Small Business Research + Enterprise Centre

29/07/2026

Is your SME fit for the future?

Nobody can predict the future, but you can prepare for it effectively. One area in which the small business community falls behind government and big businesses is in the utilisation of futures and foresight....

Nobody can predict the future, but you can prepare for it effectively. One area in which the small business community falls behind government and big businesses is in the utilisation of futures and…

15/07/2026

Is stress quietly holding your business back?💭

For many small business owners, stress can feel like part of the job. But when it becomes chronic, it can impact clear thinking, creativity, motivation and leadership - all essential for business success.

In our latest blog, Helen Sampson CPC, ELI-MP, CTDS explores how stress may be affecting your business more than you realise, and shares practical steps to help you regain focus and resilience.

📖 Read the blog to learn how to recognise the signs and take control before stress holds your business back.
https://smallbusinessresearchandenterprise.com/2026/07/15/how-stress-is-quietly-holding-your-business-back-and-what-to-do-about-it/

Running a small business inevitably comes with pressure. Many business owners assume that stress is simply something to push through – a sign that they care or that they’re working hard…

15/07/2026

How stress is quietly holding your business back (and what to do about it)

Running a small business inevitably comes with pressure. Many business owners assume that stress is simply something to push through - a sign that they care or that they're working hard enough. What many fail to understand is that stress is physiological and when it becomes chronic, it can quietly undermine the things small business owners rely on...

Running a small business inevitably comes with pressure. Many business owners assume that stress is simply something to push through – a sign that they care or that they’re working hard…

10/07/2026

AI is changing how businesses approach PR and it creates a huge opportunity for small teams.💡

Join this free webinar on 22 July where you will be shown practical, real world examples of how to integrate AI into your workflow even if you are not technical. If you are short on time, budget or resources, this session shows you how to punch above your weight and run effective PR with minimal effort.

Reserve your spot to learn how to use AI to generate story ideas 🤖 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-use-ai-to-do-pr-tickets-1989374303093

Use AI to create smarter PR campaigns with less time, budget and effort

09/07/2026

Small businesses face an increasingly complex cyber landscape

Join this webinar with Steve Rudd on 23 July who will help you understand todays cyber threats and learn simple, low cost actions small businesses can take to protect their systems.

Save your ticket now for the opportunity to understand current threats and take concrete steps to protect your organisation https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cyber-threats-exposed-how-small-businesses-can-stay-secure-tickets-1990769727846

Understand today’s cyber threats and learn simple, low-cost actions small businesses can take to protect their systems

07/07/2026

Real experiences. Real feedback. 💬

We’re incredibly proud to share some of the feedback we’ve recently received from our community. 💡

“To be honest, the most valuable part of the programme for us was the peer connection. Being an early stage founder can be quite isolating and having the opportunity to connect with other SME owners going through similar challenges was genuinely useful.”

“Well said SBREC. I've experienced first-hand Brendan Hastie 's passion for upskilling entrepreneurs like us with the competencies we need to grow & scale. Incredibly grateful for him and the whole team. What you do is priceless for us.”

“I just filled-out your survey. All stars there from me + a small note on how grateful we are to have SBREC. A room and service like this is exactly what start-ups like us need.”

“We returned to Small Business Research + Enterprise Centre where Mohib Ali led our group in an ideation and pitch exercise. This organization is integral to small business in London.”

A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences with us - your insights help us continue to grow and deliver the best possible service.

If you haven’t visited us yet, we’d love to welcome you. And if you have, we always value your feedback.

Find out more about our service https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/supporting-businesses/small-business-research-enterprise-centre

Brendan Hastie Mohib Ali Wendy Foster

Business support hub in the City of London. business market research facility. Learn how to develop your business at SBREC.

06/07/2026

Are you trying to grow your business from your laptop?
It’s more possible than ever.💻

More and more entrepreneurs are building successful businesses from kitchens, spare rooms, and even their favourite cafés, proving that you don’t need a traditional office to thrive.

In our latest blog, Louise Chandler-Rutt shares practical tips for time-poor business owners, helping you:
- Market your business with clarity
- Stay visible without burning out
- Reduce overwhelm and stay focused

Whether you're just starting out or juggling multiple priorities, these insights are designed to help you work smarter, not harder.
https://smallbusinessresearchandenterprise.com/2026/07/01/how-to-grow-your-business-from-your-laptop-practical-tips-for-time-poor-entrepreneurs/

Running a business from your kitchen table, spare room or favourite café isn’t just possible – it’s the new normal. Whether you’re building a side hustle, relaunching your c…

03/07/2026

What does the circular economy mean for small businesses, and how can it help reduce costs, minimise waste, and build long-term resilience?

Join Heart of the City on Thursday 9 July, 12-1pm, for a free online Lunch & Learn, Circular Economy & Your Business: What it Means & How to Act. Hear from Joanna Leyden and Ciara Downey from the City of London Corporation as they share practical insights on circular economy principles, the business benefits of adopting more circular approaches, and actionable steps SMEs can take to improve resource efficiency and future-proof their operations.

The session will include a focused presentation and live Q&A, with plenty of ideas to help businesses at any stage of their sustainability journey.

Find out more and register here. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lunch-learn-circular-economy-your-business-what-it-means-how-to-act-tickets-1990645124153

Discover how SMEs can reduce waste, cut costs and future-proof their business through circular economy principles.

02/07/2026

Do you have time to focus on your business this July? Make it count. 💡

We’re hosting a series of events designed to help you grow more strategically - from pricing your products or services with greater confidence to strengthening the security of your small business.

You’ll also gain expert insights on journaling, winning clients, PR, and more.

Explore all events and secure your place https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/small-business-research-enterprise-centre-2936108893

01/07/2026

Why Product Businesses Fail in Their First Year (And What to Do Instead)

You've got the products, the passion, you've probably got a beautifully curated Instagram grid and a growing collection of bubble wrap. So why does it feel like not much is happening? If you're in your first year and feeling stuck, you are not the problem. Your products almost certainly aren't the problem either. It's usually on of these five things....

You’ve got the products, the passion, you’ve probably got a beautifully curated Instagram grid and a growing collection of bubble wrap. So why does it feel like not much is happening? I…