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It is a great pleasure to mark the 100th edition of the Business Update, a landmark event not only for the Our Newham Business & Enterprise team but also for our local business community.
Since its launch in 2020, this newsletter has served as a vital source of insight, guidance, and celebration of the incredible work being done across our local economy. From spotlighting new ventures to supporting growth through opportunities, the Business Update reflects our shared commitment to fostering innovation, supporting enterprise, and building a thriving local economy.
On behalf of Newham Council, I’d like to thank all those who have contributed to this journey. Your drive and determination are the heartbeat of our borough.
Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE |
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Highlights and achievements |
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See how our updates help businesses thrive |
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"The business update always encouraged me as a Newham entrepreneur that we can really excel and exceed expectations - and that Newham truly cares and is there for us, to help, nurture and celebrate our success" – Usman Shah - Date Sultan.
We’re thrilled to share that Usman has been selected to feature in the Welcome Campaign at Heathrow Airport, with over 90 million passengers welcomed each year, this is a powerful recognition of Usman’s story and a proud moment for our community to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Congratulations, Usman! | "The Business Update continues to provide valuable content – from expert advice and networking opportunities to information on various funding options for small businesses. This includes updates on grants, signposting to relevant schemes, and guidance on how to access available support – all of which help us plan and grow more strategically." – Sangeeta Sengupta - TiffinWalli CIC | "The Business Update has been incredibly helpful in keeping me informed about local opportunities and the support available to help my business grow. It’s allowed me to stay connected and tapped into what’s happening across Newham’s business community, which has been invaluable." – James Kaguima - Skate Cabal
| "I find the Business Update highly informative. This is where I first saw the advert about Free Coaching advice with Bob Clarke. Bob visited the nursery on two occasions and worked with our management team on Marketing Strategies. Bob helped the team overcome fears around marketing and pitching for business. Since Bob's visit, the management team has been more proactive with marketing, increased the waiting list, and improved overall performance." – Leah Clarke - Barney Bears Nursery's Ltd |
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Celebrating London Data Week
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE celebrated London Data Week (7-13 July) by showcasing Newham's Data Economy. She was honoured to host Howard Dawber, the Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, for a tour and meeting with partners who are training young people, residents and businesses to acquire data and AI skills to thrive in today’s data-driven world and into the future.
The event included a tour around a Robotics Lab at UEL and meeting with young people who are part of the council’s Newham Data Ambassadors network. Through its Data in Action programme, Newham Council is providing a raft of opportunities for local residents to access skills and training in order to prepare them for the future world of work; as well as supporting business to leverage the potential of AI and data to support business growth. |
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Upgrading Newham’s Water Network
Thames Water is investing £6.2 million to replace over 50km of ageing Victorian pipes in your area, helping to secure a more reliable water supply for years to come.
Where: - Wolseley Rd - E7 9PE – 4 Aug-15 Sep
- Lucas Ave - E13 0RL – 4 Aug-5 Oct
- Ohio Rd - E13 8EL – 8 Aug-12 Sep
Why this matters: - Fewer leaks and bursts – saving water and reducing emergency repairs.
- Less disruption long-term – fewer roadworks in the future.
- Stronger, modern infrastructure – new plastic pipes with a 100-year lifespan.
- Improved reliability – helping us deliver reliable, high quality water supply.
Work will begin on Monday 4 August in the areas mentioned above, with other locations to follow. The project is expected to last for approximately two years. Thames Water is collaborating closely with the Highways Authority and the Council to limit any impact.
For more information: |
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Alternatively, you can contact Thames Water on 0800 316 9800 and please quote ref: BB01175613. |
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| Newham Business Conference 2025
The 4th annual Newham Business Conference, hosted by the Newham Chamber of Commerce, took place on 10 July at the University College of Fashion (UAL) at East Bank. The theme for this year was innovation, investment, and inspiration.
The event brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and partner organisations with our very own Director of Community Wealth Building, Darren Mackin, joining the Investment panel highlighting strategies to help local enterprises thrive. Our Newham Business and Enterprise team were also present, providing direct support and engaging with local businesses and partners to help foster growth and build lasting connections across the borough.
To view the photo gallery from the day: |
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Building Better
The Future Industries Demonstrator (FID) advances London’s Just Transition by helping local SMEs scale innovative solutions. Based at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London’s living testbed and Innovation District, FID accelerates the development of technologies and ideas tackling the city’s most urgent challenges.
The fourth innovation cycle titled Building Better (launching soon) is looking to support SMEs working towards: - Improving indoor air quality
- Delivering solutions that lowers energy bills and carbon emissions.
- Scaling nature-based solutions that support healthier, more sustainable buildings.
- Advancing digital tools and models that proactively predict and manage risks.
- Empowering residents and building users through accessible information and engagement strategies that drive positive behavioural change.
- Providing innovative methods to measure and demonstrate the real-world impact and efficacy of health, comfort, and sustainability improvements.
For more information: |
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Digital support for businesses
Whether you're just starting your digital journey or looking to scale up, we offer practical support to help your business become more efficient, visible, and resilient. From expert advice to training and digital tools, we’re here to help you harness the power of technology.
What's on offer: - Digital strategy and planning
- Website and e-commerce support
- Social media and digital marketing
- Tools and software for SMEs
- Digital skills and AI support
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Your Opinion Matters
Time is running out! Don’t miss your opportunity to share your thoughts and help shape the Council's Gambling Policy by Friday 8 August.
We welcome your views on the proposed policy and would be grateful if you could provide any comments you may have by email or by post to the Licensing Team, East Ham Town Hall, 328 Barking Rd, London E6 2RP. |
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The Drive for a Fairer Newham: Living Wage Employers in Newham
The real Living Wage is the only independently calculated hourly wage rate that is based on the real cost of living. Currently, the rates are £13.85 in London and £12.60 in the rest of the UK. These rates are minimum hourly rates employees need to earn to meet the cost of living.
In Newham, there are over 90 accredited Living Wage Employers - organisations and businesses who voluntarily pay their staff the real Living Wage. Join a growing movement of employers championing fair pay and a stronger local economy by committing to pay staff a real living wage for a fairer Newham.
To learn how your business can become accredited: |
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| | Unlock Change with Your Circular Approach!
ReLondon's expert circular economy business advisors will work with you to understand your business, identify growth opportunities, and provide a tailored report to help you unlock your circular approach.
The sessions include a diagnostic workshop, a bespoke strategic report, and a strategy debrief. The advisor will analyse your current strategy, environmental impact, customer needs, and challenges, and provide recommendations for next steps.
Take a look at all the businesses that have already taken steps to bring their circular approach to life.
For more information and to join the programme: |
| | | Help to Grow Management Programme
The Help to Grow Management programme aims to help business leaders boost their leadership skills and improve business performance.
The programme is 90% Government-funded, and the enrolment fee for each learner is £750. The full fee would be £7,500.
Help to Grow will be running an information session in September.
For more information: |
| | | 1MM’s Mentoring Opportunities
Newham's Volunteer Programme is collaborating with One Million Mentors(1MM) to deliver projects to support young people with an opportunity to raise their aspirations and better fulfil their potential.
Mentors in Newham will be focused on supporting young people in Years 10 & 12 (GCSEs & A Levels) to fulfil their potential. For nine to twelve months, the support will be in the form of hybrid 1-1 check-ins for one hour each month.
1MM is seeking volunteers; those who are retired or taking a career break are invited to apply, as is anybody with five years of work experience or two years if you are a recent graduate.
To find out more and to get started: |
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| | | Master AI. Own Your Future.
AI isn’t the future. It’s happening now! Foundervine, in partnership with the Centre for Public Impact, is launching Pulse to help founders and professionals across the UK get confident with AI. Whether you run a business or work in one, this programme is designed to give you the skills to adapt, stay ahead, and work smarter.
Foundervine will deliver three high-impact cohorts for business owners. You can join in-person or virtually.
For more information: |
| | | Summer School for Founders Throughout August Online
The Summer School for Founders will be delivered by Female Founders Rise a dedicated support service helping women achieve financial freedom through entrepreneurship.
It wants to make entrepreneurship more accessible, and that starts with sharing credible, expert knowledge with those who need it. This is ideal for those in the early stages of entrepreneurship or seeking expert assistance in a specific area.
For more information: |
| | | | Calling All Restaurants, Pubs, Cafes, and Food Market Traders!
Tackling the ingredients, packaging and products you use in your business can save you money, create revenue and strengthen customer relationships.
Join webinars from ReLondon to discover what’s possible and find out how to apply for free, bespoke advice and grants to try new, waste-busting ideas in your own business. There are multiple dates to choose from!
For more information: |
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Applications for People Powered Places funding now OPEN!
Bring your community idea to life by applying for funding. - Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector projects can apply for up to £20,000
- Youth-led projects can apply for up to £10,000
- Resident projects can apply for up to £5,000.
To find out more information and to apply click here and choose the relevant neighbourhood where you would like to deliver your project.
Need some support? Click here to join our online support clinics taking place next week. If you have any further questions, please contact our team.
Apply by Sunday 14 September. |
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Free Commercial Property Advice
The London Business Partnership is offering FREE expert-led Property Advice Service to help you make confident and informed decisions.
Whether you're signing, renewing, or thinking about buying or renting a commercial property, this FREE service will help you make smarter decisions with clear, practical advice, like: - How to negotiate lease terms that protect your interests
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Updates on business rates and available relief
- Access one-to-one expert advice and master classes
For more information: |
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Case Studies
As part of our continued commitment to our Community Wealth Building approach, we are pleased to share two recent case studies that are great examples of how tailored business support is helping businesses overcome barriers and thrive in a competitive landscape.
E6 Sisters Pantry, a community initiative in Newham, has grown from a kitchen-table idea during COVID-19 to a vital hub initially funded via our our People, Powered and Places campaign. The project went on to receive support from the Business & Enterprise team, Newham Data, LDE UTC College, and Intel's Skills for Innovation programme. With all the support the Pantry has expanded its reach and modernised its operations by embracing AI and digital marketing training. It has gone on to reach nearly 2,000 people across two East Ham branches. The ethos is to take what you need, not what you are given, reducing waste.
The second case study highlights a business that received procurement support, resulting in contract success. To learn more click here. |
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| NCC: Speed Networking Tuesday 12 August – 7:30-11am Aloft London Excel E16
This event aims to be a high-energy and fun networking event designed to supercharge your connections, hence, your requested to arrive on time. You’ll leave with a stack of contacts and maybe even a few new collaboration opportunities.
This event is FREE for current NCC members. Attendees will enjoy breakfast and to maintain a focused and meaningful experience, entry is capped at 50 attendees on a first come, first serve basis.
For more information: |
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| | Practical AI tips to help your career or small business Wednesday 6 August - 12:00-12:30pm Online
AI is everywhere, but where do you start if you’re a small business owner, side hustler, or simply someone curious about how these tools can help in your everyday work?
In this hands-on session, Polly Dhaliwal will cut through the noise to share practical ways you can start using AI tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI and more, even if you’re not technical. Whether you're looking to save time, boost productivity or simply understand what’s possible.
For more information: |
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Copyright © 2023 London Borough of Newham, All rights reserved. |
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Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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