Croydon’s business community came together at London South Bank University on 23 September for the latest Croydon Means Business September Update event, a morning of networking, insights and updates.
More than 70 people attended, representing a diverse cross-section of the borough’s business community. This event was the second Croydon Means Business event, following the programme’s launch in March.
White Label Creative was in charge of delivering both events, including:
- Coordinating the event agenda and programme
- Inviting and briefing speakers
- Working closely with Croydon Council to ensure messaging was aligned across internal and external communications
- Developing and managing weekly social media content related to the event and partner news
- Coordinating event suppliers
- Managing attendee invitations, communications and engagement
Croydon Means Business is a borough-wide programme designed to support local businesses at every stage of their journey by bringing together funding, business support, events and networking opportunities in one place. A Croydon Council programme, delivered with a range of local partners, the programme aims to help create a stronger, more vibrant business community across the borough.
The morning began with breakfast and networking before moving on to the main programme.
Attendees then heard updates from Venetia Reid-Baptiste, Corporate Director of Place, and a warm welcome from the Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry.
A local business panel discussion followed, featuring Kat Siva from The Village Table, Kenneth Ojekwe from CR1 Bar and the South Croydon Business Association, and Viviene Bish-Bedeau from Construction Engineering Opportunities. The panel offered an honest and open conversation about the realities of running a business, with speakers sharing both the highlights and challenges of their journeys.
The programme continued with three speeches covering practical topics and opportunities for local businesses:
- Roger Amos, Ayer Associates, spoke about moving a business into Croydon, the importance of employing locally and work to bring empty units back into use.
- Shazi Giner, London South Bank University, focused on employment support, outreach and work-readiness, while also outlining plans for the university’s work with local businesses and the wider community.
- Saffron Saunders, UP, outlined the business support available to local businesses, including upcoming workshops and one-to-one sessions.
The event closed with further networking and an introduction to the updated Croydon Means Business website.
Natasha Miller-McKeown, Project Director, White Label Creative, said: “We are pleased to be part of delivering the Croydon Means Business events and the wider programme, which is so important to Croydon’s future. As a business based in the borough, this feels particularly personal for our team.
“Hearing speakers talk about their businesses, their experiences and the ways they are inspired every day by the community here really highlights what makes Croydon special. It was also encouraging to see both established and emerging local businesses come together.
“By connecting businesses with one another, with new opportunities and with the support available to them, we hope we can play a part in building a stronger and more resilient local economy that works for everyone who lives and works in Croydon.”
Learn more about Croydon Means Business here: https://croydonmeansbusiness.co.uk/
Photography credits: Ally Whitlock Photography
