Tag Archive for: Business Resilience

Love Wimbledon Wins Funding to Deliver Business Resilience Masterclass

New Masterclass Series to Launch this Autumn 

Love Wimbledon has been awarded funding from Central Government, administered by Merton Council, to deliver a series of masterclasses in partnership with Merton Chamber of Commerce. These masterclasses will bring together engaging guest speakers who, as well as being experts in their fields, will offer you local perspectives and facilitate new business connections.

The aim is to provide practical and immediate interventions on various issues affecting businesses across Merton.

We have several themes in mind but would like your help with shaping the final content. So we would be grateful if you could share your thoughts by completing this short questionnaire before 5 September.

Your feedback will help us refine the final selection of topics and we will publish the full list in September along with details on how to reserve tickets.

If you would like to sponsor any of our masterclasses, please contact info@lovewimbledon.org.

Mayor of London Launches
Back To Business Fund

Back to Business Fund Pay It Forward

 

The Mayor of London has launched a £1m Back to Business Fund, match funding up to £5,000 for small and independent businesses through the Pay It Forward London crowdfunding platform. The funding is intended to help businesses expand their operation online, invest in the future and adapt to safe, socially distant practices in sectors that rely on physical trading, including retail, hospitality, leisure, tourism, travel, creative and arts, entertainment and recreation, and health and fitness.

To be eligible, your business will need a crowdfunding project on Pay It Forward London and reach 25% of your campaign target. Once 100% of your target is reached, the funding is released, up to £5,000 – or 50% of your campaign target.

For more details about eligibility, to set-up a project and to apply click here.

Government Announces BID Resilience Fund

Wimbledon Town Centre - Centre Court

 

A BID Resilience Fund has been announced by government to assist Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in recognition of the importance of BIDs in supporting businesses through Covid-19 and the vital role we will play in recovery. We are looking forward to understanding the detail of the grant, and we appreciate Stephen Hammond MP’s support in lobbying for this to ensure that Love Wimbledon is able to lead from crisis to recovery.

High Streets Minister Simon Clarke MP said:

“BIDs are uniquely placed and have a proven track record of success in supporting local businesses, empowering communities, championing our town centres and driving forward the renewal of our high streets.  It’s only right that during these unprecedented times we give them all the necessary support they need to continue operating, so that they can carry on their vital work now and crucially when we move into the recovery phase from the current crisis.”

Helen Clark Bell, Chief Executive of Love Wimbledon BID said:

“We are using our networks and partnerships to provide co-ordination and support to Wimbledon Town Centre businesses. We have been lobbying for our businesses that have found themselves ineligible for funding, whilst supporting Merton Council to release those funds promptly to those that are eligible. This fund is particularly welcome at this juncture to enable us to continue this support and lead the town into recovery in a safe and responsible way.”

Read the press release here.

Protect Your Business Against Cyber Security Threats

 

With an increase in cyber attacks related to COVID-19, and many employees now working from home using potentially more vulnerable services such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and home devices, businesses are exposed to new cyber risks.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has provided free resources for businesses and employees to help you stay protected in these times of elevated cyber risks. This includes how to prepare your organisation and staff for safe home-working.

Currently, the most prominent threat is preying on people’s concerns about the Coronavirus through email scams, also known as phishing attacks and other ways businesses are being exploited at a time when we are all feeling more vulnerable.  The NCSC has published tips for spotting signs of phishing and advice on dealing with suspicious emails and messages. There is also a wealth of information on this site about malware and using personal devices.

Another good resource is this webinar on cyber security and data protection, hosted by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and on Take Five, to stop Fraud.

Please carefully consider how these risks could impact the safety of your business, and take the necessary steps to educate your employees and protect your business.