As we gear up for another busy season of events, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year of real progress - new partnerships, thriving connections, and a growing presence in West London’s SME community. Last year brought so many businesses together and we’re looking forward to building on that momentum.
A Year of Unmissable Events
We kicked off in January last year with an informal social to get to know everyone. In February, we headed to Chelsea FC to hear from Adrian, Co-Founder of Clicks Technology. He showed how technology can drive both business success and make a real difference in society.
Adrian Li Mow Ching, Co-Founder of Clicks.Technology showcasing their new product after launching it at CES Las Vegas. Our sponsors from Lloyds Bank Corporate Finance and Michael Farquharson from the Economy Team at LBHF.
In March, we heard from Cllr Stephen Cowan, leader of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, about the Industrial Strategy and the forward-looking vision of the borough. We also held a tasting session with Noam Bar, co-founder of Ottolenghi, and Chris Hsu of Kung Fu Mama. Both residents of the Borough, their stories of building businesses from the ground up in a competitive space gave us plenty to think about. Their new restaurant will open in April. More details to follow!
In April, we visited White City Warehouse, a versatile multi-use space in West London. Co-owner Shaun Stewart hosted us in this adaptable venue, known for accommodating a diverse range of events and projects. Our main speaker, Shirav Patel, Managing Director of Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley, shared his extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). He provided valuable insights into the qualities he observed in entrepreneurs who successfully sold their businesses, offering practical advice for small business owners considering future exit strategies. We'll proud to connect our members with industry leaders who are more than happy to share their experiences to support the growth and success of small businesses in H&F.
In May, we had the pleasure of hosting Ant Duckworth, founder of Dear Coco, who shared his inspiring journey from serving as Head of Experiential Marketing at American Express to becoming a small business owner. Ant discussed how he found an investor and turned his passion for coffee into his work, providing valuable insights for small business owners striving to stand out in their industries.
Ant's venture, Dear Coco, began as a side project and has since become a renowned coffee truck with a dedicated following. He has also chronicled his experiences in his book, Dear Coco: The Coffee Truck That Changed My Life, offering an in-depth look into his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship. His story highlights the importance of authenticity, hard work, and staying true to one's vision.
Christian Malissard and James Campbell (Walmer Group). Andy Slaughter MP (Hammersmith & Chiswick) and Alan Rides, CEO of the West London Chamber of Commerce.
June brought Christian Malissard, former Vice President of AT&T Wireless, to the stage. He spoke about his adventures traveling to the Arctic, explaining how the survival skills he learned shaped his approach to overcoming challenges in business. We were also visited by Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick, who discussed local business challenges and opportunities.
In July, Bartek Ogonowski and Emily Gill gave a fascinating presentation on LEVRA, demonstrating how virtual reality can be used to teach soft skills effectively.
August saw a summer social at the Queen's Head in Brook Green. Paul Glynn from Sandler Training, spoke about standing out from the competition. Paul later gave a Sales Training Workshop giving the participants advice on increasing sales.
In September, we heard from Ben Coleman, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, who shared insights on what the new Labour government is doing to support small businesses and creating new opportunities. Food entrepreneur James Gilboy spoke candidly about his experience selling the family business, St Pierre, to a Mexican conglomerate and his subsequent investments in ethical food brands.
Ben Coleman MP and James Gilboy spoke at our November Event at Fulham Works by Spacemade, located above Fulham Broadway Station. Photo - The Builder's Arms
In October, at QPR FC, a brilliant line-up of speakers, including Francesca Dal Corso of Lovebrain, Scott-Ashley Whiteley of Blott, Paul Kelly from Shepherds Bush Forum, Justin Stone of QPR FC in the Community, and award-winning designer Emily Carter, came together to show the power and creativity of the H&F business community. Emily, shared her journey of creating a successful luxury fashion brand known for its intricate silk scarves and accessories, all made in the UK. She also recently launched a book, offering insights into her creative process and her commitment to sustainability. Her story highlighted the importance of craftsmanship in standing out in a competitive industry, and she provided valuable advice for small businesses on building a brand with a strong identity. Additionally,
In November, James Campbell of Walmer Group (and sponsor of our events) shared his knowledge on making the most of R&D tax credits and standing out when seeking investment. Tina Chen, founder of Humanitea, followed with an inspiring talk on how she got her vegan lattes into major retailers.
We rounded off the year in December with Chris Lukins from Venture X White City. He explored how flexible modern workspaces can help businesses grow, offering a fresh take on where work is heading.
Supporting Fresh Talent
This year, we focused on helping young people find their feet. Through our partnership with TechStart, we’ve given young talent the chance to meet experienced business owners and take part in meaningful projects.
Strengthening Business Connections Across West London
Networking London is building stronger ties with local business groups, working closely with organisations like Shepherds Bush Forum, Chelsea FC Foundation, QPR FC in the Community, and Fulham BID. These partnerships help shine a light on local initiatives tackling real challenges that affect SMEs. A great example was our October event at Loftus Road, where business owners and entrepreneurs came together to share ideas and discuss practical solutions.
A big thank you to our sponsors, the Business and Enterprise Team at Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Walmer Group, for their support in making these events happen. We also appreciate the efforts of the Sally Smith and Alan Rides at the West London Chamber of Commerce in helping their members access our events. Our links with the Ealing Business Club and other networks across West London have only strengthened these efforts, reinforcing the need to create real opportunities for SMEs and the wider local economy.
When business groups and local organisations work together, they open doors, create opportunities, and make a real difference.
Looking Ahead
We’re keeping this momentum going with our next event on 20th March at the Hammersmith Belle