Restoring and beautifying London's most prestigious homes with love for almost 100 years.




Friday 15 March 2013

Inspiration in a cup



I am just back from visiting the Leatherhead Youth Project. In short- they are still doing astounding work.



The last 18 months has seen some rapid growth for LYP in terms of young people attending their projects (over 200 unique visits per month, up 30%) and their work.
They are now also recognised both locally and countywide as a leading deliverer of high quality youth work.

Never have they been more aware of the local needs of the community in these difficult economic times, whether it's through finding out about terrible home situations through many of the vulnerable young people they meet every day or through the '2011 census stats' for Leatherhead North that paint a bleak picture. One of their biggest challenges is the low % of young people achieving 5+ A*-C (including Maths & English) GCSE- only 37.2% compared to a county average of 61.4%. Another appalling statistic for Leatherhead North is that 1 in 5 of our children live in poverty- twice the district average.

Despite the challenges the team have succeeded and gone from strength to strength, opening the All Saints coffee bar which helps young people learn business and customer service skills. Martin (right) who manages it is 19 and a former user of the centre. He has trained 15 young people since opening in January- and aims to make this 100 by the end of the year.

Andy Gill, the head of the team, is up for an award that recognises their achievements and will help them make a strong case for funding and support from local businesses. More importantly, he deserves this.

Please, as soon as you can-  take a moment to vote for Andy here.

Friday 8 March 2013

Hat trick!

Yesterday we shared the news that we've been shortisted for the Family Business Place 'Customer First' Red Ribbon award. That was pretty cool in itself, right? But it seems they rate us even more highly...

Today we add a nomination for their 'Family Business of the Year' award to our growing list of things to cross our fingers for. What does this mean to us?

We have supported FBP and their great work to promote the interests of family businesses for over 2 years now, and love their ethos and people. They work with the finest family businesses in the UK, including many which go back over 200 years. As we celebrate 50 years in London and look to our centenary in 2019, we are privileged to be a part of things.

We were so proud to pick up their 'Corporate Environmental Responsibility' award last November in recognition of our efforts to be a socially and enironmentally responsible and aware business, and to be shortlisted for their 'Innovation' award too; to add two more nominations to the tally this year is wonderful.

The awards take place in London on 5th July.

So that's two nominations from Family Business Place in 2013- add this to our amazing achievement in making the shortlist of the Family Business United 'Family Business of the Year' award and it means we not only complete a hat trick of achievements, but could mark 50 years of Making London Beautiful by being Family Business of the Year twice over! (PS- You can still vote for us here!)

Family Business UnitedThis trio of nominations recognises our values and ethics, our people, their skills and our unique approach; we are proud to share this news and thank every member of our Family for giving us reason to celebrate.

Thursday 7 March 2013

Customer First



Great news- we have just learned that we are shortlisted for the Family Business Place Red Ribbon award in the category ‘Customer First’.

The judges are deliberating and we will know in July if we’ve been successful.

Add to this our nomination for Family Business of the Year from Family Business United (and I hope you have all voted!) and 2013 is shaping up to be a year where we’ll have not just our 50th anniversary of Making London Beautiful to celebrate but lots more besides.

Thanks to everyone who helps our Family keep achieving and gaining recognition- what you do and how you do it is important!