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'.
Green Light: Business Success Business Expo FREE
On Thursday 15 May from 9:30am to 2:30pm at The Lion, Main Road, Boreham CM3 3JA.
Join Ambitious Essex to learn more about how you can increase profit, save money and help you to win work by making your Essex business greener. Expert guest speakers will offer insights and top tips to guide you in finding the best benefits for you and your business – wherever you are in your green growth journey. All attendees will also have the chance to complete a Carbon Calculation and receive official documentation and a digital badge to confirm and promote your company’s commitment to being a more sustainable business.
For more information and to register your place, please register via Eventbrite.
Future-Proof Your Business: Invest in Your People FREE
On Friday 16 May from 10am to 1pm at The Launchpad Southend, Airport Business Park, Rochford SS4 1YH.
Join the SEATS (South Essex Advance Technical Skills) team for an insightful session on how tailored training solutions and apprenticeships can strengthen your workforce and prepare your business for the future. There will be an optional Q&A, networking and refreshments.
Limited spaces are available, reserve your spot via Eventbrite
Boost Your Business 1: The Foundations of a Profitable Business
On Wednesday 28 May from 10am to 11:30am via online webinar. (Part of a monthly series)
Organised by The 3 Chambers and presented by Azzurro Marketing, this session introduces the fundamentals of building a successful business, covering mindset, strategy and key financial principles. It includes case studies of profitable businesses and a live Q&A. By the end of this session, you will have a clear roadmap to build a strong, profitable business.
To register your place, please register via 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
Rochford Speed Networking Event
On Monday 2 June 12 pm – 3 pm at Westcliff Rugby Club, Rochford, SS4 1YG
Rochford District Council are pleased to announce we are sponsoring the NEW Rochford Speed Networking event in collaboration with Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Essex and Effective Business Network (EBN). This isn’t just networking… It’s mega speed networking with a sporting edge! Tired of leaving networking events feeling like you missed half the room? At this high-energy event, we guarantee you’ll connect with at least 20 fellow business professionals; no sitting on the side lines here.
For entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and small business owners who are ready to promote their services, share ideas, and build meaningful partnerships. This event is open to all businesses with those based in the Rochford District getting an early bird option for just £5 each plus Eventbrite ticket fee (Total £6.13). With lunch provided.
Be sure to book your seat now via Eventbrite
Limited space available.
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!