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 Business Direct
YOUR BUSINESS NEWS FROM RICHMOND COUNCIL
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Welcome to the September issue of the Richmond Business newsletter.
This month’s edition highlights new business growth programmes, free ways to raise your business profile, climate action micro-grants, trader and maker call-outs, and a busy calendar of food, networking and creative events taking place in Richmond this September.
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Applications open now – Richmond Business Growth Partnership
A new 12-month business growth programme has been launched to support entrepreneurs of start up and established businesses based in the borough of Richmond.
The Richmond Business Growth Partnership, which is being delivered by CPG Executive Consulting in collaboration with Richmond Council, will provide expert mentoring, practical advice and tailored support - both in person and online - to help your business develop, build resilience and achieve ambitions.
£500 - payable over 3 months.
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List your business and events on VisitRichmond for free
If you run a local, independent high street or home-based business, you can be listed on VisitRichmond's shop local page for free. It’s a simple way to help more residents and visitors discover what you offer.
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Have Your Say on the Future of Lighting in Richmond
Help shape Richmond's future Lighting Strategy by joining one of our upcoming consultation workshops. We want to hear from residents, businesses and community organisations about how lighting can enhance our town centres, neighbourhoods, parks and public spaces.
The workshops will explore key themes including safety, wellbeing, sustainability and the local environment.
Registration is required to attend.
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How have you found the 2026 Awareness Day Calendar?
We’re looking for feedback on our 2026 Awareness Day Calendar.
Did you receive the physical copy or use the digital version? Did you find it useful? Please let us know as all feedback helps us when planning for 2027.
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Business Support Programmes and Workshops
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Sign up for the Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme
Small Business Britain’s free Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme is back to help sole traders and micro businesses build confidence, strengthen their skills and plan for growth. This free six-week CPD accredited programme includes expert-led weekly sessions, practical worksheets, development of an Action Plan, mentoring and access to a supportive community of small business owners across the UK. Free. Programme starts Fri 18 Sep. Online. Find out more
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Grow your creative business with Re:Create GrowthCamp
A few spaces remain for Re:Create GrowthCamp, Creative United’s 12-week programme designed for creative founders. Kicking off this September, you’ll work with expert business advisors, a dedicated mentor and learn alongside a peer cohort to refine your growth plan, build skills and gain practical, real-world strategies - online and in central London. Programme starts 8 Sep. Price: Early-adopter rate £500 + VAT. Register your interest
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Business Rates and Leases Explained for SMEs
London Business Partnership is hosting a free webinar to help small and medium-sized businesses make informed decisions about commercial property, leases and business rates. The session will cover key lease considerations, business rates relief schemes, how to challenge a valuation, what is changing with business rates in 2026, and how to access free expert property advice through the Property Advice Service. There will also be a live Q&A with commercial property specialists from Newmark. Tue 15 Sep, 10am – 11.30am. Online. Free. Book now
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Business Clinic Speaker Event with Kevin Murphy
Join Kevin Murphy, CEO, Board Advisor and Financial Services Executive, for a practical session on leading through complexity, scaling businesses and navigating change in financial services. Drinks and refreshments afterwards. Tue 29 Sep, 4.30pm. Senior Common Room, St Mary’s University. Free. Email businessclinic@stmarys.ac.uk to reserve a place.
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Opportunities
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Richmond Climate Action Microgrants
Do you have an idea of how to make Richmond Borough more sustainable? Our Microgrants offer £100 to £500 for community-led projects that support projects that will help even more residents to engage in sustainable behaviours, adapt to our changing climate, and learn about climate action. Next deadline: Fri 30 Oct. Please get in touch if you want to discuss an idea ahead of applying. Apply here
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Applications open for Orleans House Gallery’s Christmas Shopping Weekend
Orleans House Gallery is inviting local makers, designers and artists to apply for its annual Christmas Shopping Weekend, taking place on 5 and 6 December 2026.
The festive event will showcase more than 40 stalls across the gallery, including an outdoor food and gift market, giving creatives the opportunity to sell unique gifts, handmade products and original artwork to local audiences and visitors. Applications close: Sun 13 Sep. Apply here
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Events
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Sheen Food Fest returns to East Sheen
Sheen Food Fest returns for its second year, celebrating East Sheen’s vibrant cafés, restaurants, pubs, delis and eateries. More than 30 independent food and drink businesses will take part, with East Sheen Village supporting and promoting the area and its local businesses through this collaborative high street celebration. Visitors can purchase tickets in advance, with each ticket including five Taste Tokens redeemable for complimentary tasting portions at participating venues. Each venue will also offer specially created Food Fest Specials for £5.Sat 12 Sep, 10am. East Sheen high street. Book now
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A Taste of Twickenham Tasting Trail
A Taste of Twickenham Tasting Trail returns to Twickenham town centre, celebrating the area’s independent restaurants, retailers, artists and local businesses. Visitors can sample tasting portions from local restaurants, enjoy special drinks, browse local shops and artists’ stalls, and discover what Twickenham has to offer through this free community food and drink festival. Sun 13 Sep, 12pm – 5pm. Throughout Twickenham town centre. Find out more
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Ready or Not - The Courage to Play Bigger
Wealth Reimagined comes to Richmond Rugby Club for a celebration of courage, ambition and the women who play bigger. Hosted by Isabel Knight, founder of the Fearless Female Investor, and Susie Appleby, former England rugby international and Exeter Chiefs women’s coach, this special event brings together trailblazers from women’s rugby with female founders, investors and business leaders for a different conversation about wealth, leadership and what it takes to change the game. Wed 24 Sep, 4pm – 8pm. Richmond Athletic Ground. £35.
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Optik Theatre – Theatre at The Library
Optik Theatre brings Theatre at The Library to Whitton Library, Twickenham this October, showcasing five new plays from award-winning and emerging writers in a pop-up studio performance space. Audiences can expect an intimate theatre experience in a unique library setting, with a varied programme of new writing brought to life by professional performers. The pop-up studio format offers a chance to discover fresh stories and enjoy live performance in Twickenham.Wed 14 Oct, 7.30pm – 9pm. Thu 15 Oct, 3pm – 4.30pm & 7.30pm – 9pm. £10. Find out more
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