Croydon Chats

In this episode of Croydon Chats, we sit down with Rajan Amin, Engagement Director at PK Partnerships and co-founder of Connecting Croydon. Known by many as "Mr. Croydon", Rajan shares his incredible journey from moving his business to Croydon over a decade ago to becoming one of the borough's biggest champions for collaboration, networking, and community growth. Rajan reflects on how relocating h...

In this episode of Croydon Chats, we sit down with Richard DeDomenici , artist, filmmaker, creative producer, and one of Croydon's most imaginative innovators. Richard shares his incredible journey through Croydon's creative scene, reflecting on more than 16 years of ambitious projects that have helped shape the borough's cultural identity. From discovering Croydon through film to creating unforge...

In this episode of Croydon Chats, we sit down with Sonia Russo, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Legacy Youth Zone, one of Croydon's most impactful organisations supporting young people across the borough. Sonia shares the incredible work being done at Legacy Youth Zone, a state-of-the-art youth centre providing a safe, affordable, and inspiring environment for over 3,500 young people aged 8–19....

In this episode of Croydon Chats, we sit down with Sean Coughlan, Director of Coughlans Bakery, one of Croydon's most successful family-run businesses. Sean shares the remarkable story of Coughlans Bakery, a business that has been passed down through three generations of his family. From his grandfather and father working in the bakery to Sean leading the company today, we explore how the business...

What does it take to build an arts space that genuinely belongs to a community? We're joined by Isla Selley, Director of Boom Arts Academy, one of Croydon's leading performing arts schools to explore how Croydon's creative landscape is evolving and what drives the people building it. Boom Arts Academy is a creative hub dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and fostering cultural exchange. Based r...

What does it take to make Croydon thrive as a business destination? We sat down with Matthew Sims, Chief Executive of Croydon BID, to find out. Matthew leads the Business Improvement District that's reshaping Croydon's economic narrative. He's at the heart of initiatives that bring together local businesses, create opportunity, and challenge the old assumptions about what Croydon can be. This is t...

What does it take to lead Croydon through change? We sat down with Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon Council, to find out. Jason Perry brings a wealth of insight into what's shaping Croydon right now. As Executive Mayor, he's at the heart of decisions that touch everyone in our borough; from community investment to urban regeneration, his work shapes how Croydon grows. In this conversation,...