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Mayor opens new bistro at historic pub in Putney Heath  The Mayor and Peter Linacre opening the Bistro
Wandsworth Chamber held a well-attended meeting at The Telegraph pub in Putney Heath, to celebrate the opening of its new French bistro and utilise a convivial location for its popular networking meetings. Peter Linacre, Co-owner and Managing Director of the pub, gave a short talk about its fascinating history. It was part of a series of stations set up in the Napoleonic Wars to transmit information about French activities via semaphore. A message could travel up from the coast to London in only 20 minutes. Apparently, when there were “pea-souper” fogs in London, and the semaphore signals couldn’t be seen, riders on horseback were needed to carry the messages from the telegraph station to their final destination of the Admiralty. The pub stands proud on the original location on Putney Heath, although the buildings have been much modified since then. Ironically, this evening was to be the start of a new French invasion, of a more benign kind, the opening of a downstairs bistro, serving good French fare and excellent wines, which the Telegraph stocks. It holds regular wine-tasting evenings. Steve Pinto, CEO of Wandsworth Chamber, described it as as “An amazing oasis of calm and a terrific venue for so many different types of events,” He emphasized how business networking could keep money circulating between businesses in the borough, so that everyone could support the vibrant business culture that exists here. The pub has good Wi-Fi connections so can be used as an office while you are having a pint. Douglas Shanks, the Chamber’s Chairman, said that the pub had been his local for nearly 40 years, and then paid tribute to a sadly-deceased Chamber member Lucy Gardiner, who had been very dynamic in promoting Wandsworth Chamber activities and passed away at an early age. After a preliminary networking session, aided by some of the Telegraph’s wine selection, the main speaker of the evening, the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Piers McCausland. He started off his talk by mentioning one of Britain’s greatest Prime Ministers, Pitt the Younger, who lived, worked and died in Putney Heath in 1806, not far from the site of the Telegraph. He noted that the Borough of Wandsworth is an interesting fusion of both urban and rural areas, with a very young population. New developments, including the “town centre” in the former Battersea Power station would bring fresh commerce to the area. After this reconnaissance through local history, the Mayor went downstairs to cut the ribbon and declare the bistro open for business, like the whole borough. https://www.thetelegraphputney.co.uk Julian Jackson is Wandsworth Chamber’s blogger, whose interests encompass technology, cryptocurrencies and blockchain, the environment, as well as photography and film. His portfolio is here: https://julianj.journoportfolio.com www.brightgreenpr.co.uk www.bitcoin-consultancy.co.uk
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Ben’s Canteen hosted a large group of Wandsworth Chamber Members to unleash its own-distilled Gin this week.  Earlsfield Business Network is one of several local networks within the auspices of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. This week was a lively networking session, held at Ben’s Canteen in Garratt Lane. Ben wanted to have a first tasting of his own-brand gin, which he has distilled on the premises, and Wandsworth Chamber sampled with delight.
It meets every second Wednesday of the month at various locations around the area. There was a quick pitch where everyone gave a 30 second outline of their business. Alexandra Wyatt, Community Engagement Manager of local charity Wandsworth Oasis organises the Earlsfield gatherings. Ben, owner of Ban's Canteen, (above) said, “I’d met a couple of gin-makers and they told me it was easy. Actually it’s a bit more complicated than that and it has taken us a good few months.” They are planning to launch their gin around the end of the month. It is a honey and orange gin, and I can personally vouch that it tastes rather good. Steve Pinto, CEO, said Wandsworth Chamber is about synergy. “There are so many synergies locally, by working with the larger organisations in the Borough, like the Power Station and South Thames College, Roehampton University and the Council. We encourage them to open up their supply chain to local companies, which is a win for all. We also run the Wandsworth Business Awards – the Gala Final is this friday. This is a great opportunity for businesses to generate extra PR.” He announced that the Chamber’s XmasDinner which is going to be held at lunchtime on 12th December at Ben’s Canteen. Note that the time has been shifted to lunchtime so as not to clash with Wandsworth Oasis’ awards ceremony which is being held in the evening. Another Chamber benefit is free 1-2-1 business coaching sessions for Wandsworth Chamber members provided by www.engineeringbusinessgrowth.com click here to find out more. Overall it was an excellent networking even, moved along with gin and some lovely food provided by the venue. Ben’s Canteen Wandsworth Oasis www.engineeringbusinessgrowth.com *** Julian Jackson is Wandsworth Chamber’s blogger, whose interests encompass technology, cryptocurrencies and blockchain, the environment, as well as photography and film. His portfolio is here: https://julianj.journoportfolio.com www.brightgreenpr.co.uk www.bitcoin-consultancy.co.uk Business people meet in informal surroundings to make new contact  The splendid Lahore curry house in Putney was host to another business networking night, yesterday. Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, which - even with the competing attraction of the World Cup - had a good number of businesses attending.
Chamber CEO Steve Pinto outlined the essentials of bringing business people together in a pleasant and relaxed environment which is conducive to getting to know people. There were all sorts of local enterprises present, including graphic design, business consultancy and coaching, health and well-being, education, charity and various other sectors. Alexandra Wyatt, Community Engagement Manager of Wandsworth Oasis, Wandsworth’s charity which helps people living with HIV, was given a beautiful guitar as a donation, and so was wandering around like the resident musician, which was amusing. Steve Pinto talked about the export opportunities that are available to local businesses, and said that there were various events to come, building expertise for businesses so they can profit from exporting. These events will be announced in the Chamber email newsletter. The Putney Curry Networking event takes place once a month, from 6 pm to 9 pm and everyone is welcome. Venue: Lahore Central Restaurant 240 Upper Richmond Road SW15 6TG London (near to Putney railway station) www.wandsworthchamber.org Author: Julian Jackson is a writer whose interests encompass technology, cryptocurrencies and blockchain, the environment, as well as photography and film. His portfolio is here: https://julianj.journoportfolio.com www.brightgreenpr.co.uk Dyslexic entrepreneurs explain how they used their talents to create businesses Aspire2inspire Dyslexia – the community interest dyslexic support organisation created by Elizabeth Kwarteng-Amaning (pictured) with only £1.25 a few years ago is powering along. On Tuesday, as part of Wandsworth Enterprise Week, it hosted a trio of dyslexic entrepreneurs who showed how they had built businesses and careers, despite being thought failures at school.  All three felt that their “learning differently” approach allowed them to excel in areas that require creativity and “thinking outside the box.”
Charlotte Childs, who runs a marketing and design consultancy said, “I got thrown out of school. I think in pictures and patterns, so writing is very difficult for me.” She set up her own company after she got tired of the linear thinking of conventional businesses. When she was diagnosed in her thirties, her struggles made sense. There is research that supports the idea that dyslexics can channel their frustrations, obstacles and original modes of thinking and problem solving into careers where these are recognised and rewarded. Obviously more dyslexics become creative professionals, artists, designers and film-makers, rather than lawyers: rule- and word-bound structures do not appeal to them. Leslie Lewis Walker is a video-maker and musician. He did an interactive presentation, where he gave out Post-its with a couple of words on, and riffed off that for his talk. He initially got a job in the Home Office, where he could use his people skills to sort out emergency visas, which involved schmoozing Consular personnel, which he excelled at. He was promoted due to his fine performance, and found himself in a job where meetings and minute-taking were required, and he wasn't able to deliver the right material. He got frustrated and “bungee-jumped” into film-making for businesses because he can deliver “thinking outside the box” to communicate ideas effectively. Business development coach Dale Smith said, “We have been blessed by thinking differently.” As a schoolchild, he was sent to the “Special Needs” class. Fortunately the inspiring teacher did not see him and the other pupils as “stupid” but people who needed nurturing to find their strengths. After succeeding in various conventional jobs, Dale got frustrated with where he was, and started his own business Bridge Consulting, “To help people embrace the best version of themselves.” Elizabeth Kwarteng-Amaning said, “The Successful Dyslexic Entrepreneurs event 2018 was a life-changing experience for our attendees. A2i Dyslexia can help the individuals to unlock their full potential by setting up their own enterprise.” The event was rounded off with a networking session and some lovely food. www.a2idyslexia.org.uk Author: This article was written by Julian Jackson, Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce's resident blogger and copywriter - https://julianj.journoportfolio.com Learn, be inspired and network with the best of the Borough's business  The annual business boost that is Wandsworth Enterprise Week starts next Monday, March 5th, with a Meet Up at Battersea Arts Centre: How to stay motivated when starting your business.
Inspiring entrepreneurs, Frances Cookson, co-founder of Rewritten; Paul Wayne Gregory and Julian Hucker, Founders, Elite Training Experience share how they manage to stay motivated when launching their own businesses. Entry is free - Book your ticket here. Monday 5th March, 6pm - 8pm, Battersea Arts Centre The Art of Negotiation with Virgin StartUpTuesday 6th March, 2pm - 4pm, Battersea Arts Centre Whether you're trying to get the best price from a supplier or dealing with difficult colleagues, this essential workshop delivered by Julius O'Dowd, Commercial Lead, BBC Broadcast Operations, will demonstrate the tactics and techniques you need to negotiate successfully. Book your free ticket here. Sponsored by Virgin StartUp Food Enterprise: Doing business with big business – Meet the Food Buyer8th March, 12pm - 2pm, The Food Exchange In this exclusive event, local food and drinks producers will have the opportunity to meet with and pick the brains of buyers from major retailers as well as get the chance to network with them afterwards. Please note that you need to have been trading for 12 months and bring samples with you. Book your free ticket here. There are numerous other events in this programme, with valuable insights for everyone from a new startup to an established enterprise. Come along and find out why Wandsworth has a dynamic and business-friendly culture that helps thousands of businesses thrive in the borough. Click here to view the full Wandsworth Enterprise Week programme. Author: This article was written by Julian Jackson, Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce's resident blogger and copywriter - https://julianj.journoportfolio.com New businesses will be given a powerful boost in March
Richard Branson's non-profit project Virgin StartUp headlines Wandsworth Enterprise Week for the second year running. Since Virgin StartUp were last in Wandsworth, they've helped more than 2,000 entrepreneurs in England and Scotland develop the solid foundations needed to grow their business. Virgin StartUp are hosting a series of free events that will help new businesses to work smarter...
Join us at this interactive workshop by Ian Mason from Virgin StartUp and gain the knowledge and insight you need to kick-start your small business. • Understand the value your business brings. • How to build a coherent brand before telling the world about it. • How to sell like a pro – develop your sales methods and learn the practical steps to move your business forward. Founded by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin StartUp is a not-for-profit company providing support for entrepreneurs looking to start, fund and scale a business. Book your free ticket now to be entered into a PRIZE DRAW. 2. Meet Up Monday 5th March, 6pm - 8pm, Battersea Arts Centre Join us for a Meet Up and hear from inspiring entrepreneurs, Frances Cookson co-founder of Rewritten, Paul Wayne Gregory and Julian Hucker, Founder, Elite Training Experience as they share how they manage to stay motivated when launching their own businesses. Book your free ticket here. 3. The Art of Negotiation Tuesday 6th March, 2pm - 4pm, Battersea Arts Centre Whether you’re trying to get the best price from a supplier or dealing with difficult colleagues, this essential workshop delivered by Julius O'Dowd, Commercial Lead, BBC Broadcast Operations, will demonstrate the tactics and techniques you need to negotiate successfully. Book your free ticket here. Enterprise Week is designed to help Wandsworth entrepreneurs, whether you are a pre-start, start up or established business owner. The event is supported by Wandsworth Council and Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. Booking is essential. Click here to view the full Wandsworth Enterprise Week programme. http://wandsworthenterpriseweek.biz/ Author: This article was written by Julian Jackson, Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce's resident blogger and copywriter - www.julianjackson.co.ukhttps://julianj.journoportfolio.com Coming up on 2nd December Hundreds of thousands of small businesses and millions of consumers around the country now boost their business annually on Small Business Saturday. Last year an estimated £717 million was spent with small businesses across the UK on the day itself.  This year Small Business Saturday will be held on the 2nd December.
Wandsworth Council and Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce are fully behind this initiative to highlight how important smaller businesses are to the economy and to help them reach their goals. American Express originally founded the ‘Small Business Saturday’ initiative in the US in 2010 and remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its on-going commitment to encourage consumers to shop small. The campaign is also supported by PRS for Music, Dropbox and Mercedes Benz Vans and also benefits from the backing of leading business organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses and Enterprise Nation. “Over the last five years, Small Business Saturday has had a tangible economic impact on small businesses around the country,” explains Michelle Ovens MBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK. “We have a growing and highly engaged network of small business owners who recognise the benefit of getting involved and making Small Business Saturday work for their own companies and in their own communities. Our aim this year is to get even more businesses around the UK to experience that effect.” As with previous years, events will be planned throughout the UK in the run-up to and on Small Business Saturday itself, including the return of the annual nationwide bus tour. Small businesses are being encouraged to get involved and create special events or promotions themselves to mark the day. Once again, the campaign will also be running Inspire, a nationwide series of free workshops run by experts and entrepreneurs for existing and aspiring small business owners. The workshops are all informal and participatory, with each followed by a Q&A and live Twitter Q&A. The events are streamed live online and are also available on the Small Business Saturday YouTube channel after each event. For more information visit the Small Business Saturday website: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/ Author: This article was written by Julian Jackson, Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce's resident blogger and copywriter - https://julianj.journoportfolio.com Don't Miss the Deadline now extended to 6th October This event is the highlight of the borough's business calendar. Local companies, whether small or large get to compete in a hunt to find the pearls of Wandsworth. It is an exciting programme developed and organised by Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce to reward and celebrate the borough's many dynamic and innovative businesses. The awards will culminate with a glittering awards dinner at the Pestana Hotel on Thursday 7th December. This exciting evening will showcase the business excellence that companies throughout the borough provide and give them the opportunity to network and raise their profile. Entry is free – but the deadline now extended to 6th October 2017 Click here to register for the application form: http://www.wandsworthawards.biz/register/  With 12 categories, there is one to suit every type of business:
Best Business for Marketing & Social Media Best SME Business Best Business for Customer Service Entrepreneur of the Year Best Charity or Social Enterprise Best New Business Employer of the Year Independent Retailer of the Year Best Eatery Innovator of the Year Best International Business of the Year Business of the Year Find out more: http://www.wandsworthawards.biz/ Steve Pinto, Chief Executive of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, said: “I continue to be very impressed with the quality, enthusiasm and passion of the businesses that enter these awards. These awards demonstrate that Wandsworth is an exciting place to work and recognition from these awards can make a difference when securing new customers and new business. Applications are welcome from all local businesses in the borough, large and small and there is no limit to the number of categories that can be entered”. www.wandsworthchamber.org Author: This article was written by Julian Jackson, Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce's resident blogger and copywriter - https://julianj.journoportfolio.com |
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