Earlier this year, UCL School of Management (UCL SoM) and Fashion Business School, London College of Fashion, UAL (FBS, LCF) launched the Business Builder Programme in collaboration with Enterprise4Good, and we are delighted to announce that the programme recently hosted its final session at UCL School of Management’s home on Level 50 of One Canada Square. 

Offered free to all successful applicants, the Business Builder Programme is designed to support entrepreneurs or small businesses based in east London through expert teaching delivered by both UCL SoM and FBS, LCF on all elements of the entrepreneurial journey. Participants enjoyed a number of online and in-person sessions that included world-class teaching on developing a marketing strategy, reviewing and understanding organisational capacity and using financial metrics.

The programme cohort consisted of 20 entrepreneurs and small business owners from a wide range of industries. From architects and construction companies to luxury crochet handbags and carbon-positive clothing, the programme brought together a range of pioneering entrepreneurs who are looking to stimulate economic growth and prosperity in their local areas through entrepreneurship.

delivering impact to east london’s entrepreneurs

Over the course of 6 weeks, entrepreneurs and small business owners across east London explored the key stages of the entrepreneurial journey, developing skills and insights designed to accelerate growth and support their business ambitions. However, we also found that the programme supported entrepreneurs in other ways too!

8Ball Custom Vintage

For fashion upcycling start-up 8Ball Custom Vintage, it was extremely important that the Business Builder programme was able to support entrepreneurs not only looking to drive profits, but also support those developing businesses that have a positive social and environmental impact. In addition to also offering carbon neutral shipping and rentable clothing, the business plants a tree for every item sold.

Entrepreneurs and Co-Founders Angela and Montana Lowery felt the programme was important in developing their confidence as entrepreneurs, but also provided them with a unique opportunity to connect and network with their fellow small business owners. They told us, ‘Running your own business can be really lonely, and then you’ve got no one else to compare to, so meeting other people who are also starting out or struggling and don’t quite understand everythig, you don’t feel so silly’.

For Montana, it’s a ‘must-have programme for anyone starting a business. Wish I had done it sooner!’

Studio Colab

For entrepreneur and architect Fabian Danker, the Business Builder programme offered an opportunity to not only drive growth, but to also develop crucial skills in marketing strategy. Studio Colab is an architecture studio specialising in London-based residential expansions, rebuilds and new-build housing.

For Fabian, his paid ads on social media lacked strategic customer segmentation and targeting, and the Business Builder programme helped him to take a step back and analyse his existing customer base and think of key ways to target them, instead of hoping that his audience will see his arbitrary ads online.

He told us, ‘My main aim was to improve my marketing strategy. This programme allowed me to step back and review my goals and my ideal client base to then tailor my marketing to that. It’s also great to get a strategic overview of my business. Throughout the programme, you’re taught methods and tools to be able to analyse the health of your company. I highly recommend the Business Builder Programme.’

hear from the teaching team

Susan Smith, Professor, UCL School of Management

“As institutions with campuses in East London we decided to collaborate to develop a programme for entrepreneurs with fewer than four employees. This is an underserved section of the market with structured programmes typically focused on larger ventures.

Mauricio Pettinato Lucio, Teaching Assistant, UCL School of Management

It was so inspiring to see the diverse range of business ideas, from retail and fashion to architecture and other small businesses from Stratford and east London area. The participants’ passion and dedication was truly remarkable. The programme effectively equipped numerous businesses with the necessary skills and strategies to achieve their goals and drive sustainable growth.”

Nicole Dunlop, Programme Director, Fashion Business School

“The Business Builder Programme gave LCF academics the opportunity to share our business knowledge with small business owners, guiding them on acquiring the essential skills crucial for the successful expansion and development of their enterprises.

However, even more rewarding than seeing the business owners learn from us, they got the opportunity to learn from each other and network, creating a long-term support group. The programme also gave us the chance to work with our neighbouring university, UCL School of Management, sharing best practice.”

Find out more about UCL SoM and FBS, LCF’s Business Builder Programme