In summary
As we head towards the end of the year and with the festive season upon us, we wish to remind our FSB London community that we offer our members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government. Thank you to all the small businesses who have invested in FSB this year. We are proud to be FSB.
Thinking of joining us?
Please email Sarah King on the contact details below.
Featured news and events
Stop! Think Fraud - How to protect your business against six common scams
FSB recently acknowledged International Fraud Awareness Week (17-23 November).
It's always important to be on the lookout for suspected fraud as a small business owner, but on the run-up to Christmas, as things get busier, these tips on avoiding scams can help keep your small business safe. https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/how-to-protect-your-business-against-six-common-scams.html
The National Campaign Against Fraud - 'Stop! Think Fraud' - is brought to you by UK government in partnership with City of London Police, National Cyber Security Centre and National Crime Agency. More details here.
At a London level, FSB has asked the Mayor of London for a dedicated Business Crime Strategy and portal for reporting business crime.
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 or online.
Five London Boroughs are offering FSB Membership at discounted rates
Are you a small business based in the London boroughs of Brent, Greenwich, Haringey, Islington or Newham?
You can find out more from the FSB London team by emailing [email protected] or by registering your interest directly with the following organisations:
New Year networking with FSB London and HSBC - Canary Wharf
We know London is a great place to do business so we are delighted to put on this networking event, in partnership with HSBC. Come and join us as part of our 50th year celebrations to meet other small business owners, to grow your connections and your business in 2025.
Book your delegate place now >
In other news
Lambeth are developing their Night Time Strategy
The London Borough of Lambeth is working with the community and local businesses on an approach that will make Lambeth after dark a better experience for everyone living, working, and visiting the borough.
Night time businesses, have your say!
If your business is active after 6 pm or before 6 am, Lambeth Council want to hear from you! Lambeth are developing their Night Time Strategy, which will set out a vision for how the borough will look, feel and work at night by 2030.
Share what works for your business or what you want to change in Lambeth at night, and you could win 2 free tickets to the BFI IMAX Cinema. Take the survey here.
Confident in Kingston - a thriving borough where everyone can succeed
The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames has published its 'Confident in Kingston' Economic Development Strategy 2024-2028.
The strategy sets out a vision for Kingston - one that will see the borough be increasingly recognised as a place where business flourishes, where investment is welcome and serves all parts of the community, and puts a green economy at the heart of the Council's actions. It also acknowledges that growth of the economy relates closely to the personal growth and opportunity that people should gain through their sense of place, income, skills or wellbeing.
Read the strategy here.
Don't forget to refer to the Council's 'Support and advice for businesses' pages on its website and sign up to receive the Business Updates Newsletter. This, to ensure you stay informed of local opportunities and support for your small business.
Still in the news
Earlybird Exhibitor Tickets for FSB London Bootcamp - Spring Into Success
Book before the 31st December and save money on your exhibitor stand at our 2025 Bootcamp taking place on Wednesday 19 March.
Our 2024 event was a great success and plans for our new year event are coming along well and we are looking forward to welcoming both exhibitors and delegates to this all day event.
Click here for more information and to secure your earlybird rate as an exhibitor.
If not exhibiting, join us for the day as a delegate - FSB member and non-member tickets available.
Open letter: Ultra low emission discount for London Congestion Charge exemption to finish in 2025
In December 2025, London’s 100% Congestion Charge discount for electric vehicles will end.
For businesses, this could mean paying up to £5,500 annually for each electric vehicle operating in central London.
That’s why we have joined Clean Cities to urge the Mayor of London to extend the Congestion Charge exemption for electric vans. This will provide critical support for small businesses that have made the switch to clean transport and encourage others to follow suit.
Laura Timm, FSB London Policy Chair said: “Small firms all over London have faced a cost of doing business crisis for the best part of a decade and many have “done the right thing” and invested in green initiatives within their business. For businesses who have purchased electric vans they should be supported and not be at risk of losing the Congestion Charge exemption on Christmas Day 2025.
“We urge the Mayor of London and TfL to maintain this supportive measure for businesses as it sends the right signal to struggling small businesses.”
Get involved by signing the open letter here.
By signing this open letter, you’ll help safeguard the future of electric vehicles in London and support local businesses, and cleaner air.
Please get in touch.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Greater London is Sarah King. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBGtrLondon
- follow us on Facebook: @FSBGreaterLondon
- connect with me on LinkedIn: Sarah King