Growing business voice for Bakerloo Line Upgrade & Extension

The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension is the next big opportunity for the capital, transforming transport links across the capital, linking customers and employees to businesses, new and old. As the UK Government focuses on unlocking economic growth and raising productivity across the country, we want to show them the potential this project has for not only London - but the UK too.

Featured in the London Growth Plan and London Infrastructure Framework, we are now calling on the government to commit to delivering the upgrade and extension in the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review and 10-year Infrastructure Strategy.

Business for Bakerloo

Several businesses including LandSec and Delancey have come together to create our sister campaign, Business for Bakerloo, aimed at establishing a strong business voice for the project.

We encourage any supportive business, big or small, to sign-up to the Business for Bakerloo campaign via businessforbakerloo. com alongside our own pledge drive at backthebakerloo.org.uk.

Other ways your business can help spread the word

• Display a supporter sticker on your business premises! - please reach out to our campaign at business@lewisham.gov.uk to get a sticker sent across

• Tell us why the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension matters to your business! - share on your social media using the hashtags #BackTheBakerloo or #Biz4Bakerloo, or by emailing the address above

Addressing the gap in online business skills

The Council is thrilled to announce the launch of its new online marketplace House of Lewisham, dedicated to showcasing the creativity and talent of local businesses and artisans while supporting them on their online business journey. From fashion and apparel, gifts, homewares and more, the marketplace is packed with locally made products.

House of Lewisham was previously an online store to celebrate the unique culture and community of Lewisham. Now, in its new iteration, which is led by the Council, it provides a platform for shoppers to buy directly from local featured creators, helping grow and sustain our local early stage or micro maker enterprises.

Digital divide

A 2023 high streets survey found that:

• only 1/3 of independent high street businesses are selling online

• and 1/3 of independent business owners want to learn how to sell online but struggle with accessing resources, technology, and balancing it with running their business

We wanted to address this skills gap, so, along with the site platform, the programme offers training and support to these early-stage businesses through tailored and communitybased e-commerce and small business skill development.

“As an inclusive and ambitious borough, Lewisham is committed to tackling inequalities and driving transformative change. To further develop our vision of an inclusive local economy, we are creating conditions where skills, resources, and income can grow, stay and circulate throughout Lewisham. House of Lewisham is a key component of the Inclusive Economy Lewisham strategy and action plan, ensuring that local businesses thrive and contribute to our vibrant, equitable community."Councillor Ese Erheriene, Cabinet Lead for Business, Jobs and Skills