Local businesses across Barking and Dagenham will now be able to grow their business, get support and opportunities to build capacity thanks to a partnership between the council and Barking Enterprise Centre (BEC).

The Amplify programme is a brand-new business support initiative funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The 18-month programme offers a tailored package of support to build the capacity of key local supply chains in growth sectors particularly film, care and food.

The programme will help create, safeguard and improve local jobs by supporting local business growth, create awareness and help them take advantage of new local support chain, commercial space and market opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

It will also help to increase the number of local businesses that are able to bid for and win contracts with the council and other local partner organisations.

Cllr Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills & Aspiration, said: “Barking and Dagenham is growing with plans to build 50,000 new homes and 20,000 jobs – as a council we are doing more to build economic capacity, resilience and improve the prospects for local business.

“With over £4bn worth of investment coming into the borough including two new film studios and the planned relocation of London’s three iconic markets, it is right that local business and our residents benefit directly from it.

“This programme will ensure local businesses and residents are geared up to reap the benefits of this growth.”

Karen West-Whylie, CEO of the BEC, added: “The Bec is delighted to support this programme which will enable us to continue to do what we do best, helping local businesses to thrive and grow whilst supporting the borough with its big ambitions for the future.”

Local businesses can find out more about the programme at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJFBVJsNW_1UI4Xi2DUAsFdlGanx-NA552x0McFSHyTJ5vMw/viewform

They can also register with the QR code below.