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’.
The GET SET GROW II programme has now closed. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to be notified of future local business support, please sign up to our newsletter.
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'.
Rochford, Rayleigh & Hockley High Streets Summit
On Tuesday 25 March, 5.30-7 pm at The Mill Arts & Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, SS6 7ED.
Dramatic changes are taking place across the UK’s high streets. Now is the time to work together to form an action plan. Businesses are invited to the first in a series of summit events to focus on the future of Rochford, Rayleigh & Hockley high streets. Paul Clement, high street expert will host a discussion focussed on:
- What is happening with high streets in 2025?
- How do our high streets compare with others in Essex?
- What do customers and staff think about our high streets?
- What can we all do together to increase footfall?
Book your free place on the High Street Summit by 18 March 2025 by visiting the Eventbrite website
Funded by UK Government
Navigating the Business Landscape: from Start Up to SME
Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 March, 10am to 1pm via online webinar
Join this interactive workshop designed to help businesses at every stage of their journey, from start-up to small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this webinar will equip you with the insights, strategies, and tools needed to thrive in today's competitive market.
Register for the Navigating the Business Landscape Webinar via Lets Do Business.
Networking and Business groups
- 3 Chambers (Rayleigh, Rochford & Hockley)
- Ambitious Women in Essex
- Business Network International
- Effective Business Network
- Essex Business Partnerships
- Essex Business Forum
- Essex Chambers of Commerce
- Federation of Small Businesses
- Networking Essex
- Networking 4 Essex Women (NEW)
- Nexus Networking Group
- Women in Business Network
- YES Network (Young Entrepreneurs Southend on Sea)
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
The UK has left the EU and the transition period has now ended. This means that the UK has now left the EU Single Market and Customs Union and EU law no longer applies in the UK. From the 1st January 2022 new rules applied for UK business operations regarding imports and exports.
His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can provide guidance and have produced webinars and videos. An example topic is below:
- 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.
For further information on International Trade and the support available, please visit our International Trade page
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!