Focus on Greenwich

He had previously served as Cabinet Member for Housing. But the 32-yearold’s links with the area go back a lifetime, he was born and raised in the borough - in Woolwich to be exact.

His background and experience mean he is well placed to comment on the strengths and attributes of the south-east London business community. “I believe that collaborative action, building connections and innovation are three key ingredients to the success of our business community. He adds: “South-east London is home to a diverse array of businesses that want to work in partnership with the council to drive economic growth. Royal Greenwich has a long history of co-operative development, dating back to the very start of the movement in the 19th century. “This fits well with the council’s support for developing alternative models for growth, from co-ops to social enterprises, to enable a more inclusive and sustainable economy - a borough where everyone can thrive”. Innovation also runs deep in the DNA of southeast London, according to Okereke. He points to two digital production clusters emerging in the Design District, Plumstead and Abbey Wood, with companies like Mo-Sys setting up training schemes and developing links with the University of

New Borough Council Leader focused on local business boost

Councillor Anthony Okereke became the Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich in May 2022.

Greenwich and Ravensbourne (an industry-focused university on the Greenwich Peninsula). “Creating a truly digital borough is key to our strategy. We’ve set up an innovation company, DG Cities, to work alongside our in-house team, Digital Greenwich, to collaborate with universities and businesses”, he explains. Accessibility by public transport is a huge boost to the area too. As Okereke emphasises, the Elizabeth line opening is a game-changer for the south-east. “It’s made us a better-connected borough and given our businesses a wealth of valuable new opportunities”.

OFFERING LOCAL BUSINESSES SUPPORT

As the borough enters its next phase of economic recovery, supporting local businesses has never been more important, according to Okereke. “We have a broad range of support on offer and collaborating closely with our network of business support agencies is crucial to this”. He adds: “We’re proud that several initiatives which started out as pilot projects in Royal Greenwich have been successfully implemented across the region and London-wide. For example, the council has worked with South-East Enterprise (SEE) to develop the original model of their e-business programme, helping businesses maximise their potential online. The East London Business Partnership’s Building Legacies programme provides an innovative, tailored service for SMMEs to enable them to become ‘fit-tosupply', through workshops, networking, meet-the-buyer events and one-to-one coaching and mentoring. And through free programmes like Start-ups in London Libraries (SiLL) and Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA) (training provider), the council is giving aspiring entrepreneurs the skills, know-how, and access to funding, to turn their business idea into reality. The council have also been keen to promote initiatives like the Shop Local: time well spent campaign, the Greenwich One Card discount scheme and the new Enjoy Local website, launched with Visit Greenwich. The goal is to encourage spending in local shops, markets, cafes and restaurants, to reinvigorate town centres and help high streets to bounce back. “And, of course, there is our prestigious annual Business Awards , which offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent and skills of businesses within the borough”. Entries are now open. Anyone who owns or manages a business in Royal Greenwich can enter and shine a spotlight on their organisation.

GREEN INITIATIVES

Addressing the climate emergency is one of Okereke’s priorities as council leader, and the support of the local business community is crucial to tackling this. “We’re working closely with South East London Community Energy co-operative (SELCE) to deliver the Greener Business in Greenwich programme, helping businesses to reduce both their energy costs and carbon emissions through fully-funded schemes”.

VISITORS RETURNING

The tourism and hospitality sector have had a particularly hard time in recent years – with lockdowns temporarily closing venues and overseas tourists unable to travel. Tourism is a hugely important sector for the borough, which attracts 20 million visitors per year and supports 17,000 jobs. Skills and recruitment are the biggest barriers to helping the sector recover, with the effects of the pandemic and Brexit adding to the problem. To respond to the challenge, the Greenwich Local Labour and Business team (GLLaB) is working in partnership with other organisations to enable people to get training and up-skill and match them with local job opportunities. Okereke explains that while overseas tourism slowly returns, the council has been working with Visit Greenwich to promote the borough to local tourists, from the rest of the UK, through the Escape the Everyday campaign, which has just reached 4 million people. “We’re also supporting the Mayor of London’s Let’s Do London campaign, with the goal of encouraging international markets to return quicker, focussing on the US, France and Germany, he says.

How can the Council help your business?

In Royal Greenwich, professional advice is available on many aspects of running your business, from tendering for contracts to recruitment and marketing. We also run an e-business support programme to help businesses reach their potential online, which includes free workshops and seminars.

To find out more about advice and support for businesses in Royal Greenwich, visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/businesssupport