Focus on Greenwich Celebrating female-led businesses

We’re very proud of the variety, character and individuality of the businesses in the borough, many of which are female-led. Ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD) in March, we spoke to some of the women leading local businesses to learn more about their jobs which support the economy of Royal Greenwich.

We also asked for their advice for others wanting to build their career in their fields or set up their own businesses.

The five women featured work in different sectors, from construction and set design to not-for-profits supporting people with learning disabilities and care leavers. All are drivers of positive change, who go above and beyond at work and in the local community and area that they love.

Benita Ager, Director of Flower Skills

Benita is one of our Greenwich Learns skills learning providers offering courses in construction.

On overcoming challenges that still exist in the sector

“It needs to start in schools, to show girls that they, too, can have a successful career in the industry. Construction should not be a sector only for underachieving boys – high achievers, and girls of all abilities can forge a good career.”

Chloe Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Helix 3D

Helix 3D are specialists in design and fabrication for TV, film and commercials, winner of the Business of the Year 2023 award and Made in Greenwich category.

On what she loves about working in Greenwich “Greenwich is a brilliant place to run a business. The links are great, and the Elizabeth line has been a game changer. We are fully committed to the area, and we try and prioritise employing local workers wherever possible.”

Kemi Madumere, Co-Founder for Camouflage Cafe

Kemi’s cafe is run by adults with learning disabilities and was the winner of the Best New Business category at the Business Awards 2023.

On what this year’s IWD theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’ means to her and her business

“It means backing our words with meaningful action. This translates into hiring inclusively ourselves, upskilling our female managers, advocating for local women and disability-owned businesses, and enabling platforms for marginalised women’s voices.”

Learn more about support available for people with learning disabilities: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/disabilities

Christina Hsieh, Founding Director of Matter

Christina won the Professional Service award at our 2023 Business Awards.

A tip for others

“There is space for everyone, you just need to look for it and seek support when you need it. We need more women in the sector so we can influence the design of buildings more to ensure they reflect the needs of women.”

Nathalie Delahaye, Director of Roar Pursuits CIC

Nathalie’s business was the winner of the Health and Wellbeing category.

A tip for others

“Find people who are doing what you want to do, connect and learn from them. No one is an expert in everything, so outsource what you struggle with to someone who is. Find your team.”

Read the interviews: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/international-womens-day-business

Looking to change careers and need some support? Visit: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/gllab

Sign up to receive the business e-bulletin from the Royal Borough of Greenwich at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/business-bulletin

Is your business in Greenwich? Make sure it’s featured on Enjoy Local

Greenwich is brimming with so many brilliant shops, restaurants, cafes, markets and attractions, it’s sometimes hard to pick which ones to visit or to find out what events are happening near you.

As part of our Shop Local campaign, we joined forces with Visit Greenwich to develop the Enjoy Local platform, which encourages people to shop and enjoy local. Not only does this support local businesses — it also nurtures the local community and economy.

Aimed at anyone who lives, works or studies in Greenwich, and designed to be accessed from people’s mobile phones ‘on the go’, Enjoy Local suggests the best places to shop, eat and drink closest to you, wherever you are in the borough. It also tells you what events are happening, where and when. All you need to do is turn on your location settings and start exploring at enjoyroyalgreenwich.org.uk

If your business is in Greenwich, make sure it’s featured on the Enjoy Local website for free: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/enjoylocal-list-your-business

For extra promotion, remember you can share a special offer or discount on the Greenwich One Card discount scheme, delivered with GLL-Better.

List your business at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/OneCard

Building A Successful Bromley

“Bromley is a bustling, thriving market town with a healthy footfall. Minutes from central London, on the Superloop and within touching distance of the countryside, Bromley is the ideal location for businesses, large or small. This makes Bromley perfect for attracting and retaining quality staff. Your Bromley runs an exciting programme of events and activities for town centre visitors, workers and residents and we’re very proud to have an approval rate of 96% from our member businesses.”

Frances Forrest BID Manager Your Bromley BID

Uncertain Times

During the cost of living crisis the work the BID does is even more important than ever. Your Bromley delivers services above and beyond those offered by the council and is the voice for 500 town centre businesses.

Investing In Bromley

Over our second term, Your Bromley is investing at least £2.7million into improving Bromley town centre, including £609K over the last year.

Please keep in touch with Your Bromley by subscribing to regular e.shots via yourbromley.com. Follow Your Bromley BID on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @YourBromley

Supporting Business

Your Bromley offers many business support services. Our website includes a commercial spaces directory, making finding office space easy and our team have the contacts for the key landlords for those wanting ground floor space instead. It also features an area exclusively for our BID Members, offering access to training videos and self help guides.

Engaging Events

Alongside our events and activities, we collaborate regularly with the local authority and other key partners to promote the town centre. In 2023 these partnerships delivered three successful NTEZ events, attracting a total of 33,000 visitors, in addition to our own Christmas Lights Switch On event, Floral Fest, Make Music Day and Black History Month celebrations, giving people more reasons to come into Bromley than ever.