Free training for businesswomen, apply for the Queen's Awards, and networking opportunities

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News for businesses in Havering. Week beginning Monday 31 July 2017.

Businesswomen learn digital skills

Women In Business

On Wednesday 19 July, businesswomen from across Havering came together at Havering Town Hall to hone their online business skills. The well attended event, hosted by Havering Women in Business Network in partnership with Enterprise Nation and Facebook's She Means Business campaign, consisted of a free workshop on how to use digital skills to grow businesses. Havering Women in Business are organising a number of other free events including:

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Get recognition for your business by applying for the Queen's Awards

Queens award

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of:

  • innovation
  • international trade
  • sustainable development
  • promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Winners have reported benefiting from worldwide recognition, increased commercial value, greater press coverage and a boost to staff morale. This is a great opportunity to highlight the work of your business - find out more and apply below.

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Are you eligable for business rates relief?

money

Earlier this month, Havering Council sent 'Public House Relief' application forms to 45 identified Public Houses in the borough. The Council will be monitoring these closely and encouraging them all to apply for the £1,000 discount.

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UK-wide competition for growth businesses

Oxford

Oxford Innovation are running a UK-wide competition to identify the next generation of exciting growth businesses.

If you're an innovative SME looking to build on your success, this is a great opportunity to be recognised for your efforts and get the support you need.

Apply

Smarter travel and your business

Cycle confident training course

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.

Grow your business at the CEME launchpad centre

CEME

The all-new Launchpad Centre gives companies the ideal environment, location, support and scalability to reach their potential quickly.

Take advantage of highly-affordable office space, a range of fixed and hot-desking, the latest equipment and full-time business support from a Resident Entrepreneur.

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Networking in Havering

network meeting

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.

The Havering Business Network provides a unique opportunity for the local business community to engage with the Members and/or Senior Officers from the Council. Their next event is on Wednesday 30 November.

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.