Business group holds drop-in events to help entrepreneurs

A business group in Ilford is holding drop-in events to provide help and advice to start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the area.

The Seven Kings Business and Community Partnership (SKBCP) launched its first information event on 7th March at the Seven Kings Library in High Road and will now be holding the sessions every fortnight until May.

The business group will be working with Sophia Hubs, a group that provides local start-ups and entrepreneurs with support, and hopes that the sessions will reduce the number of failing start-up businesses.

Experts

The most recent drop-in session, which was held on 21^st March, featured a number of experts, including police officers, ward councillors and Claudia Castillo from the London Small Business Centre.

Start-ups were provided with information on what funding opportunities are available to them and were also given access to open workspace with free Wi-Fi.

Attendees of the event were also presented with learning opportunities such as apprenticeships and language courses, as well as advice on business issues from Daniel Moore of Redbridge Council.

Flourished

SKBCP board member, Kim Judge, provided a detailed report on the last drop-in session and discussed the scheme in a guest blog for Sophia Hubs, stating: “Our twist on the pop-up culture has flourished since manifesting an idea that was set in motion approximately six months ago.”

She added: “The concept allows local professionals, start-up businesses, statutory services and community based organisations to connect with the local community.”

The next session is scheduled to take place on 11^th April.