ACTON BID Q&A BUSINESS BREAKFAST

Posted on
28th November

Q&A for Acton Businesses

PANEL SPEAKERS: DR RUPA HUQ MP, CLLR NAGPAL, HOWARD DAWBER DEPT. MAYOR FOR BUSINESS & GROWTH

Following announcement of this years budget, Your Acton BID brought together local businesses and representatives for a conversation highlighting priorities for Acton businesses, support strategies, setting the agenda for 2026.

DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

Rupa Huq MP

  • Minimum Wage Increase: reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving pay for workers.
  • Wages and Inflation: wages are currently rising at a rate that is outpacing inflation, offering real financial growth for workers.
  • Business Rates Reform: plans for business rates with a new five-category multiplier structure. This introduces a clear distinction between Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure (RHL) properties and all other commercial properties to better reflect sector differences.

Howard Dawber – Deputy Mayor for Business & Growth

  • Grow London Local Initiative: a new initiative designed to provide free, comprehensive business support and networking opportunities for SMEs.
  • Regional Growth: London is currently experiencing a strong growth rate of 2%, which outpaces the national average of 1% – 1.5%.
  • Creative Sector Impact: importance of the creative economy in London, noting that 1 in 5 jobs are linked to the sector, including both traditional media/filming and creative manufacturing.
  • Rateable Value Disparity: the current rateable value system disproportionately affects London compared to the rest of the UK, states that the policy requires review.
  • Trade Mission: plans for an African trade mission scheduled for 2026, with further details on participation and objectives to be released.

Cllr Kam Nagpal

  • Ealing Business Demographics: highlighted the entrepreneurial character of Ealing, noting that 93% of businesses within the borough are classified as small or micro businesses.
  • Living Wage Leadership: Ealing is now recognised as the top outer London borough for employers accredited with the London Living Wage.
  • Work Experience & Inclusivity: new pathways for work experience programmes, emphasising the importance of including alternative schools and students with additional needs to ensure wider participation.
  • Skills Hub Development: confirmed the opening of dedicated skills hubs in both Park Royal and Perceval House, Ealing, providing dedicated spaces for training and upskilling.
  • Apprenticeship Schemes: announced new Ealing Council Apprenticeship schemes, which will specifically include paid apprenticeships to reduce financial barriers to entry.
  • Targeted Training: new and targeted training opportunities, including a ‘Start-up School’ specifically tailored for seniors (ages 50 and over) and another for women at the University of West London (UWL).
  • Business Rate Support: reassured the business community that the Council is committed to helping those struggling with rates by offering payment plans for businesses facing financial difficulties.

For follow up information or details on discussed topics send an us an email.

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