Brixton is a village and local businesses need to ensure they are engaged with the local community.

[Shippou-Sensei]

fine. i shall never darken your door again.

 

[Alo Licentia!]

Shippou-Sensei? Are you the real Lee Jasper?

 

[Shippou-Sensei]

I'm pleading the 5th on that one.

 

[fortyplus]

FWIW my business has just taken on four apprentices; all young men from South London. We haven't been approached by Mr Jasper or Brixton Splash, but his organisation is just one of several trying to place neets. If he'd come to us before we might well have taken them on through him. But for the next few months, our mentoring and training capacity is fully taken up.
The only thing I object to about this whole issue is the "name-and-shame" of those businesses who don't participate ("blackmail" is too strong, and loaded, a term for this. We have nothing to hide). I can understand the frustration, but as a business owner, I know that there are many reasons for refusing any of the plethora of requests for our resources. We work in and depend on the community; we just don't have the resources to respond positively to everything that comes our way, but we would love to be able to do so.

I love Brixton Splash as an event and I really hope it continues to prosper; I'd really like to feel good about sponsoring it in 2013. But I am afraid this episode leaves a rather nasty taste in the mouth.

 

[Shippou-Sensei]

How goes the neets?

having worked with one brixton based neet related company (who i will not name and shame here) i wish you good luck. if you don't do your own recruting your in for a world of pain. in therms of training they sent down tones of people to train with us. including people they sent to us for courses we do not run and they wouldn't fund. they also asked for the imposible in some cases and the implausable regularly.

 

[equationgirl]

We are in partnership with the Green Man Employment Zone and the Brixton JobCentreplus who are working with us to offer these opportunities. I can send you more specific information about this shortly if you are interested. We have over 40 young people volunteering for us at the moment and we are jointly assessing individuals training needs and benefit status with a view to matching them with any local opportunities we can secure. Actually our website designer is from Brixton we commissioned that site in 2010 and he has subsequently moved. We are experienced in dealing with the rules relating to youth employment training and I hope this provides you with some reassurance on that point.

Sounds like some form of workfare program if you're working with the job centre plus. Is this the case?

 

[Lee Japser]

Splash started as a community event/celebration - not a business opportunity. So it seems a bit much to tell businesses that they are now benefiting from an event which few, if any of them, asked for and must therefore contribute towards or face consequences. You need to show them what additional benefit they can get by contributing. And, like it or not, you just have to keep reaching out until either you win their hearts or you decide that you are flogging a dead horse.

You keep talking about these hard times but do not seem to understand how a small business operates and the huge demands on the operators time and cash. That you say you sent them a letter and were outraged that they didn't reply just shows that you do not understand the pressures on small businesses resources. So many politicians are given huge budgets, like the one you refer to in your profile, which they did nothing to earn and armies of administrative support to deal with everything. But that's not the world the rest of us live in.

Your language is usually one of confrontation and your propensity to respond to criticism with cries of racism and discrimination makes you a highly ill-judged figurehead, in my opinion. I am surprised that you were given this role and I really hope that your personal character does not taint the nature of this event which is held on my doorstep.

I have lived in Lambeth for 30 years Local businesses are reflected on our Board by Blackdread Music Store a founder member of Splash. As for our remit thanks for your views but your mistaken. Part of our core objectives is the promotion the local economy of Brixton and provide employment opportunities to local young people.

You seem to be suggesting that business have no local accountability other than the conduct of their business. If consumers and businesses can have debates about issues such as the environment or animal welfare I can see no reason why a debate about helping people is any way different and should be accorded similar priority. This is our 8th year and our view is that the benefits of Brixton Splash are evident for all to see.

I sorry you think my language is confrontational but I can assure that was not my intention however that will not detract from our determination to explore the issues of corporate social responsibly and the role of large, medium and small businesses in facilitating community development in Brixton. Within that debate there will be room to accommodate all perspectives into a strategy that seeks to promote business involvement. Ultimately the issue of consumer choice is primary and seeking to raise awareness of the issues of business enragement and social responsibility will be aired and debated.

I understand the demands of small business and those that we work with seem to find the time to communicate with us even where they are unable to engage. Its a simple as a call or a email.

Your are entitled to your opinion on my suitability as chairman of Brixton Splash that does not chime with the huge local support for the event and the way in which my involvement has been positively welcomed by the local community. For your information and to further reinforce my point I am also vice chair of the Lambeth Police Consultative Group. So your surprise about my position indicates the extent to which you are uniformed about the local Brixton community. Thanks for you comments.

 

[Lee Japser]

Sounds like some form of workfare program if you're working with the job centre plus. Is this the case?

No I can assure you we are certainly not engaging with the much discredited workfare programme.

 

[Lee Japser]

Unfortunately, it comes across as such an attempt, and as an experienced media hand such as yourself should be well-aware, if something can be perceived in an incorrect manner, it will be, whether by over-earnest types who take offence easily, or by the sort of yellow press that have kicked you in the arse in the past. You've given a hostage to fortune. Why are you surprised that some people might use it?



That's kind of how bulletin boards work, Mr. Jasper. They're not fora where you can drop in, say your piece and expect people to immediately conform to your expectations of good behaviour. 9 times out of 10 mudslinging happens, but {and this is crucial) it also clears the air and allows preconceptions to be corrected. It's give and take.

I find this post one of the most constructive and there is a lot here that is helpful and constructive . Thanks for taking the time to feedback and I and the board will reflect seriously on some of your comments .

 

[equationgirl]

No I can assure you we are certainly not engaging with the much discredited workfare programme.

Very glad to hear that

So, if you are engaging with the JC+, what are you doing with them? Are they helping publicise opportunities?

 

[jakejb79]

If i was a local business, i'd honeyglaze Splash with money. It seems a good idea to bring the community together.

 

[editor]

I have lived in Lambeth for 30 years Local businesses are reflected on our Board by Blackdread Music Store a founder member of Splash.

Other people were also involved in the founding of Splash but they have been completely airbrushed out of its history.

I do believe it's left a bit of a sour taste amongst some members of the community. Why, for example, is there no mention whatsoever of Pat, the old Albert landlord who came up with the idea in the first place?

 

[Kid_Eternity]

If i was a local business, i'd honeyglaze Splash with money. It seems a good idea to bring the community together.

I see what you did there.

 

[Lee Japser]

FWIW my business has just taken on four apprentices; all young men from South London. We haven't been approached by Mr Jasper or Brixton Splash, but his organisation is just one of several trying to place neets. If he'd come to us before we might well have taken them on through him. But for the next few months, our mentoring and training capacity is fully taken up.
The only thing I object to about this whole issue is the "name-and-shame" of those businesses who don't participate ("blackmail" is too strong, and loaded, a term for this. We have nothing to hide). I can understand the frustration, but as a business owner, I know that there are many reasons for refusing any of the plethora of requests for our resources. We work in and depend on the community; we just don't have the resources to respond positively to everything that comes our way, but we would love to be able to do so.

I love Brixton Splash as an event and I really hope it continues to prosper; I'd really like to feel good about sponsoring it in 2013. But I am afraid this episode leaves a rather nasty taste in the mouth.

Your already doing something positive for the community and Im sorry you feel that simply highlighting business like yours as examples of good practice, promoting your produce as a result and informing communities of those business that simply fail to engage in any way is somehow confrontational . Informed consumer choice and business accountability are all increasing facets of the current retail environment . With customer patronage at such a premium it makes sense to align with those businesses that share customers social and ethical concerns. As you are already engaged you provide a positive example of what we are looking for by way of wider response. This is now a public debate and will run and run Brixton Splash intends to host more debate in the run up to Xmas so there will be plenty of further opportunities to discuss these matters more fully.

 

[Lee Japser]

Other people were also involved in the founding of Splash but they have been completely airbrushed out of its history.

I do believe it's left a bit of a sour taste amongst some members of the community. Why, for example, is there no mention whatsoever of Pat, the old Albert landlord who came up with the idea in the first place?

Im sorry but I dont accept that You may want to discuss with Blackadread who was an original founder member.

 

[editor]

Im sorry but I dont accept that You may want to discuss with Blackadread who was an original founder member.

You don't accept that Pat from the Albert had anything to do with setting up Splash?

Where you around when it was being organised? I was. Pat even posted on these boards about it at the time, so why is he getting no credit?

 

[Lee Japser]

Very glad to hear that

So, if you are engaging with the JC+, what are you doing with them? Are they helping publicise opportunities?

Largely in discussion with us about creating a 'new offer' possible EU level opportunities for our volunteers and assessing entitlement and training support needs.

 

[Lee Japser]

You don't accept that Pat from the Albert had anything to do with setting up Splash?

Where you around when it was being organised? I was. Pat even posted on these boards about it at the time, so why is he getting no credit?

I initially funded BS but only became a board member in 2009 and assumed the chair in 2010. Blackadread was the original founder. I have seen the communication from Pat and responded. I also referred the matter to Blackadread but he has no recollection of any such discussions being held with him. Sorry I cant help you further.

 

[editor]

I initially funded BS but only became a board member in 2009 and assumed the chair in 2010. Blackadread was the original founder. I have seen the communication from Pat and responded. I also referred the matter to Blackadread but he has no recollection of any such discussions being held with him. Sorry I cant help you further.

So he's going to remain airbrushed out of the event's history, and in your mind he played absolutely no part whatsoever in any aspect of organising the first Splash event?

So why was he posting about going to a council meeting to discuss the date of the event? Any idea?

 

[Lee Japser]

I will bring Blackadread to Pat at the Albert so they can discuss in an attempt to resolve . I saw no postings about the date. Im happy to accord credit where its due but this issue precedes my active involvement. As I have no idea who the owner and editor of this blog is maybe you can tell me something about both ?

 

[colacubes]

I will bring Blackadread to Pat at the Albert so they can discuss in an attempt to resolve . I saw no postings about the date. Im happy to accord credit where its due but this issue precedes my active involvement. As I have no idea who the owner and editor of this blog is maybe you can tell me something about both ?

Pat moved on from The Albert a couple of years ago so probably a bit late for it tbh. I know a few people here know him in real life and would probably be more than happy to pass details on if you could find out more from Blackadread.

 

[editor]

I will bring Blackadread to Pat at the Albert so they can discuss in an attempt to resolve . I saw no postings about the date. Im happy to accord credit where its due but this issue precedes my active involvement. As I have no idea who the owner and editor of this blog is maybe you can tell me something about both ?

Pat stopped being landlord at the Albert a long time ago.

I am the editor of this site, but seeing as it is funded by anonymous donations from contributors, I feel a little uncomfortable declaring myself the 'owner.' If I spring this mortal coil it will hopefully carry on being funded and used by those users.

You can find out the story behind the site here: http://www.urban75.org/info/about1.html

 

[Lee Japser]

Lets do that. Read the history great reading but tell me who you are Mr Editor ?

 

[Shippou-Sensei]

AI sub routine.


probably windows based (sorry)

 

[ricbake]

Lets do that. Read the history great reading but tell me who you are Mr Editor ?

<editor: post edited to remove personal info>

 

[peterkro]

Hi Lee,I've lived in Brixton for about forty years.I know the people,your personal reputation isn't too good.I'm prepared to listen to your newish idea's and I hope they are for the community.Having said that your management bollocks speak is nauseating .Don't try and speak for black people it's no more than the usual leadership bollocks.Come with a good idea and we'll follow it,until then don't be surprised if we can't tell the difference between you and Osbourne.

 

[Shippou-Sensei]

the management speak can get a little much.

we get it all the time working in training. companies get the contracts and them subcontract the training out to independept coledges but they don't know a fucking thing about education and it ends up being a speil of this management talk which has practically no relavance to reality.

i'm currently doing NEET training which contains very similar wording to this stuff about opportunities for young people. the truth of the matter is there just more kids on crap training schemes. the neet stuff is often much worse than the old jobcentre training. we used to do C&G vocational courses that really focuses on skills but now all the contracts are tainted with the stink of transferable skills which mean it's all about writing reports.

 

[editor]

Lets do that. Read the history great reading but tell me who you are Mr Editor ?

I'm the editor of the site.
For various reasons - one of them being serious threats from racists in the past - I choose not to post under my real name, in much the same way as no one else on this site is compelled to do so.

 

[ricbake]

apologies

 

[paulhackett]

I understand the demands of small business and those that we work with seem to find the time to communicate with us even where they are unable to engage. Its a simple as a call or a email.

Sorry but not every business does have the time to take their focus away from their primary concerns, for example if their efforts are geared to particular times of year and these times 'clash' with your attempts to contact.

If I had to assess whether I had time to allocate to Splash, based solely on your website as the way you have marketed Splash, I would question why, for example, time hasn't been spent proofing it for content, consistency and typos.

It doesn't come across as well as it could do.