Community is something I talk about a lot at 12 Rounds

I believe that feeling part of a community is vital to our mental health.  Communities offer support, connection and help set healthy boundaries. Things that are important for our social functioning.  Prior to Covid we were even featured in Forbes magazine talking about how our community atmosphere has kept our members coming back year after year.

Last week i did a radio interview talking about being part of Clapham Junctions Business Improvement District (BID)

It made me realise that small businesses need supportive communities too particularly when dealing with a global pandemic.

Running a small business can be incredibly isolating.  And time consuming.  You are expected to be an expert in all areas, human resources, legal requirements, IT, management, marketing….as well as delivering your actual service.  It can be overwhelming trying to stay on top of everything. Add a global pandemic to the mix and it could be easy to go into stress overload.

From the initial corona outbreak and lockdown we’ve been fortunate to have been supported by Roz Lloyd Williams at Clapham’s Junction BID.  Throughout this crazy time, Roz has been on hand to offer advice and information on continuing to operate our business safely and applying for grants.  She has also helped advertise our online services on social media and the BIDs website.  As well as running 12 Rounds, I’m a busy mum it can be hard to keep up to date on the changing rules and information.  It’s been great to have someone on hand to answer my often frantic questions.

Clapham junction is such a vibrant area.  Prior to Covid a vast number of people would pass through travelling in and out of CJ station.  It’s been fantastic that we have the BID to make the most of this dynamic area.  How fantastic do the new Christmas lights look for one?  It’s also great having an app and website guiding visitors and residents through the local businesses.  As 12 Rounds doesn’t have an on street window people often don’t know we are there.  Yes there’s a huge graffiti logo on the building but we’ve learned most people don’t look up!

Our building which was precious Wessex House has always been a hub of activity in Wandsworth.  Gym members often tell me how they previously frequented Wessex House with some even meeting their partners there :)

As we move into hopefully a more social 2021, I def plan to def take a more active role in the community and get to know our neighbouring businesses better.  Who knows, all being well and when we are allowed to meet in groups again, 12 Rounds could host a meet up where local business could connect and discuss their challenges.  And of course have a go at boxing.  I’m sure there are a lot of business owners who would love to take the stress of 2020 out on our punch bags :)

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://12roundsboxing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/fed13cc3-a01e-4cf5-850f-f04a63cc680b.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Kat Hamilton is founder of 12 Rounds Boxing. She in incredibly passionate about the effects of boxing in helping people improve all aspects of their life. She very much believes in community spirit! [/author_info] [/author]