The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission met to review Hackney's business support provision, focusing on town centres and high street businesses. The Commission examined past and current programmes, considered the wider London business support landscape, and discussed future strategies for supporting local businesses, particularly those on high streets.

Hackney's Business Support – Town Centres and High Streets

The Commission reviewed Hackney's business support provision, noting that the landscape for funding has significantly changed since its initial review in 2018. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced considerable economic challenges, including the aftermath of the pandemic, recession, the cost-of-living crisis, and increased operating costs. The current business support funding, totalling approximately £440,000 for an 18-20 month period, is substantially lower than previous European funding arrangements.

The meeting aimed to build upon the findings of the 2018 scrutiny commission report, Skills, Economy and Growth - BAME Business Engagement Report, to ensure local businesses have the necessary support to survive, thrive, and grow. The discussion focused on a retrospective and current programme assessment, the London-wide context and its local impact, and a specific focus on high streets and future vision.

Presentations were given by representatives from London & Partners, Allia (Hackney Impact), and Renaisi.

London & Partners presented their Grow London Local initiative, a digital platform and network of Business Support Managers dedicated to assisting London's small business owners. Vanesa Perez Sanchez, Director – Small Business Service Delivery at London & Partners, highlighted that the organisation's mission is to create resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth for London. The Grow London Local platform offers resources on business planning, sales, and marketing, alongside networking events. Since its launch, it has helped over 29,000 entrepreneurs access support, with a significant proportion being female, from ethnic minorities, or disabled. In Hackney specifically, between July and September 2025, 71 entrepreneurs were helped, with marketing, finance, and planning being the top areas of support requested.

Allia (Hackney Impact), represented by Programme Manager Paul Wright, provided an update on their business support programme. Hackney Impact aims to drive economic growth and community resilience by supporting SMEs and social enterprises. The programme has supported 609 applicants and facilitated 1313 activities, leading to the creation or safeguarding of 125.7 jobs and the establishment of 24 new enterprises. The programme also focuses on climate resilience, having conducted 72 free energy audits and distributed £50,000 in Green Grants. A key theme for future development is circular economies. The programme emphasizes spending within Hackney, with 5% of expenditure in entertainment and 3% in recreation and other services.

Renaisi, acting as a learning partner, presented key themes and learnings from Phase 1 of the Hackney Impact Consortium. Participants reported tangible benefits, including increased confidence, clearer direction, and operational improvements. The Consortium was described as a trusted brand that drives innovation and strengthens business relationships within Hackney. The depth and quality of person-centred interactions were highlighted as central to the programme's success. Renaisi's learning questions focused on understanding business needs, the benefits of the consortium model, business involvement, programme effectiveness, and how to improve consortium work. They noted the importance of strong governance, trust, and a shared purpose for successful collaborative delivery.

The Commission also reviewed the Regeneration and Economic Development Service's work in town centres and high streets. This includes strategies for areas like Hackney Central, Dalston, Hackney Wick, and Shoreditch and Hoxton, with a focus on inclusive growth, improved public realm, affordable workspace, and support for local businesses. The Hackney Central Town Centre Strategy, adopted in April 2023, aims to create a safer, more welcoming, and inclusive town centre. The Dalston Plan, adopted in January 2025, sets out a vision for inclusive growth with objectives including more green space, sustainable transport, and job growth.

The Commission also revisited the findings of the 2018 BAME Business Engagement Report, which identified a need for increased council engagement with Black and Global Majority businesses, improved communication, and better support for procurement readiness and affordable workspace. The current actions taken by the council, including business surveys, the Hackney Impact programme, and investment in affordable workspace, were noted as responses to these earlier findings.

The Commission was asked to note the presentations and information provided and to ask questions.