Local business networks

We support business forums and networking organisations across the borough.

Our key business locations are: Leyton, Leytonstone, Lea Bridge, Walthamstow, Wood Street, Blackhorse Lane, Chingford and Highams Park.

If you're interested in networking, starting or joining a forum in any of these locations, please email our Business Team for further information. 

The Argall BID is a Business Improvement District in Leyton E10, encompassing the industrial locations around Argall estate, including:

• Argall Avenue
• Argall way
• Burwell Road
• Cromwell Industrial Estate
• Dorma Trading Park
• East 10 Industrial Estate
• Eastgate Business Park
• Forest Business Park
• Leaway
• Leyton Industrial Village
• Leyton Link Estate
• Rigg Approach
• Roxwell Trading Park
• Staffa Road
• Wellington Road

A BID is a defined area in which a levy is charged on all business rate payers in addition to their business rates bill. The levy is then used to deliver development projects, which will benefit businesses, residents and stakeholders in the local area over and above (in addition to) the regular Council services.

The Argall BID Company Limited manages the BID, which was established following a ballot of businesses in 2007, leading to an initial five year term. Businesses were then re-balloted in 2012 and 2017, with the most recent re-ballot taking place successfully in November 2022 for a fourth term.

Responding to local priorities, the BID focuses on improving environmental conditions and accessibility: safety, reducing crime, enhancing profitability through marketing/promotion, removal of barriers to trade, business support and infrastructure and connectivity.

The Council considers the BID to be a key strategic partner and recognises the value the BID and member businesses make to the local economy. The Council’s Service Level Agreement with the BID ensures that standard services continue to be provided to the area, ensuring levy payments are used to provide additional value and services.

For additional information about the BID, please contact the Argall BID Manager.

For queries relating to payments and billing of the BID levy, please contact the Council’s Business Rates Department.

Waltham Forest Connected is the new network for businesses, voluntary sector, and community groups. It was set up in March 2017. This is a developing group, led by a number of business representatives and supported by us. Its aim is to promote growth in response to feedback from businesses wanting to be more connected with each other and with us.

Meetings usually take place quarterly, in different locations in the borough. They're an opportunity for you to raise your organisation's profile and generate new connections.

For more information on Waltham Forest Connected, please contact the Business Team.
 

The Green Business Network is for businesses from all sectors that are keen to learn how they can improve their environmental performance and cut their business costs, as well as those with an interest or who work in the low carbon or environmental sector. The network addresses issues affecting the sector, such as education, skills shortage, retrofitting and businesses support.

Members included: hotels, care homes, renewable energy installers, solicitors, retailers, insulation fitters, charities, construction firms, manufacturers, and more.

North London Chamber of Commerce is an independent membership-led organisation, supporting and representing business, education and charities across North London and further afield. It offers a wide range of specialist services to create business growth and help companies raise their profile and generate new connections and opportunities.

Highams Park Business Forum - The Highams Park Business Group (HPBG) was set up by local businesses to support people who work, live or do business in Highams Park.

Waltham Forest Business are a group of Waltham Forest based companies and those with an interest in the borough.  They aim to gain more business locally, increase local contacts, improve the way they run businesses and network with like-minded individuals. 

Hive Collective supports freelance creatives and independent businesses. They offer opportunities to meet and learn from other business owners and they champion partnerships and collaborations.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) offers guidance, events and skills training for small businesses, including a campaign to help businesses recover from Covid.

Creative United supports the arts, cultural and creative industries through innovative business growth programmes and membership schemes.

East End Trades Guild is an alliance  of 300 small independent businesses and the self employed. As well as offering goods and services their members provide social spaces, sustaining relationships between neighbours and making streets safer and better places to be.

Leytonstone Town Team is made up of a group of businesses and residents who work to support their town centre and community. They work with the Council to seek support, help and advice for local shopkeepers as well as on initiatives to animate and activate the town centre. It also provides businesses owners the opportunity to promote their businesses via our social channels.

Walthamstow Village offers a place for businesses in Walthamstow to register themselves online and find other businesses in the area

Walthamstow Town Centre is a newly emerging business network for businesses in Walthamstow. For more information on this and how to join, please contact James.Martin@walthamforest.gov.uk