Sutton Council launches scheme of support for local businesses

Sutton Council has announced a package of support for local businesses this summer, including: 

• Sutton Business Sessions, a series of free, practical workshops designed to help local companies thrive, delivered in partnership with business experts.

• Fully-funded Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) membership for up to 120 local independent businesses.

• One-to-one advice for smaller businesses in Sutton Town Centre and help to save money through joint procurement, delivered in partnership with Successful Sutton Business Improvement District.

The support is designed to help local companies as they continue their recovery from the pandemic, after residents and businesses told us that supporting local businesses and creating vibrant, resilient high streets are top priorities. It is funded by the government and delivered by the Council. 

The Sutton Business Sessions workshops, being held online during June and July, will cover topics including marketing, accounting, social media, disability inclusion and the power of mindset. They are being delivered in partnership between the Council and business experts including The Retail Group, MR Consultancy and the Disability Business Forum.

The free FSB memberships offer benefits and services designed to support small businesses every step of the way including: HR guidance, legal support, financial and tax expertise, PR advice, exclusive discounts and more. Businesses with up to 10 employees can apply by Friday 30 September.

In Sutton Town Centre, Successful Sutton will be helping smaller businesses save money through joint purchasing of card machines, gas, water and electricity. This support has already saved businesses hundreds of pounds a year and is being extended with further support from the Council. They will also be offering advice from The Retail Group, management consultants in the retail, consumer, and property sectors. This includes a full business audit, one-to-one session, action plan and access to training webinars. Town centre businesses can apply online for the support which runs until 30 September.

This latest package of support follows more than £90 million of government funding distributed by the Council to Sutton businesses over the last two and a half years, including discretionary grants tailored to businesses that fell through the gaps and alongside help to reopen safely.

Councillor David Bartolucci, Deputy Leader of Sutton Council, said:

“Sutton’s businesses play a huge role in our community, providing high-quality products, experiences and services, along with good jobs in which people can thrive. This extended package of support will help them grow even stronger and support our local economy post-Covid.

“Through our free support for businesses, ambitious regeneration of Sutton Town Centre, creation of the world-leading London Cancer Hub and lobbying for better transport links, we’re putting a strong and fair economic recovery at the heart of our plans to make sure Sutton remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

Find out more about how the Council is supporting local businesses, and how it can help you grow yours.