Cost of living – support for businesses
On 21 September the Government announced new support for households, businesses and public sector organisations facing rising energy bills.
Through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the Government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers (including all UK businesses, the voluntary sector like charities and the public sector such as schools and hospitals) whose current gas and electricity prices have been significantly inflated in light of global energy prices. This support will be equivalent to the Energy Price Guarantee put in place for households.
It will apply to fixed contracts agreed on or after 1 April 2022, as well as to deemed, variable and flexible tariffs and contracts. It will apply to energy usage from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, running for an initial six-month period for all non-domestic energy users. The savings will be first seen in October bills, which are typically received in November.
As with the Energy Price Guarantee for households, customers do not need to take action or apply to the scheme to access the support. Support will automatically be applied to bills.
Business Rates
Depending on the property you occupy and/or your business sector you may be eligible for a relief or exemption. See Get help paying your business rates for more details.
London Business Hub
To support businesses with rents, the London Business Hub is offering the Property Advice Service to help with finding suitable commercial space, as well as end of lease issues and rent negotiations. You can also browse Hackney Council’s affordable workspace list for a range of affordable, flexible and grow-on spaces in the borough.
London Business Hub has also published a series of practical guides on the steps you can take to protect your business, avoid cash flow problems, and manage business finances:
The RAC
The RAC have created the Ultimate Guide to saving on fuel.
Employment Allowance
The UK Government increased the Employment Allowance from £4,000 to £5,000 from 6 April to help SMEs.
Employment Allowance is a tax relief which allows eligible businesses and charities to reduce their National Insurance contributions each year.
Class 1 savings can be made each time there is a payroll run until £5,000 has been reached or the tax year has ended (whichever is sooner).
The Government estimates that around 50,000 businesses will benefit from the increase.
Check if you are eligible.
The Samaritans or The Listening Place
Services such as The Samaritans or The Listening Place can provide comforting, pressure-free and non-judgemental environments to listen to your concerns and offer advice.
The Samaritans provide 24/7 support, you can contact them on 0330 094 5717 or freephone 116 123.
The Listening Place operates from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday, you can contact them on 020 3906 7676.
The South East London Community Energy co-operative (Selce) is a community energy group tackling climate change and fuel poverty across south east London.
It offers impartial advice services to help businesses navigate the transition to clean energy.
The Carbon Trust energy benchmark tool helps small and medium-sized businesses assess typical energy use in their sector.
It covers the following sectors:
- hospitality
- office-based
- manufacturing
- retail
- leisure
The Carbon Trust also has a range of other online tools to help businesses reduce their energy consumption and costs:
Ofgem provides advice on how to get help if your business can’t afford its energy bills, as well as general energy advice.
The Recovery Loan Scheme, which originally launched in April 2021 to help businesses recovering from the pandemic, has been extended to 2024.
The Recovery Loan Scheme is currently open to small and medium-sized businesses to support them to access loans and other kinds of finance so they can recover after the pandemic and transition period.
Up to £2 million is available per business group.
The actual amount offered and the terms are at the discretion of participating lenders.
The government guarantees 70% of the finance to the lender.
As the borrower, you are always 100% liable for the debt.
Loans are available through a network of accredited lenders, listed on the British Business Bank’s website.
Business Debtline is a charity providing free and independent debt advice over the phone and online.
It also provides a range of debt advice factsheets on topics such as:
- business rates
- business debts
- managing business finances
- dealing with creditors
- debt solutions
Money Advice Trust offers free SMEs debt advice, tax, business rates, budgeting, creditors court action support.
Step Change are debt experts offering help with debt problems. They offer free, flexible debt advice based on a comprehensive assessment of your situation and provide practical help and support for however long it’s needed.
Renting a building is often an important part of owning and running a business.
From finding the right kind of place to managing costs sustainably, London Business Hub’s new Property Advice Service can help you navigate these challenges.
Business Support Programme 2022
Hackney Council has invested £2.5m into providing a number of funding and business support opportunities for small and micro local businesses using funding from the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG). The ARG provided local councils with discretionary funding to support businesses severely impacted by coronavirus restrictions.
The programme is currently supporting 159 Hackney businesses to deliver funded projects. These projects support local economic recovery and growth, including supporting businesses to improve their environmental operations. The Council is also working with local providers to deliver a suite of business support opportunities for an additional 200 Hackney businesses across 2022.
Hackney Council has partnered with Allia, a charity with a fantastic track record of helping small businesses in East London to:
- develop
- grow
- achieve their impact aims
Through this partnership, small and micro businesses in Hackney are eligible to receive free access to four of Allia’s high quality, bespoke business support programmes throughout 2022.
See Alia’s venture support programmes brochure (PDF 3.5mb)
Grow Your Business
Three months of specialist support for ambitious entrepreneurs, with the tools to help your local business thrive and grow.
Open to all types of businesses; you could be running a café, a corner shop, a local garage, florist or photography business.
Register your interest by visiting Allia Future Business Centre.
Start Your Business
Two months of support designed for you to plan out the early days of building a business, what you need to do to get set up for success and to identify if your idea has legs.
For anyone who has an idea for a venture but doesn’t know where to start or just needs a helping hand in understanding the basics of building a business.
Register your interest by visiting Allia Future Business Centre.
Impact Accelerator
A six-month programme targeted at small and micro businesses working on developing their social, environmental and or economic impact.
Register your interest by visiting Allia Future Business Centre.
Green Business Programme
Two-day event to help businesses improve their ability to operate green and improve their credentials.
All businesses will receive access to a custom green action plan, support towards the completion of a recognised green industry certification and one-to-one support towards the completion of a recognised green industry certification.
Register your interest by visiting Allia Future Business Centre.
The Council has partnered with experienced small business advice provider Newable to deliver the Adapt Your Business programme. A programme of grants and business support provided to 100 small and micro businesses throughout 2022.
Through an open competitive grant fund, a total of £570,633.20 was provided to 48 businesses in Hackney to deliver projects that:
- supported the need to make business adaptations and pivots post-covid
- or make improvements to become a greener and more sustainable business
In addition, these businesses alongside a number of other applicants are receiving seven hours of bespoke business advice from an advisor as well as a series of masterclasses on business focused topics.
Read more about the programme by visiting our Hackney news page.
See all of our funded projects by visiting Hackney Business Network.
The High Streets and Town centres fund opened for applications from 3 December to 9 January 2021.
It invited applications from micro and small businesses to propose projects that would make our high streets and town centres more:
- attractive
- accessible
- inclusive
Additionally, the proposals would increase resident and business engagement in our high streets and town centres and drive spending and footfall in local independent businesses.
It was rewarded through an open competitive grant fund. A total of £494,453.02 was provided to 41 businesses in Hackney to deliver a wide range of projects across the borough in 2022 that meet these aims.
In partnership with PRD, the Council is delivering the Hackney Central Impact and Ideas fund.
The fund supports businesses in delivering innovative and inspiring projects that complement the Hackney Central Plan enabling local businesses to invest in and realise their own ideas to increase their economic and environmental resilience, as well as improving the town centre as a whole.
The fund:
- puts businesses at the forefront of delivering the new Hackney Central plan
- encourages business recovery and resilience by supporting innovation and the testing of new ideas
- supports the development of stronger relationships between businesses, the Council and the wider community in Hackney Central
- supports micro and small businesses to be inclusive, innovative and resilient
Read the fund guidance.
A total of £542,239.80 was funded to 23 businesses in Hackney to deliver projects that support local businesses and organisations to play a fuller role in shaping the future of Hackney Central.
Visit Hackney Business Network to see which businesses were successful in their bids.
We want to involve, support and enable local businesses to accelerate the shift to a net zero carbon world.
Resource scarcity and environmental degradation, alongside climate change, are some of the greatest global challenges we face.
One of the opportunities we are exploring is how we can involve, support and enable businesses in Hackney to be part of the circular economy.
We’ve commissioned a survey of businesses and held two workshops in Hackney to help us all understand the circular economy in Hackney and future the needs of businesses.
Recommendations and feedback from businesses will be used to shape the future of business support offers in this area, as well as the developing policy work on the Council’s green commitments.
This is part of the Council’s wider mission to rebuild a Greener Hackney.
Business networks and associations in Hackney
This is a council-run initiative to support our local business community.
The mission is to make Hackney fairer by building a more inclusive and resilient economy that:
- nurtures start-up businesses
- provides continuity for established businesses
- supports growing up and scaling enterprises
You can sign up to the Hackney Business Network e-newsletter and follow the Twitter account for the latest updates.
The Stoke Newington Business Association (SNBA) is a business-led network that provides support and promotion for local businesses.
The SNBA created the website See you in Stokey for anyone living in or visiting the area.
Showing the friendly faces behind the businesses and helping people to shop local by listing:
- shops
- cafes
- restaurants and other venues
It also featured other fun things to do in Stoke Newington.
Member businesses can access the members area of the website, download and use See you in Stokey imagery to:
- use on social media
- gain access to the trusted traders list (only those recommended by another local business make it onto the list)
- receive regular emails to stay up to date with what the network is up to
Businesses can also post job vacancies and be featured on the See you in Stokey social media pages, subject to suitable content.
Membership costs £50 per year with all income going back into the network.
Members are entitled to attend and vote at the SNBA AGM and apply to stand as a committee member.
The Hackney Downs Business Network is a new business led network of local businesses in the Hackney Downs Area.
The network has created the Hello Hackney Downs campaign, a website showcasing an interactive map of the area providing a new dynamic set of business listings, offers and opportunities.
The campaign is being delivered alongside a new local area network providing businesses with tailored support and advice.
Find local staff, apprentices and training for your business
Hackney Council Opportunities is committed to working closely with businesses to create employment and training opportunities for local people.
Whether you are interested in offering jobs, training, apprenticeships or work experience to Hackney residents, we can advise and support you to meet your workforce needs.
We want to help your business grow and prosper by tapping into the borough’s talent.
We can help you to:
- recruit local people
- meet your CSR and social value requirements
- engage with schools
- provide employment opportunities for people with learning difficulties and mental health conditions
Promoting your business events
We created a new way for businesses to submit events, activities or newsworthy pieces.
Submit an event, activity or news
Love Hackney, Shop Local
Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in the borough can receive support through our new shop local initiative and business directory.
If you would like to be part of the Love Hackney, Shop Local campaign email business@hackney.gov.uk.
London Business Hub
London Business Hub runs a range of programmes designed to support businesses across the capital to start, sustain and grow. Their programmes cover a wide range of issues, such as accessing funding, acting on climate change, getting ready for growth and navigating common business challenges.
Help to Grow
Learn new skills, reach more customers and boost your profits with the Help to Grow scheme. These two Government backed programmes support growth in management and digital skills.
Sign up to our Hackney Business Network newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter
Business toolkit
Our mission is to make Hackney fairer, building a more inclusive and resilient economy, one that nurtures start-up businesses, provides continuity for established businesses, and supports growing and scaling up enterprises.
We have produced a toolkit which sets out our offer to businesses operating in the borough and how you can work with us to make Hackney a fairer place for all.
How to do green business in Hackney
For more information about Council services that help you reduce business waste and your environmental impact in Hackney, see:
You may also be interested in selling or using Fairtrade goods.
Advice and support from external organisations
There are many organisations that provide advice to Hackney enterprises on a range of issues, from how to start a business or work for yourself, to creating effective marketing or business plans, to raising finance.
Support may be delivered through one to one sessions, workshops, over the phone or online.
Bright Ideas Trust
Bright Ideas Trust can help you start a business, gain access to mentoring and expert business support. Available if you are between 16 to 30 years old.
Gov.uk
Gov.uk has lots of information on how to start a business, such as getting funding, researching your market, development and planning, setting up your business and how to find partners, suppliers and premises.
You can also find information about business finance, support, grants and loans.
HCD (Hackney Co-operative Developments)
Hackney Co-operative Developments supports the creation and growth of co-operatives and social enterprises in the borough as well as providing affordable workspace to a range of social and ethical organisations, local start-ups, cultural entrepreneurs and creative professionals.
London Growth Hub
London Growth Hub hosts an extensive database of organisations that support start-ups, source funding, provide workspace and business growth opportunities.
The Princes Trust
If you’re 18-30, living in the UK and have a business idea or some ideas to explore then The Princes Trust enterprise programme could be for you.
Nwes
Nwes offers free business advice and support programmes to start-ups in London, and young businesses ready to scale-up.
Allia Serious Impact
Allia Serious Impact helps East London’s entrepreneurs to innovate, start-up, grow and scale.
They offer two free support programmes to help local entrepreneurs and businesses.
British Library: Business & IP Centre
British Library: Business & IP Centre is a valuable source of information on intellectual property, advice sessions with experts and business training.
Business Debtline
Business Debtline offers free advice to help your business deal with debt or cash flow problems.
Business For London
If you are looking for work, other employment opportunities or you are a new or existing Hackney based business owner, trading less than 5 years, needing help, then Business for London can support you in finding a Mentor.
East London Business Place
East London Business Place is a support and supply-chain brokerage organisation which develops the business-competitiveness of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) across London and the Thames Gateway, enabling them to bid successfully for new contracts and works opportunities.
Get Set For Growth
GetSet is a specialist service tailored for small businesses with the potential and ambition for sustainable growth.
If you’re looking for some expert support to help get your business to the next level, the GetSet teams of business, finance, marketing and sales strategists are ready to get to work.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the Government department in charge of tax revenues.
They have information for businesses with tax or benefit questions.
London Growth Hub
London Growth Hub hosts an extensive database of organisations that support start-ups, source funding, provide workspace and business growth opportunities.
London & Partners
London & Partners is the official foreign direct investment agency for London.
They can help your business expand in London, by identifying opportunities and connecting you with expert advisors.
Open to Export
Open to Export is a community-driven service for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) looking for support to grow internationally by exporting from the UK. Companies can work together and share information, advice and support about export market opportunities and means of entry.
The information, answers, advice and articles on Open to Export are all composed by the site’s users, community and key contributors.
Small Business Research and Enterprise Centre
The Small Business Research and Enterprise Centre support anyone looking to start, run or grow their business with free information and events. It’s a public service funded by the City of London Corporation.
Business in the Community
Business in the Community is a business group which helps its membership to develop corporate responsibility and tackle some of the largest problems facing businesses in Britain. Telephone: 020 7566 8650 Email: information@bitc.org.uk.
Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is the UK’s top business lobby. Membership with them confers a range of benefits and influence which can help your business. Telephone: 020 7379 7400.
East End Trades Guild (EETG)
The East End Trades Guild is an alliance of 250 small independent businesses and the self employed.
As well as offering goods and services members provide social spaces, sustaining relationships between neighbours and making our streets safer and better places to be.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the UK’s leading business organisation. It lobbies in support of self-employed and small business owners, and provides business services and legal advice to members.
Institute of Directors (IoD)
Institute of Directors (IoD) is a membership organisation for business leaders, offering training and development, business intelligence and premises across the UK.
There are over 35,000 disabled people living in Hackney, nearly 15% of the total population.
It makes good business sense to ensure that your premises and the goods and services you offer are accessible to disabled people.
Making your premises, goods and services accessible to disabled people
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s guide focuses on making your premises physically accessible, while Invest Northern Ireland’s guide to access and facilities for disabled people also explains how you can change the way you work as a business to accommodate a disabled person’s needs.
Employing disabled staff
Gov.uk’s guide to employing disabled people and people with health conditions provides all the information you need when employing disabled staff, including providing support with their career.
Communicating with disabled people
Gov.uk’s guides on inclusive communications cover all areas of communication with disabled people from appropriate language and images, to channels and formats.
Page updated on: 3 January 2023