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 Business Direct
YOUR BUSINESS NEWS FROM RICHMOND COUNCIL
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Welcome to the October issue of the Richmond Business newsletter.
This month’s edition highlights Richmond’s Black History Month programme, opportunities to showcase your business through the Christmas Shop Window Competition, alongside business growth programmes and free training for hospitality and licensed venues. You’ll also find a calendar of networking and learning events across Richmond.
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Black History Month: in Richmond
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Our Voices, Our Stories
Join an inspiring evening of conversation, storytelling and connections celebrating African-Caribbean voices in Richmond. The event which takes place at the Bingham Riverhouse Hotel, will be hosted by local entrepreneur and author Jessica Huie MBE. The evening will feature a panel discussion with local founders and community leaders sharing their experiences of community, culture, identity and belonging. Guests can also enjoy a live performance by local jazz artist Eyi Temi and Caribbean refreshments.
Tue 27 Oct, 6pm–8.30pm. Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond.
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Explore the Jon Daniel Exhibition
Celebrate Black British creativity and heritage through the ongoing Jon Daniel exhibition at Eel Pie Museum, which launched last year. Supported by Richmond Council, the exhibition celebrates the award-winning African Caribbean creative and former Richmond resident, whose work spans graphic design, advertising and cultural storytelling. Open throughout the year, it offers a chance to discover Daniel’s enduring contribution to Black British culture.
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Local business owner receives Freedom of the City award
Mary Spiteri, owner of Richmond millinery boutique TitferTat Hats, has received the Freedom of the City award in recognition of her contribution to the local area. An award-winning London-based milliner with more than 25 years’ experience, Mary specialises in couture, bespoke and luxury hats and headpieces. She opened her Richmond shop in a listed building in 1998. Find out more about TitFerTat Hats.
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 Halloween events across Richmond upon Thames
Discover Halloween events taking place across Richmond upon Thames, from celebrations hosted by local businesses to family-friendly trails and seasonal activities. Highlights include the East Sheen Halloween Hunt on Saturday 24 October, when 30 local businesses will join East Sheen Village and the Hare & Hounds for a family trail featuring treats, activities and prizes.
Hosting a Halloween event? Local businesses can submit upcoming events for consideration on the VisitRichmond website, which received 650,000 unique visitors last year. Email info@visitrichmond.co.uk with the event details.
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Christmas Shop Window Competition: Showcase Your Richmond Business
Local high street businesses are being encouraged to enter the annual Christmas Shop window competition. The annual initiative celebrates businesses across Richmond upon Thames and their eye-catching creative festive window displays. Residents and visitors are invited to vote for their favourite shop windows of the season with the winner announced on the 22nd December. To enter this year’s competition, sign up here. Deadline: Fri 20 Nov.
Support the Full of Life Fair 2026
Richmond Council’s free Full of Life Fair returns to Allianz Stadium on 30 October, and local businesses can help spread the word to residents aged 55+ or donate refreshments for the all-day café; contact fulloflife@richmond.gov.uk to get involved.
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Grants and Funds
Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2027
Eligible charities, social enterprises and community groups in England can apply for £5,000 to £25,000 for projects celebrating the Windrush Generation, taking place between 8 June and 31 July 2027. Deadline: Thu 29 Oct. Read the guidance and apply online.
Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Programme
Small independent London restaurants, cafés, bars and food-serving pubs can apply for one of 20 grants of £10,500 for business improvements. Deadline: Tue 17 Nov. Check the criteria and apply online.
UK entrepreneurs with lived experience of forced displacement can apply for £25,000 to £100,000 in investment, plus 12 months of coaching and access to business networks; Deadline: Sun 13 Dec. Find out more and apply.
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Business Support Programmes and Training
Free Training for Hospitality and Licensed Venues
Richmond Council’s free 45-minute online course helps hospitality and licensed venue staff prevent and respond to sexual harassment, drink spiking and concerns involving vulnerable customers, with training and support available on the Council website. Find out more.
Richmond Business Growth Partnership
The Richmond Business Growth Partnership is a 12-month programme offering borough-based start-ups and established businesses expert mentoring, practical advice and tailored online and in-person support delivered by CPG Executive Consulting in collaboration with Richmond Council.
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Business Events
Business Strategy, Planning & Growth Workshop
Join Richmond Business Growth Partnership's practical workshop for established businesses to strengthen your strategy, business model and team efficiency.
Market Research and Consumer Insight – Book Launch - Robin J. Birn
Join the launch of Richmond resident Robin J. Birn’s new book, ‘Market Research and Consumer Insight’, exploring how research, consumer insight and data analytics shape marketing and communications planning, with live readings, an interactive Q&A, and copies available to buy and have signed. Drinks and refreshments afterwards. Reserve a place email: businessclinic@stmarys.ac.uk
Thu 29 Oct, doors open 4.30pm. Waldegrave Drawing Room, St Mary’s University.
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Other Information
Changes to DBS requirements when working with children.
From 1 September 2026, volunteers who frequently supervise children— either three days in a 30-day period or overnight between 2–6am—will need an enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list information; Guidance available online here.
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