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01 November 2023

Business Direct

YOUR BUSINESS NEWS FROM RICHMOND COUNCIL

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month

-  We will remember Them!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

  7 Nov: Phoenix Programme Art Exhibition & Networking

10 Nov: BIG - Buying Net Zero: Public Procurement & Sustainable Supply Chains

10 Nov: BIG - Business, Innovation & Growth Summit

13-19 Nov: Global Entrepreneur Week (GEW)

24 Nov: Richmond Business Awards and Christmas Ball

APPROACHING DEADLINES 12 Nov: Better Futures: Sustainability made easy 13 Nov: CRL Accelerator Innovation Programm 15 Nov: Black Business Fund

A toast to fine vine!

Tom Doran, a former professional rugby player for London Irish, was lucky enough to grow up in a household where excellent wine was omnipresent, which started his love for wine and running the UK side of the Doran Family Vineyards in Teddington.

Read more about Tom's journey here

Elections Act and Voter ID

The Elections Act 2022 introduced a number of changes, the most significant being the requirement to bring photographic ID to vote.

Only original documents are accepted at the polling station/signing place; scanned images or copies will not be accepted.

If you do not have any of the accepted photo IDs, and you want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specific for the purposes of voting only. 

Find out more about the Election Act, Voter ID and VAC

Digital Boost's Free Business Mentoring and Support

It can be challenging and lonely to start or run a business, but it doesn’t have to be. Get free business mentoring and support. Small business support that’s personalised for you, flexible and free.

Find out more

Changes to Living Wage(s)

In April 2016 the government introduced a higher minimum wage rate for all staff over 25 years of age inspired by the Living Wage campaign - even calling it the ‘national living wage’.

The Living Wage rates for 2023-24 were announced on October 24^th, 2023.

Employers now have 6 months until May 1st to implement them.

Find out more

The Small Business Saturday Tour comes to Richmond

The annual tour, will call at 23 different towns and cities across the UK throughout November, visiting small businesses and shining a light on their contribution to the UK economy and local communities, will be in Richmond on Wednesday 29^th November.

The campaign encourages millions to shop small on the busiest shopping day of the year – which this year falls on 2nd December.

The 2023 tour will make use of electric vehicles to limit emissions and reflect the sustainable switches many small business owners are making as part of their vital role in the race to net zero.

In addition to visiting businesses in Richmond, the Small Business Saturday team will also be holding a net walking event in Richmond Park.

Find out more

Grow London - Cohort 3

Grow London Global is a free 12-month programme for London-based companies that want to expand internationally. It is the successor to the Mayor's International Business Programme, which has helped 1,300 London scaleups reach their global expansion goals.

The programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by four lead delivery partners who are on hand to help you achieve global success.

Thanks to these partnerships, you can access a wealth of expert advice and guidance on practical issues including commercial, financial, global HR, legal, taxation, technology and digital solutions.

Find out more and to apply

Black Pound Day - 4 November

BPD takes place on the first Saturday of every month. It aims to unite all cultures and ethnicities.

Consumers are encouraged to seek out and spend with Black led businesses.

Find out more

Sustainability and energy support

The UK Government is subsidising a FREE sustainability and energy support programme for London SMEs, where businesses can learn how to be greener and more efficient.

Applications close on November 12^th at 23:59.

Find out more

A3 EV grant funding programme

The A3 Electric vehicle (EV) grant scheme by Surrey County Council offer grants of £5,000 for a small and £10,000 for a large new fully electric light commercial vehicle for businesses located anywhere (incl. Richmond) which use the Guildford A3 section and charities to switch from their diesel van.

Find out more

Removing barriers & welcoming all

This November Global Entrepreneurship Week will celebrate 16 years of helping millions of people unleash their ideas.

GEW will rally almost every nation in the world to empower entrepreneurs and encourage citizens to become starters - finding new and better ways of doing things.

Find out more & get involved

Boost your leadership skills and your business performance

The Help to Grow: Management Course will help you boost the performance and resilience of your business.

Designed and delivered by entrepreneurs and industry experts at world-class business schools, this leadership course will provide time away from the challenges of running a business to invest in your leadership, and to learn how to take your business to the next level.

Find our more and to apply

Richmond Christmas Ball 2023

On Friday 24^th November, come and celebrate Richmond’s business success at the Richmond Awards Ball at The Spirit of Rugby, Twickenham Stadium.

Find out more

Situated in the heart of the Quadrant, Airivo Richmond offers a diverse range of services, such as serviced offices, on-demand meeting rooms, collaborative coworking spaces and virtual office solutions, all tailored to accommodate businesses of various sizes and industries.

Airivo Richmond not only foster business success but also cultivate a shared sense of responsibility for a better and more sustainable future. 

Find out more

Purple Tuesday, on 7th November, is an annual global initiative that helps businesses to improve the experience for their disabled customers.    There are 1.8 billion disabled people in the world that represent 17% of the population. 70% of disabled people will NOT return to a business after receiving a poor customer service.   The Purple Pound is worth £17.7 billion to Britain’s tourism industry and £15.3 billion in England alone. Find out more

Uber and Enterprise Nation have joined forces to support food businesses through the Black Business Fund. With costs rising, many food and drink businesses are under pressure, and Black-owned businesses face particular challenges.

The Black Business Fund will distribute £250,000 to Black-owned restaurants. 25 restaurants will each receive £10,000 to help boost their businesses. The successful applicants will also receive business support from Enterprise Nation.

Applications close on 15^th November, 2023.

Click here for more information and to apply

SHEROES Exhibition

“How important it is for us to recognise and celebrate our heroes and She-roes!” Maya Angelou

Originally coined in 1836, the term SHERO – female – defines admirable women who are praised for their courage, outstanding achievements and noble qualities. In short, a Shero is a modern-day heroine.

Sheroes of Richmond, a vibrant exhibition of photographs currently on display at York House, Twickenham, features some of the remarkable and inspiring African Caribbean women who are making a difference in business, the community, sports and arts.

Photographed by Dominique Nok in locations across Richmond, they shared thoughts on their heritage, inspirations, their own personal Sheroes and where they find joy.

Read their interviews in full here

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