London,
08
March
2011
|
23:00
Europe/London

Small businesses get recipe for success from council-sponsored network

Hackney Enterprise Network recently celebrated its one year anniversary with the good news that 390 local businesses have already joined the network.

Run by HBV Enterprise on behalf of Hackney Council, the Network offers tailored support and advice designed to help local entrepreneurs to make new contacts, enter new markets, grow and fund their businesses.

Hamlett Films is a Hackney-based media company, providing digital content for the web, DVD and TV broadcast. Owner Sian Hamlett said they were successful in winning a Small Enterprise Grant which has already helped them grow and employ a new member of staff.

“We will also use the grant to put systems in place and to increase our marketing. For the future Hamlett Films has its sights firmly set on new digital opportunities. The company will also look to expand its support in training a diverse media workforce for the 2012 Olympics.”

Hackney Cabinet Member for Regeneration and 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Cllr Guy Nicholson, said: "Enterprise and entrepreneurship are at the heart of Hackney’s local economy. In these tough economic times, we are making sure that the Council is investing into our business community and jobs, and our local economy through the Hackney Enterprise Network.”

Richard Abbott, Chief Executive of HBV Enterprise, said: “We’re delivering a range of activities to help Network members in different ways, including helping them to understand and explore supply chains, because this offers one of the best chances of picking up new business. As a result of positive feedback from members, we’re building links with larger City firms, and growing their interest in doing more business in Hackney.”

Notes to editors

1.Hackney Enterprise Network is run by HBV Enterprise in partnership with, and with funding from Hackney Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

2.Pic attached of Sian Hamlett, Hamlet Films

For forthcoming events: http://www.hbv.org.uk/hackneyenterprisenetworkevents.html

For more information, Susie Haywood, Hackney Council press office, 020 8356 2869, susie.haywood@hackney.gov.uk


HEN Recruits SIC Statistics
08 March 2011


Business SectorNumber of
recruits in
sectorPercentage
of all recruits
(%)
Arts, Sport & Recreation256.4
Catering and Accommodation4812.3
Construction389.7
Education256.4
Health & Social Care Services205.1
Import/Export & General Trading41.0
IT & Telecommunications61.5
Manufacturing & Engineering143.6
Media & Creative Services11429.2
Other Service Activities102.6
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services4210.8
Retail, Hire & Repair307.7
Transport & Storage30.8
Wholesale & Motor Repair112.8

Total recruits390100

HEN case studies

Bracket
Alison Coward established ‘Bracket’, a business that brings together creative people to deliver on projects for commercial clients.

“Being part of the Hackney Enterprise Network has been a positive experience. I attended a number of networking events and workshops, and found the workshop on CompeteFor and London 2012 particularly helpful as I learned about the opportunities available within the Olympic Games supply chain.

“I work as an advisor to creative businesses, so it was great to be on the other side for once and get someone else’s opinion on my ideas. In addition, I like networking and meeting people, and am making many new contacts.”

www.bracketprojects.co.uk


Green Aza Whistle
‘Green Aza Whistle’ is a Hackney-based company that provides cleaning services, using environmentally friendly products.

Owner Natalie Peacock set up the firm five years ago.

“I needed help to grow the business and the support I received from Hackney Enterprise Network proved to be invaluable. I obtained useful business management advice and joined a number of locally based networking events. I also recently gained a new contract with a local major contractor, an opportunity that came to me via the Hackney Enterprise Network.

Mathbase

Richard Glemberg has run “Mathbase” since 2002, developing numeracy software for use at schools and home.

“One of the rewards of being part of the Hackney Enterprise Network was wining a Small Enterprise Grant to help to grow my business. This has enabled me to complete my market research to help with updating the Mathbase product.”

Partly as a result, Mathbase is now provided to more schools and parents, and Richard will continue to widen Mathbase for the web.

http://www.mathbase.co.uk/mathbase/home.asp


Hamlett Films
Hamlett Films is a Hackney-based media company, providing digital content for the web, DVD and TV broadcast. Their films include documentaries, communicating brand identity and electronic press kits to support articles used by the newspapers.

Owner Sian Hamlett said they were successful in winning a Small Enterprise Grant which has already helped them grow and employ a new member of staff.

“We will also use the grant to put systems in place and to increase our marketing. For the future Hamlett Films has its sights firmly set on new digital opportunities. The company will also look to expand its support in training a diverse media workforce for the 2012 Olympics.”

http://www.hamlettfilms.co.uk/