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01 October 2025

Business Direct

YOUR BUSINESS NEWS FROM RICHMOND COUNCIL

Got it in the Bag!

Martial arts and fitness coach Nathan Jones tells his story of how,  after continuously hitting the glass ceiling and then being made redundant, he did not see it as a setback but as an opportunity to chase his dreams.

Although mistakes cost him time and money, he ‘failed’ his way to the top and went on a business accelerator workshop to understand the business and refine his approach.

Read his full story here

Celebrating Richmond's Diverse Business Owners

Dr. Mide Ojo – Refresh Dental

Amaka Jackson  – Jackson Longe Solicitors

Elizabeth Batalla – The Institute for Achievement and Excellence

UPCOMING DEADLINES  6 Oct – Comic Relief Community Fund  6 Oct – Atlassian Williams Racing Prize Draw 2025 19 Oct – Loved and Wanted Fund 30 Oct - Realising the Remarkable Grant

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES  5 Oct – Black History Month Cultural Market  7 Oct – Zenith Enterprise Programme Networking 23 Oct – Marketing with AI  2 Nov – Finish Strong (NYAE)  1 Dec – Small Business Saturday The Tour (Putney)  6 Dec – Small Business Saturday

Celebrating Richmond's Diverse Business Owners

Sama Trinder – Bingham Riverhouse and bhuti

Dorcos Amoding – WAMU/ Amocraft SELLERS

Suzy Rowland - Happy in School Project

Realising the Remarkable returns!

Behind every small business is a big dream – and the right support can make all the difference. Enterprise Nation and VistaPrint are teaming up once again to champion the UK's small business community.

This year, six inspiring independent retail businesses will each receive a £5,000 grant, plus expert design support and marketing tools to help them grow with confidence.

Find out more

Have your say: 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 updated policy will encourage outdoor cinema, pop-up theatre, neighbourhood festivals and community events.

Proposed safeguards include limits on the size and frequency of events in each park, common or open space, and permitted hours of operation. The draft updated policy requires a commitment to reduce waste, protect air quality, promote public and sustainable transport, and secure social value from commercial events, for example local employment opportunities or support for local community projects.

To find out more and have your say click here

Small Business Saturday - The Tour

Now in its thirteenth year in the UK, the Small Business Saturday campaign has grown significantly each year, encouraging millions to shop small. The 2025 Tour will celebrate small businesses across the UK, and we hope to involve as many of you as possible!

Visit Request Form

We Rise In is a business network that provides mid-senior level black professionals with a community of like-minded people with whom they can learn, connect, and do business. Through their events and training programmes, We Rise In supports its members in up-skilling in order to progress within their careers, business, or lifestyle.

Find out more

London Business Partnership is delivering a FREE commercial property advice webinar to businesses across Richmond upon Thames.

• Business rates and eligibility for rate relief
• Understanding and negotiating a lease
• Resolving property problems

Find out more

The Black Artists Grant (BAG) offered by Creative Debuts as a no-strings attached financial support to help black artists.

They can spend the grant on whatever they want – be that make new work, buy equipment or materials, travel, research, visit exhibitions or conferences, or to even just cover some life expenses.

Find out more

NYAE is supporting black & brown neurodivergent & disabled entrepreneurs with resources, business advice, and opportunities. They know that starting a business can be a challenge, but also that disabled entrepreneurs have the same potential for success as anyone else. All they need is a fair chance!

Find out more

Visit Richmond

Have you seen the new edition of the What’s On brochure? You can pick up your free copy from the Richmond Station Information Kiosk and your local library. What’s On promotes over 70 local events that are happening throughout the Halloween month.

Read the brochure here

Monday 20th October 2025

Key Links

• Business Rates
• Licensing and Trades
• Planning
• Richmond Card Business Scheme
• Trading Standards

Business Hub

• Arts, Culture & creatives
• Business events
• Event and venue hire
• Workspaces
• Young Enterpreneurs