Help for your business

Information and advice

The Business Development Team is the single point of contact for all businesses looking to start, expand or relocate to the borough.

We are determined to see the area thrive and are dedicated to ensuring that businesses succeed in the area.
 
We provide help on general and specific issues for all those running their own business.

We work in close partnership with professional service providers to ensure you have easy access to information on all business matters including recruitment and training, grant initiatives, planning guidance, and finance.

Our comprehensive network ensures we can deliver a strong infrastructure of support to your business.

If you own an existing business or are looking to start one, we can help.

Contact the Development Team

Business Development Team c/o Town Hall,
Main Road,
Romford,
RM1 3BB
businessdevelopment@havering.gov.uk

Starting a business

Havering is a very supportive environment for start-ups.

We have a wealth of networks and organisations for all types and style of new business where you can get practical advice, ideas and make valuable contacts.

It is always helpful to get advice about starting your business.

Visit GOV.UK to find out about setting up a business and get business support from the Grow London Local website website.

Growing a business

Once your business is established and you’re making a profit on the products and services you sell, you may want to start thinking about how to grow.

Many businesses think of growth in terms of increased sales, but it’s also important to focus on how to maintain or improve your profitability.

Some ways to maintain or improve your profitability are:

  • look into ways of increasing your sales, both to existing customers and new customers 
  • improve your products and services by researching and testing changes 
  • develop new products and services, and sell them to new or existing markets
  • take on staff or training your current staff, including working with apprentices 
  • look for additional sources of funding, such as bringing in new investors
  • think about increasing online sales or exporting to new markets

For more information visit GOV.UK for advice about growing your own business visit:

Free expert advice and support to grow your business online

The London E-Business Support Programme is a free package of 121 advice, support and webinars, which is designed to help businesses enhance their online presence, attract more customers, increase sales and use digital tools effectively to boost efficiency and save time and money.   

The scheme, which is fully funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, offers the expert support of experienced E-Business Advisers through 121 advice sessions (delivered online) which are tailored to your needs and around your availability.

This can include advice and guidance to:

  • boost your online marketing and social media
  • enhance your website and search engine ranking (SEO)
  • improve your ability to trade electronically
  • use digital tools effectively
  • strengthen your cyber security and IT back-up systems

As well as access to tailored 121 advice and support, you will also have the opportunity to join a range of live webinars on a variety of digital topics to help you enhance your skills.

Webinars include:

  • Writing for Your Website
  • Developing Your Digital Marketing Strategy
  • Building Online Communities and Facebook Groups
  • Using LinkedIn to Connect with Customers and Prospects
  • You Tube Marketing
  • Using Instagram to Showcase Your Business
  • Using Smart Video for Business
  • Cyber Security
  • Podcasting for Business

The London E-Business Support Programme is open to businesses based in London which have been registered for at least 1 month, with fewer than 251 employees.

Enterprise Enfield is delivering this free support for businesses located in Havering, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Enfield, Haringey and Barnet.

Go to the Enterprise Enfield website for the London E-Business Support Programme to find out more and register.

Innovation

There is a wealth of support available for inventors and innovators, which will help bring your ideas and prototypes to market.

For more information visit: