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'.
Free webinar on the future of business waste in Essex
On Tuesday 23 April, 12.30pm – 1.30pm online.
Ambitious Essex are hosting a free lunch and learn session on the draft Waste Strategy for Essex and what it means for local businesses.
Attendees will have the chance to provide feedback and ask questions. They also welcome discussions around challenges to shape future business support.
The session will also feature a slot on upcoming waste legislation changes. Experts will be on hand to help businesses prepare for these changes and take action as soon as possible. Book on the future of business waste in Essex webinar via Eventbrite
The King's Awards for Enterprise 2025, Tips & Insights from Experts in Essex - FREE webinar
Join Essex County Council for a FREE webinar on Thursday 25 April 2024 at 10:30am - 11:30am to learn how to win The King's Awards for Enterprise 2025, one of the most prestigious awards for businesses in the UK.
Essex is full of successful and innovative businesses and the awards are an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and the recognition they deserve.
This webinar will talk you through the basics of the awards, including:
• The application process, how long it will take and the ideal timeline
• What the judges are looking for and how to present your business in the best possible light
• First hand experiences from past winners
• The opportunity to have your questions about the awards answered
Book your place for more information on The King’s Awards for Enterprise
Essex Working Well Programmes
Have you been considering developing a workplace health and wellbeing programme? Maybe you already have a programme and would like either additional support or are looking at awards that recognise the support you provide for employees – potential applicants will research a company’s benefits and rewards!
To find out more about Essex Working Well programmes:
• Mental Health Awareness
• Business Park/Business Centre support
• Small Business Workplace Wellbeing Award
• Healthy Schools Workplace Wellbeing Award
• Working Well Accreditation
To find out more, book your place on either of the upcoming information sessions:
Navigating Net Zero: A Journey through Digital Transformation
With Made Smarter – Smart Manufacturing Data Hub. On Tuesday 23rd April 2024 8.30 am – 1.30 pm at Holiday Inn Southend.
• Learn directly from industry experts
• Establish your own roadmap to net zero
• Get real life case studies of digitalisation strategies Net Zero is now written into UK Law.
The pathway to Net Zero is a tough one to navigate. Digitalisation is key to any manufacturing organisation aiming to achieve resilience, profitability, sustainability and a competitive edge. This FREE roadshow explores the issues and challenges around digitalisation through thought leadership, practical steps and best practice to support your journey.
Book your place on the Navigating Net Zero roadshow.
Ambitious Women Rochford District Meet Up
On Tuesday, 14 May, 10am - 12pm at The Mill Arts & Events Centre, Rayleigh
In the second collaboration with Rochford District Council, Ambitious Women in Essex are also privileged to be partnering with Networking 4 Essex Women, insert link: https://networking4essex.co.uk/ a networking group based in Rayleigh.
During the event we will be joined by Essex Police who will be delivering a workshop teaching you how to keep safe online and what steps you and your service users can take to protect yourself. Book your place on the Ambitious omen Rochford meet up via Eventbrite
Demystifying Public Sector Procurements for SMEs
On Wednesday 22 May at 11.00am – 1.00pm online.
A free webinar for SMEs that explores how small to medium sized businesses in Essex can find and successfully bid for public sector contracts. This webinar is delivered by David Adlington, Consultant, from The Consortium, Catherine Martin, Procurement Specialist, from Essex County Council, Derin Ovolen, Social Value and Climate Change Officer and Rosalva Johnston, Essex Anchor Social Value Officer.
Book your place via Let’s Do Business website
3 Chambers Connect Professionals
These are regular informal, Professionals business networking events, with no fees or commitments, held on the last Friday of each month in Rayleigh.
Connect Professionals is the network for you if you are in; Accounting, Coaching & Training, Digital & Creative, Employment & HR, Financial Services, Health and Medical, Legal, Management & Consultancy, Marketing & PR, Property.
It's a great way to meet up with like-minded professionals from your area. These ’get togethers’ are about getting to know people and sharing knowledge and experiences. The event is free of charge as a cash bar is available. Just turn up any time between 12.00 - 2.00pm and get involved. 3 Chambers look forward to welcoming you. Register via Eventbrite.
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!