Featuring expert, one-on-one advice for small local businesses looking for help, the Wayfinder scheme is designed to get the best out of the borough’s small businesses and help them through the Cost of Living crisis.

We know that the day-to-day of running a business can be time consuming, which means it can be hard to be aware of the support that’s available.

Wayfinder aims to connect small businesses with impartial, professional advice, delivered by a experienced professional.

As part of the scheme, Barking and Dagenham now has its own dedicated Wayfinder: John Ogden. John’s job will be to work with the borough’s small businesses to help them overcome challenges and meet their goals.

John knows running a business inside and out, having formerly been a Chief Executive and Director. He has worked with businesses of all sizes to solve complex problems, implement robust plans and remain agile to changing priorities.

Cllr Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills & Aspiration said: “We’re so proud to be offering this innovative scheme to our small businesses.

“Barking and Dagenham is a borough with thousands of small businesses and this Wayfinder scheme will be a vital lifeline to so many of them.

“As well as Wayfinder, we offer our residents loads of business support on our website and we also have the Business Forum which brings local businesses together to network and share opportunities.”

To find out more about Business Support in Barking and Dagenham, please visit the Business Support page on our website.