If you have an issue that you need help with, contact us at info@stationtostation.london; if we can’t help directly, we probably know someone who can. There is also a list of useful websites below.
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 communication 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.
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. We have held a number of Business Surgeries to support all BID members with any queries on their Business Rates, Small Business Rates Relief and Rateable Values. Keep an on eye on our Events page for the next session and book in.
To learn more about business rates, see the Lambeth website.
https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/business-rates-services-licensing/help-businesses
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.
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.
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.
National Organisations to go to for support with;
Business & Personal Debt
Business Debtline https://www.businessdebtline.org/
National Debtline https://www.nationaldebtline.org/ (personal Debt)
TaxAid https://taxaid.org.uk/ (Tax advice for those on low income)
https://www.gov.uk/business-support-helpline
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support
https://www.betterbusinessfinance.co.uk/bbf/find-finance
Business Advice
https://www.treeshepherd.org.uk/
https://www.businesshub.london/
https://www.businesshub.london/resource/wayfinder/
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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