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04 September 2023

Business Direct

YOUR BUSINESS NEWS FROM RICHMOND COUNCIL

PATCH!

Your new neighbourhood workspace

Supported by Richmond Council and the South London Partnership’s BIG South London programme, the art deco building at 42 York Street has been transformed into a vibrant space. The transformation of this local landmark is the work of Patch, a startup with a mission to reignite local high streets by encouraging people to work closer to home and connect more with their local community.

Patch, situated just a one-minute walk from Church Street’s independent shops and restaurants, offers design-led spaces suitable for a wide range of work and serves as an innovative community hub for cultural and community events.

The design approach to the workspaces supports a professional and creative environment, is full of natural light, plants, bespoke timber furniture, cosy sofas and plenty of playful design touches. The aim is to support you to have a brilliant workday close to home, whether that means cutting the commute or getting away from the kitchen table. It also aims to promote a better work-life balance allowing for more time with friends, family and community engagement.

The space is being led by Community and Events Executives, Abbie Carter and Clare Mroz. It is the start of the Patch journey in Twickenham, and their aim is to create a meaningful local centre for work, culture and community and be a proactive local partner in Twickenham. So whatever your work, skills and interests, head down to Patch, and discover your new neighbourhood workspace.

Click here to find out more or book a tour

Sheetal and her team, are thrilled to announce the opening of Café Arora!  

This new venture is located at Patch and is a testament to their unrelenting passion for crafting delicious flavours and unforgettable dining experiences.

At Café Arora, their goal is to offer a scrumptious blend of flavours by combining the finest ingredients to create salads, sandwiches, and pastries that will leave you wanting more. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur seeking the perfect brew or an enthusiast of Indian street food, their diverse menu has something to satisfy everyone's taste buds.

Café Arora is open to the public, as they are very happy to become part of your community.

Sheetal and her team can't wait to serve you at Café Arora, where each bite and sip is a celebration of flavours and togetherness. Join them in the excitement of this new adventure!

APPROACHING DEADLINES 6 Sep:   Innovate UK Unlocking Potential Award 14 Sep: The Enterprise Nation Fund 22 Sep: Eagle Labs Funding Readiness Programme 30 Sep: Richmond Business Awards Entry 4 Oct:    Net Zero Product Design Competition

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 10 Sep: The Mayor of Richmond Twickenham Tour & Tea  20 Sep: Charities Trustee Recruitment Evening 26 Sep: Richmond Borough companies target Net Zero

Is retrofitting the answer to a sustainable future?

Retrofitting residential and commercial buildings will be crucial for improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and achieving sustainability goals.

But it poses many challenges around investment and supply and demand. If you’re interested in this topic, get involved in BIG South London’s Design Lab session on this very topic on 6 September at Kingston University Townhouse.

Taking part will increase your professional and community network and allow you the opportunity to collaborate with key players in your borough to create sustainable solutions.

Find out more

Attention everyone 50+

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business, but didn't know where to start? Startup School for Seniors is here to help you turn that dream into a reality.

This fully funded, eight-week online course is specifically designed for aspiring entrepreneurs in London.

You will not only gain valuable knowledge and skills, but also able to meet your peers during a weekly online group session and receive one-to-one mentoring sessions to address any challenges you may face.

Best of all, the course is fully online and designed to fit around your existing lifestyle. So whether you have caring responsibilities, are unemployed or in work, you can take advantage of this amazing opportunity to turn your passion or idea into a thriving business.

Don't miss out! Make your dream a reality - take the first step towards a successful future as a business owner. 

Find out more

Richmond Business Awards

The deadline to enter in the Richmond Business Awards is fast approaching - 30 September 2023.

There are 14 individual Awards, including Environmental Sustainability, Female Entrepreneur, People's Choice and Charity - to name, but a few. So don't miss out on this opportunity to enter your business and celebrate your achievements.

Find out more

UK Business Climate Hub

85% of shoppers are more likely to buy from a business with a reputation for sustainability.

British businesses will be able to access new advice and support to reduce their energy bills and cut their carbon emissions from the UK Business Climate Hub.

Find out more

Black History Month 

For Black History Month, in October, we are keen to hear stories from local businesses who have African-Caribbean owners. Businesses/trades founded many generations ago and either still going strong or have retired.

Maybe one or both grand/parents arrived with the Windrush generation, founded a little corner shop, and traded for several years, or the children have taken over and now run the business.

Tell us your story!

Any queries or contact us

The Enterprise Nation Fund

Take your business to new heights. The competition will give three small business owners the chance to win a £5,000 grant, a year of mentoring with an expert entrepreneur, and a bundle of prizes designed to support your small business.

Complete the short application form, explaining why you think your business should win. The deadline to enter is 11.59pm on 14 September 2023. 

Find out more

The Property Advice Programme

Are you an SME looking for or occupying premises in Greater London? Perhaps you are experiencing challenges with your commercial property such as:

• Negotiating a new lease with your landlord.
• You have a rent review coming up and you do not agree with the new rent figure proposed by the landlord.
• You do not understand business rates and what relief schemes are.

Register to this programme to get Free help and advice

Night Time Strategy

Richmond Council’s Night Time Strategy consultation team still wants to hear your views! 

The Night Time Strategy for the borough is to help understand how we can make the night time (everything between 6pm and 6am) a better experience for everyone living, working, and visiting the borough. 

The Strategy will cover all aspects of the night time, from transport and lighting to conditions for night workers and late opening times. 

Find out more and have your say

Winter is coming!

NOW is the time to take action to save on your business energy cost!

Book a free one hour 1-1 session with Toby Costin, Director of CREW Energy, to learn how your business can save money on your energy bills. Find out:

• How behavioural changes can save you money.
• How new low-cost technologies can reduce your energy demand.
• What support is available to your business.

Many local places, e.g. ETNA (Twickenham), All Saint Church (East Sheen), Landmark (Teddington) already started to implement suggested changes.

So don’t miss out – contact CREW Energy now.

Key Links

• Business Rates
• Licensing and Trades
• Work Match Richmond

Business Hub

• Events/Workshop
• Workspaces
• Phoenix Enterprise Programme 3.0