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Business Toolkit
Please select from the following headings for information or contact business.support@towerhamlets.gov.uk for a tailored package of recommendations.
Aged between 18 – 30
Along with any support we can offer, you may be eligible for support from The Princes Trust.
You can access a selection of webinars from industry experts on areas including Bringing Your Offline Business Online, How to Build a Powerful Digital Content Strategy, and How to Sell on Amazon. View the full list of available seminars.
The London Business Hub is a government backed service providing information advice and guidance to businesses at all stages of their lifecycle including:
Food businesses
If you are setting up or taking over a food business, you need to register your business at least 28 days before trading or before food operations begins. Register your food business
For general information relating to your food business, including inspections and regulations, please visit the food safety and information pages.
Affordable workspace
The Business Growth Team offers support in locating suitable premises for your business in local co-working and affordable spaces. For more information on this please visit Affordable workspace and premises page you will also find links and information to support your search for commercial premises.
Licensing your business
For any business licensing enquiries please visit the Tower Hamlets licensing pages.
Accessing finance
Understanding the many sources of funding potentially available to your business can be difficult. From banking finance including secured and unsecured loans, overdrafts and credit cards to government backed grant schemes, angel investment and borrowing from friends and family, there are many options to consider.
British Business bank, a government owned business development bank can provide information and advice on where and how to access funding for your business.
The council and other local support organisations run projects which can include providing grants targeting specific businesses. Please keep an eye on our projects and opportunities page for up-to-date project information. You can also register to receive our weekly business newsletter to keep informed of upcoming projects.
If you pay business Rates, you may be eligible for business rates relief, please visit our business rates pages for more information.
You can also search on the GOV.UK website for sources of finance and support for your business.
Growing your business
London Business Hub provides useful information for business looking to grow including planning to grow your business, considering the best growth strategy for your business, and identifying growth finance options. You will also find business continuity planning information and managing your business finances.
Watch our Masterclass 9 Steps to Get Funding Ready
InvestorConnected share insight on how to make your business look appealing to investors.
British Business bank, a government owned business development bank can provide information and advice on where and how to access funding for your business.
Contracts and tendering opportunities
East London Business Place offer free advice to get your business fit to supply. They run free events including meet the buyer and networking events for business to business opportunities.
You can also get more information on tendering opportunities and how to be part of the council’s supply chain by visiting the tenders and contracts page.
Sustainability
Tower Hamlets Sustainable Development Team have created a Carbon Footprint Tool to help organisations calculate carbon emissions. The tool will generate a greenhouse gas report which can be used to monitor emissions over future years. The tool also provides tips and advice on ways to reduce carbon emissions.
Watch Using the Carbon Footprint Tool in our masterclass series for detailed information on completing the tool and understanding your carbon emissions.
Membership organisations
East End Trades Guild
An alliance of small and micro enterprises, influencing support to sustain neighbourhoods increasingly left out of the wealth of London, enhancing economic resilience.
Federation of Small Businesses
Experts in business, FSB offer members a wide range of support services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government.
London Chamber of Commerce and industry
LCCI is the capital’s largest independent networking and business support organisation representing the interests of London businesses, enabling them to collaborate, create thousands of connections and offer members a comprehensive range of business services to see them proper
There is also a free London Chamber Community Network
Other useful links
Small Business Britain
Small Business Britain is the UK’s leading champion of small businesses, supporting all 5.8 million small businesses in the UK – no matter their location, sector or ambition level.
London Business Hubs Wayfinder service is designed to help micro and small businesses to navigate through support, resources and funding opportunities from hundreds of providers including the following priority areas:
- loans, grants and financial planning
- business planning
- sales and marketing support
- employee hiring, retention and development
- technology adoption
- exporting.
Helping small businesses connect with trusted expert advice and free support.
GOV.UK
Search GOV.UK business pages for information including
Setting up a business and how to write a business plan.
You will also find information on various topics including business tax and becoming an employer.
For a tailored package of support recommendations suitable to your business needs, please contact business.support@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
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