Interviews - Wharf Life

October 11, 2026October 11, 2026

Dickson Mbi brings Tellus to Stratford’s Sadler’s Wells East

Choreographer, dancer, musician and composer, born in Cameroon and raised in London unveils his latest work at East Bank

Sadler's Wells East is the venue for Tellus' premiere - image by RULA — Sadler’s Wells East is the venue for Tellus’ premiere – image by RULA

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Dickson Mbi has a strong hat game.

When he answers the zoom call from his north London home, he’s wearing a red beret similar to those of Public Enemy’s S1W security force, known for their stern, imposing presence.

The dancer, choreographer, musician and composer beneath, however, fizzes with fun, energy, enthusiasm and introspection as we talk about his latest work – Tellus – a piece that’s set to get its première at Sadler’s Wells East from October 21-24, 2026.

Internationally successful, his piece Enowate by Sadler’s Wells and Barbican won him an Olivier Award in 2023 for Outstanding Achievements In Dance and he’s had a storied career on stage and screen, working with the likes of Robbie Williams, Corrine Bailey-Rae and the Black Eyed Peas among many others.

In many ways, however, Tellus is something of a full circle moment for Dickson – a show that explores his origins and childhood tales, staged in the very place where his own journey into dance began.

Born in Cameroon, he learnt English at boarding school before a move to east London, aged 12.

“It was a bit different – I was standing up to ask questions, which puzzled the other students here,” said Dickson.

“But boarding school was great for me, it gave me strong resilience and taught me a lot about life and independence – how to take care of myself on my own – and I’m grateful for that.”

After football at West Ham didn’t work out, Dickson got his first job at McDonald’s before embarking on an apprenticeship to become an IT technician.

However, while out in Stratford, a chance meeting set him ultimately on a different path.

Dancer, choreographer, musician and composer, Dickson Mbi - image by Foteini Christofilopoulou — Dancer, choreographer, musician and composer, Dickson Mbi – image by Foteini Christofilopoulou

discovering dance

“In African culture, dance is not considered a viable source of income or a career to follow,” said Dickson.

“You should be a doctor or a lawyer – something with high status.

“I was 18 or 19 and I met a girl who was dressed unusually, with her hair up in a particular way.

“I asked her why and she said she was going to a dance class at Stratford Circus. She invited me to come.

“I was going because I liked her. At the class, I met a lot of people into all sorts of dance and I thought it was amazing.

“Then I had to do an improvisation, a freestyle. I’d grown up watching Michael Jackson so I though I could do something like that.

“I was just joking around, trying to impress that girl, but the teacher invited me to another class at Pineapple Studios.

“At first I said no, then I found out the girl was going to be there, so I signed up. It was a Saturday, my first time on the Central line on my own.

“I grew up in Manor Park and Forest Gate – you go to Stratford or maybe Hackney, you don’t go anywhere else.

“Being in Covent Garden was different for me.

“We went in to do the class. There were lots of routines I couldn’t pick up – I didn’t want to look stupid in front of the girl or the teacher, so I pretended I needed the toilet and left.

“But just outside there was a group of guys body popping.

“Their performance drew me in. I wanted to know how people could move their muscles like that, how they could have control of their bodies to that degree.

“I stopped thinking about the girl and started to ask them about the dance.

“They told me what it was called, how it was started in the late 1960s, early 1970s, via James Brown.

“I didn’t know this music.

“All I knew was hip-hop from the 1990s, r’n’b, nothing else. I had heard a bit of jazz and classical music, but nothing like this.

“That was my introduction to dance.”

Dickson has worked extensively with the dancers to choreograph the piece - image by RULA — Dickson has worked extensively with the dancers to choreograph the piece – image by RULA

steps to learning

Dickson pursued his passion in his spare time, dancing with friends around London and in Newham, entering and winning competitions.

But it was meeting Stuart Thomas during a class in Graham Technique at Danceworks that proved fateful.

“He said that I had talent, but it needed to be nurtured and that I should go to school to learn how to look after my body,” said Dickson.

“That coming twice a week to his class wasn’t going to cut it.

“I said no – I was African, I couldn’t imagine what my parents would say, but Stuart was quite cunning.

“Without my knowledge, he filled out an application for Lewisham College and he told me I should go down there to try a class that was being taught by his friend.

“He said I’d fit right in. I went and there were some people I knew but something was weird – everyone had numbers on.

“It turned out to be an audition.

“The only reason I didn’t walk out was because, having won some competitions, I’d built up some street cred and, at 22, I didn’t want the younger dancers who were there to say I’d chickened out.

“For the ballet, I just copied the girl next to me – it was the first time I’d ever had a class.

“But then I did some contemporary and jazz, which was just like street dance. It was my thing and, at the end, I was given a full-time place.”

Dickson's latest work was inspired by his childhood and becoming a father - image by RULA — Dickson’s latest work was inspired by his childhood and becoming a father – image by RULA

a door opens

Supported by his future wife, the dancer, Julia Chen, Dickson made the tough decision to quit his job and study. Then another moment of good fortune struck.

“I went on to study for a BA and, while I was a student, I performed an improvisation at Sadler’s Wells and the choreographer, Russell Maliphant, saw me and offered me a job,” said Dickson.

“Upon hearing who it was, the principal of the school I was at said I should take the opportunity because people trained from the age of 10 to get that chance.

“I spent eight years dancing with Russell and I really got my choreographic education from him.

“He taught me how to stand in the lights, how to use dancers in an organic way, so it doesn’t feel jarring to the body, or look weird when you see it.

“He’s worked in so many genres of dance, so I also learnt to bring those different worlds together – he’s my biggest influence in dance.”

For Tellus, Dickson is back at Sadler’s Wells – this time at its Stratford venue – to present a work that touches on his own childhood and his experience of becoming a father.

“It’s really nice to be able to show this work in east London,” he said. “Tellus means Mother Earth in Latin. In 2023 my son was one and I was putting him to bed.

“The year was very hot, with lots of forest fires happening, lots of droughts in Somalia, for example – my brain was full of all this information. I was wondering what I could do to soothe him and put him to bed.

“Then I remembered a story my parents used to tell me about the goddess of water, and that’s when the whole idea for Tellus started to come up.

“Different melodies started to come into my brain – songs I knew as a child – and I thought this was a starting point. I was thinking about how I could bring a kid up in this world right now.

“When you become a dad, you start thinking about all these crazy things – it’s not just about you any more.

“So you have all these questions about how we connect to our bigger mother, the earth.

“If Enowate was more about my own biography, my African-ness and my East End-ness, this new piece is about how I see the world, what we’re doing and how we can create space for the next generation.

“I think Tellus is one of the best things I’ve done.

“It has live music, which I’ve composed – I’ve always wanted to bring my music and dance together in exactly the way I want it.

“The melodies come from spending time with my son, but there are also elements of grief in the mix too.

“Having the opportunity to present this in Stratford is one of those emotional moments for me and I’m really proud to be doing it.

“I’m not dancing in it personally and it’s really hard to build a piece like this.

“Not everybody has my background, my training and my body. It’s a long process, it’s not been easy and there have been several iterations with different performers, but it’s been so rewarding.

“The group we have are amazing artists and they do what I need them to way better than I could have done it.

“What I hope, when people come to see it is not that they understand the work, but that they feel it.

“I want them to feel connected to the story and what I’m trying to express.

“This is my first time back in Stratford and it feels like I’m coming home and it’s great to be back.”

Tellus will be performed at Sadler's Wells East this October - image by Luc Lodder — Tellus will be performed at Sadler’s Wells East this October – image by Luc Lodder

key details: Tellus by Dickson Mbi

Tellus by Dickson Mbi is set to run at Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford from October 21-24, 2026.

Performances will take place at 7.30pm and tickets start at £19.

Find out more about the production here

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October 11, 2026October 11, 2026

Black Limehouse Live exhibition explores St Anne’s history

East London Hawksmoor church’s Care For St Anne’s charity invites visitors to step back in time with help from Northeastern University London

Detail from the christening records at St Anne's Limehouse showing a 17-year-old 'black servant' received a blessing at the church on April 19, 1730 - image supplied by Care For St Anne's — Detail from the christening records at St Anne’s Limehouse showing a 17-year-old ‘black servant’ received a blessing at the church on April 19, 1734 – image supplied by Care For St Anne’s

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Information, inspiration and connection is what Black Limehouse Lives promises when it opens in east London later this month.

The exhibition is set to go on display at St Anne’s Limehouse from October 17, 2026, until February 20, with visitors invited to discover the lives of black people living in the area during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Care For St Anne’s – the charity committed to restoring the Hawksmoor-designed church and opening it up to wider community use – has teamed up with Northeastern University London in St Katharine Docks to help research and create the displays during Black History Month.

“I started volunteering at St Anne’s four years ago – I live partly in France and I’d been scaling down my work in the wine world and wanted to meet new people,” said Wink Lorch, who has led the Black Limehouse Lives project for Care For St Anne’s as co-curator.

“I’d lived in sight of the tower for 20 years, but I’m not a church-goer and the doors were always closed.

“When I had more time on my hands, I saw the charity was looking for volunteers and I thought it might be interesting.

“At first it was just keeping the doors open, but I can write and edit, which is how I was thrown into the first Limehouse Lives project in 2023 – an exhibition inspired by a talk that Queen Mary University did here based on research they’d done on people buried in the crypt at St Anne’s.

“It included some we know had links to slavery and we got London Museum Docklands to write a panel for us to help put that in context.

“I publish my own books and know about project management, so helping curate the exhibition was something I really enjoyed doing.

“I discovered the Mapping Black London project at Northeastern University on a visit to St George-In-The-East, the Hawksmoor church in Shadwell.

“I went there on an open day and Professor Olly Ayers who leads it was there with one of his post-grad students.

“I learnt about their project, which contributed to a wonderful exhibition at St George’s in April, and thought we might be able to link a revival of Limehouse Lives with similar research at St Anne’s.”

Wink Lorch, co-curator of Black Limehouse Lives - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Wink Lorch, co-curator of Black Limehouse Lives – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

from the past to the present

Scouring baptism and burial records, Black Limehouse Lives focuses on people who lived, worked, worshipped or were laid to rest in the parish between 1730 and 1830.

Olly said: “The Mapping Black London project has been going for nearly five years – we’ve researched the presence of black people in the city before 1948, prior to Windrush.

“We’re challenging the misconception that there was no black presence in the capital before that date.

“If you map something, you put people in times and places, and this helps history to come alive and make sense.

“We have a team of PhD students who are doing research on this and the scholarly dimension goes hand-in-hand with our public work.

“We found out early that there’s an appetite for thinking seriously about London’s black history.

“We’re now in Black History Month, but there are loads of examples where this is often not about history at all but about contemporary black culture or civil rights figures in the USA such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King.

“We can do a bit better and think about black history in Britain.

“This will be the third exhibition we’ve done with local partners.

“The principle is that if you show people that black history is not an abstract thing but that it concerns people in your church, in your neighbourhood and you can pinpoint that on a map, then it brings it alive in a meaningful way.

“We started off looking at Ignatius Sancho, the most important black Briton of the 18th century who was a prolific letter-writer and quite famous for speaking out against slavery.

“We wanted to look at the neighbourhood he lived in – he was a Westminster figure, with a shop not 100m from Downing Street and he married an East Ender called Anne Osborne of West Indian heritage.

“That got us thinking about the rest of the city and how these black communities were forming.

“If you’ve got the time to look in all the records to find these people, you can.”

A drawing of St Anne's Limehouse from 1780 - image supplied by Care For St Anne's — A drawing of St Anne’s Limehouse from 1780 – image supplied by Care For St Anne’s

context and connection

The exhibition seeks to place people – those who were baptised or buried by the church – in a wider context and to explore their stories.

While details of the individual lives of the people recorded in the parish records are scarce, it’s still possible to get a sense of some of the reasons they might have come to the church.

“For example, we found in the records that three people identified as black were baptised on the same day and all were adults,” said Wink.

“One was from New York, one from America and one from Bermuda.

“While we haven’t been able to find out anything about them, it’s likely they would have fought with the British in the American Revolutionary War.

“Black people who did that were promised freedom and a passage to England.

“We can also figure out how things might have been for them in London at that time.”

Professor Olly Ayers of Northeastern University London - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Professor Olly Ayers of Northeastern University London – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

building out the stories

Olly added: “With this kind of work, you don’t just stop when you hit a dead end.

“We’re not likely to find a black person’s diaries or personal letter collection but, if we stop there, it’s history from the perspective of the guys in the crypt.

“We know there’s a bigger black presence in London so we don’t let that stop us.

“Putting people in a geographical location is important.

“The three people who got baptised on the same day, for example, were in a port city, so they might have been fresh off a boat and new in town.

“The first thing they would have done was to get baptised – there’s a whole question about what that means, but the short version is that they did this to emphasise their free status.

“Then we can talk about other things, such as whether they stayed in the area.

“There certainly were black people who were getting homes and building lives here.

“We can also look at the criminal justice records of the Old Bailey – what’s interesting there is that, over the records of several hundred years, there’s more than 600 black people we can identify in the transcripts, including people from the Limehouse area.

“What’s interesting is that they’re not just listed as the perpetrators of crime, sometimes they’re victims and sometimes they’re witnesses.

“That gives you a social life dimension to the lives of black people in the capital.

“London society in the 18th century was very discriminatory – money, race, ethnicity, religion and rabid anti-Catholicism, which is often forgotten.

“Adult baptisms can also be seen in the context that it was a practical fact that the church was responsible for distributing relief and charity, because the state didn’t want to get involved.

“So anyone wanting to benefit had to prove their residence in that parish – it was called gaining a settlement – and being baptised was a way of doing that.”

The cover of the book containing St Anne's christening records from 1730 onwards - image supplied by Care For St Anne's — The cover of the book containing St Anne’s christening records from 1730 onwards – image supplied by Care For St Anne’s

bringing everything together

The exhibition aims to place the lives of black Londoners in context by revealing the effects slavery, empire, migration and maritime trade.

Wink said: “Gradually the exhibition took the form of four parts – the black lives, the beginning of St Anne’s, a revival of the previous exhibition and an extension of that where we talk about burials in our crypt and churchyard, identifying more people.

“We’ve conducted this research because not everybody buried here was identifiable, so we’ve tried to do that.

“We also want to show how we did it – visiting the City Of London Archives, for example – and to show people that they can do it too and research their own ancestry.”

Olly said: “Ultimately, I want people to come away saying: ‘I didn’t know that’.

“That may prompt other things.

“From other exhibitions, we’ve had quite moving testimonies – that it’s changed someone’s understanding of history, their understanding of themselves and their place in the city.

“Ideas such as the past shaping the present can sound rather abstract.

“But this project has certainly changed me as I walk around these streets and think about what it means to be a Londoner in the present day.”

key details: Black Limehouse Lives

Black Limehouse Lives is set to open at St Anne’s Limehouse on October 17, 2026, and will be on display at the church until February 20, 2027.

Free to view, the exhibition will be open to the public on Thursday to Saturday from 10am-4pm.

Find out more about the exhibition

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October 9, 2026October 9, 2026

Canary Wharf unveils four murals to mark Black History Month

Quartet of works by Jasmine Kahlia forms a trail across the estate for those living in, working in or visiting the area to discover before October 31, 2026

Detail from Jasmine Kahlia's Blaq Excellence in Montgomery Square - image by Sean Pollock — Detail from Jasmine Kahlia’s Blaq Excellence in Montgomery Square – image by Sean Pollock

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Visitors to Canary Wharf, as well as those living or working in the area, will be able to enjoy four murals installed to mark Black History Month.

Free to view until the end of October, Jasmine Kahlia’s quartet of works draw on the interdisciplinary artist’s time spent with more than 20 interviewees.

Folkloriq is located in North Colonnade, Facin Our Dreamz can be found in Upper Bank Street, Blaq Excellence is in Montgomery Square and Heartest Truth is in George Street.

forging a path

“I’ve always been a person that hasn’t wanted to do things in a traditional way,” said Jasmine.

“I got involved with art at Camden Roundhouse – I do poetry, music, live looping, photography, film, literature and painting.

“When I was younger I was really interested in calligraphy and graffiti.

“Sometimes I make songs in the moment, it’s really fun.

“It sounds quite confusing when I tell people about all the disciplines, but I’ve found a really good balance.

“That’s why I’m always doing different things on different days – I really like the variety.”

Jasmine works in a wide range of disciplines - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Jasmine works in a wide range of disciplines – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

creating space

More than an artist, however, Jasmine is also the founding force behind Bluprinta, an arts agency representing creatives.

“I like to present my work as having quality and to make space for other artists who may be a few steps behind me, so it’s nice to bring them along with me,” she said.

“Some of the creative people I know are not very entrepreneurial but they’re keen to make art and share it.

“Others really strategise and plan how they’re going to get into spaces. That was my intention with Bluprinta.”

Having been commissioned by Canary Wharf Group (CWG) to produce these latest works, Jasmine started with colour and then built her designs around that.

She said: “It’s really special and it’s really nice to bring forward so many people’s stories.

“Black history is everyone’s collective history – everyone’s cultures belong to each other. There’s something about this city that we all share and it’s nice to be able to showcase that.

“For me, this is not simply artwork. It’s a moment.

“Not just for myself, but for families and ancestors of the featured individuals.

“It continues to be a massive journey for equal rights.

“Years of intentional work, diplomacy and focus, facing sacrifices and losses, in the quest for success, despite the reality of societal discrimination and racism.

“There is intergenerational talent and innovation that lives in Canary Wharf.

“To be highly accomplised in our careers is no mistake.

“Although the collection is temporary, the sentiment and intention are permanent.”

Folkloriq can be see in North Colonnade - image by Sean Pollock — Folkloriq can be see in North Colonnade – image by Sean Pollock

discovering the work

The trail begins with Folkloriq in North Colonnade, a piece that examines contemporary art from the Caribbean and Central America.

The intention behind the piece is to bring forward the saturated and sunny colours of the diaspora, using the principle colours of red, yellow and green, which are contrasted with the solid black lines, reminiscent of illustrated books that Jasmine grew up reading like Anansi and Jamaica Tag Along.

Facin Our Dreamz is a large piece in Upper Bank Street, featuring individuals who live, work and study in Canary Wharf.

Spanning a range of professions from life sciences to AI to sport and finance, Jasmine undertook many interviews to bring this piece – and their stories to life.

Blaq Excellence is located in Montgomery Square and is billed as a heartfelt piece about liberation, freedom and creative flow.

It examines fluid movement, belonging and recognises the full diaspora, sampling colours of all skin tones into a single piece.

Jasmine deliberately selected honey brown, mahogany, ginger brown, cedar and tawny brown to blend into the main focal character.

Finally, Heartest Truth in George Street focuses into the snapshots of a successful career.

Each scene depicts a moment many can resonate with when embarking on their career.

These specific scenes are structured as: Downfall, Triumph, Connection and Freedom.

The colours are chosen from the heart space and reflect many natural elements, borrowing hues from landscapes, seascapes and sky.

Jasmine's Facin Our Dreamz can be see outside Waitrose - image by Sean Pollock — Jasmine’s Facin Our Dreamz can be see outside Waitrose – image by Sean Pollock

they say

Lowri Harries, associate curator at CWG said: “The Canary Wharf public art collection is completely free to view, open all year round and designed for people to encounter naturally throughout their day.

“It belongs to whoever is passing, so it’s important that it also reflects our diverse working and residential population.

“Jasmine’s murals do exactly this. The murals are directly inspired by the careers, journeys and feelings of her subjects and their personal sense of belonging to the area, allowing them, and those with similar experiences, to recognise themselves within it and feel a real sense of connection.”

Jasmine in front of Heartest Truth in Geroge Street - image by Sean Pollock — Jasmine in front of Heartest Truth in Geroge Street – image by Sean Pollock

key details: Black History Month at Canary Wharf

Folkloriq, Facin Our Dreamz, Blaq Excellence and Heartest Truth are set to be in place throughout October 2026 in Canary Wharf.

They are free to visit alongside the estate’s collection of more than 100 sculptures, murals and architectural pieces that make up its permanent collection.

Find out more about Jasmine’s artworks here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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October 9, 2026October 9, 2026

McDonald’s Billingsgate opens as brand returns after 12 years

Restaurant is franchisee Jon Betts’ 16th branch as his business grows in east London to cover Canary Wharf, Poplar and the Isle Of Dogs

McDonald's Billingsgate is now up and running - image supplied by McDonalds — McDonald’s Billingsgate is now up and running – image supplied by McDonalds

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Jon Betts started his career as a crew member at McDonald’s – cooking, cleaning and serving customers – all while studying for his A-Levels.

After going to university, but discovering it wasn’t for him, he went back to his role at the restaurant.

“I had the intention of getting a proper job, but that never really happened,” he said.

“Instead I worked my way up through the ranks, becoming business manager for different sites in east London including Barking, Canning Town and Leytonstone.

“We used to have a restaurant in Trafalgar Way near Billingsgate Market, which opened in the late 1990s and I was its business manager from 2000 to 2004 – that’s also when I moved to the area to be close to work and I was very proud to do all that.

“I had a 31-year career in McDonald’s and spent the last five of that as vice president of operations and as a member of the executive team.”

McDonald's franchisee Jon Betts now owns 16 restaurants across east London - image supplied by McDonald's — McDonald’s franchisee Jon Betts now owns 16 restaurants across east London – image supplied by McDonald’s

from four restaurants to 16…

Having always wanted to start his own business, in 2022, the opportunity presented itself and Jon left to become one of McDonald’s franchisees.

Starting with four sites, he’s grown his operation to 16 across east London, with the latest of special interest to those living or working in Canary Wharf, Poplar and the Isle Of Dogs.

The single-storey drive-thru near Billingsgate – once managed by Jon – closed in 2014, with the expectation that it would be replaced a few years later on the ground floor of a pair of residential towers.

Those plans failed to come to fruition but, 12 years on, the brand has returned to the area at the base of Urbanest’s newly minted trio of towers, built to house students.

“I’m thrilled we’ve reopened, especially because I spent many happy years here,” said Jon, who still lives locally.

“The new restaurant is cutting edge.

“It has a décor scheme called Sunny-Side Up and we have 138 seats here for customers who want to eat in.

“We also have a drive-thru and we operate delivery out of the restaurant with three delivery partners – Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.

“This was always a busy location for us and I know people have been keen for us to return.

“We have a queue of customers on the first day waiting for the doors to open so I’m hoping that’s a good indicator that our business will be very strong.

“Opening a new restaurant is always challenging and I’ve been privileged to do that in a number of capacities during my career.

“We have 120 staff employed here. We’ve recruited 50 and 70 are drawn from our existing restaurants and have transferred here.”

The new restaurant employs 120 staff and has 138 seats for diners – image supplied by McDonald's — The new restaurant employs 120 staff and has 138 seats for diners – image supplied by McDonald’s

a natural step

Having overseen operations at 240 company-owned restaurants while at McDonald’s, Jon is no stranger to the business and originally set himself the goal of running 20 sites through his own company.

“It felt like a very natural step to become a franchisee, but to reach 16 has exceeded my expectations,” he said.

“The growth has been quite quick as the average franchisee operates about six or seven sites.

“As a business, I employ around 1,300 people, which is quite a responsibility and a privilege. It’s really rewarding to see people you hire go on to be successful.

“It’s a great company to work for because it creates opportunities for people. I started as crew and now I’m lucky enough to have 16 restaurants.

“There are 1,500 McDonald’s restaurants in the UK and 99% of our business managers started as crew members.

“Sometimes people join us while they’re studying and the job is a stepping stone to something else.

“But it’s also very rewarding to stay in the business.

“You learn a lot of skills that you can use in other areas of your life.

“We’re the biggest restaurant chain in the world and the largest in the UK.

“We offer a lot to our customers, although I understand sometimes the brand is polarising.”

The interior decor décor scheme is called Sunny-Side Up - image supplied by McDonald's — The interior decor décor scheme is called Sunny-Side Up – image supplied by McDonald’s

the lure of the Double Cheeseburger

Currently top of the menu, alongside all the classics, McDonald’s is offering its World Menu Heist, offering British diners popular options from its restaurants around the world.

Top picks include the Big Rösti (from Germany), which comes complete with a hash brown and bacon, Paprika McShaker Fries (from The Netherlands) which come with special seasoning and Mac And Cheese Triangles (from the UAE) – crispy bites ideal for dipping.

Jon said: “Personally, I enjoy a Double Cheeseburger or Chicken McNuggets and Fries, although I watch what I eat now because of my age, so I don’t have the latter as much as I’d like.

“Another thing that’s important to me is that we’re good neighbours in the areas we serve.

“We do a lot of work within the local community to help improve the environment – litter picks for example.

“We also engage with local schools to provide work experience opportunities, which can lead to jobs.

“A large percentage of our workforce are young adults – it’s a privilege to often be people’s first job.”

The restaurant also features a drive-thru - image supplied by McDonald's — The restaurant also features a drive-thru – image supplied by McDonald’s

key details: McDonald’s Billingsgate

McDonald’s Billingsgate is located at the junction of Trafalgar Way and Aspen Way and is open Sunday to Thursday from 5am to 11pm and 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Find out more about the branch here

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October 8, 2026October 8, 2026

Third Space spotlights impact of strength work in Canary Wharf

Master trainer of strength and conditioning for group exercise at Third Space, Will Pate, on why he’ll always recommend resistance exercises

Third Space master trainer of strength and conditioning for group exercise, Will Pate - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Third Space master trainer of strength and conditioning for group exercise, Will Pate – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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“Regardless of your favourite way to train, the one thing nobody disagrees on is the importance of strength and conditioning work,” said Will Pate.

“There are just so many benefits. People want to move their bodies and feel strong.

“It’s the reason I’ll always recommend strength work whatever level you’re at and whatever your reason for training.”

There’s a real note of excitement in Will’s voice as we’re talking – a sense that his area of expertise, as Third Space’s master trainer of strength and conditioning for group exercise, is deservedly having its moment.

“There’s such demand for it,” he said. “We know what’s being used in our gyms and it’s the squat racks and cable machines.

“I think it’s because people recognise the benefits and they know it’s not about becoming a body builder.

“It’s about functionality and longevity. It’s all about the bigger picture.

“Personally, I don’t train for aesthetics, but so that my body feels good.

“As I get older, that will still be the case.

“In the past there was this idea that, particularly for women, training with weights would make you bulky.

“That’s obviously not the case and if you look at what women are searching for online, strong is now a more popular search than skinny.

“I think there’s a greater appreciation that everyone’s on their own journey and will have their own goals.

“More and more, our members are focused on how they are looking after themselves to stay strong and injury free.”

Third Space's Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs have extensive facilities for resistance training - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Third Space’s Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs have extensive facilities for resistance training – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

two clubs, one membership

Third Space offers access to its Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs under a single membership package, both offering an extensive array of equipment for resistance training.

Members can also take advantage of a packed timetable of classes designed to help them take their first steps into weightlifting, hone their skills or challenge themselves.

“Whatever people’s goals are, we want to give them the building blocks to achieve them,” said Will.

“For example, we now run our Lift classes on four-week cycles so that there’s progression built in for people who are going regularly.

“We’re always encouraging people to challenge themselves with the weight they are working with when it’s safe to do so.

“We also offer smaller classes such as Yard Weightlifting, which is up to 10 people.

“It’s inspired by Olympic Weightlifting to help people learn the correct techniques for the clean and jerk and the snatch.

“These classes run in six-week cycles and are in smaller groups to make sure we’re delivering the right standard of training in a completely safe way.

“These are complex movements. You’re moving from the floor to overhead in less than a second, so you have to be able to break that down, to understand the challenge that each member is facing.

“Having a small group allows you to do that.

“One of the challenges I have managing our group exercise coaches is making sure that, whatever class they’re teaching, members are getting the right advice, encouragement and correction when they need it.

“It’s our job to ensure they feel that they’re making progress.

“Whatever level someone is at, we can help move them forward.

“In the same class I might have someone who’s qualified for a weightlifting championship and someone else who has never touched a barbell before.

“We always want people to feel that they’re learning, that they can go away and practise the skills and enjoy training.

“It doesn’t matter what level you’re at, skills are always coachable.

“Members are still coming to classes for a reason and, for everyone, it’s up to us to understand what that is and help them get what they need.”

Will loads up a bar on one of the club's squat racks - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Will loads up a bar on one of the club’s squat racks – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

a wealth of facilities

Both Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf have extensive resistance training areas which are constantly assessed to ensure members have all the equipment they could want.

Will himself is passionate about curating classes to help members get the most out of the club whether that’s alone or in a group setting.

Football obsessed as a kid, he had an ambition to become a PE teacher before moving to London and embarking on a career in the fitness industry.

Initially working with Gymbox, he made the switch to Third Space alongside fellow master trainer Clare Walters and has spent the last eight years honing his skills.

“I did do some internships with some lively groups of kids when I was at university and decided it would be easier to teach adults,” he said.

“It was never the plan to take this path but I’m so grateful because I really love it.

“I always call our Canary Wharf club the mothership because it’s so extensive.

“If you can’t find a way to train that you enjoy here, then I don’t think it exists.

“I look after all the strength and conditioning classes in our studios and one of the other big assets we have is The Yard, which was inspired by the boom of crossfit-style training.

“In there you’re looking at weightlifting, lots of platforms followed by gymnastic work and the callisthenic crowd.

“I always say that if you’re looking to get stronger, Canary Wharf has everything you could want.

“Yard Strong is a really fun class we offer.

“Born of the popularity of strongman events, it offers people the chance to do lots of things they might not normally try.

“People find it really enjoyable, but it’s also carefully put together.

“We base it around primary lifts and supplementary lifts to ensure the training is effective.

“That’s so important because seeing the benefits and when they click for a member is just great.

“Our bodies weren’t designed to sit the way so many people do – I think more are aware of that now and we’re giving them action they can take to address it.”

Will says Third Space offers resistance training at all levels - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Will says Third Space offers resistance training at all levels – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: Third Space

Third Space The Wharf membership includes full access to its Wood Wharf and Canary Wharf clubs and costs £257 per month plus a £100 joining fee.

This covers full access to both sites and all classes on the timetable.

Find our more about joining here

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September 26, 2026September 26, 2026

Festival Of Print 2026 set to welcome visitors in Mile End

East London Printmakers’ annual showcase at The Art Pavilion will run for 10 days and features work by more than 100 creatives

Detail from Newydd-November by Ivy Smith Plas - image by Ivy Smith Plas — Detail from Newydd-November by Ivy Smith Plas – image by Ivy Smith Plas

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Sometimes making a house a home is about the things you choose to put into it.

Taking inspiration from the local area can be a good place to start for those just moving in or a way of updating and refreshing an interior for those who’ve lived in east London and the Docklands for a while.

East London Printmakers (ELP), a creative collective that operates out of Acme’s Copperfield Road studios in Mile End, is getting ready to host its Festival Of Print 2026.

The event will showcase work by more than 100 artists in a free exhibition that serves as an opportunity to discover and acquire locally made pieces.

Celebrating the breadth and depth of ELP’s output, the group’s latest show will feature print produced with techniques including woodblock, screen print, etching and relief.

“Our goal for this show is to explore how different perspectives interact within a shared space,” said ELP member and festival organiser, Inga Eičaitė.

“Every piece tells a unique story, and I encourage visitors to take their time – to start conversations and to really connect with the work.”

Detail from You Can’t Give What You Never Had by Maurice Citron - image by Maurice Citron — Detail from You Can’t Give What You Never Had by Maurice Citron – image by Maurice Citron

an exhibition and a live happening

The showcase is set to take over The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park from October 2-11, 2026.

Free to visit, the exhibition will be open daily from 11am-5pm.

The event will include Box Set, a collection of 40 limited edition prints created by ELP members.

The festival will, this year, also feature The Dreaming Of Butterflies – an evening of performances on October 8 aimed at exploring how printmaking intersects with dance and music.

The event will end with a collaborative collage led by ELP artist duo Jairo Zaldua and Nicola Jane Green.

The evening is free to attend and runs from 7pm.

The Art Pavilion is located a short walk from Mile End Tube and can be reached easily from Canary Wharf via the 277 bus.

Detail from Moonstone, Sapphire And Saffron by Lydie Gallais - image by Lydie Gallais — Detail from Moonstone, Sapphire And Saffron by Lydie Gallais – image by Lydie Gallais

key details: Festival Of Print 2026

East London Printmakers’ Festival Of Print 2026 is set to take place at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park from October 2-11, 2026.

Entry is free and the exhibition will be open from 11am-5pm daily.

Find out more here

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September 25, 2026September 25, 2026

Greenwich Collective offers fine tailoring and shirt-making in SE10

Business owned by Philip Chalk and Wayne Carter is a temple to menswear, creating bespoke suits, shirts and other garments at Greenwich Market

Philip Chalk, co-owner of Greenwich Collective in Greenwich Market - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Philip Chalk, co-owner of Greenwich Collective in Greenwich Market – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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“My mother was a dressmaker, who also did alterations and worked for companies,” said Philip Chalk, tailor and co-owner of the Greenwich Collective.

“Until I started school at the age of five, I’d sit beside her, tinkering.

“We’d make things and play with sewing machines.

“My family in Portugal were tailors, shirt-makers and so on, there was skill there.”

Almost absent-mindedly, while we’re talking, Philip has noticed a loose button on his jacket and – without breaking conversation – cuts it off and sews it neatly back on, all without removing the garment from his shoulders.

It’s a small detail, but then there’s a feeling that the Greenwich Collective is all about paying attention to those.

The shop, which Philip owns with his business partner Wayne Carter, is – at first glance – a glorious melange of menswear.

There are rails hung with suits and shirts, vibrant displays of ties, canes, umbrellas, socks and cuff-links.

Some are for sale, some are works in progress for clients. Everywhere there are antique pieces, artworks and curios.

This is no loosely connected bric-a-brac, though. Like the fine clothes created within, everything has been chosen.

Inside, the store is filled with menswear, curiosities and antiques - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Inside, the store is filled with menswear, curiosities and antiques – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

a passion for retail

Philip has an extensive history in the industry, evidenced perhaps by the stacks of swatches in innumerable sample books stacked neatly along one wall,

In addition to studying at the London College Of Fashion and working as a bespoke tailor, he’s spent time at Ted Baker, TM Lewin, Thomas Pink and once bought a shoe shop from David Moss (of Moss Bros) – learning a considerable amount about selling footwear in the process.

His is a history of Jermyn Street, floral shirts, Soho, kosher tailoring, Docklands, Whitechapel, riotous nights out and making clothes for classical composers.

Now, the shop in Greenwich is something of a labour of love – the display window for an operation employing around 29 people.

“I’ve always loved the retail side of the business and at this stage I’m bored with the idea of purely trying to make money,” said Philip.

“We offer the best alterations, we’re the best tailors in the country and possibly the best shirt-makers in the world.

“I do the tailoring and Wayne does the shirts. It’s hard, but we enjoy it – I’ve run lots of different kinds of businesses and it’s about wanting to do something you’re interested in.

“Our pieces are bespoke and made the way our customers like, generally with our stamp on them.

“Everything is considered, every detail.”

Greenwich Collective is located at the southern end of Greenwich Market - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Greenwich Collective is located at the southern end of Greenwich Market – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

establishing the why

Prices at Greenwich Collective start at around £2,400 for a bespoke two-piece suit and £275 for a shirt.

Customers can choose from a wide range of fabrics and styles with details to meet every requirement.

“People come into the shop, we sit down, have a drink and see what’s doable,” said Philip.

“We often talk finance as early as possible to understand what can be done.

“They say no-one knows you as well as your doctor or your tailor and it’s so true.

“As for the latter, they should be asking what a customer wants a suit for?

“Is it for a career, are they looking for promotion, to get noticed?

“Is it for a date, just to look cool or will they be dancing in it or travelling?

“When it’s for a wedding there’s a lot to consider – the shirt, tie, socks and the shoes. I tend to do masculine tailoring, I dress clients to glide.

“Most people want to look like James Bond or Cary Grant, so that’s what we try to achieve.

“I generally put my clients in better cloth than you’d expect for the price.

“We have dozens of swatch books from all kinds of factories, but there are a few suppliers I advise people to deal with over the others because they offer high quality that’s great value.

“I’d rather put people in a really good suit so they feel at their best.

“If you went to Savile Row, you might find yourself paying £10,000 for a suit made from the same cloth.

“So long as we cover our costs and our risk, we’re happy to offer the prices we do.”

Philip, Wayne and the team offer ready-to-wear products as well as bespoke clothing - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Philip, Wayne and the team offer ready-to-wear products as well as bespoke clothing – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

connected to the community

Greenwich Collective has been trading for close to five years, but has a timeless feel about it.

As we’re chatting, Philip is constantly waving to people through the window, pointing out artists and singers that he knows.

It’s clear there’s connection and community here, which is part of the attraction.

“We get involved with stuff – the Greenwich Historical Society, pub crawls, the other traders on the market,” he said.

“I enjoy it. Everything in the shop is for sale, but it’s not.

“Some things I can’t part with. I have a lot of stuff and I enjoy it – I must have 20,000 pairs of cuff-links, 8,000 ties.

“I go to a lot of auctions and buy things – old surveyor’s sticks, tripods, antiques – I take pleasure in them.

“Some things we sell are new, others are old. I’m passionate about vintage clothing too.

“A great thing to do is to buy a vintage piece for the quality and then have us alter it to fit.

“Sometimes it’s equally hard to part with the clothes we make.

“If you’ve spent 200 hours making something, it can be hard to say goodbye to it, but you know the customer will take real pleasure in it.”

Shoes for sale at Greenwich Collective - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Shoes for sale at Greenwich Collective – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: Greenwich Collective

Greenwich Collective is located in Nelson Arcade at the southern end of Greenwich Market.

Drop into the shop, call 020 3795 4328 or email gc@thegreenwichcollective.uk to book an appointment or make and enquiry.

Greenwich Market is easily accessible from Canary Wharf via the DLR to Cutty Sark and a short walk.

Alternatively visitors can take the Uber Boat By Thames Clippers or walk via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.

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September 25, 2026September 25, 2026

Maria Alexander Spa Boat delivers tranquility and privacy on the water

Ingrid Eriksson and Corvin Roman’s floating destination at Limehouse Marina is ideal for couples or friends seeking indulgence in east London

The Maria Alexander Spa Boat offers a tranquil escape from the city - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The Maria Alexander Spa Boat offers a tranquil escape from the city – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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Life on the water has its own pace.

This is sometimes true for businesses as much as for those who make their home afloat.

The story of the Maria Alexander Spa Boat began around three years ago.

Built and fitted-out to exacting specifications, the vessel has a treatment room for two and an open-plan spa space for up to four guests.

This features a sauna and a hot tub that manage to feel connected to the water outside, despite being in near seclusion.

While the boat has spent around two years cruising the canals of London, its offering constantly refined and its location changing, the couple behind the venture have now found their curated craft a more permanent home at Limehouse Marina.

It’s been a lengthy voyage, but there’s a sense that this is the dawn of a new chapter for the spa, which offers an experience like no other on the capital’s waterways.

The boat is a joint venture between Ingrid Eriksson and Corvin Roman.

The former has an extensive background in spas and the latter in insurance, teaming up on the foundation of their burgeoning relationship to create a floating haven of relaxation.

The facility accommodates up to four guests and offers multiple options, but the most popular package is the two-hour Private Floating Spa Treatment for two including a 30-minute massage.

The Maria Alexander Spa Boat is now moored at Limehouse Marina in east London - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The Maria Alexander Spa Boat is now moored at Limehouse Marina in east London – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

stepping on board

“We greet customers at the entrance to the marina, take them to the boat and then show them around the spa,” said Ingrid.

“Then they have a little foot soak, some organic herbal tea and simply relax for a while.

“When they’re ready, we show our guests through to the massage room where we deliver a half-hour masage that’s focussed on relaxation.

“Afterwards, our guests are free to use the spa facilities, take a sauna and enjoy the hot tub. They can even open the doors at the front of the boat to see out while they’re soaking.”

The purpose-built spaces are designed for privacy so guests feel as though they have the whole boat to themselves – however, Corvin, Ingrid or staff can be summoned via small brass hand bells should anything be needed.

“We created something that we thought we’d enjoy ourselves,” said Corvin, who along with his partner helps deliver treatments on the Maria Alexander Spa Boat.

“At the start, I didn’t want to get involved with a business I didn’t properly understand, so I studied massage at the City Lit.

The boat includes a treatment room for two - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The boat includes a treatment room for two – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

“Part of what we’re offering is that the vibe here is different to other spas.

“When we did our research, we couldn’t find anything else like it.

“This isn’t a space where you’ll find people who are just hired therapists.

“Ideally we always want at least one of us to be here – we want to be talking to customers but also making sure they have space to relax. It’s about looking after people.

“Visiting a spa is about slowing down – put it on the water and you have the best of both worlds.

“We might now be in a marina, but you still feel the movement of the water, you hear the rain on the roof and the calls of the birds.

“You can hear the bells of St Anne’s Limehouse, but once you’re inside you can close yourself off from the world.”

Ingrid added: “We’ve curated the whole experience.

“Spas can be quite impersonal but here we wanted to create something more romantic, a calmer offering.

“We tested it with friends and people in the industry to make sure we were getting the spa journey right and we believe we’ve now done that.”

Maria Alexander Spa Boat co-owner Ingrid Eriksson - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Maria Alexander Spa Boat co-owner Ingrid Eriksson – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

developing the offering

Built in Liverpool and craned into the water at Watford, the Maria Alexander was fitted out in Tottenham before travelling along the canals of the capital.

The vessel’s sauna is wood-fired to a toasty 90ºC and its hot tub features powerful jets for various kinds of massage.

Guests are supplied with oatmeal-coloured robes, matching towels and small batch UK-made cleansing products.

Typical refreshments provided include tea and dried fruit, although the couple have plans to widen this offering in the future.

“We’re looking into offering afternoon teas and other catering options such as light meals, depending on the package,” said Corvin.

“We have the facilities on board to do this.

“We usually ask groups of more than two to contact us directly to discuss their requirements so we can tell them what’s possible.

Maria Alexander Spa Boat co-owner Corvin Roman - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Maria Alexander Spa Boat co-owner Corvin Roman – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

“Usually our bookings are for couples or two friends, but we do have three or four people sometimes.

“While we don’t allow children on board, we can accommodate babies by arrangement if needed.”

Ingrid added: “It’s a complete experience focussed on relaxation.

“It’s perfect for couples or friends. One of the things we wanted to make sure of was that there’s no waiting around.

“Sometimes when you visit a spa there can be a long period of time before they’re ready to offer your treatment.

“Here, because guests have the boat to themselves, we don’t have that issue.”

There's a private wood-fired sauna on board - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — There’s a private wood-fired sauna on board – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

refinement and evolution

While the core offering remains, the couple are constantly working to refine and evolve the experience, tweaking the interior design and adding extra shine to proceedings.

Plans for the future include potentially partnering with local hotels and developing other spa boats to deliver different treatments.

Corvin said that while running a floating spa presented a range of challenges not faced by land-based businesses, it also had many advantages and it was a pleasure to offer guests something unique.

He said: “People who have been to other spas are often not sure what to expect, so it’s amazing when they tell us it’s spectacular and unlike anything they’ve tried before.”

The Maria Alexander Spa Boat features a hot tub for up to four people - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The Maria Alexander Spa Boat features a hot tub for up to four people – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

tired + tested: Maria Alexander Spa Boat

It’s clear from the moment of arrival at the Maria Alexander Spa Boat that this is something different.

There are floating saunas in London, perhaps even boats offering spa treatments, but nothing as considered as this vessel’s offering.

After slipping shoes off, enjoying a quick tour of the facilities (including an incinerating toilet), we change into our swimwear, don our robes and indulge in a foot purifying foot soak with plenty of time to sip cool water and relax.

When we’re ready, we go through to the calm, relaxing treatment room where there’s just room for a massage for two.

Snuggled under towels, Corvin and Ingrid come through and deliver a slow relaxing massage which leaves a warm, lingering tingle.

The pressure is subtle rather than intense, enough to get the nerves firing without stressing the muscles too much.

Then it’s back to the spa and we’re left on our own to enjoy the offering.

After an intense burst in the sauna, with scented water to boost the humidity, it’s time for a cold shower and then a lengthy soak in the hot tub, our bodies soothed by the potent jets as we relax.

Gazing out at the other boats while gently bobbing along and then looking up to the clouds through the vessel’s skylight is a rare pleasure.

At £200 for two people, the quality and attention to detail here makes the experience a steal.

The boat has been finished to a very high standard – akin to the best spas one might find in high-end hotels.

The fact you can find such an experience on a boat in Limehouse simply adds to the charm of the offering.

Jon Massey

***** (5/5)

key details: Maria Alexander Spa Boat

The Maria Alexander Spa Boat is located in Limehouse Marina, a few minutes on foot from Limehouse DLR and is within walking distance of Canary Wharf.

The spa is only open by appointment with pre-booking essential.

Find out more about the offering here

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September 25, 2026September 25, 2026

BGC Group Charity Day raises record funds as celebs answer call

Ambassadors including Hugh Grant, KSI, Helen Mirren and Tom Hardy attend firm’s Canary Wharf offices to help generate $16million for good causes

KSI generates money for When You Wish Upon A Star at the BGC Group Charity Day - image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group except where stated — KSI generates money for When You Wish Upon A Star at the BGC Group Charity Day – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group

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“Nothing can mitigate or change the catastrophic loss felt by staff at BGC Group when planes crashing into the World Trade Centre as part of the 9/11 terrorist attacks took the lives of 658 people, employees of its the parent company, Cantor Fitzgerald.

“The feeling never goes away,” said Sean Windeatt, BGC’s co-CEO.

“I was on the phone to a colleague in the towers when the planes hit – it doesn’t matter that it was 25 years ago.

“I’m always thinking about it, but ultimately those are private, inner thoughts.

“Recently, I was talking to the former president of the company, Shaun Lynn, about that time and remembering what happened.

“But we were also saying how incredibly proud we are of what’s happened since – how the company has successfully rebuilt itself and what we’re able to do for charitable causes.”

That latter achievement, especially, is extraordinary.

After ensuring colleagues affected by the attacks were supported BGC launched its annual Charity Day in 2005.

The financial services company invites charities’ celebrity patrons onto its trading floor to close deals on behalf of their organisations with all the revenue donated to good causes.

In addition to the money, the media attention generated helps raise awareness and buzz around organisations’ activities.

This year, a record-breaking $16milllion was generate in a single day, bringing the overall total to $250million since 2005.

It’s a demonstration of the impact a sustained, powerful initiative can have.

BGC Group co-CEO Sean Windeatt is calling for more firms to donate to charity – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

part of the company’s identity

“We still have around 50 members of staff who were at BGC 25 years ago – that means, of the 1,500 people who work in the company, 1,450 were not working on that day,” said Sean.

“However, all of them understand what we stand for, that charity is in the DNA of the business.

“With what we went through at that time, we were lucky to remain in existence.

“The people working here now know that and I’m immensely proud of how hard they work for our Charity Day to ensure we make as much money for those organisations as possible.

“It couldn’t happen without the commitment of our brokers and the generosity of our clients.”

Michael McIntyre appears on behalf of Prostate Cancer Research - image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group — Michael McIntyre appears on behalf of Prostate Cancer Research – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group

This year, BGC’s phones were staffed by the likes of Dame Helen Mirren, Tom Hardy, Hugh Grant, Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix, Michael Mcintyre, Maro Itoje, Fatboy Slim (aka Norman Cook), Sir Gareth Southgate, Youtuber KSI and many, many more.

Since 2005, over 1,000 charities have received funding through the initiative including more than 60 UK organisations that have received cash every year.

These range from large global charities to small grassroots initiatives.

However, BGC now wants other businesses to follow suit. In light of a report by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), which found just 27% of companies supported charities in any way and only 17% donated cash, Sean is calling on others to do more and to reap the obvious rewards.

Helen Mirren drives up prices on behalf of Denville Hall - image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group — Helen Mirren drives up prices on behalf of Denville Hall – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group

a call to action

“We operate in a fiercely competitive business world and I don’t think there’s any doubt that giving to charity makes us more successful,” said Sean.

“The fact we are supporting others is something that’s recognised by our clients, other businesses and our own staff.

“They know we’re about more than just making money, we’re about supporting others. They choose to work with us or work harder for us as a result and we become more successful.

“As our revenues rise, so does the amount we give to charity – it’s a virtuous circle. I was shocked by the statistic in the report.

“I understand that it’s tough for businesses, as it is for individuals, but companies that are doing well have some sort of responsibility to do some kind of charitable giving.

John Caudwell, right, completes a trade for Caudwell Youth - image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group — John Caudwell, right, completes a trade for Caudwell Youth – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group

“For the percentage to be less than a third really surprised me, especially at a time when the cost of living crisis is stopping households contributing and often making charities’ overheads rise.

“What we’re trying to do in the wake of our latest charity day is to raise awareness of the impact the corporate world can have by helping to fill that gap.”

This year, BGC has teamed up with philanthropist John Caudwell to call on companies to do more.

CAF’s report found that if businesses donated 1% of their pre-tax profits, charities could receive nearly £5billion in additional funding – more than three times the drop in donations last year.

John, the first British billionaire to sign the Giving Pledge, committing the majority of his personal fortune to good causes, took part in BGC’s Charity Day to help raise money for Caudwell Youth.

He said: “BGC’s Charity Day is a fantastic initiative and a powerful example of how businesses can support charities and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

“Having founded Caudwell Youth, I have seen first hand how vital this kind of support is.

“This generous donation from BGC Charity Day will fund one-to-one mentoring for young people facing mental health challenges, leaving care, or at risk of exploitation and offending.

“Thanks to BGC’s support, Caudwell Youth can reach more young people with the consistent support and guidance they need to build a brighter future.”

Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, helps raise cash for Martlets - image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group — Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, helps raise cash for Martlets – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group

real things in real lives

While the glitz and glam of the event itself is important, for Sean one of the most valuable and moving sides to Charity Day is seeing the granular impact of those millions of dollars.

“The event has paid for wheelchairs, hospice care, medical research and community projects – real things in real lives,” he said.

“On the day itself we invite charities and some of the people they help to attend and it’s a moment of great pride to watch everyone pulling together, meeting and having fun – to see how much benefit is being created.

“It’s wonderful to see that energy. Then over the course of the year it doesn’t stop.

We get out of the office to meet the charities – we give staff volunteering opportunities and it’s incredible to hear what our support means to these organisations.

“We know from these experiences how regular funding and support is so important for charities – especially at the moment, so that’s exactly why we’re saying businesses should do more when they can.

“If just 50% of the companies that currently give nothing were to contribute 1% of pre-tax profits it would make such a difference.”

NASSA founder and CEO Natasha Hart - image by Matt Grayson — NASSA founder and CEO Natasha Hart – image by Matt Grayson

case study: National All Star Skills Academy (NASSA)

The National All Star Skills Academy (NASSA) is an east London charity based in Newham that uses sport as an engine to fight gang culture and knife crime, but also to act as an agent of social mobility.

Centred primarily on basketball, its Carry A Basketball Not A Blade campaign reaches thousands of school kids each year, while its training sessions and teams are vehicles to focus young minds on fitness, skill, discipline and collaborative effort.

As a grassroots charity founded by Natasha Hart in 2006, the organisation has an extensive track record of effectively addressing issues in society through rapid action with programmes that deliver results.

It’s quick to respond and maintains the feel of a close-knit family, despite helping and educating more than 100,000-plus young people.

Last year, BGC Group decided to donate $10,000 to NASSA to support its ongoing work in east London, raised during its Charity Day.

“I can’t begin to say how grateful we are to BGC for this money,” said Natasha, who remains the charity’s CEO.

“We immediately decided, having identified a need locally, to use it to support a new kind of session for NASSA.

“I’d spoken with several mothers locally and we set up regular ball skills training for young people with conditions such as autism, Down’s Syndrome or other complex needs.

“The donation covers court hire at the University Of East London, all the equipment needed and also pays for a specialist coach.

“Over eight months, we were able to run 90-minute sessions once a week for young people aged eight to 18 in response to clear demand from the local community.

“Just through word of mouth we had 25 families registered on our books.

“The young people would come down and learn skills inspired by basketball that are appropriate for their abilities – they’d be passing, shooting and dribbling.

“But they would also be plenty of free time to just have fun and run about.

“One of the things we noticed was that the coach was able to also teach them elements of discipline.

“While there was a lot of excited running around in the early sessions, that changed – you would not believe how much progress they made.

“We also used some of the money to reward that by purchasing certificates and medals for participants and you could see in their eyes what that recognition meant to them.”

In addition to allowing NASSA to train some of its own coaches in-house to help run the sessions, the initiative has also provided parents and carers with some respite.

“Caring for a child with complex needs or a specific condition can be very intense and it can be a 24-hour job,” said Natasha.

“One of the reasons for setting up these sessions was to give parents and carers a break, even if that’s just an hour where they can get a cup of tea in the UEL cafe.

“At the start we set up a WhatsApp group so we could keep in contact with all the parents easily and update them.

“The feedback we’ve had has been amazing, especially from the young people themselves who have been asking the adults to text us to make sure they’re happening.

“It’s something they really look forward to and it’s fantastic to see.”

Find our more about NASSA’s work here

Hugh Grant hits the phones on behalf of the Press Justice Project - image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group — Hugh Grant hits the phones on behalf of the Press Justice Project – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group

key details: BGC Charity Day

BGC Group’s Charity Day takes place every year in September with 100% of revenues generated by the firm donated to good causes.

Since it started in 2005, $250million has been raised, $16million this year.

Find out more about the company’ here’s initiative here

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September 24, 2026September 24, 2026

The Space launches fundraising drive to generate £30,000 this year

The theatre, arts centre and community hub on the Isle Of Dogs is marking its 30th birthday with the unveiling of its Space 30 crowdfunder.

Artistic director Matthew Jameson could be losing quite a lot of hair, depending on the levels of donation - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Artistic director Matthew Jameson could be losing quite a lot of hair, depending on the levels of donation – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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“We officially turn 30 this September,” said Matthew Jameson, artistic director of The Space arts centre on the Isle Of Dogs.

“It’s extraordinary to be the guardian and representative of an organisation like this at a point in its life when it feels like it’s grown up.

“We can still see the vision that its founder, Robert Richardson had for this place in the 1990s – a multiform arts centre, a community centre and hub on the Isle Of Dogs for all its people regardless of religious or political persuasion.

“It was to be something to expose them to all forms of art – that’s the only instruction we’ve been given and what we try to achieve.”

While in-person tickets for Space 30: An Evening Of Celebration on Friday, September 25, 2026 rapidly sold out (thanks in no small part to the promise of patron Sir Ian Mckellen performing some Shakespeare), the event will act as both a birthday party and the start of a wider fundraising campaign.

Those keen to witness the goings-on can still tune in for the live stream with tickets starting at £12 and profits going towards the campaign.

“We’ve got a smorgasbord of acts who have all played their part in The Space’s story,” said Matthew.

“Andrew Campling, a composer, conductor and pianist who was a dear friend of our founder will be playing some of his own compositions.

“We’ll also have Kayla McQuarrie, the host of our new open mic comedy nights and Stephen Smith who has smashed the Edinburgh Fringe with his show One Man Poe and found his feet at The Space.

“Then Sir Ian will perform some Shakespeare and talk to us about the journey of turning this building from a disused church into what it is today having helped lay the ground for that project in the early 1990s.

“Depending on the levels of donations we get on the night I might be shaving my beard, my hair or even waxing my whole body.

“Then, as part of Space 30, we’ll be unveiling all sorts of ways to donate to The Space – people can sponsor seats for £200 or sign up to support a creative for £630, which allows us to bring in an artist, subsidise their practice and give them a safe place to develop and hone their craft.

“It’s a project we’re very keen to do but one we just don’t have the resources for at the moment.

“We also want to remind people that a £60 donation lets us open for an evening to host a community-minded group or organisation.

“This is the start of a new chapter in the life of The Space – we’re under new management, split jointly between myself and Sarah Read and there are exciting times ahead.

“The people we’re working with are getting excited by the multi-form vision, something that can be somewhere for everyone on the Island, that puts on fun, engaging, entertaining shows and events with pathos and meaning.

“We want to provide people with somewhere that’s affordable, that they can come and see their first show or discover new artists.”

The Space is located on Westferry Road on the Isle Of Dogs - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The Space is located on Westferry Road on the Isle Of Dogs – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

welcoming audiences through the doors

One of the key messages The Space is keen to amplify is its accessibility. While being nestled on the Isle Of Dogs, the arts centre is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Mudchute DLR and served by multiple bus routes connecting it to Canary Wharf in 12 minutes. Walking between the estate and the venue takes less than 20 minutes.

“A lot of what we do is about getting people across the threshold,” said Matthew. “We have a beautiful building here but there’s a mystery about it – is it a church, a synagogue, a power station?

“Once people visit, it can be enough for them to fall in love with the place.

“We’d welcome even more people coming from Canary Wharf and we’re incredibly grateful to CWG for the collaborations we’ve done with them over many years.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone and all the organisations that have contributed to The Space and who have helped us make it the place it is today.

“If people haven’t visited for a while or have just wondered what this strange building is on Westferry Road, then I want to say that we’re here, we’re open and we have a broad programme for everyone.

“As artistic director, one of the things I’ve most enjoyed about the role has been getting out into the community and meeting people with the aim of working more closely – with Theatreship, for example.

“We always punch above our weight in terms of the performers who come here – such as our stand-up comedy nights, for example.

“This is your invitation to come into The Space, see a show and discover what it is we’re doing on the Isle Of Dogs.”

key details: The Space’s Space 30 campaign

Full details of the live stream on Friday, September 25, 2026, are available via this link.

The venue has also launched a Space 30 crowdfunder to help its achieve its aims and to support its mission in the future. Find out more here.

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