Business News and Events

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 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.

Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley - High Streets Summit #2

On Monday 30 June from 5.30 pm to 7 pm an in-person event at The Freight House, Bradley Way, Rochford, SS4 1BU. Rochford District Council, in conjunction with high street experts Locus, are holding this second free session in a series of four High Streets Summits. Focussing on our three main town centres only, this event is for town centre businesses. This second session will follow on from the first event in March, the agenda includes:

• Discover insights from the Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley town centres survey conducted by high street experts Locus
• Meet the new Rochford District Council Leader, Cllr Danielle Belton
• Learn about future plans for The Freight House
• Share your ideas about events that would boost footfall

 You can also find out how your business could receive £2k in free grant funding to improve your shopfront. A light buffet and refreshments will be provided. Register on Eventbrite

Let’s Do Business Group

Are fully funded by Essex County Council to run the following FREE webinar business courses via Zoom. Please use the discount code ESSEX25 at checkout to ensure you do not pay for each workshop.

Using Canva to create content

On Tuesday 24 June or Tuesday 26 August . 10 am to 11.30 am.

Want to learn how to create eye-catching and engaging graphics for your business? Join the Using Canva workshop to find out how to utilise the online graphic design platform to make everything from your company branding to social media posts and more! Book via Let’s Do Business 

Understanding and Developing a Marketing Strategy

On Tuesday 1 July & Tuesday 2 September. 10 am to 12.30 pm.

An area that many small and new businesses struggle with is developing and defining their marketing approach. Creating a marketing strategy document is something every business owner should do before you start marketing your business. This document not only helps you discover your target market, your focus for messaging, and your strengths as a business, but it can become your ultimate marketing reference guide, keeping all your promotional material consistent, concise, and clear. Book via Lets Do Marketing

Intro to Social Media Marketing

On Tuesday 8 July & Tuesday 9 September. 10 am to 1 pm.

Want learn how to use social media to market your business effectively? Join this short course from Let’s Do Marketing to learn how to create your social media strategy for success – and come away with the knowledge, skills and confidence to start connecting with your customers online! Book via Let’s Do Business.

Achieving Email Excellence Strategies for Successful Email Marketing

On Wednesday 20 August. 10 am to 12 pm.

Email Marketing remains a cornerstone of digital communication, which when used effectively can elevate your brand, foster customer loyalty, and drive remarkable results. In this 2-hour webinar, explore how email marketing can be a game-changer for your business. Book via Let’s Do Business.

Fuel Your Business Growth: Digital Edge

The Department for Business and Trade have launched. A series of FREE nine webinars covering the use of Social Media, eCommerce, SEO and more to help SMEs find new customers, increase sales and boost awareness. Each session is one hour long, delivered by an expert and interactive, so attendees will have the chance to ask questions and learn how to apply the knowledge and skills to their business. The series page can be found on the business.gov.uk website with the first online sessions listed below:

• On Thursday 3 July at 2 pm – Choosing the right social media platforms for your audience 
• On Monday 7 July at 11am - Managing social media channels on a budget
• On Monday 7 July at 2 pm - Build a digital marketing strategy to drive sales
• On Tuesday 15 July at 2 pm - Converting followers into customers

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

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!