Launchpad Southend

Southchurch Business Expo
2023-09-14 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | The Plaza Centre, Southend Christian Fellowship, 600 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2PT
The first Southchurch Business Expo is being organised in partnership with Southend on Sea City Council Economic Development Team.
It will provide a marketplace of business support giving advice to new and established businesses.
It will offer advice to young entrepreneurs and potential new traders about setting up your own business and will highlight what businesses city wide are doing or can offer.
Businesses showcasing will have the opportunity to promote available job opportunities within their organisation.
It will promote the East of the city as a place to trade and set up business.
The event will be open from 8am to 12pm so why not drop in at anytime and network.

Digital Skills - Driving traffic to your website
2023-09-21 01:30 - 16:30 | Online
Need help driving traffic to your website? This course, organised by Colbea, can help with your SEO and grow your business online!
Open to all businesses and residents within Essex, join our online event to gain a greater knowledge of SEO and learn how to build your online business. The course touches upon various topics within digital marketing that you can utilise when developing your digital presence.
What’s covered?
With no previous marketing experience required, the course will give you an understanding of online behaviour as a whole. You will learn about target audience, who they are and how to effectively reach them. Along with budgeting for digital marketing, in terms of how to set one specific to your company needs. As well as online and offline methods for driving traffic. Which includes SEO (search engine optimisation,) paid search, online advertising and PR.
If you are looking to attract customers to your website and grow your business online then this course is a must for you!
Who are Colbea? Colbea is a not-for-profit enterprise and business support agency. A known catalyst for business success across Essex, who provide advice and training for start-up and established businesses. Their connections and resources are the building blocks for thousands of businesses. Will you be their next success story?

Ambitious Young People in Business, a Networking Event
2023-09-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Patch Chelmsford, Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
Empowering futures of ambitious young people in business is what Essex county council’s ambitious team are implementing through events such as this, created especially for young business professionals in Essex! So, if you are eager to empower your future, bring your business cards, get ready to connect and come along!
Connect, explore possibilities, and discover opportunities with likeminded people over drinks and snacks.
During the event you will:

Hear from young professionals who have started their own business, learn from their journey and apply those teachings to your own!
Gain an understanding of the power of LinkedIn and how it can bring communities together as well as encourage you to build vital connections.
Get a chance to network and discuss what you want and how you can get it, in terms of being successful in business!

This event was an idea of Annie’s, a young professional who loves to network and meet individuals with similar aspirations. She has teamed up with Ambitious Essex, to create an event focused on bringing together her peers in business, in which you can empower your future. Whether you’re a young person just starting out, someone who has an idea for business or you’re already working for an organisation, this event is for you! Partake in an amazing opportunity to be part of a community who want to learn from one another and grow their potential.
How to get there: accessible by public transport, and only a 10 minute walk from the train station. The nearest car parks are on Bond Street and High Chelmer, but can be costly. Patch is next to Nandos behind MetroBank.
Please note: We will be taking some pictures on the day for our social channels, just let us know on the day if you don’t want to be featured!

Workshop & Networking Event on Digitalisation and Cyber Security in SMEs
2023-09-28 07:30 - 11:00 | The Forum, The Forum, Elmer Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Select a State or Province:, SS1 1NS, United Kingdom
Are you a SME practitioner looking to embrace Digitalisation and Cybersecurity? Join the University of Essex at the Southend Campus for a ‘Digitalisation and Cyber Security in SMEs: Best Practices for Managers’ workshopping and networking event.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, safeguarding your business against cyber incidents is paramount now more than ever. The workshop will provide you with the necessary understanding and basic tools to navigate this critical aspect effectively. Overall giving SME’s digitalisation and cybersecurity awareness and knowledge.
Delivered by leading digitalisation and cyber security experts, the event touches upon key areas of cyber security. In addition to encouraging discussion amongst yourself and like-minded individuals. The aim of this being to help you understand the specific threats to your organisation, thus enabling you to build a cyber resilient SME! With the aid of professionals, you will discover the fundamental principles of cybersecurity. Informing you how to implement them in a way that protects your SME from cyber attacks. After this you will gain an introduction into the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre or ECRC. Building an understanding of how they can help you become more secure in your online space. The event will also accommodate a Q&A and Networking session, with the intention of you getting your specific concerns addressed by the expert panel.
This workshop is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of the Digital Security by Design (DSbD) Programme.
SME’s digitalisation and cybersecurity is crucial! If you are interested in not only finding out what is incorporated in such topics, but also keen to learn how to apply them, then this event is for you.

Finance for Non-Financial Entrepreneurs
2023-10-04 09:30 - 2023-10-05 16:30 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Finance for Non-Financial Entrepreneurs: a 2-day course, where you’ll gain a basic understanding of finance and accounting concepts to drive the success of your business.
This course aims to demystify the accounting language so that you are in control of the financial performance of your business, helping you forecast for the future, evaluate your current efforts, and establish strategies to meet your goals.
The course will be run in person over two days, in 7-hour sessions (with 1 hour lunch breaks) on 4th October & 5th October.
Even if you plan to hire an accountant, you still need to understand accounting information to make better, more informed decisions about your business. This course will give you the tools necessary to have a better understanding of what the professionals are saying down the line, so you can run your business better.
You’ll learn about double-entry bookkeeping, trial balances, profit and loss statements, and other must-have accounting topics, and in further sessions, you’ll learn how to apply these techniques to manage your business better, which will give you confidence and control when making financial decisions.
What it covers:

Double-entry bookkeeping
Preparation of profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash-flow statements
Analysis of accounting reports
Controlling cash
Sources of funding
Business planning, budgets, cash flow forecasting, and variance analysis
Break-even analysis
Capital appraisal
Product costing

Who it is for:
The course is aimed at a whole range of businesses from start-up founders to local business owners to corporates and is geared to anyone without a finance or accounting background. Your business must be based in or shortly relocating to East Sussex.
Who should attend:

Entrepreneurs
Micro business owners
Small business owners
Middle managers
Consultants
Coaches
E-commerce businesses
Digital marketers
Service based business owners

Skills gained:
The full value from this course is only be gained by full participation in both days. After completing the course, delegates will be able to:

understand basic financial documents used in business
interpret the information in these documents, and use it to manage day-to-day business activity
be more effective in their role

The course will be run in person over two days, in 7-hour sessions (with 1 hour lunch breaks) on 4th October & 5th October.
**Please note: lunch is not provided however, there is a refreshments area for drinks and snacks**
About the Organiser: Jim Fletcher ACMA GCMA
Jim is a dedicated business coach with 40 years’ commercial leadership experience. Drawing on his long career in the manufacturing and engineering sector, Jim provides tailored coaching, consultancy, non-executive directorship and project management services, across a full range of management, finance, sales & marketing and operations functions.

This workshop is organised by Backing Essex Business on behalf of Southend-On-Sea City Council and 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.

Fundamentals of Finance
2023-10-10 09:30 - 12:30
Are you a new business or individual who needs to create or develop your finances to enable the future success of business? Well, this workshop is for you! Join along to gain an introduction into finance.
The Fundamentals of Finance course, run by Colbea, covers many key topics to help you get your business financially set-up and ready to enter the world of trading. Here’s an overview of the course topics:

Understanding a Profit & Loss Account
Gross Profit / Net Profit calculations
Business Viability, including the basics of Business Taxation
How to Present your Forecast within a Business Plan
Working Capital Management
Raising the right finance for your business
Question & Answer session

The session is held between the hours of 9.30am-12.30pm, and via Zoom. Follow up business advice appointments can be made for any further business support. Aimed at any resident and business of any size, at any stage, and in any sector within Essex who are keen to get an introduction into finance.
Colbea, the organiser, is a catalyst for business success across Essex, providing business advice, training and office space for new and established businesses.

Southend Sales Club
2023-10-13 09:30 - 12:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Come join Sales Geek Essex for their brilliant Essex Southend Sales Club, the home of free business growth and sales strategy masterclasses!!
During the event, you will explore a range of topics designed to help you as a business sell more and also change the way you perceive sales.
Why should you come???? Southend Sales Club understands that running your own business can be a lonely place.
So…

Come share your experience and connect with other aspiring Essex business owners.
Avoid the business growth pitfalls with learning from our masterclasses.
Better your awareness and knowledge on sales as a whole.
Enjoy this fun opportunity to get a Geeky, fresh and inspiring perspective and insight!

The event will be held at Launchpad, Airport Business Park. A refreshing new workspace that encourages innovation and support, bringing together great businesses and people.
Currently, Sales Geek has several venues across Essex in Colchester, Chelmsford, Southend and Braintree, so follow for your nearest and next event!

Data in a Cookieless World
2023-10-17 18:00 - 21:00 | RPC, Saint Katharine's Way, London, E1W 1AA
Data in a Cookieless World, a live data networking event presented to you by Footprint Digital, following on from the success of their event in February ‘The Sustainable Future of Digital.’
This data networking event focus will be on consumer data. The data we have access to, and more importantly the data we don’t.
We’ll be contemplating what a cookieless world might look like, and how marketers can continue to make good decisions as their data pool dwindles.
It’s not all doom and gloom though – our panel will not only outline what you can legally do with your data, but they’ll also provide actionable takeaways for making the most of cross channel data.
In partnership with our friends, RPC, at St Katharine Docks, this is set to be a hugely important conversation on another of marketing’s hot topics.
Speakers include:

Sarah Edwards, Director at Make it Clear
Sarah Willcocks, CEO of Screen Pages
Kate Brinkley, Head of Digital Planning at The Specialist Works
Kiran Dhoot, Associate at RPC
Tom Cox, Relationship Manager at Footprint Digital

The Agenda:

– 6pm-6.45pm: Networking, complimentary drinks & canapes

– 6:45pm-8pm: Panel Discussion and Q&A

– 8pm-9pm: Networking & bowl food

Growing Your Business Working From Home
2023-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 | online workshop
Starting a business and working from home can be an exciting and rewarding future! However, it also comes with its own set of challenges and barriers to growth.
Participate in a 3 hour free WFH workshop online that encourages work from home business growth. Where you will be equipped with the practical tools and strategies to challenge your mindset.
If you are interested in a WFH workshop and are in business, look no further. These workshops are led by an expert and experience team, who work with you to understand your aspirations, plans and ambitions. Curating a tailored program of support, specifically for individuals WFH whilst growing a business.
Southend Business Lift-Off is a programme designed to support entrepreneurs and enterprises in Southend-On-Sea to start, sustain and grow. Created by Southend-On-Sea City Council who are in partnership with Deyton Bell, funded by UK Shared Prosperity.

Southend Business Partnership Briefing
2023-10-19 07:30 - 10:00 | The IronWorks, 90 High Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1JN
SBP also known as Southend Business Partnership have organised a briefing event that guarantees a great experience. On offer will be a free light breakfast, networking opportunities and a round of business updates from local businesses and providers.
The event takes place for 2 hours 30minutes and will consist of two parts. From 7.30am-8.30am registration will occur including complimentary refreshments. Followed by a SBP briefing with speakers.
The event is a fantastic opportunity to meet with other local businesses for essential networking. Along with a way of gaining beneficial information that can be used for supporting your business growth. Not only that, but it will be encouraged to express thoughts on what Southend needs in order to enable businesses to recover and thrive. A worthwhile event for both you, your business and the business world of Southend-On-Sea!
The Southend Business Partnership is a network of over 1500 business professionals across Southend. The Partnership brings together businesses from all sectors, sizes and backgrounds to share best practice, contacts, knowledge and news. The early morning network sessions happen quarterly, aiming to bring attention to locally relevant subjects. Interested in similar quarterly briefings? Subscribe to the free SBP membership at: Southend-on-Sea City Council (govdelivery.com)

Unlocking machine insights using low cost IoT sensors: Power Monitoring
2023-11-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Would you like to know how long your machines are idling every day? Or how much energy it takes to make each of your products? Or how operator behaviour can have a direct impact on your bottom line.
The Smart Manufacturing Data Hub is hosting a Power Monitoring workshop on machine utilisation and monitoring to help manufacturers understand how to use information from their machinery to reduce idling time and optimise efficiency.
The team will introduce a low-cost power monitoring solution. An easy to set up, non-intrusive sensor which will show the machines power and energy consumption in real time with the added benefit of collecting lots of this data over time.
We will then take you through how the collected information can be used to identify patterns and trends, which can be used to drive change in your business.
Agenda:
12:00-12.05pm– Welcome
12.05-12:10pm– Introduction to the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub
12:10-12:20pm– Understanding manufacturer challenges- mentimeter
12:20-12:30pm– Low cost power monitoring solution
12:30-12:45pm– Using data to understand machine utilisation and downtime monitoring
12.45-12.55pm– Case studies and next steps
12:55pm– Q&A
Interested in a power monitoring workshop, then look no further. Reserve your spot now and don’t miss out!

East of England Food & Drink Growth Masterclass
2023-11-02 11:00 - 14:30 | The County Hotel, 29 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2PZ
Aimed at SME Food and Drink Manufacturers in the East of England! This is a DEFRA and Ambitious Essex event organised by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Essex County Council (ECC).
Agenda:
10:30-11:00: Registration
11:00-12:00: Panel Discussion: Routes to Market (including Q&A)
12:00-13:00: Lunch/Meet the Buyer/Meet the Expert
13:00-14:00: Workshop: Innovation
14:00-14:30: Meet the Expert
Session details
Routes to market: Growing Resiliently
Discover opportunities across retail, public sector, exports, and the visitor economy in this panel. The session will feature a line-up of industry experts. Focused discussions on the opportunities available to SME food and drink manufacturers across these different routes to market.
Meet the Buyer
We are delighted to be hosting a Meet the Buyer session, where selected attendees will have the opportunity to pitch their products to a buyer. We will share details about the buyers and how to apply in the coming weeks.
Innovation
Innovation isn’t just for tech companies. This workshop session will demystify innovation for SMEs and highlight the funding and support opportunities that are out there for your business. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their ideas on how we can support the sector to become more productive, inclusive and sustainable through greater innovation.

Got Something to Sell?
2023-11-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Garon Park, Garon Park, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4FA, United Kingdom
Whether you’re launching a new business or it’s in it’s early stages, our free Got Something to Sell? workshop is your key to mastering the essentials of retail entrepreneurship.
Join us for a dynamic 3 hour workshop to uncover the Core Elements of Retail Success. Gain knowledge of…

intricacies of retail operations
effective sales strategies
pros & cons of diverse retail models: own premises, wholesale, concession or marketplace.

Acquire practical tips and insider tricks to supercharge your retail profits. Work together to construct a Retail Profile and Loss account, ensuring your business not only survives but thrives. Join our workshop and become a master in the art of selling for unparalleled success!
If you are interested in a retail entrepreneurship based workshop and are in business, look no further. These workshops are led by an expert and experience team, who work with you to understand your aspirations, plans and ambitions. Curating a tailored program of support, specifically for individuals with Something to Sell!
Southend Business Lift-Off is a programme designed to support entrepreneurs and enterprises in Southend-On-Sea to start, sustain and grow. Created by Southend-On-Sea City Council who are in partnership with Deyton Bell, funded by UK Shared Prosperity.

Making sense of start-up funding: Where do I start?
2023-11-06 12:30 - 13:30 | Online
From 6-10 November the British Business Bank, along with several partners from across the UK, will host Business Finance Week 2023 workshops!

Making sense of start-up funding: Where do I start?
The first step is always the hardest. Yet many founders aren’t aware of the financial support that they can access to help them succeed!
Business loans and grants. Angel investment and pre-seed funding. There’s a whole ecosystem of support available, but choosing the right product can be a challenge.
Listen to leading experts and start-up businesses who have begun their own finance journeys. Hear more and grasp the opportunities Start Up Loans can offer to your business.
This event is held in partnership with Start Up Loans.
Speakers:

Louis Taylor~ CEO, British Business Bank
Louise McCoy~ Managing Director, British Business Bank
Anthony Turner~ Director of Credit and Lending, British Business Bank

Along with a panel of Start Up Loan Ambassadors.

This event is part of Business Finance Week, hosted by British Business Bank.
The British Business Bank is 100% Government owned, but independently managed. We bring together expertise and capital to the smaller business finance markets. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. For more details about how British Business Bank processes personal data, please see our Privacy Notice.

Unlocking potential for your business through diversity and sustainability
2023-11-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
From 6-10 November the British Business Bank, along with several partners from across the UK, will host Business Finance Week 2023 workshops!

Unlocking potential for your business through diversity and sustainability

Join us for an insightful event supporting equality, diversity and inclusion, where we will break down the biggest barriers to investment for diverse founders.
You’ll hear a comprehensive overview of how the external finance environment is evolving to meet broader needs, plus we’ll also be discussing how to attract investment and why diversity, inclusion and sustainability are so important.
Speakers:

Tony Greenham, ESG Director, British Business Bank
Jordan Dargue, Founder, Lifted Ventures
Helen Oldham, Founder, Lifted Ventures
Jess Jackson, Investment Manager, Praetura Ventures
Henrietta Boyd, Co-Founder & Director, HaloCycle
Natalie Boswell, Regional Development Director (North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire), Lloyds Banking Group

This event is part of Business Finance Week, hosted by British Business Bank.
The British Business Bank is 100% Government owned, but independently managed. We bring together expertise and capital to the smaller business finance markets. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. For more details about how British Business Bank processes personal data, please see our Privacy Notice.

This event is held in partnership with Lifted Ventures.

Growing your business: An interview with a founder
2023-11-07 12:30 - 13:00 | Online
From 6-10 November the British Business Bank, along with several partners from across the UK, will host Business Finance Week 2023 workshops!
Grow your business: An interview with a founder!
Looking to scale up or stay ahead of the competition? Getting access to finance is essential for any business! But too often, smaller businesses struggle to secure the right type of financing they need.
That’s why it’s important to explore all options available! Its encouraged to work with finance providers and investors. They understand your businesses’ unique needs. They can access the financing that’s right for you. No matter where or who you are!
Interviewee:
Thom Elliot, Founder of Pizza Pilgrims!
Interviewed by a senior representative of British Business Bank, get to know their business journey and how they got to where they are now.
Pizza Pilgrims serves slow-cooked Neapolitan pizza and meal kits at their pizzerias. Along with event work, where they use dough that is freshly made, offering an authentic and unique flavor to pizza lovers.

This event is part of Business Finance Week, hosted by British Business Bank.
The British Business Bank is 100% Government owned, but independently managed. We bring together expertise and capital to the smaller business finance markets. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. For more details about how British Business Bank processes personal data, please see our Privacy Notice.

Maintaining healthy levels of working capital
2023-11-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
From 6-10 November the British Business Bank, along with several partners from across the UK, will host Business Finance Week workshops!

Maintaining Healthy Levels of Working Capital
Maintaining healthy levels of working capital is vital for operating and growing a business! Participate in a Business Finance Week Working Capital workshop and benefit from the teachings.
Working capital ensures you have enough money to keep your business going and cover your costs. It also helps entrepreneurs to seize growth opportunities such as taking on more employees, launching a new product, and doing business overseas.
Funding can help maintain sufficient working capital and this online workshop will explore the finance options available to you.
Join us as we explore topics such as loans, asset finance, invoice financing and more with an expert panel drawn from across the South West.
Speakers:

Barry Murphy, Managing Director, British Business Bank
Steve Mayell, Business Manager, SWIG Finance
Nicola Hambly, Associate Director, Ignition Credit
Anthony Persse, Chief Executive, Optimum Finance
Louis Spencer, Senior Relationship Manager, NatWest

Business Finance Week Working Capital workshop is hosted by British Business Bank.
The British Business Bank is 100% Government owned, but independently managed. We bring together expertise and capital to the smaller business finance markets. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. For more details about how British Business Bank processes personal data, please see our Privacy Notice.

Investment for Innovation
2023-11-09 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
From 6-10 November the British Business Bank, along with several partners from across the UK, will host Business Finance Week 2023 workshops!

Investment for Innovation

Investment can drive innovation, so why not learn what makes angel investors tick?
Join us for a masterclass on angel investment to explore the funding journey and realities of equity investment. Hear directly from specialists in the investment industry and a business founder who has been through the process to secure investment.
Speakers:

Chantal Geall, Chief Risk Officer, British Business Bank
Andy Littlewood, Managing Director, British Business Bank
Roderick Beer, Managing Director, UKBAA
John Stenhouse, Founder & Business Support Manager, Angels @ Essex
Fran Spooner, Corporate Lawyer, Marriott Harrison

This event is part of Business Finance Week, hosted by British Business Bank.
The British Business Bank is 100% Government owned, but independently managed. We bring together expertise and capital to the smaller business finance markets. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. For more details about how British Business Bank processes personal data, please see our Privacy Notice.

This event is in partnership with the UKBAA

Growing your business: An interview with a founder
2023-11-09 12:30 - 13:00 | Online
From 6-10 November the British Business Bank, along with several partners from across the UK, will host Business Finance Week 2023 workshops!

Grow your business: An interview with a founder!
Innovation is the key to unlocking the full potential of your business and building the business of tomorrow.
Are you a cutting edge start-up bringing the latest product to market? A business simply looking to stay competitive and meet your customer needs? Whatever your aim, using finance to stay ahead of the curve is vital!
Reserve your spot now for a really informative and beneficial Business Finance Week Grow Your Business webinar!
Interviewee:
Robert Harwood, CEO of Slingshot Simulations!
Interviewed by a senior representative of British Business Bank to discuss his own business journey. Slingshot Simulations is a decision intelligence solutions company applying cutting edge data science to tackle the biggest problems we face today.

This event is part of Business Finance Week, hosted by British Business Bank.
The British Business Bank is 100% Government owned, but independently managed. We bring together expertise and capital to the smaller business finance markets. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. For more details about how British Business Bank processes personal data, please see our Privacy Notice.

Google Digital Garage Webinar - Get started with digital advertising
2023-11-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Keen to develop and expand your knowledge and skills in digital advertising? This FREE online digital advertising course brought to you by Google Digital will do exactly that!
This 1 hour online webinar, organised by Southend on Sea City Council, will teach you the essentials about digital advertising channels. Learn about search, social and display advertising and the different ways these channels can support your digital marketing strategy.

What next? Finance as a Journey
2023-11-10 12:30 - 13:30 | Online
From 6-10 November the British Business Bank, along with several partners from across the UK, will host Business Finance Week 2023 workshops!

What next? Business Finance as a Journey!

Business finance is just the start. Financing can be a powerful tool for smaller businesses, enabling them to fund growth, invest in new equipment, or take advantage of unexpected opportunities.
By accessing finance multiple times throughout the lifetime of your business, you can unlock its full potential and achieve greater success than ever before.
Join us to hear from a range of businesses that have done just that.
Speakers:

Louis Taylor~ CEO, British Business Bank
Angelene Woodland~ Chief Customer Officer, British Business Bank
David Hanney~ Co-Founder and CEO, Alpkit
Nadeem Sarwar~ Founder and CEO, Phlo
Joanne O’Doherty~ Founder, Kinsetsu
Jackie Crooks~ Founder, Kinsetsu

This event is part of Business Finance Week, hosted by British Business Bank.
The British Business Bank is 100% Government owned, but independently managed. We bring together expertise and capital to the smaller business finance markets. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. For more details about how British Business Bank processes personal data, please see our Privacy Notice.

Blues Business Club - sponsored by Launchpad
2023-11-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Are you a decision maker within your company or organisation? Do you enjoy meeting new people and sharing new ideas?

Blues Business Club
All are welcome to come along to the Launchpad at Southend Airport Business Park, for Blues Business Club! Join Southend United as they enter a new era! Hear from a keynote speaker on the future of Southend United Football Club. Participate in a fun and insightful business networking event with refreshments!
Agenda:

9am: Arrival
9.30am: A welcome from the Launchpad
9.40am: Keynote Speaker Guest
10am-11am: Networking with likeminded individuals

Treat yourself to complimentary tea, coffee and yummy pastries, courtesy of Launchpad.

Dress code~ smart casual
Location~ Launchpad, Airport Business Park, Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Enquiries~ commercial@southend-united.co.uk

Access to Finance
2023-11-15 09:30 - 11:30 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Looking to bring your business growth ideas to life but need a cash injection? Join our finance course for businesses!
FREE in-person finance course for businesses, where we demystify the intricate world of business funding, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies needed to secure the resources your business needs and deserves.
What it covers:
In this course, you’ll gain a wider knowledge of funding options for your business to scale and expand…

RLS, Growth Loans and Start-up Loans
The importance of a bank in a business relationship, products services
The importance of an accountant as a key partner in your business and planning
Equity finance and other ways of funding business growth

Gain knowledge and inspiration from specialist speakers, from the likes of Backing Essex Business, Natwest, Angels @ Essex and FRP Advisory.
Who should attend:
Let’s Do Business Group are aiming the course at a whole range of businesses from start-up founders to local business owners to corporates and is geared to anyone looking to access finance. Your business must be based in or shortly relocating to Southend-On-Sea.

Entrepreneurs
Micro business owners
Small business owners
Middle managers
Consultants
Coaches
E-commerce businesses
Digital marketers
Service based business owners

Where is the course located?
The event is at Launchpad, Airport Business Park. A refreshing new workspace that encourages innovation and support, bringing together great businesses and people.

This workshop is organised by backing Essex Business on behalf of Southend-On-Sea City Council and 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.

FROM IDEA TO BUSINESS: How to develop a new product or service
2023-11-15 14:00 - 17:00 | Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, Boundary Road, Colchester, CO4 3ZQ, United Kingdom
Keen to develop Design Thinking techniques and Market Analysis skills? This FREE 3 hour interactive workshop about products and services will teach you all you need to know! Worth reserving your spot!
If you have an idea you want to turn into a business or you’re an existing business looking to expand your service offering, then join us at Innovation Centre Knowledge Gateway on November 15th for this free interactive workshop.
With the aid of experts, and using Design Thinking techniques, you will build an understanding of essential need to knows. These include:

who your potential customers are
what problem they really need you to solve
how to build a clear picture of the market opportunity.

…thus this interactive workshop about products and services will ultimately push you to develop your idea!
This is the first in a monthly series of the ICKG ACCELERATE workshops, designed purely to help new and existing business owners. The aim being to encourage them in to develop all of the skills required to take business from Idea to Exit!
ICKG – Innovation Centre Knowledge Gateway, the organiser and host of the event, is the home for innovation and technology-focused businesses. Offering flexible, collaborative workspace options and now ICKG ACCELERATE workshops!
As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, we’re offering this half-day course for FREE, rather than the regular price of £60.

Starting Your Own Business FREE Bootcamp Workshop
2023-11-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Garon Park, Garon Park, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4FA, United Kingdom
Join a free business workshop that will give entrepreneurs the skills, knowledge and business acumen needed when starting a new business and getting it to succeed!
Do you have a business idea and you are ready to turn those dreams into reality? Do you have a very new business that you are passionate about but very little business experience, eager to learn more?
This interactive full day free business workshop, includes lunch, and more importantly covers a range of topics that will set you on the right track!
This includes:

Understanding how to develop your business idea and concept
Understanding your businesses purpose and unique selling points
Identifying your target market
How to successfully conduct market research
what exactly is a business plan and the actual drafting of your business plan, including start-up costs and financial forecasting
Creating your brand and values
Formalising your business
Getting organised
Improvisation.

This workshop is open to any individuals living or wanting to base their business in Southend.
Meet your workshop Trainer: Victoria Elliott-Potter
Vicky has over 20 years extensive business start-up, consulting, sales and business leadership experience. With a proven track record increasing turnover of helping start-ups through to national market-leading brands. Vicky is sure to deliver a high energy workshop that will improve your business skills and commercial results.
Southend Business Lift-Off is a programme designed to support entrepreneurs and enterprises in Southend-On-Sea to start, sustain and grow. Created by Southend-On-Sea City Council who are in partnership with Deyton Bell, funded by UK Shared Prosperity.

How To Have The Best First Year In Business
2023-11-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
In your first year in business? Been in business for some time and want to reflect on the best way to move forward? If so, join this workshop and give yourself and your business a boost with business tools to make sure you start 2024 with a bang!
How To Have The Best First Year In Business
Welcome to the first in a two-part webinar to aid you with the tools you need to either start or restart up your small businesses.
The session will be led by an award-winning entrepreneur and business mentor who will be sharing insights about how to have a stellar first year in business. Included is the essentials you need to take stock of your business and build firm foundations for it to grow. The following discussions will take place:

The right mindset for a business leader & how to maintain one
Business objectives- what they should be & how to set them
Common business and marketing mistakes & how to avoid them
The fundamentals of business & how to get them right
Simple ways to access help with running your business

This webinar is brought to you by Small Business Britain & TSB’s new programme How To Start & Restart, focused on helping small businesses get going efficiently, successfully and with confidence.

Grants to Grow your Business
2023-12-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Secure the small business funding your business needs to flourish!
Grants to Grow your Business Zoom!
Small Business Britain & Indeed have partnered to help you uncover the potential of grants to propel your businesses from grants to grow your team to innovate and enhance your business.
We’ll guide you through the maze of where to find these opportunities and offer practical advice on successful grant applications. There are lots of opportunities out there, it’s just knowing where to look for them!
You will learn:

Where to find these invaluable grant opportunities
The exact kinds of grants that are currently out there for small business growth
Essential tips on how to apply for grants to give your business a competitive edge

This Zoom webinar is arranged by Small Business Britain and Indeed. In collaboration with the People for Business programme to help small businesses grow and hire. In this video, Nicola the founder of Single Variety Co, shares her experience and advice for growing a small business and hiring a team.

Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses
2023-12-05 10:00 - 12:30 | Online
Want to improve your social media marketing to reach and engage with customers for your small business?
Business Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses
Businesses based in North Essex districts can join the FREE workshop this December, and learn key skills to create their own social media strategy, eye-catching and interesting content, and how to start running their own social media adverts!
With an expert business coach from Let’s Do Marketing, learn how to master tools Canva and Hootsuite to create effective and eye catching posts for your small business! Along with exploring powerful tools in Meta Business Suite that can help you to maximise your social media channels to reach more customers and gain sales!
*Your business must be based in or shortly moving to North Essex, in one of the districts covered by the North Essex Economic Board. (Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Tendring)
You will learn:

Understand the benefits of using social media as a key marketing tools
Identify and connect with your target market
Navigate and use social media for your business
Create eye-catching posts on graphic design tool Canva
Use social media scheduler platform Hootsuite to organise and plan your content
Monetise your content to reach more potential customers, with Facebook & Instagram boosting and Facebook Ads Manager.

This programme is delivered by Let’s Do Marketing, part of Let’s Do Business Group, under the North Essex Economic Board. A programme funded by multiple district councils in the county of Essex.

The Big Christmas Women In Business Network ZOOM Meeting
2023-12-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Fun, festive Zoom networking event for Women In Business- grow your business through even bigger networking by joining WIBN Big Christmas Zoom Meeting!
Join at 10am for informal networking with mixed group members who are all welcome to attend this meeting. A great opportunity to talk about your business, along with making plenty of new connections.
Take this chance to make connections outside your monthly group, reunite with old friends and make some new ones! All while feeling positively festive at this collective Christmas Networking meeting on Zoom.
Meeting Fees
This Festive meeting takes place online via Zoom and is open to any WIBN member from the South Essex and Bishop’s Stortford groups, visiting members from other groups and new Visitors new to WIBN.
You will have the opportunity to meet likeminded individuals from Billericay, Basildon, Bishops Stortford, Chelmsford, Leigh on Sea and Southend on Sea.
– Rachel’s members – FREE included in your membership fees
– Non WIBN Members : £25 +VAT Meeting Fee
– Visiting WIBN Members from any other WIBN group : £14+ VAT Meeting Fee
Meeting Agenda
10am – Welcome and Introductions
10.15am – Guest Speaker with Q&A – Ann Girling a WIBN member in Liverpool, Chester and Angelou National Groups, Published Author and owner of the “Unlikely Guru.”
10.35am – Speed networking in breakout rooms- share your business with us.
11am – Guest Speaker with Q&A – Yvonne Williams the UK’s Leading Burnout Coach, who we are delighted to have with us.
11.30am – Speed networking in breakout rooms so you will get to share your business with even more people!
11 .55am – Festive wrap up.
12pm – Close.
Spread the word about your business to dozens of other brilliant individuals as we welcome you to this mixed group Christmas networking event for women in business!
Professional Exclusivity
We usually operate a professional exclusivity policy. So only one representative from each profession at each meeting is applicable, but this is suspended for this festive meeting to ensure the maximum opportunity for you to network with new people.
Find out more about South Essex, East Herts and Cumbria group leader, Rachel Gilbert – 07308 305918 / rachel.gilbert@wibn.co.uk

The Big Essex Christmas Lunch 2023
2023-12-07 12:00 - 14:00 | Warley Park Golf Club, Warley Park Golf Club, Brentwood, CM13 3DX, United Kingdom
The Big Christmas Lunch Members from Brentwood, Billericay and Basildon, Bishops Stortford, Chelmsford, Leigh on Sea and Southend on Sea combined will be there, with lots of visitors. The networking potential to meet lots of new people is huge!
The WIBN Christmas Networking Lunch 2023
Grow your business through even bigger networking!
Spread the word about your business to dozens of other brilliant WIBN members and visitors as we welcome you to this mixed group networking Christmas Lunch
We all know people buy people, so here’s your chance to make new connections outside your monthly group, reunite with some old friends and make some new ones, all while feeling positively festive at this collective Christmas Networking Lunch. Join at 12pm
Meeting Fees
Warley Park Golf Club
Magpie Lane
Little Warley
Brentwood, Essex CM13 3DX
United Kingdom
This festive meeting takes place at Warley Park Golf Club and is open to all WIBN members and visiting guests.

Rachel’s members: £25 Inc VAT Lunch fee
Non- Members : £39 Inc VAT Lunch fee
Visiting WIBN Members from any other WIBN group : £35 Inc VAT Lunch Fee

Professional Exclusivity
We usually operate a professional exclusivity policy, which means only one representative from each profession at our meetings but this is suspended for this festive lunch meeting only to ensure the maximum opportunity for you to network with new people
Find out more about South Essex, East Herts and Cumbria group leader, Rachel Gilbert – 07308 305918
