GET SET GROW II Business Support Programme
The GET SET GROW programme is open to businesses at any stage, whether start-up or established, located within the Rochford district or Brentwood borough. Participants can have any trading status, including Sole Trader, Limited Company, or Community Interest Company (CIC). It is FREE to businesses to participate, as fully funded by UK Government.
GET SET GROW is delivered by a team of award-winning Business Coaches from The Consortium. Combining the power of group business coaching (you will not be placed in the same group as a competitor) with confidential one-to-one mentoring, culminating in a chance to enter ‘The Big Pitch’.
You will meet your cohort (max. 10 businesses) via ZOOM, under the facilitation of the Business Coach. Each group session will last for 2 hours and you will have 4 sessions in total over a 6-7 week period (on regular days and times).
Plus, you will be able to book 1.5 hours of private one-to-one time (via ZOOM) with your Business Coach. This can be taken as a 1.5-hour block or 2 x 45 minute sessions. You choose a date/time that suits you.
Interested Rochford District businesses can apply using this form. Group cohort sessions will commence in September 2024 and the whole programme runs until 31 March 2025.
Rochford District Council’s Events Programme
The Economic Development Unit offers various FREE events and training throughout the year, which provides useful information and support to local businesses.
If you would like to be notified of events, training and initiatives you can join the Rochford Business Network. Please sign up online via 'Tell Me More'.
Digital Essex: Digital switchover business webinar
The UK's telephone network is changing. By 2027, traditional phone lines will be replaced by a digital landline service. This means that calls will be made over a broadband line.
If your business uses old analogue lines, you will need to switch your existing communications infrastructure to a digital network. This includes everything from your desk phones to your alarm systems and CCTV. This free webinar will provide you with all the guidance and resources you need to be prepared and future-proof your business, whether you're an SME or a large enterprise.
Please register for the Digital Switchover Business Webinar via Eventbrite on either
Tuesday 20 August, 8-9am or Tuesday 17 September, 12:30pm-1:30pm
For more information please see the Digital Essex website.
FSB Business Bootcamp: Make your Small Business Count
On Tuesday 17 September from 9am to 4pm at The University of Essex - Essex Business School, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is holding their very first Small Business Bootcamp for Essex. The day will be packed full of insightful guest speakers including James Sinclair, valuable panel discussions, practical workshops and opportunities to network with like-minded small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Tickets are £5 for FSB members and £10 for non-members. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided upon arrival/during the morning break and a buffet lunch of sandwiches.
Book your place on the FSB website.
Institute of Directors East Business Expo
Attend the highly anticipated Institute of Directors (IoD) East Business Expo on Tuesday, 24 September from 10am - 4pm at Colchester United Football Club.
The exhibition will also offer a diverse array of exhibitors representing various industries, from legal and finance to tech, bioscience, engineering and manufacturing. Experience a diverse mix of on-hand products, services, and solutions tailored to help your business grow and thrive.
The expo will also include a dynamic set of speakers who will be presenting throughout the day.
Book your free ticket on the IoD website.
Ambitious Essex Business Summit: Grow, innovate, connect
Get ready for the ultimate business event on Wednesday 9 October at Hylands House, designed to help you thrive!
From 9am to 2pm, fuel your ambition with talks from industry experts, hands-on workshops and valuable networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs. Dive into themed zones focused on innovation, sustainability, inclusive employment and business support. Do not miss this exciting chance to elevate your business!
Register now to secure your free place.
Rochford District Business News
Rochford District Council is committed to supporting local businesses. We have set up the Rochford Business Network to enable us, the Economic Development Team, to make contact with local businesses, to provide information, help and support and to deliver this to the local business community.
Since launching the network , now rebranded 'Tell Me More', over 3000 businesses have joined and are enjoying the benefits the network has to offer. The Tell Me More service is free to join, and as a member you will have access to:
- E-bulletins detailing events and campaigns that assist local businesses
- Regular emails that include local and national information (including opportunities for grants and funding)
- Receive notification of business support services and initiatives that may help your business
- A support structure for local businesses to connect with each other
- Opportunities to engage with local businesses, business support agencies and Council Officers
- Consultations taking place in the District
To join all you need to do is sign up to Business News through the Council's 'Tell Me More' service
You can also keep up to date with all business related news by following us on twitter @Business_RDC
UK Imports and Exports
From the 1st January 2022 new rules apply for UK business operations regarding imports and exports.
Register now for HMRC live webinars - HMRC will explain existing guidance and answer general questions about the content. They’re unable to answer questions specific to the items you import or export on the webinars:
- Importing – steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration – get advice on how to make a supplementary declaration and how intermediaries can help
- Customs Import Declarations: an overview – of the whole declarations process
- Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving – covering zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations
- Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary – your responsibilities if using an intermediary to complete import or export declarations
- Importing food and drink, and animal products from the EU to Great Britain – DEFRA webinars about upcoming changes and how to register and use the import system IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System).
You can also find webinars and videos from other government departments about trading with the EU.
Cyber Security
Studies have shown that historically there has been a rise in cybercrime following large notable events impacting the UK as criminals capitalise on any possible confusion such as a global pandemic.
Taking time now to review your businesses cyber security provision and colleague education will help to protect your business from any future disruption from a cyber incident. You may find the Metropolitan Police’s website a useful resource as well as the websites listed in Related Content section.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has created a tool that every small business should use to make sure you are #CyberAware - get your free Cyber Action Plan today by visiting the NCSC website here!