Even before the emergence of London’s vibrant youth culture in the 1950s, our capital had been revered as a worldwide bastion of creativity and innovation. Whilst this image of London is most strongly allied to the creative arts, evidence of such visionary essence appears in a range of less expected settings. Casting our gaze due east, E1 has seen an unprecedented, rise in the number of technology start-up enterprises calling it home. It seems all that Hoxton-centred, unabashed creativity has rubbed off on the techies – or perhaps its just something in the water?

Jokes aside, the rise, and perpetual success of the Tech-sector in this area has drawn the attention of government and City investors in a way that Shoreditch’s more artistic enterprises could only dream of. David Cameron’s pledge of support for ‘Tech-City’ during 2011 and investment generating initiatives like the recent ‘CityMeetsTech‘ event are proof positive that the freshly christened Tech-City has a bright future ahead of it.

Of course, this is not a new story, in fact Tech-City started out a number of years ago as ‘Silicon Roundabout’, playing host to a lowly 100 or so start-ups clustered around Old Street roundabout. Five years on and 600 start-ups deep what is inspiring is the fact that for the most part, the creative thought and entrepreneurial courage characterising the movement has made it this far largely unsupported. It’s great that Tech-City has won the backing of government, and perhaps more importantly, private investors, but this support is not pledged in the spirit of charity, it is the recognition of a rapidly expanding hotbed of e-ideas; at least some of which are destined to gift investors serious fiscal returns. The ascent of Tech City has occurred in almost perfect synchronisation with the gradual decimation of the UK’s economy, proof positive that when the going gets tough, London gets creative.

It’s encouraging to see any type of growth in our current financial situation. The fact that this growth is rooted in ideals of innovation, community and admirable initiatives such as the introduction of students and graduates to entrepreneurs speaks positively of the London we wish to see emerge from the lament of our present predicament. Let’s get innovative across the sectors, we might just find that things aren’t quite as bleak as we first thought.

For more information on Tech-City, visit the official website here.

The Metropolitan Police recently issued their formal response to the policing of the August 2011 London riots. ‘4 days in August’ highlights a number of factors which, if approached differently, may have had a profound effect on the scale of the ensuing disturbances, and suggests a far clearer, distinct, and robust response will characterise any future policing of large-scale social disorder in the capital.

Over six months have passed since last August which saw a number of the UK’s high streets and urban centres under attack from rioters intent both on public damage and personal enrichment. The sheer spread and intensity of the disturbances has posed society some serious questions both in terms of the causes, and possible effects of such unprecedented civil unrest.

Much has happened in the last six months. We have witnessed robust public discussion of every aspect of the riots, with some residents across London, alongside notable political figures agreeing that there is a significant chance of further disturbances should we fail to address the root causes of August’s riots.

The riots undoubtedly represented a rude awakening for the capital, providing a visual, tangible manifestation of many aspects of long-debated ‘community cohesion’ strategies.

While it may be clear that the riots represent the steamy realities of youth disaffection, dysfunctional families, soaring unemployment rates, social deprivation and media-fuelled consumerism, passing comment on how to begin to address these issues less than a year on, when the majority have taken years, if not decades, to precipitate would be grossly premature.

However, the recent review into the Met’s handling of the riots feature what seems to be a clear direction of thought from the Metropolitan Police Service, with announcements indicating that the MPS are to consider a more rigorous, definitive and aggressive approach to the future policing of public disorder.

In terms of a flashpoint situation marking the beginning of August’s disturbances, the shooting in Tottenham of suspected criminal Mark Duggan is cited as point zero. Perhaps shockingly given the scale of the ensuing chaos, evidence emerged in November 2011 suggesting that Mr Duggan was unarmed at the time of his shooting. Ostensibly removing the reason for Duggan’s death at the hands of the Met, combined with Scotland Yard’s apology for the lack of communication to the Duggan family regarding the incident, suggests support for those who argue that a considerable degree of responsibility for the beginning of London’s disturbances are set squarely at the door of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

However, credit must be given to the Met, and the much maligned IPCC, as February’s IPCC released guidance on public and media communications does go some way to addressing the communication issues which were a key factor in the first disturbances in Tottenham.

Historically, controversial Police policies such as ‘Stop-and-Search’ have been continuous sources of tension between certain London communities and the Met. Some commentators have argued that these policing tactics have instigated a long-term build-up of resentment amongst some members of the public, and thereby contribute to the initiation and visible ferocity of the riots. With this in mind, the announcement of plans to increase the effectiveness of their controversial stop and search policy has been welcomed by many as a decisive move in the pacifying of our urban areas, and addresses a key point raised in the Riots Communities and Victim’s Panel interim report. While in the interest of fairness it is important to note that the Metropolitan Police Service is actively learning from their errors, the magnitude of these mistakes cannot be ignored.

This exercise in self-assessment is further scrutinised when looking through last November’s Operation Kirkin Strategic Review’s interim report, which appears to suggest that the Met are making a solid attempt to ensure lessons are learned, and recommendations implemented across government, and other relevant institutions. A review of, and in some cases changes to MPS policy regarding resource levels, officer training and equipment, logistics, social media usage and investigative capacity are all evidenced, and this must be considered a beneficial thing.

Whether the recommendations contained within the recent reports, subsequent media announcements and well-managed public relations are able to practically and positively influence future policing strategies is yet to be seen. However, with the profound and widely varied contexts behind the root causes of the riots, ensuring appropriate policing for the capital must be seen as a task for the police, the public, and the institutions’ which govern them.

Neighbourhood Markets Initiative; Brixton as a place to do business @ Tower 42; the role of diversity in the media @ Sadlers Wells Theatre; celebrating London’s creative economy @ London College of Fashion.

With marked differences in the quality of life and opportunity for many communities across the city, it may be argued that participation in activities which aim to alleviate some misconceptions and stereotypes now carry an increased element of responsibility, and further highlight the importance of encouraging a more altruistic sense of citizenship.

Adopting a progressive, open and at times provocative approach to our debates, we invite people to look at London Life, how we live, how our city is changing and growing, how it’s perceived, and we encourage people to engage closer with the city through our activities.

The screening was followed by a Q&A with the films Director, (Helene Lee), and acclaimed social commentator Benjamin Zephaniah, and forms part of the UEN’s ‘Think Music Project’, an initiative focussed around the cross-cultural engagement facilitated by African-Caribbean music and culture.

The screening highlighted a number of current areas of social policy, notably the links between politics, environmental sustainability, localism, as well as the role of faith within the education system. All of these subjects could have warranted significant and further discourse in what proved to be a terrific and informative afternoon of film, debate and entertainment which explored the history, context, influences’ and present day perceptions of the rastafari faith, and its associated movements.

Often misunderstood, the rastafarian faith has emerged from a range of influences, including Bolshevism, New Thought, Anarchism, Hinduism, Judaism, and of course Garveyism, to supplement the East African tribal traditions which underpin the faith.

From these complex origins, the true rasta faith has nonetheless become an influential medium for many people within contemporary urban societies across the world, encapsulating everything from spirituality, music, and fashion to protest, equality, activism and other elements of expressive culture.

This event provided a platform for those with a genuine interest, and curiosity of rastafari, to find out more about the beginnings and contemporary expressions of the Rastafarian faith.

The Urban Enterprise Network explored the intriguing world of natural hair and beauty products, hosting the ‘Changing Concepts’ debate at The Hub, a business space situated in London’s King Cross, which facilitates a network of  ethical and socially aware enterprises.

We were joined by respected author and journalist, Hannah Pool, and Shevelle Rhule, Fashion & Beauty Editor, PRIDE Magazine.   The debate was sponsored by ‘Simplicious’, a newly established company, which aims to promote natural hair and beauty products and lifestyle.

The context behind the debate is that there is little doubt that the last decade has seen significant growth in both the interest and demand for natural hair (and beauty) styles.  Subsequently, London has seen the beginnings of a new target – market, known as ‘naturals’.  This market has now self-defined itself, with relatively little marketing and promotion, pursuing a commitment to the consideration and use of natural products, all of which is underlined with a sense of personal expression.

Some organisations (such as ‘Adornment’) have reflected this growing interest by hosting very successful ‘natural hair shows’, and we have seen a proliferation of online stores offering natural hair products and advice.  Complimenting this product development has been the emergence of natural hair stylists, and the creation of various networks which offer that crucial peer support and information for naturals.

When considering these developments it may be argued that the market for natural hair and beauty products is now firmly established, embraced and should be fully understood.

The discussion raised a number of questions, including;
•    whether the industry truly reflects the ‘natural hair and beauty’ market, and are manufacturers addressing their products and services accordingly;

•    Has the growth in demand for ‘natural’ hair products been reflected in the services currently provided by the vast number of hair salons in the capital, specifically considering their approach to dealing with natural hair. (For example, the difficulties in requesting both styles and treatments for natural hair; and requesting the use of completely natural based products in many salons, are frequently mentioned as a matter of frustration in many blogs and articles…)

•    whether we are still at the relatively early stage in the maturity of the natural hair and beauty market; and  is wearing your hair natural still seen first as a personal ‘statement’, rather than a common style, carrying with it an associated taboo and stereotypes.

•    and if ‘natural’ hairstyles and products are still viewed as distinct and unique, what does this represent in terms of our views and promotion of what is perceived as ‘normal’ in terms of styles, trends and beauty.

Hannah Pool presented us with an interesting perspective, weaving in her personal insight, and drawing on her experience of life in the UK and in Eritrea, highlighting the intricacies and motivations of hairstyling, and the perceptions generated by styles worn by individuals.
Shevelle Rhule spoke from her position of considerable knowledge, reiterating the ‘emotive’ nature of the subject, whilst underlining the scale of the industry in London. Shevelle also encouraged all stakeholders involved in the hair and beauty industry, to work towards continually advancing the traditional perceptions associated with natural styled hair, moving from an all-too-common view which suggests that natural hair should be defined, and presented in a separate way.

The wider debate highlighted the role of the media, style magazines and journals in terms of their representation of hair and beauty products, while discussing the current scale and impact of the ‘natural’ hair industry.  Concerns were raised by many attendees, who included some of the foremost providers’ of natural hair and beauty products in the UK,  suggesting that with the continued growth of the natural hair and beauty market, this may result in an emergence of opportunists, with companies and manufacturers’ whose motivations are somewhat questionable, providing sub-standard products  and services.

The debate continued with much enthusiasm and energy, and it’s likely that this is a topic which we will look at again in the future.  However, you can join the discussion via our blog, Facebook, or twitter feed!, and take a look at the rest of the images from the event in the gallery.

Sounds of Politcial Freedom

King’s Head Theatre – Islington, London

20 Years of the UK Hip Hop Connection: So What’s Next?

Rivington Gallery – Shoreditch, London

Truman Brewery – Shoreditch, London