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02 September 2025
 Business Direct
YOUR BUSINESS NEWS FROM RICHMOND COUNCIL
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As many companies reassess their working models, the challenge of encouraging in-office attendance while accommodating hybrid work requests is very real. Business leaders are increasingly looking for office solutions that offer flexibility, adaptability, and a collaborative atmosphere that motivates their teams to return to the workplace.
Located just steps from Richmond station, The Boutique Workplace Company provides a vibrant hub for Richmond’s professional community to connect and collaborate. Offering flexible terms and inclusive desk rates (covering rent and utilities), it supports everyone from solo entrepreneurs to businesses with 50+ employees. With co-working lounges, meeting rooms, a spin-bike studio, showers, bike storage, and ultra-fast WiFi, it’s the ideal workspace for teams to thrive together.
FREE Business Support Programmes
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Small Business Saturday - The Tour
 Each year Small Business Saturday runs a national roadshow that travels the length and breadth of the country to tell the story of the UK's incredible small businesses.
The Tour (visiting 23 different towns and cities) will return again this November to spotlight and support small businesses all over the country and their communities and mark the official countdown to Small Business Saturday.
If you are interested in the team visiting your small business in person, please fill in the Visit Request Sheet HERE.
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 Now open for applications from SME manufacturing businesses in London
The Made Smarter Adoption London aims to support manufacturing businesses in adopting digital technologies to drive growth, productivity and sustainability.
If you are a manufacturing business in London – at any stage of your digital adoption journey - you can benefit from:
- One-to-one advice and guidance from digital technology specialists.
- A bespoke digital transformation roadmap, designed to address your challenges and identify opportunities for growth.
- Staff training to support digital transformation.
- A funded intern to support your technology implementation.
- Match-funded grants of up to £20,000 for the purchase of hardware and software.
The programme is delivered by London & Partners on behalf of the Greater London Authority.
HAVE YOUR SAY
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 Richmond Council invites views on new Events in Parks Policy
Richmond Council is consulting on a new draft policy for events in the borough's parks, open spaces and commons. The new policy seeks to support a vibrant programme of events while protecting the borough’s much-loved green spaces.
The policy is anticipated to be adopted later this year. Alongside consulting on the policy, the council is also reviewing guidance notes for event organisers to make it more straightforward to deliver smaller events while still ensuring safety, wildlife protection, noise management, and community engagement.
Have your Say
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Have your say on a new Met for London
The Metropolitan Police Service is consulting on their New Plan for London: Phase 2. This has been developed through engagement sessions with a number of stakeholders and business networks. You can read the full plan here. The consultation is open until Sunday 14 September.
Have your Say
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Re:Create: Turning point that changed everything
From art and ADHD to a life-changing pivot, Richmond-based artist Agnieszka Lokaj shares how the Re:Create business support programme gave her the tools, confidence, and connections to grow her creative practice. Discover how Agnieszka transformed her career and unlocked new opportunities through the programme. Experience the same transformation by applying today!
Application closes Friday, 12th September 2025
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International Car Free Day
22nd September is Car Free Day. Why not suggest that staff leave their car at home and walk or cycle when travelling locally? Encourage them to join us for a free guided walk in Richmond the evening of the 22nd, when we will combine art and science to explore the air around us. Find more walk details and book free tickets on Eventbrite. You can get more ideas for how you and your business can support the campaign and help to reduce local air pollution on our Campaigns for businesses website.
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Fit To Bid® Programme
There are still five places available for SMEs based in Richmond to join and participate in The Fit To Bid® programme. The Supply Richmond & Wandsworth Fit to Bid Mentoring Programme is now open and taking registrations, delivered by our commissioned partners, Branduin Business Support Ltd. This supplier readiness training programme enters its third round providing SMEs with a proven structure, practical tools and strategic insight to grow confidently, stand out in competitive markets and secure more contracts.
Click on the link to watch the opening webinar and details on how to register for the programme. Supply Wandsworth - Wandsworth Borough Council
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The Help to Grow Management course helps business leaders like yourself to succeed by developing the skills that will make you more efficient, more effective, and ultimately more successful at what you do.
Find out more
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The Little Book of Big Scams – 5th Edition
In both gardening and fraud prevention it’s important to take our time, be aware of what’s going on around us, and find strength and support in your communities.
Criminals will try to obtain your money and information – digging up your details, rushing you to react and pressuring you to do something you normally wouldn’t. But by nurturing your defences you can Protect Your Patch and keep your money safe.
Find out more
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Are you over 50 and have a business idea you’d love to bring to life? Startup School for Seniors could be for you!
Learn how to welcome change and start your business. Learn what it takes to build a Business that thrives in these fast-changing times.
Find out more
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Businesses – big and small – will be impacted by the change.
The UK’s traditional landline is getting an upgrade and soon phone calls will be made digitally over a broadband line. Phone numbers won’t change, but your handsets will need to be checked for compatibility with the new broadband-based connection.
Additionally, there are numerous other devices that use the landline for data (such as older payment systems, lift phones, and more) which will also need to be checked for compatibility.
If you use such devices to operate your business or to deliver customer services, you will need to take extra steps to prepare.
Find out more
 East Sheen has been buzzing with activity lately. Alongside exciting new businesses, regular and one-off events have brought more people to the area, creating a real sense of energy on our high street.
The East Sheen Business and Retail Association (ESBRA) has embraced the “phygital” approach, blending physical and digital, by championing local shops on the @eastsheenvillage Instagram page. Through features like The Sheen Insider, residents get a closer look at business owners, their products, and the stories that make them special.
ESBRA recognises that the high street is so much more than a place to shop or eat; it’s where we connect with friends, celebrate milestones, and encourage community. And while online shopping continues to grow, an impressive 73% of retail spending still happens in physical stores....proof that our love for the high street is here to stay.
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