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Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf offers tutoring on the Isle Of Dogs

How Pauline Suarez left teaching to set up a franchise offering tutoring in east London

Pauline Suarez always knew she wanted to be a teacher
Pauline Suarez always knew she wanted to be a teacher

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From a very young age, it was clear Pauline Suarez would be a teacher.

“Even at three years old, my mum remembers me lining up my teddies and teaching them how to read and write,” she said.

“However, they were very poor achievers.

“It was something in me – I knew what I wanted to do. I’ve always had a passion for nurturing people and I really wanted to help the world.”

Having grown up in “a very small village in Canada”, Pauline studied education at the University Of Saskatchewan before seeking a position overseas.

She interviewed for a role in Mexico, but only found out she’d got it by letter 12 weeks after she’d already started teaching in London.

“I came to be a supply teacher in primary schools,” she said.

“I actually didn’t take it all that seriously.

“I really wanted the Mexican job and I think London was probably the worst interview of my life.

“But I got the job, I loved it and I thrived.

“My first job was at De Beavoir school in Hackney – the toughest, roughest school I had ever seen.

“The kids were on the tables, totally out of control.

“I called my mum in the first week and told her it was awful and  that I was moving home. 

“But that was in 2000, it’s 2024 now and I’m living and working in Canary Wharf.

“London is like a woman and you either love her or hate her.

“I’m madly in love with her. This is an amazing city – it just has everything.”

born of experience

Working initially in Southwark before moving to Tower Hamlets and a stint in South Africa, Pauline’s career has see her accrue a great deal of experience in inner-city education.

Before embarking on a new venture, she worked extensively at Malmesbury Primary School in Mile End and most recently at Harbinger Primary School on the Isle Of Dogs.

“I was a phenomenal teacher,” said Pauline.

“But teaching 30 children each day and working long hours left me more and more disillusioned with the education system.

“It was about having everything written down rather than adapting to the child’s needs.”

Having initially started tutoring while still teaching, she decided to leave the classroom in 2022 and try something different.

“I wanted a change,” said Pauline.

“It was a time in my life when I couldn’t get assurance of regular work as a teacher – they would just call when they needed someone, a bit like a zero hours contract.

“I felt like a swan – calm on the surface but frantically paddling under the water.

“So I decided to take on a franchise with tutoring company Conexus. 

“Only around 16% of businesses in London are owned by women, so that’s one reason I wanted to do this.

“I started the franchise for the Canary Wharf area in January and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had – everyone has wanted to help.”

Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf: Isle Of Dogs sessions

Based at the Barkantine Community Hall, just off Westferry Road on the Island, Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf offers tutoring to small groups of students in English, maths and science.

One-to-one and online sessions are also available.

“We cater for children from the age of four and up, right to the end of GCSEs and we have A-Level tutors available too,” said Pauline.

“The story of Conexus itself is really amazing.

“It was started by a woman called Sharon Cawley – a teacher who had a breakdown, a broken marriage and was living with two kids in a council flat on benefits.

“She realised she could tutor to make a living and discovered that teaching them in small groups worked really well. 

“That’s backed up by the research from the Education Endowment Foundation, which found that this kind of environment allows children to learn more over the course of a year than one-to-one. 

“Sharon was teaching English and found out that many of her students were also going to see a maths tutor.

“She decided to hire one herself and that’s where Conexus was born.

“The company provides small group learning from top quality tutors.

“Each knows their subject really well – we only hire specialists because you need that in-depth knowledge.”

Pauline’s franchise offers online sessions from £20 or in-person classes from £23 on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.

the benefits of tuiotion

She said: “I don’t believe there’s a child on the planet who wouldn’t benefit from having a tutor.

“Tutoring embeds learning and allows your child to get to grips with their education.

“The school system is overloaded.

“There’s too little money and, in a traditional classroom, the average student might only be spending three minutes with a teacher during a lesson. Tutoring is an investment.

“If a child is top of their class, they often need a push to achieve their potential.

“Equally, if they’re struggling, then they need support.  It’s being able to adapt to the child’s needs.

“One small thing can affect them and a tutor has the time to find out what that is and deal with it.

“Children can be terrified of saying the wrong thing or making a mistake.

“I had a child two weeks ago who had been over-tested in school.

“She came in, started learning and she seemed fine, and then she had a panic attack.

“I got her to breathe so that she could calm her nervous system down and then she cried and cried. 

“I asked her why she was so upset and she said she’d failed a test in school. I explained to her that as her tutor it was me that had failed if she didn’t know something. 

“Now she has the biggest smile and wants to come to our sessions because she knows there’s no judgment.

“In school there’s an exorbitant amount of pressure on these children, and they’re not handling it well.

“We can take away that pressure and we can help them learn. That’s our promise. 

“I’ve had phone calls from parents fearful that their child would fail exams and I’m always confident we can get them through. 

“One of the mums cries when she sees us – her daughter was failing but ended up getting fours and fives at GCSE and is now training to be dental nurse.

“It feels amazing when you can really change the course of someone’s life – it’s my true purpose.” 

key details: Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf

Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf delivers group tutoring sessions at the Barkantine Community Centre each week.

One-to-one and online sessions are also available in children’s homes by arrangement.

Conexus is a member of the Tutors’ Association and is committed to safeguarding with all staff DBS checked every term.

Pauline is also about to launch specialist 11+ Core Classes aimed at helping children in Years 4 and 5 pass entrance examinations for selective secondary schools.

Find out more about tutoring on the Isle Of Dogs here

Read more: How Mike Joslin’s Bombe uses tech to help companies understand customers

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Holland And Barrett boosts space in Canary Wharf refurbishment

Regional manager at the health and wellbeing brand, Hammad Amir, takes us through comprehensive update to its Canada Place store

Holland And Barrett's Hammad Amir
Holland And Barrett’s Hammad Amir

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You wait ages for a revamp and then loads come along at once.

Tis clearly the season for investment in Canary Wharf with established brands opting for refits to lure the ever larger numbers of shoppers through their doors. 

In addition to Waitrose and John Lewis, Nicolas recently finished restructuring its One Canada Square wine shop.

Then there are both branches of Holland And Barrett, which have now reopened following refurbishment.

“The Canary Wharf refit is part of a £70million programme to help us better cater for customers’ needs and to refresh our brand,” said Hammad Amir, regional manger at Holland And Barrett who looks after both stores on the estate.

The brand has used recyclable steel and certified sustainable wood for its interiors as well as introducing LED lighting to help cut carbon emissions.

“We’ve already refitted about 500 stores. At Canada Place, we’ve changed the whole look and feel of the store.

“We’ve extended it and have introduced many new lines for customers to enjoy.

“For example, we’ve completely transformed our food range.

“We’re bringing in more chilled food and we’ve got an extended range of drinks too.

“Some of those products are made by Holland & Barrett but we stock popular brands too.

“As a business we’re currently engaged in a programme that will see the way our products are packaged and formulated to be better for the planet and for our customers.”

Holland And Barrett in Canary Wharf's Canada Place
Holland And Barrett in Canary Wharf’s Canada Place

key points at Holland And Barrett

To that end, Holland And Barrett is introducing Plant Points in a bid to encourage shoppers to boost the variety of things they eat.

“You’re supposed to eat five portions of fruit and veg every day,” said Hammad.

“Now our packaging will mention Plant Points to help people eat 30 different varieties each week. Like everything we do, it’s about promoting healthy living.”

Hammad joined the business in 2016, having previously worked in retail at Poundland.

He said: “It’s been amazing to see the change we have been through in the nine years I’ve been here. 

“At Holland & Barrett our people have always been at the centre of our attention – we invest in them.

“For example, all of our staff members are fully qualified to the equivalent of A-Level standard to advise and recommend products.

“When people join us, they go through an eight-week training programme on the things we sell and then there are regular monthly updates.

“What we’ve also done in the last couple of years is introduce Cerebro. 

“It’s a tablet-based technology that uses AI to enhance the customer’s journey.

“Using that system alongside our staff members’ knowledge allows us to better advise people.

“It also allows us to check stock availability locally – so if we’ve run out of something at Canada Place we can check if it’s available at Jubilee Place and so on.”

Holland And Barrett's Cerebro system in action
Holland And Barrett’s Cerebro system in action

designed for local workers

Convenience is key, especially when it comes to time-pressed Wharfers shopping during the working week.

Consequently, the refit has included bringing grab-and-go options very much to the fore. 

 “If you look at the demographics of our customers in Canary Wharf, the majority are office-based,” said Hammad.

“The products in high demand are bars, milk-shakes, snacking and supplements. Often customers are making impulse purchases.

“They come down, grab a bar or a protein shake and then go back to their desks.

“One of the challenges we’ve had is that it gets really busy on the Wharf during lunchtime.

“We wanted to make sure we can offer a seamless journey for customers, so we’ve added a self-checkout option.

“But we’ve done that without sacrificing service. One of the selling points at Holland And Barrett is personal interaction.

“You’ll come in, be greeted by a staff member and be offered help and support if you need it.

“Now staff spend more time out on the shop floor and we’re intending to bring in things like mobile payments so people don’t even need to queue up with their purchases.”

looking after the staff

Hammad said the drive to help people and Holland And Barrett’s ethos as health and wellbeing brand was one of the reason behind its staff retention levels.

“We have a number of people working locally who have spent between five and 10 years at the business,” he said.

“It’s a brand we’re proud to be part of because you know you’re working for a company that is on a mission to help customers live a better life.

“After studying IT, my life took a turn and I began working in retail at the age of 18. I was store manager a year later. 

“The best part of retail is the human interaction – you’re able to help people and at Holland And Barrett you can make a difference in people’s lives. 

“It’s great when people come back and say that our staff have been so helpful and they’ve made such a difference, and that’s amazing.

“In our Canary Wharf stores we’ve already had amazing feedback about the refits and the service.

“We’re constantly working to bring people more variety and options for the things they want. For example, following the refit, we’ve increased our sports range alongside the food range. 

“Everything is ultimately determined by the size of the store and its customers. 

“Because we’ve been able to increase the floorspace here, we’ve been able to boost the range so we have many more products than we did before.”

Products picked for Wharf Life readers by Holland And Barrett's Johnny Burlui
Products picked for Wharf Life readers by Holland And Barrett’s Johnny Burlui

manager’s picks

mbers of people crammed together on public transport, it’s a time for sniffles and temperatures. 

Challenged to provide some products to help out, store manager, Johnny Burlui, whipped out Cerebro (coincidentally named the same as Professor Charles Xavier’s fictional device used for detecting mutants in the X-Men films and comics) and set about finding some own-brand suggestions…

“This is really for prevention, it will give your immune system a boost and is also antibacterial,” said Johnny.

“It’s important not to get the product too hot as it can destroy its effectiveness.”

“These are vegetarian and should help to strengthen your body and improve your immune response,” said Johnny.

“That can be a very good idea at this time of year especially.”

“It’s important to keep your energy levels up, so I’d also recommend a quick snack,” said Johnny.

“People in Canary Wharf are often very health-conscious, they go to the gym and they’re short on time so this is a great option.”

key details: Holland And Barrett Canary Wharf

Holland And Barrett’s Canary Wharf stores can be found in Canada Place (under One Canada Square) and Jubilee Place.

The former is open from 7am-9pm on weekdays, from 8am to 8pm on Saturdays and from 11am-5pm on Sundays.

The latter is open from 8am-8pm on weekdays, from 10am-7pm on Saturdays and from noon-6pm on Sundays.

Find out more about the business here

Read more: How Mike Joslin’s Bombe uses tech to help companies understand customers

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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Waitrose and John Lewis in Canary Wharf embrace change via refit

Canada Place stores feature updated layout, more bar space and a packed events programme says branch manager Amy Stickland

Waitrose and John Lewis have been going through a period of change in Canary Wharf
Waitrose and John Lewis have been going through a period of change in Canary Wharf

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While we often cover new retailers and hospitality venues opening their doors in Canary Wharf, they by no means account for all the change that’s taking place on the estate. 

Waitrose and John Lewis, which has long dominated the eastern edge of Canada Square has recently undergone a freshening up.

First of all Gail’s arrived beside its main entrance in the malls, kicking off a series of tweaks and refinements all aimed at serving Wharfers with what they want more efficiently.

That’s meant a remodelling in places, more space for the iconic shop floor wine bar, longer aisles with products arranged more logically for convenience, a boost to the freshly baked items on sale and an extra 11 self-service checkouts for those grabbing lunch.

Upstairs, John Lewis customers now walk straight into the store’s Christmas shop and toy department with fashion for men, women and kids brought together in the same location and puzzles and games given their own space.

There’s also a real sense that both brands are working to make a visit to the store more interactive with a packed programme of events, promotions and happenings scheduled.

Overseeing the investment and change is partner and branch manager Amy Stickland, who’s been heading the Canary Wharf operation for the last two years.

Waitrose and John Lewis Canary Wharf branch manager Amy Stickland
Waitrose and John Lewis Canary Wharf branch manager Amy Stickland

a passion for retail

“Being in charge here is everything I imagined and more,” she said.

“I’ve always loved retail. I remember going to the shops with my dad as a kid and seeing all the food on offer, getting to be a part of those choices. 

“I actually did a generic degree in management with IT and Spanish and did a placement at a tech firm but my heart wasn’t really in it. 

“After my final year I got a place on the Waitrose graduate scheme and I’ve just celebrated 18 years of service.”

Having managed John Lewis stores in Stratford and Chelmsford as well as Waitrose in Billericay, the opportunity to work with both brands on the Wharf was too good to pass up.

“It was a brilliant opportunity,” said Amy. “The blend works well here and the teams are able to collaborate as well as work separately.

“There are challenges, of course, when you’re leading a team of 470 people, but I’m really lucky to have some amazing colleagues.

“Our model of co-ownership, where partners have a stake in the business, makes them feel connected to it – there’s a sense of responsibility there. 

“The team really care about the service they’re giving because they know our success depends on it.

“In such a busy marketplace, with so many other retailers, that’s one of our big attractions, people know we really want to go the extra mile, to surprise and delight our customers.

“They come here expecting great service and because of all the other guarantees such as our ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ promise, people believe they don’t need to shop around as much.

“It’s up to us to deliver on those expectations when it comes to price and customer experience.”

John Lewis’ Christmas shop is located at ground floor level

logical layout

Part of that operation involves ensuring the store itself is fit for purpose and that products are where customers expect to find them.

This is why both Waitrose and John Lewis have spent the past few months rebalancing things in the Canary Wharf store.

“We’ve extended our physical shelf space by extending two of our aisles,” said Amy.

“From a situation where we had food and non-food items mixed together, we now have the left hand side of Waitrose for things you can eat and the rear right of the store for things you can’t. 

“On the left there are scratch cook and store cupboard items, breakfast options, snacks and drinks, while over the other side it’s products for laundry care and toilet tissue. 

“It does take a bit of time for customers to get used to the new layout, but we hope overall that the journey and the product placement makes more sense, refreshing the shop floor and making it feel more intuitive. 

“Also on the food floor, there’s a re-energising of the main payment area with an additional 11 self-scan tills with a better layout.

“We’ve preserved what we call the stunt space where brands such as Heinz can come in and we saw that used quite a lot over the summer.

“It’s a little bit of retail theatre and we want to continue to make use of it with pop-ups and interactive give-aways – a nice moment at the start of someone’s shop.

“We’ve refreshed the wine bar, changing the orientation of some of the seating.

“It’s convenient and excellent value and customers love it for the people watching.

“It has some very loyal customers – one even told me they could write a book about it.”

Waitrose's wine section has been completely reorganised
Waitrose’s wine section has been completely reorganised

overhauling Waitrose wine

In fact the whole wine section has had an overhaul with bottles grouped by whites, reds, rosé and sparkling. 

More of the fine wine selection has been brought out onto the shop floor with the glassed-off area instead used for more convenient storage.

“It’s more efficient and it makes it easier for customers to shop,” said Amy.

“Our fantastic wine specialist Nat will continue to host wine and cocktail tasting events to help introduce customers to our range.

“We’ll also be hosting interactive experiences every weekend in December.

“That will be a great opportunity for people to bring their families.”

This touches on a wider point.

“While the Wharf of old was very much a weekday destination, increasingly customers are shopping at the weekends with their kids.

“Canary Wharf Group has done a fantastic job in reinventing the estate,” said Amy.

“We see a lot of families at the weekend now and our Saturday and Sunday trade is really growing post-Covid. 

“Early on we get scratch-cooks shopping for ingredients.

“Then the children arrive with families often having lunch on the Wharf and then grabbing something nice for dinner.

“Even though our hours are shorter on Sunday, the shop is still busy after closing with partners dashing around to fulfil online grocery orders.

“We’re introducing a new dedicated space for our partners at the front of the store as we work with Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat.”

meal deals and free parking with Waitrose

While Saturday sees the biggest take at the tills, transaction rates during the week eclipse all others with working Wharfers attracted by one offer in particular.

“Our meal deal is one of the most popular things we sell,” said Amy. 

“It’s fantastic value for £5 – you get a main such as a sandwich, a snack and a drink. 

“For many customers that’s their main mission at lunchtime and the quantities we sell are phenomenal.

“But people visit the store for many different reasons.

“You get people driving into the Wharf who make use of the free parking when you spend £10 with us. 

“They get two hours on weekdays – which is exclusive to Waitrose – or three at the weekend.

“You can even order your groceries to be ready for collection from the car park at Canada Place. 

“Typically after work people are buying food for their evening or grabbing emergency purchases.

“It’s also a big attraction to have the John Lewis range on the upper floors.

“There’s always things we’re looking to do in future, more products we’d like to add.

“I’d love us to have a more compelling beauty offer and with more fashion brands opening on the Wharf we’ll definitely be looking at more men’s and women’s clothing.”

As for the more immediate future, with Christmas already in full swing with foodie treats downstairs and festive decorations in place, Amy said her team were looking forward to welcoming customers over the next month.

“We’ll be hosting a special Waitrose Christmas Customer Evening in Canary Wharf on December 12, 2024,” she said.

“We’ll be having some fantastic music and people will get the chance to taste some of our festive range too. 

“It’s a free event, taking place from 5pm-7pm so there are no tickets to worry about.

“People can just drop-in.”

Waitrose and John Lewis are hosting numerous events in the run-up to Christmas
Waitrose and John Lewis are hosting numerous events in the run-up to Christmas

WHAT’S ON IN-STORE –

As the festive season gets into full swing, Waitrose and John Lewis in Canary Wharf have planned a packed programme of events to engage shoppers.

Here we list just some of the happenings to watch out for over the coming weeks in 2024…

  • The store will be hosting live music every Saturday and Sunday until December 22. Performances are free to watch
  • The Salvation Army is set to perform outside Waitrose on the mall level in Canada Place from noon-5pm on December 14
  • John Lewis will be hosting toy demonstrations on the shop’s ground floor in the toy department at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays until December 21
  • The shop will also be running a series of food tastings in its Christmas shop at weekends, also at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays until December 21
  • Customers will be able to post a letter to Santa in the run-up to Christmas beside John Lewis’ main tills at ground floor level
  • Visitors to the store can take part in the Elf On The Shelf Treasure Hunt, with those finding all six receiving a Merry Minis collectable and a special sticker as well as the chance to enter a prize draw for a £500 gift card
  • Father Christmas will be making a very special visit to the Canary Wharf store on December 5 and 6 for Santa’s Tea Party. Tickets cost £17.50 per child plus a £1.75 booking fee and £6 per adult (includes a hot drink and a slice of cake) plus a 60p booking fee with early morning slots still available
  • The store will also be running a series of talks and events for My John Lewis members including fashion masterclasses focused on versatile styles and cosy clothing for adults and children. The store will also be hosting a series of Christmas Treetorials offering advice on decorating that festive essential
Wharf Life's £5 Meal Deal picks at Waitrose Canary Wharf
Wharf Life’s £5 Meal Deal picks at Waitrose Canary Wharf

GET THE BEST – £5 Meal Deal

Nobody asked us, but we love value at Wharf Life and the Waitrose £5 Meal Deal is a stone cold Canary Wharf classic. 

All selections are not created equal, however, so we set about trying to max out the deal by picking the most expensive items included for the main, snack and drink.

Top of the list is the GLO Pulled Beef And Onion Salad offering an impressive 397 calories and 22g of protein for a list price of £4.80.

Our chosen snack is the Taiko Mini Nigiri, including salmon and cucumber sushi.

This costs £2.50 off the shelf and adds about 150 calories and a further 4.9g of protein to the mix. 

Top that off with Jimmy’s Iced Coffee at £3 for another 148 calories and 8g of additional protein and there you have it, products worth £10.30 for £5, 695 calories and 34.9g of protein.

Prices correct as of 11/2024

key details: Waitrose and John Lewis

Waitrose and John Lewis in Canary Wharf are located in Canada Square and are open daily.

Full details of all events at the store are available online, including links to book tickets where appropriate.

Find out more about festive events at the store here

Read more: How Mike Joslin’s Bombe uses tech to help companies understand customers

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
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Bombe aims to boost business’ bottom line via machine learning

Co-founder Mike Joslin talks success, growth, polling data and basing a startup at Level39 in Canary Wharf’s One Canada Square

Bombe co-founder and CEO Mike Joslin - image Jon Massey
Bombe co-founder and CEO Mike Joslin – image Jon Massey

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Mike Joslin is a man of clarity.

“The success of our company is down to the success of our customers – if they don’t succeed, we don’t succeed,” said the CEO and co-founder of Bombe.

For Mike, delivering that success means using data.

Having spent much of his career crunching numbers and utilising tech to help boost political campaigns for the likes of Ed Miliband, Angela Rayner, Keir Starmer and Sadiq Khan – inspired by Moneyball, a book by Michael Lewis and later a film that highlighted the importance of using metrics to drive a run of wins on the baseball field.

After working at the National Education Union for several years and running its campaign to improve teachers’ pay, he saw a commercial niche for the techniques and tech he’d developed to deliver results in the political sphere. 

Bombe, named for Alan Turing’s codebreaking Second World War machine that deciphered Enigma messages, was born and Mike quit his job in March this year to run it full-time.

the basis of Bombe

“Our thesis is that there is a lot of data out there which tells you what people are doing, but it’s not that interesting for a lot of businesses because you want to know why people are doing what they’re doing,” said Mike, who is based at Level39 in Canary Wharf’s One Canada Square with his rapidly growing team.

“That’s the basis of our company.

“This kind of machine-learning approach has been absent from products I’ve experienced in my career in marketing.

“I’ve been using machine learning for well over a decade – people think AI is ChatGPT but that’s just a powerful iteration of it.

“The technology has been around for a long time.

“When setting up Bombe, which is strictly non-political, we looked at the market, did an analysis of where we would fit, then developed our data proposition, working with our polling partner Deltapoll.

“A lot of people are obsessed with technology, but it’s not about technology, it’s what you use it for.

“Our tag line is that we’re trying to build the best audience and data targeting model in the world and I think we’ve done that – so do our clients and that’s why they’ve chosen to use us. 

“If you’re a business we can tell you for every postcode in the country the likelihood someone will purchase from you and the price they’ll pay for your product.

“Companies may have huge amounts of data, but they don’t necessarily know who is purchasing goods or services from them. That is a necessity.

“We’ve built a number of persona sets to reveal what is actually driving people’s decisions using machine learning. 

“Those groups have been battle-tested with our clients and that has propelled our success.”

Commuters come in and out of Canary Wharf Jubilee Line station – image I-Wei Huang

delivering a return on investment

The idea in some senses is simple.

Bombe’s service tells businesses where best to concentrate their marketing to deliver the best return on their investment.

“What our clients are buying from us are models,” said Mike.

“We make our own data – we’re not buying it. It comes from interviews, from machine-learning models, from statistical techniques, from battle-testing and then spending hours making sure it all works.

“However, how we’re doing it is less relevant than whether it works for our customers. What matters is what’s driving their sales, their top line, whether you’re going up or down and how you can change that. 

“What we do is tell our customers why their revenue is where it is.

“Some of our clients are seeing results that are 85% better with Bombe.”

Initially the startup is working with medium and large-scale businesses, but plans to launch products for smaller companies next year.

Bombe is open for business

“If you are selling to consumers, come and talk to us,” said Mike.

“Our mission is to help everyone who wants to engage with their audience to be doing it through us.

“We take great enjoyment and pride in doing that.

“We have a team of about 20 people, and we’re growing strategically, which is very important to us.

“We don’t want to grow too quickly, but we are offering something unique and different.

“We’ve seen the market reaction to that and that’s helping us to make sure our product is the best.

“We have to have the best data and we think we do, but we can’t rest on our laurels – the market is changing so quickly and we want to make sure that our customers continue to come to us.

“We think we’ve got an incredible team and Bombe would be nothing without the people working for it.

“Starting the business was a leap of faith.

“It’s hard, it’s tough, there’s always a challenge, always something to solve and always something more to do.

“You’ve got to be level-headed, have a strategy and a team to deliver it and I think we do.

“That’s really where our success has come from.

“Our clients need to see that they’re getting value, seeing an increase in their revenues from our product and that’s when we succeed.

“That’s what drives me to make sure that’s happening.

“I work extremely hard and don’t do much apart from that and look after my young son at the moment.

“If you want to start a business, you’ve got to be all-in.

“Your staff, your investors and your customers need that. If you’re not prepared to do that, don’t start a company.

“I don’t think there’s been a learning curve with Bombe, it’s just hard work. Success is 1% idea and 99% hard work.

“We want the best for our customers, so we’ve got to keep pushing. I like my work so I have no problem with that.”

success and growth

Bombe has attracted clients through the reputation of Mike and his team as well as press exposure.

The company also hosts webinars to showcase its data.

“Most of our work has come from people coming to us,” said Mike.

“We’ve got a growth strategy team who have significant commercial experience and they’re doing a really good job.

“We’re doing a number of webinars over the coming months to showcase what we do via LinkedIn.

“The first will be on November 19 at 11am with Joe Twyman, co-founder of Deltapoll and will reveal key insights into the shifting patterns of Londoners’ transport habits, using the latest data from TfL.

“It should be really interesting for readers.”

Transport links played a part in Mike’s decision to join the tech community at Level39 in Canary Wharf too.

“It’s a really buzzy area,” he said.

“I came to Level39 a few times before I took space here and they’ve done a great job with it.

“It’s a really interesting environment, with so many events and the view is fantastic.

“The wider area is also great – the shopping is amazing and the food offering here is the best in London.

“It’s incredibly accessible, too with the Elizabeth Line.

“It has changed the way a lot of people behave in the capital and between it and the Jubilee Line, pretty much anyone can get here, so that makes Canary Wharf good for recruitment, good for the company and good for clients.”

setting goals

It’s also not a bad environment from which to target fast growth – former Level39 startup Revolut is set to put its name atop YY London in Reuters Plaza in the not too distant future.

“Our objective is to be the best in the world,” said Mike. “We believe we have the best data, and we think that means the market will respond to it.

“Our ambition is to grow rapidly as a business, if that happens and we have the investors backing us and the team to do that.

“We want to be a name that rings out alongside the other market leaders in the space, and we think we’ll do that.

“Perhaps people reading this will be sceptical.

“There are thousands of data companies in this country. What I would say is come and talk to us to understand how we are different.”

key details: Bombe

Bombe is based at Level39’s One Canada Square offices in Canary Wharf.

It currently offers a one-off Targeting Package for businesses priced at £5,000 aimed at telling clients where and what they should be saying and who it should be directed at to best reach their audience.   

The firm’s £25,000 yearly package includes monthly reports specific to the client’s industry and access to its platform and AI dashboard on an ongoing basis.

At £5,000 per month, clients also get a strategy manager to run campaigns on behalf of their business.

Those interested in its services should email contact@bombe.io for more details or visit its website.

Read more: Will you take on the Santa Stair Climb in Canary Wharf?

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
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Santa Stair Climb from The Felix Project returns to Canary Wharf

How Wharfers can climb 48 storeys of One Canada Square to help charity feed hungry Londoners

The Santa Stair Climb is back at One Canada Square in aid of The Felix Project
The Santa Stair Climb is back at One Canada Square in aid of The Felix Project

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Having filled the stairwells in One Canada Square with a sea of green last year, Wharfers are once again being invited to take on the tower to raise money for charity.

The Felix Project’s Santa Stair Climb is set to return to the heart of Canary Wharf on December 8, 2024, with participants challenged to scale 48 storeys of the building on foot.

The reward?

A spectacular view across the capital and the knowledge that the cash you’ve raised will help save surplus food from the bin and be redirected to feed Londoners in need.

The Felix Project's Will Savage, right, completes the climb last year
The Felix Project’s Will Savage, right, completes the climb last year

a surge in need

“We’ve experienced a real surge in need this year, and we know that winter is going to be really tough for many people across London,” said Will Savage, head of corporate partnerships at The Felix Project.

“We are London’s largest food re-distribution charity.

“We rescue high-quality surplus food that can’t be sold and would therefore go to waste and deliver it to about 1,000 community organisations, such as food banks, homeless shelters and primary schools – all working on the front line to feed people who are experiencing hunger in the capital.

“A lot of that work is done locally in Tower Hamlets where we deliver to more than 100 organisations and dozens of primary schools. 

“We know that more than half of working families are having to turn to food banks to put food on their tables.

“Unfortunately it is a problem that’s getting worse.

“We’ve moved from a pandemic straight into a cost-of-living crisis and we know that’s having a devastating effect on communities across London.

“We also found in our survey that one in four working families are struggling to feed themselves, and for one in seven that’s a daily struggle.

“This demand means many food services are buckling under increased pressure and that’s why The Felix Project wants to save more food and feed more people.”

This year's event is set to take place on December 8
This year’s event is set to take place on December 8

how the Santa Stair Climb contributes

To do that, like any organisation, it needs both cash and volunteers.

After launching last year, the Santa Stair Climb is the charity’s flagship fundraising event with capacity for 1,000 participants.

In addition to an entry fee, climbers commit to raising £300 each for the charity – a sum that could provide 825,000 meals for Londoners in need should the maximum number of people take part. 

“It’s a really great way for people to support our work and help feed Londoners in need,” said Will. “I went up last year and it was amazing.

“When you’re at the bottom, 1,031 steps feels like a lot but it was great to get to the top and to see the support that was there. 

“It’s Santa-themed, so we provide a Felix green Santa outfit for everyone in the spirit of Christmas, which also recalls the fact that Santa was green originally.

“There’s a fantastic atmosphere at the top and beautiful views. Participants’ families can even come along for the celebration.

“We’re hoping as many people as possible sign up this year because it really will have a huge impact on what we can do.

“The climb takes about half an hour to complete although that will vary by who’s taking part.”

The Felix Project gathers surplus food that would otherwise go to waste
The Felix Project gathers surplus food that would otherwise go to waste

filling the stairwells

Last year saw hundreds of participants take on the challenge – a mixture of corporate supporters and individuals.

“The Santa Stair Climb is both challenging and rewarding and Morgan Stanley is looking forward to taking part again this year as we continue to support The Felix Project,” said Anish Shah, Morgan Stanley’s managing director, global capital markets.

The Santa Stair Climb is part of Canary Wharf Group’s ongoing collaboration with The Felix Project, which kicked off in 2023 with the launch of the partners’ Green Scheme. 

Will said: “We know CWG aims to achieve net zero by 2030 and one way is to help reduce food waste.

“In the first year of the Canary Wharf Green Scheme, we got seven restaurants signed up.

“In practice, teams of people pick up food from retailers and outlets based on the estate and they take it by bike or electric van directly to organisations who are feeding people in the vicinity.

“In that first year we saw 118 individuals volunteer with us, which equates to 26,000 hours of work and this meant that over 6,900kg of food was redistributed.

“That’s about 16,500 meals that we’ve been able to rescue and save from going in the bin.

“The mission to tackle the twin problems of food waste and hunger really resonated with me – it’s why I wanted to join the charity.

“Seeing what it does, it’s not difficult to understand it’s very valuable.

“I remember going to our Park Royal depot at the time to meet the team and see what it was about.

“Seeing the volumes of really high quality food that would have otherwise gone to waste made me think how insane it was that this resource was available but could have gone to landfill, even though people are hungry.

“Having been here for four years and seeing the need is still growing, I know there’s still much more that we need to do.

“I’m really proud to play a small part in that mission.

“You never quite get used to the idea that food would have been thrown away if it wasn’t with us.

“It’s great that The Felix Project is there to redistribute it and make such a difference to people’s lives at the same time.”

Slots are still available for the Santa Stair Climb so Wharfers can play their part in supporting the charity’s work.

The Felix Project is also looking for volunteers on an ongoing basis to support its activities.

Find out more about its work here

Participants in the Santa Stair Climb get a hat and T-shirt as a memento of their challeng
Participants in the Santa Stair Climb get a hat and T-shirt as a memento of their challenge

key details: the Santa Stair Climb

The Santa Stair Climb is set to take place at One Canada Square on December 8, 2024, with half-hourly waves of climbers starting at 10am.

The final wave will set off at 2pm.

Individuals can participate for £30 each, while groups of four can book in for £100 (£25 per head).

The fundraising target for each person taking part is £300.

Find out more about the challenge here

The charity distributes food and meals to charities and organisations across London
The charity distributes food and meals to charities and organisations across London

case study: EastendHomes – why the Santa Stair Climb matters

>> The housing association provides homes to people based in Tower Hamlets.

In early 2020 it started offering a food service to just a handful of residents but now supports around 225 households a week.

EastendHomes’ community engagement manager, Paul Wilson, said: “We get new people each week.

“The hardest thing for us and our volunteers, is when we have to send people away.

“That is always dispiriting, but at least we are doing what we can.

“The service we provide could not happen without the ongoing support of The Felix Project.

“We would not be able to afford to give people this food – if each bag is just £10 worth, it would cost thousands of pounds a week to fund. 

“That’s why it’s so important that Felix gets more support and funding,  because it means we can do this and fewer people get turned away. 

“This service is helping. We supplement people’s budget and that might give a family a bit of slack in the autumn to buy their kids school uniform, a pair of shoes or a treat for a child.

“All parents want to do that whenever they can and Felix is permitting that, it’s wholly positive.”

Read more: A Kiss For Cinderella set to be The Space’s festive production

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
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Bompas And Parr unveil Bioluminescent Flower Parlour in Canary Wharf

We sat down with Sam Bompas of creative studio Bompas And Parr to find out more about the installation at Jubilee Place mall

A buyable exhibit at the Bioluminescent Flower Parlour by Bompas And Parr in Canary Wharf
A buyable exhibit at the Bioluminescent Flower Parlour by Bompas And Parr in Canary Wharf

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In celebration of the launch of Eden Dock, Canary Wharf Group has commissioned creative studio Bompas And Parr to create an installation at Jubilee Place.

You can head over there right now and see it.

what’s going on?

Billed as the world’s first Bioluminescent Flower Parlour, visitors are invited to step inside to see photographic work from Maggie West’s Ultraviolet series as well as plants that have been specially prepared to respond to UV light and fluoresce.

Visitors can explore exhibits at the pop-up
Visitors can explore exhibits at the pop-up

tell us more, Bompas And Parr…

“Maggie’s one of my all-time heroes, photographers and artists,” said Sam Bompas, co-founder of Bompas And Parr.

“Her approach really is extraordinary.

“I find, with her artwork, it makes me look again at all plants, not just hers, to re-enchant the everyday.

“She was working over in London, and she came along to one of our future-food reports, which is about how we bring the future into the present – I was immediately scrabbling around for an opportunity to collaborate, and this is it.”

Her images use ultraviolet light and fluorescent ink to illuminate the process in which plants absorb water. 

She photographed white flowers absorbing fluorescent ink under black lights, with her time lapse photography process revealing the hidden pathways that flowers use to sustain life.

A visitor takes a snap at the parlour
A visitor takes a snap at the parlour

no, about the glowing flowers?

Oh, right. Well there are a selection of flowers and plants on show. Visitors get given a UV torch to help them explore the exhibition.

“At Bompas, we do have a history of making things glow,” said Sam, whose studio is best known for its work in artistic edibles.

“We started with glow-in-the-dark jelly, but this is our first foray into glowing flowers.

“Some have a residual fluorescence, others are UV-reactive.

“We’ve never done this before and, as far as I can understand, it’s the world’s first glow-in-the-dark flower parlour, but, if you’re creating food and drink installations, flowers and floreography has a very important role to play, not least the table dressings.

“In Victorian times they would use paper flowers for the table dressings, because they wanted them to be completely odourless, so they would not interfere with your enjoyment and appreciation of the food.

“We have worked with flowers before – at Kew Gardens, for example, where we were making a giant golden pineapple on a boating lake.

“We’ve also make a bio-responsive garden, where flowers track people’s motions and mimic them.

“More recently in Melbourne, there’s a sentient forest, where you’ll recall the speaking forests of childhood, when plants know where you were and follow your footsteps and creep up on you.

“One of the things I love now is that we’re living in the science fiction world I read about and imagined in childhood.

“With this project, we’re drawing a little bit of a future, which you can come to in Canary Wharf and take home.”

Glowing flowers are available to purchase at Bioluminescent Flower Parlour by Bompas And Parr in Canary Wharf
Glowing flowers are available to purchase

how did it come about?

“We’ve been long time correspondents with and enthusiasts for Canary Wharf and we’re often asking what they’ve got coming down the line – important moments to celebrate on the estate,” said Sam.

“This sits within Canary Wharf’s wider partnership with The Eden Project – focussing very heavily on greening the site and the launch of Eden Dock.

“Every time I visit the estate, it looks more utopian.

“I’m really impressed with how the area’s developing– becoming energetic and blossoming. Hopefully, we’re a small contribution to that.

“The inspiration for the installation was Mental Health Awareness Day earlier this month. We know looking at nature can have an impact. 

“When you look at a red or yellow plant, for instance, you’re immediately uplifted and feel more positive about the world.

“What we really want is to give people a sense of awe and wonder when they consider nature, the cosmos and their place in it.

“Then, through our installation, they can pay closer attention to that.”

A charged up rose, glowing on its own
A charged up rose, glowing on its own

where is it?

You’ll find the Bioluminescent Flower Parlour by Bompas And Parr in the back of the Wharf Farm pop-up, down the escalator from Obica in the West Wintergarden at Canary Wharf.

when’s it on?

You’ll need to be quick, the installation is already in place and will be open from 10am-2pm until October 19, 2024, and then again from October 22-23.

does it cost anything?

Entry is free, however visitors may wish to purchase glow-in-the-dark blooms with prices starting at £12.50.

“You can surprise your friends, your loved ones or just yourself with flowers that genuinely glow in the dark,” said Sam.

“My favourites are the tiny, freeze-stabilised roses that look almost like jewels.

“You can charge them up with any source of light and they glow and linger on and on.

“They’re hauntingly spectral.”

Bioluminescent Flower Parlour by Bompas And Parr in Canary Wharf is located in the back of Wharf Farm
Visit Wharf Farm in Jubilee Place to find the pop-up parlour

key details: Bompas And Parr Bioluminescent Flower Parlour

Catch the Bioluminescent Flower Parlour by Bompas And Parr from 10am-2pm until October 19, 2024, and then again from October 22-23.

Entry is free and UV torches are supplied as part of the experience.

Find the installation at Level -1 in Jubilee Place.

Find out more about the Bioluminescent Flower Parlour here

Read more: Canary Wharf unveils Eden Dock at the heart of the estate

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
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Newbie launches east London store at Canary Wharf’s Cabot Place

Tallulah Hug and Heidi Pathiaki talk trends and design as the new shop welcomes customers

Image shows Newbie's dark grey store front and products within in Canary Wharf
Newbie has opened a store in Canary Wharf at Cabot Place – image Matt Flynn

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Newbie has spotted a niche.

The Swedish lifestyle brand, which sells clothes and products for babies and kids aged 0-8, recently opened a new store in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Place as it expands its presence in the UK.

Founded in 2010, when a child-focused company would likely have avoided the estate with extreme prejudice, its growth comes at a time of change for the malls.

The arrival of Flip Out – the first attraction solely aimed at children in Canary Wharf – has already met with success and with schools and an increasing population of young families living locally both on and near the estate, Newbie’s opening makes sense.

“There’s a huge gap in the market and we’re seeing a huge change in the area,” said Tallulah Hug, store manager at Newbie in Canary Wharf.

“It’s become a more residential area and there are a lot of international visitors to the estate as well, so it’s a lovely opportunity for us to open in east London and explore the market here.

“Newbie is a timeless brand focussed on classic pieces in muted colours.

“For girls, we do a lot of florals and, for the boys, we do animal prints.

“We want kids to have fun with fashion, too.

“What we do is aimed at inspiring the next generation to get involved and to be creative – to explore for themselves.

“We’re also here to make everyone feel special, and we want everyone who comes into the stores to have a really fantastic experience.

“We’re here for their child’s first Christmas outfit, their first coming home outfit or simply something that will be loved and cherished time and time again.”

Newbie is packed with clothing for kids aged 0-8 - image Matt Flynn
Newbie is packed with clothing for kids aged 0-8 – image Matt Flynn

dedicated to ages 0-8

While online the brand also sells gifts, homeware and womenswear (including matching outfits to its kids’ range), the Canary Wharf store is dedicated exclusively to clothes for babies and children as well as toys.

It’s a range intended to appeal both to parents and those shopping for gifts.

“Our range for babies is the most popular, because our products are so beautiful,” said Heidi Pathiaki, UK country manager for Newbie.

“We have an artistic department in Sweden and it’s the best gift you can give parents who are expecting.

“Our designs are sustainable too.

“They’re designed to be passed on and will look as beautiful as the day they were made.

“That’s why we’ve introduced our pre-loved range where customers can get a discount off a new product when they trade in pieces that have been outgrown. 

“Then we sell those at our Northcote Road store and that can be an affordable option, especially for new families.”

Newbie store manager Tallulah Hug
Newbie store manager Tallulah Hug

durable and long-lasting

Tallulah added: “Our pieces really are made to last.

“They use really high quality fabrics, with garments made from 100% organic cotton, for example.

“Our new wool range is made to the highest quality, with true craftsmanship too.

“Wash after wash, the colour won’t fade and the stitching doesn’t come loose, so the garments are built to last, to be passed down.

“In a society where fast fashion is at hand, we don’t want to create something which can’t be used again after a couple of months.”

While the store’s muted colours and carefully arranged shelves are clearly aimed at adult shoppers, make no mistake – Newbie enthusiastically welcomes younger customers too.

“You’ll certainly see children running around in this store,” said Heidi.

“We sell teddy bears and bunny rabbits, but we don’t mind kids coming in and having a chit-chat with them .

“We also have a colouring table so the children can be occupied with the drawings in sight while their parent focuses on what they’re interested in buying.”

Heidi Pathiaki, UK country manager for Newbie
Heidi Pathiaki, UK country manager for Newbie

further expansion for Newbie

 As for the future, Newbie is already set to open further stores in Brent Cross and Guildford over the autumn, having been buoyed by the response from British consumers to its first six stores.

“We’re doing both online and in-store shopping,” said Heidi, whose career in retail has seen her work for brands such as Mamas And Papas and Clark’s.

“Of course people buy online – it’s easy and fast – but customers also enjoy coming out, and touching and feeling the products.

“We’re constantly talking about how we can expand and we will be putting womenswear into our stores in due course.

“We’re also looking at putting homeware into our Bluewater store.”

Until then, Wharfers can look forward to the more immediate launch of Newbie’s collection, launching in time for Christmas over the coming weeks.

The shop features a wealth of products and toys
The shop features a wealth of products and toys

key details: Newbie in Canary Wharf

Newbie is located in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Place mall on the lower level.

The store is open from 10am-8pm on weekdays, from 10am-7pm on Saturdays and from noon-6pm on Sundays

Find our more about the brand or shop online here

Read more: Canary Wharf unveils Eden Dock at the heart of the estate

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
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Eden Dock project at Canary Wharf welcomes its first visitors

We sit down with Canary Wharf Group’s Sophie Goddard and the Eden Project’s Sir Tim Smit to talk ecology, life and nature at the heart of the estate

Image shows Eden Dock at Canary Wharf
Eden Dock officially opened to the public on October 2, 2024

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Eden Dock, which officially opened on October 2, 2024, is a project with multiple layers, both literal and philosophical.

Wharfers will doubtless soon festoon its golden-lit benches.

It will become a meeting place for passengers pouring out of the Jubilee line station, a spot for a coffee, lunch or simply to read a book during a break.

Visitors to the estate both during the day and at night will be drawn in by its rich foliage and subtly illuminated boardwalks.

At face value, it is a physical extension of the Canary Wharf estate – a new amenity.

Many will use it as such, probably not thinking too much more about it.

That’s absolutely fine – it’s one of the project’s aims. 

But to view it as just a new park a would be to miss much of the detailed thinking and ambition behind its creation and, crucially, the statement of intent it represents. 

Sure, it’s a pretty place to sit, a decent backdrop for a few selfies.

But it’s about much more than floating planters and smart wooden benches. 

Canary Wharf Group has worked in partnership with ecological heavyweight the Eden Project in Cornwall to create “an urban oasis” with the stated aim of boosting flora and fauna on the estate.

It’s also intended to foster greater connection between us humans and the rest of the animals and organisms we share it with.

Image shows Canary Wharf Group's Sophie Goddard with two of the figures from Nature Rising at Eden Dock
Canary Wharf Group’s Sophie Goddard with two of the figures from Nature Rising

a different measure of success

“Typically, real estate companies take projects forward and work out the leasing income as a  measure of success,” said Sophie Goddard, director of environment, social and governance at Canary Wharf Group.

“But that isn’t the case with Eden Dock, which is like no other project in Canary Wharf.

“Success will be judged on whether people are connecting with the space.

“We’re hitting a biodiversity net gain of 55%, which is phenomenal and we’re improving air quality but we want people to come here and use this space.”

Eden Dock is now officially open to the public.

Comprising a series of gardens and waterside spaces, the waters of Middle Dock have further been transformed by the presence of 20 living figures made from flowering shrub ligustrum – a lush art installation entitled Nature Rising that will become part of the estate’s permanent public sculpture collection and help to draw attention to the new walkways, seating areas and bridges. 

Three years in the making, its launch on the estate is being supported by a programme of events including night kayaking (from Oct 2, see Page 6) dockside Yoga with Third Space (9am on October 10), the arrival of Square Mile Farm’s hydroponic agriculture at Jubilee Place (open until November 1) and a Glow In The Dark Flower Shop from Bompas And Parr, which is set to open on World Mental Health Day (October 10, also in Jubilee Place).

Image shows Eden Dock from above with seating areas and waterside boardwalks
The project has seen a series of boardwalks, seating areas and floating gardens installed at Middle Dock

Eden Dock: coming to life

However, for the Eden Project’s co-founder, Sir Tim Smit, Eden Dock is part of a wider message about how we view all of life in the context of the places we inhabit.

“One way of looking at what’s happening in the dock is to see it as a body coming to life,” he said.

“We want to create a sense that the more bugs there are, the healthier the area is likely to be

“I think we’ve got to look at Canary Wharf as an incredibly powerful, moral story of people wanting to create a place, where they’ve established a habitat to live and now want to start sharing that with other things to make us all healthier.

“What is happening in cities, which is very interesting, is that there are so many different niches where creatures can develop.

“For example, in Canary Wharf, you will find these under each window ledge, beneath every rock or stone and every different material that’s been used.

“There is already greater biodiversity in the suburbs and the centre of our cities than there is in the average field in Britain, which has been nuked with pesticides and nitrates. 

“One of the really exciting things I would wish to champion with the team at Canary Wharf would be a grown-up look at who is sharing this place with us and how we can encourage the maximum amount of life to thrive here.

“The estate is a great location in which to ground the lightning of innovation around enhancing biodiversity.

“It is also our belief that the varied surfaces, textures and environments found at Eden Dock will encourage a greater diversity of life than much of the open farmland in this country.

“Moreover, the attention to life and beauty, plus the softer edges that characterise the natural worlds, will directly influence the happiness and sense of belonging of all who work, live and visit the estate.”

Image shows Eden Dock at night
Eden Dock has been created in partnership between the Eden Project and Canary Wharf Group

an injection of wellbeing

That focus on wellbeing and mental health has provided vital impetus as Canary Wharf continues to change and grow. 

“As we’re evolving the estate, we need to look to what we believe will have value in the future, said Sophie. 

“This is the first of many projects and it is ultimately about creating paths at multiple levels, whether that’s on rooftops or at the ground level, with all these interconnecting spaces to allow green space to flow through Canary Wharf.

“We had 67million people visit the estate last year and we have 3,500 living here, but we need to constantly be asking: ‘Do they feel they belong? Are we having a positive influence on their wellbeing?’. 

“Projects like this are an example of how we’re trying to not just attract a greater number of people here, but also to have a beneficial effect on our residents, workers, visitors and neighbours.”

Image shows a couple looking at a series of living, mossy figures at Eden Dock
The living figures that adorn Eden Dock are part of an art installation called Nature Rising

beautifully realised

Tim added: “If the brief is to create a sense of life and livelihood, the colour, vibrancy and shape of everything that’s required needs to suggest life to the people who live and work here. Eden Dock is very much a valid first step towards doing that.

“It’s beautiful. You can see from the way the planting has been done that, very soon, it’s going to have soft lines everywhere – people are going to want to have picnics there – and that’s something you can build on.

“Nature is pretty cool at doing the biodiversity thing, it’s been doing it a long time.

“It’s important to realise we are all part of nature – it’s not a third party that we interact with.

“When I talk to children, I talk about opening up their guts, which always gets their interest.

“I ask them whether they are aware that there are around 3trillion things living inside them and that our bodies are the most brilliant hosts. 

“It’s really important to remember we are a part of nature, not apart from it.

“And nature is so resilient.

“As we go, we need to proceed, not by planting trees along walkways, but doing a little bit here, a little bit there and then watching what happens.

“We really need to think about the environment we live in and the spaces where we gather.”

The suggestion is that spending time surrounded by living things is not just a desirable way to spend some time, but perhaps a more primal need that is as vital to our mental health as the oxygen we rely on plants and trees to create for us.

As Tim puts it, Canary Wharf going “punk rogue” on ecology at the heart of the estate generates excitement for the future and exhilaration in the present.

You can feel it now, for free at Eden Dock.

The installation is free to visit at Canary Wharf

key details: Eden Dock

Eden Dock can be found right outside the main exit of Canary Wharf’s Jubilee line station.

The area is completely free to visit.

Full details of the project and the activities in celebration of its launch can be found online.

Read more: How Boat Sales By Aquavista offers residential moorings in east London

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
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HCA Healthcare expands at Canary Wharf into 40 Bank Street

Chief operating officer Greg Bale talks engineering and patient-based design at the new facility

Image shows the lobby at 40 Bank Street in Canary Wharf
Patients access the facility from the building’s main lobby

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Canary Wharf is constantly evolving.

Some changes are obvious, while others are hardly visible from the outside.

Take the first floor of 40 Bank Street, for example.

Looking at its exterior, few would guess that major engineering has taken place to reinforce a section of the building. 

This change was made to enable it to carry the 15 tonnes of weight associated with two state-of-the-art MRI scanners – both craned in through a gap in the wall on a single day. 

This retooling of office space has allowed private provider HCA Healthcare to significantly expand its presence in Canary Wharf.

Its recently opened facility now takes up the whole of the building’s first floor.

“It’s 20,000sq ft and offers full diagnostic and treatment facilities,” said Greg Bale, the company’s chief operating officer.

“We have GPs on site offering primary care appointments as well as secondary and tertiary level consultants providing special level care. 

“We also have imaging and diagnostic facilities, with MRI, ultrasound and X-Rays, alongside a range of treatment options.

“It’s a one-stop shop for patients – they can have their referral immediately from GP to consultant, then treatment if appropriate. 

“If they need more complex surgery, then there’s the backup of the wider HCA network.

“As a provider, we offer everything, right up to the most complex healthcare an individual might require, including cancer care, liver transplants, cardiac surgery and orthopaedic surgery.

“Anyone can access the outpatient services if they’re self-paying, but the majority will have private medical insurance.

“We estimate 75% of local employers provide cover and about 30% of the wider population will have this in place.

“Canary Wharf has been my pet project for the last two years and it feels incredible now that it’s open, having taken it through from concept to our first patient.”

HCA Healthcare chief operating officer, Greg Bale – a man with short brown hair in a grey suit, white shirt and a blue tie
HCA Healthcare chief operating officer, Greg Bale

designed around patient need

Greg worked as a pharmacist at Great Ormond Street Hospital before continuing his career at HCA and then making a move into management.

He said he was especially proud of the Canary Wharf facility’s design.

“Involving the medical team throughout the process is the bit I’m most proud of,” he said. “It’s been built around the patients. 

“We’ve taken the lead from one of our other flagship facilities at The Shard, which has been really successful as a patient diagnostic centre.

“At Canary Wharf, we’ve taken all the learning from there, and our clinical team has looked at the patient and doctor experience and their requirements and tried to elevate it.

“I think we’ve done that incredibly successfully and the patient feedback we’ve received already – two months in – has reinforced this.”

Measures taken include ensuring waiting areas have plenty of natural light and calm views over the dock to minimise stress.

Treatment rooms each also have their own changing rooms so patients can dress and undress in a contained, coherent environment in privacy.

HCA has also been unafraid to do things differently, creating dedicated treatment facilities for specific procedures thereby opening up more time for the general treatment rooms to be used.

It’s a joined-up approach that streamlines the approach to diagnosis and treatment, ultimately meaning patients should wait less time for results and then any action that may be needed.

With breast cancer, for example, the centre boasts the latest in mammography scanning alongside facilities to biopsy suspect tissue that can potentially deliver a diagnosis in as little as an hour. 

Consultants are then on hand immediately to explain the potential implications and next steps.

Image shows the exterior of 40 Bank Street with foliage in the foreground
HCA Healthcare’s Canary Wharf facility is based at 40 Bank Street

strong demand for HCA Healthcare

“I hope patients will feel reassured and confident in the service we’re providing,” said Greg.

“I want them to walk away having had a very positive experience.

“Patients should receive whatever it is they were hoping to gain from the advice they’re given on the condition they came with.”

With such depth and quality in its offering, it’s perhaps little wonder that HCA’s Canary Wharf expansion is already proving popular with patients.

“It has exceeded our expectations,” said Greg. “In our first month, we welcomed more than 2,500 patients, which is a very strong start for a recently expanded facility.

“We’re projecting 50,000 patients will walk through our doors within the next 12 months.

“Patient feedback has been very positive too and, as people come back from their holidays, we anticipate more activity.

“At a steady rate, we’re expecting to see between 250 and 300 patients a day, although we have the capacity to increase that further.

“For us, this expansion has been driven by a number of factors.

“We see the City and Canary Wharf as the two most economically strong markets in the UK and feel that will endure. 

“For us, the Wharf is a second major hub.

“Tower Hamlets is a rapidly growing borough and the estate’s own strategy, of diversification to become the best residential, retail and corporate market, was key.

“HCA works closely with many major companies to provide health screening for their employee base and we pay a lot of attention to those clients.

“There really is nothing else like us that has the same comprehensive offering.”

Image shows the outpatients reception area at HCA Healthcare in Canary Wharf
Waiting areas have been designed to promote calm

a one-stop-shop

“People know when they come to us that they will encounter experts in their field – whether that’s GPs or consultants.

“They will receive one-to-one care for whatever they have come to see a specialist about and they’ll know the diagnostic facilities are the best available.

“For example, we put two MRI scanners in – a 1.5T and a 3T.

“One isn’t better than the other.

“They have different magnetic field strengths so can be used for different things.

“We wanted to have both at our clinical team’s disposal.

“This approach leads to benefits for our patients.

“For instance, we represent a much younger demographic in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer than the average in the rest of the country.

“The reason for that is our detailed health screening, that patients have rapid access to a GP, can get a diagnosis quickly and then secondary and tertiary care.

“We hope that this results in better outcomes for them.

“It’s all about that one-stop shop – we’re providing patients with choice and building our services around their needs.

“Now patients don’t need to leave Canary Wharf for these services and why should they?”

Image shows people interacting at the primary care reception desk at HCA Healthcare in Canary Wharf
Patients can attend GP appointments at HCA Healthcare

key details: HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare is located at 40 Bank Street on the southern edge of the Canary Wharf estate.

It offers primary care, outpatient consultation and treatments and a wide range of diagnostic services.

For a full list of what’s available here.

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
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Third Space expands group exercise offering in Canary Wharf

Senior group exercise manager Vicki Antoniou on why taking a class is a great way to train

Third Space Canary Wharf group exercise manager Vicki Antoniou, a woman sat in a hot yoga studio smiling at the camera
Third Space Canary Wharf group exercise manager Vicki Antoniou – image James Perrin

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“Don’t fear the unknown”.

That’s the message from Vicki Antoniou, senior group exercise manager for Third Space’s two Canary Wharf clubs.

“If people are walking past The Yard – our crossfit inspired training space at the Canada Square club – and there’s a class on it can look like everyone knows what they’re doing,” she said.

“Or they hear a spin session getting underway, it can sound really overwhelming.   

“But it’s vital people understand that our classes operate for all levels of fitness – everyone taking part went for the first time at some point.”

We’re sat in Third Space Wood Wharf for our interview.

While the brand’s second site on the estate is in a separate location to the Canada Square club, it essentially acts as a massive extension to the existing facilities as local membership includes access to both.

That means there’s a second pool to swim in and an extra gym floor to train on.

But it also adds something wholly fresh in terms of group exercise – Hot Yoga and Reformer Pilates studios. 

This, alongside installing equipment for the latter at the original Canary Wharf site, has allowed the club to extend its already extensive timetable of classes, with more than 300 available every week.

Organising and managing that operation across two sites is no small task, but it’s one Vicki clearly relishes. 

The Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs offer more than 300 classes each week – image shows members engaged in a Formula 3 class at Canary Wharf using weights and rowing machines
The Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs offer more than 300 classes each week

the benefits of group exercise

“We get more than 30,000 attendances at classes each month,” she said.

“Around half of the people coming to Wood Wharf are going to a group class, with Canary Wharf a little under that.

“I get really excited about the benefits of working out with other people. We know that once members try a class, they keep coming back. 

“The hard part is just getting into the studio. Once you’re there, we’ll look after you.

“If you’re a bit hesitant, get there 15 minutes early and tell the instructor and they will make sure you’re comfortable.

“Everyone’s on their own journey.

“I’m big on inclusivity, so our instructors are trained to make sure everyone who comes into a class has the best possible experience and does what suits their mood for that day.

“We’re also happy to give members a tour of the studios when not in use if they’re feeling unsure.

“We can also advise what classes are best to start with, such as Fundamental Reformer for Pilates or Yin Yoga.”

Vicki’s own journey into the fitness industry began with group exercise, after friends invited her to be part of a film so they could gain Les Mills Bodypump certification.

Having “never picked up a weight in her life” before – a legacy of hating exercise at school – she was hooked and began going to classes.

Later she trained as an instructor and began teaching classes herself. At that time, fitness was more of a side hustle while Vicki worked in banking at Barclays on the Wharf and then in the City.

The arrival of her son saw her spending more time teaching fitness classes, which fitted around his school commitments, before heading back into the corporate world – this time in telecoms.

With her son grown, she “dipped her toe into nutrition”, setting up a company to offer workshops to businesses and organisations.

Third Space Wood Wharf boasts a large Hot Yoga studio
Third Space Wood Wharf boasts a large Hot Yoga studio

teaching at Third Space

“Around 2017, a friend of mine had started teaching at Third Space and I went to do a class with him,” said Vicki.

“It was fantastic and I thought I’d really like to teach there.

“I auditioned and began working as an instructor in 2018, first with one, then two and three classes a week. Eventually it was 10.

“At that point, I knew I wanted to manage, mentor and lead other instructors and so I applied for the group exercise manager at the Tower Bridge club and got the job.

“At first, despite my experience, I was petrified, but the support network was amazing.

“If you’ve done the job yourself, it puts you in a good position to manage others and I try to lead as I like to be led.

“Transparency and a lot of communication are essential.

“I’m a bit maternal and nurturing and really want to bring people into the fold.

“If you feel confident and that you belong, you’re going to lead classes as your authentic self.

“It’s vital that we have brand standards and that those are maintained across all our classes so members will always get that high quality experience.

“But I also want the instructors in my team to be themselves, not to put on a persona.

“They should feel free to express their personality and bring something of themselves to the sessions.

“We have thousands of members at Canary Wharf – the demographic is vast – and people really respond to instructors who deliver classes like that.”

Wood Wharf also has a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio
Wood Wharf also has a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio

what Third Space Wood Wharf brings

Wood Wharf’s additions to the timetable have proved immensely popular, with Reformer Pilates capturing members’ imaginations to the point where extra equipment has been brought in at the original site too, in order to keep up with demand.

“I think, with Reformer classes, it’s the accessibility of it,” said Vicki.

“The way the equipment and the classes have been designed means everybody can do it. We have Fundamental, Traditional and Dynamic classes, so it doesn’t matter what level of fitness you’re at.

“It’s about coming to try something different and learning a new way to move your body with equipment that doesn’t put pressure on your joints.

“It’s perfect for people who don’t want to jump around in the gym.

“But it complements other exercises too.

“If you incorporate it weekly into your training you’ll really see the benefits in strength and flexibility.

“People often need to be a bit brave to try it, but we’ll always look after them and teach them how to use the equipment and give lots of options for those at different levels.

“Hot Yoga has been very well attended at our other clubs, so we wanted to bring a studio here too. 

“Practising in a warm room gives you the ability to move your body in a more fluid and challenging way both from a physical and a mental perspective.

“It can feel as though the heat is lubricating your joints and giving you that extra mobility.” 

Members take part in a Lift class at Third Space Canary Wharf - men and women lifting kettlebells while doing lunges
Members take part in a Lift class at Third Space Canary Wharf

key details Third Space

The Wharf membership covers Third Space’s Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs and costs £230 per month.

This grants access to facilities across both sites and includes unlimited group exercise classes including Hot Yoga and Reformer Pilates.

Third Space also offers group membership, starting at £279 per month, which allows access to facilities at Third Space’s growing collection of clubs including Soho, Marylebone, Wimbledon, Clapham Junction and Tower Bridge. It currently excludes Mayfair.

Find out more about membership here

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
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