Greenwich Time report on Access to Finance scheme

Graham King, SEE’s specialist finance adviser said: “We are able to help business owners and managers turn their ideas and plans into attractive propositions for banks, business angels or venture capital investors. We will look objectively at the soundness of the business and the viability of the proposal and help clients to make the right choices as to the type of finance they require”.

Click here to read the whole Greenwich Time article.

Networking in Style

Business support agencies in Lewisham came together on 8 December to hold a networking event for local entrepreneurs with a fashion theme.

The event at the Civic Suite in Lewisham was lead by South East Enterprise who run The Lewisham Business Advisory Service, Simple Business Solutions and Head for Business.

The Centre piece of the event was a fashion show staged by students from Christ the King Sixth Form College with help from local fashion designer Toni Stacey-Blake of Booshie Bagz. The event which kicked off with a display from a street dancer from  Christ the King showcased local designers and featured a range of jackets, dresses, t-shirts and bags all designed and made locally and modelled by the students, some of whom were stepping out for the first time.

Lewisham has a growing fashion industry and the show demonstrated how the borough is becoming a centre for creativity in South East London.

Guest speakers included Steve Nelson, principle director of the South East London Chamber of Commerce, who spoke of the opportunities for young creative businesses in Lewisham and local designers. Local entrepreneurs, Toni Stacey-Blake and Joy Prime, spoke about the benefits of starting businesses in Lewisham and the excellent support on offer from South East Enterprise at the Business Advisory Service.

Global Entrepreneurship Event in Greenwich

To  celebrate the achievements of Greenwich and Lewisham businesses, South East Enterprise hosted a reception at the Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich on the evening of Thursday 18 November as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, founded by Enterprise United Kingdom and the Kauffman Foundation, is an adaptation of Enterprise Week in the UK, and has been running since 2004. In 2008, it became part of a wider global movement to become what is now known as Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The event was attended by owner/managers from over 150 local businesses together with over 50 representatives from local banks, SEE's partner organisations, Greenwich Council and the South East London Chamber.

Cllr Denis Hyland Greenwich Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Skills opened the evening. Speakers included Mark Sesnan, Managing Director of Greenwich Leisure Limited. Based in Woolwich, GLL took over the operation of Greenwich's Council's leisure centres in 1993 as part of an innovation 'spin-out' and is a pioneering worker owned Charitable Social Enterprise.

Other speakers included Rob Shaw, Manging Director of Ephiphany Solutions Ltd., an internet company working with small and multi-national businesses; networking Guru John Popolini aka Steven Trister and SEE's Morton Patterson, who was the evening's Master of Ceremonies.

Work that fits around your life

Shirley Drummonds – through Spiders Web Solution balances a growing business around childcare

Shirley Drummonds a single mother with seven children founded Spiders Web Solutions in April 2010 to give herself the flexibility to balance her family commitments with using her skills and experience to develop a social enterprise consultancy business. Previously, she had worked on a voluntary basis with community groups supporting disabled and other minority groups.

Until January 2010 Shirley was Chair of Lewisham based Fun Fizzical providing active gym and dance sessions for 4-16 year old children from disadvantaged backgrounds. When she heard about the free support available from South East Enterprise to people wanting to work for themselves she realised that she could turn the many hours of voluntary time she was devoting to this into a viable business.

As Shirley says… “ I have a lot of experience to offer, but because of my family commitments a 9-5 salaried job was out of the question. To keep my skills up to date I involved myself in local community programmes as a volunteer. This made me realise that there was a gap in the market for somebody to start a professional management consultancy service to fill the skills shortages in many of these community groups.

I couldn’t believe it when I heard about the free support and advice that SEE provide people wanting to start businesses, I realised that I could that being my own boss would give me the  flexibility to balance work with my family life. SEE advisers gave me sound practical advice on setting up and running a business, marketing and accounting; this gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed to start Spiders Web Solutions”

SEE, have been supporting residents of Greenwich to set up successful new enterprises as well as those wanting to grow existing businesses for over 20 years. The School Gates Enterprise programme is funded by Greenwich Council to give parents who want to work for themselves the support they need to start their own businesses. It is delivered through a mix of enterprise workshops and individual coaching at nominated schools in the borough. All participants receive a Certificate at a Graduation Ceremony to acknowledge their efforts and achievements.

SEE will support School Gates graduates throughout the trials and tribulations of starting-up their business and, through its other support programmes, continue to offer free advice and guidance in the critical first years of trading.

To find out more about School Gates Enterprise and SEE’s other range of business support see their website www.seenterprise.co.uk or send them an email info@seenterprise.co.uk

Celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week with South East Enterprise

On the 18th November in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, South East Enterprise will be hosting an evening event at the Trafalgar Tavern. It will be an informative and entertaining evening with guest speakers.

• Mark Sesnan help build Greenwich Leisure into a £60 million social enterprise. Be inspired and learn from his experience
• Rob Shaw from Epiphany Solutions, an expert in Online Search Marketing will be demystifying the tools needed to market your business online, from Pay Per Click to Twitter, SEO to Facebook. Which tools should you use?
• Guest appearance from Guru John Popolini, a satirical/parody character on the world of speakers and experts. Are you ready to laugh and learn at the same time?

We will also be showcasing some of the local businesses that we have worked with during the year and you will have the opportunity to network with like-minded business people while enjoying a buffet and light refreshments.

To receive your personal invitation to this networking event, please contact South East Enterprise on 020 8305 2222 or by email info@seenterprise.co.uk.

Specialist support for London businesses to maximise their success in raising finance

In today's tough economic conditions raising finance can be a daunting prospect for many South London businesses. Working with Grant Thornton, South East Enterprise (SEE) offer expert support to help business owners and managers make the right choices as to the type of finance they require. SEE Advisers will work closely with them to turn their ideas and plans into attractive propositions for banks, business angels or venture capital investors.

Under the support programme businesses receive:

• Two hour individual consultations with a SEE adviser

• Minimum of 12 hours one to one business support

• Tailored support in preparing a business plan for the banks

• Help in identifying other sources of finance

• Support in understanding the key issues when applying for debt finance

• Introductions to banks and other lenders

The programme is heavily subsidised, whilst the first two hour support session is free, businesses are required to pay a contribution fee of £200 if they decide to move forward.

For further details email gk@seenterprise.co.uk or tel: 020 8305 2222

This comprehensive programme is under the Solutions for Business 'Understanding Finance for Business' and is part-funded by The European Development Regional Development Fund and LDA. Click here to view a PDF outlining the programme.

Benefit from the Business Coaching Club

A problem shared is a problem halved.

Business owners frequently feel isolated, lonely and stuck due to sometimes having a limited network and peer group, and are unable to share experiences with people who can understand and at the same time offer solutions. The coaching club was set up with exactly that in mind - to help you to find solutions to your problems and at the same time grow your business.

It is based on the 'Masterminding principle' where two or more individuals get together to accomplish a goal, activity or result. Large established businesses already recognize the value of coaching  as being a longstanding and powerful motivational tool;  SEE's intention was to create a supportive group where local business owners, each with the potential to grow, could meet regularly to share problems and experiences, set specific goals and be accountable to each other. The initial Coaching Club programme (put together by Morton Patterson) took place over 4 months, during the summer with fortnightly sessions on average lasting 2 hours and a maximum of 7 participants per group.

How joining the coaching club can help you?

• Increased confidence and clarity about your business
• You get the benefit of differing perspectives, input and feedback.
• The opportunity to build your network and access connections that you might not have on your own.
• A sense of accountability and inspiration from the group
• Greater focus towards achieving your goals.
• Find solutions to problems that may have been unresolved for some time

A recent participant was quoted as saying, "For me the coaching club has been really helpful not just with the business but with my personal development too. When you work for yourself and at home it can get a bit lonely and you can lose perspective. The coaching club has provided me an opportunity to discuss issues with other people... I have already learned so much and grown as a person. It is invaluable."

If being a part of this unique club appeals to you, in the first instance you will need to complete an application form. Places are limited for the club as we want to ensure that only committed applicants apply.

We will be holding open sessions on the 28th October and the 25th November from 11am - 1.30pm, where you will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how the coaching club works. Please click here to download an application form, or the frequently asked question sheet.

If you would like to find out more  please contact South East Enterprise on 020 8305 2222 or email info@seenterprise.co.uk.

Lewisham Council - Green Enterprise Grants

Get back 50% of the costs of 'going green'

Through its Green Enterprise Grant, Lewisham Council is offering businesses based in the borough 50% of the costs of ‘going green’ – up to a maximum of £10,000.

You can use the money to invest in:

• new ‘green’ products or services
• low carbon skills staff training
• creating new `green’ jobs
• reducing the energy or fuel your business uses
• research for new ‘green’ market opportunities
• energy-saving equipment.

If your scheme is approved, Lewisham Council will give you 50% of the costs towards your project and guide you on raising the additional finance. 

How to apply

World's Biggest Coffee Morning

SE Enterprise are taking part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning, a Macmillan Cancer Support annual event. We will be hosting a coffee and cake morning on Friday 24 September 10.30 - 12.30 for women entrepreneurs. The coffee morning will provide women in business the opportunity to network in a friendly forum -

•     Be inspired by guest speakers
•     Meet like-minded business women
•     Make new business and social contacts
•     Exchange ideas, share knowledge and experiences

On this occasion there will be a charge of £3 per head payable on the day and a small charge for the Prize Draw tickets. All proceeds will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. Please support the charity and take advantage of this networking opportunity. Bring along a good supply of your business cards and leaflets. Contact us for your personal invitation by calling 020 8305 2222 or email info@seenterprise.co.uk.

Free Advice for SE London Business Owners

SE London business owners can get free advice about online sales and promotion through the worldwide web.
 
The net gains of having a website are explained as part of the free support offered by South East Enterprise (SEE).
 
The  agency in Burney Street, Greenwich, has been supporting  prospective, new and existing business owners on all aspects of business management for more than 20 years.
 
Funding from Greenwich Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) means expert advisers are now offering free training workshops and one-to-one advice sessions to businesses keen to have an online presence.  The IT and e-business training support looks at the first steps to starting an online business through to website design, search engine optimisation, selling and taking online payments to editing digital images and web site reviews. 
 
SEE area director Jeremy Hedger said: “In the space of 10 years the worldwide web has revolutionised the way businesses promote and sell their products. Today all the big high street names offer an on-line service and having a web presence is now vital for any small business trying to increase its market share or win new customers. It’s often difficult for business owners to know where to start but we can help them grow their businesses through managed and targeted planning. Our adviser team have run successful businesses themselves and use their experience and expertise to help clients meet their objectives by providing impartial and practical advice tailored to meet their specific needs”
Jo Pye is the director of Greenwich-based internet publisher Carousel Internet Publishing Ltd, which was set up in 2004.
 
She contacted SEE for support in developing e-commerce facilities and attended SEE’s E-Business & IT workshops including ‘Selling Online & Taking Payments Online’.
The firm has also benefitted from one-to-one in-depth support with SEE advisers to develop a viable growth plan.
 
“SEE have de-mystified the whole process of selling and taking payments online, they have given us the confidence and knowledge to really develop this for our business. These courses are invaluable for small businesses,” Jo told GT. 
 
Learn more about Carousel Internet Publishing at www.carouselinternetpublishing.com 
 
Limelight Entertainment is a thriving theatrical production company launched in Charlton in 1995.

 
The company is now based at the IO Centre in Woolwich Arsenal employing eight people and specialises in the sale and marketing of theatre merchandise. Traditionally show merchandise was only for sale at the theatres where the shows were performed but the company has been able to set up an effective on-line sales site so customers can order and pay for theatrical merchandise on-line 24 hours a day 7 days week - even when a show has stopped running.
 
Limelight has worked with well-known theatre productions including ‘Grease’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ and is currently focussed on supplying Peppa Pig’ merchandise for a new show which hits the London stage for pantomime season.
 
Limelight’s project co-ordinator Alison Grant attended SEE’s Business Growth Programme with colleague Paul Woolsey.
 
She said: “We had been selling through traditional points of sale at theatres and other pantomime venues but realised that many potential customers were not able to buy the merchandise they wanted at the theatre itself. As you can imagine many of our customers are children who do not always have enough pocket money to purchase on ‘the day’. This was losing Limelight sales too, so we set ourselves the task of adapting our existing website to sell ‘Peppa Pig’ merchandise on-line.”
 
Paul added: “We soon realised that there were no ‘quick fixes’  and were becoming more and more confused with the expensive solutions that web designers were suggesting. A timely visit from a SEE adviser changed all that, and we soon learned how we could quickly build an effective and user- friendly site which showed the items we sell and we were selling online in two weeks!”
 
Limelight’s  website is at www.thelimelightgroup.co.uk
l For further information about the free IT on e-commerce business support on offer through SEE visit www.seenterprise.co.uk call 020 8305 2222 or email jeh@seenterprise.co.uk 

New Autumn E-business and IT Course Programme

We have a new timetable of business and IT courses available free to businesses in Lewisham and Greenwich. To view a list of the workshops available and to download a booking form please visit our website at www.seenterprise.co.uk.

Our unique programme of business and IT workshops include:

•     Tendering and Procurement - Awareness workshop
•     How to Lead Effectively
•     Marketing your business in the digital age
•     Creating an Effective Web Site
•     Intermediate Excel - Using Office 2010
•     Advanced Word - Using Office 2010

They are funded courses and are in high demand so please contact us on 020 8305 2222 or by email info@seenterprise.co.uk to reserve your place.

Design for Growth

Barbara Wiggins has always had a passion for art and design: encouraged by artistic parents, she has drawn and painted since a child. Her great-grandfather was a leather worker in Ireland in the 1800’s and, following the family tradition, she has specialised in leather and paper products and founded Barbara Wiggins Designs in 1983. She has been based in Lewisham ever since, and now works from Peartree Studios in Breakspears Road (near Lewisham College), where she hand-draws the designs for an exclusive range of handcrafted stationery and leather products. Her new limited edition range has been inspired by the nature and wildlife in Lewisham’s parks and the river bank at Creekside.

Right from the outset Barbara has been supported by SE Enterprise (SEE), whose advisers gave her the advice and support she needed to turn her dream into reality.

As Barbara says, ‘In the early days I didn’t have the business skills to effectively manage the business. SEE advisers gave me grounding in such things as break-even and marketing. They taught me the realities of running a business and were a stabilising influence in the first 10 years of trading and have been supportive ever since’.

Based in Greenwich and at the Lewisham Business Advisory Service in Lewis Grove, SEE has over 20 years experience of working with and supporting local established businesses across south east London.

In recent months Barbara Wiggins Designs has been participating in the Business Growth Programme which SEE is running with funding from Lewisham Council and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The programme provides in-depth support and advice from experienced business professionals; this can range from seeking out new public and private sector contract and market opportunities, practical advice on tendering, right through to one to one coaching and expert advice on sales, promotion, HR, e-commerce, forward and financial planning.

With SEE support and encouragement, Barbara Wiggins Designs has gone from strength to strength to become an established name in the field – today their customers include Liberty, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Tate, as well as many independent retailers across the UK. She also has customers across the East coast of the USA, Dubai and just recently has taken a large order from an Australian distributor.

Barbara commented that ‘Throughout the past 27 years SEE advisers have underpinned the growth of Barbara Wiggins Designs. They speak with authority and experience. It’s good to know that when difficulties do arise I can always rely on their objective support and expertise to find practical solutions’.

You can find full details of Barbara’s product range on her website: www.barbarawiggins.co.uk

See how we can help you

FREE expert advice and support is available to residents who are thinking of setting up their own business.

It’s being offered by South East Enterprise (SEE) the business support agency that has been helping Lewisham and Greenwich residents to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into successful businesses for over 20 years. 

The agency based in Burney Street, Greenwich, and Lewis Grove, Lewisham is being funded by Greenwich and Lewisham councils to provide a range of support services for residents wanting to start up their own businesses. 

The support includes a range of workshops and seminars which focus on every aspect of starting and running a new business from planning and funding to marketing and promotion. They’re followed up by one-to-one support from dedicated advisers who provide impartial advice to individual entrepreneurs through each stage of their business’s development. 

SEE Area Director Jeremy Hedger said: “With the current uncertainties in the employment market many local residents are looking at the opportunities to gain financial independence by working for themselves but its not an easy option and there are many pitfalls awaiting the novice entrepreneur. 

Government statistics show that businesses owners who take expert advice, plan objectively and research their market before launch significantly improve their survival rate over the first critical 18 months of trading.”

The programme of support will enable residents to realise their entrepreneurial talents and capabilities, and local people who have been unemployed for more than three months could receive Jobseekers’ Allowance of up to £50 per week from the government to help them through the first few months of trading.

Ramona Metcalfe has been running her own life coaching consultancy for a couple of years with support form SEE. She said: “SEE are committed to helping all kinds of people to be successful in business. Their ‘no-nonsense’ approach and tendency to tell it how it is, provides clients with the clear facts so as to make informed decisions about the risks associated with their business.” 

Steve Nelson, Principal Director of SE London Chamber of Commerce said: “Small businesses are the heart of the local economy and start-ups provide the blood flow’. There are many Chamber members who have benefited from the ongoing support of SEE and I can thoroughly recommend the organisation to anyone contemplating going into business. Not only are they incredibly helpful but they are also honest and will advise if the business idea is unrealistic, which alone can save an individual thousands of pounds and a lot of pain.”

He added:  “Many start-ups flounder because they haven’t set up in the right way; haven’t considered all the angles, SEE can help ensure that your business avoids such pitfalls - and thanks to the councils support, there is no charge for Greenwich and Lewisham residents!’

For more information visit SEE’s website at www.seenterprise.co.uk  or phone 020 8305 2222 email info@seenterprise.co.uk

Boost for Local Business Growth

Trading conditions are tough for the business community in SE London, to survive and grow many companies are seeking to diversifying into new markets. To assist Greenwich and Lewisham businesses, the European Regional Development Fund jointly with Greenwich and Lewisham councils are from now until March 2011 funding a ‘Business Growth Programme’. Professional support designed specifically for businesses that are ready to grow right now is being provided by South East Enterprise (SEE) across a range of specialist areas.

SEE are delivering the support from local offices in Greenwich and Lewisham – Jeremy Hedger SEE’s Area Director commented
…….We have over 20 years experience working with and supporting local established businesses across south east London. Our experienced business professionals deliver in-depth support and advice which, under the Business Growth Programme, is completely free. So far under this programme we have supported over 150 local businesses, which has ranged from practical advice on tendering, seeking out new public and private sector contract opportunities, right through to one to one coaching and expert advice on sales, marketing, HR, e-commerce, accessing finance and financial planning……

The programme is tailored to the needs of established businesses in both boroughs; it provides a structured framework for them to achieve tangible results and maximise opportunities for new sales in the business to business sector. It aims to help local business owners and managers achieve the sustained growth and viability needed to create and safeguard local jobs.

Steve Nelson, Principal Director of the SE London Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the programme saying
…….This is a really great offer, many SELCC members in both boroughs have signed up and are already benefiting from the support. SEE’s specialist advisers work individually with each business owner or manager to set realistic and tangible growth targets, together they then work out a growth development action plan to achieve these within a set timeframe. My advice for any businesses wanting to grow now is to sign up to the Business Growth Programme – there is no charge and its strictly confidential….

For further details of the Business Growth Programme the SEE website is www.seenterprise.co.uk Tel 020 8305 2222 email info@seenterprise.co.uk

Green Up - Profit Through Efficiency @ University of Greenwich

13th July 2010
Venue
University of Greenwich
Queen Anne Court
Greenwich Campus
Greenwich
SE10 9LS
Website
Visit the venue website
Time of Event
5pm - 9pm
5pm: Drinks and Canapes on arrival
7:50: Networking, drinks and finger buffet

Event Details
FREE EVENT
Headline Speakers:
James Cleverly, London Assembly Member, Chairman of London Waste and Recycling Board
Neil Johnston, Director, Institute for Sustainability

Do you want to know how you can Increase your business efficiency to save your company time?
Would you like to pick up tips and ideas that can enhance your company's energy efficiency and save your company money?
Would you like to hear how to make the best use of your company resources to maximize productivity?

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW ONLINE www.gre.ac.uk

Beautiful Foods benefit from Start-up Advice to Business Growth

Caroline Afolalu set up Beautiful Foods Ltd in 2002 at the Lewisham Business Centre to produce ‘Chin Chin’, an African snack food range, and supply a general event catering service. 

It soon became apparent that there was a niche market for ‘Chin Chin’. Caroline, working with SEE advisers, re-focused the original business plan. Beautiful Foods purchased new machinery, took on more staff and in 2004 Caroline’s husband Tunde joined the company to handle finances, leaving Caroline free to develop the ‘Chin Chin’ range market penetration. 

Beautiful Foods is now recognised as one of the leading suppliers of African snack products across London and is available in most independent ethnic food stores. 

SEE advisers helped Caroline re-brand ‘Chin Chin’. The ‘Tabitha’ label was launched in 2009 aimed at the supermarket supply chains. ‘Tabitha’ is now stocked by selected Tesco and Sainsburys stores. Asda are discussing trialing as an ethnic food line. 

As Caroline says “In the beginning we didn’t really specialise and offered a general catering service and food for weddings and parties. 

I have worked closely with SEE advisers from the early days of start-up onwards and attended their free workshops and Master Classes. This practical advice and support has helped us to grow Beautiful Foods into a profitable and Beautiful sustainable business.”

www.beautifulfoods.co.uk

Business Growth Advice From SEE Helps APPA

When Kyla Aitken and fellow-director Imran Umar formed Tri UK Ltd they had a mission to help public and voluntary organisations deliver better support for people with disabilities, at home and in the workplace. 

Kyla and Imran turned to SEE for professional support. As a result they have transformed many internal procedures and achieved a better understanding of their business, setting in place a sustainable plan for growth which has enabled them to win new business in the public sector and care organisations.

Kyla and Imran have re-launched as ‘appa’ and moved to new offices in North Greenwich; all part of their business model for growth. Today appa, with the continued support of SEE, are a market leader in the provision of specialist services for people with disabilities.

As Kyla says, “The new branding will reflect our continued growth in the delivery of training and skilled services including: direct care; educational support; interpretation and British Sign Language services; for public authorities”. 

“One of our prime concerns was lack of knowledge and skills to complete often complex tender documents. Working with SEE business advisers many hours were dedicated to reviewing and upgrading our presentation and tendering documents. This has had a positive outcome leading to business growth outside of the local area.”

www.appa.me.uk

SEE featured in Greenwich Time

SEE was recently featured in Greenwich Time to bring attention to the support that SEE provides to businesses in the area FREE of charge. Recently SEE has secured European funding under the Business Growth Programme, which runs until March, 2011.

Participating businesses benefit from a flexible package of one-to-one support from the SEE team, free advice from specialist external consultants and attend regular master classes and practical workshops geared to address specific business areas. Read the full article published in Greenwich Time.

New Course Programme May to July 2010

We now have dates for our workshop programme, including some new courses: Business Differentiation, Social Networking for Business, How to Write Effective Sales Proposals and Marketing your Business in the Digital Age to mention just a few.

Use this link to see the full course programme dates and booking information .
Email us at info@seenterprise.co.uk to find out more or call Joanne or Bridget on 020 8305 2222.

SEE wins High Impact Badge of Honour for Global Entrepreneurship Events

South East Enterprise ran 2 events during Global Entrepreneurship Week back in November 2009: a Speed Network event to launch the 2010 Lewisham Mayors' Business Awards and an evening networking event in Greenwich with an inspirational speaker Mark Shaw who gave a talk on the use of Twitter and social networking for business. Both of these events were well attended and were awarded the High Impact Badge of Honour for organising inspirational, high quality activities during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2009.

All the events during Global Entrepreneurship Week were evaluated through pre-registration data and post-event surveys from event organisers and from participants to see which ones would be awarded the High Impact Badge of Honour.  Only 34 organisations were awarded this special status to more than one of their GEW2009 events!

Fresh Start Graduation

Participants on the Fresh start program attended a graduation ceremony held at the Civic Suite on 30 March. The well attended ceremony which took place in the council chamber was to celebrate the on-going success of Lewisham residents participating in Fresh Start, some of whom have already started their new businesses. Certificates were presented by Steve Nelson, principal director of the South East London Chamber of Commerce who commended the program for its success in helping unemployed Lewisham residents into self employment. Three of the Fresh Start delegates received special ‘Going the Distance’ awards to be spent on their new businesses, the top award was £300 won by Esse Andrews Web Design. Esse was one of the first delegates to join the program in 2009. The graduation was followed by a reception where delegates had the chance to network. To find out more about the Fresh Start program, which helps Lewisham residents transition from unemployment into self employment contact the Lewisham Business Advisory Service on 020 8297 1171 x 215 or email infobas@lewisham.gov.uk

Esse Andrews receiving her award from Steve Nelson,
principal director of the South East London Chamber of Commerce.

Meet the Buyer Event

SEE in partnership with East London Business Place (ELBP) hosted a 'Meet the Buyer' event at Charlton Athletic on the 19th March. The aim of the event was to facilitate the matching of local suppliers with buyers who may be interested in their goods and services. 11 major buyers attended and over a 100 suppliers from Greenwich and Lewisham. Morton Patterson and Richard Dickson organised this successful event and SEE plans to hold more later in the year.

For the past 2 years Morton and Richard have managed and developed relationships with the businesses in Greenwich and Lewisham providing tendering and procurement workshops and support. SEE now provide 1:1 clinics where Morton and Richard will look at your Tender or PQQ applications and provide feedback.

CamperVantastic wins Lewisham Business Award

SEE was one of the sponsors at the Lewisham Business Awards ceremony on Thursday 11th March. SEE client, CamperVantastic, was the winner of Best Company and also the Best New Company of the Year award.

CamperVantastic hires out campervans and also gives travel tips and offers extras including bikes, camping equipment, surf and ski racks, hammocks and luxury bedding sets. The company was set up in December 2007 after camping expert and seasoned backpacker Steve Lumley discovered a niche in the market. The day they formed the company, they contacted Tony Goldstein from Lewisham Business Advisory Service. ‘He was great and has been with us all the way offering advice, networking opportunities and training seminars,’ says Steve. Read more about Steve's experience from Lewisham Life Magazine.

There were 10 categories at the awards, the winners are featured in Lewisham Life and the Mercury newspaper. Click on the links to read more.

International Women's Day Celebration

SEE regularly arrange Women Mean Business networking events to provide women the opportunity to develop personally and professionally – the events provide a friendly forum for networking and for business women entrepreneurs to

• be inspired by guest speakers  
• meet like-minded business women
• make new business and social contacts
• exchange ideas, share knowledge and experiences

SEE organised a Spring Networking Lunch to celebrate International Women’s Day at Manor House Library. The speakers included Toni Stacey-Blake from BOoSHiE BagZ and Yana Johnson from Yana Cosmetics, who have both received business support from SEE.

New Office Open in Lewisham

On the 4th March the Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, came to officially open South East Enterprises' new office in Lewis Grove, Lewisham. SEE is the provider of Lewisham Councils' Business Advisory Service (BAS). The new office provides much needed space for advisers to meet with clients and to hold seminars and workshops.

EXOR Business Breakfast at Charlton FC

Lewisham Council spends millions of pounds on the procurement of work, supplies and services each year, providing companies of all sizes with a wide range of commercial opportunities. For some contracts (construction and other related works) the Council creates an approved list, and the evaluation for inclusion on this list is undertaken by EXOR.

South East Enterprise, ELBP and South East Chamber hosted a breakfast to provide an opportunity for businesses to understand how EXOR can work for them. Businesses met Lewisham’s Strategic Procurement Manager, Andy Murray and found out why the council use EXOR to evaluate their suppliers. EXOR’s Account Director, Tony Eve explained why businesses should register with EXOR and detailed  EXOR’s plans for working with businesses in the future and how to get the most benefit from their registration. To see the Exor presentation click here.