Access to Finance: Masterclass for Disabled, d/Deaf, and Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs
2025-03-31 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | 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!

How to leverage AI to support your marketing function
2025-05-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Part of the Be Better – Launchpad (Digital Marketing) 2025 collection
In the age of artificial intelligence, small businesses have access to powerful tools that can revolutionise their marketing efforts. AI can handle a wide range of tasks, from researching and planning campaigns to writing and creating content.
By embracing AI, small businesses can build a cost-effective, scalable marketing team that can effectively shortcut tasks and accelerate market awareness and growth. This 90 minute session will delve into the practical applications of AI in small business marketing, demonstrating how AI can be used to streamline processes, enhance creativity, and achieve significant business outcomes. Join us to discover the transformative power of AI and how it can empower your small business to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

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.

SEO for Summer: How to Get Your Business Found on Google
2025-06-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Sunshine’s coming, and so are the customers! Everyone’s hitting Google to find the best summer deals – are they finding you?
Don’t let your business get lost in the holiday crowds. We’re showing you how to make sure your website pops up right when people are searching for what you offer.
Join Small Business Britain, BT Digital Skills, and SEO whiz Mark Tomkins (Aubergine) for a webinar where we’ll skip the techy talk and get straight to practical tips on how to: – Find the words your customers actually use when searching.
– Make your website irresistible to Google (and those customers!).
– See what’s working (and what’s not) so you can keep your summer sales sizzling.
Let’s make this your best summer yet!
Meet the expert: Mark Tomkins is the director of Aubergine , a web agency specialising in helping small businesses grow their online presence. With over 30 years of experience in web design ,development, SEO, and digital strategy, Mark has a proven track record of helping companies improve their visibility on Google and drive organic traffic to their websites. At Aubergine, he leads a team dedicated to delivering effective websites that enhance search engine rankings and overall web performance.
Mark’s expertise in SEO and user journey best practices, combined with his passion for helping small businesses thrive in the competitive online landscape, makes him a trusted & knowledgeable advisor. In this upcoming webinar, he will share invaluable insights and actionable techniques in non-techie language that small business owners can use to boost their websites’ search engine visibility and ultimately grow their business online. About BT Digital Skills: BT Digital Skills is partnering with Small Business Britain to deliver digital skills to small businesses across the UK.

Financial Mastery for Southend Small Businesses
2025-06-05 09:20 - 15:00 | Admiral Room, Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Essex, SS0 7RA
Financial Mastery for Southend-on-Sea businesses
Money and finance touch so many aspects of our business and personal lives.
By better understanding your relationship with money, you are more likely to live a life with less money stress and see money for what it is: a tool that can facilitate opportunities and options.
During this event for small business owners and leaders, you will:
Gain new insights into your own financial wellbeing
Better understand the importance of money habits and emotional responses to money matters
Develop your relationship with money to help unlock your best future
Consider some key actions to take now and in the future to have a better financial future
Understand what we all say to ourselves about money
Explore the five MoneyStoryTypes® and take the MoneyStoryTypes® assessment to understand your money narrative
Consider how money habits can impact important money decisions
Host Profile
Justin Walton is an Executive and Financial Coach and Consultant, helping people develop their leadership and financial skills and assisting organisations in upskilling their people through Financial Wellbeing programmes. Justin has recently launched “ALIGN – Achieving Lasting Impact, Growth & Nexus ® “, a coaching-led programme to help mid-lifers gain better alignment across key areas of work and life.
Justin holds a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching from Henley Business School and is a Certified Financial Coach. Justin is also a non-practicing Chartered Tax Advisor and Member of the Association of Taxation Technicians (Fellow). He is a member of the Institute of Leadership and Management, the International Coaching Federation, the Institute of Financial Wellbeing, and the Association of Mental Health First Aiders. Justin also supports mental health-related charities.

Essex Business Sales Accelerator - June Start
2025-06-06 09:30 - 13:00, 2025-06-13 09:30 - 13:00, 2025-06-20 09:30 - 13:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Come join us for a series of 4 workshops, delivered in partnership with Sales Geek
The Essex Business Sales Accelerator is designed to enhance the sales skills of local business owners and leaders, helping them attract more customers and increase revenue from their existing clientele.

The course is delivered across 4, half-day sessions, held over 4 weeks.

Overview:
Session 1 – June 6th 09:30 – 13:00
• Identify key attributes within yourselves that will help lead to success.
• Identify the different parts of the brain associated with the Decision-Making Process and understand yourself more.
• Utilise a simple structure to grab your prospect’s attention and begin to build rapport.
• Understand the importance of attention to detail.
• Describe the 5 levels of listening to understand needs on a more emotive level. & capture information using 7 key techniques.

Session 2 – June 13th 09:30 – 13:00
• Understand the benefits of different types of questions.
• Use BANTA – a technique to identify the most effective questions to ask!
• Think like a detective – Use a ‘line of enquiry’ to dig deeper into potential customer needs.
• Identify and understand the use of ‘gold questions’ to pique interest.

Session 3 – June 20th 09:30 – 13:00
• CURE – Understanding what makes your service of value.
• Different types of value and how they can be used to negotiate with your customer.
• Create strongly defined features & benefits that match up to your relevant customer types.
• Bookend features and benefits to make them more effective.
• Revisit questioning to signpost essential features and benefits with ease.

Session 4 – June 27th 09:30 – 13:00
• Different questions to ask to assist with difficult objections.
• Different techniques you can use to handle objections.
• Know when closing begins in the sales process!
• Understand how to Trial Close
• 6 Geeky Closing Techniques
• Closing workshop

Time: 09:30 – 13:00
Dates: June 6th – June 27th
Location: Launchpad, Airport Business Park, Launchpad, Rochford, SS4 1YH

Please note it there is a maximum of 2 bookings per company.

This workshop is delivered by Sales Geek and provided courtesy of Backing Essex Business and South Essex College.

Meet the Hosts:

Lisa Ansell: Described as the female Harvey Spectre (The Best Closer in the City: Suits) she is the world’s most reluctant salesperson. So much so that she wrote the book on it; literally, authoring, “Pull NOT Push – A revolution in selling for people who hate it!” With far more years sales experience than she really wants to reveal here, she is a Rugby playing, Mountain biking, Kayaking, Surfing, Disco dancing Grandmother. So it doesn’t matter if your business is looking for more conversions; or seems to be pedalling uphill; if you’re up a creek without a paddle, riding a wave of success or just down to boogie the night away: Lisa’s got you covered.

Peter Nicol: Passionate about helping SMEs and Start-ups grow, build and realise their aspirations and potential. He says that there’s no bigger buzz than working closely with an organisation, collaborating on their strategy, putting ideas into practice, winning a ‘Dream Account’, seeing the motivation and energy increase as the effort and advice begins to pay off. He is an experienced revenue and commercial leader with 30+ years’ experience in growing early stage and scale-up SaaS organisations with extensive knowledge of hiring and developing global, multifunctional teams across Europe, North America and APAC.

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This programme is funded through partnership between Backing Essex Business and South Essex College.

Backing Essex Business is fully-funded by Essex County Council and delivered by Let’s Do Business Group. Backing Essex Business 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

The Content Accelerator - Clear your head. Own your message. Grow your business.
2025-06-06 09:30 - 16:00 | Patch Chelmsford, Springfield Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6QR, United Kingdom
Build a content plan you can actually stick to — and get the mindset tools to show up without stress, self-doubt or overthinking.
One day. In person. Practical, supportive, and designed for you by two experts in content strategy and mindset who have been where you are right now and made it to the other side.
This is for you if:

You’re overwhelmed, feeling like you must be everywhere, all the time – leading to paralysis and procrastination.
You know content is important but you’re stuck, with no clarity or structure.
Something is stopping you putting yourself out there.
You don’t know if you’re doing your marketing right.
You’ve been going a while, things have changed, and you need to refresh or check your messaging.
You have a new product or service to sell or are targeting a new market.
You want to raise your personal profile and build credibility.
You want to feel in control, confident and ready to take action – with a plan backed by an expert.

By the end of the day, you will walk away with:

A simple, strategic content plan that aligns with your energy and goals.
A clear understanding of how your mind shapes your business success.
Powerful tools to calm fear, build confidence, and shift self-sabotaging thoughts.
The confidence to be visible and share your message.
A renewed sense of clarity, direction, and belief in your business.
A comprehensive list of targeted content ideas and angles to sell your business to your ideal clients.

Who are we?

Helen Barnett: Former national news editor and award-winning journalist
Julie Smith: Multi award-winning hypnotherapist specialising in stress and anxiety
We both left our established careers to start our own businesses and what a rollercoaster it’s been. There’s imposter syndrome, overwhelm, confusion, wanting to do all the things and then not doing any of them… the list goes on.
And then you see those people who seem to be crushing it with 100,000 followers and likes on every post. What makes them any better than you? Marketing and belief. It’s not fair! We don’t want to watch you suffer any longer and lose money in your business because you don’t take the right action.
So we’ve teamed up for something unique but so needed: two experts, covering the marketing and the mindset.
Together we’re giving you the practical tools to sell your products or services alongside the mentality needed to put that strategy into action.
By the end of the session you won’t be leaving with a notebook full of ideas you never look at again.
You’ll leave motivated and energised, having gone on a transformation from confusion to clarity and be truly unstoppable.
The day at a glance:

From 9:30am: Welcome, grab a drink, mingle, get comfortable!
10.00: Intro, setting our intentions and goals
Mindset warm-up
Helen: Understanding the market and you
Break
Julie: Rewire your language and beliefs to reshape your world
Lunch
Helen: Building your plan – pillars, channels and more.
Break
Julie: Flip the script and transform fear into fuel and step into your unstoppable power
Rounding up
4pm: Event ends and you go home bursting with ideas.

The essentials:
Date: 6/6/25
Time: Arrivals from 9.30 for 10am prompt start. Ends at 4pm.
Location: Patch (Academy room, ground floor), 5-6 Gray’s Yard, Springfield Rd, Chelmsford CM2 6QR
Cost: £147, or £117 for early birds.
Includes: Workbook, tea and coffee, free gifts, access to discount offers to work with us again, a supportive group of fellow solopreneurs, and expert guidance from two experienced business owners.
(Full lunch not included but teas, coffees and snacks are. Please let us know of any dietary requirements).
Bring along: Notebook, pen, enthusiasm!
Ready to get out of your own way and create content with confidence?
Spaces are limited to ensure we can properly focus on your business, so grab your ticket now and let’s get your strategy sorted.

2025-06-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
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 10th & Wednesday 11th June 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

Webinar - Find opportunities for council contracts
2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:00 | online workshop
This workshop will explain how to source and bid for Public Sector contracts (training provided to local businesses and the Voluntary and Community Sector)
The Central Digital Platform is an online portal which will make it easier for suppliers to find and bid for contracts, and for buyers to meet their transparency commitments under the Procurement Act 2023. Suppliers must register in order to be able to view and bid for opportunities. Register your business here.

Search marketing: Building an action list to rank higher in Google
2025-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Part of the Be Better – Launchpad (Digital Marketing) 2025 collection
Want to see your website pages climb the Google rankings and attract more qualified leads? This session, “Search Marketing: Building an Action List to Get a Page Ranking Higher in Google,” is your one-stop shop for mastering the art of search engine optimisation (SEO).
We’ll embark on a journey to demystify the inner workings of Google’s search algorithms. You’ll learn how to conduct a comprehensive audit of your existing web pages, identifying areas for improvement. We’ll equip you with the knowledge and tools to optimise your content for relevant keywords, ensuring your target audience finds you easily.
This 90 minute session will delve into the factors Google considers when ranking websites, empowering you to tailor your pages for maximum visibility. We’ll outline actionable steps to improve your page ranking, with a strong focus on on-page optimisation.
By the end of this session, you’ll be armed with a potent SEO action list, ready to propel your website to the top of search results and generate more organic traffic.

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.

Winning Business Leads with Google Ads and Performance Max
2025-06-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Part of the Be Better – Launchpad (Digital Marketing) 2025 collection
Ready to unlock the lead generation potential of Google Ads and the cutting-edge Performance Max campaigns? This session, “Search Marketing: Winning Business Leads with Google Ads and Performance Max,” equips you with the latest strategies and tactics to dominate the digital advertising landscape.
We’ll delve into the ever-evolving world of Google Ads algorithms, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve and maximise your return on investment (ROI). You’ll gain hands-on knowledge on setting up a Google Ads account, navigating the platform with confidence.
The 90 minute session will explore the most effective targeting options to reach your ideal customer base. Learn how to manage your campaigns strategically, optimising bids and budgets for peak performance. We’ll also expose the hidden pitfalls that can drain your advertising budget, empowering you to navigate the platform efficiently.
By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with a winning formula to generate a steady stream of qualified leads through Google Ads and Performance Max, propelling your business growth to new heights.

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.

Improving your Content & Planning for Social Media Workshop
2025-06-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Do you want to know how to create standout graphics, stunning imagery and compelling video? But are you also trying to do this while stretched for time and/or on a limited budget?
Then this brand-new course for 2025 is for you!
Our experts in social media and creative content production at SRX Consultancy will teach you how to amplify your content, with plenty of hands-on demonstrations via screen share.
It will give practical tips on using free tools such as Canva, iMovie and ClipChamp – as well as showcasing some of the premium options available – showing both good and bad examples in order to help you get it right.
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:

Why producing brand appropriate and high quality content is key
The variations of social media content and posts you can include in your strategy
The importance of good high quality imagery and how to source it
Top tips for photography
Aspect ratios and cropping across platforms
Creating and editing images and graphics
Creating and editing video
Capturing and editing audio
Recommended equipment to suit all budgets
Common mistakes to avoid
Best practice across the board

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. Their 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.
Date: Wednesday 18 June 10.00am – 12.00pm
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Members £95.00 + VAT and Non-Members £150.00 + VAT
