News of grants to be won, roads re-opening and lots of networking opportunities

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News for businesses in Havering. Monday 27 November 2017.


In the running

Plane

Havering Council has successfully submitted an expression of interest to Heathrow Airport to consider building one of its logistics hubs within the borough to service the expansion of the airport.

Although it remains one of 65 potential sites, this has been reduced from an initial 121 applications and Havering is one of only two London locations. Heathrow will be building four sites that will pre-assemble components for the expansion programme and then transport them to the airport.

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Road finally re-opens

Bridge work at Bryant avenue

Bryant Avenue, near Gallows Corner, currently closed due to the Ardleigh Green A127 Bridge works, will re-open on Friday 8 December.

Transport for London (TfL) is re-opening the road following extensive lobbying from Havering Council.

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Celebrate and be inspired

HBA dinner

Over 60 businesses across the borough have entered the prestigious Havering Business Awards which will take place on Thursday 8 February 2018.

Last week, entries for the awards closed but tickets for the awards ceremony at CEME Conference Centre in Rainham are on sale now.

You can expect fabulous entertainment, pre-dinner drinks, a three course dinner with wine plus an opportunity to network with other Havering businesses.

Get tickets


Regeneration plan agreed

Bridge Close

Havering Council's Cabinet has agreed proposals to transform the Bridge Close site in the centre of Romford.

This is part of an ambitious plan that is hoped will be a “catalyst” for regeneration across the Town Centre.

Members agreed to enter into a Joint Venture with Savills Investment Management and First Base, to facilitate the redevelopment of the Bridge Close site. The funding for the scheme will now be subject to approval at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday 21 February 2018.

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Join us in celebrating Havering!

business networking

The Havering Business Network provides an opportunity for the local business community to engage with the Members and/or Senior Officers from the Council. The next event is on Thursday 30 November and will recognise the contribution businesses make towards the economic growth of the borough and the Council will share its plans for moving the borough forward.

This event also provides an opportunity to speak with the Leader of the Council, Director of Neighbourhoods and Assistant Director of Development.

6 - 8pm at Havering Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BD.

Register


Prizes for young entrepreneurs

Young entrepreneurs

The Start-up Challenge Business Competition is offering £10,000 Investment to young entrepreneurs aged 16-30

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to The Pitch; a Dragons’ Den style online pitch. A panel of judges will vote on the best pitches and the entrepreneur(s) with the best idea will be invited to go through to the Youngtrepreneurs Boot Camp.

Applicants must submit a business idea proposal by 17 December 2017.

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Being smart about travel

Cycle confident training course

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

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.

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 for more details.


Mental health in the workplace

H Mind logo

Mental health is a growing issue in our workplaces with more and more people struggling with their mental wellbeing.

Havering Mind now delivers a two day Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course which provides an in-depth understanding of mental health, looking at the most common mental health issues and how to notice the signs and symptoms.

By taking part in this training, you can educate your staff on ways to improve their own mental health and wellbeing and also give them the vital tools to be able to support and understand others.

For more information email: training@haveringmind.org.uk or call 01708 457040.


Helpful advice

Trading stds

It's National Consumer Week and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute in conjunction with the Consumer Protection Partnership have released a video animation guide aimed at businesses who offer subscriptions to their customers.

Whether selling gym memberships, health or beauty products, streaming services or periodic subscriptions, all businesses must follow a strict set of laws designed to protect consumers from unfair practices.

The video is produced alongside Business Companion, a free government backed business advice website, offering important, up-to-date consumer law information accessible to all.

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Promote your business

Funeral Guide

You could advertise your business in Havering Council's Guide to Cremation and Burial in Havering, which is handed to every person registering a death in Havering and is made available to all GPs, community nursing teams, libraries and nursing homes.

Distribution of the 2018 - 2019 edition will commence in January 2018. For details please email Meryl Bindon.

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Networking in Havering

Business networking

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 7 - 8.30am.

BNI Valour chapter meets each Tuesday morning at Thames Gateway YMCA, Rush Green Road, Romford, RM7 0PH from 7 - 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 8 - 10am.

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

Romford Makerspace Meetup Are you are a maker, a 3D print enthusiast, or into robotics? Do you like tinkering with electronics and technology? Then, this is the group for you. Join in a twice monthly meet-up to share ideas. 

WordPress meetups are the chance for  WordPress users 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.

Your Business Community has recently launched a breakfast networking event taking place every two weeks on a Wednesday. The event is held at the Liberty Bell in Romford starting at 8am. On-site parking is free. The group is a SME support organisation providing a comprehensive range of membership benefits.

Check group websites for latest info. 


Top results for college

Engineerign student Havering College

Havering Sixth Form College’s Engineering BTEC Diploma course proved its worth as it has been named in the top 10 per cent of highest achieving Engineering courses in the UK.

The results – where every student achieved no lower than a Distinction (equivalent to a grade A) in the first year and a Double Distinction (equivalent to AA) in the second year – are thought to be the best in the country.


Tech for Good 2018

Comic relief

Comic Relief have partnered with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to deliver a programme that will fund up to 12 digital projects lasting nine months. Projects must cover one of the four programme areas:

  • Building stronger communities
  • Empowering women and girls
  • Investing in children and young people
  • Improving health and wellbeing 

UK based, not for profit organisations who will be ready to make a digital step within nine months can apply before the deadline of 20 December 2017.The maximum grant is £47,000.

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