Brokerage and lobbying
Retaining South London’s existing businesses and safequarding jobs is vital to our future economic prosperity.South London Business is a business led public/private sector partnership, which promotes the economic development of south London. We work with our partners in industry, local authorities, Chambers of Commerce and regional development agencies to identify the opportunities and challenges facing businesses based in south London.
Our aims are two fold:
Strategic planning:
• To actively campaign and lobby on behalf of business
• To influence policy at local, regional and national level
• To identify where national and local resources should be directed to better support businesses in South London.
• Act as a voice for business
Active support:
• To promote and support improvements to skills and workforce development
• To provide support, with partners at SOLOMAN and the Manufacturing Advisory Service to increase productivity in industry
• To support business in resolving issues of immediate concern such as skills, transport, planning and premises.
The Business Growth Programme is funded by the London Development Agency (LDA); the Mayor of London’s economic development agency.
Some recent examples of the support that we have been able to provide:
Development – A large manufacturing company needed to redevelop some aging premises but was frustrated by an interpretation of the local UDP. Working with the company, local planners and elected members, South London Business were able to broker a series of meetings which resulted in a successful application for redevelopment of over 50,000 ft2.
Training – A large engineering company had a requirement to train senior staff in lean management processes. Working with partners at the Manufacturing Advisory Service, South London Business facilitated access to a partially grant funded training programme.
As I am sure that you will appreciate, it is extremely important to visit a broad spectrum of significant companies in order to get a reasonable picture of the current challenges facing business and the future opportunities.
To arrange a visit from our Business Growth Team please contact Con OBrien on telephone 020 8253 4226 or by e-mail: con.obrien@southlondonbusiness.co.uk
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