Launchpad Southend

LinkedIn Do's & Don'ts for Success
2025-11-20 09:30 - 11:30 UTC | Online
LinkedIn has emerged as a powerful platform for professionals to connect, network, and advance their careers.
Join us as we delve into the essential do’s and don’ts of LinkedIn, uncovering the key tactics to optimise your profile, expand your network, and engage effectively with potential customers and collaborators.
Whether you are just starting, or you are a regular user looking to enhance your profile, this webinar is designed to equip you with practical insights in how to make the most of the platform.
We will also look at LinkedIn Campaign Manager including how to create audiences and paid ad capabilities.
Event details:
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £30pp

Meet the Host:
Stacey Pretty | Marketing Director, Let’s Do Marketing

Stacey is the Marketing Director of Let’s Do Marketing, a marketing consultancy and services agency which is tailored to specifically support new and small businesses with organising and fulfilling their marketing ideas. With over 17 years of marketing experience, working in both B2B and B2C environments, Stacey has extensive experience in managing, creating, and promoting a variety of products and services using both online and offline marketing tools. Understanding the challenges faced by new and small businesses, Stacey seeks to simplify the complexities of marketing, with an approach focused on effectiveness and consistency, ensuring that every marketing effort translates into tangible results. For Stacey, marketing isn’t just about campaigns; it’s about building relationships and fostering an excellent customer experience.

LinkedIn Content That Connects and Builds Trust
2025-11-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.

Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.

Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us! LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers, it’s a powerful platform for business growth. In this practical and energising session, LinkedIn coach Ashley Leeds shows you how to boost your visibility, attract the right audience, and turn connections into customers.

You will learn:

– Spot and fix the top 3 LinkedIn mistakes most small businesses make

– Transform your profile into a powerful, client-attracting asset

– Come up with simple content ideas that drive clicks and conversations

– Show up consistently on LinkedIn in just 15 minutes a day – Build genuine connections with your ideal audience (without the awkward sales pitch)

Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

How to achieve Small Business Sustainability through Local Collaboration
2025-11-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us! In this session, sustainability expert Adam Bastock explores how small businesses can achieve meaningful environmental change by working together at a local level. Discover why collaboration rather than competition, is key to sustainability success!
You will learn:
– Practical ways small businesses can support each other.
– How community events spark action and partnerships more than formal training
– Identify quick wins for collective environmental impact.
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Getting Started with Influencer Marketing
2025-11-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Influencer marketing has become one of the most powerful tools for brands looking to connect with their audiences in authentic and engaging ways. This is no surprise, as people love to be able to see a product tried and tested by someone they admire. In this session, Social Media Expert Katherine George will take you through the steps necessary to launch your own influencer campaign.
You will learn:
– How to find the right influencer for your brand
– Understand the process behind an influencer lead campaign
– The benefits of using influencer to support your brand Sign up for more webinars in this series here:
https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
2025-11-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Do you ever feel like a fraud, despite your accomplishments? You’re definitely not alone, imposter syndrome affects high achievers across all industries and can often impact their business and potential negatively. Coach Jane Galloway will lead an empowering webinar designed to help you understand, challenge, and overcome imposter syndrome. Through relatable insights and practical tools, Jane will guide you toward building lasting self-belief, allowing your full potential to be reached.
You’ll learn:
– What imposter syndrome really is and why it’s so common
– How to overcome imposter syndrome
– How to reframe your self-doubt and boost your self confidence
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Why brand awareness ads are NOT a waste of money
2025-11-27 11:00 - 12:00
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Brand awareness campaigns are often underestimated, but they can be the launchpad for a successful Meta ads strategy. In this webinar, Michaela Parker will show how to unlock their potential and not be discounted.
You will learn:
– Why brand awareness campaigns can set the stage for long-term success with Meta
– Three overlooked campaign types that deliver powerful results
– How to interpret and value awareness metrics the right way
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

How to Find the Right Investors
2025-11-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us! Need investment to launch or grow your business? Paul Grant shares proven strategies to secure capital through crowdfunding, angel investors, venture capital, and more. Ideal for startups or scaling businesses, this one-hour webinar offers a clear, step-by-step approach to raising funds.
You’ll learn:
– How to choose the best investment route for your business
– The fastest ways to find and connect with investors
– How to deliver a winning pitch
– How to value your business and avoid legal pitfalls Join for insider tips and a live Q&A to tackle your funding questions!
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Create a Rock Solid Business Plan
2025-12-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.

Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!

A strong business plan is the foundation for growth and resilience, allowing you to make confident decisions and stay focused on what drives your business forward. In this webinar, business strategist Emma Mills-Sheffield will share practical ways to build a plan that works for you.

You will learn:

– ⁠How to prioritise what really matters in your business plan

– ⁠Tools to help you build and challenge your plan

– How to monitor your progress and make sure you’re on the right track during the year

Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Money Made Simple: Cash Flow Forecasting for Small Businesses
2025-12-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Managing money can feel overwhelming, especially for small or one-person businesses. Join Simon Rigby in breaking down the essentials of cash flow forecasting into clear, simple steps you can apply right away. You’ll learn how to predict your income and expenses, avoid cash shortfalls, and make confident financial decisions without needing an accounting degree.
You will learn:
• What cash flow forecasting is (and why it matters more than profit).
• A Simple method to forecast your cash flow using real numbers from your business.
• Spot potential cash gaps early—and know what actions to take.
• Practical tips and tools to keep your business financially healthy.
• Walk away with confidence in managing your money, not fear of it.
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Stress Smarts: Thrive Under Pressure
2025-12-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Stress is often seen as an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, Helen will help you look beyond the clichés to understand what stress really is and identify hidden triggers that quietly undermine wellbeing and decision-making in business. Helen will also be sharing practical techniques to effectively handle the pressures of entrepreneurial life.
You will learn:
– The true nature of stress and why it’s often misunderstood
– How to identify hidden stressors (mesotrauma®) specific to founders
– Learn and apply tips to start hacking your stress response
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Insights for SMEs on Surviving Recessions and Transforming into Leading Businesses
2025-12-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
In an era of economic uncertainty, resilience and adaptability are the true hallmarks of successful businesses.
This interactive online workshop is designed specifically for midsize to larger SMEs that are navigating transformation and growth during challenging economic times.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday 4th December 2025
Time: 10:00AM – 1:00PM
Location: Online (ZOOM) Workshop
For: Businesses based in Essex (excluding Thurrock)
Led by an experienced business coach, this session will explore how to build resilience, manage resources effectively, and create a forward-looking strategy that balances immediate operational needs with long-term investment.
Through practical insights and real-world examples, participants will learn how to:

Sustain operations and manage resources effectively during economic downturns

Balance short-term stability with long-term strategic investments

Encourage innovation and agility while maintaining strong governance

Identify new opportunities for growth amid market disruptions

Participants will gain actionable frameworks, real-world case studies, and proven strategies to strengthen their business fundamentals, enhance decision-making, and position their organisations for future leadership.
Whether your business is preparing for the next economic shift or actively working to scale sustainably, this workshop will equip you with the tools and insights needed to thrive, not just survive.
Who Should Attend:

CEOs, Managing Directors, and Senior Executives of SMEs

Business Transformation and Strategy Leaders

Financial and Operations Managers involved in growth planning

Don’t miss this opportunity to future-proof your business and connect with peers who share your ambition for lasting success.

About the host:
Ross Moran, Business Advisory Manager
Over two decades focusing on new venture creation and business transformation, Ross has worked in multiple finance, management, and technology roles within small and large organisations. Implementing new business models and developing a deep understanding of how technology process improvements intersect with business lifecycles and ecosystems has given Ross a unique perspective on most aspects of business including market research, new product development, raising finance, sales, marketing, and business transformation.

This workshop is provided courtesy of Backing Essex Business. Fully-funded by Essex County Council and delivered by Let’s Do Business Group. Backing Essex Business (Formerly Back to Business Essex) is here to support business growth across the county, promoting economic growth and creating jobs, by providing free business support, access to finance and training.

For more information visit https: www.backingessexbusiness.co.uk

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HR Prime FREE Training Session- Company Branding- Attracting Customers and Enhancing Your Reputation
2025-12-04 11:30 - 12:30 | Online
HR Prime FREE Training Session
Company Branding: Attracting Customers and Enhancing Your Reputation
Join us for an exciting online training session where you will learn all about company branding. Discover how to attract customers and enhance your reputation in the market. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level!
Please register to secure a spot!

Using AI in Bid Writing – Opportunities and Risks
2025-12-16 09:30 - 10:00 | Online
Essex Growth Agency is pleased to offer this free webinar for businesses and organisations across Essex. Join us for an insightful session on how Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future of bid writing. Discover practical ways AI can support your bidding process, the potential risks involved, and expert tips to improve success rates.
Date: 16th December 2025
Time: 09:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Agenda:

Introduction – Overview of Thornton & Lowe
The Importance of Effective Writing – How strong writing impacts success rates
What’s Involved in Writing – Key considerations for a winning bid
How AI Can Help – Practical applications for bid writing
How AI Can Be a Risk – Understanding limitations and compliance issues
Q&A Session – Your questions answered

Speaker:
Charles Grosstephan, Director of Development, Thornton & Lowe
About Thornton & Lowe:
Thornton & Lowe is a leading Bid Management and Bid Writing Consultancy with a success rate of nearly 80%, supporting businesses across all sectors nationwide to plan and secure contracts and frameworks.
