inSW1 Magazine - issue 5

www.inSW1.com

Clearing Olympic hurdles

Countown to 2012: How local companies are preparing for the biggest show in town P4

Calling all foodies

A taste of what's on the menu as the London Restaurant Festival comes to town P8

All change The revitalisation of Victoria is well underway P12

Snap happy Enter our Sharp Eye photography competition P27

Working together to create a destination of choice for business

FREE

Issue-5  |  Summer / Autumn-2011

highlights

Editorial © Published by Victoria Business Improvement District 8a Lower Belgrave Street, SW1W 0LJ Tel 020 3004 0786

Editor-in-Chief: Ruth Duston Editor: Paul Vater paul.vater@inSW1.com Design: www.sugarfreedesign.co.uk Print: Napier Jones Advertising: Sugarfree 020 7619 7430 Photography: Dominick Tyler, Richard Lewisohn and Paul Barratt.

Cover image: Mark Wood, Restaurant Director of the Grand Imperial, Grosvenor Hotel © Dominick Tyler

The Board Mike Noakes (Chairman), Victoria BID Mike has a long association with Victoria, having either worked or travelled through the area for most of his working life.

Trained as a civil engineer specialising in the planning and development of major transport infrastructure, he is passionate that major gateways such as Victoria should provide positive support and serve the businesses, residents and visitors who use them for commercial, retail and tourist activity.

Ruth Duston (Chief Executive), Victoria BID Mantej Notay, Boots UK Martin Kelly, Capita Lovejoy Claudia Binkert, EDF Trading David Morgan-Hewitt, The Goring Hotel Nigel Hughes, Grosvenor Michael O’Brien, Hesperia London Victoria Antony Smith, House of Fraser Gary Merrick, John Lewis Colette O’Shea, Land Securities Matt Broom, Marks & Spencer Calum Forbes, Microsoft Andrew Williams, Network Rail Paul Green, Sainsbury’s Andrew Mills, Victoria Palace Theatre Ramesh Costa, Victoria Park Plaza Nic Harper, Wetherspoons OBSERVERS Alistair Lawson, British Transport Police Craig Haslam, Metropolitan Police Service Mick Clarke, The Passage John McNultey, TfL Canon Tuckwell, Westminster Cathedral Mike Fairmaner, Westminster City Council

Sign-posting the way to 2012 and beyond We are less than a year away from the launch of celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and Paralympic Games of 2012. There are some challenges ahead but there are also many opportunities and the BID is determined to signpost these and make sure local businesses are ready to face these challenges and reap the benefits that these international events promise to bring to Victoria and the wider SW1 area.

One of our key projects in which we have invested a great deal of time and part-funded is the Legible London signage scheme. There are 30 new signs due to appear on our street by the end of September and October. To prepare for the influx of visitors we have recruited five new street Ambassadors to help visitors navigate their way around the area.

Of course, this is tempered by the knowledge that there is a fair bit of disruption being caused right now both above and below ground which does impact on the area and the people who work, live and visit here. The redevelopment of the underground transport system at Victoria is coupled with ongoing refurbishments of both existing properties as well as new building projects along Victoria Street and into Buckingham Gate. The BID is making strenuous efforts to mitigate this disruption by making regular representations on behalf of local businesses with land owners, developers and construction companies alike.

We are making sure that the voice of local business, through the BID, is heard loud and clear as these projects move forward to what businesses recognise will be a positive outcome.

It is recognised that these are much needed improvements, bringing new jobs, better transport facilities, new business opportunities as well as enhancements to the public realm. However, we are also keenly aware of the need to ensure that business is disrupted as little as possible and that the visitor experience to and from Victoria, whether for business or pleasure, is the least disruptive and incident free.

We welcome your comments on the impact any of these works may be having on your business activities. Please see the articles on pages 12 to 15 of this issue to see what schemes are planned and how you can stay informed. Join our e-newsletter service and twitter account to receive regular updates to stay connected. Leave a comment on our Travel Forum on our website under the “Working” section. We will always do our best to help keep you informed in making this the safest, greenest and most pleasurable area to base your business, to work in, visit and enjoy.

This magazine can only cover a few activities we are engaged with on behalf of local businesses. You will find much more by visiting www.inSW1.com – you’ll find much to support your business and make any visit to Victoria a successful one.

Ruth Duston, Chief Executive of Victoria Business Improvement District (BID)

Contributors Simone Kane, Freelance travel writer During her 20-year career, Simone has worked for many national consumer titles.

Chris Kilvington, Freelance writer Chris has written on topics from solar panelling to sheds for a variety of organisations, including the NHS, Energy Saving Trust, universities and councils.

Kate Simon, Travel Editor, The Independent on Sunday Kate is a top UK travel journalist, with 25 years experience on national newspapers and magazines. magazine are not The opinions expressed in necessarily those of the Victoria BID. All rights reserved and reproduction without written permission from Victoria BID is strictly prohibited. Although every care is taken of manuscripts, photographs and artwork submitted, neither Sugarfree nor Victoria BID can be held responsible for any loss or damage, however caused.

www.inSW1.com

News in Brief Integrated Habitats Design Competition 2011 The award ceremony for this competition – with Victoria BID as its principal sponsor – is to be held on Tuesday 18 October 2011 at Museum of London.

The IHDC 2011 has had 47 entries, twice as many as 2010's competition. An exhibition of winners and finalists will accompany the awards ceremony. For more information, visit www.inSW1.com/ Clean-Green-5632.html.

Victoria BID finalist in Royal Town & Planning Institute Awards 2011 Victoria BID has been shortlisted for its Greening for Growth report conducted by Land Use Consultants

and the Green Roof Consultancy. All award-winners will be presented at a ceremony in February 2012.

Please contact Scott Nixon on 020 3004 0786 or by email scott.nixon@inSW1.com. For more information visit www.inSW1.com/ Clean-Green-5632.html New series of security-related Met police events announced: Griffin events – designed for all business staff – are NaTSCO accredited and cover all issues relating to counter-terrorism.

All Griffin events are free of charge and will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Buckingham Gate. They start at 9.30am for registration and will conclude at 3pm (light lunch/ refreshments included).

Griffin event: Monday 3 Oct

Argus events Argus events are strategic exercises designed for staff with managerial responsibility covering business continuity and resilience, with a counter-terrorism focus. At the Crown Plaza Hotel, 9.30am until 2pm.

Argus event: Monday 17 October (light lunch/refreshments included).

Fraud prevention This event will highlight all types of fraud that are likely to affect businesses and staff and will take place at the Grosvenor Hotel, Buckingham Palace Road, Monday 14 November, 9.30am to 3pm.

For more details and to book a place on one of our security-related events, contact Karl Rogers 020 3004 0788 or email karl.rogers@inSW1.com.

3

PREPARING FOR 2012

Clearing those Olympic hurdles London 2012 is well and truly under starter’s orders and the Games are now just 10 months away. CHRIS KILVINGTON speaks to representatives of companies in SW1 to find out more about the preparations they are making to ensure business continuity.

H

ow will we make certain that business operations enjoy a smooth ride through the Olympics and Paralympics, which set off on 27 July 2012? Inflated visitor numbers, travel difficulties for staff and restrictions on deliveries and collections: these were some of the considerations at the BID’s first Olympic Business Continuity networking event on 29 June, run in partnership with Westminster City Council and the Olympics organising committee, and hosted by Land Securities.

Sixty-five local representatives joined the group – and because of that positive turnout, the BID team will be running similar events every quarter – with the next two taking place in September and October.

“We were surprised about estimated visitor numbers to London 2012,” says Simon Leech, Estate Manager for Land Securities.

“Where the Games affect us as a company is in facilitation for our clients and making sure they are prepared. The assumption was that there would be little disruption, but we’re talking about thousands of extra journeys every day. Now those expectations are being communicated to people, they can start to think about it.”

Land Securities Estate Manager, Sharon Lawrence, concurs: “We will engage in

4

careful planning with all of our service partners to ensure the service at Cardinal Place is maintained for the benefit of all our customers, in addition to the extra visitors we expect. Key services, such as cleaning and security, need to be assessed. But, with a higher percentage of visitors, we may need to consider actually increasing on-site staff for the period.

“What came out of the breakfast surprised a few of the retailers present – in particular, the planning around deliveries.

I think they will be one of our key targets in terms of assistance.”

“Key services, such as cleaning and security, need to be assessed.

But, with a higher percentage of visitors, we may need to consider actually increasing on-site staff for the period.”

Representatives of businesses that worked through the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games were interviewed in a recent article for business daily City Am. Michael Davis, of public relations company Reputations, confirmed that two major challenges were transportation and workforce management.

“Supply-chain disruptions were also a reality,” added Paul Fletcher, Managing Partner of Deloitte in Vancouver. “Businesses had to reassess their supply chain in order to get their products to market or receive goods, as transportation to and from the city – as well as within it – operated under different scenarios.”

Commenting on next year, a local Security and Risk Manager, who attended the June workshop, says: “London is used to events and disruptions, and our businesses are often resilient, but the Olympics is a much larger and more demanding event than we’re used to. There is likely to be an increased demand on power supply; transportation and supply chain disruptions; and increased demand on other public resources and services, including the emergency services – all of which impact on staff and the operational functionality of businesses. Added to this is an increase in the threat profile associated with such events and an expected increase in the demand

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

© Dominick Tyler

OPPOSITE PAGE The Olympic 2012 Games countdown clock on Trafalgar Square (Olympic countdown on left and Paralympic countdown on right), which is a five- to 10-minute walk from the centre of Victoria.

for consumer goods while supply may be restricted.”

“I think there needs to be more guidance on immediate response in emergency situations,” he says about future workshops, “because business continuity is only one aspect of crisis management, and life and safety comes above all else. What the Victoria BID and Westminster Council are doing is good, though, and businesses are starting to realise the impact. Where the BID really works is in bringing people together.”

“The briefing was an eye-opener for me,” comments Noreen Cesario, SW1 resident, Principal at marketing and communications

www.inSW1.com

company Market Accents and member of Westminster Small and Minority Business Council. “It was delivered by a member of the organising committee and it did convey the extent of the logistics involved. I don’t think all businesses have registered the impact this will have on their operations – especially the smaller, niche retail shops and services based in and around the BID zone.”

“I suppose, at some level, I was already thinking about next year, but I hadn’t started planning. I am now. Remote working is one option, but, as a services supplier, my business does rely on some face-to-face communication. Also, if the

THIS PAGE (top) Commuters arriving at Victoria will find the station much more congested on certain days throughout the 100plus-day period covering the DiamondJubileee, Olympic and then Paralympic Games. (above, far left) Noreen Cesario lives and works in the SW1 area and attended the Olympic Business Continuity event in June, 2011. (above left) The Victoria BID's Street Ambassador offer assistance to visitors to Victoria and offer an extra level of assurance to the travelling public as they navigate their way around the SW1 area.

5

PREPARING FOR 2012

communications infrastructure doesn’t deal with the increase in usage, then working remotely is no solution at all.”

“On a personal level, there’s the added stress of living in the area. Restrictions in movement are going to be the worst thing of all. I’m still unsure whether we’ll suddenly find ourselves hemmed in, unable to get in or out.”

“We are lucky in lots of respects,” says Michael Parker, General Manager at the Grosvenor Hotel. “We’re a 24-hour business, so most of our deliveries happen between 5am and 7am, and our staff mainly come in early or later in the day, avoiding peak travel hours. We will, however, be avoiding internal meetings where we can. There’s a lot of common sense involved in the planning, really. If people don’t need to be around, they won’t be.”

“We’re in the early stages of communication with the London 2012 team,” he adds. “Someone is coming in to chat to us next week. They have been very proactive with us.”

Of course, there are huge opportunities

for businesses next year. A recent report by Visa predicts that the UK will benefit from a record-breaking consumer spend of £750 million during the seven-week period of Olympics and Paralympics, and a sustained stimulus worth a total of £5.1 billion to the UK economy by 2015.

“The most important lasting benefit for most participating businesses in the Vancouver Games was the networking connections it brought about,” said Deloitte’s Paul Fletcher. “A common theme was local businesses getting the opportunity to work on the international stage.”

If you have more than 200 staff located at any one site in Victoria, you may be eligible for free assistance from a dedicated 2012 advisor. Find out more at www.london2012. com/business-network, where you can also download a selection of free tools to help create an action plan.

The next BID workshops are on 12 October. There are more opportunities listed at http://www.insw1.com/Business-Events-Networking-6848.html

(left) Various part of the Grosvenor Hotel have benefited from a multimillion-pound refurbishment. Here you can see the improvements to one of its key restaurants, the Grand Imperial as well as many of its rooms. This has been undertaken in readiness, in large part, for the influx of visitors due to the 2012 Games and beyond. As has been the case in previous Olympic cities, hospitality businesses across Victoria can expect to benefit not only during ‘Games time’ but from the long term legacy this world wide coverage will give to London and its tourist trade. (above) Michael Parker, General Manager at The Grosvenor Hotel, has overseen the refurbishments, which are nearing completion.

For more about how the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games may affect your business and to find out about future BID networking events, visit our website www.inSW1.com or contact Zoe Collins on 0203 004 0792 or zoe.collins@inSW1.com

6

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

Drawing Inspiration The London Design Festival, the city-wide celebration of international design talent, takes place from 17-25 September. Now in its ninth year, it’s a platform for more than 250 events – most of which are free. inSW1 finds out what’s on.

T

he Victoria & Albert Museum, in South Kensington, will once again be playing host to the Design Festival this year.

However, there will be events taking place all over the capital – including hub destinations, where a range of activities can be sampled without having to stray too far. Within easy reach of SW1, for example, the Brompton Design District and Pimlico Road are planning a mixture of interior and designled installations, while thepimlicoroad.com promises its own events.

Particular to SW1, 1508 London's Great Room Gallery in Howick Place is hosting two events. The first showcasing work by multi-disciplinary designers Lazerian, from 17 to 23 September and the second featuring luxury interiors brand Spina, from 28 to 29 September. Robbie Spina and Joe Zito – are recognised for reviving the ancient craft of ‘passementerie’, the creation of elaborate trimmings for clothing and furnishings – hence the title ‘Tassels, 10 years on’.

Chelsea Space, part of the Chelsea College of Art and Design, on John Islip Street, features ‘Ideal Home’ from 20 September to 22 October. The show takes its inspiration from an Omega Workshop rug, designed for the 1913 Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition, and includes Gerrit Rietveld’s iconic ‘Red and Blue Chair’, Damien Hirst’s ‘Home Sweet Home’ ashtray and other contributions from collections, college archives and graduates.

On 22 September, chief designer of Jacob Jensen Design ,Timothy Jacob Jensen, will speak at the Royal Danish Embassy, Sloane Street. Best-known for design collaborations with electronics brands such as Bang & Olufsen, the topic will be the global appeal of Scandinavian design.

www.inSW1.com

‘Tramshed’ made its debut at last year’s festival and returns from 22 to 25 September in the art-deco-inspired Lawrence Hall of the Royal Horticultural Society building.

The focal point of the exhibition will be an exploration of materials in contemporary design, and this will be surrounded by a diverse group of exhibitors known for their vibrancy and innovation. They also plan a series of thought-provoking design debates called ‘Tramshed Live’.

Products created by Victoria-based Fine Cell Work will appear in Tom Dixon’s Global Industry event at The Dock, Ladbroke Grove, from 20 to 26 September. Fine Cell Work is a social enterprise that trains prisoners in paid, skilled creative needlework. At the event you can grab ‘SWAG’ bags and finely embroidered cushions featuring song lyrics from musicians such as Johnny Cash and Seasick Steve.

Within walking distance from SW1, 100% Design, at Earl’s Court from 22 to 25 September, will be a cornerstone commercial show with more than 400 exhibitors and an emerging talent showcase, ‘100% Futures’.

Decorex, the UK’s most established design and interiors show, runs in the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 25 to 28 September. And, Jaime Hayón returns with a debut bathroom collection for luxury Italian brand Bisazza Bagno, at their flagship store in Sloane Avenue.

At the Victoria & Albert Museum, ‘Timber Wave’ will be a must-see installation. Amanda Levete Architects and Arup present their 12-metre spiral wave, constructed from red oak, at the museum’s grand entrance from 17 September to 15 October. The London-based architects recently won an international competition to

build an extension to the V&A. Costing £35 million, it will be the biggest new art space in London since the development of Tate Modern, drawing people in from Exhibition Road, through a colonnade, into a public courtyard and down into the galleries.

Also at the V&A, on 20 September, UK Trade and Investment is involved in an international business seminar series aimed at UK design businesses that want to develop their export potential. On 17 and 25 September, the museum will run its first London Design Festival Google Design Lectures, which will be a unique chance to experience some of the UK’s most talented designers and design thinkers at work.

"This year, the key word on everyone's lips is growth,” said chairman of the festival, Sir John Sorrell. “With a £60-billion creative industries sector that employs more than two million people and produces nearly six per cent of GDP, the government has identified our creative industries sector as crucial to growth.

"This year, the London Design Festival will promote design not only as absolutely central to society and to culture, but also to the economy, to growth and to the future".

The London Design Medal is awarded at St Paul’s Cathedral on September 19.

Previous winners include Victoria-based designer Marc Newson. (above) Stitcher at work; Life by Emily Peacock (Fine Cell Work)

Find out more about the festival at www.londondesignfestival.com

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LONDON RESTauRANT FESTIVAL

Mise en Place

The tables are laid for the capital’s number one celebration of food and dining out – the London Restaurant Festival, which runs for two weeks between 3 and 17 October. The festival is run from its offices in Elizabeth Street, Belgravia, right in the heart of SW1.

We sent CHRIS KILVINGTON out and about to get a taste of what’s on the menu.

“O

ne of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating,” said Luciano Pavarotti in a book about his life. Of course, he’s right, and the London Restaurant Festival is all the encouragement food lovers need to devote some attention to the capital’s finest cooking, with good-value set menus popping up at a wide range of restaurants – from high-profile Michelin-starred outlets to popular neighbourhood bistros.

The two-week festival was launched in 2009 by renowned restaurant critic Fay Maschler and business partner and festival director, Simon Davis. Specially created set lunches and dinners will be priced between £10 and £25. Pre-organised festival events are also on the menu, plus a handful of ‘side order’ happenings, set up by restaurants and suppliers.

“We really wanted to throw the spotlight on London’s extraordinary restaurant scene,” said Simon Davis, when asked about the inspiration for the festival, “and to celebrate the diverse range of cuisines available in the capital by serving up a wideranging schedule of original and inspiring events. We wanted it to be a festival that entertained and gave sustenance to thousands of visitors, while supporting the restaurant industry and encouraging people to try out new places.”

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The flip side of people trying out new restaurants is the fact that the festival in turn raises the profile of the participating restaurants, increasing the number of covers and convincing diners to return for seconds at a later date. In 2009, 450 restaurants took part and 10,000 festival menus were booked.

While in 2010 those figures rose to 600 restaurants and 30,000 covers. Alongside new partner Livebookings, the team hopes that more than 800 restaurants will be on board by October this year.

“We ran a menu for 2010,” says Kate Cargill of Bank Restaurant and Bar, on Buckingham Gate, SW1, “and it was really successful for us because we attracted new people in, allowing us to break some of the perceptions people might have had of Bank.

They could see first-hand that we’re not overly expensive – that we offer something for everyone.”

The Gourmet Odyssey and Big Debate Part of a stuffed programme of festival events, The Gourmet Odyssey is a series of afternoon food tours, where eating three courses means visiting three top restaurants.

On Gourmet Odyssey Belgravia, guests start with a Champagne reception at the Met Bar; then it’s on board an old-style Routemaster bus for a starter at SW1’s award-winning Thai restaurant, Nahm, a main course at two-Michelin-starred Hibiscus, and dessert

at authentic Italian Theo Randall at The Intercontinental. Tickets for Gourmet Odyssey tours are priced from £110.

The Big Debate returns to Kings Place, King’s Cross, with a suitably controversial motion – namely, ‘there’s no such a thing as ethnic food’. The debate will be chaired by broadcaster Kirsty Young. In favour of the motion are journalist AA Gill and cultural commentator Jonathan Meades. Opposing are chef and television personality Clarissa Dixon-Wright and writer Hardeep Singh Kohli, who will be defending food and wine with unique regional identity and the right of producers to hold onto titles such as ParmigianoReggiano, Stilton and Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb.

Tickets for the Big Debate cost £22.50 per person, and the Rotunda Restaurant will

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

INTERVIEW

OPPOSITE PAGE (bottom) Clarissa Dixon-Wright.

THIS PAGE (left) Simon Davis, director and co-founder of the London Restaurant Festival.

by restaurants at reasonable prices. Restaurants also notice an increase in their customer return rate. Other local businesses – including theatres, bars and shopping destinations – also benefit from the London Restaurant Festival as people ‘make a day of it’, taking advantage of dining out at top London restaurants while visiting other destinations.

Will there be a mix of restaurants taking part in the menus of the festival – a choice of different cuisines and prices?

Restaurants from across London have signed up to offer a variety of our favourite cuisines. Diners can choose from twocourse or three-course set menus, with prices starting from just £10. To find a particular cuisine or restaurant by postcode see: www.londonrestaurantfestival.com/festival-menu/

inSW1 Magazine interviews Simon Davis, director of the London Restaurant Festival.

In a nutshell, what’s the festival all about?

Now in its third year, the London Restaurant Festival (3-17 October) serves up a schedule of extraordinary events – to suit everyone’s tastes and budgets – and celebrates the diverse range of cuisines available in the capital.

How, where and why were you inspired to start the festival in 2009?

Myself and the other founder – my business partner and friend, Fay Maschler – wanted to create a festival with a wide-ranging schedule of original and inspiring events that throws the spotlight on London’s extraordinary restaurant scene. It’s a festival that entertains and gives sustenance to thousands of visitors to the capital, while supporting the restaurant industry and encouraging people to try out new places.

How have London restaurants benefited since the beginning? And, do you think more people eating out benefits other business sectors, too?

During the two-week festival restaurants receive an increase in footfall as local residents, tourists and foodies from across the country take advantage of the special festival menus created

What can we expect from the events at this year’s festival?

We have created a range of fun events and chef collaborations – highlights include: The Gourmet Odyssey Experience top London restaurants all in one afternoon, with a Champagne reception followed by a three-course meal – each at a different restaurant with a private bus to take you to each destination. Prices start from £110 per person.

Pop-Up in the Sky The world’s first six-Michelin-star dinner will be served up on the London Eye. From £12,500 per person.

The Big Debate This is our annual debate and this year’s motion – ‘There Is No Such Thing As Ethnic Food’ – is subjected to a flame-grilling.

The speakers are AA Gill, Jonathan Meades, Clarissa DicksonWright, Hardeep Singh, chaired by Kirsty Young. Tickets are priced at £22.50 per person.

Are you still looking for restaurants to take part in the festival and, if so, what should they do?

Restaurants can join any time until 2 October. They can do so by visiting: www.livebookings.net/LRF/register-restaurant.

Simply complete the short entry form and your restaurant will be registered and listed on the website. The restaurant will be registered under name, cuisine type, postcode and price range.

To find out about other events, visit our website. www.londonrestaurantfestival.com/events-menu/ www.inSW1.com

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d

s s

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LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL

The exposure to the market will be great for us. We’re a neighbourhood restaurant at heart, but it would be fantastic to gain coverage across London. offer a special festival menu, priced £20, after the debate.

Joining the festival in SW1 As we go to press, there is a little more information from some of the restaurants taking part in the Victoria. St Ermin’s Hotel, on Caxton Street, is offering a lunch menu priced at £20 per person. “We’re a new restaurant, so we haven’t taken part in the festival before,” says sales manager Gemma Wren. “The exposure to the market will be great for us. We’re a neighbourhood restaurant at heart, but it would be fantastic to gain coverage across London.”

The Caxton Grill, at St Ermin’s, is also producing a menu for the festival: a £15 set lunch of confit breast of lamb with pea puree, polenta crisps and char-grilled baby gem; and a dessert of vanilla panacotta with an orange and lavender compote.

Bank Restaurant and Bar, on Buckingham Gate, is offering a two-course taster menu that shows off their house style, described as ‘European with hints of Indian influence’. Two-courses will be £15 per person.

There will be more information as the Festival nears its launch so keep checking our website or sign up to our twitter announcements for updates. The listings (right) are the restaurants participating in the festival so far.

Festival menus and reservations go live on their website in September at www.londonrestaurantfestival.com, and restaurants can join the festival until the 2 October at www.livebookings.net/LRF/ register-restaurant.

We have compiled a list of other restaurants in the SW1 area taking part in the London Restaurant Festival 2011.

Apsleys, a Heinz Beck Restaurant

The Lanesborough Hotel Hyde Park Corner London, SW1X 7TA T 020 7259 5599 lanesborough.com

Bank Westminster

45 Buckingham Gate London, SW1E 6BS T 0207 630 6644 bankrestaurants.com

The Lyttelton

16-17 St James's Place London, SW1A 1NJ T 020 7493 0111 thelyttelton.com

Mimosa Bar & Restaurant

21 Lowndes Street Knightsbridge, SW1X 9ES T 020 7858 7223 jumeirah.com

Mu Restaurant

Millennium Knightsbridge BBar & Restaurant 43 Buckingham Palace Road Hotel, 17 Sloane Street London, SW1X 9NU Victoria, SW1W 0PP T 020 7235 4377 T 020 7958 7000 bbarlondon.com

millenniumhotels.co.uk

The Botanist

Nahm

7-12 Sloane Square London, SW1W 8EE T 020 7730 0077

The Halkin Halkin Street, SW1X 7DJ T 020 7333 1234

The Brasserie at The Grosvenor

One-O-One

thebotanistonsloanesquare.com halkin.como.bz

101 Buckingham Palace Rd London, SW1W 0SJ T 087 1376 9038

Sheraton Park Tower 101 Knightsbridge London, SW1X 7RN T 020 7290 7101

thegrosvenorbrasserie.com

oneoonerestaurant.com

Caxton Grill

One Twenty One Two

2 Caxton Street Westminster, SW1H 0QW T 0800 652 1498

2 Whitehall Court London, SW1A 2EJ T 020 7451 9333

caxtongrill.co.uk

guoman.com

Grand Imperial London

The Orange

101 Buckingham Palace Rd London, SW1W 0SJ T 020 7821 8898 grandimperiallondon.com

Ishbilia Restaurant

9 William Street London, SW1X9HL T 020 7235 7788

37 Pimlico Road London, SW1W 8NE T 020 7881 9844 theorange.co.uk

The Pantechnicon

10 Motcomb St, SW1X 8LA T 020 7730 6074

Petrus

1 Kinnerton St Knightsbridge, SW1X 8EA T 020 7592 1609 gordonramsay.com

The Rib Room

Cadogan Place, SW1X 9PY T 020 7858 7250 jumeirah.com

Roux at Parliament Square

RICS Parliament Square London, SW1P 3AD T 020 7334 3737

rouxatparliamentsquare.co.uk

The Rubens at the Palace

39 Buckingham Palace Rd London, SW1W 0PS T 020 7834 6600 rubenshotel.com

Seven Park Place

by William Drabble

7 Park Place St James's, SW1A 1LS

stjamesclubandhotel.co.uk

Thai Square

21-24 Cockspur St Trafalgar Sq, SW1Y 5BL T 020 7839 4000 thaisquare.net

The Thomas Cubitt

44 Elizabeth Street Belgravia, SW1W 9PA T 020 7730 6060 thethomascubitt.co.uk

Zizzi - Victoria

Unit 15 Cardinal Walk Victoria, London, SW1E 5JE T 020 7821 0402 zizzi.co.uk

thepantechnicon.com

ishbilia.com

10

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

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liz@westminsterartisans.co.uk Every Monday to to Saturday Saturday www.westminsterartisans.co.uk Every Monday Every Monday to Saturday Contact/feedback: Liz 07867 803081

www.westminsterartisans.co.uk

liz@westminsterartisans.co.uk www.westminsterartisans.co.uk www.westminsterartisans.co.uk Contact/feedback: Liz 07867 803081

Contact/feedback:Liz Liz07867 07867803081 803081 Contact/feedback: liz@westminsterartisans.co.uk liz@westminsterartisans.co.uk liz@westminsterartisans.co.uk

www.inSW1.com

@Tachbrookstreet 11

schedule for redevelopments in SW1

Revitalizing Victoria We look at some of the major redevelopment projects that are currently underway and highlight some future local schemes, as our vibrant business district is renewed.

123 Victoria Street

Kingsgate House 66 Victoria Street

Built in the 1970s, 123 Victoria Street (left, top) is currently being refurbished by developer Land Securities. The works include the replacement of all glazing, a new roof and roof terraces as well as a full interior fit-out and improvements to the neighbouring public spaces.

The final scheme will include a mix of retail and office occupiers.

Land Securities plan to demolish Kingsgate House (left, position 3) and build a new development, subject to planning permission.

If successful, the new development will include 203,000 sq ft of office space, groundlevel shops and restaurants as well as 102 residential apartments as part of the mix.

Estimated completion date: Winter 2015 Size: 341,000 sq ft

Estimated completion date: Summer 2012 Size: 231,000 sq ft

Victoria Circle, SW1

62 Buckingham Gate & 54/60 Victoria Street (formerly Selborne House) Now under construction, 62 Buckingham Gate (left, position 2) is a major new development at the junction of Victoria Street and Buckingham Gate. There will be a 13-storey prism-like structure that will include 253,000 square feet of office space, with retail units on ground level.

A new canopied pedestrian area will connect the surrounding streetscape and provide space for pavement cafés and outdoor public seating. The plan is for the final building to have a retail and office mix in terms of its new occupants.

Estimated completion dates: Phase 1 – 2016 / Phase 2 – 2018 Size: 880,490 sq ft

Estimated completion date: Early 2013 Size: 268,970 sq ft

2011 Key Developments

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2012

2013 123 Victoria Street

Work on Victoria’s largest development will begin in 2012. There will be six new buildings, including a 20-storey mixeduse tower. Victoria Circle (left, bottom) will include new office and residential accommodation, a four-storey public library and extensive retail accommodation, as well as shops, restaurants and cafés. Two levels below ground will accommodate car parking, cycle spaces, a gym, energy centre and loading facilities.

Running alongside the VSU upgrade and Crossrail 2, this will create clearer pedestrian routes and enhanced public spaces.

2014 62 Buckingham Gate

2015 Kingsgate House

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

The following are either already begun or due to start over the next six to eight years, with planned improvements to existing buildings as well as transport hubs: Portland House (see "F" below) At 101 metres high, Portland House is Victoria’s tallest building and home to a large number of offices. Land Securities is looking to refurbish the post-war building – originally built in the 1960s – after 2015. It will remain as office accommodation.

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One Howick Place (see "I" below) Terrace Hill and joint venture partners Doughty Hanson are proposing to develop BU CK building, with 6 upper storeys for an 8 storey PA INGH CE AM floors of high quality private offices andLAtwo residential apartments above. The scheme willQalso include an affordable housing block.

UE GAThe E LLE NSbuilding work began in February RY 2011 and is due for completion in Autumn 2012. It will comprise 8 floors of which 139,000sq ft will be office space. 23 private residential units and 10 affordable homes.

Victoria Coach Terminal (see "H" below) Originally built in 1932 (with an expansion into Eccleston Place at the beginning of the 1980’s), Victoria Coach Terminal serves around 12 million passengers every year.

TfL and Grosvenor have been reviewing options to developMRthe OY site A EW L S that any since 2005, however it is unlikely LOW ER

Victoria Station Overground (VSO) (see "G" below) One of London’s most important transport hubs, Victoria Overground Station, has been earmarked by Network Rail for development in the future.

Proposals will aim to relieve concourse

Victoria BID area

comprehensive redevelopment will take place in the near future.

congestion, improve the operation of the station and ensure sustainable development above and around the station. Any work taking place will be phased across locations in the station and will take into account the Grade II listing of the station building.

For more information, please contact Rozanne Shipman, Stakeholder Engagement Officer at Victoria BID on 020 3004 0789 or rozanne.shipman@inSW1.com

2016

2017

Portland House Victoria Circle Phase I www.inSW1.com

2018 Victoria Circle Phase II

2019 VSU Upgrade

VSO & VCT 13

TRAVEL NEWS

Keeping Victoria moving along inSW1 Magazine reports on improvements to Victoria's travel network and looks at ways of making journeys to and from the area as trouble-free as possible. Legible London street signage is being installed now and is set to make a big difference. ork is underway to deliver major improvements at Victoria Station Underground (VSU) delivering a 50% increase in its capacity. There will be an additional new ticket hall (North) whilst the existing Victoria line ticket hall will double in size (there will then be 3 ticket halls in total). Seven lifts will be installed, allowing step-free access throughout the station.

Improvements are due to be completed by 2018, and will include:

• A new underground North ticket hall at the junction of Bressenden Place and Victoria Street with an entrance at street level making a total of 3 ticket halls • Enlargement of the existing Victoria line ticket hall (South ticket hall) • Nine new escalators • A new interchange tunnel connecting the two ticket halls • New lifts providing step-free access between street, ticket hall and Victoria line platform levels • New lifts providing interchange between the Victoria line and District and Circle line platforms • Improved access and new lifts between the National Rail and Tube platforms The upgrade will bring fewer delays, reduced congestion, step-free access and quicker journeys. However, there are currently delays to travel times. We have launched a Travel Forum on www.inSW1.com where you can share your experience of travelling through Victoria (both positive and negative). We will forward them to TfL and contractors carrying out the works. We will then publish their responses on the forum.

There are changes to bus routes, some traffic restrictions and alternative pedestrian routes already and we will circulate up to date information via our website.

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© TfL

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Victoria Station

Here, the new ticket hall areas, escalators and passageways that will be built are displayed in dark green

Cardinal Place

As many will have already noticed, Wilton Road, north of Neathouse Place, is closed to all general traffic except buses, licensed taxis and bicycles. General traffic is being diverted along Bridge Place, Eccleston Bridge and Buckingham Palace Road. This route avoids the Congestion Charging Zone.

Deliveries to business in this area are affected. Vehicles of more than 18 tonnes should use alternative routes due to the weight restriction on Eccleston Bridge.

Vehicles of more than 18 tonnes, and under 4.4m high, should use Grosvenor Road.

If you drive along Wilton Road, you may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice of £130 (reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days).

Buying your travel tickets Commuters can top up and purchase Oyster cards at other outlets in the area and avoid queues in the ticket halls: at the TfL Travel Centre opposite platform 8 in the National Rail station entrance; National Rail ticket office and ticket machines in the mainline station; online at TfL.gov.uk/oyster; and from other nearby Oyster ticket stops: – Victoria News, 19a Terminus Place – A M 2 PM Britannia Food & Wine, 83 Buckingham Palace Road.

– Desai Newsagents, 25 Grosvenor Gardens – London Food & Wine, 300 Vauxhall Bridge Road .

– Victoria News, 115 Buckingham Palace Rd.

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

Walking Routes Walking across the SW1 area and the crossings for pedestrian on various routes will be affected in phases throughout this period. We will keep this information up to date on our website at www.inSW1.com.

the West End or City. Mainline stations at Charing Cross, Euston, King’s Cross, Marylebone, Paddington and Waterloo can be reached directly.

Bus services From late 2011 there will be changes to some bus routes in the Victoria area.

Please visit www.TfL.gov.uk/vsu to view information about changes to local travel, or use TfL’s Journey Planner tool, available at www.TfL.gov.uk to help you plan your route as usual. © TfL

Legible London This new street signage system is financed by the Victoria BID and will be installed at 30 locations across SW1 during September/ October 2011. We have been working with Westminster City Council and TfL to remove old signage and clutter to create a cleaner, less congested streetscape. The mapping (right) that forms the heart of this new system is designed to encourage us all to walk more within the SW1 neighbourhood rather than hop on and off the tube or buses for what are often short distances.

For example, Pimlico station is less than eight minutes' walk from Victoria station, while St James’s Park station is five minutes' away. Hyde Park Corner station (Piccadilly Line) is approximately 10 minutes via Buckingham Palace Road and Grosvenor Place. Just as near is Green Park – a pleasant walk through St James’s.

Here are some suggestions if you are undertaking journeys further afield. London overground services between West Croydon and Dalston Junction provide Underground connections at Canada Water and Whitechapel for journeys to the West End and City, as well as Highbury & Islington for easy interchange with Victoria line services to King’s Cross St Pancras and Euston.

Travelling from Gatwick Airport, Brighton or the Croydon area: Thameslink services serve tube connections at London Bridge, Elephant & Castle, Farringdon and

King’s Cross St Pancras and direct services to Gatwick and Luton Airports. For Stansted Airport, change at King’s Cross St Pancras and take the Victoria line to Tottenham Hale for the Stansted Express.

Travelling to The O2 or Wembley: use rail services to London Bridge and change for the Jubilee line direct to North Greenwich (O2), or Wembley Park for Wembley Stadium and Arena.

Via London Bridge or Elephant & Castle: use rail services to London Bridge or Elephant & Castle and pick up the tube to

The mapping that forms the heart of this new system is designed to encourage us all to walk more within the SW1 neighbourhood rather than hop on and off the tube or buses for what are often short distances.

Transport for London (TfL) TRAVEL FORUM www.inSW1.com/travel-forum/travel-forum-6434.html

TRANSPORT UPGRADES www.inSW1.com/Transport-Upgrades-5548.html

www.inSW1.com

www.TfL.gov.uk www.TfL.gov.uk/tickets www.TfL.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/2359.aspx www. TfL.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/ stationsandinterchanges/5140.aspx www.TfL.gov.uk/vsu

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PROFILE

Victoria’s latest arrival Just five weeks into his new role as station manager at London Victoria, DAVE CHEWTER speaks to inSW1 Magazine about his career, who inspired him in business and his vision for the future.

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s you are new to the BID, what are your first impressions?

My first impressions are good. I’m pleased the BID exists, because some stations don’t have that kind of entity. From what I can see, the stakeholders are working well together – not just for themselves, but for the area as a whole – which is a good way to focus ourselves. In my experience, that’s unusual and I think it’s very positive.

Where has your career taken you over the years? I started my career on a management graduate scheme with Network Rail in 2005. Since then, I have been a Shift Station Manager at Liverpool Street, a Location Operations Manager for a team of signallers and response staff on the North London Line, and I worked at the signalling centre at Liverpool Street.

The last two roles were about managing the day-to-day running of the railway. Now I’m back in the station environment, with more emphasis on customers.

Who has been your biggest influence in business, and why? In my first year at Network Rail, I was privileged to work with lots of people and learn lots of different practices, but I’d say my dad has been the biggest influence on me. He runs his own business and involved me from an early age.

I learned from him how to get the best out of your resources, something that has stood me in good stead. His is a horticultural business, so it’s a bit different, but the principles of how to manage people and

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get the best out of them are the same.

What was his best piece of advice?

‘There is no harm in trying to negotiate’ – that was drummed into me, and it stands true. With any agreement, there’s always room for negotiation.

What is the best business lesson you have ever learnt?

When I started to manage people, I was surprised how motivations differ from person to person. If a team is going to be successful, I believe you need to understand what motivates each member of that team.

In some respects, you could relate that to what the BID is doing.

Yes. I might have my own goals as a station manager, but I really need to know and understand what motivates other stakeholders in the area.

Has anything happened at Victoria Station that sums up your daily work the best?

No, I wouldn’t say so. Because it’s a complex operational environment; the role is so diverse. A train station is like a big shopping centre – with trains in it. Every day is different, and the contact with people makes it so varied.

What do you prefer: tie or opennecked shirt?

In a customer environment, I think a tie is important.

Can you name one thing that you would like to achieve in your current role?

I’d like to deliver a world-class station environment and improve customers’ perception of the station. Improving information is one thing the company is working on across the board – improving information for customers ahead of disruption and during disruption.

We live in an age where information is key. People are more accepting when they have the information to hand. Not having information is frustrating.

What about the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012?

We have a draft plan in place already and we are working with lots of stakeholders on that. The Games are an exciting opportunity for London to show what it has to offer.

There will be a lot of people coming through Victoria who won’t know the area, so our relationship with them will be even more important. We need to consider the whole experience of any person travelling into London. I want people to remember the Olympics for good reasons.

Do you have a motto for life in business?

Not really. Though, in every role it’s important to understand the needs of your customers and staff. That’s important everywhere, because if you don’t know that, you won’t deliver what needs to be delivered – just what you think needs to be delivered.

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

CLEAN AND GREEN

A root cause analysis The Victoria BID is taking part in a flagship green fact-finding initiative called i-Tree Eco, which will measure the structure of SW1’s tree and shrub population and estimate the extent to which our ‘urban forest’ benefits the local ecosystem.

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he advantages of trees are widely recognised in our modern-day urban environment, in that they have a positive influence on biodiversity, human health and wellbeing; they clean and cool the air, remove and store carbon, and help to minimise surface water flooding. There is a gap in our knowledge, though. While many studies have been able to assess the qualitative environmental values of our ‘natural capital’ – by listing the animals and plants found, and describing the network of systems (water, air and nutrients) that provide the underlying function – it has been difficult to quantify the benefits.

The i-Tree Eco project will make the most of an American software package called i-Tree, created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, the part of the US government responsible for managing public lands in national forests and grasslands.

Since its launch in 2006, the software has allowed local communities, non-profit organisations, consultants, volunteers and students to generate tangible data on how trees improve environmental quality and community liveability, as well as to inform the way tree populations are managed.

Back in Victoria, the project will create an inventory of the tree population across the business improvement district and provide values on pollution removal, carbon storage and structural values. Subsequent field measurements and desktop research will then explore different tree clusters and the impact they have on temperature reduction, managing flooding and storm water, and even reducing hospital admissions due to pollution filtration.

Make a PACT on carbon Another new programme, called PACT, is encouraging companies to help their employees monitor their personal carbon footprints. The BID is hoping to introduce this as part of a partnership initiative with Washington DC BID in 2011.

PACT is a unique – and different personal carbon trading programme that helps people to track the carbon emissions from their personal travel and home energy consumption. It is a voluntary scheme – very much aimed at making sustainable living

The [i-Tree] software has allowed local communities … to generate tangible data on how trees improve environmental quality and community liveability...

interesting and positive. Staff members who sign up receive practical ideas on sustainable living, track their emissions online every quarter and aim to hit a carbon target. At the end of the year, if staff meet the target, then they receive a bonus – either in their salary or donated by their company to a charity. they are under the set carbon allowance they receive a bonus. If they are over – and very few are, apparently – they pay a small amount back into the scheme, up to a maximum of £100.

The PACT initiative was awarded a ‘Big Tick’ by Business in the Community (www. bitc.org.uk) in 2009 and the Corenet award for Innovation won the 2010 Acquisitions Monthly Environmental Advisor Award.

Its creator, WSP Environment and Energy, suggests the programme is a good way for companies to demonstrate green thinking and to give employees a framework that sheds light on their environmental impact. Last year, volunteers reduced their carbon footprint by an average of 10 per cent. Feedback also suggested that individuals became more conscious of their carbon usage and, as a result, started to modify their behaviour. WSP Environment and Energy is looking for more organisations to join their ‘Pioneer Club’, which will trial a wider extension of the scheme, as well as share best practice.

We are currently assessing the feasibility of introducing PACT as part of a new membership initiative promoting the benefits of the green agenda to companies based in the BID area. We are keen to ensure resource efficiency, focused very much on sustained growth and profitability at the same time. We hope to launch this BID resource efficiency initiative in the autumn of 2011. More details of our work within the green agenda can be found at: www.inSW1. com/Clean--Green-5632.html

For more about our partnership work with Downtown Washington DC BID visit our website To read out about i-Tree software visit www.itreetools.org. www.inSW1.com

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SAFE AND SECURE

Keeping in step, together on the beat CHRIS KILVINGTON spends an afternoon with Sergeant Andy Kermack of the British Transport Police and Sergeant Sean Doyle of the Metropolitan Police in a bid to uncover more about their joint operations as a Victoria Hub Team.

I

find the door to British Transport Police Hub (BTP) HQ wedged into the side of Victoria Station, behind a thick layer of renovation boards. Sergeant Andy Kermack meets me and we climb the stairs to their offices, which overlook a line of platforms on the concourse. It’s early afternoon and clear that the day has already been very busy – the London riots happened two weeks ago and shift patterns are still very much affected.

“The key thing we provide is safety for the travelling public,” says Sergeant Kermack. “Victoria Station is a big interlink for the country and there are lots of vulnerable people passing through – people who might be carrying valuable goods. This is a large business community, so it does attract people who take advantage of that.”

While his radio buzzes by his right

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shoulder, he speaks about the team’s theftreduction programme for retailers, referring to their radio link system, which is funded by the Victoria BID’s Safer Business Team.

“The idea is for non-emergency crime to

“Victoria station is a big interlink for the country and there are lots of vulnerable people passing through. This is a large business community, so it does attract people who take advantage of that.”

be called through – it’s only a two-minute run for us to anywhere in the station, so we can attend quickly. The system allows us to share live information with businesses, but also with the MET team.”

A broadcast comes through on the sergeant’s handset. “Excuse me,” he says, listening in. Two minutes later, with an apology, he is whisked downstairs on duty business.

I catch up with the Met’s Sergeant Sean Doyle and members of his team outside Victoria Coach Station, a quick walk across the train station concourse. Standing on the curb of a busy Buckingham Palace Road, he tells me that their operations are bringing in crime reductions month-on-month. In July alone, theft was down 23 per cent.

“We run two joint operations with the transport police every month and four high-profile ones a year, all with the consent of local businesses,” he says. “As a team, our main ethos is to stop crime before it happens, because that means we don’t get a victim. There are always disputes, but we can often prevent things becoming a disorder.”

We walk into the coach station and over to European departures, where the sergeant points out the queues of people. “There are always a lot of people on this side,” he says watchfully, as we stand by the Euroline desk. “Travelling by coach is a lot cheaper than travelling by train; and if you consider you can pick up a ticket to Europe without having to give your name... in comparison, you know there will be lots of checks when you come through an airport.”

“We deploy uniformed and plain-clothed officers. If we are watching someone, we might place a uniformed officer in that area to see how that person reacts. Police

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

Community Support Officers (PCSOs) also engage with people regularly, advising them how to go safely on their journey – whether it’s someone sleeping with their bag on display or travelling in and out of the station.”

Following an update on his radio, we walk at pace to the other side of the station. There, two PCSOs have stopped a lady with a stolen handbag – a 79-yearold regular, apparently – and the sergeant looks a little disappointed that there isn’t something more interesting to show.

“Sometimes there’s a perception of why you’re stopping someone,” he says, “but bag thieves come in all shapes and sizes.”

Stepping away, we speak about preplanning for larger events. “We have V Festival this weekend, which means an increase of 2,500 or so passengers. Next weekend it’s the Notting Hill Carnival and we’ll have a search regime and metal detection around the arrivals area of the station to prevent violent crime travelling over there. Planned events require bigger resources and different time scales.” After a pause, he adds: “There’s phenomenal stuff going on for the Olympics.”

I ask the sergeant about less predictable events like the riots in London. “That was

“That [the recent riots in London] was about public reassurance… We had hundreds of officers in Victoria and put everyone in uniform. In those situations, you can’t beat face-to-face interaction and a uniformed presence.” about public reassurance,” he says. “We were popping our heads round the doors and letting the locals know it was business as usual. We had hundreds of officers in Victoria and put everyone in uniform. In those situations, you can’t beat face-to-face interaction and a uniformed presence.”

“Let’s go up to Terminus Place,” he says, and halfway up Buckingham Palace Road the sergeant tells me about ‘VOLT’, which stands for ‘victim, offender, location, time’.

By targeting those four elements, he says, they can reduce crime and make Victoria safer. Further up the road, he jokes about how often he is asked for directions to the coach station. “That’s the other side of our job. We advise people on everything from hostels to fish and chips. I just happen to know a really good fish and chip shop.”

At Terminus Place, we meet two more

members of the team. PC Harvey has been speaking to the Victoria Ambassador outside the station and he tells me how well the different teams work together. “One of our PCSOs heard a domestic incident out here recently and the BTP were already there when we arrived. Terminus Place is technically our jurisdiction, but rather than take over, we took a statement from the Victoria Ambassador, who saw the incident.

I’ve just been over to say thanks. Her help deserves praise – it’s public-spirited and she saved a lady from being beaten up.”

I’m wrapping up for the afternoon and, as I fit my pad and pen into my bag, a vaguely confused-looking lady wanders over clutching an unfolded map of Central London. Sergeant Doyle and PC Harvey both smile to me as they step in to help and offer her directions.

Find out more about the Victoria BID Hub Team by visiting our website

www.inSW1.com

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VICtoria employment charter

A win-win solution to boost the local Economy The Victoria BID has supported businesses through its dedicated employment services team since November 2010. Zoe Collins, the BID's Economic Development Officer, explains how the Victoria Employment Charter's streamlined service saves time and money for local enterprises and invites more businesses to take up this uninque offer.

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he Victoria Employment Charter endeavours to identify the right candidates for jobs from within the Westminster area. While one of its greatest advantages is that it’s a free service for the local business community, the charter also brings wider benefits – such as the advocation of social corporate responsibility, which contributes to the wider connections between the business and resident communities in the borough.

“We are pleased with the outcome so far,” says Alison Turner, personnel officer at the Royal Household, “it has proved a positive step forward in terms of increasing the accessibility of our summer opportunities, improving the diversity of our staff and employing people in the local area. We look forward to working with Victoria BID again next season, which is likely to be very busy and an exciting time to work for the Royal Household with the coming of the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games.”

To date, Victoria BID’s specialist employment team has worked with more than 20 other high-profile businesses in the area, including Marks & Spencer, Boots, Rubens Hotel, Guoman and Thistle Group, Alandale group of companies – as well as with the BID itself, recruiting for its street ambassador team.

A representative from Guoman and Thistle accepts their Victoria BID Employment Charter certificate from Lorna Newbury, from the Victoria BID Recruitment Team.

Tej Notay (left), of Boots Victoria, chats with Rozanne Shipman, Stakeholder Engagement Officer at Victoria BID, (centre) and David Miller of The Welcome People.

As Christmas approaches and preparations begin for the series of major events that will take place in and around SW1 in the next 18 months, it is anticipated that the charter will be well placed to support local businesses with their recruitment needs.

Tej Notay, general manager for Boots Victoria says: “Here at Boots, we really value having the bespoke screening service that the BID is able to provide. It’s so beneficial to have team members from the local area, as this keeps travel time to a minimum and we receive local knowledge first hand. Working with VBID makes this possible and it’s a ‘win-win’ for everyone.”

For candidates interested in the construction sector, there are also training opportunities available through Land Securities’ Employment Strategy. With the support of Alandale and funding from Lambeth College, it offers additional opportunities for local people entering the job market for the first time, as well as those re-entering. For Land Securities' this scheme is about investment in the local area – “not just in buildings, but in well-integrated and lasting employment, education and skills opportunities”, which will have long-term benefits for the prosperity of SW1.

“... it has proved a positive step forward in terms of increasing the accessibility of our summer opportunities, improving the diversity of our staff and employing people in the local area. We look forward to working with the Victoria BID again next season, which is likely to be very busy and an exciting time to work for the Royal Household with the coming Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games.”

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Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Volunteering in SW1

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ince Victoria BID launched in 2010, volunteering and supporting the work of local charities has been a key feature in its work with Victoria’s business community. Now the BID has launched a web page dedicated to making volunteering opportunities in the area easier to find and to help create more connections between local businesses, charities, groups and organisations within its neighbourhoods.

The BID is encouraging people to get involved – from individuals working in the area who can spare an hour a week, to teams of people who want to do something big in the community. The opportunities for volunteers are regularly updated and constantly expanding. And, if your business has something in mind, the BID can help identify a project to match the time, skills and capacity your company can offer.

One of the most exciting recent opportunities announced by the BID is its collaboration with Whizz Kidz, to create Victoria’s own marathon team. Alongside all the support and benefits participants will receive by running for Whizz Kidz, the BID will provide additional training sessions and advice on fundraising and to getting through those final miles.

“We are very excited to be working with Victoria BID,” says Diana Langford of Whizz Kidz. “As our head office is based in Victoria we are keen to facilitate the coming together of local businesses to support the work Whizz Kidz does for children with disabilities.”

Other volunteering options include mentoring young people, becoming a Special Constable for the Victoria area, offering training interviews for those getting back into work, restoring heritage sites in SW1 and enhancing local biodiversity by hosting a bee hive or chick-hatching in the office.

For further details or to get involved, contact Zoe Collins on 0203 004 0792 or zoe.collins@inSW1.com. Also, look out for our volunteer road show – coming to an office near you soon!

www.inSW1.com

Each quarter we will be profiling some of Victoria’s best and most interesting businesses.

Below are short profiles of the latest three – full interviews are available at www.inSW1.com JULY La Bottega For a taste of Italy in SW1, look no further than La Bottega, an Italian delicatessen located on Eccleston Street. You will be made to feel at home in this family-run deli, which is ideal for foodies and coffee-lovers alike.

AUGUST The City Barn Having opened in Victoria just four months ago, this quirky new shop is already making its mark by reinventing the concept of the pet shop. Pop in for organic foods and nature-inspired gifts and treats for your four-legged companion.

SEPTEMBER The Hair Shop & Boutique Beauty Salon The Hair Shop is a well-established local hair and beauty salon that has been offering cutting, styling and pampering services in Victoria for more than a decade. Make the most of what’s on offer here and take advantage of its special promotions, including 50% off your first hair cut and 40% off your first beauty treatment.

Look out for our new window stickers.

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Past, present, future

History in the making Victoria will be looking to its past during the coming months – from exploring its architecture during the Open House London weekend, to the heritage refurbishments at one of its major hotels. CHRIS KILVINGTON takes a peek at what's coming up.

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ascinated by the hidden stories of our buildings and their architecture?

Then Open House London – from 17-18 September –is a unique opportunity to get under the skin of some of the capital’s most iconic structures. More than 700 properties will throw open their doors to the public over the two days, with a number of free events, including walks, cycle tours, architecture talks and debates.

Two ‘History of Victoria’ tours will hit the road over the weekend. The first, on Saturday 17 September, explores the district’s past, with an opportunity to look around the Grade II-listed Victoria Palace Theatre, which celebrates its centenary this year. While on Sunday 18 September, a second tour delves deeper into the area’s history – from its origins as muddy swamps

to the 21st century. Learn about the local beer industry, links to the suffragette movement and the slave trade.

“We include more about the art and architecture of Victoria over Open House Weekend,” says walking tour guide Alan MacDougall. “But there are lots of other stories to tell. Cardinal Place, for instance, was just a river and a muddy field in the 1600s. It became the site of a tea room, then a brewery; and it was the perfect site because it could take full advantage of the running water, which was a really clean source at the time. The water was so good, in fact, that it supplied one of the brewery's closest neighbours – Buckingham Palace, or Buckingham House, as it then was.”

Download the Open House London guide at www.openhouselondon.org.uk

The Grosvenor polishes up its past Refurbishment work is well underway at The Grosvenor Hotel, to the north side of Victoria mainline station. The property will soon join SW1’s The Royal Horseguards as part of the London collection of Guoman Hotels. The group is investing more than £18 million to transform the 357-bedroom property, restoring its heritage features and restyling bedrooms, public areas, restaurants and bars. Work is scheduled to complete before the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The hotel will launch its high-end, authentic Cantonese restaurant, The Grand Imperial, in late autumn. In an attempt to woo the business traveller, two VIP tower suites will be created, featuring self22

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

See page 27 for a chance to win a signed copy of René Dee's new book.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2-5 May 2012

© Richard Cook

contained executive areas and views over the city. The Guoman Club Lounge will offer an exclusive space for corporate guests.

If the focus in mid-September is the history of buildings, then railway hotels such as The Grosvenor – which were wonders of the high Victorian age – have their tales to tell. The properties sprung up in the mid-19th century, as the railway networks expanded and rival companies commissioned them as lavish showpieces – somewhere impressive for their customers lay their heads at London termini.

Unusually, The Grosvenor of the 1860s, wasn’t commissioned by a railway company.

Designed by JT Knowles, in an Italianate style with a French Renaissance roof, the hotel was privately built and acquired by the railway company in 1900.

It was not the first hotel of its kind – having been preceded by those at King’s Cross and Paddington – but it was one of the earliest examples and arguably among the grandest in its the time. It was a technical forerunner, too, as the first London hotel to install lifts powered by water pressure.

Another significant set of buildings in the area are the Royal Horticultural Halls.

René Dee, a former managing director, has written a comprehensive and fascinating history of the non-horticultural events held in its 2 significant Halls since they opened back in1904 and 1928 respectively.

Sweet Peas, Suffragettes and Showmen: events that changed the world in the RHS Halls is published by Phillimore.

A fully illustrated journey through a diverse mix of more than 7,000 historically, politically, socially and culturally important events that mirrored life and its continuous change in London and Great Britain through the last 10 decades.

We highly recommend that you look out for this new book, we have seen a preview at inSW1 Magazine and are really thrilled to be able to offer 5 copies to our readership who can answer a relatively simple question in return. Each book is signed by the author. If you are a real history buff will find this book an invaluable guide to not only the heritage of Victoria and SW1 but of Britain itself.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee falls in 2012, marking 60 years of her reign as the Head of the Commonwealth.

Our present queen is only the second monarch in British history to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee, after Queen Victoria in 1896, and next year’s celebrations will be focused around an extended bank holiday weekend from 2-5 May. The late May bank holiday has been moved to Monday 4 June and an additional bank holiday has been added on Tuesday 5 June.

Buckingham Palace is co-ordinating a programme of events, including a ‘Big Jubilee Lunch’, a Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames, a concert at Buckingham Palace and the lighting of beacons around the UK. The Royal Collection will also put on a programme of exhibitions at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh, and touring five touring venues around the country. www.direct.gov.uk/diamondjubilee

OPPOSITE PAGE (far left) A statue of prima ballerina Anna Pavlova adorns the top of the Victoria Palace Theatre, which will feature in the Victoria BID's Open House Weekend season of walks. (centre) The memorial to the Suffragette movement, Christchurch Gardens, Victoria. (left) The Grosvenor Hotel, as seen from Buckingham Palace Road.

THIS PAGE (above) The Art Deco interior of one of the RHS Halls, Vincent Square.

For more on upcoming events in SW1

www.inSW1.com

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WORLD TRAVEL MARKET

Contemplating new horizons The World Travel Market exhibition comes to Excel London in November and, with the 2012 Games approaching, it will focus on creating opportunities in the sports tourism market. CHRIS KILVINGTON previews a major event in the business travel calendar.

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very November around 48,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and press representatives land at Excel in London Docklands to network, conduct business and discuss the latest industry opinion and trends. Now in its 32nd year, World Travel Market has become a leading global business-to-business exhibition for the travel industry – and according to independent research, last year’s event generated a massive £1,425 million worth of travel and tourism industry deals.

This year, WTM runs from 7 to 11 November and with London 2012 on the horizon, it will pay particular attention to opportunities in the sports tourism market. The event will also shine a light on the emerging ‘BRIC economies’, with its first ever headline session on the travel and tourism potential of Brazil, Russia, India and China.

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According to the WTM Industry Report 2010 – which polled 1,300 WTM exhibitors and buyers, as well as 1,000 UK holidaymakers – almost half the industry sees the BRIC economies as one of the primary growth opportunities in the next five years.

Approximately 200 tourism ministers will also join a United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) summit on 8 November. The main focus will be how the travel and tourism sector can prosper following the global downturn, specifically looking at the actions and principles that might consolidate recovery. Senior industry executives and ministers will consider the impact of increased taxation in European tourism, the effects of developments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions, technology and new booking patterns, and how

the private and public sectors might work better together.

Speaking to one representative of the business-to-business travel sector in SW1, the global downturn is clearly not hitting all markets right now. “We’re buoyant at the moment,” says Richard Turpin, sales director of Victoria-based Grosvenor Travel Management, whose customers, in terms of turnover, are split as 90 per cent business and 10 per cent leisure. “We’ve had the busiest August in our history. Our existing customer

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

Now in its 32nd year, World Travel Market has become a leading global business-to-business exhibition for the travel industry. base is travelling regularly and we picked up some new customers last year, who are starting to come through for us now.

“I can only speak for our company, of course. We do a lot of work in the security and financial sectors, and 99 per cent of our clients are based in Central London.

Maybe it’s our customer mix that’s doing particularly well, because they have been very active during the summer months.

They might be adjusting to the current global mayhem – I know people who have come back from a holiday to take a business trip, just to go back out on holiday again afterwards. They’re certainly not resting on their laurels.”

To read more about WTM 2011, to register your attendance, or to find out more about The Meridian Club – World Travel Market’s global business network – visit www.wtmlondon.com

Cubitt House & Eaton Square Concerts are proud to present

A charity concert by the King's Singers in aid of Kidscape, sponsored by Cubitt House Thursday 13th October at 7:30pm* St. Peter's Church, Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9AL *Drinks & Canapes from 6:30pm, plus, entry to a raffle and live auction.

Tickets £50 All profits will be donated to the Kidscape Charity Tickets will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

To book your tickets: www.eatonsquareconcerts.org.uk 020 8144 3656

cubitthouse.co.uk www.inSW1.com

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EVENT LISTINGS – September to November 2011

What’s on in SW1 Business Events & Networking London 2012: Keep on Running Wednesday 12 Oct 9am–11am & 2pm –4pm With less than a year to go until the Games, it’s time to make sure your business is fully prepared. Contact Zoe Collins on 020 3004 0792 or email zoe.collins@inSW1.com. For more information, visit www.inSW1.com/ Business-Networking-6848.html

Negotiating styles at work FOR PAs and EAs Thursday 22 Sept, 5.15pm There will be complimentary drinks and canapés in The Grosvenor Hotel’s newly opened Réunion Cocktail Bar (above), as well as a bite-sized presentation from Alison Gibson of Teamworks around negotiating with ‘difficult’ people, stress management and work-life balance. Contact Zoe Collins - as above.

Exhibitions

Walking Tours Style in SW1: Fashion & Design Monday 19- Friday 23 September A series of Victoria BID tours and events showcasing SW1’s creative businesses, to coincide with London Design Festival 2011 and London Fashion Week. Join an expert team of fashion and design industry insiders from custom-design experience company Urban Gentry London and national charity Living Streets, who will guide you and your colleagues and friends around one of the most fascinating creative destinations in London.

Design on your doorstep Monday 19 September 12pm-1.30pm

London Design Festival Wednesday 21 September 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Insider fashion tour Monday 19 Sept, 11.30am-1.30pm Wednesday 21 Sept,11.30am-1.30pm Thursday 22 Sept, 5.30-7pm Get to grips with Autumn/Winter 2011–2012’s key looks and fashion trends. See what's hot this season for the professional woman’s wardrobe, according to Emily Rusby, a fashion stylist and respected blogger.

'Glad Eye' (an Adelie penguin) November - March 1911, was used to advertise Ponting's lectures in Britain following his return. Terra Nova, Cape Evans (above right), January 1911.

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This competition gives participants the chance to display their teamwork and, of course, great voices. You will have five weeks from 1 September to organise your staff choir (10 25 members), receive some FREE professional coaching to prepare for the competition, which is scheduled for Thursday 13 October, 5.30pm-7pm. The winning choir will perform at the Victoria Christmas in Harmony concert later this year. Enter your choir at: www.inSW1.com/ Last-Choir-Standing-6897.html

Jacki Lang, design journalist and curator, will be the expert taking you on a 90-minute tour of SW1’s destination design and interiors galleries and dealer spaces.

1508 London's The Great Room Gallery, at 7 Howick Place, showcases work by designers Lazerian and luxury brand Spina. Robbie Spina and Joe Zito are recognised for reviving the ancient craft of ‘passementerie’. Lazerian from 17-23 September and Spina,‘Tassels, 10 years on’, 28-29 September 2011.

To mark the centenary of Captain Scott's expedition to the South Pole, the Royal Collection brings together a collection of the photographs presented to King George V by the official photographers from Scott’s expedition of 1910-13 and Ernest Shackleton’s expedition in 1914-16. To find out more or book tickets visit www.royalcollection.org.uk

Last Choir Standing: call for participating choirs Thursday 1 September to Thursday 13 October 2011

Thursday 22 September 12pm-1.30pm & 5.30-7pm

London Design Festival 2011 Saturday 17 to Thursday 29 September

The Heart of the Great Alone: Scott, Shackleton and Antarctic Photography The Queen’s Gallery 21 October 2011 – 15 April 2012

Events

Tachbrook Street Market & Pimlico People FREE walks Wednesday 21 September, 5.30pm-6.30pm Friday 23 Sept 12pm-1pm Learn about the lives and work of some of the actors, artists, designers and writers associated with this fascinating area. On the Friday walk only you will receive a £3 voucher to use when you buy a delicious lunch from a market trader of your choice. Places are limited to 15 on each walk. Contact Rozanne on 020 3004 0789 or rozanne.shipman@inSW1.com. Or visit www. inSW1.com/Walking-Tours-5546.html

Inchbald School of Design based in Eccleston Square is celebrating its 50th anniversary and will be hosting a lecture at the V&A, inviting former students Henrietta SpencerChurchill and Luciano Giubbilei to talk about classicism across the interior and garden design disciplines. A free event but places are limited, so booking is essential. It will be held in the Hochhauser Auditorium in the Sackler Centre of the V&A Museum. Tickets are available via the V&A website.

For more information, visit www.inSW1.com/ Events-5541.html

Westminster Arts Exhibition: Seeking submissions The Westminster Arts Exhibition celebrates and promotes the talent and achievements of established and emerging artists.

If you are an artist living and working in Westminster, this is a fantastic opportunity to have your work selected for the Westminster Arts Exhibition at the SW1 Gallery, Cardinal Place in Victoria, 5-18 November 2011.

Submission dates are 30 and 31 October 2011.

For more information, visit www.inSW1.com/ Events-5541.html Contact Rozanne Shipman by calling 020 3004 0789 or email rozanne.shipman@inSW1.com

Published by the Victoria Business Improvement District

COMPETITIONS

Charity events

Join the Whizz-Kidz Team: run the London Marathon 2012 Be part of the biggest fundraising event of the year. There are 10 places reserved for Victoria BID use and money raised will help to provide the right mobility equipment to transform the lives of disabled children, offer support to develop life skills and opportunities. Complete an application form and return it before 15 November 2011. Contact Rozanne Shipman for an application form on 020 3004 0789 or by email rozanne.shipman@inSW1.com

Enter your photograph(s) – high resolution and no phone pictures please – for a chance to win one of our top prizes.

SEND US YOUR BEST PHOTO

THE PRIZES

Submissions

£500+

worth of photographic equipment for the overall winner.

Exhibition Top entries will

be featured in an exhibition space in central Victoria for 2 months (November/December 2011/January 2012.

inSW1 Magazine The King's Singers Charity Concert in aid of Kidscape: Eaton Square Concerts Autumn Season 2011 Thursday 13 October 2011, 7.30pm St Peter’s Church will hold its 10th series of seasonal classical concerts. Supported by Cubitt House, it raised funds for Kidscape. St Peter’s Church, in Eaton Square, is a place for worship, meetings and concerts. It is where local residents can be baptised and married.

Currently, St Peter’s is raising £100,000 to fund its 2012 objectives – the provision of improved and enhanced facilities for the local community.

The church is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am5pm for prayer and meditation. For more information or to make a donation, please contact the Parish Office on 020 7235 4482 or admin@stpetereatonsquare.co.uk

Join us at Shine London 2011 Saturday 1 October, 9.30pm Cancer Research UK’s night-time walking marathon, Shine London 2011, will raise vital funds for research. Victoria BID is supporting this citywide event and inviting businesses in SW1 to enter the half marathon and walk more than 13.1 miles through the city by night. The Victoria BID is rallying SW1 businesses to take part in the event as part of TEAM VICTORIOUS. For more information visit www.inSW1.com/ Events-5541.html

www.inSW1.com

A selection of highly commended entries will be featured in a special edition of inSW1 Magazine marking the New Year, 2012.

+ runner up prizes

from Monday 19 Sept Closing date

17 October 2011 Please send pictures (as high a resolution as possible) using www.yousendit.com and addressed to paul.vater@inSW1.com with your name and details of the category you are entering. Images submitted and accepted for consideration will be uploaded onto the Victoria BID’s Sharp Eye Flickr page: www.flickr.com/photos/sharp_eye_2011

More details on www.inSW1.com

ENTER our competition to win a signed copy of

SWEET PEAS, SUFFRAGETTES AND SHOWMEN

Events that changed the world in the RHS Halls QUESTION: Which Victoria hotel with recent royal connections was founded by Otto in 1910?

Send your answers to paul.vater@inSW1.com and you could be one of five lucky winners to receive one of five copIES of René Dee's new book.

Published by Phillimore Available to purchase directly from Marston Book Services (01235 465500) at £30 ISBN: 978-1-86077-665-6

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Opens 21 October

the heart of the great

alone scott, shackleton & antarctic photography

21 October 2011 – 15 April 2012

www.royalcollection.org.uk 0207 7766 7301

THE QUEEN’S GALLERY, BUCKINGHAM PALACE