Lidl becomes first UK supermarket to pay recommended living wage

Lidl has said it will become the first UK supermarket to implement the minimum wage as recommended by the Living Wage Foundation.

Lidl UK has announced that it will adopt the Living Wage from 1st October 2015, as part of the supermarket’s ongoing commitment to investing in its employees following a record year with sales reaching over £4billion.

The introduction is the first from a British Supermarket and will mean that all Lidl UK employees receive a minimum of £8.20 per hour across England, Scotland and Wales, and £9.35 per hour in London. This will be an average wage increase of £1,200 per year, with 53% of Lidl UK’s 17,000 workforce and all age brackets benefiting from the rise.

Ronny Gottschlich, Lidl UK CEO said: “At Lidl UK we are proud of our achievements, proud of our growth,and proud of our unwavering commitment to our customers and quality products, but most of all we areproud of our employees who make everything possible”.

Lidl headquarters are based in Wimbledon Town Centre, Worple Road and are a Love Wimbledon BID business.
 

 

Crossrail2 Consultation – Have your say

Crossrail2 have released an initial overview of proposals for the scheme which outlines potential routes through London.  Please find link here.  On 14th September this was presented to a Wimbledon  landowners forum by Crossrail2 hosted by Love Wimbledon and Merton Council in what we think is a first in London. Public consultation is expected to start this autumn and Crossrail2 are anticipating funding from the Government Spending Review which is on 25th November.   There are expected to be yearly public consultations for up to 4 years as details are developed. The public consultation this autumn is expected to present the scheme design including route and safeguarded areas (this may affect some of our businesses). TFL and crossrail2 ‘s brief is for the station, construction sites and track; the local authority will still have ownership of adjacent building development potential.

Have your say:

If you have any points for us to raise please email us at we will keep you informed of any dates and proposals from Crossrail2.

New Wimbledon Theatre Open House Event

New Wimbledon Theatre (NWT) were thrilled to open their doors to the general public, as part of London’s Open House 2015. The scheme involved a variety of the capital’s splendid buildings opening their doors for one weekend only on the 19th and 20th September.

NWT held a range of fantastic activities for every generation. It is often impossible to give people the opportunity to see all facets of the beautiful 104 year old venue and this wonderful opportunity gave patrons the chance to explore the venue at every level. Backstage Tours gave an insight into the building’s architecture, history and sustainability plans as well as Ghost Walks in the evening for thrill seekers and also a History Exhibition for the history buffs in the studio space.

To celebrate this year’s pantomime, Peter Pan, there was also the opportunity to have flying lessons on stage with trained practitioners. Families attended a pantomime workshop and explored old panto costumes, programmes and enjoyed a talk with panto expert Malcom Jones! And children had great fun immersing themselves into the Pirate Treasure Hunt in the fun at the Arts and Crafts workshop.

Calum Kemp, NWT’s General Manager had the following to say on the event; “We are really thrilled to have taken part in this year’s London Open House. It was a terrific event which included young competition winners having a once in a lifetime opportunity to fly like Peter Pan on our stage to large groups of visitors taking part in tours around the building and lots of other activities. I am extremely proud of the NWT team for putting together such a fantastic event and I hope we continue to take part in London Open House in future years”.

 

Advertise in the Winter Guide

Promote your business to 100,000 in our Winter 2015 Guide

Twice a year- Summer and Christmas –  Love Wimbledon produces the ‘Wimbledon Guide’, a 32 page, high quality A5 colour magazine that is distributed to over 100,000 residents, businesses and organisations across four postcodes (including SW15, SW17, SW18, SW19 and SW20). The Guide will also be available in select retail outlets, at the town centre information desk, Wimbledon Library and other community spaces.

The next issue is the Winter 2015 Guide, published in November.  

The Wimbledon Guide is a fantastic opportunity to promote your business in Wimbledon. With UK High Streets facing increasing competition from the internet and major shopping centres, The Guide brings Wimbledon and its shops and businesses straight to customers, visitors and residents.

If you are a BID member, you automatically qualify for 30% off advertising costs making this is a cost effective way of advertising your summer special offers, forthcoming sales or your current and new products or services.

The deadline date for advertising in the winter guide is Wednesday the 14th October.

If you’re interested in advertising  please visit our Wimbledon Guide Microsite where you can find full details, advertising rates, a booking form and contact details.

Wimbledon Winners at Food & Drink Awards

Wimbledon came out tops at the Time & Leisure Food and Drink Awards. Winners were announced on 7 September. A big well done to Suburban Bar, who was commended in the Best Cocktail Venue category.

The Alexandra Pub was commended in the highly competitive Best Pub Category. In the Best Eating Experience in Wimbledon Town Centre category, Hot Pink Grill, KusoBrazil and Wahaca were all commended. Khanage was granted the highly commended award and Sticks & Sushi came out as winners. Contenders certainly showcased the great food and drink offer in the town centre. Congratulations to all!

Wimbledon based company announce Living Wage for all staff

Wimbledon based Lidl have announced that they will be paying all their staff the Living Wage from October 2015. They are the first UK high street brand to get behind the higher wage campaign.

Wimbledon Buildings open up for London Open House

Wimbledon Buildings open up for London Open House

Elliott Wood and New Wimbledon Theatre are opening their doors for the annual architectural London Open House weekender on Sept 19/20. The studios of structural engineers Elliott Wood have a fascinating environmental slant and 2-storey glazed extension. Architectural and historical tours are available for The New Wimbledon Theatre’s striking Edwardian interior.

Find out more here.