As part of my Croydon Means Business initiative, we are bringing local businesses without a permanent shopfront into Centrale Shopping Centre on Small Business Saturday, 5 December. We are giving 10 local entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their products, attract new customers and boost sales at our Christmas pop-up market. Croydon already has more small and medium-sized businesses than Birmingham or Manchester, and I want to build on that success by helping even more local businesses start, grow and thrive. This is a fantastic opportunity to test the high street, reach new customers and take that next step. There are just 10 spaces available, so do not miss out! 📅 Deadline: Friday 30 October 📧 Register your interest: [email protected]

🎉Happy 10th Birthday to @BoxparkCroydon Since opening in October 2016, BOXPARK has become a much-loved part of our town centre, welcoming more than 1.3 million visitors every year. From fantastic street food and live music to Crystal Palace match screenings and community events, including the I Love Croydon event earlier this year, BOXPARK has been bringing people together for a decade whilst supporting more than 150 small businesses. As part of the celebrations there is a free family event on Saturday 31 October, with live music and entertainment. 🎟️ Get your free tickets here 👉 tinyurl.com/brauftm6

Proud to raise the Emergency Services Day flag over Croydon Town Hall, joined by representatives from the Police, Fire Service, RNLI and NHS, and, for the first time, Croydon Crown Court Judge Edward Connell. Three fire engines due to attend were called out, while Superintendent Luke Dillon explained his colleagues were fully deployed - a reminder of just how busy our emergency services are. It was also great to welcome pupils from Winterbourne Junior Girls’ School in Thornton Heath - perhaps some of our 999 emergency service heroes of the future. A huge thank you to everyone who works to keep us safe.