St George is a property developer creating mixed-use developments across London.
Only 64% of the working age population in London are in employment compared with the national average of 74%. St George recognised that to create new successful communities they needed a focussed employment and training programme to maximise social and economic benefits for local people.
As a result, St George created St George Regeneration Ltd specifically responsible for working with communities. Supporting regional businesses, their new approach incorporated a 'Workplace Coordinator' into each new development. The role of the Workplace Coordinator was to procure specialist vocational training for residents and to match newly qualified people into suitable employment. One of the initiatives included a Job Fair at Imperial Wharf which over 230 people attended.
The Job Fair was hosted on the 24th January 2008, to highlight the range of employment opportunities available throughout the development. The Job Fair was held in partnership with Hammersmith and Fulham Council and provided the opportunity for a wide range of organisations involved in Imperial Wharf to highlight job prospects available. Organisations taking part included Marks & Spencer, Jury's Inn Hotel, Young's, Gambado Indoor Play Centre, Bright Horizons Nursery, Memories of India on the River (restaurant), Knight Frank and Dennis Cox (property consultants), Fit Out UK, Midgard and Connelly Dry Lining (representing the electrical, plumbing and construction industries. The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham also had a stand. The Job Fair was attended by over 230 people. Within two months, fourteen people had been employed as a result of this event, including with the local advertising agency and nursery, in addition to employment in construction related companies. Of the 230 people that attended, 11% lived in the development and 18% lived in the neighbouring area.
