Covent Garden Business Group

The Covent Garden Business Group exists as a sister association to the CGCA to give the Businesses in Covent Garden a channel through which they can express their concerns about the environment in which they and their employees work. They can benefit from the CGCA's many contacts and be sure their concerns are put to the precise areas of responsibility. If you are in any doubt as to whether the businesses in Covent Garden have a need for such a representative body, then just think about some of the problems facing our environment here: the area is awash with revellers, often quite inebriated and oblivious to the need to behave responsibly. The trouble this causes can range from just depositing litter and making a lot of noise, to damage to shopfronts and property and threatening behaviour. In addition, the area is attracting record numbers of pickpockets, shoplifters and aggressive beggars, not to mention people injecting themselves and sleeping in the streets. Another area of concern is pollution. This is relentlessly on the rise and we must act to achieve clean air for the sake of our health and safety.

Running a business in Covent Garden is no panacea. Faced with ever increasing rents and rates, the businesses here have every reason to expect the best services from their councils. Yet there are more and more illegal traders just turning up and selling food and goods in the streets without paying any rent, tax or overheads, and threatening the survival of the legitimate traders. We must work together as businesses to force our local authorities to take the appropriate action to protect our working environment and to make Covent Garden a truly desirable place to work in, shop in and enjoy life in. After all, we have some magnificent businesses here and there could not be a place more deserving of a clean orderly environment. People travel from all over the world to visit Covent Garden; we must work together to preserve its attractiveness.

Through the CGBG we can work with other areas in the capital to press for the best possible transport system. Now that the Mayoral elections are over, we must approach the newly elected body to lobby for the transport that truly suits Covent Garden. With the CGCA's unique contacts, businesses can voice their needs, and the needs of their customers and staff through the CGBG. This is an area in which we have much to do.

We are in contact with all the authorities and services in the area: the Police, the cleaning services, the council officers, etc., etc. There is a new traffic scheme in the pipeline for Covent Garden which will affect everyone, and we are working closely with the authorities on this. With the plans for pedestrianising Trafalgar Square and other schemes afoot, there is much to consult about. The views of local businesses are essential in formulating a scheme to suit all interested parties.

There may be problems in Covent Garden which resemble those in other areas such as Tottenham Court Road, for example, but there is still much uniqueness in our area which needs the local understanding and knowledge which the CGCA and CGBG can offer. If you or your business are not already a member of the Covent Garden Business Group, join now. Membership costs only £95 for small businesses, and £195 for firms with more than 6 employees.

Sital Maan

 

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