New group set up to make sure Croydon's big businesses protected in regeneration
CROYDON'S major businesses have joined forces to ensure their interests are protected during the town's regeneration.
The Croydon Occupiers' Forum is a joint initiative from the Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) and Develop Croydon and the first meeting was attended some of the town's major employers including Allianz Global Assistance, Mott MacDonald, AIG and Zurich Insurance.
-
Matthew Sims, boss of BID
Matthew Sims, chief executive of the BID, said: "The fact that Westfield and Hammerson are coming together to redevelop the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres is a great news story for Croydon and we want to make sure that momentum is continued."
Coupled with other redevelopment projects already under way to bring homes and jobs to Croydon, there was renewed interest and confidence in the future.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013
But Mr Sims said: "In doing that it is important that we retain the companies we have here at the moment."
Mike Webb, chairman of Allianz, has already warned that in the longer term the company could be forced out of Croydon unless it can attract more skilled staff locally and more businesses are persuaded to move into the town.
Mr Sims said the new forum would provide a vehicle at which these types of concern could be raised and possible solutions talked through.
He said: "Every organisation has issues ranging from the perceptions of Croydon to improving the security and cleanliness of the town.
"I believe the occupiers' forum can turn into a very good lobbying arm for businesses in the town and help deliver positive changes for Croydon."
Richard Plant, chairman of the Develop Croydon Forum, added: "We want to make sure that Croydon occupiers are given a voice that ensures the council, the Greater London Authority and developers take into consideration the needs of employers and employees during this period of change and beyond."
The intention is for the Occupiers' Forum to meet three times a year.
Mr Sims said: "Last week's meeting was very much about setting the scene and making sure everyone understood the issues and concerns.
"At the next meeting in June we will be focusing on more detailed objectives."
4 Comments
by LAFANTASTICA
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 9:42PM
“I remember years' ago ringing up a company in reply to a job that paid peanuts. I asked them if it was a part time job and they said it was a full time one, so I told them to stick it.”
by Chris_Wilcox
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 6:51PM
“@Diana: Just making noise to make the bad firms uncomfy. I haven't mentioned any names for example. But bad practice needs to stop, and staff investment does need to happen. I think that is undeniable.
As for the odd rare gem that pays a decent wage around here, I DEFINITELY hope they stay. Croydonians need a pay-rise though. There is a reason why so many people around here can't afford to buy. Please remember only the top 3% or so of kiddies become graduates in degrees like engineering ( it's something like that ). Many graduates these days have useless degrees like Film Studies and the like.
We need more than just graduate positions. We need in work Apprenticeships as well. And those must be provided by The Private Sector, as The State can't afford to anymore. Unless it raises Taxes on Private business to pay for it.”
by DianaFrance
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 2:10PM
“Chris, one of the companies named in this article has, many times, been listed among the best UK employers to work for. I worked for them myself and can confirm that I earned a very good salary in an excellent environment at a job I enjoyed very much until my retirement. The young graduates I worked with (from all over the UK and indeed worldwide) were given every opportunity to excel, and did so. I think many Croydon employers pay very fair salaries and provide good working conditions. Many others, mainly in the retail area, and probably mostly members of retail chains, don't, and deserve your criticisms, but please be prepared to recognise excellence within Croydon. I hope the council and political parties listen to the new Forum.”
by Chris_Wilcox
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 11:23AM
“Don't just sit there and demand skilled people whilst waving the paltry Croydon wages many of you offer. That world no longer exists, as the trebling of Tuition Fees confirms.
If you want to get stuff out of Croydon you're going to have to put your hands in your pockets and invest. Apprenticeships. And we need LOADS of them.
Once our Local workforce is more skilled then we will be able to attract more firms. Some of our locals, once trained, will be able to create their own jobs as well. And we all know jobs means money to spend.
The Private Sector MUST invest now. There's no other option. To do nothing will leave you with a shortage of skilled staff, & a blighted town due to your actions. You'll have strip-farmed us to a dust bowl, rather than doing something better like 'crop rotation'. And, rest assured, Croydon won't forget that. If you clean us out we won't forgive.”