NEW UNIT IS TOP OF THE SHOPS IN CROYDON…LAMBETH MEANS BUSINESS!…..RAZOR-SHARP CRAFT KNIFE SET SOLD TO 14-YEAR-OLD
A newly-refurbished shop is helping 10 new businesses onto the ladder of success by providing them with valuable town-centre space in a previously vacant unit.
The Croydon Emporium is part of the council’s retail support programme, funded by the Mayor’s Regeneration Fund, and is just one part of a wider drive to improve local high streets.
A launch event on 18 June saw shoppers in Church Street treated to lively carnival dancers and drummers who entertained passers-by and encouraged customers to explore the new mini-mall.
Cllr Toni Letts, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Bringing vacant shops back into use is a vital part of the work we are doing to breathe new life into our high streets, and it was great to have such fun entertainment for the opening event.
“The message we want to get out is that if you have a good business idea and the commitment to see it through, you can do it.
“Of course, every bit of help makes it easier, so here at the council we’re doing our part to give new traders assistance and support to grow their businesses. “The Croydon Emporium is a great way for entrepreneurs to set up shop right in the centre of town.”
Kit Malthouse, deputy Mayor of London for business and enterprise, said: “This new unit is a fantastic example of creative thinking injecting new life into an old space on the high street. The Mayor has committed money from his regeneration fund to support the local enterprises making use of this space to kick-start their businesses.”
The 10 new businesses now trading from the Croydon Emporium at 86-88 Church Street offer a range of contemporary fashion and lifestyle products.
* Tiny Treats – wedding favours and cafe
* UR-iD – embroidery and printing on clothes and shoes
* Dalila’s Kaftans – ladies’ fashion
* Claire’s Closet – ladies’ vintage fashion
* Fieni Fashion House – African ladies’ wear
* Primavera Fitness – ladies’ fitness wear
* London Bridal Boutique – bridal wear and occasion wear
* Lamilou and Madamoizelle – ladies’ fashion and beauty
* BornStar Clothing – urban fashion
* LL Frames – artwork and picture framing
For further information on the retail support programme, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/business/support/retail-support/ (Source: Croydon council press release)
LAMBETH MEANS BUSINESS!
Following its successful launch in 2013, the London borough of Lambeth, along with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), is holding the biggest business event in the borough. Lambeth Means Business will be held on Tuesday 1st July 1st at Lambeth town hall, Brixton, between 9am and 5pm.
With over 500 local business owners, start-ups, entrepreneurs and managers expected to attend there is a full agenda across the day, bringing innovation, inspiration and information to all visitors.
Angela McKeever, interim head of employment and enterprise at the London borough of Lambeth, commented “With over 15,000 businesses in the borough, it is important that we bring our small businesses together to highlight the benefits of being based in Lambeth.
“The council offers a wide range of pro-active support for existing businesses and those wanting to start up on their own and this is a great way for them to see how we and others can assist them on their journey.”
Chandra Sharma, Chairman of the South East London Branch of the FSB added, “We are again proud to be involved with Lambeth in the production of one of the most successful business events in London. The response from last years has been fantastic and our members have constantly been pushing us to organise something for 2014”
Registration and attendance is free, by visiting http://www.lambethmeansbusiness.co.uk, or you can register at the event, when you arrive.
The day offers many benefits to local businesses, with several key activities, including:
Seminars: With at least four seminars, you can find out why Lambeth is THE place to run a business, learn how to manage your online reputation, make a 30-second sales pitch and more
Free 1:1 Advice Clinic: With a range of professionals, including accountants, lawyers, financial advisors, loan specialists and more, make a free appointment to receive 15 minutes of advice and guidance
Networking: With two speed networking sessions, and informal networking across the day, this is the ideal opportunity to meet new clients, suppliers, partners and fellow business people
Exhibition: Over 50 exhibitors from a variety of support groups, service providers, council departments and local businesses, this is the ideal place to find new suppliers, support and be signposted to key information to assist in the running of a business
Visitors can keep up to date, with the latest news, exhibitors and offers by registering, for free, at www.lambethmeansbusiness.co.uk or following on twitter #lambethmeansbiz. (Source: Lambeth council press release)
RAZOR-SHARP CRAFT KNIFE SET SOLD TO 14-YEAR-OLD
Less than a month after being sent a letter inviting him to attend a course on the sale of age-restricted goods, a Norbury trader sold a set of six craft knives to a boy aged only 14.
At Croydon magistrates’ court the trader admitted selling a knife to a person aged under 18. He was fined £250, and ordered to pay costs of £250 and a £25 victim surcharge.
The court heard that the teenager was involved in a Croydon trading standards test-purchasing operation in February. With officers, he visited eight premises, each of which had been sent an invitation to attend the Do You Pass? business training course, and told that test purchasing using volunteers would be carried out by Croydon’s trading standards team within the following 90 days.
The other seven shops refused to sell age-restricted goods to the young volunteer.
The trader had previously been visited by officers, in 2009, and offered advice on the law relating to knife sales.
During the February visit, the trader failed to challenge the boy or ask his age, and sold him the knife set, the packaging of which carried a prominent warning, stating “Not to be sold to anyone under 18 years of age”.
He admitted that he had, at the time, no formal record of any training relating to the sale of age-restricted products; no warning posters in any location; no record of any refusals previously made to demonstrate controls in place; and that he made the sale.
Cllr Mark Watson, cabinet member for safety and justice, said: “Knife crime is a matter the council takes very seriously, and the sale of knives to a young person demonstrates a disregard for the law and the safety of people in Croydon’s community.
“Those in the business of selling knives have a particular responsibility to be especially vigilant, and if they fail in that responsibility must be prepared to accept the consequences.”
The Do You Pass? age-restricted products course can be attended, free of charge, by any Croydon-based small- or medium-sized retailer who sells such items. The next course is scheduled for Tuesday 1 July at Bernard Weatherill House. For information, email [email protected] or call 020 8407 1311 (Source: Croydon council press release)
