Work Avenue marked its 20th anniversary with a special evening recognising two decades of transforming lives, honouring five incredible pioneers and affirming a continuing commitment to helping people earn a living with dignity.

More than 250 guests – including past and present CEOs and staff members, trustees, clients, communal leaders, supporters and donors – came together at Work Avenue’s Wohl Enterprise Hub in Finchley to celebrate the charity’s central and vital role in Britain’s Jewish community.

They heard how, from modest beginnings with one small desk in Regents Park Road in 2006, Work Avenue has since grown into the community’s leading employment and business support organisation with offices and outreach across the country, including Essex, and more than 4,000 people engaging with its services every year.

Opening the event, Work Avenue Chair Mark Morris spoke of his pride in the huge number of families who have been supported.

He said: “We have assisted more than 40,000 families during the past 20 years. We are extremely proud that Work Avenue is there for everyone within our community and beyond – irrespective of their religious background, age, gender and geographical location.

“Our service has grown and evolved over the years, but what has never changed is what I consider our greatest achievement – the way we ensure every client is treated with the utmost care to enhance their self-esteem.

“My pledge tonight is that Work Avenue will continue to be that pillar in our community, maintaining the same mission and always assisting individuals and families to earn a living with dignity.”

A highlight of the evening was the chance to celebrate all those who helped build Work Avenue’s success, including former CEOs Shraga Zaltzman and Debbie Sheldon.

Trustee Paul Mann presented the Pioneer Awards to five individuals and organisations whose vision, partnership and innovation have been mutually beneficial for themselves and Work Avenue. The winners were:

Employer Pioneer: Global Group
Partnering with Work Avenue over many years, this company, led by Moshe Feldman, regularly utilises the charity’s Recruitment Service in order to create employment opportunities for members of the community.

Business Pioneer: KMP Solutions
Starting out nearly 20 years ago at Work Avenue, Philip Klein and Solomon Mozes have grown KMP Solutions into a highly respected property and asset management company that commits time and resources back to the community.

Entrepreneur Pioneer: Ben Cohen
Demonstrating pioneering spirit, with Work Avenue’s support from inception, Ben founded HomeSun a solar panel business, over 15 years ago. He now runs Blink Payment, an innovative platform allowing organisations to collect payments seamlessly. 

Innovator Pioneer: Craig Hartzel
Starting his journey by speaking on a Work Avenue AI panel, in the early stages of Chat GPT, Craig now works with businesses, charities and communal organisations to demystify AI as a way to support rather than replace people.

Partnership Pioneer: The Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation
Playing an incredible role in the story of Work Avenue, the Foundation’s ongoing commitment and generosity supports the year-on-year delivery of vital services, while also making the Wohl Enterprise Hub shared workspace a reality.

Professor David Latchman CBE, Chair of the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation, collected the Partnership Pioneer Award. He said: “My late uncle Maurice said to me, on many occasions, ‘build all these buildings, do all these things, but never forget the individual person’.

“Work Avenue is very much about supporting individual people and we are delighted to be associated with them.”

Over two decades, Work Avenue has helped 40,000 families by providing community members with essential lifelong skills. During that time, the charity estimates it has held around 30,000 one-to-one employment advice sessions, 15,000 one-to-one business advice meetings and hundreds of workshops and training courses.

Closing the event, Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett said: “Looking around the room tonight, it is clear that Work Avenue’s growth and success over the last two decades is down to an incredible team of trustees, staff, supporters and clients – all with a shared vision and unwavering commitment to helping people in our community build better futures for themselves and their families.”

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Hosted by Work Avenue – the community’s leading employment and business support organisation – the day was created for anyone from Essex and beyond looking to start their own business, develop a side hustle to supplement current income, or just begin to explore the possibility of doing their own thing.

The Bootcamp was created for anyone looking to start their own business, develop a side hustle to supplement current income, or just begin to explore the possibility of doing their own thing. An array of exciting ideas and potential new businesses were discussed and scrutinised – covering leisure, fashion, catering, finance, importing, technology and more.

The day was led by Work Avenue’s Head of Business, Joanna Sadie, and Business Adviser, Kim Davidson, who praised the group’s energy, questions and insight.

Joanna said: “It was wonderful to have such a highly engaged group of people talking, asking questions and challenging each other – all working together to try and determine whether their business ideas were viable.”

Kim added: “The building was buzzing with a brilliant vibe and a real sense of momentum!”

Those in attendance praised the day as “invaluable”, “productive” and “hugely insightful”. Budding entrepreneur Robyn said: “Trying to do everything yourself can be daunting, so it’s amazing to have the support of Work Avenue to take the next step.”

Another attendee, Liam, said: “I learned a lot and now feel actually capable of evaluating a business idea properly, whereas previously I’ve always gone straight into building an app. The Bootcamp was very productive and conducive to getting my ideas challenged.”

Moshe – who is hoping to open a bar or coffee shop with an Israeli twist – added: “I really learned a lot, both from those leading the sessions and all the new people I met.”

Work Avenue is committed to helping people at every stage of their business journey. Free support on offer includes one-to-one advice meetings, as well as an ongoing programme of workshops, webinars and events. For details, visit www.theworkavenue.org.uk/business.

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More than 90 job seekers packed into the offices of event sponsors Patron Capital for a day of expert talks, lively panel discussions and interactive workshops – offering both motivation and hands-on advice. There was also the chance to discover live vacancies and sign up for training courses.

Attendees came from all sections of the community and spanned a range of ages and career stages.

Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett said: “From those seeking entry-level jobs to those pursuing senior executive roles, there was a strong sense of unity at New Year, New Career, with everyone sharing the same struggles but also the same determination.

“The sharp rise in numbers at this annual event echoes what we have seen in all areas of our work. Redundancies and job losses hit hard in 2024, along with the greater financial need many families have due to rising costs.

“What this inspiring day demonstrated is that the support is there to help people build confidence, find the right vacancy, prepare for interview and land their dream job.”

The day began with a panel discussion on ‘what it takes to succeed’ chaired by Charlotte Collins – the Editor-in-Chief of SheerLuxe fashion magazine.

She advised: “The people who get through the door, and rise fastest, aren’t necessarily those with the right skills or ability – but the people with the best attitude, who go beyond the 9-5 and show a true passion for the job and the company.”

Two motivational sessions were led by Nicky Simmons (Founder of London Health Consult) and Dr Danny McGuigan (Director of Business Development Centre), who used their own personal stories of overcoming adversity to help inspire others.

Nicky advised: “Life is unbelievably wonderful, but also unbelievably complicated. It’s OK to not be OK. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

The mix of speakers on the day – including Keith Breslauer (Managing Partner at Patron Capital), Amanda Reuben (recruitment consultant), Neil Taub (Co-Founder of Zoomdoc) and Eszter Bobvos (Head of People & Culture at JW3) – gave a true insight into what employers and recruiters look for across a range of sectors.

Job seekers described New Year, New Career as “insightful and empowering”, “a real boost to my confidence” and “the jolt I needed to kickstart my career plans for 2025”.

One young female participant said: “Looking for a job can be very lonely. To be with so many talented people, all in the same boat, was comforting and gave me hope.”

An older male attendee commented: “It’s been a long time since I had to look for work, so to hear about what employers and recruiters look for – along with what they certainly don’t want – will greatly help me as I start applying for jobs again.”

Pictures by photofabulous.co.uk.

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Work Avenue is the community’s leading employment and business support organisation. The Enterprise Expo is its flagship annual event and featured a series of high-profile Jewish business leaders sharing their strategies for success.

The title of this year’s Expo was ‘Customer First, Always’. Explaining the importance of the theme, Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett said: “This isn’t just a slogan. It’s a mindset, a guiding principle and, ultimately, a blueprint for business success.”

The event was organised and hosted by Work Avenue Head of Business Joanna Sadie and Business Adviser Kim Davidson.

Speakers included Bourne Leisure CEO Paul Flaum, Slip Receipts Founder and CEO Tash Grossman, Craig Hartzel of Hartz AI, Social Misfits CEO Rebecca Martin and Nick Rabin, the Founder of Possibility Consulting.

Reflecting on what he has learned at Bourne Leisure – the hugely popular UK holiday business which includes the Haven and Warner Hotels brands – Paul told those gathered: “You must always have a customer-centric mindset, and get your mission and culture right.”

He added: “The good news for those here today is that, due to the transformative nature of new technology, it is much easier for small businesses to disrupt and attack big businesses.”

Just as valuable as the expert-led seminars were the buzzing networking sessions and vibrant discussions that took place during the coffee and lunch breaks.

Attendee Julia Morgan, from South Woodford, runs inclusive personal training company Fit For All.

After 20 years as a special educational needs teacher, Julia created her own small business – spotting the real need within the fitness industry to support those with special needs disabilities.

Work Avenue have supported her on all aspects of the business journey, including with producing a business plan, branding, marketing, cash flow, finding clients, strategy and maintaining focus.

Now 10 months into her business, Julia has built up a number of personal training clients and also runs group classes, including for a local authority. Even more importantly, she is providing a vital service for those with special needs disabilities that isn’t available anywhere else.

Julia said: “I couldn’t have done this without Work Avenue. Teaching is such a controlled, structured and routine career, and running your own business is the total opposite of that – so that support and insight has been vital. 

“The Enterprise Expo itself was an inspiring and thought-provoking event. I came away with lots of action points and ideas for my business and had the chance to network with many like-minded people.”

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EMPOWER HER has been created to help all those women looking to re-enter the workforce after a period of absence – whether that’s been to raise a family, care for a loved one or any other reason.

Starting on Thursday 12 September and running for one morning each week, for a period of five weeks, the programme will help equip those taking part with all the tools, resources and confidence needed for a successful return to work.

Work Avenue is the community’s leading employment and business support organisation, touching the lives of 3,000 people each year.

Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett said: “Both through our work, and in our own lives, our team meet many successful and driven women in the community who are daunted at the thought of returning to work after a long break.

“This supportive programme tackles all those things that may be stopping them – whether it’s a lack of confidence, out-of-date CV, worries over skills or just feeling overwhelmed at the thought of juggling work with family and other commitments.

“Those taking part will get to work together with like-minded women, supporting and encouraging each other to reach their individual goals, all with the ongoing guidance of our experienced employment advisers.”

• For more information on all of Work Avenue’s employment and business support services, visit www.theworkavenue.org.uk

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Jewish Blind & Disabled (JBD) – which has three buildings of specially adapted mobility apartments in Essex – was named as Charity Employer of the Year at the Work Avenue Business Awards 2024.

The event celebrates the excellence, innovation and spirit of enterprise within the Jewish community. Work Avenue – the community’s leading employment and business support organisation – received a record 110 nominations for this year’s awards.

JBD triumphed in the brand-new charity category, which was created to recognise the positive impact which non-profits play in providing stable, secure and supportive employment opportunities.

Receiving the trophy, its chief executive Lisa Wimborne said: “I pick this up not for myself, but for our amazing, dedicated 60-strong workforce – who do such an incredible job in a time of ever-growing demand for our services.

“Our staff retention last year was over 95% and it is because of them that our charity is the organisation it is today, providing person-centred support services for the tenants that we house and people living in their own homes.”

Digital estate planning company Zenplans was named as Business of the Year, with founder Stephen Moses picking up the prestigious top prize.

Zenplans was created in 2019, in Work Avenue’s co-working space WE Hub. It helps advisers organise all their clients’ vital documentation and information into a single secure digital estate plan, which can then be shared with nominated individuals to ensure everything is accessible when it’s needed most.

With the ceremony also taking place inside WE Hub, in Finchley, Stephen – accompanied by some of his team members – said: “It is really amazing to receive this award, standing right here where we started five years ago.

“We began with an idea on a piece of paper, and Work Avenue and the network created at WE Hub, helped turn it into a reality. This place really does incredible things for our community.”

Micro Business of the Year, open to any company with less than five employees, was won by the AI training and consultancy firm Hartz AI, another to have benefitted from Work Avenue’s support.

Founder and CEO Craig Hartzel said: “I actually fell into this business when Work Avenue asked me to talk at one of their events about AI… and that’s how Hartz AI was born.

“Work Avenue is the most amazing organisation, where everyone is so supportive – from their team of advisers to the rest of the staff to the other members and clients. I would highly recommend them to anyone starting a business and looking for advice, support and/or a place to work.”

The Freelancer of the Year award went to Vickie Prais, a human rights lawyer and consultant helping organisations and civil society put human rights first.

The final award was for Young Entrepreneur of the Year, celebrating those under 30 who are building and leading growing and dynamic businesses – won by Dan Kraines and Scott Hircombe, of Paramater, the marketing agency they created during the pandemic to push the boundaries of what brands can achieve.

The Work Avenue Business Awards launched in 2018 and honours businesses from across the entire community and all around the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, the charity’s CEO Debbie Lebrett said: “For more than 18 years, Work Avenue has been committed to one overriding mission: empowering individuals to earn a living with dignity. Whether through securing employment or launching their own businesses, we provide the tools, training and support to make dreams a reality.

“A huge thank you to everyone who nominated a business or charity for these awards, our stellar panel of judges, the many hardworking individuals who have made tonight a success and the generosity of our sponsors.

“Our finalists and winners represent the very best of our community, from a truly outstanding pool of contenders.”

• Pictures by Leivi Saltman

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Run and hosted by Work Avenue, the awards celebrate the incredible hard work, dedication and successes of businesses, charities and entrepreneurs of all sectors, shapes and sizes. Nominations are now open.

Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett said: “As the community’s leading employment and business support organisation, we know only too well how hard it is to start a new venture, grow it and make it viable.

“There are so many talented and brave entrepreneurs in our community, with a brilliant business idea, who have the courage to launch their business and then work night and day to make it a success. In addition, we also recognise how many charitable organisations are boosting employment.

“That’s why these awards recognise enterprising organisations across the spectrum of the business journey and across the spectrum of our Jewish community… celebrating the invaluable and unique contribution each of them makes.”

The 2024 Business Awards are open to all and will be decided by an independent panel of prominent judges.

The categories are:

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – The flagship award recognises outstanding businesses that have demonstrated exceptional performance and have made a significant impact within their industry. The judges will also take into account a number of other factors, including commitments to employee well-being, diversity and the environment.

MICRO BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – This award will go to a business with fewer than five employees, which is outperforming expectations and has a promising future ahead. This micro business will have shown positive growth and already be making its mark in its specific industry sector.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR –Aged 30 or under, the Young Entrepreneur of the Year will have launched and be running their own business. This award is designed to celebrate young people in the Jewish community who are building growing and dynamic businesses – and laying down the foundations for continued success.

FREELANCER OF THE YEAR – This award recognises freelancers and self-employed professionals and celebrates the tenacity and drive it takes to go it alone. Judges will be looking for the freelancer/self-employed professional who has added value to a number of different clients.

CHARITY EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR – This brand-new award for 2024 celebrates the role charities have to create employment opportunities in the community and the impact they have on helping people to earn a living.

If you know a successful and growing business or charity that is worthy of recognition and celebration in any of the categories above, or you wish to nominate your own, please visit www.theworkavenue.org.uk/bizawards24.

Nominations close on Monday 17 June with the shortlist published on Wednesday 26 June. All those who are shortlisted will be invited to the 2024 Business Awards Gala Evening on Tuesday 9 July at a NW London location.

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