Strong Early Years London launches online business advice hub
The Strong Early Years London programme, commissioned by the Mayor of London, has launched a new, dedicated online business hub and sector-focussed consultancy service, as part of a second set of measures to support early years businesses in the capital.
The new site 鈥 part of the London Business Hub 鈥 allows London鈥檚 nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to access a range of sector-specific advice and guidance all in one place, including blog posts, information about upcoming business-advisory events, webinars recordings, dedicated local authority services, and links to wider support for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
The project, which is being led by the Early Years Alliance and delivered in collaboration with London boroughs and other training providers, is also set to begin delivering up to 3 hours of expert consultancy services to providers. The service will help individual business owners and managers identify their specific development needs and will offer tailored support on a one-to-one basis, via video meeting or telephone support, according to the unique requirements of the provider.
This new offering will be available alongside the range of engagement and educational offerings already being delivered by the programme including webinars, 鈥楤usiness Connect鈥 interactive online events, and local surgeries, exploring topics including digital marketing, effective staff recruitment and management, business health checks and budget forecasting.
To date, nearly 400 early years business leaders have benefited from these services, and they will be available to access via the early years and childminding page within the London Business Hub.
Nursery and pre-school managers and childminders are invited to register their interest in benefitting from the new one-to-one expert consultancy arrangements by visiting the new early years section within the London Business Hub, which can now be accessed at
Commenting on the launch of the new services, Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, Joanne McCartney said:
鈥淟ondon鈥檚 early years sector plays a vital role in giving our children the best possible start to life, but the industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and needs support. The Mayor is committed to doing what he can to help and I鈥檓 delighted that through the online business hub we will be able to offer specialist advice and guidance. I urge nurseries and childminders to make the most of this one-to-one consultancy so they can continue their important work developing and inspiring the next generation.鈥濃
Neil Leitch, Early Years Alliance chief executive said:
鈥淭his is an exceptionally challenging time for early years providers who are facing the huge pressure of the pandemic, on top of a range of existing challenges 鈥 from funding, to rising costs and recruitment. Many are understandably incredibly concerned about their sustainability and looking for ways to ensure the security of their business for the foreseeable future.
鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted, therefore, to be working with the Mayor of London to deliver this new one-to-one consultancy service, which will support businesses to remain viable throughout these difficult times, and we hope that all London providers make full use of the new, dedicated site to find out what support is available to them in their local area.鈥
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The Mayor of London has commissioned the Strong Early Years London programme to offer business advice, guidance and support to early years providers in the capital. Backed by a 拢150,000 investment, the project runs from May 2021 to March 2022, supporting the business needs of nurseries, pre-schools and childminders as the sector seeks to recover from the coronavirus crisis, in the face of existing challenges.
For media enquiries, please contact pressoffice@eyalliance.org.uk.
More information on the Strong Early Years London project is also available at www.eyalliance.org.uk/strong-early-years-london.