"That was a very good webinar this morning. Alan's knowledge and the general expertise within Hounslow are evidently 'setting the trend' on a very vital part of the UK economy.

You guys rock ! (to use a bit of Canadian vernacular)" - Peter Buckley


"I think you and the Chamber do a wonderful job and I am always keen to participate" -
Jags Sanghera 
NHS staff urge community language-speaking Londoners to get the COVID-19 vaccine

NHS doctors, nurses and other frontline staff have come forward to help reassure communities that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and have been independently tested to the highest standards.

The clinicians have recorded messages in some of the most commonly spoken community languages in the capital to make sure all parts of London know the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
You no longer need to book to get a Rapid Test

Getting a FREE rapid test every few days is now even easier. You no longer need to make an appointment.

If you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms, simply drop-in to one of our testing sites at a time that suits you between 8am-4pm, Monday-Sunday.

Rapid testing is available for anyone over the age of 18, who still needs to go out for work and who needs FREE, QUICK and REGULAR testing.

You can get a rapid test at:
  • Hounslow House – 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB. 
  • Heston Library – New Heston Road, Hounslow TW5 0LW. 
  • Isleworth Library – Twickenham Road, Isleworth TW7 7EU. 
  • Staines Rugby Club, Snakey Lane, Feltham TW13 7NB. 

If you would prefer to make an appointment for a set time, you can book online or call 0207 084 9697.

Don’t forget that our new Mobile Testing Units are also now available at the Tesco Superstore car park in Feltham on Mondays and the Sainsbury’s car park in Chiswick on Fridays (from 8am – 4pm). Just drop-by for a FREE rapid test whilst you are doing your essential shopping.
Webinars coming up:
Supportive Chamber member, 2K Tiger is hosting a number of networking events, which are not only informative, but great fun as well. 2k Tiger provided the tech assistance for our Business Awards via Zoom, this evening. Basically they took the headache away, so Alan and I could concentrate on the front of house stuff!
 
Please see links to their next three networks:
 
Wednesday 10th February - Legal Network
 
Wednesday 17th February - Tech Network
 
Wednesday 24th February - Rugby Network
You're invited to...
Our Virtual Apprenticeship Week Event 
for Employers on 11th February 2021

from Harrow College & Uxbridge College,
for a free online event on to celebrate
National Apprenticeship Week 2021
on 11th February, 8-9am.
 
You will find out about:
  • how apprenticeships can boost your business future
  • 100% online courses and apprenticeship
  • online and On Campus apprenticeships
  • information on additional grants on hiring new apprentices
  • business survival tips during Brexit transition and Covid-19
  • future opportunities in the west London region
Once you have registered, we will send out Zoom link details
for the virtual event closer to the time.
Funding - Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Seminar
11th February 2021 from 10:30am to 11:30am
 
Find out more about using apprenticeship levy funding to upskill, retrain and attract new talent to Hounslow's small & medium sized business

‘‘Did you know you can use apprenticeships to upskill and retrain your existing workforce? "
 
Find out about the benefits apprenticeships add to the workplace, and how the apprenticeship levy can cover training costs and build significant futures for Hounslow's employers post lockdown. In this webinar Richard Lee, General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, shares insight on how levy transfer funding strengthened his workforce; and his experience of using levy transfer. 

Event to be held at the following time and date:
Friday, 12th February 2021 from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon


Additional Restrictions Grant (Round 2) application webinar - 12 February 2021

What is it all about?
Join us for an informative webinar explaining how to complete a round 2 - Additional Restriction Grant application (ARG) which opened Monday 1 February 2021.

This grant will be available to businesses which are excluded from the other grant schemes. The Grant is aimed at helping businesses to pay their fixed costs during the national lockdown restrictions in November 2020 and January 2021. Businesses which applied for the first round of applications DO NOT need to apply again.

We will go through ijn this session:
  • The eligibiliy for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)
  • Documents you need as evidence
  • How to complete the online application

Who will be presenting?
Michael Farquharson is the H&F Economic Development Officer for Enterprise, The Economy Department, Economic Development service. with co-hosted Snjezana Maclean

Where?
Online – link will be emailed to you before the event when you register via Eventbrite. We suggest downloading the Zoom app onto your computer or mobile device in advance. Please ensure you have the latest version of Zoom installed.

When?
Friday, 12 February 2021 - 11:00 to 12:00

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW
This event is free, and you are very welcome to invite others. Please book your place via the Eventbrite website. Email us at business-support@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 5585 if you need assistance with the booking process.
Local Chambers Networking

Thursday, 4th March 10:00am - 11:30am

Cost:
Members- £10 per person
Non-Members – £15 per person

A great way to hear what Chambers are doing across a wider local area to support businesses and most importantly a way to grow your network and do more business.
These events are always popular so book early to guarantee your place.

Limited Numbers –  Only 20 places are available to each Chamber to enable us to manage the group effectively on zoom. A Wait list will operate and additional spaces may be released depending on overall capacity.
November issue of Let's Talk Business out now
West London Local Chambers & Hounslow Chamber of Commerce are the primary support, networking, and representation organisation in west London for SMEs.

We support the interests, the commercial aspirations and the investment from businesses in Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham - the Chamber is the voice for all businesses located in the borough