Business London Press

Fuuse Secures £8.7m Series A Investment to Drive Growth in EV Charging Sector

News Desk

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05/06/2024

Fuuse Secures £8.7m Series A Investment to Drive Growth in EV Charging Sector

Fuuse, the leading electric vehicle charge point management platform in the UK, has secured significant funding to propel its growth in the UK and Ireland.

The funding round was led by YFM Equity Partners, with additional support from existing investors Par Equity and an angel syndicate.

Based in Lancaster with over 60 employees, Fuuse has seen a 400% growth over the past 12 months, now serving over 750 clients and 70,000 active users. The platform processes enough electricity each year to power the entire UK for an hour and handles millions in charging payments.

The investment will be used to scale Fuuse’s enterprise product offerings, providing a reliable and trusted charging experience for charge point operators, destinations, fleets, and workplace charging. It will also enhance products and services for its network of solution partners. Key clients include SSE, Scottish Power, British Airways, Siemens, United Utilities, and Arnold Clark.

Fuuse continues to lead in innovation, partnering with companies like Veolia and EDF on grant-funded projects to optimise energy consumption and reduce costs through bi-directional charging or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This builds on their existing energy management system, which includes comprehensive site energy monitoring and various grid optimisation tools. Additionally, Fuuse is working on wireless induction charging and extending charging capabilities to buses, HGVs, and boats, aiming to further decarbonise transport.

Commenting on the investment, Michael Gibson, Fuuse CEO, said: “YFM’s experience of working with innovation-led businesses has proved invaluable. The team immediately understood our vision and recognised our potential. With the backing of YFM, Par and our angel investors, we can continue to curate the future of EV infrastructure and help more customers to deliver an optimised, reliable and trusted EV charging experience.”

Andy Thomas, YFM Partner, added: “We are thrilled to have joined Fuuse on the next stage of their journey. The company’s software is designed to constantly evolve, helping to futureproof EV charging infrastructure. It’s a comprehensive product that can serve the differing needs of a range of customers, which places it in an advantageous position going forward. Fuuse is led by a strong management team, with a clear vision and sophisticated strategic approach which will be crucial to its future success and will enable responsiveness in a fast-growing market. We are confident that, with our support, Fuuse can take full advantage of emerging opportunities.”

Alastair Moore, Senior Investment Manager at Par Equity, said: “Since we first partnered with Fuuse in 2022, the company has seen dramatic growth, establishing itself as a market leader in the UK providing a robust, reliable software solution across the UK and Irish EV infrastructure and building a fantastic platform for international expansion. The majority of Par’s investment was provided through our new Scale-Up Fund, which is designed to support some of the most exciting B2B technologies emerging from the North of the UK and it’s very encouraging to see Fuuse join this cohort of rising stars.”

Transport Union Staff Commence 15-Day Strike Over Workplace Culture Dispute

News

News Desk

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05/06/2024

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Transport Union Staff Commence 15-Day Strike Over Workplace Culture Dispute

Employees of the Transport and Salaried Staff Association (TSSA) have commenced strike action today (Tuesday 4 June), initially walking out for one day. The strike action will escalate by one additional day each week until 25 June, culminating in nine consecutive days of industrial action. This totals 15 days of strike action due to a dispute with their employer.

The conflict centres on issues of workplace bullying and harassment, financial mismanagement, and the failure to adhere to policies and procedures designed to foster a better and more inclusive workplace culture.

Andrew Harden, GMB London Region Organiser, commented:

“The leadership of TSSA failed to respond to concerns raised by GMB members at an ACAS meeting. Now staff have been forced to take unprecedented strike action, 15 days of action they feel necessary to push their trade union employer to take their dispute seriously.

“The strike action will severely impact the TSSA union’s ability to service its members effectively. TSSA members should ask why the Union’s staff feel compelled to take strike action against management who should understand the role and ethics of the trade union movement.

“TSSA GMB Staff representatives remain willing to attend a further meeting at ACAS with the employer to facilitate meaningful talks and resolve this dispute.”

Bluebella’s new Pride charity campaign with LGBTQ+ plus stars

Danielle Trigg

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04/06/2024

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Bluebella’s new Pride charity campaign with LGBTQ+ plus stars

World champion BMX cyclist Shanaze Reade wearing Bluebella Pride swimwear collection

Several high-profile gay women have posed in multi-coloured swimwear in support of a Pride charity campaign launched by lingerie firm Bluebella.

They are helping to raise awareness of the Bluebella Pride campaign which is donating 10% of all swimwear profits to a LGBTQ+ charity Outright International during Pride month in June.

World BMX champion Shanaze Reade, Bricks Magazine founder Tori West, wellness content creator Ashira Paraskevas, @lesbiansupperclubpod podcast hosts Freya Evans and Scarlett Plott, model duo Lara Ghraouii and Kari Riley, intimacy coordinator El Wood, Team GB Olympic rugby players Celia Quansah and Megan Jones, comedian Rosie Turner and singer-songwriter Benedetta Atti @iamtanaofficial, all posed for pictures wearing the new Bluebella Swim collection in the colours of the Pride flag, to raise awareness of the charity which fights for the rights of LGBTQ+ people across the world.

Professional cyclist Shanaze Reade wore a blue Bluebella Lucerne Plunge Bikini and a yellow Bluebella Orta swimsuit to support the campaign, pictured above.

Bluebella’s CEO and founder Bendell expressed her excitement about the campaign, saying: “It’s amazing to see the most brilliant array of LGBTQ+ people in the rainbow colours of our brand new swim collection. Most importantly we have the honour of once again supporting Outright International’s vital work.”

The swimwear collection is available for purchase on Shoreditch-based Bluebella’s website and is stocked at Victoria’s Secret, Zalando, Simons, Urban Outfitters, Jelmoli and Astarex.

For the whole of June 10% of the profits from the Bluebella Swim collection will be donated to Outright International.

Ideal Postcodes Unveils Zapier Integration to Improve Customer Data Accuracy

Technology

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04/06/2024

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Ideal Postcodes Unveils Zapier Integration to Improve Customer Data Accuracy

Ideal Postcodes, a leading provider of UK address validation solutions, has announced the launch of its latest integration with Zapier, the leading automation platform. This integration streamlines the process of verifying and enriching address data by enabling users to create automated workflows, enhancing the way businesses manage customer data.

Ideal Postcodes has introduced its Zapier integration, enhancing customer data management by automating address verification and enrichment. This new feature allows businesses to cleanse customer address data across thousands of apps, reducing errors and saving time. Users can create automated workflows, known as zaps, with popular platforms such as Google Forms and HubSpot. The service also supports email and phone validation, ensuring all customer data points are accurate and up-to-date.

Christopher Blanchard, Director of Ideal Postcodes, stated, “Integrating with Zapier allows us to extend Ideal Postcodes’ capabilities to a wider audience. Our goal is to simplify address validation, making it more accessible and helping businesses enhance their efficiency.”

Ideal Postcodes’ extensive database and localised precision, combined with over a decade of experience in the addressing industry, position it as a major player in the UK market. The integration offers a straightforward solution for businesses seeking to maintain data integrity without manual intervention, reducing errors and enhancing operational efficiency.

Businesses leveraging this new integration can expect numerous benefits, including:

Automated Address Verification: Instant validation of addresses against authoritative national databases.
Enhanced Data Quality: Automatic enrichment of address data with additional datasets, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Improved Customer Experience: Accurate customer data leads to better service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Compliance with Data Protection Regulations: Ensures data quality meets regulatory standards.

Ideal Postcodes continues to innovate in the field of address data services, providing tools that streamline data management processes and support business growth.

For more information, visit the Ideal Postcodes Zapier integration page.

Anthea Turner Explores Bodyvie’s 20-Year Journey in UK Aesthetics

Beauty

News Desk

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03/06/2024

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Anthea Turner Explores Bodyvie’s 20-Year Journey in UK Aesthetics

Renowned television presenter Anthea Turner engages with Dr. Andrew Weber, the co-founder of Bodyvie, a leading aesthetic clinic in the UK, for a comprehensive discussion about Bodyvie’s transformative journey and its pioneering holistic approach to aesthetic treatments and skincare. This enlightening conversation is featured in a new episode of the Aesthetics Today Podcast.

Bodyvie’s Evolution

Bodyvie, initially established in central London, extended its reach to Richmond two decades ago. Dr. Weber provides insights into the clinic’s growth and innovation, stating, “We’ve evolved in many ways. We started off in central London and then opened a clinic in Richmond. We’ve been here for 20 years.” This expansion has enabled Bodyvie to cater to a wider clientele and continuously update its service offerings with the latest technologies.

Holistic Care Philosophy

Bodyvie sets itself apart through its holistic care philosophy, treating clients as whole beings rather than focusing on isolated issues. Anthea Turner emphasises this unique approach, recognising that Bodyvie was one of the first clinics to adopt this comprehensive view. Dr. Weber elaborates,

“We started off just with an IPL and then a laser, and then another laser, and then we started working with injectables. Everything that we have done has evolved gradually.”

Addressing Hormonal Health

A significant part of the discussion centres on the importance of hormonal health, particularly during menopause. Dr. Weber’s extensive background in general practice has influenced Bodyvie’s approach to incorporating hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as part of their treatment plans. He explains, “HRT on its own has immense benefits. Preventing osteoporosis, cardiovascular problems, stabilising your sugar.”

Comprehensive Patient Care

Bodyvie’s commitment to holistic care extends beyond aesthetics, addressing overall well-being and confidence. Dr. Weber remarks, “They want to look better, they want to be more self-confident, they want to have more self-esteem, and we’re just there to facilitate them.”

This approach ensures that patients receive personalised care that enhances both their appearance and their quality of life.

Listen to the full episode here.

Carplus Academy: Equipping New Recruits for Success in Car Sales

Finance

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03/06/2024

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Carplus Academy: Equipping New Recruits for Success in Car Sales

Carplus is proud to unveil the Carplus Academy, a pioneering training programme designed to provide new recruits with an in-depth understanding of car finance. Headed by industry expert Graeme Mitchell, the academy meets the vital need for an effective induction process in the motor trade. Combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, this programme ensures every new recruit is ready to excel in the competitive car sales industry.

After a successful sales career in various industries, Graeme Mitchell joined the Motor Trade about eight years ago.

His experiences with the onboarding processes at both a Main Dealer and a Large Car Supermarket revealed the potential to develop an induction process that would benefit both the business and new recruits.

Car Finance can be an intimidating field to learn initially. Too often, new recruits are thrown into the deep end and quickly churned out if they do not meet the required standards in a short timeframe. This results in promising talent leaving the industry before they can fully develop.

Carplus has introduced “The Carplus Academy”, designed to give new recruits a fast-track understanding of the most important aspects of Car Finance. This foundational knowledge is essential for launching their success.

The Carplus Academy Process

The Academy starts with an overview of Carplus’s History, our origins, key highlights, and future vision. Understanding our background helps clarify our future direction and purpose.

Next, we examine our Core Values and what it means to work at Carplus. We see ourselves as a collaborative community where success is shared and celebrated. Only after this do we explore the Customer Journey and Sales Processes.

The training continues with in-depth product knowledge, strategies for overcoming customer objections, and familiarisation with our lender partners’ platforms.

The induction also covers Industry Compliance, including SAF testing, as well as topics such as recognising vulnerable customers and ensuring fair treatment during the sales process.

After completing the theoretical training, trainees are tested with a 50-question Carplus quiz, requiring 80% or higher to pass.

The Induction training culminates in trainees creating a presentation based on feedback from our call listening exercise. This presentation is delivered in the boardroom with our Head of Sales and CEO present.

After the induction, trainees transition to the sales floor to begin handling live customer calls. This is where our collaborative community truly shines. If a manager is unavailable to assist a trainee, any available colleague will share their expertise to help ensure the trainee’s success.

Once trainees reach the first two milestones in the academy, they are fully integrated into the Sales Team.

5 Prime central London property trends and how to embrace them

Property

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30/05/2024

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5 Prime central London property trends and how to embrace them

‘Spring season’ is the first of two market surges in the real estate calendar. Alex Bourne (pictured) – who stars in the new Netflix series ‘Buying London’ and is co-founder of prime real estate company, London House, explains how real estate experts can make the most of industry trends as interest in prime property spikes.

Consider your domestic buyer

Brexit, covid and changes to the so called “non-dom” scheme this year have meant huge changes to London’s prime property industry. Potential buyers may have left London, or decided to move back, and interest among UK based high net worth individuals (HNWIs) has increased amidst a fall in international buyers.

Between January and April this year, London House saw a 38% increase in enquiries from UK based high-net-worth-individuals (HNWIs) compared to the same period in the previous year, as global investors are likely being deterred by the abolishment of non-dom tax benefits. However, this is somewhat short-term as the resilience of the Prime Central London Market is demonstrated by its historic gems and one-of-a-kind properties on offer, such as our current penthouse listing at St Pancras Chambers, a Grade I listed building valued at £19.95M.

Utilise social media as a client network

The portal model, where enquiries are submitted through a website, is becoming increasingly unpopular among potential buyers. We have seen an uplift in property enquiries from social media, including TikTok, which highlights the need to match the perfect buyer with their dream home by utilising the platforms they use the most.

Social media is a great way to showcase prime property homes, their unique details and generate widespread interest. We are noticing that potential buyers like to view from afar before making an enquiry, and have even sold a property using video call with an international buyer. We are prepared to do what it takes to find the perfect buyer or home, and this requires a bespoke approach to every relationship.

Connect people with their perfect lifestyle

Bricks and mortar alone do not sell a property and it is often connecting a buyer with their perfect village or lifestyle that becomes a deciding factor. Traditionally, agents in the Prime Central London property postcodes have limited themselves to a particular area or postcode, however this rules out opportunities for clients and business growth. Looking across the whole of Prime Central London means you will be able to introduce clients, particularly those who are unfamiliar with the city, to the unique quirks and differences in its villages across prime postcodes.

Celebrate London’s cultural capital

Short term changes and market fluctuations do not change London’s long term offer to HNWIs. The city is the go-to location for cultural heritage and architectural gems. We’ve just sold a home owned by Harold Pinter, a rare collector’s item designed by John Nash located near Regents Park, valued at almost £15M. By letting the buildings do the talking and telling their stories, you can capture the imagination of buyers.

Grow your business with the right staff

We look for staff that place people at the heart of what they do. We pride ourselves on our discreet client relationships and understanding their needs. Consider looking outside of the sector before recruiting, or indeed looking for those with decades of wisdom. Our staff are creative, ambitious and lovely to work with. They are experts in their neighbourhoods and we really value their life experience as much as their work experience. We love everything London has to offer, and whether it’s finding the perfect village restaurant, green space or school, staff who understand lifestyles across prime postcodes will be able to take a holistic approach to each client.

Pic credit: Zoe McConnell/Netflix

KYC360 Acclaimed as Category Leader in Chartis RiskTech Watchlist Monitoring Report

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30/05/2024

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KYC360 Acclaimed as Category Leader in Chartis RiskTech Watchlist Monitoring Report

KYC360, a leading provider of Customer Lifecycle Management solutions that enable organisations to comply and excel, is proud to announce its recognition as a category leader in two sectors in the 2024 Chartis Watchlist and Adverse Media Monitoring Solutions report.

Chartis Research, the premier provider of research and analysis on the global market for risk technology, produces the Watchlist and Adverse Media Monitoring Solutions report, a comprehensive independent analysis of the top providers. KYC360 has been acknowledged as a category leader in both “Adverse Media Monitoring Solutions 2024” and “Name and Transaction Screening Solutions 2024”.

Nick Vitchev, Research Director at Chartis, said: “KYC360’s category leader placing in our quadrants reflects a combination of deep expertise in screening and a compelling approach to integrating screening and adverse media monitoring into a perpetual, holistic customer risk-assessment capability. Moreover, the company’s strength in screening and monitoring for highly complex entities and scenarios is shaped by its blend of multi-layered screening and risk assessment with a high degree of customisation.”

Stephen Platt, Founder & CEO at KYC360, remarked: “This achievement reaffirms KYC360’s position as an industry leader and showcases its unwavering commitment to enabling organisations to comply and outperform in a complex regulatory environment by providing cutting-edge screening and adverse media monitoring solutions. They form part of our end-to-end customer lifecycle management platform.”

Business Travellers: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Disabled, and Religious Not Adequately Catered For

Travel

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29/05/2024

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Business Travellers: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Disabled, and Religious Not Adequately Catered For

Fewer travel programmes are accommodating groups of travellers with additional needs compared to 2022, new statistics reveal.

Following what seemed to be an encouraging rise in the number of European travel and procurement managers claiming their travel programmes were designed with special consideration for these travellers last year, new data from Business Travel Show Europe indicates that, apart from LGBTQIA+ travellers, they have fallen below 2022 levels.

The statistics are based on a survey conducted by Business Travel Show Europe, which involved 141 European travel and procurement managers. Here is a breakdown of their findings:

LGBTQIA+ Travellers

As Pride Month approaches on Saturday, more than half (54%) of the 141 European corporate travel and procurement managers surveyed admitted their programmes do not cater for LGBTQIA+ travellers, compared to 22% in 2023. Additionally, 4% claim they would like to, but it’s too expensive. Just over a quarter (27%, slightly up from 26% in 2022) do cater for LGBTQIA+ travellers, with an additional 9% planning to do so. This was the only positive data point from the survey.

Travellers with Accessibility Needs

Individuals with accessibility requirements (around 25% of the UK population is disabled) also appear to be less well catered for compared to 2023 – declining from 48% to 43%.

Accessibility in travel will be addressed at Business Travel Show Europe on Wednesday 19 June at 12pm during a panel session titled “Let’s Make Business Travel Truly Accessible.” Panellists from Maiden Voyage, EventWell, and British Wheelchair Basketball will discuss what travel managers can do to prioritise accessibility in their travel programmes and where pressure needs to be applied to enhance the sector overall.

Business Travel Show Europe will be held from 19-20 June 2024 at ExCeL London, offering complimentary entry, a conference programme, and networking opportunities to qualified travel managers, buyers, and bookers.

Neurodivergent People

Despite accounting for around 15% of the UK population and 10% of the workforce in Europe, there has been a substantial decline in travel programmes that provide consideration for neurodivergent people, dropping from 39% to 18%. Nonetheless, this is less drastic when compared with 2022 (21%).

Commenting on the findings, EventWell CEO & Founder Helen Moon said: “The reasons for ensuring neuroinclusion in travel are vast. A minimum of 20% of travellers will be diagnosed with a neurodivergent cognitive difference, but the reality is that there are an even higher number of travellers who are undiagnosed. Travel accommodations that benefit this community are well documented to benefit the mental wellbeing of ALL travellers, in the same way that drop curbs in pavements designed for individuals with physical disabilities also benefit everyone.

“Accessibility and inclusion are about removing barriers to allow everyone equal opportunity to participate and engage. As a wider industry, we have a duty of care to support this, and it is a vital component to the future of travel and events.”

Younger and Older Travellers

For these two categories of traveller, the statistics show that the number of travel programmes aligned with their needs has more than halved since last year, dropping from 54% to 26% for younger travellers, and from 47% to 23% for older travellers. In 2022, these figures were 30% for younger travellers and 31% for older travellers.

Orthodox and Jewish Travellers

Despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, two-thirds (67%) of travel programmes do not provide special considerations for Jewish travellers, with a further 7% claiming they are too small a community to justify the cost. The same statistics apply to all orthodox religious travellers.

Carolyn Pearson, CEO & CIO of Maiden Voyage, commented: “Whilst this survey reflects the current state, I don’t believe it is a true reflection of the ambition of travel managers and travel management companies because we are seeing unprecedented interest in building inclusivity into travel programmes. Particularly bearing in mind the changing dynamics of today’s workforce: upcoming generations are generally more ‘gender-fluid’, different life stages (like the menopause) bring new challenges, we have an ageing workforce where more people will be encumbered by growing accessibility needs, and all of this and more will need to be factored into travel programmes moving forward.”

Modern Living Redefined at Smugglers Way, Wandsworth

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27/05/2024

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Modern Living Redefined at Smugglers Way, Wandsworth

In the midst of the ongoing revitalisation of Smugglers Way, a unique testament to contemporary urban living has emerged. The transformation of a bustling B&Q store site into a sprawling community spanning 3.43 acres and comprising 554 build-to-rent apartments is a truly remarkable feat. This metamorphosis highlights the potential of Smugglers Way, making it an attractive prospect for potential residents and investors.

Andrew Long, Marketing Manager at Wrightfield Pools, had the opportunity to visit Smugglers Way and witness firsthand how their products are being utilised by residents. He was particularly eager to see how the residents enjoyed the stainless-steel swimming pool and the other facilities available. His visit to Smugglers Way in Wandsworth included a photo and video shoot showcasing the collaborative efforts of Wrightfield Pools and Barr + Wray, renowned pool designers in the UK. The setting was perfect for highlighting the blend of modernity and sleek architecture that defines the landscape and creates an atmosphere of serenity amidst the bustling cityscape.

Walking around the complex, Long observed the impressive range of amenities offered to residents at the New Acres development. Each space, from the yoga studio to the fully equipped gym, is meticulously designed to cater to various lifestyles and wellness needs. Contemporary lounge areas provide a welcoming retreat for relaxation and socialisation, fostering a strong sense of community among residents. The biodiverse roof terraces captivate the senses, offering panoramic views of London. Whether bathed in morning sunlight or the glow of sunset, these terraces serve as an oasis, inviting residents to immerse themselves in the moment’s beauty. This comprehensive range of amenities is a key aspect of the luxury living experience at Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, appealing to potential residents and investors.

As a keen swimmer, the highlight of Long’s visit was the stunning stainless steel swimming pool. Crafted by Wrightfield Pools for Barr + Wray, the pool is a majestic centrepiece of the development. Wrightfield Pools, as subcontractors for its installation, meticulously oversaw its construction, ensuring seamless integration into the space. Spanning an impressive 25 metres in length and 7.20 metres in width, with a depth of 1.2 metres, the pool exudes grandeur. As sunlight dances on its walls, reflecting off its surfaces, there is a genuine pride in contributing to such a remarkable project.

The stainless steel swimming pool at Smugglers Way is not just a pool but an experience. Long had the chance to take a dip around 1:00 pm. On entering the pool, he was immediately struck by how the natural light cascaded upon the surfaces, infusing the space with an ethereal glow. The reflective surfaces add depth and dimension to the environment, creating a sense of space and tranquillity. Unlike a traditional tiled pool, this experience felt more natural and less regimented, allowing for full immersion in the moment. Its unique design and ambience make it a standout feature of Smugglers Way, attracting the attention of potential residents and investors.

Testimonials from residents like Luke, who has called the complex home since February 2024, underscore the allure of Smugglers Way. “The apartment is lovely, but the complete package sold it for me. You have the gym and other facilities, and this is also one of the best swimming pools I have ever been to anywhere in the UK,” Luke reflects. This speaks volumes about the quality of life at Smugglers Way. This community offers more than just a place to live—it is a sanctuary, a haven of tranquillity amidst the urban landscape. With attention to detail evident in every aspect, from construction to community-building, Smugglers Way promises a unique living experience for Wandsworth.

In conclusion, the visit to Smugglers Way was a revelation. What was once a vacant lot has transformed into a growing community anchored by a pool that embodies luxury and sophistication. It is a testament to the power of visionary design and meticulous craftsmanship, offering residents a transcendent living experience. With exciting additions like the new pop-up market square and a fine mix of cafes and restaurants, the future of this development looks brighter than ever, promising a life of fulfilment and tranquillity for its residents.

Bodyvie’s Evolution

Holistic Care Philosophy

Addressing Hormonal Health

Comprehensive Patient Care

The Carplus Academy Process

Consider your domestic buyer

Utilise social media as a client network

Connect people with their perfect lifestyle

Celebrate London’s cultural capital

Grow your business with the right staff

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