CITYMATTERS.LONDON 24 - 30 May 2017 | Page 3 News <strong>Matters</strong> IBRAHIM OUT TO DISMANTLE ‘ANTI BUSINESS’ STIGMA Labour’s Dogus means business AS the founder of the British Kebab Awards, a beer brand innovator, and South Bank restaurant owner, Labour’s Ibrahim Dogus is out to prove his party isn’t as anti-business as people think, writes Anahita Hossein-Pour. An employer of over 60 people whose fifth annual kebab award was hosted by Radio 1 DJs Scott Mills and Chris Stark – and endorsed by the prime minister herself – Mr Dogus is running a pro-commerce and society campaign and says he is the “fresh young blood” to deliver it. “I believe to achieve social justice we need prosperity and growth, and that means successful businesses,” he said. Advantageous “What’s more, businesses are run by people who are part of society and affected by its highs and lows, just like everyone else.” The Remain voter is concerned with the uncertainty that leaving the European Union will bring for business, and pledges to go after the most advantageous deal on Brexit if he’s successful in his first bid to become a member of parliament. Mr Dogus joined Labour in his teens after his family moved to the UK as refugees from Turkey, and has been campaigning for the party since Tony Blair’s landslide victory in 1997. The Labour candidate also made headlines following the Westminster attack as the restaurant owner who fed emergency service personnel on the scene for free from his nearby eatery. “I saw first-hand the valiant efforts of our first responders,” he said. “I have been consistently impressed by the work of the mayor as well, and I saw how Londoners just got on with what needed doing, showing admirable calm under pressure.” Fifteen years ago Mr Dogus’ life was saved by the NHS after he was shot trying to break up Turkish mafia gang violence, an incident he believes was linked to his anti-drugs and anti-gang campaigning in North East London at the time. Investment As for the future of the NHS, Mr Dogus told <strong>City</strong> <strong>Matters</strong>: “It will take several years of hard work and probably some investment to undo the damage of Tory mismanagement and indifference. “We have to bite the bullet and start re-building the NHS, the alternatives are pretty grim.” With an unprecedented five Labour councillors elected to the <strong>City</strong> of London Corporation’s Common Council two months ago, Mr Dogus is optimistic people are recognising the appeal of the party locally. “The bottom line is that the Conservative businessman: Ibrahim Dogus Party is short on innovative, fresh young blood. “People who know me tend to describe me as restless or full of energy: I am always striving for new ways to innovate in business and create partnerships. “That is the approach I would bring to the <strong>City</strong> of London.” Why Green teen can’t count on dad’s vote Turn to Page 5 Bank revolution From Front Page impact of the changes. One TfL assessor told <strong>City</strong> <strong>Matters</strong> that the junction was “less busy” than usual and that they were confident the new rules had been well enough publicised. Cyclists and buses are still permitted to use the roads in peak hours (7am-7pm), and a considerable number of riders could be spotted utilising the “quieter” roads. However, a two-week window to still use the junction without risking a £130 penalty meant for a lively mix of vehicles on the roads. Drivers who do pass through the junction prior to the fines process becoming active will receive a warning letter. The Corporation told <strong>City</strong> <strong>Matters</strong> that income generated by the measures would be redistributed into similar programmes. A spokesperson said: “The purpose of this scheme is to improve safety at Bank junction – one of London’s most dangerous hotspots. Penalty charge notices are there to encourage compliance and deter vehicles from passing through the junction. “Any income received will be reinvested in improving the safety and infrastructure of the area.” The rules will be in place for 18 months and form part of the Bank on Safety Scheme, which aims to reduce the number of accidents at the junction. A total of 34 cyclists and 31 pedestrians were injured at Bank between 2011 and 2015. Concert blast alert From Front Page surrounding streets in the early hours of Tuesday morning due to a suspect package. It was later cleared and the station was re-opened. Lord Mayor Dr Andrew Parmley joined the chorus of leaders condemning this week’s terrorist attack in Manchester, tweeting: “Our thoughts go out to the friends and families of the victims. London stands with you.” On Tuesday afternoon police arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the attack. Nominees fired-up for Dragon Awards WHAT does a Premier League football club, a design and technology consultancy, and the Capital’s transport operator have in common? They are all in the running for this year’s Dragon Awards, of course. Prizes even The Hobbit villain Smaug doesn’t have in his vast treasure trove are up for grabs during the <strong>City</strong>’s annual salute to organisations who do their bit in the community, and the upcoming 30th instalment has no less than 18 businesses of all sizes and sectors making the shortlist cut. Previous winners and finalists have benefited through their involvement with the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards, citing a boost in employee engagement and new business. This year Arsenal Football Club, design and technology consultancy firm Keytree, and Transport for London have all been nominated. Vulnerable “The firms shortlisted have gone above and beyond to support their communities,” said Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley. “They are making a real and measurable difference to vulnerable people and those in need. “The immense, invaluable contribution of business in tackling social issues often goes unnoticed. In today’s challenging economic climate we need their intervention more than ever. “These awards celebrate the leaders of responsible business – inspiring and encouraging others to step up.” Firms shortlisted for last year’s awards supported nearly 500,000 Londoners, creating over 14,500 jobs and investing over £10million in their local communities and local enterprises. Innovation This year, to celebrate the third decade of the ceremony, two new categories were added – one of which recognises London businesses supporting communities across the UK and another that celebrates innovation in responsible business. The winners will be announced at Mansion House in September where they will receive a prestigious ‘Dragon’ from the Lord Mayor. dragonawards.org.uk coveted gong: a Dragon Award WATCH REPAIR CENTRE Rolex | Cartier | Tag Heuer | Raymond Weil Any make of watch serviced New glass • Battery • Bracelet shorten • Bracelet polish Watch Repair Centre, Basement, 35 Greville street, Hatton Garden EC1N 8TB Telephone: 020 8127 6062 Whatsapp: 078 6746 7227 thetticket@aol.com