- 17th March 2026
- Back to All News
Local London has appointed Gateley Global, the specialist new market entry and economic development consultancy arm of professional services group Gateley, to help economically inactive residents move into self-employment and entrepreneurship through the Local London Trailblazers Business Start-Up Programme.
Following a competitive tender process, Gateley Global was selected to provide tailored business start‑up support across five boroughs in east and south‑east London: Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Havering and Redbridge. Residents in these areas can now access expert guidance to develop their ideas, build confidence and take their first steps towards launching a business.
Rebecca Bekkenutte, Managing Director of Gateley Global, said: “We are delighted to open our doors to help people in east and south‑east London explore their dreams of working for themselves. Many people who are not currently in work are highly entrepreneurial, and through Trailblazers we can give them the opportunity and support to realise their business ambitions. Taking those first steps needn’t be daunting - we’re here to help and look forward to working with everyone who joins the programme.”
Forogh Rahmani, Director of Local London, added: “It’s a pleasure to announce that Gateley Global are now working with some of our boroughs to help people set up their own businesses. This Trailblazer programme is exciting because it allows our boroughs to explore innovative ways to remove barriers to work, including childcare contributions, business start‑up support, job guidance and training. Take‑up has exceeded expectations, and with Gateley Global now in post, we can help even more people become financially independent.”
The Local London Trailblazers Business Start‑Up Programme, which is part of the wider Local London Economic Inactivity Trailblazers programme, offers one‑to‑one business planning support, training in financial management, marketing and AI tools, as well as grants of up to £5,000 to help with start‑up costs.
How to Apply:
The programme is open to residents who are currently economically inactive* and looking to explore the possibilities of self‑employment. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Live in one of the five Local London boroughs: Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Havering or Redbridge.
- Be economically inactive and not currently taking part in other DWP‑funded employment or business support.
- Have the right to live and work in the UK.
The programme is fully funded and free to take part in.
Find out more and apply online: www.locallondonstartup.com
*Those who would like to be in employment - but that due to personal circumstances - have not been able to work or who would find it difficult to begin employment in the next couple of weeks.
About Local London Economic Inactivity Trailblazers
Launched in 2025, over 1,200 people have already joined the Local London Economic Inactivity Trailblazers programme, supported by the Mayor of London.
Local London Trailblazers offers diverse support, including training and job support, business start-up support, and childcare contributions - to help people who are economically inactive to move closer to the job market.
The programme is available to people via the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Enfield, Greenwich, Havering, Newham, Redbridge or Waltham Forest.
Find out more about Trailblazers: local.london/trailblazers
Find out more about Gately Global: Gateley Global - Gateley
