Havering Council Joins FSB to Boost Small Businesses

Key Points

• Havering Council has joined the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) as a Local Leadership Partner to support and champion small businesses in the borough.​
• The partnership aims to promote business growth, improve access to support services, and strengthen the voice of local entrepreneurs.​
• A formal agreement was signed on January 28, 2026, at Security Projects (UK) Ltd in the London Riverside Business District.​
• Attendees included Council Leader Cllr Ray Morgon, Cllr Graham Williamson, Laura Timms and Sarah King from the FSB, Ilker Dervish and Debbie Moore from London Riverside, and Mark Kane and Kevin Radford from Security Projects (UK) Ltd.​
• Cllr Ray Morgon stated: “Small businesses are at the heart of Havering’s economy. By joining forces with the Federation of Small Businesses, we are strengthening the support available to our local entrepreneurs and reaffirming our commitment to helping them thrive.”​
• Cllr Morgon added: “We will be nominating our Small Business Champion shortly, who will lead on ensuring we are listening to the needs of our business community and putting in place practical measures that help them grow and succeed.”​
• The collaboration will include networking opportunities, policy discussions, training sessions, and initiatives to help small firms navigate challenges and seize opportunities.​
• FSB London Regional Chair Laura Timms said: “We’re delighted to welcome Havering Council as a Local Leadership Partner. Small businesses are the backbone of Havering’s economy, and this pledge shows real commitment to ensuring their voices shape the borough’s future.”​
• Laura Timms further noted: “With Havering joining a growing number of London councils signing the pledge, we’re seeing real momentum behind stronger collaboration between local authorities and small firms.”​
• Ilker Dervish, Chair of London Riverside BID Ltd, which represents over 600 businesses and 5000 employees in south Rainham, said: “The London Riverside BID welcomes this partnership and I look forward to seeing what can be achieved together.”​
• Havering is home to thousands of small and micro-businesses across sectors like retail, hospitality, construction, and professional services.​
• This partnership aligns with the Council’s ambitions to boost economic growth, create local jobs, and foster a thriving business environment.​
• It forms part of wider initiatives including the annual Small Business Awards and the Keep it Local campaign launched last year.​
• The formal signing took place at Security Projects UK Ltd in the London Riverside Business District, as noted in Havering Council’s Facebook post.​

Havering, London (East London Times) February 2, 2026 – Havering Council has formally partnered with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) as a Local Leadership Partner, marking a key step in bolstering the borough’s small business community amid ongoing economic pressures. The agreement, signed at a local firm in the London Riverside Business District, promises enhanced support for entrepreneurs through collaborative efforts on growth, services, and advocacy. This nationwide initiative sees Havering joining other London councils in prioritising small firms, which form the backbone of the local economy.​

What is the Havering Council-FSB Partnership?

The partnership positions Havering Council as a Local Leadership Partner with the FSB, a move described on the council’s official website as a “significant step” in championing small businesses. As reported in the Havering Council press release, the council and FSB will collaborate to promote business growth, improve access to support services, and amplify local entrepreneurs’ voices.

This formal tie-up builds on the council’s economic strategy, integrating with existing programmes like the Small Business Awards and Keep it Local campaign.​

Havering is home to thousands of small and micro-businesses spanning retail, hospitality, construction, and professional services, according to the council’s announcement. The initiative supports wider goals of economic expansion, job creation, and a supportive environment for businesses of all sizes. Havering Council’s Facebook post highlighted the event’s location at Security Projects UK Ltd, underscoring community involvement.

Where and When Was the Agreement Signed?

The formal agreement was signed on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, at Security Projects (UK) Ltd, located at Fairview Industrial Estate in the London Riverside Business District. Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, was joined by several key figures, as detailed in the official news article.

These included Cllr Graham Williamson, Laura Timms and Sarah King from the FSB, Ilker Dervish and Debbie Moore from London Riverside, and Mark Kane and Kevin Radford from Security Projects (UK) Ltd.​

This venue choice highlights the role of local businesses in the partnership, with Security Projects hosting the ceremony. The event’s timing aligns with recent council efforts to stimulate growth post-2025 challenges.

Who Attended the Signing Ceremony?

Key attendees at the signing included Council Leader Cllr Ray Morgon and Cllr Graham Williamson from Havering Council. Representing the FSB were Laura Timms and Sarah King, while London Riverside was represented by Ilker Dervish and Debbie Moore. Mark Kane and Kevin Radford from host company Security Projects (UK) Ltd also participated.​

As per the Havering Council website, these stakeholders witnessed the commitment to joint action. The gathering reflected broad support from business representatives, BIDs, and policymakers.​

What Did Cllr Ray Morgon Say About the Partnership?

As reported by the Havering Council press release, Cllr Ray Morgon stated: “Small businesses are at the heart of Havering’s economy. By joining forces with the Federation of Small Businesses, we are strengthening the support available to our local entrepreneurs and reaffirming our commitment to helping them thrive.” He further announced:

“We will be nominating our Small Business Champion shortly, who will lead on ensuring we are listening to the needs of our business community and putting in place practical measures that help them grow and succeed.”​

Cllr Morgon’s comments emphasise proactive listening and practical aid for businesses.​

What is the Role of the FSB in This Initiative?

The FSB, through its Local Leadership Partner programme, partners with councils to empower small businesses nationwide. FSB London Regional Chair Laura Timms said, as quoted in the council’s article:

“We’re delighted to welcome Havering Council as a Local Leadership Partner. Small businesses are the backbone of Havering’s economy, and this pledge shows real commitment to ensuring their voices shape the borough’s future.”

She added:

“With Havering joining a growing number of London councils signing the pledge, we’re seeing real momentum behind stronger collaboration between local authorities and small firms.”​

This reflects the FSB’s broader crusade, now extending to Havering.

How Does London Riverside BID Fit In?

Ilker Dervish, Chair of London Riverside BID Ltd, which represents over 600 businesses and 5000 employees in the south of Rainham, welcomed the move, stating:

“The London Riverside BID welcomes this partnership and I look forward to seeing what can be achieved together,”

according to the Havering Council report. Debbie Moore from London Riverside also attended, linking the BID’s efforts with council initiatives.​

The BID’s involvement underscores regional business advocacy.

What Activities Will the Partnership Involve?

Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate on networking opportunities, policy discussions, training sessions, and targeted initiatives. These aim to help small firms overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities, as outlined in the official announcement. LinkedIn updates from Havering Council echo this, noting delivery of networking and more through the collaboration.

Such measures build on prior council actions like the Keep it Local campaign.​

Why Are Small Businesses Crucial to Havering’s Economy?

Small and micro-businesses dominate Havering’s landscape across key sectors, driving local employment and vitality. Cllr Morgon highlighted their central role, while FSB’s Timms called them the “backbone.” The partnership addresses post-pandemic and inflationary pressures, fostering resilience.​

This aligns with national trends where councils join FSB pledges.​

How Does This Fit Havering Council’s Broader Strategy?

The FSB partnership complements initiatives like the annual Small Business Awards and Keep it Local campaign launched in 2025. It advances ambitions for growth and jobs amid financial scrutiny, as noted in prior reports. The Small Business Champion nomination will centralise advocacy efforts.

Council documents show ongoing economic projects, including BID collaborations.​

What is the Federation of Small Businesses’ Local Leadership Partner Programme?

The programme enlists councils to champion small firms via joint action, with Havering as a recent London adopter. FSB social media celebrated the tie-up, reinforcing nationwide support. It gains traction among boroughs, per Timms.

Who is Security Projects (UK) Ltd?

Hosting the signing, Security Projects (UK) Ltd at Fairview Industrial Estate exemplifies local enterprise. Mark Kane and Kevin Radford represented the firm, symbolising community buy-in.

What Challenges Do Havering Businesses Face?

While not detailed in the announcement, context from BBC reporting shows council financial strains impacting services, indirectly affecting businesses. The partnership counters this via targeted support.

What Next Steps Are Planned?

Immediate plans include nominating a Small Business Champion and launching joint programmes. Ongoing collaboration on policy and training is expected, with monitoring via stakeholders like London Riverside BID.​