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How to protect your small business in London

How to protect your small business in London
Grow London Local
Grow London LocalMatching London small businesses to support

Posted: Tue 24th Sep 2024

Running a small business in London is very rewarding – but with it comes making sure that your employees, customers and premises remain safe at all times.

This blog outlines some of the safety-related support available to small businesses like yours, from government initiatives and training programmes to local resources that can help you protect your business and thrive.

London's small business community is a vibrant part of the city, and Grow London Local's Business Support Managers are on hand to talk and offer help wherever it's needed.

Find advice and guidance on:

  • Financial support.

  • Insurance and compensation.

  • Keeping your business premises safe.

  • Wellbeing support for business owners and their employees.

  • Emergency support.

Financial support

Find guidance on what to do if your business operations are interrupted:

Insurance and compensation

There is help available for businesses that have had property damaged or stolen.

You must report the crime to the police. By doing this, you'll be given a crime reference number. Next, you'll want to consider making a claim for compensation.

If you're insured, you must claim via your insurer first. Physical damage to businesses – and interruption to business operations – is covered as standard by most business insurance policies.

If you aren't insured or don't have adequate cover in place, there are still several steps you can take to reduce the impact and seek potential recovery:

  • Report the incident to the police: this creates an official record of the incident, which may be needed for any future claims, legal action, or support from other agencies.

  • Document the damage or loss: take detailed photos and keep records of the damage or stolen property. Include receipts, inventory lists or other documents that show the value of the items affected.

  • Explore government grants or support programmes: in some cases, local councils or business support organisations offer grants or financial assistance to businesses affected by theft, vandalism or other crises.

  • Consider emergency loans or business grants: if the loss has affected your ability to continue operating, emergency business loans or grants from local authorities or private institutions (such as Start Up Loans or Newable) might be suitable for such situations.

Keeping your business safe

You can take steps to protect your business premises against damage and crime – for example:

  • Testing burglar and fire protection systems.

  • Assessing windows, doors and other entry points and making them more secure if necessary.

  • Removing any combustible materials (materials that can easily catch fire and burn) from the outside of the building.

Other resources to help keep your business safe

Wellbeing support for business owners and their employees

Taking time to reassure staff, review risk assessments and implement any measures necessary to keep workers safe should be a priority.

Mind's confidential support line is available for you to speak to an adviser between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).

London's online wellbeing service Good Thinking supports anxiety, stress, low mood, sleep problems and other concerns.

Able Futures provides professional support for people who are experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression, grief or stress, or who are struggling to deal with problems, such as debt, disrupted sleep or relationship breakdown.

Other wellbeing support for you and your staff

Emergency support

Further support for small businesses

 

At Grow London Local, we understand that you’re passionate about your small London business. That’s why our website is packed with resources tailored to you.

Find the right support for your business

At Grow London Local, we understand that you’re passionate about your small London business. That’s why our website is packed with resources tailored to you. Find more support

Grow London Local
Grow London LocalMatching London small businesses to support

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