London Business Partnership offers free expert advice to SMEs

The London Business Partnership (LBP) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2012 to support the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across London.

With over 40 years of combined experience, their team of advisors provides one-on-one consultancy, group training, workshops and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions so their businesses can thrive.

LBP, founded and run by Naima Omasta-Milsom and Deryck Sealy, currently runs two free SME support programmes. Chamber members are encouraged to sign up for the below:

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Property Advice Service is a free ‘one stop shop’ offering expert advice to SMEs across all London boroughs on commercial property issues until March 2025. The service provides in-person and online guidance on renegotiating leases, rent arrears, energy efficiency ratings, business rate relief schemes and more. Pre-startups, start-ups and growing enterprises are eligible to access webinars, advice sessions, workshops, and one-on-one consultations with relevant legal and business support experts.

David Randall operates Maple Works and Canbury Works co-working in South West London, and after attending a Business Rates seminar he secured a rebate of almost £100,000. He says: “Had I not heard about LBP’s business rate relief seminar, then we would not have had that money. It is as simple as that. I would recommend that wherever possible, coworking space operators and other commercial property tenants seek out this brilliant expert advice.”

LBP also runs the E-Business Support Programme which helps SMEs in Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow leverage digital technology effectively. Through free expert advice, guidance, webinars, and events, participants can enhance their online presence, attract more customers, increase sales, improve operations, utilise e-commerce, strengthen cybersecurity, and more. The process involves an initial digital audit, a customised Digital Business Plan, one-on-one meetings, and educational webinars.

Naima, co-founder and Managing Director of London Business Partnership, explains: “We are committed to supporting SMEs which are key to London’s economic prosperity and growth. Sadly, many business owners often lack critical knowledge so we give entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed.”

LBP runs these programmes in collaboration with local authorities and the Business for London consortium to provide comprehensive support services that empower SMEs to overcome challenges, adapt to changes, and drive sustainable growth.