New Chair for BTA

A crowded AGM at the Rose Theatre unanimously elected Mike Hill who has been acting Chair since Chris Barlow of Workplace Art stepped down in January. Workplace Art recently relocated from Southwark Bridge Road to Shoreditch.

Utobeer, the specialist drinks company with a focus on beers from around the world, is open in Borough Market on Friday and Saturday.

The BTA annual report highlighted recent innovations including a new newsletter, a revamped website and the popular peer to peer sessions featuring the legal, public relations and IT advice for members.

The new Chair announced a series of of social networking events in addition to further peer to peer sessions.

BTA Small Business Advisor Giles Semper outlined the role of Better Bankside and the BIDS initiative which businesses in Bankside will be invited to support in the coming year.

Earlier members had been able to see the Rose Theatre remains and view a film narrated by Sir Ian McKellen describing the history and current rescue project.

• Bankside Traders' Association