A networking lunch was hosted by the Merton Chamber of Commerce to help small and medium sized businesses.
By Ima Jackson-Obot
Merton’s small and medium sized businesses were given a boost after a networking lunch was hosted by the Merton Chamber of Commerce last Friday.
The event, ‘Merton Means Business’, was at The Generator Business Centre in Mitcham which has been under the management of the Chamber of Commerce for nearly two months.
Ollie Couillaud, one of London’s acclaimed French chefs, whose business Sunshine Food is to come into people’s homes to cook for them and give culinary tuition, was impressed with the lunch.
He said: “It was really positive, and everyone was really keen and enthusiastic. I had no idea that it was around the corner.
“I’m not based at the business centre but I have been able to make contact with other businesses.”
The business centre is unique because it has an in-house advice department and provides full access to Chamber of Commerce services.
Lynda Reynolds, from their sales and marketing department said: “I thought it was an excellent lunch with a range of diverse businesses who had the opportunity to promote their company.”
The business centre, not yet fully occupied, houses companies including a computer forensic lab and a pioneering company that is the first in the UK who clean imported clams with a specialised machine.
The Chamber of Commerce obtained a two-year contract from Merton Council in February to manage the business centre.
Depending on its success, the contract could be extended by the council.
Centre manager Jane Howden said: “I thought it was a huge success for those who came along and it was a good start to many more functions.
“I am very enthusiastic about this venture as it is something I have always been passionate about.”
Ms Howden hopes that a community based programme will join the business centre in the future which can only serve to integrate the companies with the community and build on their customer profile.
Merton Chamber of Commerce is a limited company and non-profit making organisation which was set up in 1992.
Their overall objective is to protect and develop the interests of the business community based in Merton.
Through southlondon.biz, their enterprise support arm, they provide a range of services for start up and established businesses in South London.
