Lewisham College recently welcomed over 50 aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals for a Grow London networking and information session, bringing together members of the local business community to connect, share ideas and explore opportunities for growth.
The event provided a valuable platform for attendees to build relationships while hearing from expert presenters, who delivered insightful talks on business development, growth strategies and the support available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Attendees gained practical advice and resources designed to help them navigate challenges, identify opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
Alongside networking and professional development, the event highlighted the important role that local businesses can play in supporting the next generation of talent. Discussions explored opportunities for employers to work more closely with Lewisham College by offering work experience placements, hosting industry workshops and engaging with students to share real-world knowledge and expertise.
Kimberly Murphy, Skills and Partnership Manager at Lewisham College, encouraged businesses to register their interest in supporting students through work experience opportunities and employer engagement activities, highlighting the benefits of building stronger links between education and industry.
Demi from Eduzed Solutions spoke about changing trends in the employment market, highlighting the growing importance of skills-based pathways. Demi said: "As entry-level roles continue to decline across a number of industries, we're seeing more young people turn towards skills training, apprenticeships and trade-based careers as a practical route into employment. Developing industry-relevant skills and gaining hands-on experience is becoming increasingly important, both for young people looking to enter the workforce and for employers seeking talent with the right capabilities."
These partnerships can provide students with valuable insights into different industries, helping them develop the skills, confidence and workplace experience needed to succeed in their future careers. At the same time, businesses can benefit from engaging with emerging talent and strengthening their connections within the local community.
The event reflected Lewisham College's commitment to fostering strong relationships between education and industry, creating opportunities that benefit both students and employers. By bringing local businesses together under one roof, the session encouraged collaboration, knowledge-sharing and new partnerships that have the potential to support economic growth across the borough.
As Lewisham's business community continues to thrive, initiatives such as the Grow London event demonstrate the value of creating spaces where employers, entrepreneurs and educators can come together to exchange ideas, support one another and invest in the workforce of the future.
Employers interested in offering work experience opportunities, delivering industry talks or exploring partnership opportunities with Lewisham College can do so using the lewisham.ac.uk/employers
