In summary
FSB attended the launch of The London Growth Plan, a 10-year strategy targeting sector and regional growth. The document outlines priorities and actions to drive sustainable and inclusive economic development, create jobs, increase wages and living standards for Londoners, and achieve a net-zero carbon footprint. FSB London is eager for small business feedback. Please contact us via our FSB London email or connect with us on social media.
Featured news and events
The London Assembly Release Interactive Map of City Broadband Speeds
Thank you to our FSB London small business community who shared their views on broadband connectivity across London and the challenges faced.
FSB London Policy Chair, Laura Timm attended the London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee on 11 March to ensure that the voices of FSB Members were heard, and told the told the committee that there are many not-spots where slow internet adversely affects local trade with some business owners unable to access high-speed connections even when nearby areas have them.
Also, FSB highlighted slow broadband results in £28 billion in lost annual revenue for SMEs, prompting the committee to assess the impact and causes of poor connectivity and explore potential actions for improvement.
The London Assembly reported that Ofcom data indicates that as of July last year, 66.7% of London premises had access to full-fibre broadband, which is crucial for meeting the internet demands of small households, though coverage varies significantly across boroughs, with Enfield, Barnet, and Haringey, which have the lowest full-fibre broadband coverage at 31.6%, 44.2%, and 49% respectively.
The London Assembly has released an interactive map illustrating broadband speed availability across the city, derived from Ofcom's July 2024 data.
The issue of broadband connectivity received a lot of press coverage following the meeting including by The Standard.
Business Without Barriers - focus on neurodiversity
Our 'Business Without Barriers' report presented a number of findings, stories from successful business owners who are disabled people, guidance from leading experts and organisations, and our recommendations for Government.
This year, we have been talking to FSB London Members who have highlighted a need for more support for neurodiversity in a business environment and running a small business.
Last month, a group of neurodiverse members joined us for a roundtable conversation with 'Neurodiversity in Business' (NiB) to further discuss small business needs. NiB want to make London the most neuroinclusive city in the world by creating a long-term strategy for neuroinclusion in London’s businesses, infrastructure, public services, and communities.
This month, 'Neurodiversity Celebration Week' takes place between 17-23 March 2025.
If you are a neurodiverse small business owner and/or have neurodiverse employees and are looking for more information and support, please contact [email protected]
Inner London South – Lambeth In-Person Networking
New event for 2025 and we look forward to welcoming you on Tuesday 1 April at the Piano House, Brixton. An opportunity for small business owners to get together in the same space to connect, network and hear from a FSB Member guest speaker and Lambeth Council’s Small Business Champion.
Find out more plus booking details here.
Book your delegate place now >
In other news
Wandsworth - Women's Enterprise Day 2025 - From Vision to Venture
Head to Battersea for a celebration of female entrepreneurship and success organised by Wandsworth Enterprise Hub taking place on Wednesday 26 March at OSMO Battersea, 9am - 4pm. Cllr Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council will be welcoming delegates.
With nearly one million women-led businesses in the UK, female founders represent a powerful, yet largely untapped, source of innovation and investment potential.
Sign up to hear from Carina Lepore, former winner of The Apprentice, Lisa Smosarski, Editorial Director of Stylist Magazine and Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder of Scamp & Dude who are just a few of the amazing speakers taking part.
This event will comprise of a panel discussion with local entrepreneurs – sharing how they landed their products onto the shelves of supermarkets – power talks, keynote interviews, interactive workshops and a networking lunch.
Book your ticket here and get ready to be motivated, inspired and connect with like-minded founders whilst discovering practical tips to turn your vision into a venture.
Hammersmith entrepreneur wins big at Dragons’ Den-style evening
FSB London was delighted to take part in this first Hammersmith & Fulham Council Dragons' Den-style competition; to be on of the Dragons and joined on the night by joined on the night by more than 100 local entrepreneurs, business owners, industry experts and residents – including H&F Leader Cllr Stephen Cowan; H&F Mayor, Cllr Patricia Quigley; and Cllr Zarar Qayyum, H&F Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Skills.
Congratulations to FSB London Member - CPG Executive Consulting who helped deliver this local business support programme on behalf of the Council and congratulations to all who took part.
Read more about the finale here and sign up to receive the Council's free Business Connects newsletter to ensure you stay informed of opportunities for your small business.
Still in the news
Questions to the Mayor of London
Mayor’s Question Time meetings take place ten times a year and are used to question the Mayor on the full range of matters within his remit, including policing, the fire service and transport. Questions which are not answered at these meetings receive written answers. Only London Assembly Members can put questions to the Mayor at Mayor's Question Time, but you can suggest a question to be asked by emailing [email protected]
The 50th People’s Question Time, taking place in Haringey on Thursday 6 March 2025, 7–9pm provides an opportunity for Londoners to participate in discussion on the priorities for London, including the economy, environment, transport, policing and housing – putting questions to the main stage panel of the London Assembly about the capital city.
People's Question Time events are free for Londoners. Keep up to date with news from the Mayor via social media and newsletters.
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