Council pledges to work together with businesses and charities

Councillor Kemi Akinola joined a Wandsworth Chamber meeting and also a breakfast event to hear how the local business and charity communities are recovering after the pandemic, while dealing with challenges such as recruitment, supply chains and space requirements. 

As the council’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for the voluntary sector, business engagement and culture, Cllr Akinola pledged her support for the business community and spoke about the council’s ambitions to make Wandsworth a fairer place and address inequality in the borough.

'Key to the borough's recovery'

Cllr Akinola said: “I’m committed to listening to local businesses and charities, hearing the issues they are facing and understanding how the council can support them. It was great to meet such a range of business owners and hear their passion for the borough.

“The business sector, working in partnership with the council, is key to the borough's recovery from the pandemic and overcoming new challenges. It's also important that we work together to improve access to work for young people, refugees and people who choose to make Wandsworth their home.

“Another top priority for me is ensuring the borough’s community, charity and voluntary sector is much better supported, particularly at a time when its services have never been so needed.”

Beverley Corson, CEO of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce said: “We were delighted to welcome Councillor Akinola to meet our business community and find out more about our successes and challenges.

“We’re looking forward to working together and providing support to achieve the council’s objectives in Wandsworth. Our members represent many different sectors so we provide a trusted pathway to connect with local businesses and organisations.”

Over 130 local organisations are part of the Wandsworth Chamber network which acts as a voice for business and supports their interests. Find out more about the Wandsworth Chamber at wandsworthchamber.org