Local skills improvement plans survey
Local skills improvement plans (LSIPs) are designed to put organisations at the heart of the skills system in order to ensure that they have access to the skills which they need, both now and in the future.
Local London, the group of nine local authorities in north east and south east London, is engaging with organisations of all sizes, employer representative bodies, training providers and education bodies to enable a more responsive and collaborative approach to the development the local workforce.
They would welcome your views on doing this.
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 As reported in Issue 62, we have partnered with the London Business Hub’s Wayfinder scheme to help small businesses connect with trusted expert advice and support.
There is no lack of business support services in London. However, finding the right one can be tricky. For small business owners focusing on their day-to-day in a challenging economy, it can simply be too time consuming.
We know businesses need a helping hand from experts who understand what support is readily available to them. Wayfinder can link you to experts who can do all the hard work, connecting you to impartial and excellent quality advice.
Find out more and to register:
Need to be more digitally competitive?
If you would like to improve your online presence, increase turnover by creating content that converts into actual sales or you just want to introduce new efficient CRM technologies, then this e-business programme is for you. It will help you save time and money in the long-term. Take a look at our case study for Law Lane, Stratford to learn how they have benefited.
Called the Local London E-business programme, it provides a menu of support and training to develop skills and knowledge of digital technology and applications across all sectors.
The programme will tailor the support and provide sessions that work around your availability.
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Advert
We’re looking for more catering suppliers
The Council wants to expand its Food Business Directory list of approved catering suppliers for the smaller events which we organise.
To be considered, caterers must:
- Be based in Newham.
- Pay the London Living Wage to all staff (currently £11.05 and increasing to £11.95 this May).
- Have a Food Standards Agency four or five star rating.
- Offer high quality food which is healthy and sustainable.
- Invest in skills training for themselves and their staff.
If you meet all these criteria, please apply:
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 Samuel Wilson's Loan Trust for young people
In a cost of living crisis increasing the financial wellbeing, resilience and growth of our local entrepreneurs is key. For example, disabled people are significantly less likely to manage well financially.
Samuel Wilson's Loan Trust is a charity which offers business loans to young people aged 18-39 who are "in need by reason of ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantages" for them to establish and develop new businesses.
The maximum loan is £50,000, starting at 2% interest. Please note that, as part of the application process, a robust business plan with detailed and realistic financial forecasts is required.
For more information:
Help shape business rates services
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is asking business rate bill payers to take part in research about the services it provides.
The VOA sets the rateable values of all business and other non-domestic properties; the Council uses the rateable value to calculate a property’s business rates bill.
To help improve the services it provides and take part in any stages of the research:
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Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy restructured
Last month the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) was restructured into three departments; this was to boost economic growth and address the current energy crisis. The new departments are the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department for Business and Trade.
 The King’s Coronation Community Grant
The Coronation ceremony for His Majesty King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. An extra bank holiday on Monday 8 May will give communities throughout the United Kingdom the opportunity to mark the event.
Individuals and community groups are invited to apply for a maximum of £500 towards their celebratory events for The King’s Coronation 7-10 May.
Applications are now open and will close at 17:00 on Friday 17 March.
For more information:
Amazon Sustainability Accelerator programme
The free Amazon Sustainability Accelerator programme is looking to sign up start-ups which are developing environmentally friendly products or recycling technologies. If you apply and are successful, the three month programme will provide you with:
- expert-led workshops
- mentorship
- office space
- networking
- cash grants of up to £10,000
- advertising click credits worth £500.
For more information and to register your interest:
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Give your business a competitive edge with the
Help to Grow: Management Course
The Help to Grow: Management Course is designed and delivered by entrepreneurs and industry experts from world-class business schools. It provides:
- access to 12 weeks of learning designed to fit alongside work commitments
- development of a bespoke business growth plan to help your business reach its full potential
- 1:1 support from a business mentor
- networking opportunities.
The programme is 90% funded by the Government, so you only pay £750.
For more information:
Cost of doing business: supporting you
As the cost of living crisis continues to hit Newham hard, including businesses, here’s lots of helpful information:
The British Business Bank has published a new guide to building business resilience that contains information and support to help smaller businesses manage their costs, boost their long-term profitability and increase their resilience during high times of economic uncertainty.
The guide features everything from energy efficiency to controlling staff overheads to help smaller business owners build a foundation for both resilience and innovation to protect their businesses.
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Events and exhibitions
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Social Media Monetisation Unlocked
Saturday 4 March – 09:30-16:00 Hyatt Regency Stratford, E20
This free in-person event, which is limited to the first 150 bookings, will cover all the current social media platforms. The workshops, led by expert coaches, will support you to identify the latest income generating strategies that are working right now and how you can attract the right target market.
To find out more and to secure your free ticket:
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The Black in Sport Summit 2023
Saturday 25 March – 09:00-16:00 London Stadium, E20
The Black in Sport Summit (BISS) will challenge and tackle discrimination and underrepresentation of Black people in sports. The themes of the summit are excellence, leverage and influence.
BISS continues to build a community of current and aspiring sporting professionals and promotes a career in sport as being available to everyone.
To find out more and to buy ticket:
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The International Franchise Show
Friday & Saturday 14-15 April – 10:00-16:00 London ExCeL
Looking to start up your own business? Then franchising is a great way to kick start this.
Hundreds of businesses will be exhibiting at this event, showcasing franchising opportunities.
Find out more and to secure your free ticket:
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