We represent the collective needs of local business at key meetings, and encourage businesses to have their say in consultations that affect their trading area.
We provide support to businesses when they are faced with challenges that threaten their profitability. For example, we organise business meetings to hear what our members struggle with and have set up WhatsApp groups so businesses can collaborate and share ideas, communicate with us to report issues such as crime and antisocial behaviour and for Station to Station to share vital information and support wherever necessary.
We work closely with Lambeth Public Protection officers to advise and support shopkeepers who are dealing with anti social behaviour and shoplifting, we find expert advice for our businesses with planning applications where relevant, and give guidance on licensing issues.
Covid -19
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we kept businesses informed on the changing guidance and legislation on operating safely, and helped businesses overcome hurdles to gain the government funding they were entitled to.
At the start of the pandemic, we supported 279 small businesses within our BID area to apply for and receive £3,280,000 worth of government grant funding (figures as of July 2020).
We also campaigned on behalf of those who were unable to automatically qualify for the grants, and this lobbying helped 15 more businesses within the Station to Station area to receive an additional £225,000 financial support from Lambeth’s Hardship Fund in July 2020.
Business Disruption
We worked to mitigate the disruption caused by the lengthy Thames Water road works in 2019-2020 and continue to pursue financial compensation for our businesses and the community from Thames Water. We will represent businesses in this capacity with any other organisation or utility that causes business interruption to the area.
Business Rates
We also helped negotiate nearly £25,000 in business rates reductions (through the council’s Revaluation Funding) during the Thames Water road works for those whose businesses were significantly disrupted.
Landlords
We act as a mediator between landlords and tenants where necessary, to represent and provide support on the issues that some businesses have, such as rental rates, premises conditions and services.
If you need help or advice on any of the above, please don’t hesitate to get in touch info@stationtostation.london
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