunities have also been created as part of the plan, with two residential development sites next to the park ready for development, with outline planning permission already secured. Developers are being sought to take forward these sites, which recently featured in Opportunity London’s Investment Prospectus, being one of just nine major development projects selected for inclusion from across the Capital,

showing the international significance of this opportunity and the wider Regeneration Plan.

The complex and at times unprecedented nature of some of the restoration work being progressed requires effective partnership working to ensure these important sites are protected over the long term. Historic England have been involved with the park’s Regeneration Plan since an early stage, including undertaking specialist surveys on the Subway and Dinosaurs. The Victorian dinosaur models were originally designed as temporary structures, so much care and investigative efforts are needed to secure them for the future. Specialist contractors are being used to carry out the restoration works, with DBR Limited undertaking the Subway restoration and HTA Design appointed to lead a multidisciplinary team for the next major phase of regeneration to include the dinosaur restoration.

Alongside the restoration of the dinosaurs and the surrounding Geological Court, this next phase will see the Italian Terraces restored, and a new information centre and dinosaur-themed play area created, as well as further improvements. Better accessibility and amenities are at the heart of the proposals to ensure all residents and visitors can use and enjoy the park. The lower terminus of the Paxton Axis will be restored to its full width through this phase to better support events and activities.

The management of the park, including future responsibility for restored sites, is now delivered by Crystal Palace Park Trust, an independent community-based charity set up as a key part of creating a sustainable model for the park’s future.

The Trust are now responsible for delivering wide-ranging improvements that benefit the whole community, including delivering events for local residents and visitors that help support long term improvements. Creating a sustainable business model for the park was a key priority for the regeneration plan, which supports the Trust’s management arrangement and the maintenance of the park’s important assets and spaces.

Improving Riverside Gardens, Erith

Works to improve Riverside Gardens in Erith are due to start. Ground Control have been contracted to deliver the improvements which include a new playground and outdoor fitness equipment on the riverside terrace.

New planting will be added, including a dedicated growing space for the Friends of Riverside Gardens, increasing biodiversity, and improving the drainage in the Gardens and along Erith High Street. A new ramp will make the route between the gardens and the Thames Path accessible for all users, while the reconfiguration of ground levels will make it easier to move around within the gardens and provide better views across the River Thames.

The works to enhance Riverside Gardens follow the recent completion of improvements at Pier Square, and on Erith High Street and are part of the wider Greater Erith programme. The programme is being funded by the London Borough of Bexley and the Greater London Authority through the Good Growth Fund. Visit www.greatererith.com for more information.

Bexley Workssupport to find a job

If you are a Bexley resident aged 18+ and need help with your job search to find paid employment, then Bexley Works, a free local programme, can help you to job search and find a job that’s right for you.

You will receive the following support

• Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) from a professional employment advisor allocated to help you tailor your CV and job search

• Access to local vacancies through our business team that work with local employers to fill local jobs

• Access to employability workshops to help build your confidence with applications and interviews

• Information about local training that could help you to upskill. Your advisor will get to know you, identify your skills, job aspirations, and provide information you need to find the right job.

Talking Business Programme

Bexley Businesses and Entrepreneurs are benefiting from the free support offered via the fully funded Talking Business programme.

The programme aims to help small business owners and pre-start businesses access the resources, support and training needed to help them grow and become more resilient.

One local business owner who has already benefited from the support is Sarah Canavan, Managing Director of Lingotot Bexley, a MFL teaching business delivering lessons and classes both in-school and extra-curricular.

“I enquired about accessing Talking Business support with a focus on growing my client base and defining my business plan.

I was quickly connected with my business advisor, Tyler Smith who has helped me identify new opportunities for growth for

my business. We worked together to review my sales pipeline and lead management processes to ensure that I target the right schools, keep track of outbound sales and stay up to date with new opportunities.

I also accessed the Talking Business Training Grant scheme which funded 50% of the cost of Paediatric First Aid training. The grant offered me improved cashflow to allow my staff to complete this essential training.

I would encourage all local small businesses and entrepreneurs to access the support provided by Talking Business – it’s free! What is there to lose?” - Sarah Canavan, Managing Director, Lingotot Bexley

If you are a small business owner or would like to start a small business within Bexley, you can apply to access free Talking Business support at www.bexley.gov.uk/bbe Alternatively, please email TalkingBusiness@bexley.gov.uk

Sidcup Storyteller shortlisted for an award

The new Sidcup Storyteller - Library, Cinema, Housing & Café has been shortlisted in The Pineapple Awards 2024.

The prestigious developer awards celebrate the urban life of developments and places where people want to live, work and play. The awards are designed to recognise and promote best practice as well as the contribution that a new-build makes to the renewal of an area and it’s positive impact on a local community.

Winners are selected after a three-part judging process and take home a golden pineapple trophy. Judges will now visit all the shortlisted sites before making their final decision.

Golden pineapples will be presented to the winners at the party and presentation event on Thursday 16 May at St. Andrew Holborn, London.

The library is run by the Council and the cinema is a partnership between London Borough of Bexley and independent operator, Really Local Group (RLG). The cinema screens a range of

film titles from new releases, family favourites, classic titles and arthouse specials.

Councillor Munur, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Growth, said: “We’re delighted to be nominated in these prestigious awards that recognise new buildings that have a positive impact on the local community. By bringing the new library and the Sidcup Storyteller building to the heart of the town we hoped to bring the community back to the High Street and these awards recognise that we have done this. This is a real success story and great news for the borough.”

Find out more at www.bexley.gov.uk/bexley-libraries

Football has the power to unite a community

All different, all together, all Charlton

Charlie Methven, co-owner of Charlton Athletic Football Club, talks to Sarah Dale about the power of football to unite a whole community and how the business community can support the Club’s charity arm.

Football clubs are at the heart of many towns and cities across the UK uniting people from a range of backgrounds in a common interest and passion.

Charlton Athletic Football Club is no exception and resides in the vibrant, diverse area of South East London. The EFL League One club was bought by Global Football Partners, comprising Charlie Methven and a group of wealthy US Investors in July 2023.

Ex-Telegraph journalist Charlie - who was a Director at Sunderland AFC for four years, a Consultant at Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC and a Trustee at his hometown club, Oxford United FC - has been involved in the football industry for 15 years. A couple of American investors who had owned a Major League Soccer Club in the US, had sold it and wanted to get involved with an English club, ideally in London, where they spend a lot of time. When the opportunity to buy Charlton arose, it “ticked a lot of boxes” for those investors and also for Charlie who had grown up in South East London until the age of 11.

Charlie knows the area well. “I grew up in Camberwell and was taken to Greenwich Park as a boy. One of my earliest memories is hearing reggae music and the smell of jerk chicken!”

“South East London is a very vibrant, colourful and characterful example of how multiple communities can mould a joint identity. We want the football club to embody that spirit.’’ Charlie continued by adding, “Football is my sole focus right now. Charlton Athletic is a club that needs a lot of love and attention.”

From the early 1990s to the late 2000s, the club saw “15 wonderful years of growth and progress” but the past 15 years have been a more “turbulent” time. “Although the men’s first team has been struggling, the women’s first team is highly competitive and in the top 14 in the country, the academy is eighth in the country,” he says. “Big football clubs must have four main parts: a men’s first team, a women’s first team, a boys’ and girls’ academy and a community trust, the charitable side of the organisation.’’

Charlie continued, “a club is not only about the men’s and women’s first teams but it also needs to be highly involved in transforming the lives of the people in the local area and that is a huge focus for Charlton going forward.‘’ Charlie added, ‘’a large part of our focus is reintegrating the Club and

the Charitable Trust so, although they have to be separate organisations, they work very closely together.”

Around 75 per cent of the men’s first team players come from within striking distance of The Valley – whereas, as Charlie says, ‘’most clubs have around 20% per cent of their players coming from the local area.’’

Talking about the club’s fanbase, Charlie affirmed that ‘’the majority of the Club’s traditional support originates from South East London but now no longer lives there, having moved out to Kent and surrounding areas. However, if we look at the players who represent us, they come from communities closer to the Stadium.” Continuing, Charlie said, “we have that connection and we need to build on that to draw more people from those local communities to matches’’.

“I think that there is a particular challenge throughout European football with the lack of prevalence of African Caribbean people attending football matches. Over the last six months we have been working with the Community Trust and a research company to see what the barriers are and how they can be addressed.’’

Charlie continued, “our aim as an organisation is for the football club to be the focal point of the local community. A lot of work is being done on Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Charlton has been awarded Silver status by the EFL, which has spent the past six months ranking the 72 clubs in terms of diversity. Ten clubs – including us – have been ranked Silver, which means we can now apply for Gold Status later this year.”

The Club is also on a mission to “supercharge” its social work in local boroughs to become a “nationwide example of how football, the local community and the business community can connect”. Since 2003, the renowned Charlton Athletic Community Trust has been carrying out award-winning work in the

community, including working with families of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities gain access to respite care and working with the local Councils to combat obesity. This ground-breaking work was acknowledged at the EFL Awards on Sunday 14th April at the Grosvenor Hotel, when Charlton Athletic FC won the prestigious ‘Community Club of the Year’ Award. “We can help businesses by bringing us altogether and enabling increased levels of communication,” says Charlie.

“We have great facilities at The Valley, including a big car park and excellent transport links and we were recently delighted to host the prestigious SEL Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Greener Greenwich Summit’ at the Stadium’’.

Charlie continued, “over the past 15 years of turbulence, it’s fair to say that many local businesses have not seen equity in, or the value of, being heavily involved in Charlton Athletic. As businesspeople, which I fundamentally am, everyone wants to know that the Club is going to be successful.’’

Charlie added, ‘’The Valley is an excellent stadium and we can provide a proven platform for companies to do more business. We aspire to bring businesses together both socially and philanthropically for mutual benefit.’’

Charlie concluded by adding, ‘I firmly believe that we have something here at Charlton Athletic many of the businesses in South East London can buy into. To this end, the Club and our Community Trust are launching an exciting new initiative called ‘Valley of Dreams’, a scheme which will provide unparalleled opportunities for businesses to engage in award-winning community activities, take advantage of market-leading Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) programmes, gain exceptional exposure and, hugely importantly, boost their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings.’’

Our aim as an organisation is for the football club to be the focal point of the local community. A lot of work is being done on Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Charlton has been awarded Silver status by the EFL, which has spent the past six months ranking the 72 clubs in terms of diversity.

The Right Choice

“You can’t force people to change –you need to let them choose!”

By Mark Jenkinson, Crystal Associates and SELCC Board Director

I’ve heard this mantra a few times recently. The most recent was at a London Chamber event with the Secretary of State for Transport at the end of March.

This led me to reflect and then pose the question: How do we make it easier for people to make the right choice?

Most people I speak to want to do the right thing in respect to ‘the climate’. But how do we support them in doing this and take them on the journeypun intended!

How do we make it easier for people to use public transport, cycle or walk? The success of the Elizabeth Line with over 150 million passenger journeys per year, shows that investment in public transport works and that people will use it.

If people have to drive, how do we make it easier to buy, lease or even share an electric vehicle? And away from transport. When it comes to replacing your gas boiler, how do we encourage people to choose to install a heat pump instead? This all requires providing suitable, cost effective, easy, accessible alternatives and the clear evidence to back it up.

If you haven’t guessed it yet, making the right choice is thereby the theme for this latest edition of the climate column. Whatever, the right choice may be!

Greener Greenwich Summit

Elsewhere in this edition of Masthead you’ll find an excellent summary of the Greener Greenwich Summit written by a true professional. This will be followed up on 7th May with the publishing of a report detailing the day’s discussions, outcomes, and next steps.

In the meantime, here’s my own, less professional but hopefully as engaging, reflection on the Summit! And of course, with a not-so-subtle nod to this column’s theme, ‘the right choice’!

Over 160 people from across the borough, and beyond, shared inspiring examples and insights in how we can make Greenwich even greener. Obviously making the right choice!

Under the banner of ‘Just 1 Thing’, the day was split in to the four overarching themes: empowering wider change, buildings, transport, green and digital.

These themes were based on the outputs of the Greener Greenwich Summit in October 2022, Greenwich’s Carbon Neutral Plan and the draft Inclusive Economy Strategy.

We heard quick-fire presentations – max 5 minutes each - from the great and the good including Chamber members Alcatel Submarine Networks, Charlton Athletic Football Club (CAFC), DG Cities, I&K, London South East Colleges, Mo-Sys, Peabody, Ravensbourne University

London, Royal Museums Greenwich, and the University of Greenwich. Thanks also to the keynotes from Local London and RSK, proud sponsors of CAFC, and inspirational presentations from Green Business Action London, the South East London Community Energy and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. I also had the honour of presenting an overview of the borough’s carbon neutral plan. It was interesting to note that almost half of delegates surveyed before my presentation were not familiar with the plan. Hopefully they are now! Are you?

Each of the four sessions of presentations were followed by a workshop where all delegates were invited to vote on their favourite project/initiative. Then, in their respective tables, delegates were encouraged to scope out the next three steps for each of these projects or an alternative project if that was the table’s view.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many table facilitators at the Summit for playing such as important role including documenting all the great ideas!

The four most popular projects/initiatives selected by the delegates were:

• All Greenwich businesses to develop a carbon footprint action plan

• Scale up energy efficiency measures in domestic / non-domestic buildings

• All organisations to develop a green travel plan

• Employers to pledge their support to local colleges and universities to deliver the right Green & Digital skills in the borough

During the Summit we also discussed and documented thirteen other projects/initiatives. And I’m sure there were more topics discussed during the day!

These included other fantastic ideas such as reducing food and other waste, scaling up renewable energy including solar and tidal, decarbonising the energy supply, developing a Local Area Energy Plan for the borough, increasing use of the river for passengers and freight – supported by a River Commissioner, scaling up electric vehicles, provide training and employment opportunities for residents, involving students in community projects, capturing and better utilising data and last but not least, ensuring Greenwich becomes a Centre of Excellence for world-class digital technology. Easy!

In order to drive the four key projects – and the other ideas where possible - we will look to hold events, roundtables, workshops, and webinars and engage as many of you as possible.

And as we learnt during the day, including at the stands, there is a huge range of support available to do this from within the borough and across London.

As one attendee pointed out: “This room has great energy… how do we keep this community alive and generate energy to deliver the projects moving forward?”

Keep an eye on your inboxes and the SE London Chamber website, get involved and play your part in supporting you and your peers to make the right choice!

How Climate Change may impact your Business

We had a sobering start to the second week of April courtesy of an excellent webinar by the Coventry University London on how climate change may impact businesses.

If you missed it, fear not! This first of a series of webinars on sustainability and energy, will soon be available to watch via the Chamber’s website/ YouTube channel. Without ruining it for you, here are some of my key takeaways:

• Climate change & global warming is real

• CO 2 concentration in the atmosphere is over 40% pre-industrial levels

• The IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) states fossil fuel emissions must be halved to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels

• Manmade sources of CO 2 include electricity and heat production, transport and manufacturing industries and construction.

• Other ‘main culprits’ of climate change are water vapour, methane, and ozone.

• Businesses should plan and adapt to climate change

The right to choose

I was just about to push send on my climate column to the Editor-in Chief (aka Helen McIntosh) when the latest report from the Green Alliance dropped in my Inbox.

The email introduction to the report ‘Climate Adaptation in UK homes’, struck home and reaffirmed the points raised in the Coventry University webinar, namely: “Climate change impacts are here to stay. From record temperatures and flooding to increased levels of subsidence, worsening air pollution and even the reshaping of our coastlines, we are facing the effects of climate change every day.”

So, do we really have the right or time to be able to choose? Or do we just need to hurry up and make the ‘right choice’?

Certainly, the South East London Chamber will play its part in leveraging the “great energy” on show at the Greener Greenwich Summit 2024 and do its utmost to “keep this community alive and generate energy to deliver the projects moving forward.”

In conclusion. Let’s do the right thing – stay informed, get involved, share your ideas and see you at the upcoming events.

Showing the Red Card to Carbon Emissions: Businesses Unite at CAFC to Tackle Net Zero Goals at the Greener Greenwich Summit 2024

Since the Royal Borough of Greenwich declared a climate emergency in 2019 and a commitment to the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, the local business community has been working hard to drive this ambitious agenda forward. To that end, on March 21st 2024, representatives of more than 160 of RBG’s best businesses converged at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic Football Club (CAFC) for the second Greener Greenwich Summit.

Building on the momentum of the first summit in October 2022, and with more than double the attendees, the event was hosted by the South East London Chamber of Commerce (SELCC) in conjunction with RBG.

CAFC’s Paul Elliott, CBE, set the intention for the day in his opening address, highlighting the need for community and collaboration to effectively tackle pressing climate challenges, a theme that was echoed in presentations and discussion throughout the day.

Keynote speakers from local business leaders and the Chamber’s strategic partners showcased recent projects and initiatives that are contributing to a significant reduction

in carbon emissions across the borough. Presentations and discussions were structured around four main areas: Empowering Wider Change, Buildings, Transport, and Green & Digital Initiatives, with a focus on changing “Just 1 Thing” as an achievable goal. Speakers shared their innovative ideas across renewable energy use, waste management, recycling and reuse, sustainable transport, developing green skills, and the use of sophisticated technology and IT systems to make a difference.

The main output of the day was for delegates to discuss and collectively identify four projects that will support the achievement of the borough's net zero ambitions in the above four areas. There was much discussion on increasing the use of the Thames with an immediate call for the appointment of a River Commissioner. These projects will be

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much

developed over the coming years as part of an ongoing programme of activities and events led by SELCC and will be formally announced in a follow up report produced by SELCC and published on 7th May.

"We extend our gratitude to all attendees and partners for their invaluable contributions to making this summit a success, and we look forward to getting these projects off the ground. The time for talking is over. We are committed to fast action and working with our partners to help as many businesses as we can achieve their net zero goals " said host and president of SELCC, Helen McIntosh.

Feedback on the event to date has been very positive with attendees from both large and small organisations inspired and more equipped to drive sustainable change within their organisations.

The Greener Greenwich Summit 2024 avoided unnecessary paper printing using smart phone apps to facilitate discussions and capture information. Delegates enjoyed a vegan lunch and were encouraged to use sustainable transport methods on their journeys to and from the event.

If you like to receive a copy of the report or are interested in attending future SELCC events, please contact: office@selondonchamber.org

CYBER PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE

When it comes to cyber security, prevention is better than a cure. The Met’s Cyber Protect Team are experts in deterring cyber criminals and can show you how to protect your business for free!

The team deliver cyber security awareness training to members of the Chambers of Commerce and businesses across London.

We are taxpayer funded to train any of the following:

• Businesses with fewer than 250 employees,

• Charities,

• Schools, medical practices and other public bodies

If that’s you, you can receive our free training and we’ll even come to you, so you can make the most out of your working day.

OUR FREE SERVICES INCLUDE:

• CYBER AWARENESS PRESENTATIONS

One of our engaging experts will provide a presentation on the fundamentals of cyber security for general users, or business leaders in person or remotely.

• CYBER ESCAPE ROOM

Our fun, interactive learning experience will raise staff awareness about how to support your security.

• INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE

Our cyber leadership exercise will help you learn the foundations about how to protect your business from cyber incidents.

• NCSC EXERCISE IN A BOX

Our team is well versed in moderating the National Cyber Security Centre’s discussion based exercise. This is perfect for you and your leadership team to prepare your business for specific types of cyber-attack.

We also have a range of videos, booklets and leaflets providing elementary advice the cyber fundamentals, which you can find at: https://www.met.police.uk/littlemedia

Don’t miss out on this brilliant opportunity. Sign up here!

https://www.met.police.uk/cyberprotect

Be sure to include Chambers of Commerce in your email.

OUR PARTNERS

Cyber Resilience Centre for London

The Cyber Resilience Centre for London are an impartial not-for-profit organisation focused on empowering people to take simple actions that can help make their businesses safer.

Learn more at:

https://www.londoncrc.co.uk/

Police Cyber Alarm

Police Cyber Alarm (PCA) is like a burglar alarm for your company IT. A data collector connects to your firewalls allowing the PCA team to see which suspicious IP addresses are trying to connect to your systems.

No matter what time of day or night PCA will be monitoring your networks, and if you are attacked police will contact you so you can deal with the incident.

You will also receive a monthly report about any scanning attempts made against your network, and any vulnerabilities they have found in systems.

Learn more at:

https://www.cyberalarm.police.uk/

FUTURES, CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY with Shooters Hill Sixth Form College

Jasbinder Mato Futures Manager

Shooters Hill Sixth Form College is in the heart of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We take pride in developing our students for the world of work, through brokering work experiences, encounters with a wealth of organisations and engagement in activities related to employment, such as interview skills techniques and calling in our business partners to work collaboratively and giving them an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to social value.

We are excited to give organisations the opportunity to partner with us and work collaboratively, to give young people an opportunity to development themselves for future workforce.

We would like to give your organisation the privilege of being a part of our Annual Careers Program. We are passionate about linking careers into our curriculum areas, bridging the gap between education and careers which leads our students to build on their employability skills and inspires them to build confidence, helping them to make better informed decisions about their post 18 options.

We are expanding and forever evolving on the delivery of our T Level courses. If your organisation is passionate about achieving its commitments and is keen to add corporate social value by offering young people a placement to emerge as a future talent, then get in touch with us!!!

Your organisation can be involved in the following ways.

• Exhibit at Shooters Hill Careers Fair during National Careers week in March 2025, Date yet to be confirmed.

• National Apprenticeship Week! Your company can deliver a workshop and give our students and their parents information about apprenticeship opportunities in your organisation, in breakout rooms.

• Attend our Business Breakfast meetings to find out more!

• You can have the privilege of joining our business mentoring programme.

• Get involved in speed networking events. Giving your organisation the opportunity to head hunt potential future workforce.

• Deliver a talk.

• Site Visits

• Mock Interviews

For further information about offering a T Level

opportunity please contact Jas Mato, Futures

College recognised as ‘exemplary’ in its ethnicity agenda journey

London South East Colleges has been recognised as an ‘exemplary employer’ for the second year running by Investing in Ethnicity - an organisation set up to encourage a stronger focus on the ethnicity agenda in workplaces.

The College is one of 25 top employers, assessed via The Ethnicity Maturity Matrix. This has been designed with the backing of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Governance and Inclusive Leadership and establishes where organisations are within their ethnicity agenda journey.

A special parliamentary reception was held last night to recognise these 25 outstanding employers and to celebrate their commitment to this important agenda. A range of industries were represented, with organisations including HSBC, KPMG, Legal and General, Freshfields, Experian, Lloyds Banking Group, Paramount, UBS, BP and Channel 4.

Attending on behalf of the College were Chief People Officer Janet Curtis-Broni and Diversity and Inclusion Officer Leah Stone.

w Reverend Claudette Douglas, London South East Colleges’ Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Coordinator

As a Chaplaincy coordinator in the FE space, I often stress that faith has a much broader base than religious belief. It is about deeply held values and convictions that guide us all in our personal and professional lives rather than about specific religions.

I have been working with staff and students at London South East Colleges for over ten years now, helping them embrace faith-based perspectives. I believe this is essential when it comes to creating an inclusive and supporting learning environment for all. It also provides a counterbalance to what can be a challenging level of discourse in the 24-hour news cycle and digital space.

Tensions between faith and EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) may arise due to conflicting beliefs on gender roles, LGBTQ+ rights, and

Janet said: “We are really proud to once again be named as a top 25 employer in Investing in Ethnicity’s Maturity Matrix. This is a fantastic accreditation to receive.

“Our College is committed to having a diverse workforce, which we know is fundamental to successfully meeting the needs of our students and our community. While we still have work to do, we have made great progress so far and this is thanks to the dedication and support of our fantastic staff.

“Hearing tonight about the work other organisations, from a range of sectors, are doing is inspiring. We look forward to continuing our efforts to effect real change and achieve real impact.”

Sarah Garrett MBE, CEO of Investing in Ethnicity, added: “It is great to see London South East Colleges recognised once again. We are pleased to see an employer within the education sector recognised for its work in ethnic inclusion. It’s great to see the college leading the way in higher and further education, in ensuring that it is not only an inclusive place to work but is also reflective of its student population.”

For the second year running, the College received a Level 4 Accreditation, which is the highest available, having completed 128 out of the 151 recommendations on the Matrix.

Categories in the assessment included Culture and Inclusion, Employee Life Cycle, External Impact and Leadership and Commitment. Areas in which the College excelled included: customers and clients, insights, early careers, retention and recognition.

For more information about Investors in Ethnicity and its Maturity Matrix, visit: http://www.investinginethnicity.co.uk or download and read Investing in Ethnicity the guide

FAITH: A Home for inclusion

religious freedoms. For instance, accommodating religious attire may conflict with dress codes promoting gender equality.

Muslim students may need extra time to pray, and timetables can sometimes make this challenging. Balancing these concerns requires tact, grace and respectful dialogue, while fostering an inclusive environment for all beliefs. But despite these perhaps inevitable tensions, faith can serve as a cornerstone for fostering EDI within educational institutions. Research has shown that students who feel a sense of belonging and connection to their school or college community are more likely to thrive academically and socially.

A study by the University of Cambridge* found that schools that actively promote an inclusive ethos based on shared values and beliefs, including faith-based values, have higher levels of student engagement and achievement.

Furthermore, embracing faith in education cultivates empathy, tolerance, and respect for diverse perspectives. In a multicultural society like ours, where students come from various cultural, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds, incorporating faith-based principles into the curriculum helps students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of different belief systems. This in turn fosters a rich culture of mutual respect and understanding.

As staff working at the coalface in FE, I believe that there are several

ways we can implement effective changes that promote faith-based inclusion in education. Here are a few things that you can do:

1. Promote Dialogue: Encourage open and respectful discussions about faith and belief systems in the classroom. Create a safe space where students feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and experiences. For example, initiate small group discussions where students are prompted to share how their beliefs influence their decisionmaking process. This can helps students recognise the commonalities between faiths.

2. Integrate Faith-Based Values: Incorporate compassion, integrity and social justice into teaching practices and policies. These values provide a framework for ethical decision-making and moral development among students. For instance, we can draw parallels between religious teachings on compassion and the importance of advocating for marginalised communities. This enhances students' understanding of the subject matter, while reinforcing the relevance of faith-based values in addressing contemporary challenges.

3. Celebrate Diversity: Organise events that celebrate cultural and religious diversity. For example, hosting an interfaith panel discussion where representatives from different religious backgrounds share how their faith informs their approach

to social justice issues, can be incredibly enlightening for staff and students.

4. Provide Support: Offer pastoral care and support services that cater to the spiritual and emotional needs of students from diverse faith backgrounds. Ensure that students have access to resources and guidance that align with their beliefs and values. To effectively implement these ideas, it’s important to actively listen to staff and students as well as evaluating the effectiveness of any initiative. As is the case with wellbeing, you need to take care of your own wellbeing if you are to support other people with theirs. This is the same with faith; we must nourish our own faith if we are to grow as individuals and as an organisation.

I believe that faith, in all its forms, can help keep us balanced and centred in our role to inspire others, especially if we embrace faith-based values including Compassion, Integrity, Empathy, Mindfulness, Community Service and Interfaith Dialogue.

By incorporating these practices into our daily delivery, we can create a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student matters feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

This article first appeared in FE Week on 29 March 2024: The Staffroom. Why faith is a cornerstone of effective EDI (feweek.co.uk)

Build your future workforce

At Lewisham College, we are committed to partnering with businesses to shape the workforce of tomorrow. As one of London’s leading educational institutions, we collaborate closely with companies of all sizes, facilitating development, recruitment of new talent and upskilling of existing staff.

Contact us to:

» Join our Employer Advisory Boards

» Give industry talks

» Recruit a diverse group of young people and adults to join your workforce.

» Offer taster, work experience and placements around your business needs.

» Access Government funded training to develop your existing workforce.

Visit

with Lewisham College

Lewisham College works with employers to match them with the talent of tomorrow.

Tailor-made training solutions await with our bespoke courses and coaching, either on our college campus or at your site.

Lewisham College also offers a range of courses for adults to upskill your staff or support people into work at our campus in Lewisham, including Sector-based Work Academies, Multiply numeracy programmes, and employability training in subjects such as IT, customer service, business administration and more.

Address specific needs within your business and invest in the growth of your team.

Ready to shape the future together? Let’s collaborate and unlock new possibilities for your business.

Reach out to us today to start the conversation.

Building purpose-driven partnerships with charitable organisations makes such good sense

By Karen Mitchell, Kent Association for the Blind

Want to build an ambitious partnership in the current corporate landscape?

Please don’t do it because it feels as though it’s the ‘right thing to do’ or a responsibility to tick a box. Do it because you want to create a lasting legacy and make a difference whilst benefitting as a business.

The corporate landscape has changed over the last five years. We are all feeling the squeeze and recognise things are not going to improve in the shortterm. With that, we need to approach fundraising more sensitively than ever while costs to our supporters continues to rise.

Companies have shifting new conflicting priorities, which is why purpose-driven partnerships are more relevant than ever. We have had to evolve too at Kent Association for the Blind (KAB) and we recognise that long-term partnerships actually bring us both closer to achieving our missions.

Purpose-driven partnerships –what are they?

We believe that partnerships with charities work best when they are true partnerships; where both organisations benefit. It’s about working together to fulfil specific objectives and, even better, to fulfil shared objectives. A great example of this is our work with Specsavers stores to share messaging around KAB’s ‘Love Your Eyes’ campaign; encouraging more people look after their eyes and get regular eye tests.

So how can YOU make a difference?

Partnerships must be mutually beneficial and highly impactful. This means that by working together and helping to understand one another’s priorities, we agree on much needed solutions that we both benefit from.

Working with charities is a great opportunity to give back to society, whilst creating a healthier, happier and engaged workforce with valuable connections within your local community.

Whether your goal is to increase employee engagement, improve brand awareness, support local, build public trust or to attract new staff, working in partnership with charities can be highly beneficial.

So why is it important to give back to society?

Let’s face it, we’re all experiencing difficult times at the moment. Money is tight. As a knock-on effect, charities have experienced huge declines in funding. Remember, giving back to society isn’t always about donating money; though it can really help!

There are many ways to get involved, such as offering pro-bono support, or staff volunteering, sharing messaging, participating at events such as the London Marathon, having talks or training delivered by the charity, supporting campaigns,

donating raffle prizes, making a donation or encouraging staff to fundraise and match fund their donations. The list is endless!

Working with charities is a great opportunity to give back to society, whilst creating a healthier, happier and engaged workforce with valuable connections within your local community. That’s why charity partnerships are so much more than just two organisations coming together in support of one another; it’s about making a positive difference and improving people’s lives.

Make a real positive difference today

If you recognise the value in supporting charities, start thinking about how your company can get involved. Think about the time you can give, the expertise you can offer and the impact you wish to make. Get your staff involved in recommending the charities you wish to work with and ideas on how you can work together.

Additionally, aside from the ethical responsibility of a firm, an organisation’s commitment to its CSR can be a factor when applying for tender contracts and winning new customers.

Charlie Methven, co-owner of Charlton Athletic Football Club, puts it succinctly: “Corporate social responsibility is a big thing – and it is the right thing.”

But if you want something quick and easy to get involved in, why not support Kent Association for the Blind? Every day in the UK 250 people begin to lose their sight. This is equivalent to one person every six minutes. Kent Association for the Blind supports people across Bromley with mobility training, training to use technologies, social groups and counselling services.

To help spread awareness, we are inviting you to Take on 250. You can donate 250 minutes of your time offering advice and guidance or do a fundraising challenge based around 250.

People can take part individually or as a team and get to choose any activity whether it is baking, knitting, running, walking or dancing – the choice is endless and yours. Simply complete 250 minutes, 250 laps or 250 repetitions and use it to kick start your fundraising.

Fundraiser Rick Newman, who is visually impaired, took on this remarkable challenge by running 250km comprising of 50 x 5km runs for his Take on 250 challenge and raised over £1,400. What an inspiration!

Please do get in touch by emailing fundraising@kab.org.uk to take our next steps together and join us in not losing sight of what is important.

❛❛

❜❜ Partnerships must be mutually beneficial and highly impactful. This means that by working together and helping to understand one another’s priorities, we agree on much needed solutions that we both benefit from.

❛❛

Working with charities is a great opportunity to give back to society, whilst creating a healthier, happier and engaged workforce with valuable connections within your local community.

❜❜

5 world class venues for your next event

The Queen’s House | Royal Observatory | Cutty Sark National Maritime Museum | Peter Harrison Planetarium

events@rmg.co.uk | 0208 312 8517 | rmg.co.uk/venuehire

WOOLWICH SERVICE USERS PROJECT

Humanity in Action in the Community

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is well known for its rich naval and military history, stunning architecture, beautiful green spaces and, of course, Greenwich Mean Time, with a point at the Royal Observatory being the universally recognised 0° mark for longitude. But there’s another side to the story that you won’t read about in the tourist brochures.

In 2022 there were nearly 4,500 homeless people in the borough of Greenwich.* The Council has almost 30,000 people on the housing waiting list with only about 1,000 homes becoming available for rent each year.**

WHO WE ARE

Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) is a grassroots charity based in the heart of Woolwich, serving the borough of Greenwich. From our hub in SE18, we provide practical and emotional support to those seeking help in our community.

Some of our service users (guests) are sleeping rough on the streets and rely on us for warmth and hot meals. Other guests are struggling with poverty, are unable to heat their homes, can’t afford to buy food and have mental health issues.

With over 100 guests attending our drop-in sessions each week our services are critical in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis directly impacting our community. As the housing crisis grows and the cost of living goes up, the demand for our services is ever greater.

WHAT WE DO

We offer essential services including a warm and safe community space where people in need can access hot food. We are the only place in the borough to offer free showers, haircuts, a laundry service and a clothing bank. We support people who are going through, or are at risk of, poverty, homelessness, addiction or any other life challenges. We are a non-judgemental environment and our doors are open to everyone in our community who needs us.

“This place is magic, there’s nowhere else to go. Without this place lots of people wouldn’t survive.” WSUP guest

“It’s like a little piece of heaven. When you come here you know nobody will give you any grief.” WSUP guest

“It’s a lovely service for people who haven’t got family or friends, and have got problems in life, to come and share.” WSUP guest

“WSUP’s a lifeline for people like me.”

WSUP guest

OUR HISTORY

Set up in 2010, we are mainly run by volunteers and rely on donations to provide our services. When our government funding came to an end in 2014 we were forced to close for six months. But thanks to the dedication and hard work of a former member of staff and some volunteers we were able to raise enough money to reopen in Woolwich Methodist Church as an independent charity.

Since then there have been several bumps in the road. We were evicted from the church when it was earmarked for demolition and had to start over in our current home at Brookhill Road. Converting what was then an abandoned building into a warm, inviting space was no mean feat.

During the Covid-19 pandemic we set up a Gazebo and served food to the community from outside, whatever the weather. Since then we’ve gone from strength to strength. We were proud to be highly commended in the Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2023 in the health and wellbeing category. In March this year we won a community award in the Royal Borough of Greenwich Civic Awards for our contribution to the social, economic and physical wellbeing of the borough.

Most recently we were delighted to win a Women in Management Best Community Initiative Award for empowering women to overcome personal challenges and pursue new opportunities. In October this year we’ll be celebrating 10 years as an independent charity.

Our vision for the future is to expand our services to reach more of the most vulnerable people in our community, provide accommodation for our homeless guests and support people into employment.

GET INVOLVED

There are lots of ways you can help support our work and have a positive impact in your local community:

Volunteer

We always need help so whatever your skills, if you can spare a few hours a week to join our team of volunteers we’d love to have you. Whether it’s welcoming guests, preparing food, managing the clothing bank or assisting with activities and events, there’s a role to suit you.

“WSUP represents giving. It’s a community. Volunteers contributing their time is one of the most precious things they can give to us.” Glen, WSUP guest

“It has helped me to fulfil myself and find a purpose. It makes me feel happy to see other people happy.” Agnė, WSUP volunteer

“Coming from a relatively privileged background, being at WSUP has enabled me to feel comfortable with and appreciate people from all walks of life.” WSUP volunteer

Fundraise

Challenge yourself, have fun and raise vital funds! If you or your company are organising an event or taking part in a sporting challenge, please consider raising money to help us support people in crisis.

You can also join one of our fundraising events like the Big Sleep Out on 24 October. We’ll be sleeping on the floor at Woolwich Works in Royal Arsenal to raise awareness of rough sleeping and raise money to support local homeless people.

Find our more on the events page on our website at wsupwoolwich.org.

Make a donation

You can make a one-off donation or become one of our supporting partners by making a suggested donation of £100 to £400 a month though our JustGiving page: justgiving.com/woolwichserviceusersproject

Your donation will allow us to continue to:

• provide a warm, safe space for everyone in our community who needs it

• serve hot meals to those who can’t otherwise afford them

• offer showers, clothing, haircuts and a laundry service

In addition we will be able to:

• extend our operating hours

• expand our accommodation support service

• help more people with addiction recovery and mental health issues

• provide skills training and pathways to employment for our guests

• offer additional wellbeing activities

• provide outreach services to rough sleepers

As a thank you for your monthly donation we’ll add your company’s name and logo to our website, offer you discounted hire of our accessible, local, meeting space and invite you to a yearly event with our staff and volunteers. You will be able to display our logo to show you’re supporting a local charity. Please bring hope to your local community and make a difference for those struggling. Call or email now on 020 8316 6558 or info@wsupwoolwich.org Head over to our website wsupwoolwich.org to find out more.

*Source: Shelter, 2022 **Source: RBG, 2023

Build your future workforce with Lewisham College

Lewisham College has a long history of partnering with businesses and organisations in the area to shape the workforce of tomorrow. As one of London's leading educational institutions it works with its partners to upskill their staff and develop and recruit new talent into industry.

The College recently hosted a successful business breakfast at its Lewisham Way Campus, where it invited over 70 local employers to find out more about partnership opportunities, including:

Employer Advisory Boards

Employer Advisory Boards (EAB) directs influence over the design and delivery of Lewisham College’s industry-specific curriculum. Employers who join the EAB engage with industry peers, collaborating with the College team, and shape the educational landscape to meet the evolving needs of their sector.

The EAB comprises of representatives across self-employer business, small, medium, and large local industry professionals along with senior staff from Lewisham College and the curriculum team.

Work Experience and Industry Placements

Offering work-based learning opportunities can have significant benefits for businesses as well as for the learner. Businesses offering placements can engage with future talent, with many progressing into permanent roles. Lewisham College organise placements for learners across our diverse range of subject areas. When organising a work experience placement, they will work with employers to select the most appropriate candidate for their business needs.

Sector-based Work Academy Programme

Working with Lewisham College, the Sectorbased Work Academy Programme (SWAP)

supports the recruitment of skilled staff.

A bespoke programme that prepares candidates for work, SWAPs help prepare those seeking employment to be ready for current vacancies. Training is designed to help meet immediate and future recruitment needs as well as to recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow a business. An important feature of SWAP is that each sector-based work academy offers a flexible approach. There is no direct cost to an employer for running a SWAP as training and administration costs are covered by government funding.

Employability Skills Training

These courses equip the workforce with essential skills through employability courses in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Job Centre Plus (JCP). Covering areas such as finance, IT, customer service, and sector-specific qualifications, they could boost productivity and empower teams for success. From IT to customer service, courses are tailored to sector needs and prepare individuals for workplace success.

Multiply – Funded Numeracy Courses for Businesses

Offering free numeracy courses to enhance confidence and skills, these flexible learning options can lead to improved job prospects and higher efficiency. Courses are flexible, enabling learners to study in small groups and at a place that suits them. There are also opportunities for further studies then can lead to qualifications. To be eligible for funding they must have below level 2 previous qualifications.

Bespoke training for businesses

Tailor-made training solutions await with bespoke courses and coaching, either on Lewisham College’s campus or at an employer’s site. With support from the College, employers can maximise the benefit of Government funding and access training relevant to their needs.

Apprenticeships

Lewisham College has extensive experience in supporting Apprenticeships within a wide range of London businesses and provide a free end-to-end service for employers, taking the time to understand business needs, future growth potential and any skills gaps within a business. Partners benefit from:

• Free end-to-end consultancy services with full support throughout.

• Apprenticeship flexible delivery: Apprenticeships can start at any time of the year.

• Lewisham College is part of NCG, one of the UK’s largest college groups and a leading provider of high-quality apprenticeships.

T Levels

Explore T Levels as a pathway to skilled employment or higher study, complemented by meaningful industry placements. An alternative to A levels, Apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 vocational courses. T Level learners spend 80% of the course in their learning environment, gaining the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action.

Can you offer a 45-day industry placement?

Are you ready to shape the future with Lewisham College?

If you’re interested in working with Lewisham College to get involved and unlock new possibilities for your business, then start the conversation and get in touch today. Visit lewisham.ac.uk/employers.

Harnessing local collaboration to achieve a brighter future for employers and their workforces

In October 2023, the Local London Skills Network, led by London South East Colleges, successfully bid for £6.5m as part of the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF).

With this grant, the Local London Skills Network has been working to more effectively respond to the needs of employers in its region, as detailed in its Local Skills Improvement Plan, to put learners in the best possible position to secure jobs in the green and digital sectors.

Green and digital skills represent an area of huge opportunity. In London alone, the green economy is valued at £48bn, while around one in five jobs in the capital exist in the digital sector, according to research from London Councils’ Building the Green Economy Action Plan, and the Digital Economy Council and Tech Nation.

With employers consistently reporting skills gaps within their workforces, it’s vital that employers and education providers operate a more joined-up approach to ensure the long-term health of the economy.

David Pierpoint, CEO at the Retrofit Academy, pointed out at a recent Local London event that: “Local London provides us with a really exciting opportunity to work with a group that covers such a huge population. If we’re to meet our ambitious 2050 Net Zero target, then we need to rapidly train about 400,000 new professionals into the retrofit sector. Local London’s offering provides a huge opportunity for employers to get involved and make a difference.”

Local London is made up of nine London boroughs, and involves most skills providers within these boroughs, including FE colleges,

Sixth Form colleges, higher education providers, and a number of London Borough adult education and independent training providers. It’s a truly collaborative partnership, and it’s enjoyed some great success to date.

For example, £3.6m of the fund has been allocated for delivering new green skills training facilities, including London’s first fully-funded windfarm operations training centre - now operational – as well as retrofit centres and low carbon training labs.

Recently, Local London hosted an event with Ravensbourne University London for its supplier and employer partners, to identify successes and areas for improvement since it received the LSIF grant. Attended by leaders from all the partner organisations, the event was a huge success and was a testament to the collaborative nature that underpins its work.

One of the most exciting discussions of the day was led by Glen Lambert, the Local London Green Project lead, on the topic of microcredentialing. An untapped area of

opportunity for FE, microcredentials are mini courses that have been based around a particular learning outcome an employer has told us they need. They can be a standalone qualification or stacked to form part of a larger qualification which could be the equivalent to a HNC or HND.

Glen Lambert added: “Local London has already developed over 20 new microcredentials and a suite of new qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6. Alongside the facilities that exist within the Local London network, including a range of retrofit training centres and a windfarm operations centre, our microcredentials are giving learners and employers the agility they need to rapidly meet local need.”

In total, 50 new, flexible learning courses are being developed by Local London and accredited by OCN London. This innovative approach allows people to learn on their own terms, boosting the affordability and overall appeal of FE. It also empowers FE providers to adapt their offerings to better meet employer needs, which is a core goal for the Local London Skills Network.

Looking forward, Local London wants to continue to make investment work more intelligently and more efficiently, whilst ensuring employers and learners continue to be supported in navigating the skills landscape. If you’re an employer in NE or SE London, please get in touch with your local FE provider to explore what support is available to you in future-proofing the digital and green skills of your workforce.

For more information on the Local London Skills Improvement Fund, visit: Local London Green Jobs and Skills Partnership - High-quality Green Skills Training (locallondongreenskills.com)

The sky’s the limit for the LCCI’s sustainable aviation campaign

James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, talks to Sarah Dale about the latest issues affecting London.

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry released its Green Skies report last year and 2024 will see the organisation step up its campaign for sustainable aviation in the city.

To mitigate the effects of climate change, it is important for every business to take action to decarbonise and many have already taken a number of measures to do so.

The LCCI is campaigning for the issue of developing a sustainable aviation industry to be a principal aim of the Government.

The sector plays a “vital role” in supporting local businesses and communities and 83 per cent of London business decisionmakers agree that air connectivity is important to London’s global competitiveness, revealed in a poll by the LCCI and Savanta in the report.

“The Government needs to provide a framework for sustainable airports and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF),” said James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact at the LCCI, who wrote the report with Stephen Jones, Policy and Research Manager, and Stuart Pick, Senior Partnerships Manager.

“This will lead to the creation of jobs outside of London for the production of sustainable aviation fuels and help the aviation sector meet net zero targets.”

The LCCI has raised the issue with Graham Stuart MP, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Sarah Jones MP, Shadow Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation and three senior Liberal Democrat MPs including Party Leader Ed Davey MP.

“We are pushing this issue very vigorously,” said James.

“It is critical for the country and the planet and also London particularly, as a global city, because of its links to the aviation industry.”

Among others, the report, which was written by Stephen Jones, Policy and Research Manager, has been welcomed by Heathrow, International Airlines Group, London Gatwick, London City Airport, London Stansted and Luton Rising (owner of London Luton Airport).

“We have the backing of significant players who want to work positively with the Government,” he said.

“It saves old jobs, creates new jobs, it supports net zero, it supports London and it helps raise Britain’s profile to be a global player in aviation and net zero.”

London’s target to be net zero by 2030 is “right” but measures need to be made to ensure it can be achieved, says the LCCI.

“Every building in London needs to be retrofitted,” said James.

“Whoever wins the election, the London Mayor has significant powers, but to retrofit every building in the capital would need a partnership with Government and businesses.

“It is an incredibly ambitious objective, but it is something we have to do – for our lives now and for future generations.”

With the next Mayoral and London Assembly election looming, the LCCI’s focus is ensuring whoever is successful in the role of London Mayor puts London businesses and micro businesses at the forefront.

“There are a number of issues for the Mayor to address,” he said.

“We need to ensure that the skills crisis in London is finally tackled. We are still struggling to fill these skills vacancies, particularly since Brexit.

“There is the issue of crime in the capital. We are looking at how we can work even more effectively with the Metropolitan Police and London Mayor to ensure business crime is finally addressed.

“We need to ensure the transport network is fit for purpose. We need more electrical vehicle charging points. We need trains running on the Bakerloo line. We need a strong partnership with Central Government and a Strategy for Transport for London. London is a global city that doesn’t have a long-term funding strategy for transport.

”Business crime, such as financial fraud and cyber-crime, is another issue the LCCI wants to be a key focus, as is ensuring the safety of women and girls walking in London.

“The Metropolitan Police have been very proactive and that is to be welcomed and we look forward to working further on this issue,” he added.

“We also need to address the level of child poverty in London. London has a higher level of child poverty than Teesside. The Chamber supports the Prime Minister for Levelling Up Teesside but we also need to be LevellingUp London. To give an example from last year, the Government introduced the Youth Investment Fund for different regions of England. This fund is to invest in communities so people living in deprived areas have a real future. The only region that didn’t get it was London.

“London isn’t the land flowing with milk and honey. The use of foodbanks in London has increased. We need to support all communities, not just some communities.”

❛❛We need to ensure the transport network is fit for purpose. We need more electrical vehicle charging points. We need trains running on the Bakerloo line. We need a strong partnership with Central Government and a Strategy for Transport for London. London is a global city that doesn’t have a long-term funding strategy for transport.❜❜

James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Making the right connections

Each month the Chamber hosts a variety of events which offer members a superb opportunity to meet and chat to fellow business people. Here, we review a few of our past events.

Navigating Your Business Lease with Thackray Williams LLP

Wednesday 21st February 2024

We partnered with Thackray Williams LLP for an online webinar in February where their partners, David Hacker & Yildiz Betez, covered everything to do with getting your first business lease. This included the top ten key terms you need to agree on, and what to do when your business lease comes up for renewal. To view the webinar, please go here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yYDl5VkA1I

Business Breakfast at Alcatel Submarine Networks

Wednesday 28th February 2024

Members and our Strategic Partners joined us for our recent Business Breakfast where we returned to Alcatel Submarine Networks site in Greenwich for another amazing event.

Tajinder Bhambra, Site Managing Director of ASN Greenwich, spoke on the history of their site dating back to 1819, and their role within the borough’s business community. He also provided the guests with a small tour of their facilities.

Lewisham Link ‘n Drink at Ignition Brewery

Wednesday, 28th February 2024

We recently returned to the Ignition Brewery in Sydenham for our Lewisham Link ‘n Drink, which aims to bring the business community together. Chamber members & non-members came together to meet and talk business, to forge new partnership in a informal setting. Ignition Brewery employs and trains people with disabilities to brew their great beer.

Croydon Link ‘n Drink at Real Taste of India

Thursday 29th February 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our most recent Link ‘n Drink in Croydon, both members and non-members from across South East London, it was great to make lasting connections, and a special thank you to the Real Taste of India for hosting this networking event. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next one!

Bexley Office Drinks at Group 1 Automotive

Thursday 14th March 2024

SELCC Members and our partners gathered at our Strategic Partner, Group 1 Automotive’s dealership in Sidcup for a fantastic night of networking and important discussions.

Guests were treated to a riveting discussion about the recently announced annual spring budget. There was a panel with a wide array of expertise from Group 1 Automotive, McBrides Chartered Accountants & Barclays Wealth Management.

We want to give special thanks to everyone who made this event possible, and we look forward to further partnership in the future.

How Climate Change may impact your Business

Monday 8th April 2024

Following our successful Greener Greenwich Summit in March, we partnered with CU London for an online webinar that delved into the crucial topic of climate change and its potential impact on business. We were joined by Dr. Najib Altawell, a renowned researcher and lecturer at CU London, who led our attendees through the causes, impacts, and solutions related to climate change and how it affects businesses of all sizes and sectors.

To view the webinar, please go here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkfypdDxCIY&t=6s

How to Manage your investment in Marketing

Wednesday 10th April 2024

Clive Reffell, Founder & Marketing Specialist @ Comanche Communications & Marketing explored how to leverage digital channels to boost website traffic in our recent webinar, as well as showing our attendees how to elevate their online presence, and maximise the Return on Investment.

To view the webinar, please go here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty8twYJVeR4

GreenwichB2B Link ‘n Drink

Wednesday, 15th May 2024, 18.30 onwards

The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD

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 neighbouring boroughs.

You can expect informal networking with representatives of small and medium sized businesses, short introductions of attendees and often a short presentation by a regular. This is a free event, and any business can attend. There is no membership charge.

We’ll be heading to the Workers Bar at the Woolwich Works in May for a GreenwichB2B Special as the Greenwich Tavern is unfortunately unavailable.

What is Content Marketing and where do I start?

Wednesday, 15th May 2024, 10.00 – 11.00

Feeling overwhelmed with marketing? Discover how to create compelling content to reach and convert your audience!

We have partnered with our member, Sussex Innovation, to bring this online webinar that will focus around Content Marketing.

You’ll learn how to craft engaging content by sharing your organisation’s purpose and telling your story effectively. Learn which types of content are best for different messages and how to use them (blogs, videos, podcasts, etc.) and you’ll discover the most effective channels to publish your content.

Our speaker is Joseph Bradfield, the Marketing Communication Advisor at Sussex Innovation, with over 10 years of experience helping SMEs refine their brand messaging and content plans.

This webinar is suited for those busy SME owners who want to formalise their marketing plan but struggle to find the time!

Greenwich Office Drinks

Wednesday, 8th May 2024, 18.00 – 20.00

46-47 iO Centre, Armstrong Road, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6AT

The best way to do business is with a personal connection!

Why not join us and other business for this special evening of drinks and nibbles.

Connect with other likeminded entrepreneurs and business people at our informal networking event, sponsored and hosted by SELCC Member, The Drury Tea & Coffee Company at their premises on the Royal Arsenal Riverside in Woolwich.

You’ll hear from Marco Olmi, Managing Director of The Drury Tea & Coffee Company who will be giving us a overview of the history of their company while also giving us a tour of their facilities.

The informal event is a great opportunity to talk shop in a relaxed environment with business people just like you. Please Invite colleagues and associates who you think would benefit from coming to such a great event.

SELCC Charity Quiz Night

Thursday 16th May 2024, 18.30 – 22.00

Get your thinking caps on and join us for our spectacular quiz night!

You are all invited to join us at The Clarendon Hotel on Thursday 16th May for an evening filled with questions, fun, bangers & mash. (Vegetarian options available)

Doors will open at 18.30 and the quiz will start at 19.00, but if you would like to come earlier, feel free and enjoy some lovely drinks at the cash bar, bring your staff or team, invite peers, colleagues or connections to join you or be added to a team

on the night – a great opportunity to meet some people and network with like-minded businesses.

Teams will be 10 maximum and places are £20 (+VAT) per person, to support London’s Air Ambulance Charity, which aims to deliver an advanced trauma team to London’s most seriously injured patients.

There will also be a raffle with some fantastic prizes donated by our members – we’ll let you know nearer the time what we have!

Greenwich Evening Drinks

Thursday, 23rd May 2024, 18.00 – 20.00

Members: £10+VAT | Non-Members: £15+VAT

Join us for an insightful networking event in May!

We are glad to be partnering with our members, Thackray Williams LLP & Grant Saw Solicitors LLP, for an engaging evening at DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich, where we’ll delve into crucial updates in employment law.

Discover:

• The latest legal rights safeguarding employees from redundancy.

• Amended duties for employers regarding sexual harassment.

• Potential shifts in employment law with a change in government.

Expert speakers will share insights and expertise on these topics, don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with industry professionals.

Please Invite colleagues and associates who you think would benefit from coming to such a great event.

Guests will be treated to two glasses of wine and canapes!

SELCC Golf Day 2024

Friday, 28th June 2024, 07.30 – 14.30

£80 for Golf | £9+VAT for Lunch | £5+VAT for Breakfast

We are excited to be returning to the Royal Blackheath Golf Club for our long-anticipated SELCC Golf Day 2024, sponsored by Group 1 Automotive.

Join us at the majestic Royal Blackheath Golf Club and enjoy a morning of golf, and the superb 18-hole course and grand 17th century club house. 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.

Please book here:

https://www.selondonchamber.org/events/selcc-golf-day-2024/

SELCC Summer BBQ

2024

Thursday, 11 July 2024, 12.30 – 14.30

The Clarendon Hotel, Montpelier Row, Blackheath, London, SE3 0RW

Member | £35+VAT - Non-Member | £45+VAT

Join us this July for our annual BBQ!

We will be firing up the grill once again for our annual South East London Chamber of Commerce Barbecue this summer in the stunning walled garden of the Clarendon Hotel in Blackheath Village.

We would like to extend an invitation to members, partners and colleagues, both old and new to join us in the sun while networking and enjoying an extensive BBQ selection, food and refreshments.

Please book here:

https://www.selondonchamber.org/events/selcc-summer-bbq/

Why Companies get more from agencies when there are no middle-men

Complex things work best when people work with people.

That’s why Wind & Kite offers direct access to real e-commerce experts.

The Wind & Kite story

We've worked with some of the biggest agencies in the industry, and after seeing the good, and the not-so-good, time and time again, we knew it was time to start our agency, Wind & Kite.

Wind & Kite began its life with the simple idea “that we could do it better”, in a small London pub in Greenwich, and we have remained firmly situated in the South East of London ever since, moving our agency offices to London Bridge. Led by a husband and wife partnership, with a specialist team of UK-based developers and designers.

We work differently from other agencies and see working with customers as more

of a partnership than a classic agency-toclient relationship.

“We don’t look at Wind & Kite as an agency, we look at them as an extension of our in-house team, and the access they allow to actual developers who know what they are doing vs sales guys makes all the difference.”

- Henry Churchill, Shore Watersports

At Wind & Kite, we’ve seen how the middleman can get in the way of letting the best developers do their thing. That’s why you’ll work side by side with the best developers when you work with us. No account managers or inexperienced juniors let loose on your site, just direct access to specialists who really know their stuff.

Get in touch with the team at Wind & Kite today by calling 020 8058 3620 or emailing hello@windandkite.com

Or come and visit us in person at our London Bridge Office.

We work specifically with Magento, an epic open-source e-commerce content management system that warrants expert input if you want to maximise its potential. Development, support and optimisation are all crucial aspects of building and maintaining a successful Magento e-commerce store and warrant attention from more than a Jack-of-all-trades generalist. That’s why we keep our services lean to ensure that we provide businesses with direct access to experts.

Whether you’re planning a new site build or getting tired of your existing e-commerce agency, let Wind & Kite show you what a real agency relationship should look like. Go direct-to-expert and harness specialist skills that will help your e-commerce store soar.

Train service improvements to Bromley North welcomed

Better train connections to Bromley North in the evening rush hour for passengers travelling from Grove Park are being welcomed.

It follows strong representations to SouthEastern Trains about the problem of connections at Grove Park, with the agreement for a 20-minute service in the evening peak being reached.

Cllr Nicholas Bennett JP, Bromley Council's Executive Member for Transport, Highways and Road Safety said: “At the last meeting of our twice-yearly Public Transport Liaison meeting between Councillors and train, bus and taxi operators, members raised the problem of poor connections between trains arriving at Grove Park in the evening rush hour and the half-hourly service to Bromley North.

"In the morning, there is a 20 minute, three trains an hour service. For the rest of the day there is a half-hourly service. One train operates the service which takes five minutes between the two termini with one stop at Sundridge Park Station. It was therefore possible to increase the frequency to three round journeys an hour.

“As a regular user of the service myself I am delighted that our efforts have borne fruit. This is good news for Bromley residents who commute to London Bridge and the City.”

Passengers who use the Bromley South line may benefit from changes being made to services from Victoria to Orpington via Herne Hill, with trains in both directions running at an even interval 15-minute frequency at peak times. This will give a better spread of trains at the busiest times.

Passengers on the 08.00 Beckenham Junction to Blackfriars service could see crowding reduced with the train being lengthened from four to six carriages. SouthEastern have also outlined good news for passengers who use Orpington, Petts Wood and Shortlands stations. A second women’s toilet has been installed at Orpington station. At Petts Wood station, four new lifts have been installed as part of the Access for All programme delivered in partnership with Network Rail. Two accessible toilets have also been installed, along with step-free access to a waiting room and new customer information screens at both station entrances, making it easier to see train times.

At Shortlands Station, it will become easier to use for customers with mobility issues following the installation of three new lifts. A new footbridge and staircase will also be installed as part of this £8.5 million project which started in January and is due to complete in late spring 2025.

Feedback needed to help shape plans for Lewisham town centre

Businesses, community groups and residents are asked for feedback on plans for the library, market and High Street in Lewisham.

Lewisham Council is investing £24 million, after securing £19 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund in 2023, which it matched with an additional £5 million. The funding is being used to deliver a programme of improvements to better meet local needs and help drive economic growth.

After consulting local groups, including market traders, on initial plans for the town centre – which have been fed into current designs – the Council is now moving forward with its proposals and is going out to the wider community to find out what they think of them.

People are encouraged to go online where they can view the plans and fill in a survey or alternatively to head to Unit 25 in Lewisham Shopping Centre, where the Council is running drop-in sessions.

The feedback will be used to help create detailed proposals for Lewisham Library, market and High Street before then going through a formal planning process. The design proposals include:

• Transformation of Lewisham Library into a Library, Culture and Business Hub. In addition to the existing services, there will be more spaces for the community, cultural events and local entrepreneurs.

• Lewisham Market is being revamped with improved layout, permanent market house and canopy – offering opportunities for evening and night-time events – plus better pitches and infrastructure for market traders.

• High Street – upgraded layouts making it cleaner and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate, more opportunities to rest and reflect, plus additional planting and greenery.

Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “It’s essential that residents, businesses and community groups in Lewisham can have their say on the future of the town centre. We want to build a thriving, inclusive space that we can all be proud of –that creates opportunities for the whole community.

“This investment is to help protect Lewisham’s unique identity, whilst supporting local businesses and traders. I hope everyone will get involved and have their say, to make sure the improvements deliver what the local community really wants – a vibrant and attractive place to live, work and shop.”

Improvements will start to be delivered later this year and are expected to complete in 2026. The survey closes on Monday 22 April.

Securing a longterm future for the Churchill Theatre

The council is continuing with its plans, announced last year, to ensure that a thriving, state of the art theatre remains anchored at the very heart of Bromley Town Centre deep into the 21st Century.

A council spokesman said: “Whilst discussions remain ongoing with the theatre’s current operators Trafalgar Group, the council is also going out to market to invite additional expressions of interest, to secure the future of the theatre, in line with its statutory duty to obtain best value for Council Taxpayers money, prior to reaching a final decision.”

This follows confirmation last year that the theatre, which was constructed in the 1970s and is now rapidly approaching the end of its life, needs to be replaced, providing the council with an exciting opportunity to secure a new and upgraded theatre, as well as enabling the relocation of Bromley’s Central Library to a more prominent location on street at the vacant Top Shop premises slightly nearer to Market Square.

A council spokesperson continued “Our ambitions for Bromley Town centre remain undimmed, despite the well-publicised squeeze on local councils’ funding. There is still much work to be done and further news will follow when appropriate.”

Information about forthcoming shows at the Churchill Theatre is available by visiting the Trafalgar Entertainment website. https://trafalgartickets.com/ churchill-theatre-bromley/en-GB

Interested parties should contact the council’s retained agent Knight Frank.

London’s newest neighbourhood south of the river: Berkeley’s Kidbrooke Village offers buyers the best of both worlds

Berkeley is a leading force in urban regeneration, building thriving communities across three developments in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, including London’s newest neighbourhood south of the river, Kidbrooke Village.

Kidbrooke Village is one of London’s most significant regeneration projects with £1 billion investment going into transforming the area into a flourishing neighbourhood where people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy a great quality of life. Delivering 5,000 homes of mixed tenure by 2030, the development offers a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom high-quality homes.

Best of both worlds

Kidbrooke Village is located in one of London’s most sought-after boroughs, Royal Greenwich, with buzzing Blackheath on its doorstep and the iconic O2 only a short distance away. Although situated in zone 3 close to the hustle and bustle of central London, the neighbourhood is set amongst 86 acres of beautiful parkland and open space (equivalent to 45 football pitches),

offering the local community the best of both worlds. Tranquil Cator and Sutcliffe Parks sit at the heart of the development, providing beautiful landscaped green open space for those who live there.

Easily accessible and well-connected

Location is everything when it comes to building a new development and connectivity is at the heart of Kidbrooke Village. Situated in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, one of only four Royal Boroughs, the neighbourhood is well-connected to key locations across the Capital.

Some of London’s most important business districts such as Canary Wharf and the City can be accessed within half an hour by train. Kidbrooke Village station is conveniently located in in the Village Centre - London

Bridge can be reached in just 17 minutes, Canary Wharf in 24 minutes, the iconic O2 is just a 12- minute drive away and it is a 14-minute walk to Blackheath Village. There is also a regular bus route in the area, as well as safe cycle and pedestrian routes running throughout the development. All this great connectivity enables the community to easily access the best of London's lifestyle and culture.

Airport connectivity is also offered; residents can reach Gatwick Airport in just 46 minutes and Heathrow in 45 minutes. London City airport is just 20 minutes from the development.

Oasis of calm with sustainability at its core

Although close to all the action in London, Kidbrooke Village offers the local community and buyers an oasis of calm within the capital. With nature at its heart, wellbeing comes first at the community.

The commitment to sustainability and biodiversity is at the forefront of Berkeley’s plans when building any new development and Kidbrooke Village is no exception to that. Over 750 mature trees have been planted to date to offer shade and improve air quality by helping to absorb CO2 emissions. The site has so far delivered a 100% biodiversity net gain which could rise as high as 250% in the coming years.

With sustainability at its core, Kidbrooke Village has won the prestigious 'Sir David Attenborough Award for Enhancing Biodiversity’. The area is a haven for plants

and wildlife with an abundance of grassland, meadow and rich wetland all on the doorstep. There are exciting plans to provide a new nature pavilion in partnership with London Wildlife Trust. This partnership has been ongoing since the development’s inception, following the delivery of award-winning Cator Park.

Landscaping includes the 20-acre Cator Park where London’s most ambitious biodiversity net gain project is being delivered and was awarded the Overall President’s Award in The Landscape institute Awards in 2020. Cator Park was created and designed by award-winning architects, Jo Cowen Architects and HTA landscape, and was developed in partnership with London Wildlife Trust in a commitment to continually encourage biodiversity across the site. The rewilding of Cator Park will in time encourage birds, mammals and insects to nest.

It is not only Cator Park which is being praised for its commitment to the environment - Sutcliffe Park has been declared a local nature reserve and is one of Greenwich's Green Flag sites. Quaggy River runs through Sutcliffe Park, creating a biodiverse wetland area and a Kidbrooke Village nature reserve.

Everything on the doorstep

The green open space boasts a play area for children of all ages developed in collaboration with Apes Adventure Playground Engineers, designers of the Olympic Park Playground. Having a safe area for children to play is essential to have on one’s doorstep for families looking to settle.

Supporting the local community is at the heart of everything Berkeley does at Kidbrooke Village. Adding value to society, improving quality of life, building inclusive spaces, creating a healthier and safer environment, developing local skills and employment opportunities, supporting the growth of local businesses and bringing new ideas are all part of the long-term sustainable community being nurtured by Berkeley.

The neighourbood gives the local community access to a whole host of amenities on their doorstep. The Village Centre is home to a wealth of essential facilities such as the Kidbrooke Community Hub, which supports

For more information visit the website: www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/developments/london/greenwich/kidbrooke-village

young people and families. The Kidbrooke Community Hub opened its doors in January 2024 and hosts a range of activities and services for the community groups of Kidbrooke Village, such as boxing, dance classes and karate, to name a few.

The local community also has access to the health facilities on-site at the Village Centre including a doctors, dentists and a pharmacy, serving both NHS and private patients. Kidbrooke Village is additionally home to two primary schools which are just a five-minute walk away from the development and a nursery for the younger families.

Sport and fitness outlets are also provided, including a multi-use games area. The development also has a whole host of socialising spots to meet friends such as ‘The Depot’ (a stylish Young’s gastro pub) and the Kidbrooke Food Market in conjunction with local suppliers. Drury 188-189 café and YoHome Oriental supermarket are due to open this year.

Peace of mind

When it comes to buying a forever home, buyers need to trust in not only the product they are purchasing, but also the developer in which they are buying from. Berkeley builds high-quality homes, with a passion and purpose to strengthen communities and make a lasting difference to people’s lives.

Kidbrooke Village offers a thriving community for professionals and families to call home, a neighbourhood like no other where people really can live the best of both worlds.

Breakfast meetings for armed forces

veterans at Bromley Football Club

Armed forces veterans are invited to attend a free monthly breakfast meeting at Bromley Football Club.

The events will provide an opportunity for veterans across all armed forces to meet new friends, share stories and enjoy some refreshments. The veterans hub was co-founded by Graham Orr and Bromley FC Community Sports Trust, and supported by Bromley Council and the Mayor of Bromley.

The meetings will be held from 11am to 1pm on Friday 26th April, Friday 31st May, Friday 28th June, Friday 26th July, Friday 30th August, Friday 27th September, Friday 25th October, Friday 29th November and Friday 20th December.

Lewisham announces new Young Mayor

Bilvilyn Asamoah has been announced as Lewisham’s next Young Mayor following a borough-wide election.

The 13-year-old pupil of Addey and Stanhope School lives in the borough and won 1,824 votes in the election which took place in schools and colleges in February.

Paul Frimpong, 14, a pupil of Forest Hill School, was elected as Deputy Young Mayor after receiving 1,356 votes. A total of 9,485 votes were cast for 37 candidates, which is a turnout of 57.46 per cent.

Bilvilyn said: “I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me, I really

appreciate it and I’m going to do good things. I hope to achieve a better space for young people in Lewisham and increase opportunities so we can all achieve what we want to achieve.”

The Young Mayor is elected to represent young people’s views and makes sure they are listened to by decision-makers. The Young Mayor is supported by young advisers and has their own budget that they can use to turn their ideas into reality and make the borough an even better place to live, study and grow up.

Croydon’s council-owned tennis courts reopening after £600,000 investment

Following £600,000 investment, 32 tennis courts across 14 parks are reopening across the borough.

Croydon Council partnered with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) to revive the tennis courts with works including resurfacing, new fencing and nets installed. All the courts will have a gate-access system to keep them secure and to deter antisocial behaviour.

The improvements are part of Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s priority to make Croydon a safer, healthier place to live and to give residents access to good leisure facilities.

The project was made possible with £623,932.45 of funding as part of the LTA’s Park Tennis Project and £66,723 of capital funding from Croydon Council. Through the

Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering a £30 million nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation to refurbish public tennis courts and open the sport to many more people across Britain.

A charge of £5 per session has been introduced, which will be ringfenced and reinvested to keep the courts well-maintained for the future. GLL will also offer free court sessions at various times throughout the week.

Mr Perry said: “This is a major boost for sport and leisure in Croydon and will help to make Croydon a healthier place to live. I hope residents take the opportunity to take advantage of these brilliant new facilities and enjoy a game of tennis.”

The courts can be pre-booked via www.lta.org.uk

Join us at our Care UK monthly meetings

MONTHLY CARERS CAFÉ

Second Wednesday of every month 10.30am - 12.30pm

At our monthly carer’s café, you will have the opportunity to meet other people, share experiences, take part in our fun activities, and get advice and support.

MONTHLY CINEMA CLUB

First Tuesday of every month from 10.30am

We show classic ‘feel good’ films in the comfort of our home’s cinema, providing a safe, social, and supportive environment for people living with dementia. Limited places available.

To book your place, call 020 3811 0806 or email paul.boyce@careuk.com

careuk.com/sherwood-grange

Sherwood Grange care home 1a Robin Hood Lane, Kingston Vale, Greater London W15 3PU

Award winning care homes

We’re proud to be recognised for our excellence in care, winning more awards than any other provider in the last three years.

If you’re considering a care home, call 020 3797 2655 or visit careuk.com/smyth-lodge

Trusted to care

Smyth Lodge care home Sidcup

WELLBEING within the Workplace

Whenan organisation is starting up their business the area which tends to be at the bottom of the to do list and least prioritised is Wellbeing.

This is sometimes because sole traders and SMEs are more focused on making their business a success rather than be concerned about their own mental health and those they are working with. This is not a criticism, simply a trend I have noticed with clients that I have been supporting. So, we ask ourselves what should be addressed regarding mental health and wellbeing when setting up a business and why is it important to ensure ourselves and our work team are in a good and positive mindset?

As a Wellbeing Therapist who runs her own multi award winning business, I always focus on the wellbeing of any colleagues who are in my employ. Yes, you may argue that because that is my business of course I am going to focus on health and wellbeing, but it’s such a simple thing to address.

Reeta Minas-Judd RMJ Wellbeing

The following are just some simple suggestions which can help to ensure that your work colleagues are aware that you are mindful of their mental health concerns.

Checking in with staff members…

It takes literally minutes to check in with work colleagues and ask them how they are? This may seem a trivial question to ask, but for some individuals you could be the only person that has asked them the question in a long time, and it will give your staff the understanding that you are genuinely interested in their welfare and that ultimately you care.

The appointment of a Mental Health

First Aider may be beneficial for your organisation so that staff are aware there is somebody they can be signposted to, should they feel they are in need.

Social gatherings are a good way not only to motivate staff, but to also recognise if there is any issue with members of your team. If it becomes evident that certain members of staff are not participating and are seen to be “busy” and unable to attend these events on a regular basis, perhaps

The appointment of a Mental Health

speak with them on a one-to-one level to ascertain if there is a genuine reason for their absence or perhaps if there are other reasons which are more deep rooted, for example bullying within the workplace?

Regular meetings with staff members… This is a positive way to gauge how your staff behave with the interaction they display during these meeting.

Regular appraisals are also another way to monitor not only your staff members ability of working, but also how they are feeling on a personal level. This will also incentivise the member of staff that you are interested in their whole being.

Even with all these measures being implemented, staff may still be mindful not to rock the boat about how they are feeling for fear that they may put their job in jeopardy and that by speaking out they may cause uncertainty within their job role and may therefore continue to remain silent, however at least they have the option should they choose to approach a senior member of staff.

First Aider may be beneficial for your organisation so that staff are aware there is somebody they can be signposted to, should they feel they are in need.

Welcome to our new members

As a member of our Chamber, you are joining a unique organisation with a strong campaigning voice for business to local and national government.

Wind & Kite Ltd

20 St Thomas Street

London

SE1 9RS

Contact: James Allen-Lewis

Tel: 020 8058 3620

Email: james@windandkite.com

MRE Digital Consulting LTD

10 Park Crescent Road

Erith

London

DA8 3DX

Contact: Ritesh Mistry

Tel: 07955 412920

Email: ritesh@mredigital.co.uk

House of Denna

54 No1 Street

Royal Arsenal

Woolwich

London

SE18 6ST

Contact: Denna Giddons

Tel: 07946 124335

Email: info@houseofdenna.com

4YaParty Weddings & Events

213 Yorkland Avenue

Welling

London

DA16 2LH

Contact: Mercedes Gale Parr

Tel: 07845 722792

Email: info@4yaparty.co.uk

Royal Museums Greenwich

National Maritime Museum

Park Row

Greenwich

London

SE10 9NF

Contact: Mileva Corenthin

Tel: 020 83126517

Email: mcorenthin@rmg.co.uk

FESTIVAL.ORG

Old Royal Naval College Pepys Building

2 Cutty Sark Gardens

Greenwich London

SE10 9LW

Contact: Felicity Paterson

Tel: 020 83051818

Email: felicity@festival.org

Westmount360 Ltd

The Patch

Rushmore Hill

Orpington

London

BR6 7NQ

Contact: Sharon Corrigan

Tel: 07841 195389

Email: scorrigan@westmount360.com

Humanity Studios Ltd

10 Greenwich Market

London

SE10 9HZ

Contact: Vishal Tolambia

Tel: 07424 877759

Email: info@humanitycentreddesigns.com

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice

185 Bostall Hill

Abbey Wood

London

SE2 0GB

Contact: Natalie Sweeden

Tel: 020 8320 5781

Email: nataliesweeden@gbch.org.uk

The Freight Strategy Limited

7 Wernbrook Street

London

SE18 7RU

Contact: Nick Rainey

Tel: 07704 208239

Email: nick@thefreightstrategy.com

Knight Dragon Development Ltd

Level 9, 6 Mitre Passage

Greenwich Peninsula

London

SE10 0ER

Contact: Farlane Harris

Tel: 020 3713 6100

Email: info@knightdragon.com

Facework Group CIC

26 Musgrove Road

New Cross

London

SE14 5PW

Contact: Laura Agnew

Tel: 020 8050 3938

Email: laura@face.work

Ravensbourne University London

6 Penrose Way

London

SE10 0EW

Contact: Andy Cook

Tel: 020 3040 3500

Email: a.cook@rave.ac.uk

Esther Swift Limited

4 Hill View Studios

160 Eltham Hill

London

SE9 5EA

Contact: Temitope Fecunda

Tel: 020 8850 6110

Email: esthert@estherswift.com

Lewisham College

Lewisham Way

London

SE4 1UT

Contact: Jamie Stevenson

Tel: 020 3757 4165

Email: Jamie.Stevenson@lewisham.ac.uk

Lamorbey Associates Limited

Unit 4 Orangery Studios

21 Orangery Lane

London

SE9 1HN

Contact: Mike McGowan

Tel: 020 3606 0725

Email: mike.mcgowan@lamorbey.com

Members can access a range of services, networking events and support to help their business do better. Importantly, they can also access other members to find new suppliers, promote your business services, or join forces on new opportunities. Find out how to join and learn how others are benefiting from their membership. For more information telephone: 020 8317 3365 email: office@selondonchamber.org

Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

MEMBERSHIP

Become an Executive Member and earn an annual 2% Reward on most of your Costco purchases*. The annual membership fee for Executive Trade Membership is £56 ex VAT (£67.20 inc VAT) and as an Executive Individual Membership is £62 ex VAT (£74.40 inc VAT). The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £22 ex VAT (£26.40 inc VAT) and Standard Individual Membership is £28 ex VAT (£33.60 inc VAT), all memberships include a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

To join and start saving please provide one piece of business evidence for Trade membership, or for Individual membership your employee ID card or current pay slip to prove your employment, PLUS one piece of photographic identification for both memberships.

For more information and to preview our warehouses visit www.costco.co.uk/join or scan the QR code.

Alasdair Wilson General Manager

Bromley Old Town Hall and Hotel Director for Brama Hotels

And finally...

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

A My first real position was as a scuba diving instructor in the Seychelles, but this was unpaid. My first paid job was for Budgens supermarkets as a cashier at £2.40 per hour.

Q What would you do with your last pound?

A Whilst I would love to say I can find a way to cleverly invest for a greater return, with two young girls I can only imagine this being spent on a packet of sweets of some sort.

Q What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

A Uncertainty and economic downturn. Whilst corporate travel remains bullish, if you are unsure how costs are going to be from one day to the next, leisure spending is increasingly hampered.

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

A I would look at the Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register, to identify which sites can be saved from neglect and decay. We’re so proud that our Grade II listed, Bromley Old Town Hall, was taken off this list after being sensitively restored to its former glory.

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

A I would love to be a carpenter. Once retired (or perhaps in the event of a lottery win) I would look to setup a workshop to create bespoke joinery.

Q What book are you currently reading?

A It would be disingenuous to say I have a current book on the go, reading is preserved for the occasional holiday by the pool. YouTube how to and craft videos fill the void before bed.

Restored to bring back its former glory

Whether you need a home for work, or a home for the night. A place to grab a bite between meetings or an event space to celebrate a moment.

Bromley Old Town Hall is the perfect setting for your stories. BROMLEYOLDTOWNHALL.COM Featuring:

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

A motivated, skilled, and qualified workforce is the backbone of any thriving business. Investing in staff development has numerous benefits that directly impact your company’s growth and success.

A motivated, skilled, and qualified workforce is the backbone of any thriving business. Investing in staff development has numerous benefits that directly impact your company’s growth and success.

APPRENTICESHIPS

Apprenticeships are the key to unlocking a pool of talented candidates eager to make a difference in your business.

APPRENTICESHIPS

Apprenticeships are the key to unlocking a pool of talented candidates eager to make a difference in your business.

RECRUITMENT

Unlock the Potential of Your Workforce!

Unlock the Potential of Your Workforce!

Invest in Apprenticeships and Upskilling for a Stronger Workforce!

Invest in Apprenticeships and Upskilling for a Stronger Workforce!

Unlock the Potential of Your Workforce!

Invest in Apprenticeships and Upskilling for a Stronger Workforce!

Embrace the power of growth and potential with our tailored apprenticeship and upskilling programmes.

Embrace the power of growth and potential with our tailored apprenticeship and upskilling programmes.

At London South East Colleges, we believe that investing in your workforce is the key to success in today’s competitive world.

At London South East Colleges, we believe that investing in your workforce is the key to success in today’s competitive world.

Embrace the power of growth and potential with our tailored apprenticeship and upskilling programmes.

We work with local, regional and national employers to identify their training needs.

At London South East Colleges, we believe that investing in your workforce is the key to success in today’s competitive world.

We work with local, regional and national employers to identify their training needs.

Are you ready to unlock the potential of your workforce?

Are you ready to unlock the potential of your workforce?

We work with local, regional and national employers to identify their training needs.

Contact us today at employers@LSEC.ac.uk or on 020 3954 4965 to discuss how we can help you find the right people for your business.

Are you ready to unlock the potential of your workforce?

Contact us today at employers@LSEC.ac.uk or on 020 3954 4965 to discuss how we can help you find the right people for your business.

Invest in Your Future. Empower Your Workforce.

Invest in Your Future. Empower Your Workforce.

Contact us today at employers@LSEC.ac.uk or on 020 3954 4965 to discuss how we can help you find the

We believe in the power of industry collaboration to shape the future workforce. By partnering with us to design course content, you can unlock numerous benefits for your business.

RECRUITMENT

We believe in the power of industry collaboration to shape the future workforce. By partnering with us to design course content, you can unlock numerous benefits for your business.

LSEC.ac.uk