Littoralis latest: new instant messaging feature

New feature enables businesses to circulate urgent, important messages instantly

The Littoralis App has launched a new feature which enables users to send urgent, important messages instantly to each other.

Love Wimbledon encourages all BID businesses to use this facility in conjunction with Town Link Radio whenever possible, and reminds all businesses: please DO NOT share data about individuals via any other messaging service – this breaches The Data Protection Act 1998 whereas the instant messaging feature on Littoralis is covered.

The Littoralis App can be downloaded to mobile devices for quick and easy access – just search for “Littoralis DISC” (AppStore for iPhone or Google Play for Android).

Littoralis is a secure website that allows BID businesses to share and view images and details of known offenders. This is provided free of charge by Love Wimbledon to help reduce crime in Wimbledon.

Please contact our Town Ranger, Tom Ruffell with any queries or for more details on 020 8619 2012 or by emailing tomr@lovewimbledon.org

 

Mountain Warehouse Opens in Wimbledon

A very warm Wimbledon welcome to Mountain Warehouse who opened their new store on The Broadway on Saturday 27 January with the help of Deputy Mayor of Merton, Councillor Judy Saunders. Excited shoppers were treated to some opening discounts and giveaways. The new store caters for an extensive range of outdoor activities, including walking, running, cycling, camping and skiing, with a wide variety of equipment and clothing for the whole family.

Head of UK Retail, Malcolm McNeill, “Over the last few years we have continually seen an increase in popularity of outdoor pursuits and the staycation holiday in the UK, resulting in a significant rise in demand for great value outdoor gear. This has been particularly prominent in London, and due to popular demand we are thrilled to be opening our newest store in Wimbledon.”

Fayre & Square

Fayre & Square is a community shop on the Upper Mall in Centre Court Shopping Centre, Wimbledon. Run by staff and volunteers of MVSC (Merton Voluntary Service Council), Fayre & Square was born from the idea of supporting young people into employment. It provides supported retail skills and training placements for young adults with Learning Disabilities, mental health issues and other significant barriers to employment and a platform for local independent artisans to showcase their hand made products to the public.

Since the shop opened in 2013, over 80 young people have completed 8-week training placements at Fayre & Square.  Learners develop skills and gain experience in a wide range of areas (customer service, till, pricing, stock taking etc), with much of the training being transferable to other areas of work.

After completing the training placement, our Learners progress either into paid employment or work experience placements (eg. Lush, Debenhams, WH Smith, Kiss Me Hardy, Marks and Spencer), mainstream education/training courses, or further volunteering.

Read about some of our Learners’ stories:

M has Autism and has been job searching very diligently for some time. Having completed his 8 week placement with Fayre & Square, he went on to gain paid employment with Odeon Epsom and WH Smith Wimbledon. He volunteered at WH Smith in Worcester Park for over 2 years, to learn about the role. He is overjoyed finally to be a paid employee at a branch in Wimbledon and is very happy there. In his spare time M also volunteers at Copperfield’s bookshop.

A had been volunteering for his local football club as a steward for some time; he really enjoyed it but was keen to build his skills and get paid employment elsewhere. A is a confident communicator but was worried about employers being put off by the fact he has a Learning Disability. A is a very fast learner and was able to operate the till, cash up for the day and assist with banking within a few weeks. His confidence had grown so much that he decided to stay on as a support volunteer, to support and empower others’ with disabilities. Within a few months, A was offered part time employment with Specsavers.

T was very nervous when he first came to Fayre & Square. He had had a tough time after being diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, the symptoms had grown more intense as he got older and he felt like people didn’t understand him. T was pleasantly surprised by his ability to pick up new skills quickly during his training and his ability to communicate with customers and help with their queries. He particularly enjoyed supporting his fellow Learner, who had a Learning Disability; they worked really effectively together. T secured full time employment before the end of his 8 week placement as a travel trainer for people with disabilities. He has been in post for over a year and is thoroughly enjoying it.

 

Support for Fayre & Square

We are very grateful for the amazing support that we receive from our partners in the Wimbledon business community, including expert advice and help from Love Wimbledon. Hugely valuable in-kind support comes from Centre Court Shopping Centre (approximately £60,000 rent and service charges per annum since 2013), who provide our retail unit on the Upper Mall. Also, Retail IT (winner of the Extra Mile Award, Merton Business Awards 2017), who provide us with a state-of- the-art EPoS system and ongoing technical support (value £7,000 since 2016).

In addition, Ely’s has generously provided props for window displays and offered free window-dressing training and Bombshell Marketing gave us great exposure by including us in their Christmas Stars video.  Parish Players, a local amateur dramatics society have also donated an incredible £1,000 to Fayre & Square from their Christmas pantomime this year.

We are always looking for exciting next step placements for our learners and have received great support from local businesses such as Lush, Marks and Spencer and Debenhams.

It costs us approximately £1500 to support a Learner at Fayre & Square (training and specialist support from expert staff, shop running costs, stationery, volunteer expenses).

If you would like to get involved in sponsoring a Learner/Learners, or would be able to provide work experience placements after they leave Fayre & Square, do please get in touch – we would love to hear from you!

Contact Sarah Hannigan, Head of Volunteering at sarah@mvsc.co.uk

The Sound Lounge has always been plastic-free

Being plastic free has been at the heart of The Sound Lounge’s principles since it first started in 2015. As an officially registered Community Interest Company (which basically means not-for-profit) their goal is to make a positive difference by investing in communities through music, art and food.

So right from the very beginning Wimbledon’s latest pop up, knew that single-use plastics would be in direct conflict with their goals as they cause so much long-term environmental damage.  They were particularly worried about coffee cups, but after undertaking some research they decided to use a company called Vegware. Everything they get from Vegware is compostable, including the world’s first 100% compostable lid.  Our straws, baguette sleeves, takeaway boxes and even our cutlery is made of cornstarch which is heat resistant up to 85degrees.  There is an additional financial cost for the business but the Sound Lounge decided the environmental cost is just too great to make any other decision.

Hannah White, co-founder, being absolutely passionate about the community and the environment told us “We are not a big chain so we face all the usual challenges that small, independents face, but ultimately we don’t believe that the responsibility should always lie on the individual consumer.  When the environmental situation is as critical as it is now, businesses have to be proactive and take action and taking the plastic-free pledge is not antithetical to good business.  Consumers will always be so happy when you let them know that their buying choices are helping to reduce the country’s carbon footprint.  People are really getting behind us because they really care and we would encourage other local businesses to get involved – it is easier than you think, it’s the right thing to do and it feels good!”

Find our more about The Sound Lounge.

Thank you Wimbledon Businesses for supporting Bobblehat 2017

Did your business participate in London’s first Live Advent Calendar in Wimbledon? Bobblehat would love to hear your feedback – please click here to complete their quick online survey.

Love Wimbledon was thrilled to be the principal sponsor of London’s First Live Advent Calendar by Bobblehat, which brought 24 days of 24 different events behind 24 different doors, a most unique and first of its kind in the Capital. Thanks also to Time & Leisure for their promotional role as media sponsor, you can catch up on all the action that was had via all our social media channels. It was no small feat to pull of an event of this nature and we want to extend a heart-felt thank you to all of our BID businesses that got on board with this event with offerings of sponsorship and venues:

Centre Court Shopping Centre, Elys, Odeon, St Mark’s Church,  YMCA, Sainsbury’s, Fielders, The Pod Bar, Barclays Bank, Wimbledon Police Station, The Garratt & Gauge, The Sound Lounge, Bill’s, New Wimbledon Theatre, Wafflemeister, Merton Arts Space, Better Leisure, Metro Bank, Marcus Beale Architects, The Fridge on the Bridge Car Park, Starbucks and Morrisons.

William Alder, Artistic Director & Executive Producer of We Are Bobblehat commented, “What a huge pleasure to work with such a multitude of amazing businesses in Wimbledon. Bobblehat was born about this time last year, and I never thought it would be achievable in such a short amount of time, and so much credit must be given to all those who hosted, sponsored and supported us in so many ways to make Bobblehat a reality. It has been an absolute joy working with each and every single one of you. 

 

“Particular favourite moments include Father Christmas turning up at the front desk of Wimbledon Police Station asking to be put into a cell; a brilliant dance piece on the Fire path of Centre Court with artists flying in from all areas of the UK and Europe; and seeing Father Christmas crash land on the roof of the fridge on the bridge car park on Christmas Eve!

 

“The festival saw a total reach of 92 performers, over 1400 audience members, and an online reach of tens of thousands, including over 22,300 through our website.”

Centre Court Car Park

 

Sainsbury’s

 

The Pod Bar

 

Wimbledon Police Station

 

YMCA

 

The Garratt & Gauge

Mica Cafe celebrates 50 years!

Celebrate Mica Cafe’s 50th anniversary this year, with a special offer every Monday throughout January:

8 January – any egg, bacon or sausage roll at 50p each
15 January – every item on the Breakfast Menu at 50p each
22 January  – free slice of cake when purchasing any tea or coffee
29 January – 50% off any lunchtime special

In late 1967, Mica Café opened opposite Wimbledon Station – a family business originally opened by Michael, the father of the current owner Dinos Sphikas. A business spanning over 3 Generations, Dino joked that his Sons, Daughter, Wife and Father in Law have all worked there in some capacity over the years.

The café boasts a fun and friendly atmosphere where visitors can get a quick fix of a Bacon, Sausage or Egg Roll to take on the go, a full English breakfast or even a daily home cooked special, offering a range of jacket potatos, snacks and Paninis plus many more delights!

Sitting down with Dinos reflecting over the 50 years that the business has been running, one story that stuck with him was being on holiday in Cyprus and meeting a complete stranger who he got speaking to – who knew the café and had visited, loved it and had no idea he was talking to the Owner!

Now in their current location of Hartfield Road where they moved to in 1980, Dinos discussed the regulars that he has coming in. One of which was a lady called Jackie who was part of Dance Group The Roly Polys who appeared in the 1983 Royal Variety Performance – she used to visit daily before sadly passing away earlier this year. Other famous faces include Actor Shaun Williamson famous for playing Barry in EastEnders and Leona Graham from Absolute Radio went in for a bite to eat too! (Voted by Radio Times readers as the UK’s top radio voice)

One regular Selina who has been visiting the café for a number of years couldn’t be happier with her time spent there:

The Mica Cafe is always a ‘must’ visit when I’m in Wimbledon!, anytime I’ve been in there I have always had a great experience, the food never fails to please me, it’s always cooked and presented so well and most of all so tasty, they even have homemade specials and desserts on the menu! The staff are always so welcoming and friendly and the owner Dinos never fails to keep his customers entertained with his witty sense of humour! Would recommend anyone who has been there to pay a visit!

Joe from Copperfield Books Store who is next door neighbours with Mica also is a regular visitor:

I have been a regular Customer at Mica Café over the last 16 years. The food is nutritious, well balanced and all at an extremely reasonable cost. The humorous banter from Dinos the owner and warm welcome adds to the overall ‘Mica Experience’ making the café a Wimbledon institution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year from Love Wimbledon

Your business deserves to be heard – CEO, Helen Clark Bell, provides a refreshing outlook to 2018

#Consultation!

It’s 2018 and we are chomping at the bit as more new businesses arrive and more refurbishments around the Town Centre take place. These provide more opportunities for businesses and make it a much more pleasant place for visitors  and the people who work here to be.

Watch this space….

As the first round of consultations hit our desks from the GLA and Merton Council, we are not sitting on our laurels, we want your voice to be heard and so watch out – in the coming weeks we will be asking you for feedback in our Business Survey. It’s the best way for us to make sure Wimbledon businesses are heard.

I would strongly encourage you to participate in both of these consultations as they could both impact on Wimbledon significantly. We will also be working with partners to drive our aspirations to be a Dementia Friendly town, to reduce single use plastics in Wimbledon and to improve air quality.

Continuing the Wimbledon journey….

Christmas is a very busy time for the town centre and this year was no exception. With all of the shops opening on Wimbledon Bridge, Winter Wonderland, 11 days of Christmas Markets and hosting London’s First Live Advent Calendar, whilst being greeted at the station by our beautiful Christmas Tree –  a genuine seasonal experience for your customers.

2017 presented some unexpected challenges for us with regards to changing of Merton Council’s street cleansing service to Veolia and the consultation and subsequent announcement of the closure of Wimbledon Police station, whilst still having no movement with regards to Crossrail2. The town continues to thrive and attract household names, brands and independents and we were very proud to work with Merton Council to welcome The Sound Lounge as our first pop up.

Real issues that affect you….

During the upcoming year, we will be lobbying for the town on a number of issues; powercuts, future police provision, high speed broadband, and Crossrail2 (if it comes to consultation). As mentioned, Love Wimbledon will be giving the town a voice with the strategic consultations for the Merton Council Local Plan affecting future planning and infrastructure, along with the Mayor of London’s, London Plan.  Please remember we are here to work with you.

I hope 2018 is a successful year for you and your business and would love to hear from you if you have any concerns or if there is anything we can do to assist with your plans or if you simply want to catch up over a cuppa – put the kettle on and I’ll be round!

Best regards,

Helen

Fitness Space Opens in Wimbledon

A new year, a new you!

Now open, Fitness Space is Wimbledon’s newest gym and is causing quite a stir with a promotional offer of 20% off a lifetime membership. Read below for more details.

Fitness Space is different from the rest. Our reason for being is to create an environment where our members Never Train Alone.  From a dedicated Fitness Coach to next-level technology that provides an immersive connective fitness experience – they understand the DNA of progress and personalised programmes to deliver the results their members want to achieve. Located opposite Wimbledon Station (above itsu), the state-of-the-art studio is packed full of innovated gym equipment, TEAMBEATS™ heart rate training, Fit Camp and Hot Yoga.

Take a 2min sneak peek tour inside here.

Use promotional code reserve20 and register your interest online, or pop in to see them today.

Fitness Space will also be hosting a Launch Party on Friday 19 January 7pm – 10pm, not only will you be treated to drinks and nibbles there will also be some impressive athletes demonstrating the equipment an technology on offer.

Important changes in General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

From 25 May 2018 new legislation on GDPR will affect every business – make sure yours is ready!

GDPR is one of the largest changes to affect all businesses in the country for the last 30 years. It requires every business to examine how you use personal data and actively seek permission to continue to use it. Any business that does not have clear policies, procedures that are fully auditable could be liable for a fine of up to 4% of global annual turnover. Every business is strongly encouraged to take action on this now in order to be prepared for 25 May 2018.

For comprehensive and regularly updated information please check the Information Commissioners website.

 

Parade of Buildings gets Make Over

Wimbledon Town Centre undergoing significant improvements in the conservation area at the end of Queens Road and along The Broadway

After securing contributions from freeholders, businesses and s106, FutureMerton, in association with Love Wimbledon is currently leading on a regeneration project to dramatically improve the tired Victorian terraces on The Broadway. Paul McGarry, Head of Future Merton commented,

Wimbledon has a rich Victorian history and the parade of buildings opposite The Piazza has suffered from years of grime and wear and tear. Working with the land owner and businesses, FutureMerton funded the cleaning and restoration of these period properties which now reflect their original character and look so much better. The works are part of the Council’s Future Wimbledon project and are another example of working successfully with businesses, land owners and Love Wimbledon BID to continually improve the town centre experience.

Due to its weathered and neglected appearance, 18-24 The Broadway (from pop-up music venue The Sound Lounge to local grocers Retail 24 opposite The Piazza) was deemed in need of refurbishment, having huge potential because of the intricate decorative features and character.

At the end of the project (March 2018) visitors to Wimbledon will see improvements such as rebuilt parapet walls, removed satellite dishes, cleaned and repointed brickwork with an entirely new traditional  Retail 24 shopfront, which will be more in-keeping with the architecture.

Thank you to Merton Council and the businesses involved for helping make Wimbledon that bit better.