Croydon means business - Concierge and business support

Concierge service

A dedicated in‑house team will lead the delivery of Croydon’s business concierge service, providing businesses with clear, accessible and responsive support at every stage of their journey.

This service will:

• offer new businesses one‑to‑one guidance from initial enquiry through to occupation and early‑stage growth
• coordinate all business‑facing programmes, including the Empty Unit Activation Grant and Shop Improvement Grant, ensuring businesses can easily access funding and understand requirements
• provide a single point of contact, directing businesses to the right information, partners, and council services, for example, planning, licensing, employment programmes and skills support
• streamline processes and communications, reducing complexity and helping businesses navigate the system quickly and confidently

Business support

Dedicated business support, delivered by Start Up Croydon (UP) and London South Bank University (LSBU).

Alongside the in‑house concierge role, we will continue our partnership with UP and LSBU, building on their strong track record of delivering targeted business support across the borough.

UP and LSBU will provide:

• specialist advice for small and micro‑businesses, including start‑up guidance, financial planning, digital skills and business development support
• workshops, mentoring and training programmes to help businesses build capability and resilience
• hands‑on support for new entrepreneurs, particularly those taking on empty units or expanding into high‑street locations
• enhanced outreach into priority sectors, aligned with Croydon’s cultural, creative, hospitality and local‑enterprise growth priorities
• business planning support, assessment and guidance on joined up apprenticeship programmes