A successful Newham bakery business born out of the ashes of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine received a visit from Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE as the world marks the third anniversary of the invasion.
In the three years since Feb 24th 2022, nearly 500 Ukrainians who first sought refuge in Newham have moved on from their initial sponsors into their own accommodation, most choosing to remain in our welcoming borough. Many are now working, more than 100 Ukrainian children continue their education in Newham schools, and some who found safety here have even launched their own businesses.
One inspiring example, visited by the Mayor today is Payava, a bakery specialising in artisanal baked goods and confectionery. Its Ukrainian owners Valentyna and Pavel have rebuilt their business here after being forced to leave behind their successful bakery when war devastated their homeland. They now employ three other bakers making specialities which were favourites in Ukraine.
“Newham is a proud Borough of Sanctuary, where many people have come seeking safety after fleeing conflict. In one of London’s most diverse boroughs, our greatest strength is our ability to welcome and celebrate people of different ethnicities and backgrounds – We are all Newham. We will, and will always, do all we can to support refugees. I was delighted to meet the team at Payava today, whose business became part of our community after they were displaced by Russia's invasion. I wish them only continued peace and success.” said the Mayor.
