Old news stories from the Richmond Business Hub.
Single use vapes banned from 1 June 2025
Trading Standards wishes to remind the business community that single use vapes will soon be banned, with the deadline fast approaching. The ban applies to all single use vapes whether or not they contain nicotine, and applies to shops and online sales. Businesses selling single use vapes must sell through their stock before 1 June. From this date onwards single use vapes cannot be sold. Failing to comply with the ban could lead to products being seized and traders facing legal action, such as a fine. Trading Standards has taken firm action recently against sales of illegal oversized vapes with two businesses ending up in court.
Stock should not be left in business premises as it could end up being sold by mistake. It can also create the impression that it is being kept ready for sale. Any stock that cannot be sold should be returned to suppliers or must be properly disposed of, as it cannot be thrown in the bin like normal rubbish. As well as dealing with stock, businesses should take the opportunity to ensure their sales staff are aware of the new rules and can answer any customers queries.
It is also important to check any new stock meets the new requirements for vapes and is not caught by the ban. If businesses find that a supplier offers them single use vapes after 1 June, then this can be reported to trading standards using the details below.
The ban is being introduced to deal with the issues created by single use vapes. 8.2 million vapes are now thrown away or littered every week in the UK, which is the equivalent of 13 each second. However, recycling single-use vapes is notoriously arduous, with waste industry workers needing to take them apart by hand which can be a slow and costly process. Their contents also present a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Single use vapes are also favoured due to their lower price when compared with the refillable equivalents. The ban plays a role in reducing take up of vaping by adults and reducing illegal underage sales.
Trading Standards advises businesses use the following checklist to get ready:
- Sell through remaining single use vapes by 1 June
- Get familiar with the new rules by reading GOV.UK guidance on the single-use vapes ban
- Check new stock is compliant with the ban
- Discuss the ban with sales staff
- Remove or properly dispose of non-compliant stock by 1 June
- Seek further advice if needed
The Regulatory Services Partnership provides Trading Standards for Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth. For requests for advice or to make a report that the ban is not being complied with contact trading.standards@merton.gov.uk.
Shiuli, Twickenham
Shiuli is a contemporary Indian restaurant run by Michelin starred chef, Alfred Prasad. Alfred and Sunita’s local story was featured in our February Newsletter.
Watch YouTube influencer Gary Eats review Shiuli.
23 March 2025
International Women's Day
“The Road Less Travelled…” was the theme for Richmond Council’s International Women’s Day this year. Taking place in Clarendon Hall in York House, we welcomed over 50 attendees including Cllr Petra Fleming and three finalists from the Tiffin Girls School Young Entrepreneur competition.
A range of excellent speakers – Linda Birch, Sama Trinder, Sarah Speake – shared their respective vulnerabilities, and sometimes painful experiences, on their journey to success. This included Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham, who delighted the audience by dropping in between engagements to say hello and to give Tessa Parry-Wingfield, an impromptu interview about her own journey into politics.
14 March 2025
Remembrance Sunday Services
This year’s Remembrance Day services are being held throughout the borough on Sunday 10 November 2024.
There will be a service near to you where you can go to pay your respects to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
Most events will consist of a parade of armed forces veterans, civic dignitaries and religious officials followed by a service and two-minute silence at 11am.
8 November 2024
Have your say: Richmond Climate Strategy
Help us create our new climate and nature strategy for Richmond 2025 - 2030. We are seeking the views of people who live, work and study in Richmond Borough As we develop a new climate strategy for Richmond for 2025 - 2030 we have launched a new interactive hub to have your say on our new strategy via our map and survey.
8 November 2024
Elections for Mayor of London and London Assembly - Photo ID needed
On Thursday 2 May 2024, Londoners can vote to elect the Mayor of London, 14 members of the London Assembly that represent London’s 14 constituencies, and 11 Assembly Members who will represent the whole of London.
If you vote in person at the polling station, you will need to show one form of photo ID, but it needs to be the original version and not a photocopy. The name on your ID must be the same name you used to register to vote.
- Deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 16 April
- Deadline to register to vote by post is by 5pm Wednesday 17 April
- Deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is by 5pm Wednesday 24 April
- Deadline to register to vote by proxy is by 5pm Wednesday 24 April
5 April 2024
A vision for Richmond town centre
Richmond town centre has long been held as an iconic destination – people from all over the world want to live here, work here and visit. We have a unique offering that others cannot compete with – history and heritage, stunning green, blue and built spaces, top-class retail and hospitality, all in close proximity to central London.
4 October 2023
Help shape Richmond upon Thames' Night Time Strategy
Join Richmond Council in developing a Night Time Strategy for the borough. You can tell us what you think about specific places and how they could be improved by pinning your comments on our new interactive ideas map or filling in our quick survey.
9 June 2023
Richmond Great Big Green Week - 10 to 18 June
The Great Big Green Week is about celebrating, championing and signposting community-led climate action happening in our borough. The initiative is an opportunity for businesses to promote their ongoing sustainability/climate change work. Businesses are encouraged to run events, activities and drop-ins that will form the programme for the week.
9 June 2023
Clean Air Day - 15 June
Air pollution is the single biggest environmental health risk in the UK and an urgent sustainability challenge for businesses. Companies can play a big role in raising awareness of the need for clean air, taking action to improve air quality in and around their estate, within their business model and supply chains, alongside mitigating the effects on staff, customers and communities.
9 June 2023
London Tech Week - 12 to 16 June
London Tech Week returns for its 10th Anniversary! This is a global celebration of tech, uniting the most innovative thinkers and talent of tomorrow in a week-long festival. London Tech Week drives thought provoking conversations around innovation, diversity and transformation.
9 June 2023
Pride Month - campaigns and events
In the month of June, Pride Month is dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQI+ community. Pride events are taking place in Richmond throughout the entire month.
9 June 2023
Richmond International Women's Day - Bias, Barriers – Embracing Equity
To celebrate International Women's Day 50 women gathered together at The Exchange in Twickenham.
15 March 2023
Richmond Council's International Women's Day celebration returns
Join us for an afternoon of inspirational talks, discussions, networking and more.
6 February 2023
Phoenix Enterprise Programme Awards
Sixteen small businesses in Richmond Borough have been recognised for their creativity and dedication in the Phoenix Enterprise Awards.
9 December 2022
Black History Month
Throughout #BlackHistoryMonth we will be celebrating some of the Black business owners based in Richmond upon Thames, with stories of how their heritage has influenced their journeys.
12 October 2022
Cost of doing business
London Business Hub has published a series of practical guides on the steps you can take to protect your business.
7 September 2022
Richmond Business Awards
Cllr Phil Giesler, Lead Member for Business and Growth presented the Richmond Council-sponsored Best Small Business Award to winner the 1812 Group.
14 July 2022
Get your business on TV
NatWest has partnered with ITV to help champion small businesses of all shapes and sizes.
ITV are offering matched funding for eligible businesses towards advertising time for your campaign.
6 April 2022
Celebrating Richmond businesses
The Richmond Chamber Business Awards are now open for entry. Businesses can enter into 13 different award categories. There is also The People's Choice Award where the public can vote for their favourite business or organisation.
5 April 2022
Council shortlisted for Small Business Friendly Borough Award
Richmond Council's Phoenix Enterprise Programme was shortlisted by London Council's Small Business Friendly Borough Awards as a Best Programme of Support for Small Businesses.
23 February 2022