East Barnet high street
Barnet’s business community is being offered a free support service, as part of a package of council measures to help local employers bounce back from the economic hit caused by the pandemic lockdowns.
Barnet Council is funding the support service, which will be run in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Under the scheme, local business owners will be able to apply for a free year-long membership of FSB. The benefits will include access to legal advice, PR/crisis management, cyber protection, insurance services and debt recovery.
Barnet has more high streets and town centres than any other London borough, with more than 25,000 businesses, the majority being ‘micro-businesses’ operating with a few employees. FSB membership helps companies to increase business acumen, become more confident, connect with peers and importantly, save time and money.
Barnet’s small business champion, Councillor Alex Prager, said:
“The council recognises the value and variety that our businesses bring to our communities, residents and the town centres they serve. We are committed to working with our businesses and town centres through initiatives to help them to thrive.
“I encourage any eligible business in the borough to discover and tap into the resources and support that is available to assist their recovery, and help our town centres to become vibrant, healthier, sustainable and entrepreneurial places where communities live, work and enjoy.”
Barnet Council is also working with Barnet and Southgate College to offer a new ‘Employee Skills Programme’ which offers free, practical short courses to Barnet employers and their employees in health and safety, fire safety, first aid, English language, and more.
Middlesex University is also offering free CPD-certified masterclasses for owners and senior managers of micro-businesses to scale their business, improve their sales and marketing skills, and plan for future growth.
These programmes are funded by the government’s Additional Restrictions Grants and free for Barnet-registered businesses who have been negatively affected by the impact of COVID-19.
Find out more, and how to register your business at: www.barnet.gov.uk/businessrecovery