London Mayor's business support programme expands with new online hub for early years settings

In June, Sadiq Khan announced £150,0000 of funding for Strong Early Years London – a programme to help nurseries and childminders in London access business support information, advice and guidance, and provide intensive support to those most in need.

To date, nearly 400 early years business leaders have benefitted from the programme, which is being delivered in partnership with the Early Years Alliance and research specialist CEEDA and in collaboration with London boroughs and other training providers.

As part of Strong Early Years London, a new online business hub has been launched. The new site – part of the London Business Hub – will provide nurseries, pre-schools and childminders with access to a range of sector-specific advice and guidance, including blog posts, information about upcoming business-advisory events, webinar recordings, local authority services and links to wider support for small and medium sized enterprises.

A consultancy service, delivering up to three hours of expertise to early years providers, is also set to be rolled out. The service aims to help individual business owners and managers identify their specific development needs and will offer tailored support on a one-to-one basis, via video meetings or over the phone.

The hub and consultancy service will be available alongside Strong Early Years London’s existing services which include webinars, interactive online events, local surgeries, business health checks and budget forecasting.

Deputy Mayor for education and childcare, Joanne McCartney said, ‘London’s early years sector plays a vital role in giving our children the best possible start to life, but the industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and needs support. The Mayor is committed to doing what he can to help and I’m delighted that through the online business hub we will be able to offer specialist advice and guidance. I urge nurseries and childminders to make the most of this one-to-one consultancy so they can continue their important work developing and inspiring the next generation.’

Neil Leitch, Early Years Alliance chief executive added, ‘We’re delighted to be working with the Mayor of London to deliver this new one-to-one consultancy service, which will support businesses to remain viable throughout these difficult times.'

• Nursery and pre-school managers and childminders are invited to register their interest in the new consultancy service by visiting – businesshub.london/early-years/