I am a long-standing resident in the London Borough of Hillingdon, and an active member of the local community, with a new business and the passion and drive to contribute to our local economy.

The GROWTH Hillingdon programme is vital for new and established local businesses or social enterprises like mine, providing free, tailored business support through workshops, mentoring sessions, and opportunities to build peer-support networks. 

To date, this programme has enabled over 154 local business owners, self-employed individuals, sole traders, managers, co-operatives, and social enterprises across the London Borough of Hillingdon to grow and overcome challenges. It is a lifeline for many local entrepreneurs who may not have the resources or support network to easily navigate the complexities of running a business.

The GROWTH Hillingdon programme, provided by the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce, is currently funded by the UKSPF fund and Hillingdon Council, but the funding will end on 31st March 2025, which could leave many businesses without crucial support.

We urge the Hillingdon Council to secure continued and increased funding for the GROWTH Hillingdon programme. This will ensure that local businesses can continue to grow, contribute to the local economy, and provide employment opportunities to the community. 

Thank you for your attention and support.