PBC February 2025 Newsletter
Portobello Business Centre
Empowering UK Small Businesses: From Idea to Success
We’ve got a packed newsletter for you this month. We’ll be discussing AI, looking at the future of social media and talking about an exciting (and tasty) networking event we have taking place next month.?We even have an?Eastender on the bill!?
We also have the latest on our Elevate entrepreneurship programme, along with job openings from us and our friends. ?
Plus, don't miss out on information about our two funded programmes to support your business's growth.?
Exclusive PBC Networking Evening ?
Join us for an evening of insightful discussions, strategic networking and great food at the first PBC Networking Event of 2025. ?
More than just a gathering, this is an opportunity to elevate your business, gain cutting-edge knowledge and connect with like-minded professionals.?
What to Expect:?
? Expert Insights – AI for Startups: Discover how to harness artificial intelligence to enhance your business strategies or?even help build your business for you.?
? Quality Networking – Engage with ambitious entrepreneurs and professionals, spark new collaborations?and grow your network.?
? Food & Drinks – Enjoy delicious complimentary tacos and drinks in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.?
Event Details:?
?? Date: March 20th? ?? Venue: 299-301 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TD? ??Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM? ?? Entry Fee: ￡15?
?? Limited Availability! Secure your place now.Once tickets are gone, they’re gone!?
Unlock the Potential of AI for Your Business
As Artificial Intelligence continues to grow in influence, how do we differentiate between human and machine-generated content? ?
Are we losing the human touch? Find out how you can use AI effectively to boost your business and where it’s best to bring in human expertise.?
Our Operations Director ?? David Taylor explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). From simplifying business planning to streamlining finances, marketing?and day-to-day management, AI offers immense opportunities. But is it a blessing or a curse??
Click the link to discover key strategies for integrating AI into your operations and take your business to the next level. Plus, join David for a free intro to AI at our upcoming networking event on March 20th – click the link?here to get your tickets.
The Social Media Delusion: Why Your Business Needs a New Strategy?
Is your business truly getting a return on the time and effort you?spent on social media? In this thought-provoking article, David Taylor challenges the effectiveness of traditional social media strategies, revealing how platforms are evolving and why your current approach might be falling short. ?
From shrinking ‘organic’ reach to the overwhelming competition and reliance on algorithms, businesses are facing major hurdles in the "Post Social Age".?
Click the?here?to discover why your social media efforts might be wasting valuable resources and learn how to pivot to more effective strategies, including optimising your website, embracing email marketing, and creating authentic content that resonates with your audience. Perhaps it’s time to rethink your digital marketing game plan!?
We are currently offering a range of workshops and courses designed to help you stay ahead of the curve in your business. If you can’t find exactly what you're looking for in our current list, we’d love to hear from you! ?
Your feedback is invaluable in shaping future offerings and ensuring we provide the support you need to succeed. Let us know how we can better assist you in growing your business!?
Portobello Road Market: A Taste of Success???
As you know, every?fortnight?we host our?Portobello Market Test Days, giving small businesses the chance to bring their products to life in a real market setting.
Just last Friday,?Denise Baptiste, founder of?Scotch Rocket Hot Pepper Sauce, took part in the programme and experienced first-hand the benefits of testing her products in a?live market environment. Her unique hot sauce, crafted from a?150-year-old family recipe, caught the attention of passers-by, led to valuable customer feedback and even resulted in?some great?sales.
But the highlight of the day??A?visit from?none other than?Eastenders?actor Colin Salmon?and his daughter Sasha! While exploring West London, they stopped by her stall and each left with a bottle of her fiery, flavour-packed sauce.??????
Denise’s experience is just one of many success stories from our?Market Stall Programme, designed to help small businesses test, refine and grow. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to expand, this is your chance to?gain real-world experience, build brand awareness and make valuable connections.
?? Interested? Email [email protected] to check your eligibility and secure your spot at our next test day!?
Elevate Programme: A Journey to Success?
Our Elevate Programme participants are in the final week of their 8-week journey, having gained essential skills in finance management, HMRC compliance, market positioning, business planning and so much more. These tools have prepared them for the exciting next step: presenting their business plans and pitches to the judges.?
In just one week, they will showcase everything they've learned in the hopes of securing?funding needed to grow their businesses. The countdown is on and final preparations are underway for this pivotal moment.
?? Don’t Forget: Our Two FREE Programmes to Boost Your Biz?
?? FREE Business Advice for RBKC Residents?
Are you an RBKC resident with a big idea or a new start-up? Our tailored one-on-one business advice (worth up to ￡2,000) is here to help you launch and grow your business.?
?? FREE London E-Business Support Programme?
Got a registered business and live in a London borough? Learn how to harness digital tech to boost your online presence, attract customers, and streamline operations with our E-Business programme (valued at ￡3,000!)?
We're Hiring: Business Adviser
Join Our Team and Make an Impact!?
Are you passionate about helping businesses succeed? We’re looking for experienced Business Advisers to guide start-ups and small businesses on their journey to success.?
What We’re Looking For:?
If you have the expertise and enthusiasm to make a difference, we’d love to connect with you!?
Fundraising Strategy & Viability Consultant?
PBC is looking for an experienced consultant to help shape our long-term fundraising strategy. As a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, we recognise the need for a sustainable funding model to expand our impact.
This six-month strategic role will assess fundraising potential, explore revenue streams such as corporate partnerships and grants?and develop a clear roadmap for financial sustainability.
Interested in shaping the future of enterprise support? Click here to view the full job description and application details.
Friends of PBC ?
?? Exciting Job Opportunity at P3 Charity!?
P3 Charity (People Potential Possibilities) is expanding its Marketing and Communications team, and they are looking for a talented Content and Brand Coordinator. This role will focus on creating engaging video, photography and design to bring the charity’s work to life.?
If you're a creative storyteller with a passion for making an impact, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a team that makes a real difference.?
?? Join the Board of Trustees at The Refugee Council?
The Refugee Council is currently recruiting new members for its Board of Trustees and is seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences particularly those with lived experience of the refugee protection system. Candidates with previous trustee experience are also highly encouraged to apply.?
The Trustee recruitment advert is live on the Refugee Council’s website and LinkedIn, as well as on external recruitment platforms. the application deadline of Sunday 9th March.