Welcome to the February issue of Open4business! 

This month’s issue features the launch of Women’s Enterprise Evening - a spin-off from the popular Women’s Enterprise Day event - which takes place next month.  

Award fever has hit the borough with nominations now open (but closing soon), for both the Wandsworth Women’s Enterprise Awards and the Wandsworth Business Awards – so now’s the time to put yourself or a business you admire forward. We also feature a free property advice service available to SMEs, Santander’s call-out for female business leaders, The Elm’s Piano Festival, Wandsworth Creative’s networking event and free workshops and events to help grow your business.  

 

Women’s Enterprise Evening is a chance to celebrate brilliant female founders across the borough, gain practical insights to grow your business, and make meaningful connections with women who get it.  

Hosted by Kate Bassett, Head of Content at the Financial Times, this exciting new spin-off from Women’s Enterprise Day takes place at private members’ club The Arding Rooms, Clapham Junction, on Wednesday 18 March.

Join us for inspiration with substance, practical insights and to make meaningful connections.

You’ll enjoy a welcome drinks reception, expert tips on pitching to journalists and influencers from Rebecca Burn-Callander, former Enterprise Editor, Daily and Sunday Telegraph; a powerful perspective on ambition, creativity and breaking barriers from Alison Buchanan, international soprano, and CEO Pegasus Opera Company, whilst Emma Boardman will share a grounded approach to building a business that lasts.  

The evening also includes 90 minutes of unlimited drinks, a light bowl food supper, a live performance, and the presentation of the Women’s Enterprise Awards. 

Whether you are a nominee, a supporter, or simply passionate about championing women in enterprise - we hope to see you there.

Tickets are limited, so click below to secure early-bird ticket.

Submit your nomination by midnight Saturday 28 February 2026. 

Winners will be announced at the Women’s Enterprise Evening event on 18 March.

 

The Wandsworth Business Awards hosted by the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce showcases the best of the Wandsworth Business Community. 

All Businesses from across  the borough are encouraged to enter the awards. It is free to enter and there are 14 categories to choose from and businesses can select up to three categories.  Entering awards is a great way to promote your business, gain more visibility and attract new customers. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, 10 June at The Clapham Grand. 

Entries are open until 13 March 2026.

 

 

The Santander Women Business Leaders’ Mentoring Programme (WBL) has returned for its eighth year.

The programme is open to female founders, business owners, or majority shareholders of companies that have been trading for at least 18 months. 

Santander is also inviting applications from experienced business owners and senior leaders interested in joining the programme as Mentors. Both men and women are welcome to apply, and applicants should have a strong understanding of small to medium‑sized businesses. 

Applications close on Monday, 9 March 2026

 

Next month, Nine Elms will come alive with the sound of music with the return of the World Heart Beat - International Piano in the Elms Festival. The event will feature two weeks of concerts, master classes, a piano trail, free lessons and community events. 

World Heart Beat is inviting participation from local businesses and pianists keen to support arts and community engagement to get involved by hosting a piano concert and taking part in a piano trail across Nine Elms.  

Festival highlights include the world premiere of Julian Joseph’s Nine Elms Suite, plus performances from acclaimed classical and jazz pianists from around the world. 

Businesses interested in getting involved can register their interest to -  info@worldheartbeat.org 

Businesses looking to make smarter commercial property decisions can now access the FREE Property Advice Service delivered by London Business Partnership. The service provides professional guidance from property experts through webinars, one‑to‑one advice sessions, and a range of practical resources covering a wide variety of property issues. 

Their next webinar is on the topic of Business Rates and Leases and property experts from Newmark will be available to answer commercial property questions live. 

24th February, 10am, Online

For more information, email info@londonbp.co.uk or call 07591 537448.

Creating a Compelling Case for Support

Join Start Up Wandsworth for a practical introductory workshop on generative AI. You'll explore how these tools work, how to create effective prompts, and how AI agents and workflow automation can support your business. 

This session is designed for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to understand how AI can enhance the way they work. Feel free to bring a laptop or device to follow along.

Are you a Wandsworth artist, dancer, designer or creative? Or do you work in heritage or at a creative organisation? If so, book your spot at the final Wandsworth Creatives networking session of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture year.  

The event will feature a panel discussion on how to build a Wandsworth creative network - a practical conversation about collaboration and what it means to be a creative working in the borough today.  

You'll also have the chance to make new connections with like-minded creatives over breakfast.