2014: a year in review

2014 proved to be a great year for the PW community. Works Post takes a look back at some of the key moments of last year.

1. Fibre optic broadband campaign ends in success
In autumn, the installation of fibre optic broadband began at PW following a long campaign to improve connectivity for tenants, which culminated in a visit to City Hall. The tender went out to industry in October 2013, with many tenants now taking full advantage of super fast broadband in-house.

2. A visitor from sunnier climes
Towards the end of the year, Perseverance Works received a visitor from Trinidad and Tobago. Seeking to establish a similar community in his home country, Carver Bacchus came to PW looking for inspiration and advice. And our visitor was more than impressed with the community and keen to stay in touch; perhaps the creative hub of Shoreditch may soon be twinned with sunnier climes?.

3. A summer of fundraising
It was a bumper summer of fundraising at PW, with Hackney Pirates, Macmillan Cancer Care and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation among our supported charities. In July, the courtyard print sale held by Central Illustration Agency raised £2,743 for Hackney Pirates, a charity that helps young people to improve both literacy and confidence. On 1 October, JJ Locations held its annual Macmillan coffee and cake morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care. The sale raised £620 and several smiles as PW tenants treated themselves to baked delights and fresh brews. And in mid-October, Liz Hurley launched a joint project with Estée Lauder Companies for a new Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, with PW’s very own Paula Beetlestone playing a huge part in the project.

4. On yer bike!
2014 saw PW sign up to Cyclescheme, allowing its employees to benefit from the scheme and cycle to work. Our favourite Security Manager, Khagen, jumped at the chance to sign up! Since acquiring his Cyclescheme bike, Khagen cycles the 25 miles round trip from his home in Morden to Persy Works. Inspiration for us all as we make our New Year’s resolutions!

5. Musicians in the spotlight
PW’s musical talents excelled in 2014, with producer Richard Frenneaux taking the number 2 spot in the Italian charts and Sabine Hogenhout performing at the 21st anniversary of Contemporary Music for All. On a more local stage, the courtyard print sale saw visitors serenaded by the musical delights of Crispin, Josh and Khagen. What a talented bunch!

6. Setting the cogs in motion
The Works Post series Cog in The Works took off last year, giving readers the chance to get to know more about PW tenants and the story behind their profession. Having kicked off the series in 2013 with an interview with Ahmet Boga – PW’s second ever tenantWe spoke to Julia Lee about the organic growth of Ellison Lee and gentrification in the local area, as well as Graeme Bulcraig on the evolution of the photographic industry and how Touch Digital has weathered the economic storm. Keep your eyes peeled for more of the series in 2015. If you’d like to be featured, get in touch here.

Thanks to all tenants that helped to make 2014 such a success at PW; fingers crossed we can make next year even better!