- News
- Articles
- The Covent Garden Business Forum
- Networking events
- The Way Forward for Covent Garden Event
- 2010 Way Forward Meeting
- 2009 Way Forward Meeting
- 2009 Way Forward Attendee list
- 2009 Way Forward Sponsors
- 2009 Way Forward Wine
- 2008 Way Forward Meeting
- 2008 Way Forward Attendee list
- 2007 Way ForwardMeeting
- Getting involved
- Testimonials
- Thames Water Updates (VMR)
- VAT Policy
- Special Offers
- Directory
2007 Way Forward Meeting
The annual business meeting, the Way Forward for Covent Garden, held at Freemasons' Hall on 16 October was deemed a success by everyone who attended. Amongst those in attendance were many significant stakeholders, councillors and officers from both Westminster and Camden, Directors of Covent Garden galleries and museums and senior Police officers; not only members of In and Around Covent Garden and the Covent Garden Business Forum but also essential service providers and interested residents were welcomed to the meeting to hear about and discuss issues affecting them in the area.
In a show of solidarity synonymous with Way Forward events, over 300 delegates attended and demonstrated a keen interest and devotion to the wellbeing of the area. Keynote speaker, Ruth Jarratt, Director of Policy Development at The Royal Opera House, spoke about our collective impact and ideals for the area. Her speech encouraged combining efforts, in her case with other arts institutions, she said that we can improve the cultural and artistic ethos of Covent Garden by working in partnership. Ruth enforced her belief that synergy is of the utmost importance in ensuring that the attractions of the broader aspect of Covent Garden continue to be regarded as a world destination. In her work with the Central London Cultural Quarter, Ruth shares our role in attempting to make a positive impact on our area by encouraging visitors and residents to make the most of Covent Garden for the benefit of us all.
Guests were warmly welcomed by Kim Church, Publisher and Managing Director of IAACG. Kim then handed the meeting over to Linky Trott of Edwin Coe LLP, Chair of the Covent Garden Business Forum, who officiated over a very constructive meeting with her usual efficiency. John Hamill, Director of Communications for the Grand Lodge welcomed delegates and gave an overview of the spectacular Freemasonsí Hall.
We were also privileged to have Councillor Colin Barrow, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council, Councillor Keith Moffitt, Leader of Camden Council and Richard Parry, Director of Strategy and Service Development at London Underground as top table speakers, all of whom spoke with erudition and candour. Concentrating on their respective areas, the speakers gave useful and insightful talks and addressed some of the concerns of IAACG members.
Unsurprisingly, the reopening of St Mungoís hostel on Endell Street, an issue of great concern, was aired by Fernando Leon, Director of The Covent Garden Salon who put a question to Camden: whether it would be reopening and whether the blight of drug users would return to cause chaos once again to the area. Keith Moffitt assured delegates that the new hostel would be more carefully managed and asked that we take a leap of faith that the reopened venue would be different from that which closed earlier this year.
Amongst the other questions put to the panel, Richard Parry was asked for further clarification on the Covent Garden station redevelopments. Richard assured delegates that the station would return to full operation in time for Christmas which was music to the ears of the many retailers and hospitality professionals in attendance and that second and third stage developments in 2008 would hopefully not have significant impact.
Also in the open forum, Sandy Nairne, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, pictured right, supported Ruth Jarratt and the cause in encouraging people to spend time in and around Covent Garden. One such way, Sandy suggested, was for galleries to open in the evenings on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is nice to know that the galleries and museums are on the same wavelength as we are at IAACG.
Exhibitions
Before and after the formal meeting, there was a range of exhibitions on display. Thames Water provided information on the Victorian Mains Replacement Programme, whilst London Underground exhibited information on their Transforming the Tube project. There were also displays from The Metropolitan Police, The London Borough of Camden, Atkins Design Environment & Engineering, Cross River Partnership, St Clement Danes Primary School, The Clear Zone Partnership and The Covent Garden Community Centre and Seven Dials Club, guests came away well informed (and in some cases loaded with promotional take-away goodies). All the exhibits were well received; they ensured Covent Gardeners were informed of developments in the area and added to the cohesive feel of this community event.
Reception
After the formal meeting came to a close, guests partook in chatting, mingling, networking and exchanging business cards and opinions on the finer points of the meeting. IAACG business members made new contacts and strengthened existing relationships through common interest in the area. An impressive spread was laid out and delegates enjoyed the hospitality of some of Covent Gardenís most popular restaurants. All members of In and Around Covent Garden, these generous supporters included L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Browns Bar & Brasserie,
Masala Zone, Mela, Mon Plaisir, The Souk, Stanza and The Terrace.
To sample these treats, delegates had to be quick as a feeding frenzy ensured nothing went to waste. Michael Druitt Vintners supplied the wine and Belushiís and Hercules Pillars ensured the event was possible by providing the necessary glasses, soft drinks and ice and joined the Michael Druitt Vintners contingent in running the bar. As well as networking and socialising, guests were able to relax with a ten-minute massage from the specialists at Roseandcrown hairdressers and beauticians who were promoting the massage and treatment side of their business.
The Awards
Kim Church, who introduced the awards, said that many of the delegates in attendance were deserving of an award, however, a representative few heroes were singled out:
St Martin-in-the-Fields represented by Hugh Player in appreciation of their innovation in successfully combining charity, community, enterprise and culture. Presented by Ruth Jarratt, Director of The Royal Opera House.
Lydia Clarkson, Project Manager, City of Westminster in appreciation of her commitment and effectiveness in furthering the Covent Garden agenda. Presented by Frank Ferris, Deputy Chief Executive, Jubilee Market Hall.
Jean Rymer, Clerk to the Trustees, St Clement Danes Primary School in appreciation of her excellent achievement in promoting community relationships. Presented by Inspector Phil Ryan, Metropolitan Police, Charing Cross.
Each award winner received a framed certificate, supplied by Border Line Arts and a bottle of Champagne, provided by Michael Druitt Vintners who also ensured delegates were adequately refreshed by topping up the wine in the after-meeting reception.
The Venue
The National Headquarters for Freemasonry and based in the heart of Covent Garden, this magnificent venue has generously hosted the Way Forward event for the last three years. Having recently appeared in the BBC programme Spooks, Freemasons Hall has become a popular destination for visitors attracted by the traditions, grandeur and mystery surrounding it. Delegates who arrived with enough time explored the Library and Museum of Freemasonry prior to the formal meeting. For everyone else, John Hamill reminded the gathered ranks that Freemasonsí Hall is open to the public and when the Grand Temple is not being used for fraternal ceremonies, there are regular guided tours.
Thanks
Our thanks go to Matthew Smith for these and other photographs. Our thanks also go to everyone already mentioned, all those who attended, Kall Kwik Centre Point who printed the delegate packs, Randstad Work Solutions for providing some very efficient temporary staff to help during the event, CapCo Covent Garden for sponsoring the technical equipment and Westminster City Council who contributed towards promotional costs.
The Future
The evening was such a success that plans have already begun for the Way Forward 2008 with exhibition tables already having been booked. The date for your diary is 14 October 2008. Click here to find out about the Way Forward for Covent Garden 2008. If you have any comments or suggestions for this year’s event we would be very interested to hear from you. Please email Helen Phillippo with any comments. Don’t forget that IAACG business members are invited to all Covent Garden Business Forum meetings as well as social networking evenings. For all Covent Garden business information click here.