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www.westminster.gov.uk 1

Westminster City Council

Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP

westminster.gov.uk

Information and support for your business.Business Line: 020 7641 7000 Sign up for our e-newsletter: westminster.gov.uk/businessnewsletter

2013-2014

Westminster Business Handbook

2 westminster.gov.uk

Contents

4 Westminster in numbers Some useful facts and statistics about the city

5 Business rates Find out what happens to the money we collect

6 Contacting the council From planning applications to parking permits, find out the best way to contact the council

8 A-Z Directory Useful contacts for every Westminster business

10 Growing your business Getting started? Looking for ways to expand? Find out how we can help

12 Promote your business Find out about some great new ways to promote your business to new customers

14 Protect your business Advice for keeping your business safe and secure

15 Recruit for your business Find out about a new way to recruit reliable local staff

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3westminster.gov.uk

Dear business rate payer,

The City of Westminster lies at the heart of the UK economy. Nearly twice as many people are employed here than the City of London, and our economy makes up 3% of the UK economy as a whole. Westminster offers a far more varied economy than our London neighbours with our 46,000 businesses providing services to 1 million residents, workers and visitors every day.

Your business lies at the heart of this. Your efforts ensure that Westminster proves so popular for visitors, and attractive for investors. As Cabinet Member for Business, I am here to ensure the council is on your side.

We witnessed an extraordinary year in Westminster in 2012, thanks to the Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee. The council helped introduce free WiFi across the West End and deliver important public realm improvements – like the new Leicester Square - to encourage footfall and provide an attractive street environment. I am confident that the legacy of these events and initiatives will be felt well into 2013 and beyond.

We face challenges too. Nevertheless, in every challenge lies an opportunity. This year we launch our Better City, Better Lives programme for improving Westminster. It involves the creation of a more Enterprising City, where the council increase its support for businesses of every size, and to young people entering the workplace for the first time.

Westminster City Council is here for you: this booklet aims to point you in the right direction when you need to contact us. You can of course contact me at any time using the details below should you need to discuss a particular issue or concern.

Councillor Daniel Astaire Cabinet Member for Business [email protected]

Find out more about Better City, Better Lives at westminster.gov.uk/bettercitybetterlives

Cllr Daniel Astaire

Introduction


Westminster in numbers

ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE

600,

000

One in 40 workers in England work in Westminster, almost 600,000 people in total

Evening population estimated to be around 400,000 people

Visit, live or work in Westminster every dayOVER 1M PEOPLE

people live in Westminster241,000

The council collects 176,000 tonnes of waste every year

Westminster has more business start-ups than Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff combined

3,000 licensed premises (more than 4 times the London average)

68%RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

POPULATION A 24/7 CITY

68% of businesses are interested in supporting the local community

32%32% of businesses make a financial donation to a local charity

DESTINATION

visitors a year55million

3,0003,000 16-25 year-olds are currently seeking employment

5westminster.gov.uk

Evening population estimated to be around 400,000 people

Non-Domestic Rates, or business rates, are the way that those who occupy non-domestic property (e.g. businesses) contribute towards the cost of local services.

The rates are set by central government and it is the responsibility of local authorities to collect the money. The tax is collected locally, and re-distributed across the country by way of a complex national formula set by central government. In Westminster this means that the amount retained by the council is only a small proportion of the amount actually collected.

You can now view your business rates balance online. You can also • makepaymentsbydebitcard • setupaDirectDebit • sign-upfore-billing • reportachangeofaddress • applyforexemptionsandreliefs.

Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/businessrates for more information.

What are ‘rateable values’?

Find out more at www.voa.gov.uk. You can check your own rateable value and also compare it with others.

Business rates explained


westminster.gov.uk/business

Our online business pages contain information about all our services, from planning and licensing to commercial waste and parking. If you’ve got a query, make westminster.gov.uk/business your first port of call.

Business Line – 020 7641 7000

The council has also launched a new helpline for businesses. Dial 020 7641 7000 if you’ve got an enquiry about: • planning,licensingandevents • commercialwaste • foodsafety,healthandsafetyandtradingstandards • businessrates.

The new Business Line will ensure your enquiry is dealt with more quickly and efficiently than ever before.

Business News – sign-up now!We recently launched Business News, a monthly e-bulletin for businesses in Westminster. Find out about:

• newsanddevelopmentswhichcouldaffect your business

• specialoffersanddiscounts

• trainingandnetworkingopportunities

• adviceonhowtopromoteandgrow your business

Contacting the council

To sign up, visit westminster.gov.uk/businessnewsletter or email [email protected]

7westminster.gov.uk

Commercial waste

Find out about the benefits or our service, order more bags and find out how to dispose of bulky items.

westminster.gov.uk/commercialwaste [email protected]

Planning

Find out about our planning policy, make and comment on planning applications and take a look at some of the major projects underway in Westminster.

westminster.gov.uk/planning [email protected]

Noise

Report any noise problem happening in your area and find out about the council’s policy on noise pollution.

westminster.gov.uk/noise [email protected]

Licensing

Apply for a new licence, change an existing licence, pay your annual fee or request advice.

westminster.gov.uk/licensing [email protected]

Street licensing

Find out how to apply to hold an outdoor event, become a market trader, get a table and chairs licence or a licence for a temporary structure.

westminster.gov.uk/street-licensing environmentalactionline@ westminster.gov.uk

Street cleaning

Look up your street’s cleaning schedule, report a problem and find out more about Westminster Wardens.

westminster.gov.uk/streetcleansing environmentalactionline@ westminster.gov.uk

Parking

Information about loading and unloading, trade permits, parking suspensions and the council’s Fair Parking policy.

westminster.gov.uk/parking [email protected]

Recycling

Find out about our mixed recycling service, order recycling bags and find out what can and cannot be recycled.

westminster.gov.uk/commercialrecycling

Health and safety

Report health and safety concerns, accidents and dangerous occurrences as well as finding out about training and advice.

westminster.gov.uk/healthandsafety [email protected]

Business Rates

Find out about ways to pay your business rates, notify us of any changes in circumstances and find out about discounts and exemptions.

westminster.gov.uk/businessrates [email protected]

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Top 10 contacts


Business DebtlineFree, confidential and independent advice.

bdl.org.uk 0800 197 6026

Business Improvement Districts

Find out more about Westminster’s BIDs and how they can help your local area.

westminster.gov.uk/westminsterBIDs

Business Information PointsFree information points at Church Street, Pimlico, Paddington and Westminster Reference libraries.

westminster.gov.uk/ businesslibraries

[email protected] 020 7641 1300

CENTAHands on support for start-up and existing small businesses.

centa.co.uk [email protected] 020 7278 5757

Federation of Small Businesses

Protects and promotes the interests of small businesses and the self-employed.

fsb.org.uk/London [email protected] 020 7592 8100

GOV.UK The government’s information site. Provides information, advice and support for starting, running and growing a business. (GOV.UK has replaced Business Link)

gov.uk

Hub Westminster [email protected] hubwestminster.net 020 7148 6720

London Chamber of Commerce

londonchamber.co.uk [email protected] 020 7248 4444

Portobello Business Centre (PBC)

The centre offers courses, business advice and consultancy for startups and established businesses

pbc.co.uk [email protected] 020 7460 5050

Neighbourhood Crime Reduction

westminster.gov.uk/crime neighbourhoodcrimereduction

@westminster.gov.uk 020 7641 1085

A-Z

9westminster.gov.uk

Supply4LondonFind out about contract opportunities for local authorities in London on this one-stop procurement portal.

supply4london.gov.uk [email protected]

Supply Cross RiverExpert advice to help businesses compete for new business across central London.

supplycrossriver.co.uk 020 7700 0008

Westminster Business Council (WBC)

WBC matches small, local businesses to Westminster’s major businesses in order to provide opportunities to bid and win supply contracts as well as mentoring opportunities.

westminsterbc.org.uk [email protected] 020 3195 1028

Westminster Enterprise CentreFree confidential business advice.

enterprisecentre.org.uk [email protected] 020 7266 0636

Westminster Car ClubOver 6,500 cars available worldwide

westminster.gov.uk/carclub 020 7183 7803

A-Z

RecruitmentIf you are interested in offering work experience, apprenticeships or even full-time jobs to talented young people in Westminster you can contact one of the following organisations:

City of Westminster College cwc.ac.uk

Job Centre Plus 020 7941 6737 Sue.harris@ jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk

Paddington Development Trust pdt.org.uk/

Vital Regeneration vitalregeneration.org/

Westminster Kingsway College westking.ac.uk

Westminster Adult Education Service

waes.ac.uk/


Growing your business

If you’ve recently started a business (or are thinking of starting one soon), we can help.

Business Information Points There are four Business Information Points located in libraries across Westminster. They provide a range of high quality business information resources – all for free.

BIPs support 50,000 people a year to start, establish and grow their small businesses. They provide: • regulareventsandworkshops with guest speakers • marketresearchdatabases • tradejournalsandbusinessbooks • fantasticnetworkingopportunities.

BIP locations: • WestminsterReference Library (main BIP) • ChurchStreetLibrary • PimlicoLibrary • PaddingtonLibrary

And, if you are too busy to get to a library in person, our online 24/7 Library could be perfect for you. You’ll be able to access the COBRA database of business opportunity profiles, information factsheets and market research information, all from the comfort of your own home or office.

You can find out about upcoming free events and seminars by registering for Business News at westminster.gov.uk/businessnewsletter

westminster.gov.uk/businesslibraries [email protected] 020 7641 1300

11westminster.gov.uk

Hub Westminster Launched in 2011 on Pall Mall, Hub Westminster is London’s largest business incubation space. The Hub has been designed to provide all the tools to start and support a new business’s daily workspace needs.

Hub Westminster provides access to: • investmentopportunities • spacetoworkandholdmeetings • trainingprogrammes • networkingopportunities • aneventspaceidealforproductlaunchesandconferences.

Becoming a member of the Hub connects you to more than 400 other members locally, and more than 5,000 members around the world.

[email protected] hubwestminster.net 020 7148 6720

Growing your business


Promote your business

City SaveWestminster City Save is a new free discount and offer scheme for Westminster residents. It replaced the ResCard scheme in January 2013. Westminster City Save cardholders will benefit from even more fantastic offers and great savings at some of the leading attractions in Westminster and across London.

City Save offers the opportunity for businesses to target local people and boost the city’s economy. Promotion of all City Save offers is free and advertised through the City Save website, as well as features on council run Facebook and Twitter accounts.

To find out how City Save could help you to promote your business visit

citysave.westminster.gov.uk

Other advertising opportunitiesIf you want to advertise your business but don’t want to spend a fortune, Westminster City Council

has a number of award-winning publications which could be perfect for you.

To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/advertising

Westminster Children First, Issue 15, Summer 2012

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children first

Westminster

Issue 15, Summer 2012

Your magazine to find out more about children’s

and young people’s services

WIN! tickets to Horrible Histories LIVE

West End LIVE & Kids WeekBetter than ever for 2012!

What’s OnSummer activities & events

Story LabThis year’s Summer reading Challenge is here!

Baby FriendlyBreastfeeding support for new mums

children firstWestminster

Issue 16, Autumn 2012

Your magazine to find out more about children’s

and young people’s services

WIN! tickets to

‘Room on the Broom’

Back to WorkHelp and support for

working mums

What’s OnAutumn events

and activities

Get InspiredVolunteering in

Westminster

FREEFlu jabs this winter



westminster.gov.uk

33% OFF

full price of rodent

treatments

•Lowpricedrangeoftreatments

•Reliable,trustedservicewith2hourtimeslots

•Morethan30yearsexperience

OfferavailableuntilFriday19thApril2013Termsandconditionsapply

westminster.gov.uk/pestcontrolpromoCall: 020 7641 1522Quote RODENT BIZ toredeemoffer.

wcc0848_a5_pest control advert_aw.indd 1 01/03/2013 12:11




westminster.gov.uk

33% OFF

full price of rodent

treatments

•Lowpricedrangeoftreatments

•Reliable,trustedservicewith2hourtimeslots

•Morethan30yearsexperience

OfferavailableuntilFriday19thApril2013Termsandconditionsapply

westminster.gov.uk/pestcontrolpromoCall: 020 7641 1522Quote RODENT BIZ toredeemoffer.

wcc0848_a5_pest control advert_aw.indd 1 01/03/2013 12:11


Protect your business

Staying safeThe council is working with local business and the Metropolitan Police to make the city safer for businesses. Through good networking and communication facilities, businesses are able to share important information about potential crime in their area and help support the work of the council and the police.

If you run a business in the West End and would like more information visit saferwestend.com Wherever your business is based, find out about your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) at met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods

1. Plan your layoutDon’t put your expensive displays by the front door and keep a view of the front of the store from tills wherever possible.

2. DeclutterEnsure your store is uncluttered and aisles are easy to move around. Clutter and obstructions give thieves opportunities to shoplift and steal from other customers.

3. Greet customersConsider employing greeters/staff to welcome shoppers as these are known to put off shoplifters.

4. Talk to your neighboursFind out if you have a local Business Crime Reduction Partnership or business forum, where you can talk and keep in radio contact with other local retailers – e.g. West End BCRP, Heart of London Business Watch, etc.

5. Talk to your local SNTSpeak to your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) and ask for a crime prevention visit. You can find your local SNT via

www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods.

Top five tips for keeping your business safe


Recruitment

Recruit WestminsterAdd value to your business and help the local community through Recruit Westminster.

The council has jointly invested in job brokers that are based with the Crown Estate and the New West End Company in order for them to place unemployed residents into positions in the retail and hospitality sectors across the West End.

Their services are free to employers and through their hands-on support they have helped businesses to keep great candidates in work (95% retention rate after 6 months).

The service can help you find the right candidates whilst giving you a single point of contact who will organise the screening, training, mentoring and support for candidates.

The council is currently working with other partners to expand the scheme more widely across the city.

To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/recruitwestminster

If you are interested in offering opportunities to young people, see page 9 for a list of organisations to contact directly.




020 7641 6180

westminster.gov.uk/ commercialwaste

Why choose Westminster?

low-cost and VAT free reliable no contract necessary up to three collections every day

We now

provide a

food waste recycling service

FREE

Email [email protected] quoting WCCBusiness for your free recycling collections trial.

Terms and conditions apply. Limited period only.

www.westminster.gov.uk/commercialwaste020 7641 6180

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