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Resources to help mitigate the cost of doing business
The cost-of-living crisis is affecting businesses, as well as residents across the borough. The effects of increasing costs of fuel, goods, commercial rent and recruitment, combined with low consumer confidence, are posing a significant threat to businesses of all sizes.
In an effort to help you navigate the cost of doing business, the London Business Hub has put together a selection of practical resources and support to help you mitigate rising costs and help your business adapt.
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Vendors wanted for Black History Month pop-up markets!
The Council’s enterprise team is on the hunt for African-Caribbean business owners in Wandsworth to take part in two pop up markets, which take place in October to mark Black History Month.
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Pop-up market at Southside
The Wandsworth Black History Month pop-up market is back and taking place at Southside shopping centre Friday 14th – Sunday 23rd October.
We are looking for vendors selling items such as: Arts and craft; jewellery, clothing, accessories, skincare, soft-furnishings, cakes/pastries, greeting cards, gifts, books, non-alcoholic beverages and more!
To register your interest in taking part, please fill out this registration form and email it to open4business@wandsworth.gov.uk by Tuesday 27th September.
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African-Caribbean Street Food Market in Balham
The enterprise team is also seeking vendors to take part in the African-Caribbean Street food market, which takes place on Saturday 8th October (10am-5pm), at the Balham Community space, situated behind Sainsburys.
Businesses selling items such as hot food, cakes/pastries, juices, beverages are all welcome. Spaces are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.
To register your interest in taking part, please fill out this registration form and email it to open4business@wandsworth.gov.uk by Wednesday 28th September.
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In addition to the markets, we’ll be featuring several black-owned businesses as part of our Black History Month film and in our Local Stories feature. We’re also looking to showcase black-owned businesses across our channels during October.
If you know of any black-owned businesses that you think we should be shouting about then email us at weh@wandsworth.gov.uk to let us know!
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Try Before You Bike
With the rising cost of fuel, now might be the time to try a cargo bike!
The Council has partnered with Peddle My Wheels to enable businesses in the borough to hire a bicycle, e-bike, cargo bike, e-cargo bike or trailer with the option to buy the bike at the end.
The Council has also partnered with Our Bike and is offering a community cargo bike sharing scheme where businesses can hire a shared cargo bike.
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Would you like to help a small business grow?
Why not become a business mentor as part of the Government’s Help to Grow: Management programme?
The programme which launched in 2021, offers small business-owners access to 1-1 support from a business mentor, and is an opportunity for you to share your experience as well as offer reassurance and guidance to a budding entrepreneur.
Mentors can be anyone with a minimum of five years' experience, working in a small business at a senior level or equivalent working closely with small businesses.
You will need to commit 10 hours over 12 weeks to support a small business with their growth action plan. In return, you’ll receive training and membership from the Association of Business Mentors, training, accreditation opportunities and the chance to network with like-minded business leaders.
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Become a breastfeeding welcoming business
Wandsworth businesses are being encouraged to support local families and attract new customers by signing up to the Wandsworth Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme.
The scheme aims to facilitate greater acceptance and promotion of breastfeeding in commercial and community settings, with the overall goal of increasing breastfeeding rates.
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Wandsworth Celebrates Electric Vehicle Day
September 29th is World EV Day and a chance to celebrate all things electric vehicle (EV).
Drivers and residents in Wandsworth now have access to 130 Liberty Charge fast EV charging bays across 35 sites in the borough. These can be found by downloading the Liberty Charge driver app and on ZapMap. If you’d like a new charge point installed in another location, you can put in a request at the bottom of the web page here.
Public charging infrastructure is essential for residents in the borough who do not have access to a driveway or means of privately charging their vehicle, and we know that those who are reticent to purchase their first EV want to see sufficient infrastructure in place before making the switch.
Public charging infrastructure also supports the UK Government’s Net Zero target and will accelerate the transition from fossil fuelled vehicles to EVs. The provision of public EV charging infrastructure is a key factor in delivering Wandsworth’s Environment and Sustainability Strategy, reducing pollution levels and improving air quality for our residents.
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Local stories:
Robbie’s Photographics
"I believe there is no age limit to starting a business. I started Robbie’s at the age of 58. But good health and a strong work ethic are essential."
We spoke to Ron McRobbie, the founder of Robbie’s Photographics, about how he started the business as a retirement project in 2005. Read on to see what else he had to say.
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IPSE’s National Freelancer Award
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Freelancers and self-employed individuals in Wandsworth, are being encouraged to enter the Freelancer Awards organised by the Association of Independent Professional and the Self Employed (IPSE). The awards celebrate the achievements of the UK’s brightest and best freelancers, as well as organisations who do the most to support the self-employed, across eight categories:
- Outstanding Freelancer Award
- Young Freelancer Award
- Freelancer Project Award
- New Freelancer Award
- Wellbeing Award
- Self-Employed Supplier Award
- Sustainable Freelancer Award
- Freelancer Community Award
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in central London on 23rd November at the Barbican. Applications close 5pm Friday 23rd September
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Business Support Events and Programmes
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Resilience and Motivation in Business
Delivered by Forward Enterprise Services, this free webinar will give you practical tips to stay motivated, build resilience and give you the mindset to push through difficult times and succeed.
Thursday 29th September 16:00 – 17:30
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FSB: Ethnic Minority led business virtual networking
Thursday 29th September 11:00 – 12:00
Free virtual event for ethnic minority small business owners looking to network, share, learn and discuss the successes and experiences of being an ethnic minority business owner.
Find out more here
Mission Kitchen: Pitching to Retailers workshop with Karen Green
Wednesday 5th October 14:30 – 16:30
Taking place at Mission Kitchen, this workshop will help you get ready to pitch to retailers by helping you to understand how to make that first approach, write a killer sales presentation, keep the nerves at bay and negotiate that deal. Tickets cost £15 for non-members.
Find out more here
Wandsworth Chamber: Business Forum with Wandsworth Council
Wednesday 5th October 09:30 - 11:00
This forum will feature an introduction from Cllr. Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader, Wandsworth Council / Cabinet Member with responsibility for Business. You will also hear from Susan Shaw, Economic Development Office, about the Council's business support initiatives. The forum's guest speaker will be Toby Costin, director of CREW Energy, who will discuss energy and sustainablity for businesses.
Find out more here
Wandsworth Chamber: Earlsfield Networking evening
Wednesday 12th October 18:00 - 21:00
Join Chamber Members and guests for this in-person networking evening at The Earlsfield PH. Open to Wandsworth Chamber members and non-members but places are limited.
Find out more here
London Business Hub: Property Advice Service
Finding the right affordable space for your business can be difficult. London Business Hub's Property Advice Service is here to help you find the right space for your business as well as renegotiating a lease with your landlord.
Find out more here
Digital Boost programme: Grow your business online
Receive free 1-to-1 mentoring, workshops, courses and resources to help develop digital skills in social media content strategy, website optimisation, SEO and more.
Find out more here
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Wandsworth Enterprise Hub
Need business support, events or programmes to help start or grow your business? Look no further than the Wandsworth Enterprise Hub.
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My Virtual Wandsworth
Want to promote your business to local residents? My Virtual Wandsworth features more than 600 local businesses – make sure yours is one of them! List it in our online directory.
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Business and Licensing
Visit the Council's Business and Licensing page for information on business licensing, business rates, business premises and much more.
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