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In this edition of Open4Business, recap the events of Black History Month, apply for a free Environmental Accreditation, find out more about a £1m fund from Virgin Media O2, sign up to events and much more!
Click titles below to jump to sections.
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New twice-weekly recycling collections for flats above shops
Residents in flats above shops in busy town centres will now benefit from double the number of rubbish and recycling collections per week, as Wandsworth Council steps up efforts to keep town centres clean and welcoming.
Increasing collections for flats above shops in busy town centres from once to twice a week is the latest addition to Wandsworth’s Cleaner Borough Plan, which aims to improve rubbish and recycling services and make streets tidier to help residents feel pride in their streets.
The council has written to the flats that will benefit from this change directly to inform them of their extra collection day and will be installing posters on high streets as a reminder.
If you are a business in a busy town centre, they would greatly appreciate your support in spreading the news to any residents that may live in a flat above your premises. Please encourage them to check their post to find out when their two collection days are.
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Free Commercial Property Advice Programme
London Business Partnership's Property Advice Service offers free, expert guidance on everything from lease negotiations to business rates and relief schemes.
Join their upcoming free webinars to get your commercial property questions answered live by expert advisors.
- 25 November 2025
- 9 December 2025
This fully funded service is open to all London-based businesses, including start-ups and SMEs.
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This World Diabetes Day – Do more for diabetes at work
World Diabetes Day takes place on 14 November, why not take action to support your employees? Employers are being encouraged to raise awareness, promote healthier habits, and create a more inclusive environment for employees living with or at risk of developing diabetes.
Find practical steps and useful resources to help your business take action by visiting: Wandsworth Healthy Workplaces - Spotlight on Diabetes.
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Free Environmental Accreditation
Nicole Henworth from Tooting Works (left)
Making Business Greener is a joint initiative, launched by Wandsworth Council in partnership with Green Mark. It offers the opportunity for businesses to understand and improve their environmental impact, and develop a structured framework for fostering sustainable business growth.
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Global Entrepreneurship Week
November 17-23, 2025
 The theme for Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in 2025 is "Together We Build" and shines a spotlight on the collective power of community, collaboration, and shared ambition. It invites anyone to explore what’s possible when they join mentors, peers, partners, and supporters to bring ideas to life and build something bigger than themselves.
Organisations, businesses and individuals are encouraged to host events and participate in awareness-raising campaigns during November that reach people outside traditional entrepreneurship communities.
To find out more about business support, events and programmes visit the council's Wandsworth Enterprise Hub here.
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#NewBizonTheBlock
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A new Thai restaurant has opened in Balham.
Phakoon Thai a family run business is bringing authentic Thai cuisine to SW12. This is the second location in the borough for owner Susie and her team, who also have a popular branch in Earlsfield.
The menu features a wide range of traditional Thai dishes along with £10 takeaway lunch boxes.
Location: 5–6 Balham Station Road, London SW12
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Fuelling the future: £1m Apprenticeship Talent Fund
Virgin Media O2 is unlocking up to £1 million in funding to help small businesses, charities, social enterprise and local authorities recruit and train the next wave of apprentices — creating real career opportunities that power long-term growth.
They are backing bold ideas and untapped talent, with a focus on getting more women into STEM and supporting people from global majority backgrounds.
Philipp Wohland, Chief People Officer, Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re committed to backing the next generation of talent and creating opportunities for people to access the value of apprenticeships.”
To find out more about the fund and to check if you are eligible click the button below.
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Apply for the Wandsworth Grant Fund
Deadline: 9am, Monday 10 November 2025.
The Wandsworth Grant Fund aims to provide grants for ‘not-for-profit’ projects and activities benefitting residents and communities of the London Borough of Wandsworth.
The funding available through the Wandsworth Grant Fund is invested in community-led projects and services that help achieve the following key objectives:
- A fairer Wandsworth
- A compassionate Wandsworth
- A more sustainable Wandsworth
To find out more and if you are eligible click the button below.
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Apply for up to £5,000 in non-repayable seed-funding
Applications are now open for the Pathways Programme by Business Launchpad.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with a brilliant idea or an early-stage business that needs a boost, this is your chance to get up to £5,000 in non-repayable seed-funding, plus 9-months of hands-on business support from Business Launchpad.
If you’re aged 18–30, live in London, and are ready to take your next big step, click the button below to find out more.
The programme launches this January 2026.
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African Caribbean Food Month - a delicious celebration draws to a close
Wandsworth African Caribbean Food Month, which was launched by Ainsley Harriott took place throughout October and brought a vibrant celebration of culture, community and cuisine to the borough.
Over the course of the month more than 40 events were held including supper clubs, food tours, cooking workshops, school cooking demos, menu takeovers, community lunches, cook offs and a photo exhibition. Residents had the opportunity to learn new recipes, discover local food heritage, support independent businesses and come together over shared meals and experiences.
A wide range of local businesses, chefs and community groups played a vital role in bringing this month-long celebration to life. We would like to thank all businesses, community organisations and residents who participated, hosted events, shared their kitchens, attended events and helped foster a deeper appreciation for the rich food cultures which shape our lives.
Participants include:
Chefs - Ainsley Harriott, Louise Simms, Chef Opy, Jason Howard and Nathan Collymore.
The Alma Pub, Age UK Wandsworth, Afro Beats and Carib Eats, Amandla Wines, Battersea Arts Centre, Carney’s Community, Chantelle’s Community Kitchen, Chagos, Elsa’s Kitchen, GLL Libraries, Hewewi Foods, Home Community Café, Ital Vital Herbs, Julian George, Kenkey, Kimmies Jerk Joint, Marcy’s Mixes, Mission Kitchen, Mixed Blessings Bakery, Pepi’s, The R.O.S.E Community Centre, Top Taste SW18, Joy and Gladness, Authentic Hampers and Tooting Works.
If you missed out, you can still explore and support some of the incredible African Caribbean Food businesses in the borough by visiting our new online directory.
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Wandsworth African Caribbean Heritage Cookbook
Share your recipe!
Do you have a treasured/handed down recipe that takes you back to family, friends, and celebrations? We're creating the Wandsworth Heritage Cookbook and want your recipes to be in it!
Whether it's a classic like jerk chicken, Jollof rice, Oxtail/Okra Stew, Sweet Potato Pudding, Bofrot or a unique family favourite, we'd love to share it.
Email: heritage@gll.org, alternatively look out for one of the submission boxes in libraries and community centres or in the marble hall reception at Wandsworth Council.
Instructions to submit:
- Recipe (ingredients and method)
- A short story or memory of the dish
- Your name and where in the borough you live
- A photo of you and your family/the person who created the recipe*
*by submitting your photograph, you are agreeing for it to be used in the book.
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AI Essentials for SMEs
Hosted by Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce.
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Online, Tue 4 Nov, 3pm - 5pm
Find out how to introduce AI tools step by step, without the hype. You will cover how to pick the right areas to start, avoid common risks, and make sure your plan is practical, ethical, and built to last.
The session includes clear explanations, live demos, and hands-on activities, so you walk away with tools you can use immediately.
Cost:
Members: £35 +VAT
Non - Members: £45 +VAT
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Putney Library, Wed 5 Nov, 10am - 3pm & Thur 6 Nov, 10am - 5pm
Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin?
Take part in the British Library’s Business & IP Centre’s free two-day workshop and learn the essential steps that you'll need to get your business off to a flying start.
Day 1: Kickstart Your Business: Business Research & Information
Day 2: Kickstart Your Business: Get Started
Cost: Free
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Two-day workshops
Hosted by Business & IP Centre
 Click below to find out more and sign up
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Scaling Up! Manufacturing for Food & Drink Startups
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1st Floor of The Food Exchange, 13 Nov, 6pm - 9pm
Hear from Mission Kitchen experts and founders to explore the key avenues of scaling your products through manufacturing and production.
This panel talk will explore the different manufacturing routes available to early-stage brands, from keeping production in-house to working with co-manufacturers and co-packers, both in the UK and internationally.
Cost: £20 - Code MKGUEST for 50% off
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Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel and Spa, 354 Queenstown Road London, 15 - 16 Nov
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home in Ghana, expand your investment portfolio, or explore relocation and lifestyle services, this Expo is your gateway to making it happen.
In its 9th edition, the expo returns to London relaunched by local sisters.
Cost: Free
Check event link for times.
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Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo
On Point Property Management LTD
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The Wandsworth Chamber Big Breakfast
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The Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel and Spa, 354 Queenstown Road, Battersea SW8 4AE, Wed 19 Nov, 8am - 10.30am
Join Chamber Members and guests for this Business Big Breakfast and Annual General Meeting where Beverley Corson will be giving an update on the Chamber and also launching the Wandsworth Business Awards 2026.
Cost:
Members: £20 +VAT
Non - Members: £30 +VAT
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Arding & Hobbs, Clapham Junction, Thu 20 Nov.
If you're a start-up, an early-stage company or a local small businesses with a passion for a better future, go and pitch your game-changing ideas to a panel of entrepreneurs and investors.
The winner will be awarded 6 months of office space at the new Clapham Junction workspace, Arding & Hobbs!
Closing date for entries 5 Nov.
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 Pitch for Six Competition
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Made You Look Exhibition
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Last Chance to see the exhibition Battersea Arts Centre: 10am - 4.30pm
On display until Saturday 1 November
A photographic exhibition captured through the lens of photographer Julian George, each portrait tells a powerful story, not just of culinary excellence, but of personal journeys, cultural heritage, and breaking barriers in British cuisine.
See a preview by clicking here.
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World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, 3 Ponton Rd, Nine Elms, London SW11 7BD, 19 Nov, doors open 7pm
Jazz Double Bill from talented Danny Piers Trio and World Heart Beat Band, led by jazz pianist Ayo Vincent.
This special evening will celebrate former Wandsworth resident, Evelyn Dove's remarkable legacy through stunning live performances that bring her story and music to life.
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A tribute to Evelyn Dove
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Business Support Services |
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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.
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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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.
Cost of doing business support
We have put together a page of support to help your business navigate the challenges of increased costs.
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