Strategic collaboration between Central District Alliance and Hatton Garden BIDs boosts economic potential in Greater London

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Strategic collaboration between Central District Alliance and Hatton Garden BIDs boosts economic potential in Greater London

LONDON, UK, 21st June 2023 — The Central District Alliance and Hatton Garden BIDs have taken a bold and ambitious step to help women in Greater London achieve their full potential. The organisations have successfully secured a two-year, rent-free lease for Dress for Success Greater London. This initiative, enabled by property owner, United Ventures and supported by Catella APAM, marks the inauguration of the new client services premises on Leather Lane.

This impactful achievement is aligned with the insights drawn from the seminal research study, ‘Un_Biased - A Blueprint for Change’. This extensive investigation brought to light some of the pivotal challenges and barriers prevalent among women in the workforce, including childcare, the absence of supportive networks and issues accessing job opportunities.

The study emphasises that tackling these challenges is not only integral to promoting gender equality, but also to stimulating sustainable economic expansion. Approximately 1.7 million women are restricted from increasing their work hours, due to childcare constraints, contributing to a substantial loss in economic output that ascends to £28.2 billion annually.

CDA and Hatton Garden BIDs’ joint support of Dress for Success Greater London signals a critical leap forward in unleashing the latent potential of the workforce by equipping women with the resources to flourish in their professional careers.

Debbie Akehurst, Chief Executive for Hatton Garden and CDA, stated: "This remarkable partnership illustrates the transformative power of strategic alliances. By addressing the barriers outlined in the Un_Biased research, we’re significantly advancing the cause of workforce equality in Greater London. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering and the new Dress for Success Greater London premises symbolise a tangible step towards our goal."

Fionnuala Shannon, Executive Director, Dress for Success Greater London, reflected: "Our mission at Dress for Success Greater London is not just to empower individual women, but also to contribute to a broader socioeconomic transformation. Through the generous support of the CDA and Hatton Garden BID, and the new premises on Leather Lane, we can widen our reach and deepen our impact. We look forward to helping even more women in Greater London find the confidence and tools they need to succeed."

Dress for Success Greater London offers invaluable support to women seeking employment, whether that be styling sessions and free outfits for interviews, careers advice, CV reviews and much more. 80% of women assisted by the charity are successful in achieving employment; saving the public purse over £5 million per year.

Simon Cooke, Executive Director, Catella APAM: “Catella APAM are always pleased to support charity initiatives and Dress for Success makes an outstanding contribution in rebuilding women’s confidence as they make their way back into the jobs market. We are delighted to have Dress for Success as our tenant in Leather Lane”

Mayor of Camden Cllr Nazma Rahman, upon inaugurating the new facility, shared: "Today, we take a decisive step towards gender equality and a more robust economy in our city. The collaborative effort of CDA, Hatton Garden BID, and Dress for Success Greater London is highly commendable. It’s partnerships like these that will drive our city's progress and shape the future of our workforce."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Central District Alliance - The Central District Alliance (CDA) is the Business Improvement District representing and looking after the areas of Holborn, St Giles, Bloomsbury, Farringdon and Clerkenwell.  We are the collective voice of over 400 businesses located in this economically and culturally thriving district, promoting it to visitors and businesses from all over the country and the world, while delivering on the priorities of our members and supporting the communities in which we operate. Our businesses work in sectors as diverse as tech, education, legal and professional services, hospitality and leisure, and include organisations such as the British Museum, the Rosewood Hotel, Mishcon de Reya, Google, LinkedIn, TikTok, City University, LSE and the Arts Council England. Our priority is to ensure that our neighbourhood is clean and green, and safe and welcoming for all our members and visitors.

Hatton Garden BID - A short walk from Farringdon and Chancery Lane underground stations, London's renowned district of Hatton Garden is bustling with fine jewellery stores, coffee shops, restaurants and Leather Lane Market, with some of London's most revered food stalls. The Hatton Garden Business Improvement District aims to support business growth and see Hatton Garden grow as a world-renowned business and visitor destination through amplifying the revitalisation of the area, enhancing its iconic status as London’s famous jewellery quarter and developing the experience of working, living, doing business and visiting the area.

Dress for Success Greater London - Dress for Success Greater London is a renowned non-profit entity, empowering women by providing professional attire and development tools essential for career success and personal growth. Their transition to the new Leather Lane premises promises to augment their reach and influence on women across Greater London.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Marcos Gold, External Affairs Manager, marcos@centraldistrictalliance.com 07471018659

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