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02 June 2025

Business Direct

YOUR BUSINESS NEWS FROM RICHMOND COUNCIL

Access to Finance Richmond

Cllr Giesler with panellists (L-R): Robert Gordon - Funding London; Business Journalist Rebecca Burn-Callander; Chloe Fenn - Virgin StartUp, Gem Misa - Full Green; Nick Richards - Capitalise.

Council’s First Access to Finance Event Empowers Local Businesses

Around 60 businesses attended the Council’s first ever Access to Finance Richmond event last month.

The event, organised by the Council's business team, took place in Clarendon Hall, and was designed to inform local businesses about the various funding options available how to access them. In addition to a panel discussion and finance workshop, attendees also had the chance to receive 1-1 tailored advice from a range of funders and advisers which included: Virgin StartUp, Barclays, Funding London, Capitalise, Richmond Council’s Climate Action, Richmond Active and the Civic Pride Fund scheme.

Cllr Giesler, Lead Member for Business and Growth at Richmond Council said: “Accessing finance is one of the toughest steps for small businesses and entrepreneurs as they aim to take their ideas and ambitions forward. It is a difficult landscape to navigate, and we believe that providing options as well as people and groups who can help them ask the right questions and unlock the right kind of finance is important. Hopefully, this event helped our businesses in this regard, and we are committed to continuing to provide this important resource.”

UPCOMIND DEADLINES 11 June – Refugee Week Grants Scheme 30 June – Small Biz 100 1 July –    American Express Small Restaurant Grants

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 9 – 13 June London Tech Week 13 June       Networking for Women 19 June       Clean Air Day 23 June       Start Up Bootcamp – 3 Day Accelerator 24 June       Re:Create Launch & Learn Event

Zenith Enterprise Programme - EXTENDED!

We are excited to announce that the Zenith Enterprise Programme is officially extended from May 2025 through March 2026!

Thanks to the incredible response and the impact seen across Richmond, the programme will continue for another year, offering even more chances to grow and scale your vision. Together we can make a significant and meaningful difference in the local community.

The Zenith programme is a completely free programme for residents and businesses in the Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.

Find out how to get involved 

Re:Create - RETURNING to Richmond!

Calling all Creative Business Owners in the Borough!

Join Creative United for a special Re:Create Launch and Learn Event as they roll out the 2025 edition of Re:Create, their successful business support programme for creatives across the borough of Richmond upon Thames. With ongoing investment from Richmond Council , the programme will once again empower creative, self-employed individuals and small enterprises to thrive.

When: Tuesday 24 June 2025, 9.30am – 12.30pm

This event is for artists, creative, self-employed individuals and small enterprises, who have been established and trading for at least 12 months, within the boroughs of Richmond who want to find out more about the Re:Create business support programme, how they can benefit it and how to apply.

Spaces are limited, so grab your FREE spot now.

Together we will make Business Greener!

The Making Business Greener Scheme will soon be back for its second year! The scheme partners with Green Mark to bring you expert consultation at your business’ premises to reduce your environmental footprint and the opportunity to achieve the internationally recognised Green Mark accreditation - ALL FOR FREE!

Sign up will be available soon through the Richmond Business Hub website. Register your interest by emailing greenmark@greenmark.co.uk to be sent the sign-up form when applications open.

Good Move Scheme - Cargo Bike Fair

We have extended our Good Move scheme offer to local businesses so they can Try Before You Bike.

During the trial, businesses can test out using a cargo bike for local deliveries or travelling between sites. Ideal for those looking for a more sustainable mode of transport.

At the end of the trial, you can choose to buy the bike at a discounted rate, continue to hire it, or return it with no strings attached.

If you are interested in finding out more about cargo bikes, come along to the Richmond Cargo bike fair on Sunday 15 June, 11am – 5pm in the Old Deer Park.

Visitors will be able to try out a range of cargo bikes, speak to local retailers and cycling experts, and find out everything they need to know about maintenance and safety.

This year’s theme is ‘Air pollution affects your health from before your first breath until your last’.   Air pollution affects everyone but there are lots of things we can all do to improve our air quality, as a business and individuals. Do you have questions or want to know more about air pollution in your area? How much do you know about indoor air pollution - at home or the office and want ideas as to what you and/or your business can do to improve it?   Come and talk to us, the Richmond Council’s Air Quality Team, at  Clean Air Day stall in George Street, Richmond (between the flower stall and Pret) on Thursday 19 June, 10.30 am – 3.30 pm.

Free Recruitment Support for Local Businesses

Richmond Work Match offers a free recruitment service to help local businesses like yours connect with job-ready candidates from the community.

Our aim is simple, matching local jobs for local people while saving you time, effort, and money in finding the right hire. Whether you need a quick placement or long-term talent, we provide pre-screened candidates tailored to your needs.

Get in touch today at andrea.gonzalez@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk or 07977 756772 and let’s support our local workforce together!

Powering the High Street, an online hub that connects small businesses with local retail opportunities, cost-saving and sustainability advice, content, and guidance through webinars, podcast and more.   Powering the High Street offers a free guide that provides best practices and tips to help retailers achieve high-street success.

Richmond to host major European twinning celebration

Richmond upon Thames will celebrate a major milestone in its international relationships from 6-8 June, as we host a Twinning Reaffirmation Weekend marking 65 years of friendship with Fontainebleau in France and Konstanz in Germany. The celebration will bring together residents, schools and community groups for more than 50 events across the borough – from joint musical concerts, school activities and sporting fixtures to exhibitions, heritage tours and informal gatherings – all designed to reflect the depth and diversity of Richmond upon Thames’ international links.

Reaffirmation Events

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