How Stansted Business Forum Supports Local Business - Steve Greenall & James Garrett
Show notes
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Steve Greenall and James Garrett are part of the Stansted Business Forum, an informal network bringing together small and medium-sized businesses from Stansted and the wider surrounding area. Unlike many networking groups, the forum does not run on a hard-sell model. There is no pressure to pass referrals, no subscription demands at breakfast meetings, and no sense that businesses have to perform for the room.
In this conversation, they explain how the forum works and why it has become valuable to local business owners. A big part of its role is acting as a bridge between businesses and the organisations around them, including councils, parish councils and other local institutions. That means members can hear about support, grants, apprenticeships, training and opportunities they might otherwise never come across.
The episode also makes a wider case for local business communities. Steve and James talk about the power of relationships, shared knowledge and informal support, whether that means helping someone find the right service, putting them in touch with the right council contact, or simply giving them a room full of people who understand what running a business actually feels like. It is a useful reminder that local economies do not stay healthy by accident. They stay healthy when people choose to show up for them.
Links
Website
https://stanstedbusinessforum.com
Email
hello@stanstedbusinessforum.com
Stortford Spotlight
Billboard in Jackson Square
“Support local businesses”
Steve’s message is for everyone. His view is that there are brilliant local businesses operating under the radar, and that people will often get a more personal service and better value by choosing them.
Secret Spot
Herts Coffee Lab - https://www.coffeelab.co.uk/
Pushed for a local recommendation, Steve gives a mention to Herts Coffee Lab on the High Street as a good local coffee stop.
Local Legends
Muse - https://www.instagram.com/museboutiquestortford/
Steve highlights Muse, speaking in the context of the sad news that the business appears to be closing. He uses it as a wider reminder that if people do not actively support local independents, they can disappear.
Support the Podcast
You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.
Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.
Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic