Book your place for the April small business surgery
The council’s small business ambassador, Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, will host his next surgery at the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) at Jubilee Library on 28 April.
The session, which must be booked in advance and is the last in the municipal year, will run from 4pm to 6pm with slots available to book through Eventbrite.
The bi-monthly surgeries give business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to talk to Cllr Asaduzzaman about opportunities for their business, building on the work of the BIPC and the new Growth Hub digital service.
Due to the high demand for places at previous surgeries, please only book a slot if you are sure you will be able to attend.
Exploring opportunities
The surgeries are proving successful, with small business owners and entrepreneurs valuing their meetings with Councillor Asaduzzaman and exploring opportunities for their business.
They include:
- Supporting a start-up photography business (Infinite Depth) to build their portfolio.
- Providing advice and guidance to an established entrepreneur with multiple seafront businesses, helping him to understand the plans for regeneration of the Seafront Arches and Madeira Terraces and the opportunities that will create.
- Explored the promotion of events and activities linked to the Kemp Town Collective (a group of local independent businesses.)
Independence, creativity and community values
Councillor Asaduzzaman said: “Brighton & Hove is known for its independence, creativity and community values. That spirit starts with our small businesses and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have a voice in shaping our city’s future.
“It’s good to see such positive results from our business surgeries - it shows that by meeting, listening and sharing ideas and opportunities, we can work together to make real progress.
“As the region moves towards devolution, will be working hard to make sure our independent businesses are ready to harness the potential benefits.”
Business support
Councillor Asaduzzaman’s role builds on the council’s existing support for city businesses, with the surgeries playing an important role in bringing businesses together and enhancing engagement.
Last year the council launched a Shop Local campaign as part of its commitment to support small businesses and boost the local economy.
The campaign is part of a package of initiatives designed to ensure Brighton & Hove’s independent sector continues to thrive.
They include:
The Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Based in Jubilee Library, it offers free events, workshops and networking opportunities; one-to-one sessions with business experts and access to business databases and information
Brighton & Hove Growth Hub A digital service focused on scaling up city businesses and supporting them to grow, with free events and training programmes, such as the recent Brighton & Hove Business Launchpad, as well as access to expert advice in scaling and growing your business.
In addition, the UK Government has launched the Business Growth Service (BGS) to support people starting a business; running and growing a business; selling overseas from the UK and investing and expanding in the UK.
A more detailed leaflet on other organisations offering business support and useful contacts is also available to download.