Free support to grow your business

The London Business Growth Programme offers free support to help businesses grow. The support is tailored to your needs, growth ambition, and potential.

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Romford BIDs for sucess

Between the 18th September and 16th October 2017 the business community of Romford town centre will be asked for their vote on creating a Romford Business Improvement District (Romford BID).

Driven forward by the new Romford Town Management Partnership, the aim of the Romford BID is to unite the local business community, giving businesses ownership of the town and authority on how it is managed, improved and promoted. 

By joining forces and working towards a comprehensive vision, the local economy will prosper, resulting in a multitude of benefits for each and every business within the Romford BID area.

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Riverside BID charity bike ride

The London Riverside BID is supporting Rainham charity Royals with a sponsored bike ride on Wednesday 25 July. The Mayor of Havering will start the race at the Barges car park, Coldharbour Lane and the ride will finish at the RSPB reserve. To donate, take part or for more information, contact Debbie Moore.

Care network courses

There are still spaces available on some Havering Care Network courses, including courses on safeguarding, manual handling, and medication awareness.

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Smarter travel and your business

There are lots of ways Havering Council's Smarter Travel Team can help your business. Here are just a few:

Free Driver CPC Training – Attending these fully accredited driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training courses contributes a full day towards the 35 hours Driver CPC training that professional drivers need to complete every five years. Aimed at HGV, public service, and van drivers, it’s designed to give drivers training on how to reduce risks relating to cyclists and pedestrians on our roads.

Cycling – information on local schemes that may interest your business, including free national standard bike training for groups or individuals. Contact Andrada Jichici
andrada@cycleconfident.com  or call her on 07718 325 816.

Transport for London Cycling Workplaces Scheme – a scheme that offers a range of free cycling based services, including help with cycle storage, bike checks, and bike security marking.

Electric Vehicles / Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles – information and some helpful facts about EVs and their benefits.

Small Grants for Business – apply for a grant worth up to £3000 to help you increase active travel (cycling and walking) at your business.

Please contact Martin Day to discuss any of the above opportunities or about applying for the grant.

Networking in Havering

Networking is a proven way to build good relations with other businesses, which can lead to referrals and new business. There are a number of networking groups in Havering including those listed below.

Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry hold regular breakfast networking meetings on the second Friday of each month at Havering Museum in Romford. 

Havering B-Hive geared towards start-up businesses meet at various locations around the borough on the third Thursday of each month at 9.30am. It includes informal networking with presentations and pitches.

Havering Young Professionals Network aim to give the youth of Havering's businesses a platform to grow and develop long lasting relationships, in their own way. Events are held monthly at various times and locations, with a blend of traditional business networking with a youthful twist.

BNI Evolution Chapter meets each Wednesday morning at Maylands Golf Club, Colchester Road, Harold Park,  RM3 0AZ from 7am – 8.30am.

BNI Valour chapter meets each Tuesday morning at Thames Gateway YMCA, Rush Green Road, Romford, RM7 0PH from 7am - 8.30am.

Collier Row Business Network Forum holds a number of workshops, and seminars throughout the year and is a chance to network with other local Collier Row businesses. The Forum is for all businesses including sole traders and home businesses to discuss and support each other. 

4N networking group meets every fortnight at Liberty Bell, Mercury Gardens, Romford, RM1 3EN on Thursdays from 8am - 10am.

ebn Upminster and Hornchurch group meets at Manor Hotel, Berwick Pond Road, Rainham, RM13 9EL from 8am - 10am on alternate Tuesdays.

Forum of Private Business meets on the second Friday of each month at YMCA, Roneo Corner, Rush Green Road, Romford, RM7 OPH, from 7.30am. More information: Gerry Goldner.

Romford Makerspace Meetup Are you are a maker, a 3D print enthusiast, or into robotics? Do you like tinkering with electronics and technology? Are you are close to Romford, and interested in meeting similar people locally? Then, this is the group for you.  Join in a twice monthly meetup to share ideas and plan ahead. 

WordPress meetups are the chance for all WordPress users (and those who want to know more about WordPress) to get together and discuss various aspects of designing, developing and marketing WordPress websites and blogs. Meeting on the third Tuesday of every month from 6pm at The Retailery, in Romford's Market Place.

Check group websites for latest info.