Launchpad Southend

The Doctor Can See You Now - Lab To Launch
2025-03-05 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | Online
Lab to Launch
Dr Samantha can help you manage your valuable IP – from innovative lab ideas to successful market launch.
Dr Samantha’s online IP Bioscience Clinic.
Book your free 1:1 consultation on 5th March.
Email to book an appointment: anne.douglas@lawrie-ip.com

EEAT your way to the top of Google - An SEO strategy that works!
2025-03-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
This dynamic session is designed to help SMBs unlock the power of EEAT—Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—one of Google’s key ranking factors. Learn how adopting EEAT principles can transform your SEO strategy, boost your search rankings, and drive meaningful traffic to your website.

Topics covered include:

What is EEAT, and why is it critical for your website’s search visibility?
How Google uses EEAT to evaluate and rank websites in search results.
The core components of EEAT and how to optimise for each: content quality, credibility, and transparency.
Steps SMBs can take to align their website and content strategy with EEAT guidelines.
Why EEAT isn’t just an SEO tool—it’s also key to building trust with visitors.
How a focus on EEAT can convert organic traffic into leads and sales.
Practical examples of businesses leveraging EEAT to outperform competitors.
Lessons learned and actionable insights from these success stories.
Strategies to use EEAT as part of a broader digital marketing effort
Tips for staying ahead of the competition by maintaining high-quality, authoritative content.

By the end of this session, attendees will have a clear roadmap for implementing EEAT in their SEO strategy, along with practical tips to improve their website’s performance.

The session is part 2 of 2 sessions.
The sessions are targeted towards businesses with more than 10 employee’s and individuals in management level roles for either the organisation or the sales and marketing functions.

More about Anna: Anna is a highly experienced communications specialist providing strategic digital marketing that works!
“With over 10 years’ worth of experience in the marketing industry, I’ve had the pleasure of working in various roles, including magazine editor, content marketer, outreach manager and managing director. What’s more, I’m lucky to have worked in both agency and in-house positions, which has given me a great understanding of how both sides work.“
Anna is the founder of Quibble. Quibble provides a wide range of digital marketing services to businesses of all sizes both in the UK and abroad.

Using video and AI for marketing
2025-03-05 10:30 - 13:00 | Langdon Hills Golf Country Club & Hotel, Lower Dunton Road, Horndon on the Hill, RM14 3TY, United Kingdom
The video and AI marketing workshop provides an exploration of the benefits of using video for marketing, starting with the definition of a brand and the nuances of personal branding. Participants learn practical steps for creating video, illustrated by a case study. The workshop also covers key aspects of the role of video in SEO to boost online presence and the importance of leveraging social media platforms for business growth. Finally, the workshop presents the latest AI tools which business leaders can implement to help grow their business and streamline operations.
This workshop equips attendees with essential knowledge and skills to effectively establish and promote their brand in the competitive digital marketplace.
The workshop will take place at Langdon Hills Golf and Country Club, Lower Dunton Rd, Bulphan, Upminster, Essex RM14 3TY
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This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

How CRM adoption can increase sales!
2025-03-07 11:30 - 13:00 | Online
This 90-minute session is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) unlock the full potential of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to drive sales growth. We’ll dive into the key strategies and actionable steps required to implement a successful CRM strategy.
In a small event with a maximum of 12 participants, Anna will help you discover the power of your CRM!

Topics covered include:

Why CRM adoption is crucial for increasing sales.
How CRM provides insights into customer behavior and optimises sales processes.
Best practices for onboarding teams and ensuring user adoption.
How to integrate CRM systems with existing tools like accounting software, marketing platforms, and customer support systems.
Streamlining data flow across departments to improve decision-making and collaboration.
Proven methods to encourage team buy-in and consistent usage.
Overcoming common challenges SMEs face when adopting a CRM system.
Measuring the ROI of your CRM system.

The session is part 2 of 2 sessions.
By the end of this session, attendees will have a clear understanding of how to implement a CRM strategy that aligns with your business goals, ensures team engagement, and drives measurable sales results.
The sessions are targeted towards businesses with more than 10 employee’s and individuals in management level roles for either the organisation or the sales and marketing functions.

More about Anna: Anna is a highly experienced communications specialist providing strategic digital marketing that works!
“With over 10 years’ worth of experience in the marketing industry, I’ve had the pleasure of working in various roles, including magazine editor, content marketer, outreach manager and managing director. What’s more, I’m lucky to have worked in both agency and in-house positions, which has given me a great understanding of how both sides work.“
Anna is the founder of Quibble. Quibble provides a wide range of digital marketing services to businesses of all sizes both in the UK and abroad.

Navigating the Business Landscape: from Start Up to SME
2025-03-11 10:00 - 2025-03-12 13:00 | Online
Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help businesses at every stage of their journey, from start-up to small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, this webinar will equip you with the insights, strategies, and tools needed to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Event details:
Date: Tuesday 11th & Wednesday 12th March 2025
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Online (ZOOM)
For: Businesses based in Essex

No matter where you are on your business journey, this workshop will support you in navigating your:
Competitive Landscape: Understand how to identify your unique selling points (USPs) and differentiate yourself from competitors.
Business Model Options: Explore innovative ways to optimize your revenue streams and enhance profitability.
Marketing Effectiveness: Pinpoint the most effective channels for reaching your target audience and maximizing marketing ROI.
Scaling for Success: Learn how to create the right conditions to launch new products, services, and expand your business.
Unlock the tools to navigate your business challenges and scale with confidence!

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. This workshop is available to businesses within Essex, excluding Southend and Thurrock.
For more information visit https: www.backingessexbusiness.co.uk

Supercharge Your Sales Process with AI
2025-03-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Welcome to Supercharge Your Sales with AI!
Discover how to work smarter, not harder, by unlocking the power of AI in your sales process. Imagine crafting personalized emails in seconds, predicting customer needs with ease, and automating your follow-ups — all with the help of AI. This isn’t about replacing salespeople; it’s about giving you the tools to become more effective, efficient, and impactful.
Join us to learn practical AI strategies you can implement right now to supercharge your sales funnel, maximize productivity, and close more deals. Whether you’re a sales pro or a business owner, this course will change the way you think about sales forever.
Sales Geek is a global sales trainer. We provide expert training in Sales and business growth across the UK, USA, and India, as well as Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Europe. We work with SMEs and large corporate clients, including Royal Mail, IAG Cargo, Panasonic, Simply Health, Pleo and Verastar.
Join our webinar to learn how AI can maximise your business growth.

A Guide to Meta Business Suite for Facebook & Instagram Workshop
2025-03-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
When navigating the Meta Business Suite, it can become overwhelming when trying to find your way around the platform, especially when it comes to placing ads and sponsoring posts or boosts.
Not many of us have the budget to hire dedicated staff or third-party agencies to run our account so practical knowledge and skills are vital when we have limited time and resources.
Join us for an informative and practical workshop which will provide an interactive overview of how to best utilise the Meta Business Suite platform and its advanced features to truly deliver for your organisation.
To make this workshop as bespoke as possible we will ask you a few short questions when you register in order for us to understand the needs of the group, but we will cover the following areas:
• Introduction to the interface
• How Facebook adverts can work for ANY budget
• Different types of ads and outcomes
• Boosts v Ads campaigns
• From basic to advanced targeting
• Creating high quality promotional materials
• Linking Facebook ads with your website
• Ad rejections and how to handle them
• Trolls, bots and spam messages and the best way to deal with them
• Insights, scheduling and reporting.
Our social media workshops are popular, and places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Who Should Attend
This training is for staff who have the responsibility of social media as part of their role and have a good working knowledge of Facebook and/or Instagram, but do not necessarily have a working knowledge of how to make the platform work best for their business. This course will assist in gaining that understanding and how to tailor it to established business goals.
What’s Included

The workshop lasts for 2 hours but attendees can stay on for a further 30 minutes for additional discussions and advice.
After the workshop, we will send you a pack containing all the advice, tips and links discussed during the session.
You will also be able to pass on follow-up questions to our trainers, SRX Consultancy, who will offer practical support (via email or a quick call) to ensure you are able to put everything you learned into action.

About the Trainers
SRX Consultancy is a boutique PR, social media and communications agency specialising in areas including charity and small business.
SRX’s bespoke and tailored training sessions have been running for 10 years – attended by staff from hundreds of charities, organisations, and small businesses, always receiving positive feedback.
This workshop will be delivered by Simon Rothstein and Lauren Soar.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace Webinar
2025-03-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Did you know that an estimated 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent? This means many organisations already employ individuals with neurodivergent conditions or are likely to in the future. Ensuring your workplace is inclusive and supportive of neurodiverse talent is not only the right thing to do but also essential for compliance with employment law and fostering a more innovative and productive workforce.
Specialist employment solicitor, Charlotte Holman, from Holmes & Hills Solicitors, will provide expert insights to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity and share actionable guidance on creating a more inclusive workplace for neurodivergent employees.
What you will learn:

What Neurodiversity is and the range of neurodivergent conditions
Why awareness is important for employers – exploring the legal duties and risks
Practical steps for employers to support neurodivergent employees in the workplace
Real-world insights including Employment Tribunal case examples

Who should attend?
This webinar is designed for HR professionals, managers, business owners, and anyone responsible for ensuring compliance with employment law or fostering inclusivity in the workplace. Whether you are seeking to improve your organisation’s support for neurodivergent employees or want to better understand your legal obligations, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need.

Lunch and Learn: Overcoming the fear of failure when starting a business
2025-03-21 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
Fear is a natural part of running a business but it doesn’t have to control your growth or your income.
In this webinar, Krystle McGilvery will guide you through understanding the deeper roots of fear, reframing limiting beliefs and building the confidence to earn what you’re worth.
You’ll also discover how to surround yourself with the right people and resources to create lasting financial stability, even in unpredictable times. Packed with practical strategies and real-world examples, this session will help you turn setbacks into stepping stones and create a business that thrives.
Key takeaways from this session:

Understand the deeper roots of fear in your business. Whether it’s pricing, visibility, or doing something new, and learn how external messages and old beliefs might be limiting your growth
Learn practical ways to flip fear-driven thoughts and confidently take the next steps in your business, from raising your prices to testing new offers and building financial stability
Discover how to create a supportive ecosystem of peers, mentors and experts online and in person, who will push you forward, keep you accountable and normalise success and profitability

Krystle is a chartered accountant, behavioural change expert and dynamic speaker dedicated to helping individuals and organisations unlock their unique value, build confidence and foster financial and economic resilience. With over a decade of experience in financial leadership within creative industries, she blends behavioural science, financial strategy and psychology to drive transformative action.
If you have any questions you’d like Krystle to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)
About Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network, helping thousands of people turn their good idea into a great business. Join today to get everything you need to start and grow your small business, in one place.

Are you ready to win public sector tenders? With BIZphit
2025-03-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Are you poised to seize opportunities in the public sector and elevate your business to new heights? Winning public sector tenders can be a transformative venture, fuelling growth and stability for your business. Now is the time to assess your readiness and sharpen your strategies to become a leading contender for public sector tenders.
Some of the areas below the workshop will cover.
· Is tendering right for your business
· Defining your business profile
· Bid or no bid assessment
· Time management for the tender process
Familiarising yourself with regulations, compliance requirements, and evaluation criteria specific to the public sector will provide you with the winning formula. By doing so, you can tailor your proposals to meet the exact needs of the contracting authority, demonstrating that you are not only a reliable partner but also a strategic asset.
The culmination of these efforts will position you as a formidable candidate ready to win public sector tenders and drive your business forward.
At the end of this workshop, attendees will be better placed to understand the regulations and requirements to ensure they are ready to bid for public sector tenders.

Creating a content marketing strategy that converts
2025-03-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
Discover how to create a content marketing strategy that converts.
In this webinar, Sally Day, director of Saltoria Marketing, will dive into creating effective content strategies, from identifying target audiences to developing content calendars and measuring success.
Key takeaways from this session:

Tips on how to create a simple and realistic content marketing plan
Advice on how to create a content calendar that works for you
Tips on creating impactful and original content
How to identify your ideal client and measure success

Sally runs Saltoria Marketing and is an Enterprise Nation adviser. Sally and her team are super passionate about making marketing fun and accessible for everyone and giving small companies the same opportunities that big brands get.

How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)

Brand Distinction - The Art of Winning Customers’ Attention
2025-03-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
In a world where customers are bombarded with choices, how do you make your business the one they remember?
Join Small Business Britain, BT Digital Skills, and marketing expert Karen Webber, founder of Goodness Marketing, for this one-hour webinar to help small businesses stand out in a competitive marketplace.
You’ll learn: – How to move beyond generic marketing and find your authentic brand voice that resonates with your ideal audience – Practical strategies to showcase your unique perspective and experiences in your marketing communications – How to break away from industry “shoulds” to create marketing that feels genuine and attracts loyal customers
Meet the Expert: Karen Webber is a marketing coach and strategist. As the owner of Goodness Marketing, Karen helps small businesses with big hearts do marketing that feels good, does good and gets good results.
About BT Digital Skills: BT Digital Skills is partnering with Small Business Britain to deliver digital skills to small businesses across the UK.

Access to Finance: Masterclass for Disabled, d/Deaf, and Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs
2025-03-31 11:00 - 12:00 | online workshop
Accessing business finance is a barrier for many entrepreneurs, and when faced with additional barriers, as many Disabled entrepreneurs are – the topic can become even harder to navigate.
On Monday 31st March at 11am, Small Business Britain and Lloyds Bank are running an online Masterclass to help Disabled, d/Deaf and Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs understand how and when to access finance, and what options are out there.
Topics covered in the session include:

How and when to access finance for your business
Finance options available to you
How to set up your finances to ensure you’re in the best place possible for when you are ready to apply for additional funding
Information on the Disability Finance Code for Entrepreneurship which launched in November 2024 to enable better access to finance for Disabled founders

Alongside experts from Lloyds Bank, the Access to Finance Masterclass will be hosted by:
Richard Bearman: Managing Director, Small Business Lending – the British Business Bank
Kirsty Heywood-MacDonald: Founder of Heywood-MacDonald Accountancy Services
Masterclass details:
Date: 31st March
Time: 11am-12pm
Location: Zoom – you will receive the link directly from Zoom within 24 hours of completing the Google Form

SE..whO Breaking down the basics of SEO
2025-04-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
In an era where online presence is a necessity, understanding the fundamentals of search engine optimisation (SEO) is crucial for individuals and businesses alike. Navigating this dynamic landscape, can appear overwhelming and complicated for small business owners, but Let’s Do Marketing are here to help.
This 2-hour webinar breaks down the basics of SEO, providing you with the understanding of the core principles and highlights the tools available to help search engines to give you the attention you deserve!
Event details:
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £30pp
What You’ll Learn:

Understanding Search Engines: Gain insights into how search engines work and how they determine the ranking of web pages.

Keyword Research and Optimization: Learn how to strategically incorporate keywords into your content to increase visibility and attract the right audience.

On-Page SEO Techniques: Explore the critical on-page elements that contribute to a website’s SEO success.

Off-Page SEO Strategies: Delve into off-page SEO factors, including backlink building and social signals. Understand how to cultivate a strong online presence beyond the confines of your website.

Technical SEO Essentials: Uncover the technical aspects of SEO, such as site speed, mobile optimization, and crawlability.

Measuring and Analysing SEO Performance: Explore key metrics and tools to measure the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.

Who Should Attend:
· Small Business Owners

Small Business Owners

Content Creators

Entrepreneurs

Anyone Seeking to Enhance Digital Presence

Let’s demystify SEO and empower you to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

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.

Learn How the New GPSR is Changing Product Safety Standards Webinar
2025-04-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Webinar
The General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) was replaced by the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) on 13th December, marking a significant shift in product safety across the EU. Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, these changes cover all consumer products sold in the EU, online and offline, and will impact how you do business.
Join us for this informative 1 ½ hour webinar where we’ll dive deep into the key updates, new requirements, and how your business can stay compliant. Our trainer will guide you through everything you need to know about this important regulation.
We will:
• Familiarise companies with the GPSR
• Cover how to review and update internal processes
• Help you ensure product safety and traceability
• Prepare you for increased market surveillance
• How to cooperate with authorities and online platforms

Social Media Content Playbook – What to Post, When to Post, and How to Engage
2025-04-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Struggling for social media ideas? Not sure what to post or how to turn likes into real engagement?
Join Sam Flynn in this one hour session, hosted by Small Business Britain and BT Digital Skills, where you’ll learn how to create a content strategy that works.
You’ll learn: – What kinds of content are engaging and driving growth
-How to time your posts to reach most people
–How to create meaningful relationships with your audience
Whether you’re just starting out with social media or need to rethink your strategy, this webinar will give you clear, practical steps to get social media to work for your business.
Don’t miss out—register now!
About Sam: Sam is a digital wellbeing and social media coach, trainer, and speaker with 14 years of experience. Sam helps businesses grow through social media while addressing the challenges of the digital world. Specialising in digital culture, Sam supports businesses in boosting productivity and employee wellbeing by fostering healthier online habits and reducing smartphone overuse.
About BT Digital Skills: BT Digital Skills is partnering with Small Business Britain to deliver digital skills to small businesses across the UK.

Achieving Email Excellence Strategies for Successful Email Marketing
2025-04-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
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, we will explore how email marketing can be a game-changer for your business, unravelling the secrets behind crafting compelling campaigns and how they seamlessly integrate into your overall marketing strategy.
Event details:
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £30pp
Throughout this webinar, we’ll cover essential topics such as:

Building a Solid Foundation: Learn the fundamentals of email marketing, from creating subscriber lists to segmenting your audience for targeted messaging.

The Legal Bits: Get an understanding of the legalities of email marketing including Marketing Consent (GDPR) and Unsubscribes.

Crafting Irresistible Content: Dive deep into the art of crafting emails that captivate your audience.

Automation and Personalization: Explore the power of automation to streamline your email campaigns and the art of personalization to create a tailored experience for each recipient.

The Customer Journey: Learn how to utilise email marketing for more than just conversion. Nurture your customers and create touch points to improve customer engagement.

Analytics and Optimization: Learn how to track and interpret key metrics, identify areas for improvement, and optimize your campaigns for maximum impact.

Get ready to revolutionize your approach to email marketing and unlock the full potential of email marketing for your business!

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.

The Fundamentals of Writing a Marketing Plan
2025-04-23 09:30 - 11:30 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Unlock your business potential with a strategic marketing plan!

A well-crafted marketing plan ensures a structured, consistent approach to your marketing efforts—giving you the confidence to make informed decisions that drive success. Without a clear plan, you risk wasting valuable time and resources on strategies that may not align with your business goals.
This event is perfect for small business owners and marketing professionals within small organisations; whether you’re just starting out or an established business looking to refine your existing strategy.
Join FSB Essex and FSB Member, Michelle Passfield, to gain practical insights/expert guidance on marketing planning and strategy to help you achieve business growth.

Speaker
Michelle Passfield is a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualified professional, with expertise in marketing planning, strategy, communications and business development.
Her Southend-based marketing business, withMichelle, was launched in 2019, providing strategic marketing planning advice and training for small businesses.
Michelle’s extensive marketing career spans over 25 years, having worked in both the public and private sectors, mostly spending 15 years with London-based international law firms. She has also worked for a marketing agency, Anglia Ruskin University and Southend City Council.
Her recently launched ‘withMichelle event series’ provides a unique opportunity to connect with people throughout Essex. She has vast experience in managing, hosting and speaking at events.

Tickets for this event are £10 for FSB Members and £12 for Non-Members and include tea, coffee and biscuits. After the workshop, there will be time to network in the cafe on site which serves hot/cold drinks and light bites.
Due to limited numbers only one ticket per email address can be booked for this event. There is free parking available on site, with EV charging and blue badge parking available.
Accessibility Information: The venue is fully accessible with disabled toilets and blue badge parking. The event is on the ground floor.
Event contact
For general enquiries regarding the event, please contact Leila Jones on leila.jones@fsb.org.uk

The Art of Building Rapport and Trust in Sales
2025-04-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Trust drives customer loyalty. Rapport accelerates the sales process. In this practical and engaging webinar, we’ll show you how to master both.
Join Sales Geek as we unpack the art and science of building rapport and trust in sales — exploring how emotional intelligence, mirroring, and effective questioning create meaningful connections that shorten sales cycles and secure lasting customer relationships.
Whether you’re looking to improve your close rates, boost client retention, or simply become more confident in every conversation, this session will give you actionable techniques to take your sales performance to the next level.
Expect no fluff — just real-world strategies, practical tools, and plenty of Sales Geek energy.

Using Canva to Create Content
2025-04-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Want to learn how to create eye-catching and engaging graphics for your business? Join our Using Canva workshop to find out how to utilise the online graphic design platform Canva to make everything from your company branding to social media posts and more!
Event details:
Time: 10am – 11:30am
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £25pp
In this course, we’ll cover everything from:

How to sign up and get set up on the platform

How to navigate Canva as a beginner

Creating a brand kit for your business

Creating a new graphic together for a campaign for a business

Walkthrough of all the basic features of Canva

Resizing designs to make posters and leaflets

As part of the live event of this workshop, we will also have a Questions and Answers session to finish this online workshop, where participants can ask specific questions about how to use Canva for their business.

Meet the Host:
Kerry Madge | Marketing Executive, Let’s Do Marketing

Kerry Madge is a dynamic Marketing Executive at Let’s Do Marketing, bringing nearly six years of diverse experience collaborating with businesses of all sizes. Holding a BA in Marketing Management, Kerry excels in social media advertising, graphic design, and copywriting. Her passion lies in crafting creative solutions and developing comprehensive marketing strategies that empower small businesses to visualise and achieve their overarching goals.

How to write a winning Business Proposal for the public sector with BIZphit
2025-04-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Gain a comprehensive understanding of essential elements of a winning business proposal for the public sector, including:
· Understanding public sector requirements and interpreting RFQs.
· Tailoring your proposal to meet the unique needs of each public sector entity.
· Highlighting your value proposition effectively.
· The ‘pitch’ and how to deliver it effectively
· Navigating public sector regulations and compliance requirements.
How to ensure you follow the brief from the buyer

Devolution for Essex - What you need to know
2025-05-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Big changes are coming to Essex! With Essex selected for the government’s priority programme for devolution and local government reform, this is a critical moment for businesses, communities, and local leaders to understand what’s ahead.
What’s Changing?
🔹 A new Mayor for Essex – Election set for Spring 2026
🔹 A strategic authority combining Essex, Southend & Thurrock
🔹 Local government restructure – new unitary authorities by 2028
🔹 A streamlined approach for business and economic growth
At the Essex Chambers, we welcome these changes as they offer greater clarity, efficiency, and opportunities for local businesses. But what does it mean for you? Join our webinar to get the insights you need.
Why Attend?
✅ Hear expert analysis on what devolution means for Essex
✅ Understand how these changes will impact businesses & communities
✅ Have your questions answered in a live Q&A session
Date: Thursday 1 May 10.00am – 11.00am
Platform: Zoom
Cost: FREE for Members – Non-Members £25.00 + VAT
Stay informed and get ahead of the upcoming changes.

Demystifying AI for Small Businesses- Practical Time-Saving Tools
2025-05-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join our member Mat Parkins, founder of The AI Guys, for a no-nonsense session that cuts through the AI hype and delivers practical solutions for your business. In this 60-minute interactive workshop, Mat will show you how small businesses can immediately start using AI to slash admin time and boost productivity.
Drawing from his work helping businesses save hundreds of hours on repetitive tasks, Mat will walk you through:

Simple AI tools you can implement today (absolutely no coding or experience required)
Real-world examples of how Chamber members and similar businesses are using AI for customer service, content creation, and day-to-day admin
The most common mistakes businesses make when first implementing AI (and how to avoid them)
Quick wins that can give you back multiple hours in your very first week

This session is perfect for business owners who want to understand how AI can work FOR them, not replace them. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap of exactly which tools to try first and how to implement them in your specific business.
Forget theoretical tech talk – this is about practical solutions for real business challenges. We’ll have dedicated time for Q&A to address your specific business situations.
Date: Wednesday 7 May 10.00am – 11.00am
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: FREE for Members – Non-Members £25.00 + VAT
Please note: This event will not be recorded and any material will only be circulated to those that attend
About Mat
Mat Parkins is the founder of The AI Guys, where he’s on a mission to help businesses work smarter through practical AI solutions. With his background spanning business development, marketing and web design, Mat specialises in making complex technology accessible to regular business owners.
When he’s not helping clients automate their businesses, you’ll find him delivering keynotes speeches or developing training programmes at the University of Essex. His superpower? Taking the confusion out of AI and showing you exactly how to implement it in ways that make immediate sense for your business.
About The AI Guys
The AI Guys is an automation agency with an ambitious mission: giving back 1 billion hours to entrepreneurs and their teams by 2045. They focus exclusively on creating practical AI solutions that eliminate repetitive tasks and streamline business processes for companies with revenues between £100K-£2M.
Their approach isn’t about replacing people with technology – it’s about freeing up your valuable time to focus on what really matters: growing your business and serving your customers. Through their tailored automation systems, document processing tools, and AI-powered workflows, they’re helping businesses dramatically reduce admin time while improving consistency and customer experience.

Ticket Details

Ai Simplified: Is your SME ready to harness AI’s transformative power?
2025-05-07 12:00 - 15:30 | The Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3ZQ
Join us at the Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway for an exciting event focused on demystifying AI for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Learn how AI can revolutionise your business operations and drive growth. Discover practical strategies to implement AI solutions tailored to your SME’s needs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unlock the full potential of AI for your business.
Discover practical strategies to implement AI solutions tailored to your SME’s needs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unlock the full potential of AI for your business.
Speakers:
Ingrid Folland CEO Japeto
Lara Fox Director Objective
Mathew Parkins CEO The AI Guys
Dr Spyros Samothrakis Chief Scientific Adviser and Senior Lecturer

Green Light: Business Success
2025-05-15 09:30 - 14:30 | The Lion, Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 3JA
Making your business more sustainable is not only good for the planet… it’s good for business!
Join us at Green Light: Business Success this May to learn more about how you can increase profit, save money, and help you to win work by making your Essex business greener.
Net zero is being described as the ‘economic opportunity of the 21st century’ and now’s the time to find out how to harness the power of sustainable solutions, technologies and incentives to level up your business offering, infrastructure, efficiency and profitability.
Our team of expert guest speakers and discussion leaders 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.
Book your free place today – and please reach out on ambitiousessex@essex.gov.uk with any questions about the event.
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Event agenda
Full presentation and activity schedule to be confirmed, with topics covered to include:

Carbon Calculation guidance
Net zero: what is it and what does it mean for your business?
Green funding and grants
Procurement: winning work as a business
Finding profitability in embracing sustainability
Marketing and articulating your sustainability
Sustainability action planning
Demystifying sustainability terms
How your business can benefit from the economic opportunities

Exhibitor stands will also be in place to share information about the benefits of sustainability for businesses, practical solutions for your work premises, available grants and funding and more, with dedicated time allocated for networking during and after lunch.
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Event details

Thursday 15 May 2025
9.30am to 2.30pm
The Lion, Boreham, Chelmsford CM3 3JA

Lunch will be served at roughly 1pm, and refreshments will be available upon arrival and throughout.
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By registering for this event, you agree to be contacted by Ambitious Essex (part of Essex County Council) about the event and related opportunities.
Please note, filming and photography will be taking place at the event. Photo consent posters will be displayed across the venue. If you do not wish to be captured, please make yourself known to a member of the team.

Empowering Skills and Talent: The Future of Learning and Apprenticeships
2025-05-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Future-Proof Your Business: Invest in Your People!

About this Event
Join us at Launchpad for an inspiring and practical event that brings together industry experts, business leaders and training providers to explore the evolving world of skills, apprenticeships, and workforce development.
Through keynote talks, success stories and open discussions, we’ll share how businesses can unlock the full potential of training initiatives, demystify apprenticeships and future-proof their workforce in a changing economy.
Highlights include:
✅ Expert insights on 30 years of HR and Learning & Development evolution
✅ Real-life apprenticeship success story: from apprentice to project manager
✅ Key trends in accountancy apprenticeships and the wider skills landscape
✅ Practical myth-busting and advice on maximising apprenticeship investment
✅ Networking opportunities with peers, speakers, and training specialists
Whether you’re an employer, HR leader, educator, or simply passionate about skills development, this event is for you!
🕒 Event Schedule
10:00 AM — Welcome, Housekeeping & Introduction to SEATS
Jacqui & Sam
10:15 AM — The Evolution of Learning and Development
Simon
11:00 AM — Apprenticeship Success Story: Woman in Construction
Lauren
11:15 AM — The Future of Accountancy Apprenticeships
Leah
11:30 AM — How SEATS Can Support Your Business (Levy/Myth Busting/Bespoke Training)
Sam
12:00 PM onwards — Networking and refreshments
Why Attend?

Learn from top industry speakers
Get practical advice on funding and training
Meet apprenticeship providers and success stories
Expand your professional network
Help shape the future workforce of our region

Build Your Brand - How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market
2025-05-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
In a crowded marketplace, a strong brand is your biggest asset! Join Small Business Britain, BT Digital Skills, and branding expert Stacey Kehoe for a webinar to help you define your brand, highlight its unique value, and build meaningful customer relationships.
Learn how to set your business apart and make a lasting impact—all without a large budget.
You’ll gain:
– Insights into the key elements that make a brand stand out and how to shape your own identity.
– Practical tips for crafting compelling stories and messages that resonate with your audience.
– Cost-effective strategies to boost your brand’s visibility and cultivate long-term customer loyalty.
About Stacey: Stacey Kehoe, founder of Brandlective Communications, has worked in digital marketing and brand development for the last ten years. She’s a podcast host and editor of the SME marketing magazine The Vault, which has gained her media recognition and award nominations.
About BT Digital Skills: BT Digital Skills is partnering with Small Business Britain to deliver digital skills to small businesses across the UK.

Leveraging LinkedIn: Building a personal brand to be seen and heard
2025-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Part of the Be Better – Launchpad (Digital Marketing) 2025 collection
In today’s competitive business landscape, a strong personal brand is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. For business owners, LinkedIn is an invaluable platform for building credibility, establishing thought leadership, and expanding your professional network.
In this 90-minute session, we’ll explore how to harness the power of LinkedIn to transform your personal brand into a driving force for business growth. We’ll cover essential strategies for optimising your profile, engaging with your audience, and leveraging LinkedIn’s features to amplify your reach and influence. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this session will provide you with the actionable insights you need to elevate your LinkedIn presence and further your business goals.

Additional information:
Photography Notice: A member of the team will be taking candid pictures during the session. These photos may be used for future promotional materials, including on our website and social media platforms.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know upon arrival, or inform the event team in the room. By attending, you are consenting to potentially appear in photographs unless otherwise stated.
Dietry Requirements: There will be vegan and vegatarian food options available. If you have any additional requirements, please email rhiannon@betteragency.co.uk.
GDPR: By registering for this event, you agree to share your contact details with the event organisers for communication purposes. We respect your privacy and will handle your data in accordance with GDPR regulations.

Southend Business Partnership Briefing 22 May 2025
2025-05-22 07:30 - 10:30 | Holiday Inn Southend, 77 Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6XG, United Kingdom
PLEASE NOTE:- there has been a change of date from 15 May to 22 May.
Any previous links published may still show the 15 May on the booking link but it has been updated on Eventbrite and newer publications to 22nd.
The morning will have on offer a free light breakfast, networking opportunities and a round of updates from local providers.
7.30am registration begins
7.30 to 8.30am networking and light breakfast
8.30 to 10am presentations from keynote speakers
This event will highlight recent “growth” good news stories and the opportunities to further support maximising our city’s entrepreneurial spirit – also there will be a detailed update on the recently launched Southend City Vision.
Organisations presenting are: –

London Southend Airport
Surgical Holdings Limited
Southend-on-Sea City Council – “Business on Sea”
Southend City Partnership – “Southend City Vision”

10 to 10.30am networking
Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances we have a change of date for the Southend Business Partnership Briefing which will now be held 22 May. This will take place at Holiday Inn Southend, 77 Eastwoodbury Cres, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6XG

Windsor Framework Webinar
2025-05-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
As the Windsor Framework continues to reshape trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, upcoming regulatory changes are set to impact businesses across sectors. This informative webinar will break down key aspects, address challenges, and provide actionable insights for businesses.
Key Discussion Points:

Green Lane vs. Red Lane – Understanding the new customs procedures and eligibility requirements
Upcoming VAT & Tariff Adjustments – How businesses will be affected in 2025 and beyond
Product Compliance & Labeling Changes – New rules for food, medicines, and manufactured goods
Customs & SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Controls – What’s changing and how to prepare
Practical Guidance & Compliance Strategies – Steps to minimize disruption and maintain smooth operations
Q&A’s – Get your questions answered by our trade specialist.

Who Should Attend?

Importers & Exporters dealing with NI-GB trade
Retailers and distributors navigating supply chain changes
Manufacturers impacted by regulatory shifts
Logistics & customs professionals

Date: Tuesday 27 May 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Platform: Zoom
Cost: FREE for Members – Non-Members £25.00 + VAT
Ensure your business is prepared for the evolving trade landscape, register now!
