The National Enterprise Network’s latest Positioning Paper : Who Supports the Supporters?
The National Enterprise Network’s latest Positioning Paper, Who Supports the Supporters?, highlights the urgent challenges facing the UK’s microbusiness support infrastructure. For over 40 years, enterprise agencies have provided trusted, impartial advice to start-ups and small businesses, yet with UKSPF funding ending in March 2026 and no clear replacement in place, this vital safety net […]
The art of creating a successful business: a mentoring success story
This is the story of how, through Buckinghamshire Business First’s mentoring programme, she met talented fine artist Saskia Saunders, who uses the ancient craft of hand weaving to create her art, and the impact Elizabeth has had on her business. Saskia takes up the story… How did you become an artist? “I had a very creative childhood […]
Aurea launches compassionate care company shaped by lived experience
After a life shaped by caregiving and a professional career in the Probation Service, Aurea Neto has realised her dream of launching her own care business. Low Fell resident Aurea has established Grace and Goodwill Ltd and is now a proud franchise owner of Oath Healthcare Gateshead, offering bespoke home care services that help people […]
Riding the Wave of Growth: How Fish Union has successfully pivoted the business with support from Let’s Do Business Finance and the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme
Fish Union was first established in November 2020 during the height of the pandemic. What originally began as a pop-up fishmonger in a car park has since evolved into a permanent site in Chislehurst, Kent, and a collaborative residency at The Seafood Bar at Rye Fish Market in Rye, East Sussex. Founded by renowned chefs […]
Serving up connection: chef launches social enterprise to tackle health and loneliness
A Newcastle-based chef with 25 years of professional experience has turned her culinary skills into a mission for social good. Dyonne Branch’s new social enterprise, Love Food Bible CIC, is using the power of food to bring people together, improve mental and physical health, and help families to eat well on a budget. Dyonne’s journey […]
Closing the Research Gap on Micro Businesses
A Critical Step for UK Productivity and Economic Growth Date: 12th June 2025 Location: University of Warwick – Warwick Business School’s campus at The Shard, London Micro businesses employing between 1 and 4 people represent the most prevalent segment within the UK’s business landscape. These small-scale enterprises form the backbone of local economies, particularly in […]
Regional business leaders bolster BIC board
The North East BIC, which boasts almost 250,000sq ft of workspace across its four business centres in Sunderland, Washington and Darlington, has appointed four high profile business leaders to supplement its board. Andrew Marsh, Kevin Howell, Laura Middleton and Sophie Milliken MBE have joined its board of directors, complementing existing directors John Anderson CBE, David […]
London-based Honey Corn secures major deal with leading luxury chinese department store
British gender-neutral skincare brand Honey Corn has officially signed a landmark deal with Matro Group, one of China’s most prestigious luxury department store operators, to debut its innovative skincare range in Suzhou. Back in 2021 National Enterprise Network (NEN) were involved in a cross border launch pad pilot to support early-stage potential exporters and active […]
Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
Alex Till and Carol Daniels were honoured to have been invited to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 7th May, in recognition of the work we do through the National Enterprise Network to support new, growing, and established businesses across the country. It was a wonderful afternoon hosted by their Majesties The King […]
Amex research: 2025 shopper trends include prioritising experiences, savvy spending and small business support
New research from American Express reveals three key trends in how UK consumers plan to prioritise their spend in the year ahead. Surveying 2,000 adults, the findings include: Experience Seekers: Brits are looking forward to an experience-filled 2025, with appetite for attending bigger events alongside smaller, regular treats. Savvy Spenders: Shoppers want more bang for […]