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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSIf you cannot find the answer you are looking for click here to contact a site administrator.General
GeneralWhat is London B2B Net?
London B2B Net is a not for profit cluster association made up of businesses located in London South Central (LSC) that operate in the business to business (B2B) market.
The B2B market has, for the purposes of this work, been defined as all those services and products used by businesses to support their operations and which are increasingly being outsourced to specialist providers. It includes the categories listed at the beginning. The cluster was set up in late 2006 to promote the interests of the businesses in the anticipation that their success would lead to new jobs, start-ups and prosperity. At present there are about 14,000 businesses and over 107,000 employees in the B2B cluster across the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth. The cluster is also characterised by the proximity of its key market of corporate customers located in the City and Westminster. What is the ‘Back Office’ service cluster?
London B2B Net which is the official name of the ‘Back Office’ Service’ Cluster is a grouping of businesses that share products/services, customers and supply chains. For example Business consultancy, tax, office security, training, printing/publishing, transport, secretarial services, ITC/telecommunications, office cleaning, document storage, catering, professional services (marketing, accountancy, legal etc.) It encourages business-to-business networking, strengthens competitiveness through joint working and provides a constructive, business-led relationship with the public sector.
What area does London B2B Net cover?
The area known as London South Central covers the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth. These are the three boroughs south of the Thames that face the City of London and the West End, which are home to the greatest concentration of businesses in the UK. The key benefit of locating in London South Central is its proximity to this market.
What are the elements of London B2B Net?
London B2B Net comprises two key elements; firstly a Cluster Action Team (CAT), that drives the activity of the cluster; and secondly the wider membership of firms across the boroughs. The CAT is made up of senior executives, from local firms, who have the desire and drive to make a difference to the performance of their own businesses and the wider membership.
Who is London B2B Net targeting?
The membership being targeted is Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with growth potential in Wandsworth, Lambeth and Southwark.
London B2B Net operates as a self-help business support group for the 14,000 firms in the Business 2 Business cluster in London South Central. The marketplace is therefore defined primarily by industry sectors and geography. In terms of business size: Small firms: (up to 50 employees): form the core membership who make use of the services provided by London B2B Net. Large companies: will be targeted to provide sponsorship and assistance. In return they will be able to access a range of suppliers and help create a more attractive location for their staff. How is London B2B Net Funded?
London B2B Net is funded by the London Development Agency and supported primarily by Wandsworth Council with the cooperation of Lambeth and Southwark Borough Councils. Management Focus Ltd provides technical assistance to the CAT and Wandsworth Council.
Why set up London B2B Net?
At present there are no direct competitors to London B2B Net, there is a need to coordinate the local back office sector in order to promote this sector and highlight the benefits of the members.
What does London B2B Net offer besides networking and useful contacts?
Small firm owners/managers often indicate that, despite their desire to upskill their staff and themselves, they find it difficult to find training that is both relevant and affordable. London B2B Net has undertaken a survey to establish development priorities and commission providers to meet these needs. By accessing a large number of similar firms within a tight geography a rolling programme of workshops and training sessions will be provided that will be both appealing to users and delivered at attractive prices.
The workshops will help address the challenge of improving skills, while keeping costs down. A range of tailored support, delivered by industry based consultants and trainers, will be available in areas such as marketing/sales, raising finance, recruitment/ personnel and innovation / new technologies. London B2B Net will seek to work with potential competitors to prevent outright competition and dilution of its offer. What is networking and who benefits from it?
Through coordinating the back office sector into a cluster, the benefits of a larger voice can benefit from sharing skills and experiences, building up contacts and creating economies of scale.
What support does the B2B network provide businesses with?
Business development
- Supply chain initiatives - how to access contracts to supply the public sector and large companies - Value chain - how to become a more valuable supplier - Training/skills development in marketing and sales - Support in developing and implementing marketing strategies Technology - Workshops/briefings on new technologies - Workshops on justifying investment in new technologies - Support to raise capital for investment Skills and recruitment - Workshops on preparing ‘person specifications’ - Making diversity work for employers, employees and customers - Workshops on recruitment techniques - Support on personnel policies and staff retention - Assistance with regulation Management development - Supporting owner/managers become ‘directors’ - Training for first line managers Innovation - Revitalising innovation - reinforcing the need for constant innovation - Introductions to support mechanisms, eg Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - Case studies and good practice workshops |
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