Business & Licensing

The Economic Development Unit is the business facing department of Rochford District Council.  The unit is managed by the Economic Development Officer (EDO) and also consists of a Business Support Officer (BSO).

The EDO is responsible for co-ordinating the delivery of the Economic Development Strategy which covers topics such as business support, employment and skills, economic drivers, employment land and tourism.

The BSO is the first port of call for businesses operating in the District or for businesses looking to move to the area. For any Business Support queries you may have, please email business@rochford.gov.uk

More detail of the services and assistance on offer are available in this section of the website. If you can’t find what you’re looking for please contact us on the details provided or use the online enquiry form.

Business Rates

Business Rates are collected by local councils and are the means by which businesses and others who occupy non-domestic property make a contribution towards the costs of the local services.

You can pay your Business Rates online, search for the rateable value of any property in the district and with a PIN number you can view your own Business Rate account details.

Licensing

Use the licensing section on our Website to find out more information on:

• the sale of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment;
• betting, gaming and lotteries;
• making charitable collections;
• carrying out motor salvage operations or scrap metal dealing;
• street trading (including use of pavements) and for sex establishments.
• acupuncture, tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing and electrolysis

Food Safety

The safety of food is vital to each and every consumer. It is also vital to each and every producer, processor, manufacturer and retailer. Consumers must have confidence that the food they buy and eat will do them no harm. The importance of consumer confidence cannot be underestimated for business upon whom rests the main responsibility for ensuring the protection of its customers.

Health and Safety

We are committed to ensure that health and safety at work standards are maintained throughout the district, in premises for which Rochford District Council are the Enforcing Authority. This is to protect employees, the self-employed and members of the public.