School Gates Graduates

The School Gates Enterprise Scheme backed by Greenwich Council has just finished with a bumper crop of graduates. Parents were encouraged to start their own businesses on special courses after school drop off in the mornings. On the courses they got the chance to learn new skills as part of the free training and advice. The project was delivered by South East Enterprise's advisor Brenda Drummond. The package of support included help with CVs and job applications, skills development and training, and enterprise advice and coaching.

On Wednesday 30 March graduates from the scheme attended a graduation ceremony at picturesque Charlton House. Cllr Denise Highland presented the graduates with their certificates and there was also an opportunity for the different sets of graduates to network with each other and advisers from South East Enterprise.

One of the graduates, mum-of-two Ingrid Uche has already benefited from the project and has started her own business. The mum of six-year-old twins, from Thamesmead, heard about the project while dropping them off at South Rise Primary School in Plumstead.

“I went on the School Gates training course that was held at the school over two half-days,” she said. “It was very, very useful for me, particularly the information about marketing and finance, such as the profit and loss account. It gave me a very good insight into what I needed to do.”

Ingrid set up a business called Zoe Cosmetics, and produces hand-made soaps from home, using natural
ingredients. “It’s going very well, and I’m now looking to expand by making other skincare products,” she said.

To find out more about this successful project read the article published in Greenwich Time.

International Women's Day 100 Year Centenary Celebration 1911 - 2011

The Women Mean Business spring networking event was organised to coincide with International Women's Day on Tuesday 8 March. Local women business owners celebrated the centenary of International Women's Day at Manor House Library in Lee. South East Enterprise with support from Lewisham Council organised the networking event.

Yasemen Hussein a local mixed media sculptor entertained us with stories of her struggle to establish herself and win commissions.

Nilloosha Ponnuthurai a solicitor from Freshlaw Solicitors, gave an inspirational speech on how she started her niche solicitor firm offering advice on civil and business contract matters and residential and commercial property transactions.

Coaching Club Networking Event

South East Enterprise hosted a networking event for new and old members of the Coaching Club on the evening of Wednesday 9 February. It was an opportunity for members to mingle and share experiences with others who had taken the chance to expand their knowledge and hopefully their profit margins by enrolling onto the club. Many of the groups are still keeping in-touch informally and welcomed the chance to catch-up over a glass of wine and a light buffet.

Carbon Smart Blue certification for SEE

South East Enterprise are proud to announce that they have been awarded Carbon Smart certification we have demonstrated our commitment to the environment by measuring our carbon emissions and putting in place an action plan and policy to reduce their impact

To take a proactive stance and address our contribution to climate change, our organisation has committed to the Carbon Smart award scheme. Being Carbon Smart means taking an intelligent and flexible approach to reducing our carbon footprint. Our Carbon Smart award certifies the practical actions we have taken to actively reduce our environmental impact. It clearly demonstrates our commitment to customers, staff and suppliers. Just like recycling, the Carbon Smart award makes improving our environmental performance part of the everyday running of our business.