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W’air Sneaker Laundry offers sustainable cleaning in Canary Wharf

Brand has expanded its east London operation using air, tapwater and detergent to get stains and muck off fabric trainers

A man cleans a fabric trainer with a W'air device at the brand's Canary Wharf branch
A W’air device is used to clean fabric trainers at the Canary Wharf branch

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The world increasingly lives in trainers.

Rewind 20 years and a typical Tube train on a weekday would be filled with commuters in smart leather shoes.

This was the boom time for cobblers and manufacturers of shoe polish. 

But the world turns. The pandemic accelerated a process that was already well underway.

A more casual attitude to clothing in many workplaces has now found its feet – for comfort, for style and for simple economic reasons, the trainer has won out. 

The logic of having a completely separate wardrobe for work and play, when so many industries no longer demand it is faltering.

But that also leaves us with a problem.

While a brush and a pot of polish were enough to refresh a pair of brogues, sneakers come in a much wider variety of styles and materials, providing a greater challenge when it comes to cleaning.

One might spend a painstaking evening with an old toothbrush, purchase an esoteric collection of products for the purpose or chuck them in a washing machine in a pillowcase – the latter not great for either the footwear or the appliance.  

But there are other options. Recently opened in Canary Wharf, W’air Sneaker Laundry offers services specifically tailored to shoes featuring fabrics in their design – elements that are especially prone to staining.

It all started with a machine developed to clean clothes.

W'air Sneaker Laundry in Canary Wharf, with two men working behind the counter
W’air Sneaker Laundry is located under One Canada Square in Canary Wharf

the origin: W’air Sneaker Laundry

“The device started life at Unilever, where it was designed before being picked up by Pilot Lite Ventures, which launched it as the world’s first eco-friendly handheld fabric care device,” said Kate Rixon, retail lead at W’air Sneaker Laundry.

“It uses cold tapwater and air with a bit of detergent, so it got its name as a blend of water and air. 

“I’d spent 30 years working for retail giant Arcadia until it went into administration in 2021 and joined Pilot Lite as a consultant.”

Initially, Kate sold the W’air  services into retail businesses such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, using it to spot clean stains and refresh garments in their stores.

“The whole ethos of W’air is sustainability,” said Kate.

“Garments in shops can get stained from children’s sticky fingers, make-up and even blood.

“Historically, those might be sent to landfill if they weren’t cleaned. W’air is about preventing that and also about reducing water use.

“Often garments don’t need washing, the stain just needs to be removed. 

“The W’air device only uses cold water and air plus a mild detergent which gives clothes a fresh smell so you’re saving on water and electricity.”

Adding another string to the company’s bow, the decision was made to target trainers with a consumer-facing venture.

Image shows W'air Sneaker Laundry operations manager Oliver Grout, a man with long brown hair and a moustache in a blue top
W’air Sneaker Laundry operations manager Oliver Grout

dipping a toe in

“We decided to diversify into sneaker cleaning and opened a kiosk at Westfield Stratford City to test the market,” said Kate. “Now we’re in Canary Wharf too.

“People are wearing trainers a lot more now, so that’s one reason we went down this route alongside our garment cleaning business.

“The W’air device is a pressure pump and it works a bit like a steam cleaner only with cold water. It flushes out stains on fabric like oil, make-up, red wine and soy sauce.

“Then you just need to let whatever you’re washing dry overnight and it’s ready to go.

“Because there’s a slight fragrance with the detergent, it also refreshes clothes and sneakers, removing any odours without using chemicals like Febreze.”

As operations manager, Oliver Grout is the man charged with running the Canary Wharf and Stratford sites.

Now aged 21, he embarked on a retail career with Waitrose before swapping the supermarket for W’air. 

“After training, we started off in Westfield and had a really good year before deciding it would be worth dipping our toes in Canary Wharf,” he said.

“The W’air device is part of our cleaning toolkit – it’s not a magic machine that can get rid of everything.

“But it does an amazing job on fabric trainers including suede and canvas, where the dirt can be embedded.

“It’s a targeted cleaner, and works very well with old stains which might otherwise be difficult to remove with your normal equipment. That’s where it really shines.

“It’s also good at removing excess dirt.

“If you’ve been out in fields with your shoes caked in mud, using a brush can just embed the dirt more deeply in the fabric.”

blasting away

“With the W’air device, you aim it at the dirt and it blasts it up and away from the shoe, rather than smudging it in further,” added Oliver.

“In addition to cleaning, we also offer deoxidisation.

“For example, white soles on trainers can start to bleach from exposure to direct sunlight, so we have machines which will reverse that process and restore the shoes back to their proper colour.

“Having had staff members with connections to Canary Wharf, we thought it would be a good area for our services.

“You get a lot of people passing through the malls whether they live here, work here or are just visiting.

“It’s hard to pinpoint our typical customer, but we see a lot of lifestyle sneakers because they get taken out and worn so much.

“People do bring in shoes that have been lying there for ages or hidden away in cupboards for anything up to a year.

“We won’t always be able to make shoes look like new, but we can smarten them up so they can be worn again.”

W’air recommends purely leather trainers are best taken to the cobbler, as its technology is much more geared towards cleaning fabric.

To that end, the firm also offers spot cleaning for garments and handbags at its sites.

The focus, however, is on trainers and W’air Sneaker Laundry will be popping up outside Waitrose on August 14, 2024, to demonstrate its cleaning powers to Wharfers in more detail.

Alternatively, drop into one of its branches and find out more.

key details: W’air Sneaker Laundry

You can find W’air Sneaker Laundry’s Canary Wharf branch in the mall underneath One Canada Square.

The business is weekdays from 8am-6pm and from 10am on Saturdays and 11am on Sundays with the same closing time. 

Standard cleaning services for sneakers start at £30.

The business also has a branch at Westfield Stratford City.

Find out more about the brand here

Read more: How Toby Kidman created a pub with soul at the Pacific Tavern

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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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Creative Industries Festival set to bring jobs and inspiration to UEL

The University Of East London’s Alison Lowe on founding an event driven by collaboration

Image shows a face with stylised makeup, blue hair and a matching outfit with purple highlights
UEL’s Creative Industries Festival is set to take place in September 2024

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“One of the biggest challenges in the creative industries is not knowing who to connect to – it’s still very much who you know,” said Alison Lowe, director of careers and enterprise at the University Of East London’s School Of Arts And Creative Industries.

“The other main one is confidence.”

Both, however, will be firmly in the crosshairs early next month as UEL’s Creative Industries Festival arrives at the institution’s Royal Docks Centre For Sustainability. 

Billed both as a careers fair and a major networking opportunity, the four-day event aims to attract those working in art, architecture, performing arts, fashion, media, advertising, illustration and business as well as those seeking opportunities in those sectors. 

“While it was my idea, we have an amazing group of students and interns that have worked on it – it’s really all about their generation,” said Alison.

“Anyone who is creative can come along.

“For students and alumni it will be about getting on the career ladder.

“We’ll have recruiters here and talent scouts looking for the next generation of talent, so it will be a brilliant opportunity.

“Then there will also be lots of workshops, learning and networking.

“It’s tough to get a job in the creative industries and there’s often a gap with graduates not having the right contacts, so we want them to come along and meet people.

“It will also be for people working in the creative industries.

“It’s not always easy to see who’s doing what, so we want lots of big organisations to come along so we can all learn about each other – what are we doing and how we can collaborate.”

Image shows Alison Lowe of UEL, a blonde woman wearing a black dress with an amber necklace
UEL’s Alison Lowe has created the event to bring students and creative professionals together in east London

the Creative Industries Festival, a natural move

It’s an area that Alison is well-placed to operate in, having spent much of her career connecting creative people with employment opportunities and helping brands communicate their stories to customers.

“I started in performing arts at 16 at the Birmingham Rep as an actress,” she said.

“I had no training, went along to an audition and got my first job.

“Working in the performing arts for several years, I discovered I’m also a natural entrepreneur. 

“After a few years, I realised that while I could always find work, a lot of people I knew couldn’t, and they were far better actresses and singers than I was.

“So I started helping other people and founded my first business, Chameleon, which was a recruitment consultancy for creative people.

“I’ve had seven businesses, all of them consultancies or recruitment firms.

“My last business, Felicities, ran for 25 years supporting fashion designers, which saw me awarded an MBE for services to the industry.

“Initially I came to UEL to write some new programmes such as an MBA in fashion entrepreneurship and an MA in creative enterprise and came to the director’s role from that.

“The festival will be partly a path to jobs, but also to help build relationships within the creative sector.

“Luckily, with the work I’ve done, I’ve got quite a lot of connections, so I can reach out to people and ask if they’ll be part of it, so it’s building those community links.

“It’s also to get the young people in and ask them what their challenges are – to find out what they are trying to overcome in 2024 when they’re trying to get an interview or an audition.”

Image shows the Royal Docks Centre For Sustainability at UEL, an angular building with a black clad and glass exterior
The Royal Docks Centre For Sustainability at UEL will host the majority of the festival

manifesting a future

“Something that I learnt many years ago when I was starting out was to tell people I was an actress rather than talking about whatever other work I might have been doing to pay the bills,” said Alison.

“The word now is ‘manifesting’.

“I remember going to a party and someone asked me what I did.

“I said I was an actress and felt such a twit saying it, because I’d finished the Birmingham Rep job and there wasn’t another one to follow it.

“But he said: ‘Oh, are you?’, and turned out to be a director, so I worked for him for the next two years.

“The lesson is that if you don’t say what you are, it won’t happen.

“If you are confident about who you are and what you do, other people will believe you.

“I think that’s a real challenge for a lot of our students at UEL. Perhaps they come from more disadvantaged backgrounds and might often be first-generation creatives – they may have relatives asking them when they’re going to get a proper job because  they don’t have any experience of these industries. 

“Then there’s the challenge of actually getting paid.

“As a young fashion designer, for example, everyone wants you to do everything for free. But getting paid is about valuing yourself and what you do. It’s vital.”

together to collaborate

Partners for the Creative Industries Festival will include Canva, Lego, GLA, East Bank, the Foundation For Future London, Cine Circle, The Developing Room and creativeLDN.

The three-day programme at Royal Docks boasts free workshops, talks, panel discussions, installations, performances, a pop-up shop, hackathons, showcases and a creative talent careers fair.

“We want it to be fun and to have a real creative buzz,” said Alison.

“We’ve invited as many people as possible from the creative industries. 

“For the Community Day, we’ll be working with Stratford Originals who will be coming up with a map for people to go around different creative spaces in Stratford. 

“We’ll be starting off at St John’s Church Yard, with activities for all the family at the different creative businesses participating.

“It’s really about fostering that community spirit.”

Another key focus for the festival will be how business and creativity interact. 

“Entrepreneurs are creative people, so the festival is also about creative thinking in business,” said Alison.

“What we’ve learned over the last few years is that we have to be creative in our business activities to succeed.

“In a nutshell, the festival presents a platform for change, where creative talent, policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs and students will come together to share knowledge, develop collaborations and initiate innovations. 

“Come and join us to make positive changes throughout the creative industries.”

key details: Creative Industries Festival

UEL’s Creative Industries Festival takes place over three days at the Royal Docks Centre For Sustainability from September 4-6, 2024. Times vary.

This will be followed by a Community Day at St John’s Church Yard in Stratford, running from 11am-2pm on September 7, 2024.

Tickets for the festival are free.

You can find more details and listings here

Read more: How Toby Kidman created a pub with soul at the Pacific Tavern

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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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Vertus set to evolve its Canary Wharf offering with short stay plan

We sit down with Vertus managing director Alastair Mullens to find out how he’s grown and softened the residential brand plus what the future holds

Image shows Vertus blocks at Wood Wharf, clad in brick in front of more residential towers
Vertus’ residential rental operation is a key part of the Canary Wharf estate

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Things move fast in Canary Wharf.

Already, in August 2024, it’s hard to remember a time when people weren’t living on the estate – such has been the interweaving of the blossoming residential community with the fabric of the place, a shift in mindset to becoming a truly 24/7 slice of London. 

But in 2018 it was all still to come.

That’s when Alastair Mullens took on the role of managing director at a newly minted Canary Wharf Group subsidiary called Vertus, created to handle the estate’s crop of build-to-rent (BTR) properties.

At the time, BTR was still a relatively new concept in the capital and, indeed, the rest of the UK.

But, aiming to ape the success of well-established “multi-family” schemes in the USA and elsewhere, it was already gaining traction among developers who saw the potential advantages in terms of easier financing and steady income streams against the big revenue splashes of private sale.

Image shows Vertus managing director Alastair Mullens, a man in a blue suit and a white shirt with blonde hair
Vertus managing director Alastair Mullens

a mountain to climb

“When I arrived, it was just me and one other member of staff,” said Alastair.

“It looked like a very big mountain to climb.

“But now we have more than 75 people working at Vertus – the team did an amazing job and it’s been a really great journey.”

Specifically, the company has completely filled three buildings on the estate – 10 George Street and 8 Water Street in Wood Wharf and Newfoundland, which sits to the western edge of the estate. 

Even within this relatively short space of time, however, there’s been a constant feel of agile evolution.

“Vertus was very much born out of Canary Wharf and initially it felt quite corporate,” said Alastair.

“It was directed at a customer base we thought we were going to attract – the people who worked on the estate, who could afford to rent through us.

“That was very successful and about 70% of the people who moved into the first phase of 10 George Street were those workers.

“Today though, that percentage is around 25% at full occupancy.

“It’s a change that has been driven by two things – the arrival of the Elizabeth Line and the way the pandemic has shifted things.

“People now have more flexibility for work and may not be in the office five days a week.

“They have more of a choice about where they live and many are choosing Canary Wharf, even if they don’t work here.”

a resurgent Canary Wharf

It’s demand that’s perhaps unsurprising.

The estate’s resurgence after Covid has seen a wealth of attractions arrive locally, prompting 67.2million people to visit in 2023.

The latest figures for July show the month was 8.5% up on last year.

Canary Wharf is hot in a way that has nothing to do with the summer weather. 

Its decision to embrace competitive socialising, an enhanced hospitality offering and even kids activities, has turned it from an area that was once overlooked to a place Londoners are actively seeking out.

Less formal, less corporate – more fun, more relaxed. 

While Vertus’s buildings are currently full, its journey is really only just beginning.

In preparation for what’s to come, it’s softened its branding in line with the Wharf of the mid 2020s and to reflect the greater flexibility it’s about to bring to the market. 

Image shows a bed, with an abstract picture on the wall as well as a reading light
The brand is set to launch studios for shorter stays at the start of 2025 under the Vertus Edit brand

softening brand Vertus

“We’ve kept the name with the rebrand but have taken time to understand how our customers see us,” said Alastair. 

“We’re not just a corporate landlord they’re renting from to get a good service.

“Words like  ‘friendship’ and ‘interaction’ – both with fellow-residents and our team – are what we thrive on.

“The brand now feels more homely, rather than just a company providing places to live. 

“Outwardly we’re far softer and we’ve done a lot of work on the tone of our voice so it feels friendlier.

“That’s both in our image and advertising, but also in our communications with residents. We’re delivering the same messages but in a less formal, more direct way.

“This has come from the way we’ve seen residents interact with our team – that they prefer to be addressed by their first names, for example.

“All of this is a shift in mentality – a change in the demographic living with us and, perhaps, the way in which people now feel about being less formal.

“Historically, the Canary Wharf estate has been very corporate.

“Aesthetically it’s been steel, glass and concrete. 

“But in recent years it’s softened too – green walls, green lamp posts and our collaboration with the Eden Project in Middle Dock.

“Then there’s the leisure offer, which has made it a more fun environment.

“A good example was when we held The North Face Climb Festival at Wood Wharf recently.

“Our team said residents saw the buzz and were attracted to it.

“Originally we marketed the area as a private estate filled with peace and tranquillity. 

“Now we’re selling an environment that’s increasingly lively and fun – somewhere people really want to be.”

Image shows a kitchenette in a Vertus Edit property
Vertus Edit studios come complete with kitchenettes

homes in the pipeline

The good news for those who would also like to live locally is that Vertus is by no means done providing apartments. 

“Two new towers at 50 and 60 Charter Street will see more than 750 Vertus apartments available to rent, with around 300 ready by the end of 2025 and the rest by mid-2026,” said Alastair. 

“Then, 40 Charter Street completes at the end of 2027 with more than 550 properties.

“We’ve taken much of what we’ve learnt from our current buildings – how the concierge teams work, rolling out parcel delivery to individual apartments and offering more co-working space – and put this into these towers.

“They will give us another 1,300 BTR apartments in Canary Wharf.

“We’ve also learnt a lot about fostering community and, about a year ago, reimagined our resident engagement programme as Vertus Plus. 

“This includes perks such as early access to new restaurant openings and discounts at retailers on the estate as well as an events team that works to arrange experiences for those living in our apartments. 

“When you see a group going for dinner after an event, you know they have connected – we can bring people together, but it’s our residents who build the community.

“In order to support that, we are very much encouraging longer tenancies in our buildings.”

Image shows a Vertus Edit studio with a bed and a kitchenette reflected in the mirror
Vertus Edit studios are available to book from February 2025

Vertus Edit, a shorter stay

While the arrival of new properties will doubtless be welcome given the demand for tenancies in Vertus’ existing portfolio, the company is also further evolving its offering to appeal to those with different needs.

Vertus Edit offers 378 studios for more flexible, shorter stays – even for a single night.

“These are completing around the end of this year and will offer people the opportunity to stay in a Vertus product for a number of nights or months,” said Alastair.

“The studios are, on average, 17sq m and have everything a visitor needs. 

“They’ve got small kitchenettes, with hobs, combination microwave ovens and enough storage for pots and pans.

“It’s a product that’s fun, colourful and funky.

“We’ve long been getting enquiries about short-term rentals and we are now able to say that there is an option.

“We’re using the equity in the Vertus brand for this because people recognise it and Vertus Edit becomes that place to stay in Canary Wharf.

“Then, if someone enjoys a short-term stay in the area and sees what we have to offer, they may well decide to upgrade.”

next steps

As for the future, with Canary Wharf’s continued growth there’s still much more in the pipeline.

“We are developing North Quay, so the question is how we offer appropriate accommodation for people working in the life sciences space,” said Alastair.

“I’d also like to see a BTR product with reduced amenity.

“We’ve followed the American model and we offer a great product and great service but not everyone wants things like a big lounge, a gym or a cinema room.

“Some people just want to rent a good apartment that’s well managed with high-speed broadband.

“I think if we could do something like that it would be well taken up with people paying a reduced rent for fewer amenities.

“There’s not a lot around like that in the market at the moment. 

“This may also allow tenants to save more easily if they want to buy a property in the future.” 

key details: Vertus

More information about renting with Vertus and stays with Vertus Edit can be found here.

Single night bookings for the latter start at £100 a night for two people.

Discounts for longer stays are available.

Read more: How Toby Kidman created a pub with soul at the Pacific Tavern

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition 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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Canary Wharf welcomes artwork by Henry Gibbs celebrating Pride

The artist has used reflective aluminium paint and black dots to create intimate scenes of himself and his friends on walls at Wren Landing

Artist Henry Gibbs stands in front of his mural Get Real in Canary Wharf, a young man in a black top and denim shorts
Artist Henry Gibbs with detail from Get Real in Canary Wharf

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Canary Wharf’s Pride month celebrations generally feature vibrant colours.

From the rainbow pedestrian crossings to the multicolour triangles of Lothar Götz, subtly recalling the abuse of LGBTQIA+ people at the hands of the Nazis.

But Henry Gibbs Get Real, painted on three walls at Wren Landing overlooking West India North Dock, presents a different take on queer relationships and intimacy.

Pass by close up and his monochrome dots may well be incomprehensible – a random pattern in black and white.

But move further away and things start to come into focus. 

Two women look at Henry's artwork at Canary Wharf's Wren Landing
Passers-by take in Get Real at Wren Landing

discovery in abstraction

“While I was painting it, I hadn’t really comprehended the image because I was very close to it all the time,” said Henry, who spent three weeks creating the work.

“When I felt something from it was when I went over to the other side of the dock.

“That action of taking a step back is when the emotion comes, not necessarily one particular feeling, but really trying to understand something and getting to know it.

“The act of abstraction and including hidden references is a very queer thing. I could say that the dots are a queer abstraction, which is a theory in itself.

“Then there’s the use of colour in the work – I wanted to create something more understated for this commission.

“With the black dots I was thinking about light, so I used aluminium reflective paint as the base, which literally takes light and colour from the sources around it.

“That’s a queer thing in itself, because of the constant change that is being influenced by the painting’s environment.

“The black dots are also like a newspaper-style print and the mural as a whole has this aspect of absorption, which is a reflection of queer identity.

“The aluminium paint will pick up some colour in different lights – at sunset it can have an orange glow and there will be a similar effect at five in the morning as well as the glow of artificial lights at night.”

Henry is the second artist to create work on the estate through Canary Wharf Group’s partnership with Pictorum Gallery, following the unveiling of Lydia Hamblet’s Together, Basking On The South Quay in 2023. 

A recent graduate of Central Saint Martins, he said he’d developed an increasingly mechanical way of painting, having become interested in technology as a medium.

Artist Henry Gibbs stands in front of his mural Get Real in Canary Wharf, a young man in a black top and denim shorts
Henry says the dots he uses create a ‘distorted, abstract look up close’

joining the dots

“I developed this dot technique, using found imagery and photography I do myself,” he said.

“I half-tone and then project them onto a canvas to create a distorted, abstract look up close.

“Then at a distance – or if you view it online – you get a sense of the image that’s there. That’s also the technique I used for the mural.

“The title comes from the film Get Real, which is about coming out in school – it’s quite a raw 1990s movie that was cheaply made but has a real impact and a strong message about growing up gay.

“The painting’s title is also about Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalytic theory of The Real – that your self comes from within and is not influenced by anything else.

“I don’t really believe in coming out, but my real self is found in the images in the work. It features my friends Ed and Tommy as well as me on the thinner wall.

“It references my own queer friendships and intimacies, which have only developed quite recently, so there’s discovery too, which I wanted to celebrate. 

“It’s a strange feeling to have this mural in Canary Wharf. It’s my thing, but it’s also such a public display of the work.

“I would have to go and see people looking at it to understand how that feels – I can’t really imagine it.

“I found the process of doing it very exposing, because there were people watching me doing it. It did feel good to complete it.

“My friends and family all came to the launch and I felt pleased with what I’ve done.

“I’d never been to Canary Wharf before this project, I didn’t know who I’d be working with or where.

“There were a lot of late nights, a lot of work, but we got it done and I feel very accomplished.  

Image shows Get Real from further away with images of men visible in the dots
Viewers can make out images as they move further away from the work

key details: Get Real in Canary Wharf

Get Real can be seen at Wren Landing (between Cabot Square and West India North Dock.

It is a permanent part of Canary Wharf’s public art collection and will be on display for the foreseeable future.

Find out more about the mural here

Read more: How Toby Kidman created a pub with soul at the Pacific Tavern

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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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UCL School Of Management seeks people to take part in studies

The university’s business school is seeking participants for experiments in its Behavioural Research Lab at Canary Wharf’s One Canada Square

Image shows UCL School Of Management Behavioural Research Lab manager Sharmay Mitchell outside One Canada Square in Canary Wharf. A woman wearing a blue and white dress with long dreadlocks swept to the left
UCL School Of Management Behavioural Research Lab manager Sharmay Mitchell

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On the 38th floor of One Canada Square in Canary Wharf, two young men are attempting to build a structure.

Having only just met, they’ve been tasked with raising a marshmallow as high as possible using just dried spaghetti, string and masking tape.

They’re told their creation must stand without support for 10 seconds and be as creative as possible. They have five minutes…

It’s a sticky session.

Ignoring the tape and string at first, they tear into the marshmallow, employing it as a kind of gum to bind the lengths of pasta into flimsy tetrahedrons. 

Attempts to go higher expose the sweet’s limitations as an adhesive and, as the clock ticks down, they tape a single length of spaghetti onto the top of one tripod and place a blob of mashmallow on its end.

They’re done. 

The table is sticky with effort, but the task is complete and there are smiles all round. 

While I’m not privy to the goings-on in all corner offices on the 50 floors of One Canada Square, I’m willing to bet this is the only one that’s a venue for pasta construction.

It’s a reflection perhaps of the growing diversity of the Wharf with financial services firms increasingly sitting alongside organisations specialising in education, life sciences, technology and construction. 

What I’ve just witnessed is a session organised at UCL School Of Management’s Behavioural Research Lab.

Designed to allow the study of how and why humans do what they do in specific situations, the facility is run by Sharmay Mitchell.

Two men sit either side of a tower of dried spaghetti, marshmallow and tape they have just built as part of an experiment at UCL School Of Management's Behavioural Research Lab in Canary Wharf
Participants take part in an experiment at the lab in One Canada Square

a place for experimentation

“Once the professors have designed the studies, they come to me to recruit the participants and work out the logistics,” said the psychologist, who has more than 13 years of experience presiding over such experiments.

“Having run hundreds of studies, I think of the things other people might not.

“For example, a study might require that two participants be strangers, so you wouldn’t want them talking before the session.

“I’d also be watching to see if they were already friends and then split them up and put them with someone else, if needed.

“It’s also my job to ensure people have consented to being involved and to collect the data for the researchers, so it can be analysed. 

“We always need more participants.

“Anyone over 18 can take part, although people need a good command of English so they can interact with others and understand instructions.

“It’s something completely different for people to do – something novel.

“Many don’t know UCL is here in Canary Wharf, so it’s an opportunity for them to find out what kind of research is happening on the estate.

“It’s exciting too. You get to meet new people who may be working or studying here and most of our studies last up to an hour, so it’s something that can be done in a lunch break.

“We usually give participants £10 in cash or a gift card for studies of that length, as a thank-you for their time.”

in person or online

Studies can be in person or online with participants typically unaware of why they are being asked to complete the tasks they are given.

“Everyone gets a debrief at the end so they can understand what they were doing and why,” said Sharmay, who studied at the University Of Westminster, UCL and King’s College London, before embarking on a career in academia at the London Business School.

“It usually takes a while for the analysis and write-up to come through – sometimes a year – but once a study is published I always like to send out that information so participants can discover the findings and how their contribution to knowledge has been used.

“All of our studies are approved by UCL’s ethics committee and the data is anonymous – each participant has a unique ID number and that’s how I’ll refer to them in the data.

“At the start we usually describe studies in general terms.

“For example, we wouldn’t tell them that they’ll be using spaghetti to build a tower, just that they’d be taking part in a creative task within a group.

“I find it fascinating that some people get so dedicated to the tasks they are given – but I like that they take it seriously as well.

“Once there was a study where people were asked to build a house out of Lego, with as much time as they liked.

“One participant spent two hours doing it because they were so into it.

“When participants are being observed they definitely behave differently and, if they think they’re not being observed, they do all sorts of things.

“In the previous lab I worked at, we ran a study where participants were asked to throw a ball into a basket and tell us how many times they managed to get it in.

“They got 10p for each successful attempt.

“The ones who thought they were not being observed mostly lied about the results, although a small percentage told the truth.”

a variety of tasks

Tasks in studies vary greatly.

Sometimes participants will fill in digital surveys or may be asked to do things on their own or in groups.

People wishing to take part enter their details on a database that Sharmay uses to source participants.

“That generates a research account for them where they can log in and choose studies they are interested in,” she said.

“We also send out emails about other studies as well to recruit people. There’s no limit to the number of studies a person can participate in. It can be as many or few as they wish, but some studies will have specific criteria.

“For example, the researcher will be looking for people who are in work full-time or things like that. The more people we have signed up, the more studies we can run.”

key details: UCL School Of Management’s Behavioural Research Lab

The Behavioural Research Lab is part of UCL School Of Management, which is located on the 50th and 38th floors of One Canada Square.

Anyone over the age of 18 can sign up to participate in its experiments.

Those wishing to do so can sign up via the QR code below or are welcome to email mgmt-lab@ucl.ac.uk for more information.

UCL School Of Management offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and executive programmes in management, entrepreneurship, information management for business, management science and business analytics.

Find out more about participating in studies or sign up here

Image shows PhD student and teaching assistant at UCL School Of Management, Velvetina Lim, weaing a red jumper
PhD student and teaching assistant at UCL School Of Management, Velvetina Lim

case study: an experiment at UCL School Of Management

Velvetina Lim is a PhD student and teaching assistant at UCL School Of Management.

When I arrive at One Canada Square, she’s the one conducting the experiment with the spaghetti, which I witness – a task preceded by a short session where the two male participants ask each other searching questions.

“We try to do interactive tasks – where participants might do things with their hands, conduct surveys, evaluate ideas or have group discussions – and this ranges across different topics, such as social relationships or negotiating in job interview situations,” said Velvetina.

“My PhD is in social networks and creativity – exploring how connecting with each other can help us to discover the big ideas and how evaluating those ideas together strengthens social bonds.

“My hope in conducting these experiments is to see what specific aspects of an interaction we can isolate and manipulate and how that transfers onto specific outcomes, such as how much participants were talking to each other while trying to solve particular problems.

“Ideally during the experiments I’m in the room, but in the corner to make things as realistic as possible.

“With these experiments, the idea is you’re isolating variables in a controlled environment.

“However, hopefully they are also simulations of situations as well – in this case emulating a product design team checking in with each other at the start of the week before engaging in project meetings.

“The first part of the experiment uses established research tasks where strangers ask intimate questions to get them to be friends and really foster a social relationship.

“Sometimes one person in the group might secretly be part of the experiment so I can manipulate what questions are asked and whether the feedback they give is positive or negative.

“That allows us to investigate how those interactions relate to problem solving with the spaghetti.

“One of things I’m looking at is what happens if we label an idea ‘creative’ – how would that feed back into how the next idea is produced?

“I think this is a pertinent question about the relationship between feedback and creativity.

“When we’re looking at startups or advertising agencies, for example, we often notice how such iterative interactions across time have an impact on the creative flow that creatives experience.

“This helps shape the way managers and leaders feed back to them.

“I would certainly recommend people come by and participate in these sorts of tasks. 

“It’s not just one way to earn a bit of quick money, but it’s a nice thing to do on a lunchtime break.

“I think that sometimes doing these tasks can help participants discover who they are or let them learn new things about themselves.

“It can also help people focus on things they might ask one another when forming new friendships.” 

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Immerse LDN gears up for launches at Excel with Friends and F1

Royal Docks conference and exhibition centre diversifies its offering with immersive experiences along a kilometre of waterfront

A computer generated image of brick archways along the side of Excel in east London that will form Immerse LDN
An artist’s impression of Immerse LDN at Excel in Royal Docks

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Something momentous is underway at Excel London.

Despite a footfall of more than 4million visitors each year, the Royal Docks exhibition and conference centre has historically been somewhat inward-looking. 

As a venue, it was built to contain and host temporary gatherings, often appealing to a very specific audience, rather than being a perennial attraction.

If you’re on the DLR or Liz Line, MCM Comic Con’s cosplayers are easy to spot when the show comes to town.

A gathering of property professionals or cardiovascular surgeons, not so much. 

But all this is set to change, with Excel gearing up to attract an additional 2.5million people to east London with a significant change in strategy. 

Along a kilometre of waterfront, the venue has created Immerse LDN, a new entertainment district with purpose-built spaces to host both attractions and hospitality offerings.

It’s set to open in August 2024.

Image shows Excel's director if immersive entertainment and events, Damian Norman – a man with curly brown hair in a jacket and white shirt
Excel’s director of immersive entertainment and events, Damian Norman

evolving Excel

“Excel can be very busy, whether it’s Comic Con or the World Travel Market, but then we have quiet periods when exhibitions are being put up or broken down,” said Damian Norman, director of immersive entertainment and events at the venue.

“That doesn’t work well for attracting quality hospitality businesses, because they need consistency of footfall.

“I joined Excel about five and a half years ago, with a background in consumer events, to look at capitalising on the arrival of the Elizabeth Line – the big transport game-changer for us.

“There are things that are done exceptionally well in London – theatre in the West End, Westfield’s shopping centres and live music at The O2, for example.

“So what is Excel’s niche? What do we want to be?

“I’d been thinking about an always-on entertainment offering and there are trends so I went to see an immersive Van Gogh art exhibition in Hyde Park. 

“It was very impressive, with pictures projected on the walls.

“But there was also a light-bulb moment for me when I was watching a lady in her 70s and a child of about five – and I saw their interaction with the images and with the music that went with them.

“It clearly had universal appeal for different demographics.

“Something cool that was different to looking at a static painting with various elements blended together to make it immersive.”

Image shows an animatronic T-Rex dinosaur at Excel's Jurassic World: The Exhibition in 2022
Excel hosted Jurassic World: The Exhibition in 2022

testing the water

In 2022, Excel tested the theory, hosting Jurassic World: The Exhibition, which broke European records for ticket sales.

This was followed by Disney 100: The Exhibition – a celebration of a century of creativity featuring 250 objects from the Walt Disney Archives – which was a similar commercial success.

“These gave us the impetus to approach our owners with a strategic development opportunity to redevelop the waterfront,” said Damian. 

“Previously it was an area that had been under-used, with little investment made in it. Instead we wanted to create spaces – we refer to them as chapters – that are blank pages for great storytellers to come and do their thing.

“We’ve found best-in-class operators who have committed to those spaces and that’s how we will set a new benchmark for immersive entertainment as a destination in the capital.”

Image shows a CGI of Immerse LDN with places to heat and street food vendors
The new district will feature immersive attractions themed around sitcom Friends and F1

the very first attractions

Initially Immerse LDN will launch with two experiences, one inspired by evergreen sitcom Friends and the other a collaboration with Formula 1, featuring rare cars and a plethora of singular exhibits from the history of the global motorsport brand.

“Friends has now become a multi-generational sitcom – not many have stood the test of time, but this one has,” said Damian.

“A similar immersive experience has been running in New York for four years with a consistent annual audience of about 230,000 people.

“The London one will be 40% bigger with a number of new sets for visitors to explore.

“It’s about going and being in that thing that you loved, grew up with and watched your children grow up with.

“It’s an experience that encourages visitors to open the fridge in the apartment, to buy a coffee in Central Perk or sit on the sofa.

“F1: The Exhibition was a long time in the making, with hugely successful runs in Madrid and Vienna.

“It has simulators for people to drive the tracks and unique cars for people to see. Going to a Grand Prix can be expensive – not accessible for a lot of families and enthusiasts. 

“People might have a Sky subscription to watch the races, but not a physical connection to them.

“I think this brings that accessibility – something they can touch and feel – at a price point that will be really welcome.”

Image shows Excel London's main entrance at Custom House
Immerse LDN is based down a one-kilometre length of Excel in Royal Victoria Dock

Immerse LDN: more than the experiences themselves

As welcome for local residents, visitors to Excel and those working in Royal Docks will be Waterfront Street Kitchen And Bar.

Curated by Kerb, this market hall will feature the likes of Duck Shed, Masa Taqueria, Nazari and coffee from Hej to help keep people refreshed.

Ambitions for the future include making use of floating amenities on Royal Victoria Dock to complement the brick arch frontage, inspired by the epic regeneration of Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross.

Damian said: “We don’t take this development lightly. We want to create jobs and boost tourism locally, which is very important.”

Further attraction announcements are expected in September and November, 2024.

Watch these spaces…

Image shows a CGI of Immerse LDN with places to heat and street food vendors
Immerse LDN launches in August 2024

key details: Immerse LDN

Immerse LDN is located on the Excel London Waterfront, overlooking Royal Victoria Dock. It’s most easily accessed via the Elizabeth Line or DLR to Custom House.

The Friends Experience: The One In London opens on August 12, 2024.

The first five days are sold out with tickets available from August 17 costing £32. Tickets start at £20 for other dates.

F1 The Exhibition opens on August 23, 2024. Tickets start at £25 with prices dependent on date.

Find out more about what’s coming here

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Goodluck Hope offers tranquil homes with excellent connections

Ballymore’s Goodluck Hope development at Leamouth offers apartments and houses for sale almost completely surrounded by water

Goodluck Hope is seen with the rivers Thames and Lea surrounding it and The O2 just across the water
Goodluck Hope sits on land where the rivers Lea and Thames meet

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“Goodluck Hope is unique in London,” said James Boyce, associate regional sales director at Ballymore.

“It’s in Zone 2, but it doesn’t feel like that – it’s very tranquil, on a bend in the Thames, overlooking The O2.

“There’s this big expanse of water in front of you but, because it’s built on a peninsula, nobody passes through. 

“That means people there can live really close to the action – Canary Wharf is just a short journey away – but it’s a sanctuary, almost completely surrounded by water.”

Increasingly a destination in its own right, the development is coming of age with a thriving community of residents enjoying an emerging crop of local businesses.

Layers Bakery serves coffee and brunch, while Taylor’s Of Goodluck Hope trades in farm fresh produce and recently opened a wine bar and deli in a second unit at Orchard Dry Dock.

There’s expectation that Hum Yoga + Meditation is set to expand its east London operation with a second studio at the development overlooking the Thames, as well as the cultural appeal of Trinity Art Gallery, so it’s clear the area’s attractions are only growing.

Little surprise perhaps, as buyers discover what’s on offer.

Image shows Ballymore associate regional sales director James Boyce, a man in a suit jacked and white shirt with grey and black hair
Ballymore associate regional sales director James Boyce

Goodluck Hope: available properties

“We’ve got something for everyone,” said James.

“There are studios – with sliding doors to divide up the space – one, two and three-bedroom apartments and two and three-bed duplexes with living spaces on the top floor that have amazing views.

“Then there’s a row of 19 townhouses along the main street, all painted in different colours, which gives the area a Scandinavian feel.

“These have really brought the ground level to life and they’ve been really popular – we’ve only got two left.

“They are three-storeys high and have either three or four bedrooms.

“Buyers get water views and access to the podium gardens at the rear. East London has surprisingly few houses and I think that’s why they’ve been so sought after.

“A lot of people have been brought up in houses, either in London or further out, so to live in one is quite a significant thing.

“Then there’s the fact you can walk out of your front door, cross the road to the bakery for a freshly-baked croissant and coffee, then go and sit by the river or chat to your neighbours.

“All of these things make Goodluck Hope a fantastic place to live.”

The property is on the market for £1,199,000 at Goodluck Hope
This three-bedroom home at Goodluck Hope is on the market for £1,199,000 and is accessed by its own private bridge

history + tranquillity

This has not come about by chance. Following the success of Ballymore and EcoWorld’s London City Island project, a few minutes’ walk away, Goodluck Hope was conceived to complement its amenities.  

“We knew we had to elevate Goodluck Hope because it needed to be something special,” said James.

“Delving into the history of the area, the East India Company’s use of the nearby dock complex and its role as a major stopping off point for ships carrying goods in and out of London gave us a starting point.

“We wanted to celebrate the maritime heritage so, whereas most new-build developments were featuring full height glazing and standard facades, we built warehouse-style with Crittall windows and pitched roofs as well as really intricate brickwork that recalled the buildings that once stood on the peninsula.

“The development also benefits from being next to Trinity Buoy Wharf, which has long supported arts and culture in the area – providing space for artists, businesses, a school and one of the smallest museums in London on the site where Michael Faraday conducted his experiments with electricity.”

The home features three bedrooms including this one
The property boasts some 1,136sq ft of internal space plus a 236sq ft terrace

neighbouring amenities

Then there’s the ongoing interplay between City Island and Goodluck Hope, with buyers able to enjoy fitness amenities at both developments meaning access to both indoor and outdoor pools. 

“Goodluck Hope has a residents’ clubhouse alongside its concierge facility,” said James.

“Within that you’ve got a co-working space, a Scandinavian sauna, a plunge pool, a swimming pool and a cinema, which has an Everyman feel to it.

“There’s a studio where the Ballymore fitness team run 20 classes a week including boxing and spinning as well as offering personal training sessions.

“Then there’s the Lantern Room, which is on the 29th floor – design-wise it references the Thames lighthouse at Trinity Buoy Wharf nearby, especially when it’s lit up at night.

“Exclusively for Goodluck Hope residents, we opened it in 2022 and it’s been really popular. It’s used as a work lounge during the day, which complements the facilities on the ground floor.

“In the evening the space is open for residents to host dinner parties, or for people to just take a couple of drinks up there and enjoy the sunset.

“It’s probably the tallest building within a kilometre of where it is and boasts views in all directions across London.”

The living area of a loft apartment at Goodluck Hope features open-plan design and a private terrace
The apartment is on the sixth floor and has an open-plan living area with a fully fitted kitchen

Goodluck Hope: a strong connection

“Another key attraction for buyers considering a move to Goodluck Hope is that the strength of the community has blown us away,” added James.

“It’s hard to describe, but there’s something about living on what’s effectively an island. 

“It’s a place where you know your neighbours, whether that’s to say good morning to or just to make friendly eye contact.

“You know you’re an islander and there’s something really good about that.

“In contrast to more high-rise areas, where you probably won’t see many of your fellow residents, Goodluck Hope doesn’t have that density, so there really is a strong community.”

Again, this is not coincidental.

Ballymore has worked hard to foster an environment where those living locally get to know each other. 

It’s part-way through its current events programme, which offers activities running though to September.

“That’s important for us because if people come and enjoy themselves, they will bring their friends and that’s really how you make a place,” said James.

“We did a survey of the residents at the beginning of the year, asking them what they wanted from the area.

“That’s why we have Workshop Wednesdays where residents can learn new skills such as croissant decorating, cheese and wine tasting, pottery or even singing.

“Then we have Thirsty Thursdays for people who want to socialise over a few drinks and enjoy some live music.

“Together with Film Fridays and Social Saturdays, there’s something new each week.

“The residents are very active, they attend a lot of the events. 

“Together with our retailers, all of these things have made this place what it is – something special.”

key details: Goodluck Hope

Properties available at Goodluck Hope include suites, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, lofts and townhouses – all available for buyers to move into immediately. Prices start at £425,000.

Find out more about the development here or call 020 3797 1669 to arrange a viewing

Image shows Hum Yoga + Meditation founder Oriana Shepherd, a woman in a beige jumper with long brunetter hair
Hum Yoga + Meditation founder Oriana Shepherd

building a community

Having opened Hum Yoga + Meditation at London City Island nearly three years ago, Oriana Shepherd is now looking to expand her business to Goodluck Hope to keep up with demand. 

“I initially came across the development while looking for accommodation for my son for university – it was just after Covid so a lot was happening and it just seemed like a really exciting area,” she said.

“I noticed, however, that there wasn’t a Yoga studio and so that’s where the idea came from.”

Oriana had spent much of the preceding 15 years teaching Yoga in Wales, a career she’d embarked on after more than a decade working for Virgin Atlantic.

After having children, she decided to pursue fitness alongside meditation breath work and aromatherapy closer to home, teaching and working in various roles including as a clinical therapist in palliative care. 

“Having taught for so long and led Yoga retreats, opening Hum felt like a natural progression,” said Oriana.

“When I visited the island and saw the community here, there wasn’t access to these kinds of practices for residents on their doorstep and I thought it was maybe something I could offer.”

People adopt Yoga poses in Hum's London City Island studio
A class at Hum’s London City Island studio

escaping the hustle and bustle

“Hum is a space where people can come and escape the hustle and bustle of the city,” added Oriana.

“It’s an opportunity to explore something different in a really safe, relaxed, non-judgemental place.

“Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned practitioner there’s something for everybody.

“We also do lots of retreats and socials too so it’s a place to meet like-minded individuals.”

Now full to capacity, the plan is to open a second site at Goodluck Hope overlooking the Thames.

“We’re hoping to have a bigger space there, which will give us the opportunity to host corporate wellness events,” said Oriana.

“We also offer Yoga teacher training and we’ll be able to offer more of that too.

“The intention has always been to enjoy the process and to support as may people as possible and opening the business has done just that.

“I love it and I feel very privileged to do this kind of work and to share it with so many people in London and from all over the world because people who live in these developments come from many different countries.

“We have such a wide, varied community and seeing people come together is really precious.”

key details: Hum Yoga + Meditation

Hum Yoga + Meditation offers a range of Yoga, Pilates and meditation classes.

New members can get 50% off their first month with unlimited classes for £54.

Standard membership costs £108 per month with several other options available.

Find out more about Hum here

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Far East Consortium Dragon Boat Race generates charity funds

Docklands Sailing And Watersports contest raises money for the East End Community Foundation

A team competes in the Far East Consortium Dragon Boat Race, flailing paddles at the waters of Millwall Outer Dock
Teams competed on the waters of Millwall Outer Dock on the Isle Of Dogs

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The developer behind Consort Place on the Isle Of Dogs hosted an event this month at the Docklands Sailing And Watersports Centre to raise much-needed funds for local charities. 

Far East Consortium (FEC) – which recently welcomed the first residents to Aspen, the tower at the heart of its scheme – organised a Dragon Boat Festival on the waters of Millwall Outer Dock this month.

Teams from the developer and its partners – including Knight Frank, NHBC, Hawkins Brown, Dorsett Hospitality International, The Media People, Dex Construction, TP Bennett, Kohler, McBains, JRL, HTA and BB7 – did battle on the water with paddles and sweat, for glory, medals and a trophy.

Consultancy firm WSP won the day, with its team – Stroke Of Genius – topping the podium. All proceeds from the event will go to the East End Community Foundation (EECF), which gives grants to charities across the local area.

Two dragon boats race in front of Far East Consortium's Aspen At Consort Place tower in east London
The teams competed in front of FEC’s Aspen At Consort Place Tower (centre)

grants for good causes

“FEC is a patron of our Life Chances Campaign, which means it has committed £60,000 so far and is hopefully going to come on board to support this for the next three years,” said EECF campaign director Sally Bateson.

“It’s all about creating lasting change.

“We’ve been looking to raise more money so we can give bigger grants over longer periods of time to support the grassroots organisations we work with who don’t have the resources or profile to find the funds themselves.”

Image shows a woman with brown hair in a green dress – CEO of the East End Community Foundation, Tracy Walsh
Tracy Walsh, CEO of the East End Community Foundation

where the Far East Consortium money goes

EECF CEO Tracy Walsh added: “We focus on youth unemployment and wellbeing, pension poverty and isolation and digital inequality – we put a lot of money into these areas.

“For example, with unemployment, young people might feel like big organisations aren’t for them but they will go to a less glamorous youth club next door.

“We’re funding a person to tackle the problem in those settings.

“We are also providing money for a lot of holiday programs to aid wellbeing – giving young people food, physical activity and safe places to be.

“With pension poverty, we’ve invested about £80,000 to train front line workers to help older people claim benefits that they are entitled to.

“It’s been nine months and we’ve already seen £400,000 of money go to people who are eligible for it.

“There’s millions of pounds of unclaimed Pension Credits and we thought we should do somthing to help people get it.  

“On digital equality, we’re now working in primary schools to help connect low income families.

“They get 12 months free broadband, a laptop and training on how to stay safe online and help their kids with homework.

“We’ve connected more than 600 so far and we want to boost that figure by 200 by the end of the year.

“In Tower Hamlets we were just shocked by how many homes don’t have any digital connection – it’s around 50,000.

“We’ve got the highest level of child poverty in the UK here and the highest level of pension poverty. If organisations all do their own thing, the impact can be diluted.

“What we’re saying with Life Chances is that if we all work together, it’s easier to make a difference and also easier for the charities, who only have to apply to one funder rather than dealing with lots of different ones.”

Image shows a man in a black baseball cap and T-Shirt with orange Far East Consortium logos – it's Bruno Almeida Santos, FEC's development director
FEC development director Bruno Almeida Santos at the even

Far East Consortium: a question of values

Far East Consortium development director Bruno Almeida Santos said the company’s involvement with the EECF and donating to its Life Chances Campaign was really about the business’ core values.

He said: “We’ve been trying to arrange this event for three years, so we’re very pleased that it’s happened and that we could attract these organisations to see the work of the foundation.

“Hopefully we can make this a tradition, especially as it’s a dragon boat race and we’re a Hong Kong developer.

“It’s very important for us as a company to support the EECF. I think some organisations do things as a tick-box exercise but we want to do way more than that.

“This isn’t about our obligations to an S106 agreement, but actually contributing to the foundation, including the joy of losing to the children who were racing as part of one of the teams.

“You know, when you see the smiles on their faces, that you’re making a difference because it’s a day they will never forget.

“Hosting it at the Docklands Sailing And Watersports Centre was a case of the stars aligning.

Racers relax with barbecue and drinks at Far East Consortium's Dragon Boat Race on the Isle Of Dogs
Teams enjoy a well-earned break at Far East Consortium’s Dragon Boat Race at the Docklands Sailing And Watersports Centre

“It’s one of the best settings to view Aspen – our flagship development in London – from and to bring everyone together here. 

“It’s been under construction for five years and it’s been a challenging scheme with the pandemic, but we’ve managed to crunch the numbers and overcome the issues. 

“I think a lot of that has actually been on the human side, with people working together to resolve the problems.

“It’s been about communication and working together and this is about celebrating that as well as supporting those around us.

“Actually being on the ground with the EECF means you get a completely different experience – you get to see the outcome of that support and we’re really, really happy about that.

“We’ll have to do the race again with even more people.”

In addition to hosting a raffle, all proceeds raised on the day, including ticket sales have gone towards the foundation’s work.

“The day also provided plenty of scope for networking and team building for participants.

“It felt really great,” said Lovisa Claesson, graduate consultant at WSP and a member of winning team “Stroke Of Genius”. 

“To be honest we all worked within different areas of the business, so didn’t really know each other before the contest. But we got the women in the front and the men following.”

10 people pose in celebration of winning the Far East Consortium Dragon Boat Race
Winning team Stroke Of Genius

key details: Far East Consortium’s Aspen At Consort Place

Homes at Aspen At Consort Place by Far East Consortium – just off Marsh Wall – are available now. Prices start at £550,000.

The EECF is also based on the Isle Of Dogs and offers a wide range of ways for companies to get involved with good causes locally – including supporting its Life Chances campaign.

Find out more about the development here

Find our more about the work of EECF here

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University Of Sunderland grants Jonathan Ganesh honorary degree

Docklands Victims Association co-founder and president recognised for his supportive works

Images shows a man, Jonathan Ganesh, flanked by a woman and another man all in academic gowns, smiling at the camera
Jonathan Ganesh, centre, is presented with an honorary fellowship by University Of Sunderland chancellor, Leanne Cahill and vice-chancellor David Bell

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It was Friday, February 9, 1996.

In Germany, a group of physicists had just managed to create a single atom of the superheavy element Copernicum for the very first time.

They’d fired zinc particles at a piece of lead in a particle accelerator to synthesise the substance, which lasted just 0.24 milliseconds before its radioactive decay. 

With an international team, the breakthrough was a triumph of collaboration and cooperation – an expression of the extraordinary things humans can achieve when working together for the good of the species.

Image shows members of the crowd clapping at the university's graduation ceremony
The ceremony took place at Southwark Cathedral

a tragedy in Docklands

But that same day is remembered in east London, throughout the UK and beyond for a very different reason.

At just after 7pm, the IRA detonated a massive bomb on the Isle Of Dogs at South Quay, killing two people, injuring more than 100 and causing £150million of damage.  

For Jonathan Ganesh, a law student and promising boxer, who was working as a security guard in the area at the time, it changed everything.

But despite suffering life-altering injuries and the challenges of recovery, the east London resident has been determined to forge something positive from his horrific experience.

As co-founder and honorary president of the Docklands Victims Association (DVA) he’s been a tireless champion for those affected by that atrocity.

He’s also been heavily involved in offering support to and standing in solidarity with all those affected by acts of terror around the world.

Constantly looking to help those around him, more recently he accepted a Pandemic Response Medal for his work as an NHS responder, delivering food and medication to local residents.

On Wednesday, June 12, the University Of Sunderland In London, which is based at South Quay, awarded Jonathan an honorary fellowship at its graduation ceremony in Southwark Cathedral – recognising his work alongside the achievements of hundreds of students collecting their degrees. 

A University Of Sunderland In London student in a mortar board and gown celebrates receiving her degree
The University Of Sunderland In London also awarded hundreds of students degrees at the event

praise from the University Of Sunderland

Vice chancellor of the University Of Sunderland, Sir David Bell, said: “We are delighted to honour Jonathan in this way and this is truly an inspirational moment for us as an organisation.

“We know, for people who become victims, it’s hard to rebuild their lives.

“But Jonathan is the most wonderful example of someone who has not only done that, but has actually helped to support literally thousands of people to rebuild their lives through the work he has done, not only in this country but around the world.

“I hope our graduates will follow his example and do things that will make the world a better place.” 

South Quay has gone on to great prosperity with office blocks and some of the tallest residential towers in London rising on the strip of land directly opposite Canary Wharf.

Apt then, that one of the organisations now based there is making this award.

University Of Sunderland In London students celebrate by throwing their mortar boards in the air at Southwark Cathedral
Students celebrate receiving their degrees at the event

a fitting tribute

“I’m quite overwhelmed, actually,” said Jonathan after the ceremony.

“This award from the University Of Sunderland In London is a fitting tribute to all of the victims – especially Inam Bashir and John Jeffries, who lost their lives.

“This is recognition for me but also for the DVA and the work we do in Tower Hamlets and globally.

“This has been a day I’ll never forget. I’m happy to receive any awards, but this is something special. 

“We plan to do a lot more work and help as many people as we can here and around the world.

“We successfully managed to secure a pension for the IRA’s victims from the Government as it was unfair to leave these people with no financial support when those from other countries such as America were receiving money.

“It’s very touching for the university to recognise us locally and that what we do has global reach extending out from here.”

Image shows Alan Hardie and Jonathan Ganesh celebrating his honorary fellowship
Jonathan Ganesh with University Of Sunderland In London director Alan Hardie, left

the University Of Sunderland In London’s full citation

Before an assembly of students, their relatives, staff and guests, University Of Sunderland in London director Alan Hardie gave the following address:

Chancellor, vice-chancellor, and distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am privileged to present Jonathan Ganesh for the conferment of an Honorary Fellowship.

Our honorary guest today was born in Westminster in the late 1960s to an Irish mother, who worked as a chef, and a human rights lawyer father from Sri Lanka.

Jonathan spent his early childhood in County Limerick, leaving him with a deep connection to Ireland.

At the age of seven, he moved back to the UK, settling in the Docklands area.

Following his father’s ethos that “no education is ever wasted”, in the mid-1990s, Jonathan was studying law at college while working as a security guard in South Quay.

On February 9, 1996, though, Jonathan’s life changed forever as a result of the horrific IRA bombing of the South Quay Plaza building – which he described as “like being hit by a meteorite”. 

Despite facing life-altering injuries and a daunting mental and physical recovery, Jonathan was determined “to turn something bad into something very good”. 

Coming together with fellow survivors and their relatives, the need for ongoing support for bombing victims was clear and, in spring 1996, the Docklands Victims Association was formed.

For nearly 30 years, as the association’s honorary president and co-founder, Jonathan has led efforts in supporting and providing resources for victims and those affected by terrorism, in London and worldwide. 

The association has also lobbied government leaders to keep the rights of victims of terrorism on the agenda, as they can too often be forgotten once the media limelight fades. 

As a long-term Docklands resident, Jonathan remembers the South Quay area in the 1990s when it was mainly deserted docks.

Since then, he has witnessed its transformation into a commercial hub.

With the University Of Sunderland In London’s opening, in 2012, being praised by Jonathan for “enhancing the area’s social fabric and helping it thrive further”.

With a strong desire to support his local community during the pandemic, Jonathan became a volunteer NHS responder in 2020, collecting patients from hospital and delivering food and medication to local residents, which included fellow victims of terrorism. 

In recognition of these efforts, Jonathan received a Pandemic Response Medal in September 2023 – to which he can now add an Honorary Fellowship from the University Of Sunderland In London.

Chancellor, vice-chancellor, and distinguished guests, I present Jonathan Ganesh for an Honorary Fellowship.

Find out more about the university here and the Docklands Victims Association here

Read more: East Bank director Tamsin Ace on collaboration in Stratford

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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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Ben Goldsmith set for CrimeLandTown preview at The Pen Theatre

Affectionate spoof of mob movies is set for month-long run at JustTheTonic for the Edinburgh Fringe

Image shows a smiling man with blue eyes and red hair in a black and white check jacket and white T-shirt in front of Billingsgate Fish Market's red brick buildings
Comedian Ben Goldsmith, also founder and director of Goldsmith Communications

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Like many involved in the murky world of organised crime, Ben Goldsmith leads a double life.

By day, he’s founder and director of Goldsmith Communications – a public relations consultancy specialising in serving tech and venture capital clients.

But, by night, he can be found indulging his other passion – trying to make people laugh.

“Comedy is never a fork in the road decision – as a kid you know you’re a bit of an idiot and that plays out at school,” said Ben. “You just have it in you.

“I was used to teachers telling me off – that we should be getting on with maths rather than telling jokes.

“But my A-Level theatre studies teacher, Coral Walton at Monk’s Walk School in Welwyn Garden City, just thought it was great – that I was good at these things and she encouraged me.

“I don’t come from a family of performing people and it was Coral who, as a director at the local theatre, told me I should audition for a play she was putting on.

“This was never on my radar and I thought: ‘No way’ – it just wasn’t cool at 16.

“But she insisted and even drove me to the audition.

“I got the part and then, up until the age of 21, I did a bunch of acting stuff alongside university, where I worked on student papers and got into the world of journalism and PR.”

Comedian Ben Goldsmith mock-punches himself in front of an air vent to promote his show CrimeLandTown
Ben plays all the characters in his show CrimeLandTown

a move into comms

Ben’s career in communications then took over, seeing him move through various roles including running the PR operation for Canary Wharf’s tech community, Level39.

But he remained interested in the performing arts and especially comedy.

“Every August I’d go to the Edinburgh Fringe and I loved it,” he said. “It was like my perfect theme park, seeing comedians I liked and discovering new performers.”

After five years concentrating on his career, an encounter with Graham Dickson’s improv show at the festival sparked something in Ben and he returned to London, enrolled on a comedy class and started performing again.

“For years I did improvisation alongside my work,” he said.

“When I was 27 I set up Goldsmith Communications and the comedy was incredibly helpful because, when you’re setting up a business, every day is completely new and you have to adapt to it.

“The other brilliant thing about improv is that there are no lines to learn, so it fits in if you’re busy. It’s a huge part of my life – I met my wife through comedy.”

Ben narrows his eyes and peers at teh camera with his mouth half open
Ben Goldsmith says his show is an affectionate spoof of mob movies

Ben Goldsmith on his love for mob movies

The success of his PR business means Ben has a bit more freedom now to once again pursue comedy and he’s indulging another of his passions – Mafia movies – in a move away from improv.

“I’m making a show and taking it up to Edinburgh, which is massive,” he said.

“I took a piece called Steve’s Last Day to the Prague Fringe, which was all about a copper’s final shift with all the action taking place in the village hall.

“I did it six times and it went down really well, but I decided to put it aside because I knew what I really wanted to do.

“I’ve always loved mob movies.

“The characters are so much larger than life – they’re such a bunch of goofballs – so you can play with those stereotypes.

“I’ve been working on CrimeLandTown for the last year or so, building it up and presenting it as a work in progress.

“If you enjoy Mafia movies, you’ll enjoy the show.

“The idea is the audience is involved in what’s happening – you’ll always be a part of what’s going on.

“You might be part of a heist that one of my characters is leading, or guests in a club.

“You’ll meet mob bosses, the FBI and a bar singer who gets in too deep, then wants to clear his name.”

Comedian Ben Goldmsmith raises a finger in a mock salute while making a funny face
CrimeLandTown will have several previews in London before transferring to Edinburgh

playing all the parts in CrimeLandTown

For Ben, the show is a labour of love, poking fun at a genre rich in tropes and silliness, but from a place of respect.

Playing all the parts himself, it’s structured as a series of sketches that all combine to tell a story of wise guys and dodgy accents.

“I describe it as an affectionate spoof,” he said.

“People are familiar with these movies, which are often a bit like a high wire act because while they are about serious topics, many of them are also super funny.

“If you’re parodying anything, it’s important to work out what people already know – if you’re a nerd about those things, you’ve got to be aware how geeky you are.

“I’ve watched the movies and the TV shows, so I know what will be familiar to people who like the films, but hopefully a lot of the stuff will be funny to those who are not so familiar.

“In the show, the main character – a bar singer who always wanted to be a wise guy – sees the impending heist as a chance to live his dream of becoming a mobster.

“We’ve all had dreams and made compromises, so this guy takes a singing job in a mob-adjacent industry – then gets his chance to become part of it and it all ends one way or another.

“Of course, people who like the genre don’t want to see me take the piss out of them.

“CrimeTownLand just aims to celebrate the funny things about them. “

Ben Goldsmith wears a pair of sunglasses and makes a silly face in Canary Wharf while promoting his new show CrimeLandTown
Ben says, like those in organised crime, he’s always wanted to push against the everyday

Ben Goldsmith on transgressing

“When you watch a mob movie, everyone in it is rejecting the conventional,” said Ben.

“They’re living outside the legal norms and everyone is transgressing. There’s a thrill in that.

“Personally, I’ve always wanted to push against the everyday too.

“Comedy is funny when people are trying to skewer the world and look at everything from a sideways perspective.

“Being at Level39, I was around a lot of business founders and it dawned on me that many of them just wanted to kick the crap out of the nine-to-five and do their own thing. 

“Similarly, people doing comedy want to see what’s out there and then to try and bend or break it, just like the characters in mob movies.

“Starting my own business totally changed my life.

“It’s now given me the time and the bandwidth to create shows and do these festivals.

“There’s a lot to do, but it works if you plan things.

“I know a bunch of comedians who are working and went into it without a safety net, but I needed to have the security of having the career side sorted.

“Right now I just love that I’m able to do it.

“When I first went up to the Fringe I didn’t know anyone who was performing.

“I wasn’t doing improv and my local theatre days were behind me.

“However, the people I met up there ultimately put me in the position to make this show now. Compared to others, it’s tiny – a 60-person room for 24 days in August.

“But hopefully it will be a step on the way to the next thing, whatever that is. 

“Either way, it’s been a dream to take a show to Edinburgh – it’s worth a go and it might just pay off.

“After the Fringe, I’d love to take it to more places round the neighbourhood.

“I’m keen to keep going because it’s just a really fun thing to do.”

So, you’ve got the dates. Just remember, don’t forget about it.

our thing

Ben Goldsmith’s CrimeLandTown will be performed at The Pen Theatre in South Bermondsey on July 11, 2024, at 7pm. Tickets cost £8.30.

Ben Goldsmith will also be performing his show at Watford Pump House on July 20, 2024, and Aces And Eights in Tufnell Park on July 25, 2024, before taking it to the Edinburgh Fringe at JustTheTonic from August 1-25, 2024.

Find out more about the show here

Read more: East Bank director Tamsin Ace on collaboration in Stratford

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
Subscribe To Wharf Life