Grow and Connect: Barking & Dagenham Businesses Unite 2026

Key Points

• Over 130 local business leaders attended the Grow and Connect networking event at CEME Rainham.
• The event was organised by Barking and Dagenham Council and CEME’s Business Growth Academy.
• Keynote speech delivered by Simon Beer, Head of Employment and Skills for Barking and Dagenham Council.
• Speeches also given by representatives from the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce and Noorzaman Rashid, CEO of CEME.
• Event opened by Nicola Holland, Head of Partnership and Skills at CEME.
• Held at the CEME campus in Rainham, focusing on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community building.
• Aimed to strengthen relationships across the region’s business sector through insight exchange, partnership opportunities, and growth perspectives.
• Highlighted the council’s Food Enterprise Network, supporting local food entrepreneurs in developing sustainable, high-quality catering businesses.
• Simon Beer emphasised the importance of such events for positive conversations, new partnerships, and a stronger local economy, underscoring ‘inclusive growth’ as a core principle.

Barking and Dagenham (East London Times) April 22, 2026.

What Was the Grow and Connect Networking Event in Barking and Dagenham?

Rainham, Barking and Dagenham’s businesses come together at networking event (East London News) – April 2026 – Over 130 local business leaders gathered at the CEME campus in Rainham for the Grow and Connect networking event, organised jointly by Barking and Dagenham Council and CEME’s Business Growth Academy.

The event opened with remarks from Nicola Holland, Head of Partnership and Skills at CEME, setting the tone for a day focused on collaboration.

It featured a keynote speech from Simon Beer, Head of Employment and Skills for Barking and Dagenham Council. Additional speeches came from the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce and Noorzaman Rashid, CEO of CEME.

Attendees engaged in a mix of activities designed to foster knowledge-sharing and community building. The gathering provided opportunities to exchange insights, explore partnerships, and gain perspectives on business growth.

Who Organised the Grow and Connect Event and Where Was It Held?

The event took place at the CEME campus in Rainham, a venue known for supporting business development. Organisers Barking and Dagenham Council and CEME’s Business Growth Academy structured the day to strengthen relationships across the region’s business sector.

As detailed in coverage by local council updates, the event delivered practical sessions alongside formal addresses. Nicola Holland, Head of Partnership and Skills at CEME, officially opened proceedings, welcoming participants to the campus.

Noorzaman Rashid, CEO of CEME, delivered a speech highlighting the academy’s role in regional growth. Representatives from the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce also spoke, emphasising collective support for local enterprises.

What Did Simon Beer Say at the Barking and Dagenham Networking Event?

Simon Beer, Head of Employment and Skills for Barking and Dagenham Council, provided the keynote address. As reported directly from council statements, Simon Beer said:

“Events like this are so important – bringing together the borough’s diverse array of businesses into one room leads to positive conversations, new partnerships and a stronger local economy for all our residents to enjoy.”

He continued:

“In Barking & Dagenham, ‘inclusive growth’ isn’t a catchphrase—it’s our compass. It means designing an economy where opportunity is built-in, barriers are removed, and the benefits reach everyone.”

These comments, attributed to Simon Beer in official event recaps, underscored the council’s commitment to economic development.

Which Initiatives Were Highlighted at the Grow and Connect Event?

A key focus was the council’s Food Enterprise Network, which supports local food entrepreneurs. The network aids in developing sustainable, high-quality catering businesses, as linked in event materials.

Attendees learned about resources available through this initiative, including guidance on operations and market access. Coverage from council channels noted how the network aligns with broader goals of inclusive growth.

The event’s structure allowed for direct interaction with these programmes, enabling businesses to explore support options.

How Did Attendees Benefit from the Grow and Connect Networking?

Over 130 business leaders participated, creating a platform for exchanging insights and identifying partnership opportunities. The format encouraged fresh perspectives on growth strategies amid regional challenges.

Held at CEME Rainham, the event built on the venue’s reputation for hosting business-focused gatherings. Participants from various sectors networked, sharing experiences that could lead to collaborative ventures.

Organisers reported strong engagement, with sessions facilitating discussions on employment, skills, and economic resilience.

What Role Did CEME and the Chamber of Commerce Play?

CEME’s Business Growth Academy co-organised the event, leveraging its campus facilities. Noorzaman Rashid, CEO of CEME, addressed attendees on growth opportunities provided by the academy.

The Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce contributed speeches, advocating for member businesses. Their involvement reinforced ties between public bodies and private enterprises.

Nicola Holland’s opening remarks from CEME highlighted partnership models essential for the area’s business ecosystem.

Why Was Inclusive Growth Emphasised at the Event?

Simon Beer’s keynote framed inclusive growth as central to Barking and Dagenham’s strategy. His statements, as quoted in event summaries, stressed removing barriers and ensuring broad economic benefits.

This approach guides council initiatives, including the Food Enterprise Network. The event exemplified how such principles translate into action through networking.

Local coverage attributed these themes directly to council leadership, reflecting ongoing priorities.

The Grow and Connect event marked a practical step in uniting Barking and Dagenham’s business community. With over 130 attendees, it facilitated connections that could drive future collaborations. Key figures like Simon Beer, Noorzaman Rashid, and Nicola Holland provided guidance, while highlights such as the Food Enterprise Network offered tangible support.

Organised by Barking and Dagenham Council and CEME’s Business Growth Academy at the Rainham campus, the gathering focused on knowledge-sharing and partnership-building. Simon Beer’s remarks on inclusive growth captured the event’s ethos, promoting an economy accessible to all residents.

Background of the Development

The Grow and Connect event builds on ongoing efforts by Barking and Dagenham Council to support local businesses. CEME, located in Rainham, operates as a hub for enterprise with its Business Growth Academy providing training and networking. The Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce represents local firms, often partnering with the council on economic initiatives.

The Food Enterprise Network stems from council programmes aimed at food sector entrepreneurs, offering resources for sustainability and quality. Such events follow a pattern of post-pandemic recovery measures, where councils in East London host gatherings to rebuild networks disrupted by economic pressures.

Prediction: Impact on Local Businesses and Residents

This development can affect local businesses by enabling new partnerships and access to support like the Food Enterprise Network, potentially leading to expanded operations and job creation. For residents, it may contribute to a stronger economy through inclusive growth, with benefits such as increased employment opportunities and community-wide prosperity as barriers to business entry lessen.