December 2013 / Vol 2 No2
FREE – please take a copy
us Contact EALING www.contactusealing.co.uk
Promoting Ealing’s businesses • in print and online • 12,000 online views • published 4 times a year • next issue: March 2014
Charcoal drawing of Hanwell clock (facing Boston Road) by Carlene Bender
LET’S GO SHOPPING IN: HANWELL W7 Three streets to discover:
Uxbridge Road Greenford Avenue Boston Road Who’s where, here: our list of shops in Hanwell Get that festive feeling Bumper 32-page edition
• Next issue: March 2014
Featuring: West Ealing
Getting West London shoppers in touch with local traders
5 Top Tips to Keep Fit and Healthy in December 1. Go ice skating – it’s festive and fun and definitely counts as an exercise session.
2. Try a Christmas themed class at the gym, this time of year lots of aerobics teachers will do something like Zumba or Body Pump.
3. Get some serious dancing in at the Christmas party. 4. Do a little bit of exercise in-between Christmas and New Year, so you can start the New Year with some exercise “in the bank”. 5. Don’t buy too many sweets and chocolates for the festive period, you will only feel the urge to “finish them off” in that first week of Jan. Number 6 is to call and book a free 30 minute health and fitness consultation and get yourself ready for a fit and healthy 2014! t: 07921 777477 info@bodylinestudios.co.uk www.bodylinestudios.co.uk
Springbridge Mews • Ealing W5
CONTENTS & WELCOME
BUSINESS FINDER
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 3
Hello
See page(s)
Save Warren Farm book (Save Warren Farm) 2 Personal training (Bodyline Fitness) 2 Legal advice (ViaLegal Consultancy Services) 6 The Bomber Command Memorial (Iconic Creative) 8 Christmas Fair (St Faith’s Church, Brentford) 8 Beds and sofas (Kenways Furniture) 7, 9 Natural skincare (MIMI) 10 Professionals training (Bold Club) 14, 25 Printers (Express Print Ltd) 15 Fancy dress (BK Fancy Dress Shop) 16 Life coaching (Carole Ann Rice) 17 Restaurant (The Koobla Bar & Restaurant) 18 Nutrition and exercise (Giles Henry) 17, 19 Speciality food: cheese (Cheddar Deli) 19 Physiotherapy (W5 Physio) 20, 22 Homeopathy and reiki (Estelle Davies) 20, 26 Networking group (Ealing Chamber of Commerce) 21 Women’s cricket (Old Actonians Ladies) 22 Business advice (The Business Conductor) 19, 23 Talent management (The Prime Partnership UK) 24, 26 Videos for websites (Viva Videos) 27 Website testing (Web User Design) 24, 27 NLP training (Point Taken) 23, 28 Videos for websites (Viva Videos) 27 Networking group (Fabulous Women) 30
Contactus
The £20 ‘mini-ad’ is...
perfect for the mini-budget
Features Know the area
The kinds of shops here 6-8 – Kenways Furniture – Vanilla Frost
Quest for a sponsor
Cutting-edge innovation 10 – DeGross Designs
A visit to...
Rough guide
12-13
NEXT STOP:
15
– Find what you’re looking for
– WEST EALING (MARCH 2014)
Focus on Christmas 16-18 – Mary Portas’ charity opens – Oodles of gifts at Kaboodles – Giles Henry on staying healthy – Koobla Bar’s beach party
Doing business in Ealing 19 – The Business Conductor, W5 Physio, Bullseye awards, Point Taken, Web User Design, Bold Club, Estelle Davies, Prime Partnership UK, Lights Out Blinds, Maddie Cunnane
After the half-marathon 20 The Streetbank way
21
Plans for 7 December
25
– Small Business Saturday
Christmas fair round-up 26 – From 23 Nov to 24 Dec
W5 charity to support
28
Time to check your car
29
Esther Needle
30
Book/pay via our homepage:
– Some useful winter tips
info@contactusealing.co.uk
11
– Foxy’s Craft Barn
– Pitshanger Playcentre
Or just book by email:
9
– Hanwell Rugby
Enough space for your logo, slogan and contact details
contactusealing.co.uk
4
– some history about Hanwell
Exploring Hanwell As I began spreading the word about ‘Contactus Ealing’ coming to Hanwell, I heard one response more than others: “But where are all these shops in Hanwell?” This made me realise that this edition would have to show that Hanwell is much more than the strip of shops along by the Hanwell Clock. But if you live in W7, you knew that already! We hope this issue will bring lots of Christmas shoppers to the area and give the local businesses a big boost. Back at HQ, we’re having a bit of reorganisation in time for the March issue on West Ealing (see details on the back cover), so do keep up to date via our monthly newsletter. Sign up today at: www.contactusealing.co.uk. Thanks for ‘shopping by’. All the best for the festive season! Carlene Bender Editor-publisher, Contactus magazines Web: contactusealing.co.uk Email: info@contactusealing.co.uk Twitter: @ContactusEaling Facebook: ContactusEalingHomebiz Tel: 079 6039 2677 If you would like to advertise with us, our next publication, ‘Contactus Ealing’, is due out in March 2014, highlighting shops and services in West Ealing W13. Booking deadline: Sat 1 February 2014. ‘Contactus Ealing’ & ‘Ealing Homebiz’
– she’s so anti-washing-machine
All content (articles*, photos, drawings, unless otherwise credited) and advertising sales plus ad artwork design and build – C. Bender Magazine concept, design and layout – C. Bender (*100% original copy; we don’t do advertorials) Printed at: Express Print Ltd, West Ealing Published online at: issuu.com/contactusealing Made in Ealing, for Ealing
Page 4 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
KNOW THE AREA: W7
Hanwell memories weighted by history Three streets of shopping
I
f you’re new to the delights of shopping in Hanwell – the next town west of West Ealing – the first thing you need to know is that there are three main shopping areas: (1) Uxbridge Road, including The Broadway. This is the area alongside the Hanwell Clock Tower. (2) Greenford Avenue off to the north of the Uxbridge, including the wonderfully-named Poets’ Corner. Continues all the way to Ruislip Road. (3) Boston Road, branching away south of the Uxbridge, down towards Boston Manor. This area is known as Old Hanwell, and features several trendy independent shops and cafes. Rail links: Hanwell, Castle Bar Park and Drayton Green to Paddington. Crossrail plans include a stop at Hanwell.
Greenford
Ave
N
Bo n
o st a Ro d
Map-sketch of Hanwell’s 3 main shopping streets
A
s a lifelong Hanwell resident (except for a few short spells away), I love knowing that our community has been in existence since about AD 959. It’s thought the name originates from a huge stone (aka Han in Anglo Saxon) situated near the original spring in the grounds of the old Rectory. Another name suggestion is that Hana means cockerel and weille refers to a stream. It also has a mention in the Domesday Book, as consisting of farm and meadowland, and it had a mill.
Nicola Gaughan,
local history writer, covers Hanwell from the heart
Jimi Hendrix buying his amplifiers from Jim Marshall’s shop on Uxbridge Road. Area history The famous Hanwell Flight of Locks raises the Grand Union Canal by just over 53ft and is a short distance from the Three Bridges, a rail, road and canal bridge designed by 19th century engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The Wharncliffe Viaduct spans the River Brent in the Brent Lodge Park, and was also built by Brunel, to carry the new railway from Paddington. It opened the area to more urbanisation, and Queen Victoria used to request that her train stop atop the viaduct, so she could enjoy the view over the parkland. As a child I would spend hours there, in what was
Well known residents Over the centuries many local residents have played their part in making Hanwell the place it is today. Jonas Hanway set up charities and promoted the use of the umbrella, and William Hobbayne donated lands to help the poor and set up a charity school. Another famous resident was Charlie Chaplin, who attended the Central London District School (aka the Cuckoo School, now known as Hanwell Community Centre). My music teacher at Drayton Manor high school, Mr Block, was always very proud of the Rick Wakeman signature in our music books and my family lived two doors away from Terry Ollis, drummer for the group Hawkwind. And we (Above): St Mary’s – the original parish church mustn’t forget to mention
Photo: Nicola Gaughan
ad
ge Ro
Uxbrid
From Queen Victoria to Isambard Kingdom Brunel; Charlie Chaplin and Jimi Hendrix, this town has made its name
KNOW THE AREA: W7
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 5
Photo: Nicola Gaughan – www.iconiccreative.co.uk
FOR A CAFE CULTURE
“Queen Victoria used to request that her train stop atop the viaduct” known as ‘the Bunny Park’ – due to the large numbers of rabbits in the children’s zoo. St Mary’s church in the park was the original parish church and has starred in many films and TV programmes. Both my parents were involved with local activities. My father was a member of the St Mary’s Players and the Gilbert & Sullivan society, acting in many of their productions. My mum ran the St Mary’s
(Above): The Grade I listed Wharncliffe Viaduct
playgroup and helped out front of house at my dad’s shows. The Hanwell Carnival, thought to be the oldest in London, started in 1898 to help raise money for the Cottage Hospital that was built in Green Lane, a very important health provision in the pre-NHS days. We used to watch the Carnival parade with my dad and then wander down to Elthorne Park for all the stalls and rides, which we found very exciting. Even now, I help out, taking photos for the organisers. I’ve lived very briefly in other areas, but have always returned to Hanwell as I love the area so much.
It’s easy to spot Catherine Gunnewicht: she’s the one who’s already signed up for the 2014 Ealing Half Marathon. #fitasafiddle When we meet, to talk about what Hanwell is like from a local shopper’s perspective, I only know her from her tweets: her latest @RunKeeper scores mixed in with retweets from her work at @CareConcern, where she is registered manager, and the odd French-language tweet (she is a France native). But it is her insights about #Hanwell that I’m drawing upon. Having moved to W7 from Northfields six years ago, Catherine has had time to figure out the area. “We’re so lucky, we can get to Paddington station in 15 minutes; we’re also near if we want to get out to the countryside,” she says. She came to the UK to study nursing – and stayed for the shops. “Most shops don’t open on a Sunday in France, so I prefer living in England,” she adds. Highly recommended Which shops in Hanwell are her favourites? “The Londis on Greenford Avenue is my saviour – I’ve never ever not found what I needed in there,” she says. “And obviously I get my bread from Pitshanger Bakery.” “Across in Old Hanwell, there’s a greater feeling of community – for example in the W7 Emporium deli, you feel as though you’re in someone’s home,” she adds. “What I would like for Greenford Avenue is more of the cafe culture, but I don’t know how feasible that is, as half of the avenue is homes.” She has a special plug to make for the Ealing Skate Park on Ruislip Road, on the northern border of Hanwell. “It has changed my son’s life, I only have positive things to say about it – thank you Ealing Council.”
Page 6 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
THREE STREETS OF SHOPPING
Greenford Avenue
On Facebook
Connecting Uxbridge Road in the south and Ruislip Road to the north. Businesses include: Pitshanger Bakery (see below), Urban Karahi, Aya Market, Polska Kuchnia, Londis, and GH Baxters butchers.
Keen to shop local and support independent shops but don’t know where to start? A good place to get recommendations and store advice is the Hanwell Friends Facebook page, open to residents and people who live or work in or close to the town. Just be prepared for the flood of answers if you ask about the best curry house in Hanwell... www.facebook.com/groups/ hanwellfriends/
Pitshanger in W7
Raise the roof High-fives to Hanwell-based Holly Bantleman, who founded the charity Raise the Roof Kenya and is currently raising £10,000 to “re-raise” the roof of The Barut Youth Development and Sports Centre which was blown off in a recent storm. www.raisetheroofkenya.com
Double take: which one is on Pitshanger Lane and which is on Greenford Avenue? Either way we highly recommend the apricot tart.
ViaLegal Consultancy Services
Hanwell favourites
“Customer service is at ourheart
”
Sara McCracken Hanwell Email: enquiries@vialegal.co.uk Telephone: 020 7060 9913 Website: www.vialegal.co.uk
you saw ‘Contactus Ealing’ 10% Say and get 10% OFF LEGAL ADVICE O F F
(Above): Built in the 1800s to serve the Great Western Railway, the Grade II listed Hanwell Station is set for a sprucing up before Crossrail comes calling in 2018. (At right): The first Hanwell Hootie live music festival staged in April across several venues in Hanwell, celebrated the amplifier legacy of Jim Marshall, the “father of loud”.
THREE STREETS OF SHOPPING
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 7
VANILLA FROST TEA
Uxbridge Road From The Viaduct in the west to Gold’s Gym in the east. Offshoots: Cherington Road and Church Road. Businesses include: The Clock Tower Cafe, The Kings Arms, Lidl, Microcentre, and Kenways Furniture (see below).
40 years of antiques
W
hen Abdul and Rehana Malik opened up Kenways Furniture in the 1970s, that stretch of Uxbridge Road, from about the Hanwell Clock to Church Road, was full of second-hand shops. “We used to have people from all over England come to check out these 25 or so businesses,” Abdul remembers. “We even used to export to the US and Europe.” Rehana adds: “When we were young we only sold second-hand furniture.” That shop continues at 113 Uxbridge Road, while new goods are sold from their store at 121. “Now, because of fire regulations, all the beds and sofas we sell are new.” The Maliks live in Hanwell, which means Kenways is a family business, with two sons and a daughter directly involved. If they had to start all over again now, would they choose the same spot in Hanwell? “There are plenty of pluses here,” says Rehana. “We get so
Rehana Malik, Kenways Furniture
much passing trade – with the buses, it’s easy for customers to find us. “The car park across the road (next to Lidl) is a big advantage too, so people can carry things home in their car.” Although they do deliver “to anywhere in London”. So how do they spot a good antique piece? “The first thing we check is what material it’s made of. We look for solid wood,” explains Rehana. “We’ve had buyers from Harrods and Marks and Spencer come to look at our goods,” adds Abdul. “Because we’ve been going for so long, customers know and trust us.” See Kenways ad on page 9
www.kenwaysfurniture.co.uk
Contributed
“The first thing we check is what material it’s made of”
(Above): Rehana Malik with son Adil in the Kenways antiques furniture shop. (Below): The handy carpark across the road next to Lidl helps boost business.
Lucy Lovell lays it on thick – with a knife, in layers, with cream in between, and silvery sprinkes on top, mmm... At her Vanilla Frost Vintage Tea Party in October, members of various West London media houses slowly got fatter sampling first this macaroon, then that cupcake and finally that triple-layer chocolate ruffle cake over there – all in the name of work, you see. Alongside the cakes we were served the most interesting tea, taking advantage of the event’s venue, The Clock Tower Cafe on Uxbridge Road. Morna Mcaulay’s tea menu included mulled wine tea, Christmas tea, and pear and elderflower tea (a full five stars, that one). We were all very careful drinking our tea, though, as the vintage gold-edged crockery belonged to Lucy’s grandmother – who, actually, is very happy to see the pieces in use again. Lucy, home-based in Hanwell, was promoting the Vintage Tea Party as a corporate event or a convenient and glamorous Christmas party alternative. “I make all the food in my kitchen, so we can stage the party anywhere,” she says. And she’ll bring along the vintage china and linen too, to create a beautiful party atmosphere. www.vanillafrostcakes.com
Page 8 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
THREE STREETS OF SHOPPING
HAT news
Boston Road Thread of shops running south from Uxbridge Road towards Boston Manor. Businesses include: W7 Emporium, The little Art Room, Golden Chip, Beauty Bar, and West 7 Joinery (see below).
The Hanwell Winter Fair will be celebrated on Sunday 24 November: 12noon to 3pm. The event is organised by the Hanwell Association of Traders (HAT). See you at the Clock Tower!
West 7 ready New name but same store, same service. What used to be
Carlene BCM book ad.pdf
Noah’s is now West 7 Joinery. “We make things from scratch – windows, doors, anything wooden, also upholstering, and reupholstering,” explains Julia Walton, who is West 7’s in-house upholsterer and furniture restorer. “There’s a big workshop downstairs so most of the work is done on-site. 1 30/10/2013 22:01 “We have a good reputation with our customers,” she adds.
(Above): Christmas lights at last year’s Hanwell Winter Fair. (Below): Traders’ initiative: “You may use our facilities” sign at DH Law.
Found: W7 Emporium It’s like a Tardis cafe: a near-missable entrance opposite Wickes, but then you happen upon the garden, and upstairs...
F/S James Linehan KIA April 1942
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
The Bomber Command Memorial A Personal Photographic Tribute
This book of beautiful photos is dedicated to my uncle and his crew, lost without trace in April 1942. All monies go to the RAF Benevolent Fund who are now responsible for the upkeep of the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park. The book can be viewed and purchased from the link below:
http://blur.by/14RyqVY Design and photography by Nicola Gaughan 0775 341 3005
iconic creative creative design & photography
St Faith’s Church, Windmill Road, Brentford Tuesday 26 November 2013, 6-9pm
Christmas Fair – St Faith’s Church, Windmill Road, Brentford 26 November 2013, 6-‐9pm
The Fair organisers are proud to support local small businesses
The annual St Faith’s Christmas takes place on 26 November, 6pm-‐9pm, at St Faith’s Church, and artists withFair each stallholder offering something special for Windmill Road, Brentford. – from food & drink, toys & games, jewellery and Christmas
handmade cards & gifts. Now in its fifth year.
The Fair organisers are proud to support local small businesses and artists with each stallholder offering something special for Christmas – from food & drink, toys & games, jewellery and handmade cards & gifts. Now in its fifth year, the fair is a popular community event with choirs from local school children (Lionel
HANWELL RUGBY
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 9
‘We’ll wear your logo with pride’
B
Contributed
rentford FC have Skyex, and Old Actonians cricketers have Wise Networks. But Hanwell RFC is still powering through their first season without the backing of a single sponsor. John Bodman, co-founder and captain, explains why having a team sponsor will make such a difference – and why they would love it if a Hanwell business stepped forward to help: “We are looking for a local sponsor in order to grow the brand and the club – we need to build the foundations now in terms of securing long term pitch hire and branding. “We only dreamt up this club in April, and so far everything has been self-financed through membership fees, covering basic expenses such as after-
@HanwellRugby (in green and black) vs Trailfinders
game food, pitch hire, match balls, and laundry for the kit. “We have a cheap kit – purchased on Ebay, however we plan to move to a better, more professional supplier. We’ve also bought our own equipment, including tackle pads and bags that were used by the British & Irish Lions during their summer tour. “Our plan is to bring sponsors on board who will cover our first and second seasons – therefore enabling us to
provide them with England tickets next year (2014). “Other ways we would promote/reward our sponsors: website links; logos on playing jerseys and pitch flags – which will be highlighted in club photographer Stephen Brooks’ photos published in match reports in the local print and online media; and regular mentions from our Facebook and Twitter accounts.” www.pitchero.com/clubs/ hanwellrugbyfootballclub
121 Uxbridge Road Hanwell W7 3ST 020 8567 6418
www.kenwaysfurniture.co.uk
Opening times Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm
Special offer* Double Orthopaedic Bed with 4 Drawers
£200 * say you saw us in ‘Contactus Ealing’ magazine
Photo shows: Jupiter Leather Suite
• free same-day delivery service • free 3 hours parking opposite • free unpacking and assembly
Photo shows: Vienna Faux Leather Bed
We buy and sell second-hand furniture
Full range of Ortho, Pocket Sprung and Memory Foam Beds and Mattresses Ready Assembled Bedroom Furniture British Made Sofa Sets and Corner Suites
Page 10 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
The genius of upcycling
T
DeGross Designs’ range of handmade lamps at Heal’s shows that the ‘circular economy’ works. Meanwhile, there’s no end to innovation at their Hanwell studio
Contributed
Alon and Sabrina Gross show off their lamp at the London Design Festival. Here’s a video about how the lamps are made:
http://vimeo.com/48093137
ake a bottle lying in a tip at the back of your office, cut the top off, stick it onto some off-cuts from the ancient woodyard around the corner, turn it into a lamp, and sell it at Heal’s. Easy? How about making a computer that turns into a toaster (no extra parts needed). Or inventing a dewcatcher that collects jugfuls of water from plain air. That’s what they do at the DeGross Design and Innovation studio and workshop on Windmill Lane on the outskirts of Hanwell (the ‘ancient woodyard’ is W.Hansen). “We’re very interested in
PRODUCT DESIGN LEADERS
green footprint design,” says Alon Gross, chief designer. “And because we’re innovators, we can find a way to reuse a product and reintroduce it to the market.” Alon and wife Sabrina moved to London from Israel 15 years ago, first because he was studying at Central St Martins, then Goldsmiths College. “We decided to stay in London because it’s an important hub for designers, and chose Ealing because it’s green – for our children.” Alon shakes his head that he only gets to spend three per cent of his time on creativity and design – running the business takes the other 97. This is where Sabrina’s ‘cold eye of reality’ helps distil the creative process and “then you get the brilliant work”, she says.
www.degross.co.uk
Contributed
(Top and Above): The Utrem Lux range at Heal’s (in store and online)
(Bottom): Alon explains how he uses computeraided design to create a prototype of a product. He is now working on a “folding streetlamp” for Bedfordshire Council.
Contributed
(At right): The award-winning dew collector
HOMEMADE BUSINESSES
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 11
A crafty sort of barn “You know the products will be unique” Sarah Brazier, The Fox Pub
I
t’s a wet and soggy Saturday afternoon on Green Lane, but it’s the last Saturday of the month, so the courtyard and garden of The Fox Pub at the end of the lane are full of stalls, market traders and smiling shoppers. Foxy’s Food and Craft Market runs 11am-3pm, and it’s easy to spend all of that time inside the warmly-lit Craft Barn, checking out the handmade candles (Kalu), personalised prints (InkMouse), topping up on West Ealing apple juice and elderflower cordial, and noseying around the other stalls for some offthe-beaten-track Christmas gifts. The market was started three years ago by The Fox’s
sister-owners, Sarah Brazier and Maggie Chalmers. “I’ve got more passionate about it the more I’ve become involved,” says Sarah. “This sort of handmade crafting is quite on-trend now,” she adds. “It slows people down” – not just the making and selling, but the buying too, from the look of things. The Barn part of the market was only started last year, and is quickly outgrowing its space. Visitors appreciate the market, says Sarah, because “You know the products will be unique. “You’re choosing a gift for someone, and putting some thought into it – not just stopping at Tesco.”
VOX POP: HANWELL
Penny Jones, leadership coach, Poets Corner, 10 years in Hanwell (lived in South Ealing before):
“I
’d like to see a good green grocer’s, and maybe a nice coffee and cake type coffee shop rather than some of these fry-ups. “It’s a handy place to live – people always say it’s green and quiet and friendly, and it’s true. “My milk and eggs? Usually I get them at the Londis on Greenford Avenue.”
“I’d like to see a good green grocer’s”
www.thefoxpub.co.uk
‘Let’s meet at the Library’ Hanwell Library on Cherington Road recently re-opened after refurbishments, and now boasts two shiny meeting rooms with kitchen facilities, available for hire.
(Left): The larger meeting room can hold up to 80 people; tables, chairs, wifi and lift available. (Above): The smaller room, also equipped with kitchen facilities.
Riyaz Ali, retired accountant, Mayfield Gardens, 23 years in Hanwell (lived in Acton before):
“I
’m 72 years old, so my children do all the shopping now. I have two boys and a girl. They might go to Sainsbury’s or Tesco. “You know when you go to one shop, something costs £3 and then you go in another shop and it costs £4? So some shops are not charging fair prices. I’m not saying make it cheaper, or give it away for free – just be fair. “I never spend much time on the high street; I’m a family person. No, I’m not a coffee shop kind of person, so I don’t know what shops come and go.”
Page 12 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
SHOPFRONTS
Find what you’re looking for Here is our layman’s collection of shopfronts in Hanwell. Disclaimer: this is not an ‘official’ or comprehensive list; it is only based on passing-by observation, more or less up-to-date at time of going to press. Boston Road (approximately 54 shopfronts) 1– Train2Day 3 – Hanwell Kebab 3 – Pimp My Hair barbers 5 – Tel Cam car parts 5 – Bushaaro household stores 7 – Price Cutter 9 Broadway Buildings – West London Ink 9 – Hanwell Islamic Education Centre 11 BB – Doyle Sales and Lettings 11 – Smiths Hairdressing 11a – GM Motorserve 13 – Cafe Dior 13 BB – West 7 Joinery 15 – Boston Mini Cab Co. 16 – Merix by Hair to go 17 – Gelato Cafe 19 – Style Cleaners 23 – Boston Deli 27 – Hanwell Dry Cleaners 31 – The Abu Halima Centre 31a – Vitalcare Services 33 – The Golden Chip 41 – The Little Wonder 44 – Costcutter 48 – DSA Accountants 49 – GJ Templeman solicitors 51 – Ryan’s free house 52 – The little Art Room 54 – A-Z Cars 56 – Community Shop 58a – George Bone Tattoo Artist 60 – There Cycling 68 – Prince of Wales 68 – W7 Emporium 68 – Horse Shoe Cafe 75 – Wickes 117 – West London Nissan 128 – 1st Choice Tool and Plant Hire 128 – The Depot tile stockists
145 – Access storage solutions 148 – British Food and Wine 151 – Studio 151 156 – Boston Pizza 158 – The Boston News 160 – Tip Top Salon 161 – Iverson Tyres 162 – Corner House Cafe 163a – Diamond Grill 165 – Harveen Food and Wine 165a – Hanwell Cars 165a – Tools 4 Trade 167 – Esso Service Station 169 – Colorite Paint Co. 173 – A&A Autos Greenford Avenue (approximately 72 shopfronts) Church Road: 4 – Shell Service Station 5 – Shahena’s 20 – Hanwell Health Centre 20 – Hanwell Eyecare Centre 25 – RJ Wilde, upholsterers 1 – Rosario’s barbers 2 – Cartridge World 3 – Barry & Murray Funeral Directors 19 – Sinton Andrews 25 – Castle Residential 27 – Salon Fryzjerski 31 – Londis 35 – Eden Press Ltd 39 – Aya Market 43 – Cash for clothes 45 – Pearce Scott Creations 47 – Urban Karahi
Distribution of shopfront locations
Uxbridge Road 95
Greenford Avenue 72
1 2 3
Boston Road 54
49 – Zabka Polish Delicatessen 51 – Embassy Direct minicabs 53 – Visage Dental Studio 55 – Am 2 Pm 59 – Arcadia Dry Cleaners 61 – Butterfly Tattoo and Piercing 63 – Second Time Around 65 – Pound Busters 69 – Robertson Smith & Kempson 71 – Henry Paul 72 – Tuffin and Wren 73 – Pitshanger Bakery 74 – Brunel Insurance Services 75 – Memory Lane flower shop 76 – Angela Francis hairdressers 77 – PJ News 79 – Kwik Frame 80 – Coin Op 81 – B&J Plumbing and Heating 83 – Remedy Pharmacy 85 – The Cuckoo 87 – W Sherry and Sons 89 – Spice of Hanwell 91 – Alfie’s Real English Fish and Chips 93 – Najma internet cafe 95 – Betfred 97 – Dixie Chicken 99 – Costcutter 103b – K Avenue Wines 105 – Kaftia computers 107 – Greenford Security Services 109 – Polska Kuchnia 111 – Kings Barber 307 – Silver Spoon 309 – Beauty Box 311 – JK Off Licence
SHOPFRONTS 313 – Jazz’s Barbers 315 – Smakus Polish Delicatessen 317 – Venus Hair and Beauty 319 – Rose Discount Store 321 – China Kitchen 323 – The Press Gang 325 – Western Fried Chicken 327 – Co-Op Welcome 333 – Co-Op Pharmacy 335 – Cliffords Newsagents 336 – GH Baxters 337 – AP Hardware Centre 338 – Infinity 340 – Sylvester’s Pet Shop 344 – Hanwell Grocers 348 – Pharmacy + 348 – Post Office Ltd 350 – William Hill 352 – Oyster Shell Uxbridge Road (approximately 95 shopfronts) 48 – RSPCA Veterinary Surgery 54 – Vistastar 54 – Gold’s Gym 64 – Class Designs 68 – J. Dental Care 70 – Eden beauty salon 76 – Tony’s barbers 78 – Nail Bar 79 – Lifeline Learning Centre 81 – A Cain Funeral Services 82 – Longstar Estate & Travel 83 – Church Pharmacy 84 – Hong Kong Garden The Broadway: Ladbrokes 2 – Makhir Cash & Carry 3 – Heaven no.7 Tangles hair Superb Pizza Evolution hair 85 – Laghmanis Food & Wine 86 – Hanwell Car Centre 87 – Discount Glass Centre 90 – Lidl 91 – Hanwell Car Dealers 93 – Best-one 95 – Pearl Estates 98 – Knight Sound & Light 101 – Cafe des Amis 103 – Jasmine Florists 104 – Klassic Touch 105 – Paul Golf domestic appliances 106 – The Nest 109 – Grill & Coffee 110 – King’s Arms 111 – Hanwell Fishmonger
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 13 113 – Kenways (second-hand) 116 – Hanwell News 118 – Property Shop 120 – Beauty Bar 120 – The Flower Factory 120 – Web Max computers 120a – Expresso Kebabs 121 – Kenways Furniture 122 – Big Bites Cafe 123 – Just As New (second-hand) 124 – Mleczko deli 124a – Shalom community centre 125 – Golden Internet Cafe 125 – Spice of Ealing 126 – Corner Carpets 127 – Hanwell Chick’n’Spice 128 – Strands hairdresser 129 – Najm Supermarket 130 – DH Law Ltd 131 – Ealing Fabrics 134 – Thai Cafe 135 – Broadway Fish Bar 136 – Elisha Salon 137 – Sunrise Supermarket 139 – Post Office Ltd 140 – London Welding Supplies 141 – West London Radiators 142 – Book Smart accountancy 143 – Keats 144 – Peugeot 145 – Joe’s fast food 147 – Hanwell Halal Meat 149 – Microcentre 151 – The Clock Tower Cafe 153 – Domino’s pizza 157 – Eleanor homecare, nursing, recruitment 162 – Grays garage services 163 – William Hill 165 – Car Palace 167 – Johal and Co Accountants 173 – London School of Accounting 175 – Hum Tum Indian restaurant 176a – A1 Washing Machines 176b – Hanwell Pizza 179 – Lahore Village 179 – Hanwell Heating and Plumbing Centre 181 – Master Cars UK 183 – Sellers Estates 187 – Pogrebok delicatessen 189 – Hanwell Electrical and Plumbing supplies 200 – Technique dentistry 201 – Brandwest 207 – Nisa Local 211 – Ealing Accident Claims 213 – I J King & Son furniture 215 – Platyna beauty salon 217 – Friendly Cafe The Viaduct Ealing Hospital
WHERE TO PARK • Lidl carpark: Uxbridge Road. Up to 3 hours • Wickes carpark: Boston Road Up to 2 hours • Boston Road stop-and-shop bays Up to 30 minutes • George St car park: Uxbridge Rd Pay and display • Street parking off Greenford Ave
Bold is about effectiveness, confidence and leadership Bold is a club for ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs who aspire to perform better, create what they want in life and elevate their careers or businesses to a leading position. Bold has two main categories of members: Business Builders and Career Builders. Business Builders are educated, skilled and bold entrepreneurs who have started a professional practice and are doing business in what they love. They are confident and resolute experts who aspire to grow their businesses and become leaders in their industry. Career Builders are educated, skilled and bold professionals who are prepared to do what it takes to achieve what they deserve and value. They are strong-minded and determined executives who aspire to be influential leaders.
So if you’re a Business Builder or Career Builder, Bold Club is where you find all the inspiration, guidelines and support that you ever need to be at the top of your game.
Bold meetings are held at the prestigious Grosvenor Hotel (Victoria) at 101 Buckingham Place Road, London, SW1W 0SJ.
For further information visit Bold website at
www.joinbold.com Contact Reza, the club leader,
on reza@joinbold.com, or call him on 020 7112 8785 To get 20% special offer, mention ‘Contactus Ealing’ as your introducer
FOCUS ON WEST EALING
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 15
West Ealing BID: one voice for shops How can West Ealing benefit from a business improvement district (BID)? That’s the question that BID campaign manager Mathieu Rogers and his team have been asking W13 business-owners. With Crossrail coming and ongoing redevelopment of the Green Man estate, “people will want to invest in the area, which is likely to change considerably,” says Mathieu. “A BID will help improve the vitality and vibrancy of the high street, and it will have a multiplier effect,” he adds. “We will have a whole new community – maybe a more affluent one, who want to eat locally, shop locally, get their shoes fixed here...” “The BID will drive that investment, making it more likely to succeed.” The BID itself will be set up as a not-for-profit company, with a team put in place to deliver improvements on behalf of local business-owners.
Contact us EALING
HUB UPDATE
“It has to be feasible,” says Mathieu, a Hanwell resident who also helped start up the Hanwell Hootie music festival. Mathieu is working with the established Ealing Broadway BID to ensure that local voices are heard. Among W13 businesses’ main concerns are costs, identity and crime. The BID ballot takes place in February.
www.bidwestealing.co.uk David Highton (second from right), chair of the West Ealing Hub Operational Group is saying: “I think the message from today is ‘Get on with it’,” at the Hub’s most recent open meeting in October. With feasibility study results describing “considerable interest” in a local coworking hub, the next step is to find the right space in West Ealing to locate the hub. www.westealinghub.com
Mathieu Rogers: Feasibility study showed 64% clear support for a West Ealing business improvement district (BID). Keep up to date on Twitter: @WestEalingBID
Next issue: West Ealing Coming in March 2014
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you saw us in ‘Contactus Ealing’ £5 Say and get £5 OFF orders over £50 O F F
Page 16 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
FESTIVE SHOPPING
Let’s hear it for Christmas It’s not news that the bells started a-jingling a little earlier this year, like every year – which is still ok, as long as Christmas doesn’t one day turn into a year-round celebration. Ealing is full of fantastic gift shops, selling everything from handcrafted originals to select imported goods. But if you’re not into boxes and wrapping and bows, there’s always the option of gift vouchers for a favourite restaurant or cafe. If you’re happy to put some more thought into it, a gift voucher from a home-based business can work really well too – think reiki session or ticket to a networking event. Contact your local businesses and see what they can offer.
(Above left): A warm smile from Mary’s Living and Giving’s Lindsey Douglas welcomes visitors to the shop opening on 2 November at 2 The Green.
Mary Portas charity shop on The Green She may be less well known as “Queen of the Charity Shops” but high street champion Mary Portas has no reason to be any less proud of her chain of Living and Giving shops, which raises money for the Save the Children charity. According to Lindsey Douglas, the chain’s shop development
manager, six new shops were opened this year, with another eight planned for 2014. Does Mary ever visit these shops? “Yes, but we never get much notice!” laughs Lindsey. And apparently, if you search well enough among the rails, you can find a couple of Mary Portas Clothing pieces too.
Kaboodles for gifts
Will you be needing a new suit? Come instore to see our Christmas selection
127 Northfield Ave Ealing | W13 9QR www.bkfancydress.com 020 8579 9135
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Say you saw us in ‘Contactus Ealing’ and get £5 off purchases over £30
South Ealing husband and wife team Gareth and Tori Johnson (above) were all smiles on 2 November, for the opening of their Kaboodles gift shop on St Mary’s Road. “A gift shop is something I always dreamed of running,” says Tori. “In the last few years we’ve seen so many shops springing up in this area of South Ealing; it’s wonderful to be a part of it.” Sixty per cent of Kaboodles’ stock is British designed and made, and the pair – who met when they were 15 years old – thoroughly research any product before it goes on their shelves. From candles to sweets, prints and bags, Kaboodles offers shoppers a selection of local things to buy – just in time for Christmas.
HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 17
Staying healthy during busy times Christmas can be a joy for many, but busy and stressful for others. Here are some tips for when your schedule goes into overdrive. 1. Let go of perfection – accept that things might not be as good as usual. Healthy habits may falter a little. It’s normal. People who try to be perfect when the whole world wants their attention tend to fall off in a big way. 2. Don’t try new habits – trying to change when you are under heavy stress doesn’t work. Return to normality first. 3. Clean slate policy – ate something naughty? Too much to drink? Forget it and move on. 4. Keep simple habits going
Giles Henry is a holistic personal trainer based in Northfields – things like drinking enough water are healthy habits which can be held together even when you are busy. 5. Avoid physical burnout – if you’re sleep deprived, your nutrition is poor, and you’re under heavy stress, intense exercise can make your health worse not better. Get the other stuff sorted first. 6. Supplement if needed – there is no substitute for quality food. However, supplements can be useful if you’re struggling with nutrition.
“Too much to drink? Forget it and move on” Giles Henry, Nutrition and Exercise Consider a high quality multi-vitamin or fish oil. Echinacea is good for boosting the immune system. 7. Peace points – try to get points when you get time to yourself. It might be only 15-20 minutes but it makes a difference. 8. It’s ok to say NO – you’re not superhuman. Remember if you say no to something it’s because you are saying yes to something that matters more. 9. Sleep – aim for seven hours a night minimum. Do the best you can. See Giles’s ad, page 19 www.nutritionandexercise.co.uk
Make 2014 the year you upscaled your life Carole Ann Rice is one of the UK’s leading life coaches
& Happy Monday columnist for the Daily Express Carole Ann offers a “try before you buy”, no obligation, and free life coaching session. Book yours now.
www.realcoachingco.com 020 8566 2862 caroleann@realcoachingco.com @CaroleAnnRice
Page 18 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
FESTIVE PLANS
New year’s beach party at Koobla Bar
G
et the flip-flops back out. And maybe you’ll only need them to pose in, but bring sunglasses too. Koobla Bar and Restaurant in Hotel Xanadu on Bond Street will be celebrating the arrival of 2014 with a beach party, of all things. Why? “Because we’re not so formal anymore – we want to be more fun,” says Jana Weidlova, the hotel’s sales and marketing manager. In the lead-up to New Year’s Eve, the Koobla Bar and Restaurant will be hosting music nights every Friday until the end of December. Other seasonal celebrations include a Children’s Christmas Disco on 15 December, Boxing Day Buffet, and New Year’s
Hangover Brunch (while still wearing your sunglasses?). In fact, come for the party, stay overnight for the brunch, and Jana will organise your 10 per cent room discount – just say you read about it here first. In the meantime, check out the change of menu in the Koobla Restaurant, now with more international options: think Cichetti, grill, steak, fish and burgers. “We want guests to feel comfortable popping in wearing jeans for an after-work drink or bite to eat,” says Jana, originally from Prague but stationed at Hotel Xanadu since its 2012 opening. “Or maybe come early, have a cappuccino, meet
“We want to be more fun” Jana Weidlova, Hotel Xanadu/Koobla Bar and Restaurant friends, eat and drink, and then go out for the night.” See Koobla Bar ad, this page
www.koobla.co.uk
For this year’s magical festive season we made sure we have got something for everyone
Now….
For more information and for bookings please contact us on:
Let’s celebrate and make it a time to remember!
Tel: +44 (0) 207 011 1000
Winter Buffet Party or Sharing Menu Available from late November, bookings only
Children’s Christmas Party Sun 15th December (12pm – 4pm)
‘Sales’ Buffet Lunch (Boxing Day) Thurs 26th December (12pm – 4pm)
New Year’s Eve ‘Beach Party’ Tue 31st December (7pm – late)
New Year’s Day Brunch Wed 1st January (9am – 2pm)
Email: info@hotelxanadu.com 26-42 Bond Street, London, W5 5AA
www.hotelxanadu.com, www.koobla.co.uk
START-UP OF THE MONTH
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 19
This way to growth Q&A Contactus Ealing
Peter Newton The Business Conductor
Q: How does The Business Conductor help businesses? We focus you on gaining and retaining the most profitable and valuable customers. Starting by auditing and researching your business and market then focusing on your customers, we develop cost effective activities that drive growth. Using products, and marketing to pure sales, offline and online we aim for maximum return on investment.
Q: Why do you think businesses need this help? Most small business owners are experts in their products and services but fail to transmit the benefits to customers. A mistake often made is we think we can market to everyone but no small business can afford that so ensuring you target the right audience is critical. Q: How come you prefer to work with smaller businesses? When there’s an opportunity small business can act quickly. Coming from a big corporate background, innovation was stifled due to process so smaller is beautiful for me!
Q: What is your own business background? I have 16 years’ commercial experience. My last roles (concurrent) were marketing manager for Pfizer and professional tutor of marketing and management. Q: What has been the response to your business? Amazing! I haven’t had to market myself as I get recommended by existing clients, so thank you Ealing businesses! Q: Is Ealing a start-up hotspot? There are many bold and talented people wanting to make a business out of their passion. We are in tough times and Ealing town is changing, we need to make it what it should be – Boutique and Innovative! See Peter’s ad, page 23 www.thebusinessconductor. co.uk
Now taking pre-Christmas orders for speciality food including cheese, charcuterie, wine and local real ale
Page 20 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
Ealing Running ???
Benefits of a half-marathon
I
f you were one of the nearly 5000 runners in September’s Ealing Half Marathon, you’ll already be familiar with the advantages of taking part. But what about local businesses – did the influx of visitors and the raising of Ealing’s profile impact on their bottom line at all? Hotel Xanadu and Koobla Bar and Restaurant had put on an ‘Ealing Half Special’ that weekend, including a healthy £10 menu. “We were pleasantly surprised how many people popped in for that after the half-marathon,” says Jana Weidlova, the boutique hotel’s sales and marketing manager.
Local entrepreneur Carole Ann Rice shows off her Ealing Half medal after crossing the finish line at Lammas Park
The hotel’s positioning on Bond Street, across the way from the entrance to Walpole Park must have helped – “We were fully booked that weekend,” adds Jana (see page 18). Over at the W5 Physio studio on Haven Lane, just north of Ealing Broadway station, Greg Bagley and the team of physiotherapists are celebrating two ‘PBs’ among runners who were patients at the practice while preparing for the race, and feeling proud
2014 Ealing Half Marathon: Sunday 28 September that “they all completed the course, they all did well”. “There are definitely more people running now; it’s a sociable thing – you see so many people out, chatting while running,” he observes (see page 22).
Estelle Davies Homeopathy & Reiki Natural health and wellbeing for women and children
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Are you looking for gentle, natural, side-effect free solutions to maintain your health & wellbeing? Contact Estelle Davies to see how Homeopathy and Reiki can help you – free 15 minute telephone consultations on 07760168095 estelledavies25@gmail.com 27 HAVEN LANE, EALING LONDON W5 2HZ | 020 8997 1555 INFO@W5PHYSIO.CO.UK | @W5PHYSIO
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BUILDING COMMUNITY
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 21
Streetbank sharing
S
© Ann Schorr | Dreamstime Stock Photos
o you buy a ladder. And your neighbour buys a ladder. And your other neighbour buys a ladder. Until every house in the street has its own ladder, that gets used maybe twice a year. Waste of space, and waste of money. But not if you’re into community sharing the Streetbank way. Streetbank is a website for helping people find things and skills in their neighbourhood, while also building community spirit – as you get to know your neighbours (and what’s in their sheds). Set up as a not-for-profit in 2010 by West Londoner Sam Stephens, the website’s membership now has 23,000 active users, with about half of those in London. Joining is free. Tess Riley, one of the
five-strong team keeping Streetbank going, is marketing and communications manager. Tess says: “Ealing is one of our three key boroughs,” not least because she’s an Ealing girl herself. The other two boroughs spreading the Streetbank word are Camden, and Hammersmith and Fulham. “We think Ealing is a great family place, with so many people already active in the community, and interested in doing more: sharing baby stuff, gardening advice, cooking skills...” she adds. Because it’s not only things like hedge cutters and garden chairs and tents available to borrow, but users also have access to their neighbours’ skills, teaching and advice. “Maybe 20 per cent of the site is used for skills sharing,”
Streetbank founder Sam Stephens (bottom left) is sharing his garden spade.
says Tess. “And forty per cent for giving, and forty per cent for lending.” The Community Notice Board looks like a useful place to find out about local events too. I’m on Streetbank, by the way; I’m sharing my extra car seat. www.streetbank.com
Isn’t it time you discovered the benefits of membership of the Ealing Chamber of Commerce?
Join us for some early Christmas networking Festive Networking Reception Wednesday 4 December 2013, 6.00pm - 9.00pm Hotel Xanadu, 26-42 Bond St, London W5 5AA To book your place contact Donna Subero, Events Executive T: +44 (0)20 7556 2394 E: info@ealingchamber.org W: ealingchamber.org Tw: @ealingchamber Also connect with us on LinkedIn
Ealing Chamber of Commerce St Andrew’s Church Centre Mount Park Road Ealing London W5 2RS
Page 22 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
EALING BIZ
W5 Physio: 5 sets of safe hands
F
ive minutes after walking into W5 Physio on Haven Lane, the talk turns to cricket. Not surprisingly, as four of the world’s great cricketing nations are represented in the room.* Greg Bagley, the Australian, still plays, though not for any Ealing club. Stewart Ramsay is the England supporter, while Taryn Schutz sports the South African accent. The W5 Physio team of physiotherapists is completed by Vicky Carey and Sophie Cartlidge. “We called ourselves W5 Physio for a reason – and we like it here,” says Greg. “Haven * the fourth is the West Indian, me. [ed.]
Did you know Ealing has a
women’s
cricket team? CR
IC K ET CL U B
CR
IC K ET CL U B
OLD ACTONIANS LADIES CRICKET Join us for winter indoor games* (venue: Brentside High School Sports Hall) 8.30pm-9.30pm
Thu 14 Nov • Thu 28 Nov • Thu 12 Dec
Call 07960 392677 for details * Women only; beginners welcome
@OldAsLadies OLD As LADIES contact: Marilyn Smith
079 5837 1437 | oldactoniansladies@gmail.com
Old Actonians Sports Club
home ground: Gunnersbury Drive, off Pope’s Lane, Ealing W5 4LL
Discussing the treatment options available at W5 Physio (l-r): Stewart Ramsay, Greg Bagley and Taryn Schutz.
Lane is like a little village, all the businesses close by support and use one another every day.” Not only does W5 Physio provide “hands-on” treatment for conditions ranging from whiplash, to chronic back pain, to foot injuries, but healing aids such as acupuncture and custom tailored exercises. Recently Vicky Carey started running her “Fitback and Bumps” antenatal and postnatal pilates classes at W5 Physio, so women can exercise “with the confidence
that they’re in safe hands at this crucial time”. Upcoming plans at the practice include investment in an ultrasound machine: “In real time, it shows if there is a tear in the muscle,” Stewart explains. “Then we can use the machine to show how the treatment is working.” Greg and Stewart are also fundraising for the month of ‘Movember’ – last year they raised over £400. See W5 Physio’s ad, page 20
www.w5physio.co.uk
Trophies for the stars The BBC Sports Personality of the Year is always a closely guarded secret – especially around the Bullseye Print and Awards shop in Hanger Lane, because that’s where the names are engraved into the trophies. This Norbreck Parade branch of the shop has been running for the past seven years (there used to be six branches, including one in South Ealing). Bullseye’s head office in Slough handles printing onto t-shirts, banners, and flags. “I like to think we offer a good selection of trophies and awards,” says sales associate Nisha Sharma. “Whatever you order will be ready in a few days.”
(Above): Bullseye’s Nisha Sharma with one of the BBC awards.
She encourages clients to take advantage of coming into the shop: “If you just order from a catalogue or online, you can get let down. Come in and we’ll advise you.” Bullseye has produced awards for many of West London’s well known companies and sports clubs, including BT, GlaxoSmithKline, and Ealing Trailfinders. www.bullseyeuk.com
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 23
For the love of NLP Q&A
success in your role?” It wasn’t long before I enrolled on my first NLP course.
Helen Drake
Q: So what exactly is NLP and how is it useful? Well, sometimes NLP is referred to as an art and sometimes as a science. Both are true. Perhaps it’s the many applications of NLP that gives us a clue. NLP is often presented as offering invaluable intra and inter-personal communication tools. That’s certainly true. After all, who wouldn’t benefit from knowing how to manage crucial relationships, resolve conflict, and manage upwards – oh, and successfully return a loss-making company to profitability within 18 months? These are just a few of
Director of Training at Point Taken explains how Neuro Linguistic Programming works
A
lways being one to ask questions can lead us in interesting directions! Back in the 90s I was headhunted into a consultancy that had just lost over £1m. Outwardly keen to prove myself; and in a moment of haste, I offered to give the board a presentation on the way forward. Inwardly though, I was terrified. At the same time, a board director asked me “So, what do you need to be a
Contributed
Contactus Ealing
“It has so many useful applications” Helen Drake, Point Taken the infinite possibilities with experiential, ethical NLP. Interested? Come and find out more. See Helen’s ad, page 28
www.pointtaken.com
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Page 24 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
TECH HOMEBIZ
Do clients run away from your website?
W
hat’s wrong with my website – why isn’t it generating leads? And what’s a ‘bounce rate’ anyway? Karen Peters of Web User Design is good at finding out answers to these kinds of questions – and explaining them. “I’m not into building websites – what I do is test the ‘user design experience’ to find out what may be off-putting about a particular website,” says Karen. This is not to be confused with SEO either, although once a website’s failings are fixed, that can always help. “SEO drives people to your website; we figure out what happens when people get
there,” explains Karen. “What do you want your website to do,” is the first thing she checks. “To get viewers to sign up to a newsletter? To sell something? Or is it to showcase a product? “A website should be designed to guide visitors to that point.” Karen has a checklist to see what’s working – or not. Maybe the keywords aren’t attracting the right audience. Maybe it’s the wrong colour, giving an impression about gender or age. Or, most unadvisedly of all, there’s music on autoplay. Various website review options are available: from basic webpage review reports to full redesign consultation.
“We figure out what happens when people get to your website” Karen Peters, Web User Design Based in Berkshire, with over 15 years as a professional tester, consultation can be done face to face or by phone. See Karen’s ad, page 27 www.webuserdesign.com
Contact us EALING • iations • c o s s a s Trader orking groups • w ns t Ne nisatio s • a g r o s s club Busine Sports Tired of waiting for Contactus to come to you?
Then come to us!
Commission us to make a booklet all about your members Distribute at summer fetes, winter fairs, fun days, or just display in shops on your parade
Email info@contactusealing.co.uk for a quote
10% O F F
MAGAZINE COMMISSIONS: 10% off any booked in 2013
Do you have the right people in the right place, with the right skills, at the right time? Our services range from succession planning to assessing candidates for recruitment or promotion; to the design and delivery of individual and group development programmes; and to individual coaching at any stage of a career. Mention you saw us in ‘Contactus Ealing’ and receive a special gift at your first appointment
Discovering Talent, Building Teams, Unlocking Courage
NETWORKING AND TRAINING
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 25
SMALLBIZ SATURDAY (Above): Bold Club seminar participants; (right) club leader Reza Zolfagharifard addresses a meeting.
A Bold experience
W
hen I first joined Bold, of course I wanted to have Reza as my mentor (writes Carlene Bender). Reza Zolfagharifard, founder of the Bold Club, had a way with words that I enjoyed hearing. It fitted with the setting for biweekly meetings, the Grosvenor Hotel next to Victoria Station – itself an interesting change from the green calm of Ealing. But it wasn’t until my second meeting, a training seminar in partnership with the Fabulous Women networking group, that I could see how other Bold associates, coaches and mentors had plenty of their own experience to offer to the perspective of a small business. That daytime seminar, “Perfect your Pitch, Know your market & Create Partnership”, featured presentations from HR specialist Jo Langdale,
SoundBite was here West Ealing business owner Nigel Presky (left) of Express Print Ltd, with Ealing Tweetup organiser, PR guru Michael Greer at the SoundBite Festival’s Melbourne Avenue stage in September. It was the fourth staging of the free music and food festival. Contactus covers West Ealing: next issue.
technology expert Zoe Cunningham and relationship coach Andrew Chuks. They were met with a tidy but interactive audience, which included another Bold associate, Sofie Sandell, the author of the book “Digital Leadership”. I’m proud of my membership in local networking groups – Athena Ealing, Fabulous Women and the Ealing Chamber of Commerce, as I think it provides opportunities for ‘Contactus Ealing’ to spread the word about businesses to other businesses. My membership in Bold, however, helps me to frame my Ealing business in a wider London context, which is likely to help my business to grow – especially if I get a boost now and again from listening to Reza speak. See Reza’s ad on page 14 www.joinbold.com
What will your business be doing on Saturday 7 December? High street shops, as well as home-run businesses, are being encouraged to celebrate Small Business Saturday UK by getting into the festive spirit and launching special offers, providing free gift-wrapping services or setting up Christmas fairs. Supported by entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den TV star
James Caan, the Small Biz Sat UK campaign hopes to gather grassroots momentum and inject the ‘high’ back into the high street. Adopted by Chuka Umunna MP, shadow secretary for business, innovation and skills, the idea comes from a similar American initiative. Last year US shops clocked up $5.5bn (£3.5bn) in sales through such a promotion, with many customers sticking with the small stores for the long-term. Small and medium firms account for the lion’s share of private sector jobs, but get very little credit or recognition for their work, says the National Skills Academy for Retail, which helps shops meet their staff training needs. The retail sector is the UK’s biggest job provider, with more than 290,000 businesses employing over three million workers. As part of our own plans to support Small Business Saturday here at Contactus, we will retweet local business’ messages about the day, such as any special deals on offer. To support this shop local movement, tweet to us at @ContactusEaling, using the hashtag #EalingSmallBizSat. www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk. com @SmallBizSatUK
Page 26 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
Christmas shopping? This is by no means a complete list of all the Christmas fairs and markets in Ealing (imagine if we put all the schools ones in here!), but it’s a start: Sat 23 Nov
• 10.30am-1.30pm Ealing 135 Christmas Gift Fair St John’s Church, Mattock Lane • 7.30pm-10pm Ealing Mums in Business Northfields Christmas Night Market: Kingsdown Methodist Church, Northfield Avenue
Sun 24 Nov
• 12noon-3pm Hanwell Winter Fair, next to the Clock Tower, Uxbridge Road
Thu 28 Nov
• from 5.30pm Winter Wonderland in Northfields (shops stay open later on Northfield Avenue)
Sat 30 Nov
• 11am-3pm Foxy’s Craft Market The Fox Pub, Green Lane • 11am-4pm The Forester Craft Market Leighton Road (also on 14 Dec)
Thu 14 Nov-Tue 24 Dec
• The Ealing Christmas Market Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre
EALING HOMEBIZ
Those tiny pills of wellbeing
“H
omeopathy can be controversial since it’s difficult for people to get their heads around and the research evidence base is still growing,” says Estelle Davies.* “It works differently to conventional medicine by treating the person and cause of illness not just the symptoms. It’s a holisitic medicine which can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine.” However Estelle has experienced first-hand how homeopathy works – she credits it for helping her family with many health issues including her own recovery from life-threatening childbirth 12 years ago. As a result Estelle says: “I’m particularly interested in women and children’s health – especially hormonal conditions.” * Estelle recommends: www.homeopathy-soh.org
Estelle Davies: Also a qualified reiki practitioner
Now, qualified with a BSc 1st class honours degree from Middlesex University, and fully registered with the Society of Homeopaths, she wants to share her experience and knowledge. “People who come to me may have a preference for natural remedies (side-effect free) or can’t be helped conventionally,” explains Estelle, who has lived in the Pitshanger area for over 17 years. “We work on matching the individual’s holistic characteristic symptoms to the homeopathic remedy after a thorough one-hour consultation.” See Estelle’s ad, page 20 www.facebook.com/ EstelleDaviesHomeopathyReiki
Help that’s just right for your business
C
hiswick-based Clare Maberly set up her company, Prime Partnership UK, because she believes that at some point, businesses will need “the right people, in the right place with the right skills at the right time”, in order to truly bring their business plan to life. Clare’s company offers expertise through leadership development, HR support, and business coaching. “The greatest benefit to an
Clare Maberly: “We give feedback on communication skills and techniques.”
individual or sole trader would be for us to work together through a map of where they want to be, and then figure out
the steps to get them there,” says Clare. “They may be lacking in confidence, there may be things they need to practise, so we give feedback on communication skills and techniques for example.” As a chartered psychologist having worked with some bigname companies, Clare is now looking forward to applying her knowledge to SMEs. See Clare’s ad, page 24 www.primepartnershipuk.com
EALING HOMEBIZ
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 27
Create darkness when you need it
“It would always be a nightmare getting them to sleep” Anne Clay,
I
Lights Out Blinds
Contributed
Before (left) and after Lights Out
market. “That wasn’t easy,” Anne says quietly – but the South African native, living in Ealing since 1999, managed to recover from that setback. Now her product has found a steady market among shift workers, photographers, and hospitals, as well as poor exhausted mums on holiday. www.lightsoutblinds.com
Viva Videos specialises in web videos for small to medium sized businesses Contact Valerie: valerie@vivavideos.co.uk www.vivavideos.co.uk 020 8566 0738
‘Contactus Ealing’, and get £5 Mention £5 OFF a ‘love-in’ testimonial video O F F
Contributed
t was her own experience of going on holiday with children (into a different time zone) that inspired Anne Clay to create the product she named Lights Out Blinds. “My two boys are just like me – light sleepers, and when we went away it would always be a nightmare getting them to sleep if it was still light outside,” Anne explains. She was forever fiddling with bin liners, blankets and ill-fitting blackout blinds, trying to make the room dark enough. So she came up with her own portable, blackout blinds, and patented it in 2011, just as another big manufacturer brought a similar product to
Page 28 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
W5 CHARITY
Pitshanger playtime
C
ongratulations to Pitshanger Playcentre – named as ‘Netmums Favourite’ 2013. The kudos from the popular parenting website will be a boost for one of W5’s favourite places for pre-schoolers. Not that it needs much boosting anyway – the place is a much-loved institution. Marion Doheny has been running the group since 1995,
when her own daughter, Roisin, was four years old. Ealing Council had been planning to close the playcentre but the parents didn’t want to lose it. “So we took it over, Denise Wicksteed and myself, and kept it going,” Marion explains. Roisin is now 22 years old and helps her mum out in the playcentre – especially on the busier mornings, when there can be up to 20 children Lovely place for a birthday party: Pitshanger Playcentre’s outdoor toys include a sandpit and a bouncy castle in the summer. Contact 020 8998 1918. Follow on Twitter: @Pitshanger Playcentre
Marion Doheny (with three-year-old visitor Jennifer): “Parents say to me – ‘Thank God you’re here’.”
making use of the indoor creative area or grassy outdoor space (the playcentre is in an enclosed area of Pitshanger Park), or joining in the singing. As the playcentre is a registered charity, Marion is grateful for the funding they receive. “I’m proud of the community support,” she says. “From the parents, the businesses on Pitshanger Lane, and the Pitshanger Community Association. “It shows that we’re valued in the community.” www.facebook.com/ pitshanger
Are you ready for change? Would you like to create better results for yourself? Make 2014 your best year yet Come about find out more about our popular: • Training and Workshops for Individuals • Training and Consultancy for Organisations • One-to-One coaching
Courses now booking: • Discover NLP (1 day) November, January, March • INLPTA NLP Practitioner Training Modular (16 days) starts February 2014
Say you saw us in ‘Contactus Ealing’ and get 10% OFF your course fee Where Quality and Ethics in Training Matter
Call or email Helen Drake for more information: 020 8995 2864 helen@pointtaken.com
www.pointtaken.com
EALING HOMEBIZ
Contactus Ealing / December 2013 / Page 29
From TV marketing to graphic design
M
addie Cunnane remembers what it was like at university, studying graphic design before the current dependence on the Internet: “We used to do most of our research at the library,” says Maddie. “Before you start designing anything, you want an idea of the company, their style, and their competitors’ styles.” “Having their materials in front of you – brochures, annual reports, and press cuttings, provides a lot of inspiration.” Perhaps this explains why Maddie prefers designing for a print end-product, despite having worked in TV marketing for eight years earlier in her career. These days she specialises not only in business marketing materials, but society invitations: engagements, weddings, christenings. Her latest sideline is the
1. Lubricate moving parts Grab a can of WD40 and if you have it, attach the little red straw that comes with it. Now open your car doors and squirt the hinges. Don’t forget the boot and the bonnet, and give the bonnet latch a good going over too as this always sticks. Whilst you have the can at hand give all the wheel nuts a quick squirt to help remove all the salt and grit. This will stop the nuts seizing on.
Here are some of the networking groups and events in Ealing. Do you know of any to add to this list? Tweet me: @ContactusEaling • Ealing Chamber of Commerce Connect4Lunch Contact: Sandeep Grewal @EalingChamber
Look out for Maddie’s personalised prints stall at local craft fairs.
personalised print: stylised name-portraits in neat frames, ideal as presents for newlynamed babies, or as a fresh twist on the “family portrait”. Maddie splits her time between an in-house freelance post, her own graphic design service, and running a stall for her prints at any of the local Ealing craft markets. Her favourite clients are those who “realise the value of having a professional brand image, and understand what they need.” www.mlcdesign.co.uk
DIY winter car checks Mark Pearce of etyres.co.uk shares a few bits of cold weather car advice
WHERE TO NETWORK
2. Check your levels Whilst you have the bonnet up it is time to check a few levels – oil, anti-freeze and the washer bottle. Now is also the time to check the battery. 3. Look hard at your tyres Once you have ensured your car starts properly it is time to see if it can stop properly too. This means getting down and looking at the tyres. Check that you are running on safe and legal tyres. The legal limit is 1.6mm of tread. Then have a quick visual check of your tyre pressures. Happy winter motoring.
• Fabulous Women (Ealing) First Friday of every month Contact: Kirsten Brown @Fab_Women • Athena (Ealing) Network Third Tuesday of every month Contact: Jo Sumner @AthenaWLondon • The Best of Ealing Contact: Sue Riddiough @TheBestofEaling • 4N Ealing Business Breakfast Contact: Emma Renton @4N_Ealing • London Ealing Business Networking Business Biscotti @DTLondonEaling • Ealing Mums in Business Contact: Shelley Henderson or Erin Thomas-Wong @ealingmumsinbiz • Linked4Growth Contact Dipa Kotak @Dipakotak • Ealing Tweetup (27 Nov) Contact Michael Greer @MGreer_PR • BNI ISIS Every Friday at 6.45am till 8.45am At Ealing Golf Club, Perivale @BNI_ISIS_Ealing
What does £50 mean to your business? (a) dinner with a client? (b) a couple of networking or meetings? (c) spreading your message to thousands of potential customers? Choose (c), and advertise in ‘Contactus Ealing’ – the local Ealing business magazine.
Details on our website: contactusealing.co.uk
Page 30 / Contactus Ealing / December 2013
ESTHER NEEDLE
Blame it on the wash OK SO CALL ME A MUMPRENEUR with Esther Needle* *a W5 businessmum
“D
arling, as you’re at home today, would you mind throwing my football kit into the washing machine?” These were the 17 words that changed my life. At best I have a hate-hate relationship with the washing machine, and this is the point where it all started. It is as if being located in the home (I was at that time finishing up post-grad and working part-time, soon to be pregnant and married) “entitled” me to be burdened with the housework forever and ever.
And now this is what being a work-from-home mum aka mumpreneur is all about. Say what you like about equality in the home, the glass ceiling in the office, or the sexism in the street, this is what it comes down to: if you’re the one earning less money, you get to wash the socks. And because you’re stuck with the socks and their friends, you don’t have enough time to really build your business. This is where I get to say “oh but it’s all so fulfilling” and “I get to be in control of my destiny”. But, no. Let’s talk about this. Email me what you think: esther.needle@contactusealing. co.uk Parting shot: If you’re working from home, think about getting an office; it might help...
Here are some of the Fabulous Women (and Marvellous Men) who meet at the Ealing group... Carole Ann Rice
An inspiring and motivational business and life coach for over 10 years. (And Fabulous Women Ealing ambassador)
www.cleveracorn.com www.realcoachingco.com
Ian Gray
Hard water solutions.
07968 520962 www.limescaleproblem.com Motown Magic:
Shola Kaye
Fabulous Diana Ross tribute, Jazz Singer and Diva! Get your party started! 07734 963593 www.motownsinger.com
Natalie Gardiner Letterbox Lovers Leaflet Distribution
• door-to-door • business-to- business • hand-to-hand
07927 711600 www.letterboxlovers.com
Anne Clay
Upon completing the first year in business. Here’s to another. (with apologies to the poet e. kamau brathwaite)
Portable pop-up black out blinds: Keep Use checkout bedrooms dark code ECD20 and your kids at www. asleep... lightsoutblinds.com
07779 719076 for a 20% discount
Find out more at: www.fabulous-women.co.uk
Distributors Wanted Run your own business without the usual risks… and help people save money!
Come ‘netwin’ with us in Ealing
Kirsten Brown
Fabulous Women managing director:
• choose your own hours • full training and support • up-front bonuses We meet on the
• earnofaevery second income first Friday month, 10am-12noon, Earn • on-going commission • no stock to carry at DoubleTree by Hilton London-Ealing, a seco 2-8 Hanger Lane, Ealing Common, incom nd W5 3HN your e in FindLondon out more!
spar time e
Jose Rihan
Ambassador: Carole Ann Rice
07899 792778
“Fabulous Women is way more than a business community – it’s a support network.”
07919 577997 www.fabulous-women.co.uk
joserihan@uwclub.net moneyeveryday.co.uk
Do you want to start or grow a business? We can help.
Home Phone D13L
Mobile
Book your free 30 minute, no obligation consultation now. Call Glenda Shawley on 020 8991 2767 Internet
Gas
Electricity
www.thetrainingpack.co.uk
Jose Rihan
I can show you how to make great savings on all your household bills. Please get in touch – I’d be happy to explain the benefits available to you. 07899 792778
www.savingseveryday.co.uk
Angela Weyers
Emily Fawell
Looking good helps you to feel good and I would love to show you how to do it!
If you would like to find out how Nutritional Therapy can help you, please call for a FREE 15 minute consultation
07967 639347 www.4wellpeople.co.uk
Mark Pearce Tyres and batteries, free fitting at home or work More about Mark: http://tinyurl.com/ youtubeMarkPearce
0800 028 9000 | www.etyres.co.uk
020 8997 2123 www.mystylistlondon.com
Joy Webber
Groundbreaking Japanese technologies to improve sleep, reduce stress and promote vital wellness. Get in touch for a free trial session
07970 836937 www.joywebber.com
Cathie O’Dea
Isia Tlusty-Sheen
“Whatever your holiday needs, I’m here to help you.”
07912 889964 www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ cathie.odea
Chiswick Gems: “Made by me for you and only you.” Christmas shopping?
07873 137544 www.chiswickgems.co.uk
Juls Abernethy
Results guaranteed!
Weight Loss and Wellbeing Retreats for women who want to reboot their lifestyle
020 3701 1603 www.thebodyretreat.co.uk
Monica Castenetto
Life Change Coaching How ready are you? Take our free quiz and win yourself a prize! www.livealifeyoulove.co.uk/ how-ready-are-you
Jess Baker
MIMI. 100% Natural Skincare. In a Kit. Simple & fun to make at home. 020 8621 7575 www.facebook.com/ MimiSkincareKits
Carlene Bender
Editor-publisher of ‘Contactus Ealing’ – your local magazine all about shops and services in Ealing.
Contactus
EALING 07960 392677 www.contactusealing.co.uk
If you’re a Fabulous Woman/Marvellous Man and would like to appear in this ad in the March issue of ‘Contactus Ealing’, please email carlene@contactusealing.co.uk: £20/slot
From March 2014, look out for ‘Ealing Homebiz’ as a supplement inside your ‘Contactus Ealing’
us Contact EALING Local business magazine
– now incorporating {
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Ealing Homebiz
Published both online and in print
Celebrating and promoting Ealing’s shops and services
4 issues a year Focus on biz in W5, W7 and W13
Contact us to find out more: call Carlene: 07960 392677 Twitter: @ContactusEaling Facebook: contactusealinghomebiz Email: info@contactusealing.co.uk Website: www.contactusealing.co.uk
Our ‘roving’ schedule for 2014: These are the areas we highlight over the coming year: March: West Ealing June: Ealing Broadway September: South Ealing December: To be confirmed (Pitshanger and/or Perivale) *PLUS: ‘Contactus Chiswick’ Christmas special* If you’d like to advertise to any of these areas, please enquire about our new rate card.
Be the first to know when the next edition is out: sign up to our monthly e-alerts on contactusealing.co.uk