Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, held a traditional Christmas meal for its members, with guest of honour the Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr. Nicola Nardelli, on 16th December at the Battersea Quarter restaurant.

Steve Pinto, Chief Executive, said, “Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce is an independent network of local business people who come together to further business interests in the borough. The present Chamber was formed from the three previous Chambers of Wandsworth, Battersea and Balham & Tooting when the boroughs were merged in 1965. It has worked tirelessly to promote business in one of the most dynamic of borough in London and is geared up to make an even greater impact in the future.”

One highlight of the over 50 events the Wandsworth Chamber has organised this year was The Wandsworth Business Awards Gala Dinner and Dance, held on the 3rd of December at the prestigious Roehampton Club. These accolades recognise local companies for their outstanding performance. The overall Business of the Year was awarded to the owners of MUD, an independent, laid-back café located in the heart of Tooting who pride themselves on providing great tasting coffee, awesome brunches and freshly-prepared cakes and sandwiches. Entrepreneur of the Year was won by Poppy Funerals, Best Customer Service was won by the Etoile Bakery, Best SME Business was awarded to Minar Jewellers, with 10 other winners in the various categories. See the full list here: http://www.wandsworthawards.biz

Other events in 2015 included special guest speakers, specific business sector events such as the property sector, health and well-being and women in business, business clinics, master-classes as well as a get fit for business programme utilising elements of team-building through paddle boarding, golf and other sports, which will continue next year. These events have attracted over 1700 business men and women and helped to promote a “live local, buy local, work local” culture.

The ethos behind the events is that local businesses can network, meet key stakeholders and develop meaningful business relationships. New members are welcomed - to find out more or join the Chamber email steve@wandsworthchamber.org

Other highlights included the appointment of the Chamber’s first President, Jane Ellison MP, and Vice President, Sarah Banham, Director of Communications at the Battersea Power Station Development Company. On her appointment, Jane said, “It is a great honour to be President of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. Small businesses are at the heart of our communities and play a central role in the Government’s strategy to create jobs and reinvigorate the economy. The Chamber network is an effective way of sharing ideas and knowledge, and boosting businesses in the borough.”

The Earlsfield Business Network’s Christmas Lights Campaign was another huge success which culminated in a grand Light Switch On by Ainsley Harriott, Celebrity Chef and Wandsworth’s Mayor on the 26th of November at St Andrew’s Church in Garratt lane. Supported by local schools and businesses, residents turned out in droves to help celebrate Earlsfield's first ever Christmas lights. So much more is planned of next years ‘switch on.’

Douglas Shanks, Chairman of Wandsworth Chamber concluded “We hope you agree, our 50th anniversary year has been a great period in our history, where we have been able to more local businesses, hold more events and make and even bigger difference for our local businesses. Our Patron Membership programme is really adding value to our members. The patronage of some of Wandsworth’s largest companies is truly opening up the supply chain and encourages smaller companies to participate in bigger projects, which is good for everyone.”

A final word from Sarah Banham, Director of Communications, Battersea Power Station Development Company Ltd. "Battersea Power Station are proud to be Patron Members of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce and I am honoured to be the Chamber’s Vice President. We are committed to using local companies, supporting commerce and sharing timely information in the borough and this has proved particularly effective through our ongoing relationship with Wandsworth Chamber and its Members.”

Wandsworth Chamber welcomes new members, together we can grow and help one and other. For more information about how we can help local businesses, email steve@wandsworthchamber.org

Links:

Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce: http://www.wandsworthchamber.org

Wandsworth Business Awards: http://www.wandsworthawards.biz/

Notes to Editors

Press Contact Julian Jackson e:julianj@totalise.co.uk tel: 020 7635 9720

Photos:

Wandsworth Business Awards 2015

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/br6hv770gm8z1yb/AADH-ggzmaVtrDRcZlsoUaMsa?dl=0

Earlsfield Lights with Ainsley Harriott

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/l4g0p9c4hn8g097/AABwXrhgB1WlaiH-_Vy1obUSa?dl=0

Joe Macari Property and Construction Event

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mqy6cnebt1ldjkp/AAAwHjCe0mFIHYngBCIPGmyqa?dl=0


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