Workshops, networking events and ongoing opportunities
Upcoming opportunities
Help to Grow: Management Course
Applications close 11 September
Businesses can now register for the next cohort of the Help to Grow: Management Course, delivered in partnership with the Small Business Charter.
The programme helps SME leaders strengthen leadership skills, build business resilience and drive growth.
We're pleased to offer a fully funded bursary worth £750 for eligible businesses referred by the Our Newham Business & Enterprise team.
Eligibility criteria
Businesses must:
- employ between 5 and 249 people
- have been trading for at least one year
- not be registered as a charity
Register for the Help to Grow: Management Course
Public Sector Procurement Overview and Winning More Public Sector Work
Wednesday 23 September 2026, 1.30pm to 3pm
Online
Join Newham Council's Procurement team and David Smith from South East Consortium for a session aimed at local SMEs, particularly businesses operating in the housing and construction sectors.
The session will:
- provide an update on the changing public procurement landscape
- explain what these changes mean for SMEs
- explore common challenges when bidding for public sector contracts
- offer practical guidance on bid strategy, quality submissions and pricing
Register for the procurement session
Learn How to Win Public Sector Contracts
Thursday 17 September 2026, 10.30am to 12.30pm
TERRA Dock, Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability
Join this practical workshop to learn how to access public sector opportunities, strengthen your bidding approach and increase sales to government organisations.
Led by Jorge Analuisa, Founder of Bid Specialists and GovFrameworks, the session is aimed at established businesses looking to secure bids, tenders and government framework opportunities.
Businesses should ideally:
- have been trading for at least two years
- have an annual turnover of £100,000 or more
AI Leadership for Business Transformation
Starting September 2026
Build your organisation's confidence and capability in using artificial intelligence with the University of East London's AI Leadership for Business Transformation programme.
The programme will help participants:
- identify opportunities to apply AI
- strengthen implementation capabilities
- build confidence around governance and risk management
It is particularly suitable for:
- senior leaders and managers
- transformation and programme leads
- project and delivery professionals
Sessions are delivered weekly, either online or in person. Cohorts begin in September 2026, January 2027 and April 2027.
Eligible SMEs can access the programme fully funded through the Skills & Growth Levy.
Register your interest in the AI Leadership programme
Protect Your Business: Avoiding Lease Traps and Unexpected Costs
Tuesday 15 September 2026, 10am
Online
Join this free webinar from Property Advice Services to learn how to avoid common commercial lease pitfalls and unexpected costs.
Property Advice Services also provides free one-to-one support and practical guidance on:
- finding suitable business premises
- negotiating or entering into a commercial lease
- managing rent reviews
- understanding business rates and available reliefs
NCC Business Breakfast Meeting
Thursday 17 September 2026, 8am to 10am
Global Banking School
Newham businesses are invited to attend a business breakfast hosted by Newham Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Global Banking School and Barclays Eagle Labs.
The event provides an opportunity to:
- network with local businesses
- build new professional relationships
- explore potential partnerships
- learn about business support available to entrepreneurs and growing businesses
Advance booking is required.
Find out more and book your place
SBIUK Business Breakfast
Thursday 17 September 2026, 10am to 12pm
Shinde's Pure Veg, East Ham, E12 6SA
Local business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to join State Bank of India UK (SBIUK) for a morning of networking and business insights.
The event offers opportunities to:
- connect with fellow business owners
- build valuable business relationships
- learn more about banking and finance options that support business growth
Food Service Industry Expo 2026
29 to 30 September 2026
ExCeL London
Businesses operating in hospitality, food and drink, technology, or related sectors may be interested in attending the Food Service Industry Expo 2026.
The event brings together operators, suppliers, buyers and industry professionals and offers opportunities to:
- meet potential customers and suppliers
- hear from industry experts
- discover new products and services
- explore emerging trends
This event may be particularly useful for Newham businesses looking to expand their network and identify new growth opportunities.
Help to Grow: Management Course at UAL
The Help to Grow: Management Course is a 12-week programme that is 90% funded by the UK Government. Eligible participants pay just £750 for a programme valued at £7,500.
Participants will benefit from:
- 12 expert-led modules covering leadership, strategy, innovation, marketing, finance, digital transformation and operational efficiency
- 10 hours of personalised one-to-one mentoring
- 8 peer learning sessions with fellow business leaders
- a bespoke Growth Action Plan tailored to their business
Whether you are looking to improve productivity, strengthen leadership capability, explore new markets or plan for future growth, this programme offers practical strategies that can be applied immediately.
The next cohort starts on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Learn more about the Help to Grow course at London College of Fashion
Inviting Local Suppliers and Subcontractors
We are seeking expressions of interest from Newham-based suppliers and subcontractors who may be interested in working with local developers on a range of projects.
As developments progress through different stages, a variety of subcontractor packages become available as part of the tendering process.
We are particularly keen to hear from businesses that have:
- relevant skills and experience
- sufficient capacity to deliver work
- appropriate insurance cover
- the required compliance standards
Please note that registering your interest does not guarantee work or inclusion in future tender opportunities.
