La Plante Carnivore specializes in eco-friendly stationery inspired by British and Mauritian flora, and has flourished in the CEZ’s affordable creative spaces…reports Asian Lite News
The Acton and Park Royal Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ) has become a vital hub for local entrepreneurs, providing opportunities and resources to push businesses forward. Hanaa Hazra Bawamia, an illustrator and owner of the stationery business La Plante Carnivore, credits the CEZ with helping her business thrive since its inception in 2022.
La Plante Carnivore specializes in eco-friendly stationery inspired by British and Mauritian flora, and has flourished in the CEZ’s affordable creative spaces. Bawamia, a part of the London Made Me Retail Development programme, is one of many entrepreneurs benefiting from the zone’s supportive environment. This program, launched last year, offered Bawamia and 11 other entrepreneurs guidance on high street retail, business development tools, and essential training for running successful enterprises.
The Mayor of London’s CEZ initiative aims to create thousands of jobs in the creative sector. Since its opening, the Acton and Park Royal CEZ has created 1,250 jobs and is now home to more than 150 creative businesses. Supported by Ealing Council, the CEZ is dedicated to investing in local talent and providing new opportunities for homegrown artists and industries.
Local creative businesses and partners have also collaborated with the CEZ to provide affordable workspaces, training programs, and business support. These initiatives help emerging artists develop their careers and offer local residents the chance to learn valuable skills in the creative sector, improving their job prospects.
Bawamia emphasized the importance of community and connections in her journey: “The connections I have made through the CEZ have been invaluable for my business. The London Made Me programme, in particular, allowed me to network with artists and creators from different zones, offering a well-rounded training experience before launching my products.”
She encouraged both new and established businesses to reach out to the CEZ for support: “It’s exciting to think about the partnerships you can form and the support you can gain to move your business forward.”
Ealing Council leader Peter Mason expressed pride in the borough’s creative talent and the role the CEZ plays in fostering these opportunities: “We want to help local people turn their brilliant ideas into careers, and the CEZ is integral to supporting the arts across Ealing.”
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, noted the CEZ’s significant impact on local employment: “The Creative Enterprise Zone is a major stepping stone toward building a stronger economy and creating new jobs as part of our strategy to support businesses in the borough’s key sectors.”
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