In summary
We are looking forward to National Apprenticeship Week. Join us on ‘We love Apprentice Wednesday!’ Details enclosed.
Let us know if you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of apprentices, or if you can share your apprenticeship story to highlight to our FSB London community, we would be delighted to hear from you and shine a light on your business.
Get in touch by emailing Sarah King on the contact details below.
Featured news and events
FSB London seeks new Regional Chair
We are currently seeking nominations from FSB Members across the London region to become our new Regional Chair with effect from 1 April 2025. Working alongside FSB staff, the Regional Chair promotes and champions FSB to external stakeholders and audiences, supports our lobbying on issues important to local businesses and supports activity and membership growth within the region.
To find out more, request a copy of the full role description, please contact [email protected] before Thursday 13 February. The selection process will take place between 14 - 28 February.
FSB London celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 2025 : 10 - 16 February
A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
On Wednesday 12 February, our monthly FSB Outer South East London in-person event will be held in Orpington where we will be joining up with London South East Colleges (LSEC) and Start Up Bromley to bring you ‘We love Apprentice Wednesday!’ to celebrate all the amazing achievements and industry skills that apprentices have gained. Book your free ticket to attend this special networking event here.
Find out more about National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) here and discover other London area NAW events.
Also, take this opportunity to watch the FSB webinar available to download for free entitled 'Unlocking Business Potential with Apprenticeships' which debunks apprenticeship myths and explores the benefits for small businesses.
Greater London Women in Business and Enterprise
Interested in finding out how to create business success on a a small budget?
Join us online on Monday 10 February and hear our women in business panel who look forward to sharing their stories with you.
Find out more plus booking details here.
Book your delegate place now >
In other news
FSB London Members get the opportunity to meet the Chancellor
A small group of four FSB London members/volunteers attended a roundtable with the Chancellor Rachel Reeves at HM Treasury on 27 January ahead of her major speech on economic growth.
New growth ideas were discussed around the table in relation to employment allowance, business rates, airport expansion, trade, procurement, apprenticeships, regulators, HMRC and R&D.
All those attending were grateful for the opportunity to have their small business voice heard and hope to see small business growth accelerated across the country. Pictured here on LinkedIn with Craig Beaumont, Executive Director (External Relations) at FSB.
This roundtable followed on from a previous meeting that FSB's Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie had with the Chancellor at 11 Downing Street, about key issues that small businesses are facing.
Subscribe to our free FSB Weekly Brief Newsletter containing all the week's most important small business news delivered via email or LinkedIn here.
If you are an FSB member interested in finding out more about volunteering with FSB; to have the opportunity to represent FSB at both a national and local level, read more here.
Waltham Forest Council - Doing business with the Council
In September 2023, Waltham Forest Council became a FSB Local Leadership Partner.
One of FSB's key 'Six to Fix' recommendations put forward to the Council related to Procurement.
The Council buys goods, works, and services from a wide range of providers awarding contracts to organisations that can meet their requirements and standards. Contracts can range from small, one-off purchases up to multi-million pound contracts lasting several years.
Here you can read the Council's 'Doing Business With Us' 4-page document which provides guidance on doing business with the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the London Borough of Redbridge.
To help the Council plan events and workshops for local businesses around better understanding of bidding processes and how to use the London Tenders procurement portal more effectively, please complete their 'Local Supplier Questionnaire' here.
For further business advice click here or reach out to the Council's Business Team by phone: 020 8496 3000 or email: [email protected]
Still in the news
Speakers announced for FSB London Bootcamp - Spring Into Success
Take a look at the guest speakers we have lined up for this year's FSB London Bootcamp taking place on 19 March at the stylish 'home for small businesses' - TBXH @Sunley House, Croydon - our Venue Sponsor for this 2025 event.
Open to both FSB member and non-members, we invite you to secure your spot today and be part of this dynamic, must-attend event.
Many positive comments were shared about last year's event which was our inaugural event. One such comment was shared by FSB London Member/Volunteer - Bayo Igoh of BigohCoaching.
Book your ticket now to ensure you don't miss out on the springboard your business needs to achieve new heights! Learn more and register for this FSB Bootcamp by clicking here.
Have Your Say - the Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029
The consultation closes at 23:59 on Wednesday 12 February 2025.
The Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan sets out his high-level priorities for policing, crime and community safety in London for the period 2025 to 2029.
Before finalising the Plan, the Mayor is consulting to allow Londoners and stakeholders to comment and share their wishes and priorities for the Plan.
FSB London will be responding to the consultation and will incorporate the views shared by small businesses in our response.
More information about this public consultation and how you can take part directly here.
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