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'.
Book a FREE stand at the Rochford District Employment, Skills & Health Fair 2025
Do you have a job vacancy or looking to recruit this summer? We are pleased to announce that Rochford District Council is partnering with Rayleigh Jobcentre Plus and Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust to host the Rochford District Employment, Skills & Health Fair at The Mill Arts & Events Centre on Thursday 19 June from 12.30pm - 3.30pm.
We invite Rochford District businesses and partners to join us on the day to promote jobs, training courses and speak face to face with local job seekers. There will also be organisations present to give advice on health and wellbeing in the workplace, plus a chance to network with fellow employers throughout the day. If you would like to reserve a free employer stand or would like more information, please email southend.recruitmentadvisers@dwp.gov.uk.
Please note spaces are limited, so book your stand as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Rochford District Business Forum
On Thursday 26 June from 11.30am to 1.30pm at the Rochford Hundred Golf Club, Hall Road, Rochford SS4 1NW. Join us for this FREE in-person Rochford District Business Forum to network, get current insights and access free business support and advice. This forum is the first in a series of networking events that Rochford District Council will be holding in the coming year.
Topics include:
- Delivering growth at London Southend Airport
- Meet the new Rochford District Council Leader
- Gain insights into the new Economic Growth Strategy 2025-2028, shaping Rochford District's future
- Hear about Essex County Council's refreshed business support offer
Meet representatives from a range of business support providers in Essex including: 3 Chambers, Ambitious Essex Growth Hub, Backing Essex Business, FSB and SEATS – all ready to offer free advice and resources to help your business thrive. Whether you're a start-up or an established business, this forum is your opportunity to make connections in the Rochford District. A complimentary light lunch will be provided. Register your free place today via Eventbrite.
Boost Your Business 2: Identifying and Reaching Your Target Market
On Wednesday 25 June from 10am to 11:30am via online webinar. (Part of a monthly series) Organised by 3 Chambers and presented by Azzurro Marketing, this session will go through a thorough examination of market research, customer profiling and positioning strategies to attract the right audience. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear roadmap to attract and engage the right customers, increasing conversions and profitability.
To register your place for Boost Your Business 2, please visit Eventbrite.
Group2Grow - The Essex Peer Network Programme
Group2Grow is back to connect more business people together to create solutions and learn new skills. Applications to join are now open. This FREE programme consists of over four 2-hour group sessions and 3 hours of 1:1 support with an expert business coach, offering tailored advice to your individual business challenges and discussing the core subjects important to you.
Visit the Backing Essex Business website to find out more and apply
GET SET GROW II Business Support Programme
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.
Networking and Business groups
- 3 Chambers (Rayleigh, Rochford & Hockley)
- Ambitious Women in Essex
- Business BASE
- 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!