News

Capital surprise as London tops list of UK most cost-effective university cities

NatWest has unveiled the Student Living Index – an annual report on university cost-of-living, now in its seventh year. The research, which analyses weekly expenditure including rent and living costs against earnings from part-time work, reveals that London is this year’s most cost-effective university location in the UK, beating cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

Natwest and RBS Supports Surge In Start-Up Businesses Despite Economic Downturn

As Britain looks to trade its way out of the downturn, NatWest and RBS are witnessing encouraging growth in customers starting up new businesses. Since offering initiatives such as 2 years free banking, the banks have helped over 100,000 new businesses across the UK enter the market in the past twelve months. In London they have opened over 18,200 new business start-up accounts To build on this success, both banks are launching a free Hotline service to help more businesses successfully launch.

6 Months Free Rent for Workshops In Mitcham

If you’re a new business you may be eligible for 6 months rent free!

The Generator Enterprise centre offers light industrial units wich are located in the heart of Mitcham.

The units can be acquired on a flexible ‘Easy-in, easy-out’ licence arrangement.

An Evening With Vince Cable MP

On October 13th South London Business will be hosting an exclusive evening event with the Rt. Hon. Vince Cable, MP for Twickenham and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Think3e expand into Croydon

Think 3e based in Northamptonshire, is a not for profit social enterprise consortium. They wanted to make the most of a business opportunity in London and chose Croydon as their ideal area for distribution and logistics.  The success of their expansion in the south would depend on them finding a very specific type of property to match the needs of their company.

Merton Business Awards finalists chosen

The Merton Business Awards 2010 in association with WSM Partners LLP are heading towards a successful conclusion with 44 different organisations shortlisted across twelve categories.

The awards, launched in May, showcase and reward business.  The businesses in the running for this year’s awards cover estate agents, restaurants, retail outlets, a photography company, and a theatre company, as well as a salon and magazine companies.

Bank launches new fund to support local communities

NatWest today announced details of a new fund to support local charities and projects, and is inviting customers and local people to decide who should benefit from this new community initiative.

People Of Richmond Borough, Your High Street Needs You

Many Richmond Borough residents find themselves frustrated – and perhaps a little sad – at the amount of local high street shops and services closing down each month. Now, everyone has an opportunity to do their bit to support their high streets by completing a three minute ‘Buy Local’ online questionnaire.

Businesses urged to take advantage of 2012 opportunities with two years to go

With two years to go until the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the London business community is being encouraged to take advantage of the commercial opportunities that are still available for businesses of all sizes.  As Games preparations enter the home stretch, there are still millions of pounds worth of contracts available from both the Olympic Delivery Authority and the London Organising Committee.

Brewery decision blow for town centre

Hopes of a solution to traffic problems in Wandsworth town centre have been hit after ministers refused planning permission for the Ram brewery redevelopment.

Fears grow over business rates

Increasing rates are now the biggest worry facing local firms according to an annual survey of the borough’s business community.

As part of the study, more than 500 traders were asked to name the main source of concern for their operation. Thirty-seven per cent cited business rates – more than any other issue.

Clicking With Customers, Free Event in Twickenham

If you are a company that is committed to both learning and business growth, you may be interested in attending Yell's "Clicking with customers" free of charge event on the 15th July at Twickenham Stadium. 

Historic transformation of the Elephant and Castle gets the green light

The Cabinet have agreed to the terms of a detailed Regeneration Agreement with commercial partners, Lend Lease, that paves the way for the historic £1.5bn transformation of the Elephant and Castle.

The decision to accept the terms of the agreement was taken at a meeting of the council's Cabinet on 7 July and is the culmination of extensive negotiation between the two organisations, for a project that was conceived over a decade ago.

Kingston Business Awards Launch

Kingston Business Awards 2010, have been developed by South London Business, Kingston Council and Kingston Chamber of Commerce, in order to reward and celebrate the many dynamic and innovative businesses in the borough.

Pre-Budget comment from South London Business

The outcome of George Osborne’s first Budget is the most eagerly anticipated since the early 1980s. Having started to emerge from recession, it is extremely important that the Chancellor, through today’s budget supports this growth by encouraging investment in our business community, provides incentives for existing businesses to invest in growth opportunities and relieves companies of the burden of bureaucracy and red tape that is stifling business, and small companies in particular. 

Budget response from South London Business

South London Business congratulates George Osborne on his first Budget as Chancellor. We welcome, in particular, the desire to deliver a balanced budget over the lifetime of this parliament achieved through developing an enterprise-led economy. 

MP's Urged To Do More For Small Business

MEMBERS of parliament in the area have been urged to do more to help small businesses.

Welcome To New Members

South London Business would like to thank and welcome its new business members.

Members include: Solutions @ Gem Ltd, BT Local Business Greater London South West, Omnia Enterprises, Architectural Drawing Designs Limited, Jurys Inn Croydon, Northern Rock Plc, Twin UK, Surbitonlaw LLP and Kandidshots Kreatives Sourcing Agency

Kingston Business Awards - Sponsorship Opportunities

The inaugural Kingston Business Awards 2010, funded by the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, and supported by Kingston Chamber of Commerce and South London Business have been developed to reward and celebrate Kingston’s vibrant and dynamic business community. This event will culminate with an Awards ceremony in November 2010 and is the major annual event in the Kingston business calendar, providing a fantastic opportunity for companies to network and raise their profile. An intensive marketing campaign will ensure the awards are extensively promoted throughout South London, providing significant publicity potential for sponsors as well as brand association with one of the most prestigious events in Kingston.

Sponsoring the Kingston Business awards not only provides the ideal platform to showcase your organisation/business to some of Kingston’s most vibrant businesses, but also provides the opportunity for your organisation to become a key partner in the Awards process and share the benefits of defining and rewarding business excellence in the Borough.

Grants for Business offer to double your money

You may have been thinking about expanding your business for some time, but access to funds has been holding you back. New machinery or equipment could make a big difference to your efficiency or market position.

NatWest are on the Pulse with Latest Funding Package

Croydon, May 2010 – Local supplier of fixings and consumables to the UK construction industry, Pulse Fixings, has secured a new contract for the 2012 Olympics thanks to the support of local bankers, NatWest.

Merton launches inaugural Business Awards

Merton Business Awards, in association with WSM Finance LLP, has been developed by Merton Council, Merton Chamber of Commerce and South London Business, in order to reward and celebrate the many dynamic and innovative businesses in the borough.

Best South London Businesses Announced

The annual South London Business awards came to a glittering conclusion this Wednesday with Croydon funeral directors Rowland Brothers International named as business of the year.

Are you having difficulty raising loan finance for your business?

GLE oneLondon is currently running the new Mentoring 4 Success Programme, which is aimed at assisting you to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively present your business proposition to investors and lenders and ultimately maximise your chances of securing finance.  

SMEs invited to quiz dragon on how to grow their business

When NatWest surveyed 1,200 SMEs about advice to help their business grow, how to win new customers (53%) was their number one concern. The issue was even more important to small businesses with 62% looking for advice on this issue.