Big boost for local economy, great networking opportunities and smart travel tips

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News for businesses in Havering. March 2018.


Billion pound joint venture

Leader with Tim Wates March 2018
Havering Council Leader Roger Ramsey (right) with Tim Wates from Wates Residential on the Warterloo Estate

Last week Havering Council announced a £1bn contract and major new joint venture partnership with Wates Residential, which will see 12 Council estates regenerated to provide around 3,000 homes over the next 12 years.

The scheme will deliver a lasting legacy for the local community through investment in skills, training and education. Working with Wates, the Council predict the social value benefits from the first phase of the work will be worth around £6.8 million. Commitments include the creation of a Construction Academy through a partnership with Havering College and the Construction Industry Training Board that will deliveraround 165 apprenticeships over the life of the scheme. 

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Protect your customers - and your business

men at computer

The new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) come into effect on Friday 25 May 2018.

The EU GDPR replaces the Data Protection Act and is designed to harmonize data privacy laws across Europe, and to protect EU citizens' data privacy.

Failure to adhere to GDPR could mean heavy fines, so to help businesses understand the new rules Barclays Bank's Hornchurch branch is running an event this Wednesday 21 March from 9 - 11am at the CEME centre, Rainham. The event is open to everyone. Just email grant.fernee1@barclays.com with your contact details. 


Could you be a winner?

BNBA

Entries for the inaugural National Best New Business Awards close this Thursday, 22 March at 5pm. Applicants can enter up to three categories.

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Space for your business

Retailery Mar 2017

Office space is now available at The Retailery, central Romford. 

  • £125 a month for one person (open plan)
  • £250 a month for up to two people (open plan)
  • £400 a month for up to four people (open plan) 
  • £800 a month for up to four people (lockable, private office)  

One month rolling contract for maximum flexibility to your company. Includes rent, rates, electricity, water, waste disposal, internet, phone diversion, free use of meeting room with technology, communal kitchen, toilet facilities, entry phone, CCTV, and cleaning.

For more information please visit The Retailery or email hello@retailery.co.uk


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 £3,000 to help you increase active travel (cycling and walking) at your business.

Please contact Martin Day for more details.


Proposed parking changes

Parking sign

If changes to parking restrictions in the local area around your business are planned you can have your say about them, and view all current restrictions, via our online parking and traffic portal called TraffWeb.

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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 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 every third Thursday of the month at the Retailery in Market Place, Romford, from 5 - 7pm 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. 


Invest in Havering

Invest in Havering

If you are planning investment in Havering - or know a business that's considering this - visit our dedicated inward investment website.

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