SMALL companies and entrepreneurs enjoyed an evening of networking and competition at an event designed to bring local firms and sole traders together.
The centrepiece of the first ever Harrow Borough In Business expo, held on Wednesday, March 19, was a Business Den contest for four start-ups to pitch to a panel of judges in the style of BBC show Dragons’ Den.
Councillor Kamaljit Chana (Conservative), the council’s portfolio holder for business and enterprise, welcomed visitors by saying: “It’s a great opportunity to network with each other, meet and share ideas and see what Harrow Council is doing for business.”
The Business Den presentations were made by:
n Dave Speck and Corina Girban, a couple looking to open a New London School of English.
n Chandreyi Saha, who is looking to expand her Skyline Telecom digital marketing consultancy company.
n Trevor Jenkins, seeking to grow his Airsupport brand of themed 1950s women’s goods.
n Nigel Farren, founder of energy-saving social enterprise Energise Harrow.
Judges Nick Howe, enterprise manager for diversity in business at NatWest, Dr Bayju Thakar, former GP-turned-consultant and investor and council leader councillor Susan Hall (Conservative) chose Mr Farren as the winner and Mr Speck and Mrs Girban as runners-up.
Mr Farren, director of Energise Harrow, said: “I’m delighted that we have won and I’m very much looking forward to meeting the council and other organisations in Harrow to help reduce fuel poverty, improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings in the borough and make renewable energy more affordable.
“The website’s up and running and we have a central helpline, but
we haven’t commenced marketing activities as such and we’re in discussions with the council about what services they may wish us to provide.”
Mr Speck, a teacher from Edgware, said: “We’re thrilled to have come second because we don’t really know anything about business.
“To have spoken in front of all these business professionals was a very good experience, and we’re looking forward to working with the council because the leader is going to help with finding us premises.”
Attendees were able to mingle in a small – and oversubscribed – exhibition hall full of stands
from education providers, local businesses, enterprise agencies and the Harrow Observer, as well as witness the launch of the Business Friends of Harrow programme.
Ms Hall said afterwards: “Sometimes people have incredible ideas and all they need is a little bit of support to get going – maybe advice from lawyers, help from accountants, or the whole package.”
Mr Chana added: “It’s great to see so many people here.
“I think from all the noise we’re experiencing, it justifies our decision as a Conservative administration to create the first ever business portfolio holder.”
