About us.

What is the Hackney Business Network?

Hackney is a thriving and diverse area. It has seen rapid social and economic change more than anywhere else in the UK. This has brought many new economic opportunities for local residents but not everyone has benefited equally.

We are determined to help build a fairer, greener and more inclusive economy for Hackney. Find out more about the Council’s inclusive economy strategy.

The Hackney Business Network focuses on empowering local businesses in Hackney to thrive. We want to collaborate with local businesses to build an inclusive economy based on promoting social and environmental good.

Join our community of over 5,000 local Hackney businesses and benefit from dedicated guidance and support, including:

  • Free learning and development resources

  • Dedicated business support services

  • Funding and grants

  • Peer-to-peer networking

We have also launched a new LinkedIn group for Hackney Business Network members, so you can connect with your local business community online too.

We’re here to help.

Our mission.

  • Champion and support local business and social enterprises in Hackney to be able to build a fairer local economy for everyone. And protect and grow affordable workspace in the borough.

  • Support local businesses to be able to be able to provide good work and pay London Living Wage. As well as promote the well-being of staff, and help their staff grow professionally.

  • Support Hackney’s businesses to understand the different types of impact business activity may have on the environment. Help businesses to transition to net-zero and promote sustainability across all levels of business.

Ridley Road market in Hackney.

Our values.

We want to build a fairer local economy in Hackney which benefits both residents and local businesses. To do this, we are committed to promoting responsible business practices across the borough. This includes supporting sustainable business practices and reducing the impact of business activity on the climate. And promoting high-quality work and helping businesses to efficiently use resources and help meet the needs of the local community.

Environment

We aim to create a sustainable local economy through business, commerce and procurement. Supporting, advising and enabling local businesses of all sizes to transition to a net-zero footprint; and promoting sustainable transport options.

Learn more about how we are supporting green businesses and the circular economy.

Social

We will promote businesses with a positive social impact. We will support businesses focusing on building a fairer economy in Hackney that is rooted in enabling inclusivity, opportunity, and prosperity through enterprise and commerce.

Learn more about the Hackney Responsible Business Charter.

Governance

We will call for an exchange and sharing of resources and investment. As well as a set of shared values that shape corporate responsibility and deliver community wealth building.

We will continue to lobby the government to deliver the support that businesses need.

How are we building a fairer Hackney?

Signposting to business support

We are helping to equip businesses with the tools they need to navigate the cost crisis. This includes providing and signposting to high-quality support from business experts on emerging issues from the basics of building a business to how to transition to net-zero, and more.

  • 330 Hackney businesses benefited from the £2.5 million in Council investment in 2022. This helped to make businesses greener, more inclusive, and more resilient.

    These initiatives reached 237,000 people and helped bring in more than £2 million in further external investment to Hackney. Over £500,000 was spent locally.

    Read the end of programme report.

  • This fund helped 39 local businesses with a further £269,000 spent with 254 local suppliers, and £120,000 extra funding brought into Hackney, resulting in:

    • More connected businesses - with 154,000 people engaged with

    • More resilient businesses - with 92% feeling more resilient

    • Growing businesses - with 82% seeing increased footfall

    • Greener businesses - with 35.55 tonnes of carbon saved per month

    Read the report here.

  • A total of £542,239.80 was funded to 23 businesses in Hackney to deliver projects that support local businesses and organisations to play a fuller role in shaping the future of Hackney Central.

    This fund was delivered in partnership with PRD.

    Read the report here.

Spotlighting local businesses

Our longstanding Love Hackney, Shop Local campaign promotes small, independent Hackney-based businesses, encouraging residents and visitors alike to shop local. We want to hear from local businesses who are supporting responsible business practices and are keen to front our campaign.

Shaping future support

We will keep calling on the Greater London Authority (GLA) and central government to deliver the support that businesses in Hackney need to continue and grow. Get in touch to let us know the key issues that are affecting your business day-to-day operations.

Statistics from the 2022 business support programme report

Statistics from the 2022 business support programme report.

Help us build a fairer Hackney.

We’re striving to build a fairer, safer, greener, and healthier Hackney - and you can help us on this mission. We want to work with local businesses to help create an inclusive economy by promoting responsible business practices across the borough. Below are some of the key campaigns supporting our responsible business commitment.

Commit to London Living Wage

The real Living Wage is based on the cost of living and is voluntarily paid by over 13,000 UK employers who believe we all need a wage that meets everyday needs.

Promote diversity and inclusion

Equality of opportunity and improving life chances are at the heart of what we do. We are committed to building an inclusive and fairer economy for both residents and businesses in Hackney.

Hire an apprentice

Support local talent by setting up work placements or internships with support from Hackney Council’s recruitment team. We can help match talented young people to temporary work placements in local businesses.

Promote green business

A green business has minimal or a positive impact on the climate and environment. Whether it’s using sustainable products, adopting green transport delivery systems, or an eco-friendly supply chain, there are steps each business can take to reduce the impact of their business activity on the climate.

Adopt the Healthier Catering Commitment

The Healthier Catering Commitment (HCC) is a voluntary scheme to help caterers and food businesses make simple, healthy improvements to their food. It’s simple to operate and requires little work from food businesses while making a health difference to customers.

Stop violence against women and girls

We have a zero-tolerance approach to street-based or home-based violence and abuse. We offer training for businesses to help individuals to recognise when someone is in danger and intervene safely to stop gender-based violence.

Find more specific information for your area

Building a fairer economy in Hackney.