Portobello Business Centre

Who we are

At Portobello Business Centre, we don’t just build businesses - we build success stories!

Our mission is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs from every background with the skills, support and community to build thriving businesses that power the UK economy.

For over 30 years, we have delivered on this commitment by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs - particularly those who face barriers to accessing traditional business support - to start, grow and scale sustainable businesses. Since our founding, we have supported thousands of pre-start and early-stage businesses through practical, high-quality advice and long-term, community-based support.

Our alumni include entrepreneurs who have gone on to build nationally recognised brands such as Charlie Bigham’s, Karen Millen and Innocent Drinks, alongside many more local businesses that have created jobs, resilience and opportunity in their communities.

We are a values-driven organisation, committed to equity, inclusion and practical action that creates real-world impact.

Our culture and values

People and community are at the heart of everything we do.

We are deeply rooted in North Kensington, while supporting entrepreneurs across London and beyond, and responding with care and agility in times of challenge - from supporting those affected by Grenfell to adapting quickly during the Covid pandemic.

We value lived experience, diverse perspectives and collaboration. Our team works closely with entrepreneurs, partners and volunteers, combining professionalism with empathy and a strong sense of purpose.

We believe the best impact is created together. Whether you bring deep expertise, fresh ideas or a desire to give back, you’ll find a supportive culture where contribution is valued and learning is encouraged.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Diversity is central to who we are and how we work.

Based in the heart of Kensington & Chelsea - one of London’s most diverse boroughs - we value the perspectives, experiences and ideas that people from different backgrounds bring to our organisation and our work.

We are committed to being an inclusive and equitable employer. We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds and lived experiences, and we actively work to remove barriers to participation and progression.

We believe inclusive teams are stronger, more creative and better equipped to deliver meaningful impact. At Portobello Business Centre, we strive to create a working environment where everyone feels respected, supported and able to thrive.