BIPC Lewisham

Did you know that you can access Cobweb Information Ltd's COBRA tool for free in Lewisham's hub libraries? Just follow the link from Lewisham Libraries website: https://lnkd.in/eHyUKTyZ, enter your library card number and you'll have a wealth of business information at your fingertips. With more than 4,000 factsheets, market reports, sources of funding and support and practical guides, COBRA is a must-visit for any smart business owner. * Want to find out industry specific information? COBRA has you covered. * Thinking of flexing your entrepreneurial wings but don't know where to start? COBRA can help. * Want to grow your existing business? COBRA is there for you. If you'd like some guidance on how to get the most out of this invaluable free resource, join us online on Friday 28 December 12-1pm for an introductory webinar, led by expert Rachel Travis. Book in here: https://lnkd.in/ehBSu96s

We can't talk about successful women without mentioning Oprah. Our final business book recommendation for Women's History Month is this accessible collection of lessons from the life of one of the world's most influential people. Find it on the LibbyApp: https://lnkd.in/gPEnGwJ2

Today we're highlighting Hetty Green, considered to be the US's first female tycoon. To learn more about the woman dubbed "The Witch of Wall Street", ask Libraries Consortium member Harrow Libraries to send her biography over to your local Lewisham Libraries branch: https://lnkd.in/e3W9Z3zx

It's never too early to introduce iconic fashion designer Vivienne Westwood to your little entrepreneurs-in-the-making. Check out this accessible biography online via the LibbyApp on your mobile or on your computer here https://lnkd.in/eexkXQ-C with your Lewisham Libraries card.

In celebration of Women's History Month, we'll be spotlighting a few historical women who excelled in business, and how you can read more about them... First up is Eileen Ford, who founded the Ford Modeling Agency in 1946, transformed the business of fashion and helped to invent the celebrity supermodel. Read all about her amazing life in 'Model Woman' via Libby on the mobile app or your computer. https://lnkd.in/emk7Ue7U

“At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to reach full gender parity[...] Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality”. International Women's Day 2025 The BIPC Lewisham team read this on the #IWD2025 website and got mad. Then we thought: why get mad when we can take action? To help us take this action, there was only one pair of super-women we could call upon: AMAZE ASSOCIATES LIMITED. Their workshop will be highlight of our event and they will be creating a tangible Manifesto for Action, which BIPC Lewisham and Lewisham Libraries will be using to inform our future work on equity and inclusion. Please note: Amaze have had to withdraw from this session due to unexpected circumstances, so BIPC Lewisham staff will draw on discussions with them to lead the workshop and invite further collaboration from attendees. Join us on 4 March for a slightly early IWD event to celebrate International Women's Day with inspiring talks, workshops, and networking opportunities to #AccelerateAction! We strongly encourage booking as space is limited: https://lnkd.in/gvr_nPSD Agenda 3 - 3.30pm Refreshments and networking with other attendees. 3.30 - 3.45pm Barclays Presentation from the Women in Business Programme. 3.45 - 4pm Presentation with insights into the House of Lewisham, the new platform being launched by Lewisham Council to support local businesses in growing their online sales. The platform will onboard local businesses to sell curated products as well as working to increase the visibility and reach of Lewisham-based businesses. Each business which successfully joins the website will get £2,500 worth of fully funded digital business support to grow revenue by increasing skills and confidence online. 4 - 5.30pm An interactive workshop led by BIPC Ambassadors Amaze Associates with the aim of:- * Identifying key obstacles to gender equality across policy, workplace, and community settings. * Exploring and developing practical, immediate steps to drive change. * Collaborating on a Manifesto for Action—a set of shared commitments for progress. * Making individual pledges to implement within your own spheres of influence. 5.30-6pm Pick up a few email addresses from other attendees and have one more biscuit for the road! If you cannot attend in person, the Women in Business and House of Lewisham presentations will be streamed live on Teams, along with the opportunity to network with other online attendees. Sign up to view them here: https://lnkd.in/gunf_dgZ.

We are ALWAYS getting requests for guidance on branding, marketing and boosting sales from small business owners, so we thought we'd call in the big guns for a marketing and branding double bill:- * Branding consultant Jilly Clark leads a workshop that will give you the knowledge you need to create or review your business’ brand identity. Join her online or in person on Wednesday 26th Feb https://lnkd.in/eXRJAdHg * If you have a burning question about sales or marketing, Local Marketing Made Easy's Rebecca Thomson may be able to help. Come to our February Forum online or in person this Friday 21st Feb for some business troubleshooting and to network with other local entrepreneurs https://lnkd.in/eC7MV4Za

ActionCOACH UK's Amit Sodha is back to talk about all things financing, with Mike Deacon proving insight into asset financing and other options for your business.

We've got some excellent content and support for your business coming up in February, including a focus on marketing and branding, with two hybrid workshops from industry experts. Also, watch this space for info on a number of grant and funding opportunities from our partners.

We're full of excitement that some of our BIPC Lewisham Ambassadors are featured in the Business & IP Centre's latest publicity campaign, showcasing a selection of the wonderful people involved in the BIPC Network. While you're travelling about London for the next six weeks, see if you can spot Esther Solomon-Turay of Authentic Worth, Jennifer McLean LLB (Hons), MInstLM and Fiona Wedderburn-Graham of AMAZE ASSOCIATES LIMITED or David Bourroughs of Buddies for All CIC at Tube stations and bus stops; if you find a poster, take a selfie with them and post it up... It's time for a scavenger hunt! 😄