Launchpad Southend

Creative Colchester December Social
2023-12-20 18:30 - 21:30 UTC | Level Best Cafe, 26 St Johns Street, Colchester, CO2 7HB, United Kingdom
Creative Colchester December Social
Join us for a festive social meet up, Decembers’ edition of Creative Colchester monthly social. Its a great chance to be first in the know about what’s happening locally.
Pop along for a relaxed catch-up with peers and make new connections with creatives from across Colchester’s creative and digital sectors.
Christmas jumpers are most welcome!
We hope to see you there 🙂
When: Wednesday 20th December from 6.30pm-9.30pm
Where: Level Best Cafe – 26 Johns Street, Colchester, CO2 7HB

Business Model Canvas: A Single Page Business Plan
2024-01-10 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
A FREE business model workshop aimed at entrepreneurs in the beginning phase of launching and growing their venture!
Whether you are in an early stage business or just starting up, the business model canvas will give you a clear and concise indication of where you stand and what is needed. There is a range of topics that this business model workshop will touch upon. All of which helping to develop your single page business plan. From exploring customer engagement to business operations and financial management.
These include:

Your company value proposition
Target customer segments
Revenue streams
Cost structure
Key activities

The workshop will give entrepreneurs the chance to focus on the most critical elements of their business plan and identify potential flaws in their approach before launching or growing their venture.
This workshop is open to any individuals living or wanting to base their business in Southend.
Meet your workshop Trainer: Graeme Laws
Grae has extensive experience in supporting budding entrepreneurs, owners of small and medium sized businesses. Grae is an experienced workshop facilitator, motivational speaker and an advocate of business process improvement. He loves helping people to build better business models and has a reputation for getting the job done.
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 the Most of Your Day Workshop
2024-01-11 09:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
Do you constantly struggle to keep on top of your work? Are you constantly working late or at weekends to meet deadlines? Are there not enough hours in the day for you? Regain control of your workload!
Making the most of your day Workshop
Nothing can be more disheartening than starting each day with a plan to get so much done then finding yourself behind schedule and realising that your day at work passed by like a blur. So how can you regain control of your time?
All workers and workdays are unique and this half-day virtual session will help give you back control of your time.
By the end of the session, you will be able to

Prioritise your daily, weekly and monthly work.
Organise your day to ensure you get everything done and keep energised throughout the day and beyond
Use simple techniques to ensure you never get over-awed by workloads
Build on your existing techniques to become more effective
Overall, you will regain control of your workload!

Date: Thursday 11th January 9.30am-12.30pm
Where: Zoom
Host: Robin Lodge. His training is pragmatic, practical and grounded, allowing individuals to effectively put new skills into practice.
Cost: Members- £95 + VAT & Non Members- £150 + VAT

All bookings need to be made and paid online unless we have agreed alternative arrangements. If you have any queries please contact Accounts Manager Rachel Hogg 01268 363721
The Chambers have the right to refuse entry to events to any delegate who has not made payment in full.
For full refund give 4 full working days’ notice prior to the event. To do so, email events@essexchambers.co.uk.
For full Terms and Conditions please check: Essex Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ltd – Events

Lunch and Learn: Storytelling strategies to grow your small business
2024-01-11 12:00 - 12:30 | Webinar
Want to grow your small business? Join an online webinar that will teach you how to share your story in different ways to get more customers.
Lunch and Learn: Storytelling strategies to grow your small business
Ready to elevate your business with the magic of storytelling?
In this Lunch and Learn, Sophie Turton will spill the tea on storytelling strategies that forge deep connections and supercharge your small business. She will share simple tips to tell your business story in a real and honest way, as well as explain how to use feelings in your stories to make people remember your business. You will learn how to share your story in different ways to get more customers.
Sophie is an award-winning NCTJ-qualified journalist and brand strategist. Taking a story-first approach to brand communications, she has grown multi-million dollar organisations by keeping them at the front of industry conversations.
Sophie is passionate about the potential for businesses to drive cultural and systemic change and is a non-exec director of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses (ORB) and a mentor with Enterprise Nation.
Key takeaways from this session:

Learn practical tips on uncovering and expressing your brand’s unique story
Understand the power of emotion in storytelling
Make your story work for you across various channels

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

Experts in Residence: Business Clinic
2024-01-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Looking forward to a new year, new business-you!?
You’ve had a great idea for a business and 2024 is the year you’re going to make it happen.
Maybe you already have a business but it needs a bit of zhuzhing up?
Visit those in the know at Launchpad‘s Experts in Residence: Business Clinic for a dose of business-boost to launch your business into the stratosphere of 2024.
We know Christmas is just around the corner and, like us, you’re no doubt looking forward to a bit of a break. Once the mad rush dies down, it’s a great time of the year to start forward planning and thinking ahead to 2024.
No progress is without challenges so we’ve gathered together essential expertise to offer new and growing businesses an opportunity to tap into their knowledge and advice for free.
Book your place and drop-in to the Expertise in Residence: Business Clinic on Tuesday 16th January to tackle what’s holding you back with help from the experts.
We’ll be joined by a range of business specialists including finance, marketing, recruitment, workplace wellbeing and cyber security – to name but a few.
This is a golden opportunity to get answers to your business questions so we’re expecting this event to be popular – nothing sharpens the focus and helps you to realise what’s important quite like Christmas and New Year. Book your slot today!

January Virtual Networking
2024-01-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
Want to connect with like-minded individuals, explore new opportunities, and expand your professional circle?
January Virtual Networking
Join us this month and unlock the power of virtual networking. Make meaningful connections conveniently from your desk to build relationships and strengthen the Essex business community. In a world where connections matter more than ever, these sessions are a great way to engage with a diverse section of businesses in the county.
Throughout the session, you will be placed in different ‘rooms’ giving you the chance to catch up with familiar faces and make new contacts.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your network!
Date: Wednesday 17th January – 10.00am – 11.30am
Platform: Zoom
Cost: FREE for Members. Non-Members £35.00
Agenda
9.50am – Sign into Zoom Meeting
10.00am – Welcome introduction from a Client Relationship Manager
10.05am – Networking
11.30am – Meeting finishes

Social Media Trends for 2024
2024-01-17 11:00 - 13:00
Join Small Business Britain, BT Skills for Tomorrow and social media superstar Natalie Luckhman for a session to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in the digital world in 2024!
Social Media Trends for 2024!
In this session, Natalie will explore:

Where to focus your business efforts in 2024
How you can make the latest trends work for you
The changes we are anticipating in social media this year.

Natalie Luckham is the founder of Naturally Social, a social-first communication agency based in the heart of Wiltshire with a mission to achieve social for social good, demonstrating to the world how you can create positive change through the digital world.
They work with businesses and charities across different sectors, helping them find their voice and rise above the noise to spread their message and grow.
Natalie is also a mentor and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
About Skills for Tomorrow: BT Skills for Tomorrow is partnering with Small Business Britain to deliver digital skills to small businesses across the UK. This will include engaging workshops, exciting interactive digital training and really practical help, advice and bite sized hints and tips.

ACCELERATE 2: How to Build a Business - Business Plans & Practical Tips
2024-01-24 14:00 - 17:00 | Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, Boundary Road, Colchester, CO4 3ZQ, United Kingdom
Want to learn how to build a robust business plan and get advice on how to register a new business and understand the legal and tax responsibilities?
How to Build a Business – Business Plans & Practical Tips!
Join us at Innovation Centre Knowledge Gateway to learn everything you need to know to get your business off the ground.
What is covered:

Building a robust business plan using the Business Model Canvas.
Setting up a registered business.
Legal & tax considerations.
Find out about local support programmes available to you.

This workshop will be supported by the Federation for Small Businesses. Experts in all aspects of business support for early stage companies.
Business planning will be led by Kathryn White, Innovation Director at ICKG. She has global experience of supporting startups and SMEs.
Legal specialists from Holmes & Hills Solicitors will take you through all the practical considerations you need to consider as you start your business.
We’ll also be joined by Business Growth Expert, Eve Calderbank, from Essex County Council. She has the resources to help you understand all of the support available to you in the region.
This event is part of the ACCELERATE workshop series. We take you through all of the key skills business founders need to succeed, from IDEA to EXIT. Workshops will be run monthly and can either be attended as a series, or as standalone events.

Upcoming events include:

Accessing & Managing your Finances – Feb 2024
Building Your Team & Culture – Mar 2024
Building a Strategic Roadmap – Apr 2024

If you would like to purchase a discounted package for the full series, please contact kwhite@oxin.co.uk.

LinkedIn: How to build an exceptional personal brand for business growth
2024-01-25 09:30 - 10:30 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Join us at the Launchpad on the 25th January, for an hour workshop to learn how to leverage LinkedIn to enhance business growth.
LinkedIn: How to build an exceptional personal brand for business growth!
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 45-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.
Reserve your spot at Better Agency Limited‘s LinkedIn workshop now!
Where: Launchpad Southend, Airport Business Park, Rochford SS4 1YH
When: Thursday 25 Jan 2024, 09:30 – 10:30 GMT

StartUp Show: The UK's biggest start-up event of the new year
2024-01-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Kings College London, Kings College London, 30 Bush House, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BG
Whether you want to be your own boss, have a business idea or simply want to improve your entrepreneurial skills, UK biggest Start Up Show is for you.
The biggest start-up show of the new year is back for its 10th anniversary!
The StartUp Show is an absolute must for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. It’s your chance to discover everything you need to know about starting and growing a business.

Agenda:
10am-10:15am- Enterprise Nation founder & the director of Entrepreneurship Institute for Kings College London, talk about why 2024 is the year to consider starting business.
10:15am-11am- Digital marketing founder of Jellyfish, shares story of his journey starting growing and selling a successful marketing agency.
11am-11:45am- Run retail? The panel will dive into realities and benefits of opening a pop-up experience or full-on shop.
11.45am-12.30pm- From bedroom to IPO: Scaling a business with the right support. Why getting the right support at the right time is key to success.
12.30pm-1.15pm- Journalists and entrepreneurs come together to share experience, insights and top tips on how you can get your brand out there.
1.15pm-2pm- Regus Group founder, shares story of his journey to becoming one of Europe’s best known entrepreneurs.
2pm-2.45pm- Small business support providers will come together to share their advice on the essentials to get in place to ensure your business gets off to the best start.
2.45pm-3.25pm- Entrepreneurs will share their inspiring stories of building communities, tackling societal challenges and making an impact that matters.
3.25pm-4pm- Why individuals and start-ups will solve the challenges of the 21st century.

Why attend?:

Over 100 speakers at the StartUp Show to inspire with impressive stories and knowledge
Learn from the experts top tips for success
Access incredible deals from event partners
Expand your network, meeting like minded business owners
Receive business advice to help launch and grow your business.

Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network, helping thousands of people turn their good ideas into great businesses. Join today for free to get everything you need to start and grow your small business, in one place.

Where & When:
Saturday 27th January, 9am-4.15pm
King College London, Bush House, 30 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BG

Digital Skills - Driving traffic to your website
2024-01-30 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
Need help driving traffic to your website? This course, organised by Colbea, will help with your SEO and grow your business online!
During the workshop, you will gain vital knowledge on a range of skills that will aid you in attracting customers to your website. 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.
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?
If you are looking to attract customers to your website and grow your business online then this course is a must for you!
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.

Digital Skills - Website Development
2024-01-30 13:30 - 16:30 | Online
A short course introducing web design and development to anyone looking to expand their business to the world wide web.
Digital Skills – Website Development
OPEN TO ALL BUSINESSES & RESIDENTS WITHIN ESSEX
WHAT’S COVERED?
This course will cover the following topics;

The essential elements of effective websites
How to plan your website – tools and tips
Strategies and tactics to get your website visitors to do what you want them to!
The basics of great website design
Some key technology/platforms to consider

WHO IS IT FOR?
This workshop is for anyone looking to develop a website for their business. This course is aimed at those with little or no experience of web design and development.

Digital Skills - Online Sales & E-Commerce
2024-02-01 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
Transform how you sell online with this e-commerce course. Learn digital skills to help you smash your sales targets this 2024!
Digital Skills – Online Sales & E-Commerce
OPEN TO ALL BUSINESSES & RESIDENTS WITHIN ESSEX
What’s covered?

How to attract and convert customers online
Basic principles of effective online sales
Insight into some of the most powerful online sales tools and methods
How to create a top line digital marketing plan for your business

Who is it for?
Anyone who wants to understand more about how to promote their business online. This course is aimed at those with little or no experience of digital marketing, as well as those seeking to boost their online sales performance.

Digital Skills - Social Media
2024-02-01 13:30 - 16:30 | Online
Master your social media! Course in how to get the right kind of social reach and achieve better brand awareness!
Digital Skills – Social Media
OPEN TO ALL BUSINESSES & RESIDENTS WITHIN ESSEX
What’s covered?

Exploration of what you can achieve with social media
How to develop persuasive social media marketing
How to get the most out of social media marketing
Understanding which social media channels are right for your business
How to avoid common pitfalls

Who is it for?
Anyone who wants to understand more about how to market their business using social media. No experience of social media marketing is required.

Southend & Rochford Sales Club - Accelerating Sales in a Slowing Economy
2024-02-02 09:30 - 11:30 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Sales club is a Sales Geek creation to support the growth of local business with great sales strategy and networking FREE EVENT!
Southend & Rochford Sales Club – Accelerating Sales in a Slowing Economy
Join Sales Geek Essex for their brilliant Essex Sales Club, the home of free local business growth and sales strategy masterclasses!!
During this 2 hour event a range of topics designed to help you sell more stuff and change the way you perceive sales will be covered.
Currently, there are several venues across Essex in Colchester, Chelmsford, Southend and Braintree, follow us for your nearest and next event!
Running your own business can be a lonely place… come share your experience and connect with other aspiring Essex business owners.
Avoid the business growth pitfalls with learning from our masterclasses.
Enjoy this fun opportunity to get a Geeky fresh perspective and insights]
Location: Launchpad Southend, Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH

ionic. Lunchinars with SAVS
2024-02-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
A free digital series of bite-sized learning lunchinars to boost your business skills and knowledge!
Ionic Digital Lunchinars with SAVS!

Lunch + Webinars = Lunchinars

Lunchinars are bite-sized learning sessions. They are 1 hour long, from 12-1pm and are free to anyone that would like to join online.
Designed and delivered by SAVS, we work with a range of fantastic partners to create different series of sessions that are informative, innovative and relevant.
Each Lunchinar in the digital series includes 30-40 minutes of information sharing and learning, followed by a Q&A session. They also include a ‘takeaway’ – in the form of worksheets, cheat sheets, resources or checklists.

The series will cover making use of free, easy-to-use tools, as well as other more ‘industry standard’ tools (most of which have a charity discount) and online services, to help organisations achieve their goals.

All Lunchinars are available to watch back online on the Lunchinar Website. Check it out to see the dates of all this Digital Series!

SAVS, in partnership with Ionic Digital, are running a series of six Lunchinar workshops to help upskill local non-profit and charitable organisations on how they can enhance their digital presence in the modern world.

How to Scale Up Your Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
2024-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Are you a UK small business seeking growth?
How to Scale Up Your Small Business: A Step-by-Step Guide!
Join our webinar tailored for UK small businesses seeking growth.
Learn strategic steps for scaling up, from optimising operations, financing insights for sustainable growth and how to build a robust team.
Maximise your business potential with practical advice and real-world examples. Walk away with a step by step guide to growing your business.
Learning Outcomes:

Learn what steps you need to consider
Scale-up mindset and goals
Key pitfalls to avoid operational
Financial insights for sustainable business growth
People: creating a strong foundation for a thriving team

This programme from Small Business Britain & Indeed has been created to help small businesses grow their team with confidence and navigate the highs and lows of hiring. The goal of this programme is to shine a light on how to find, hire, retain and celebrate People for Business!

YES (Young Entrepreneurs Southend) Network
2024-02-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
The YES (Young Entrepreneurs Southend) Network has been established to foster and encourage the countless young talent in Southend City.
YES ~Young Entrepreneurs Southend~ Network!
The YES (Young Entrepreneurs Southend) Network has been established to foster and encourage the countless young talent in Southend on Sea City!
A networking event for young business minded individuals to…

share ideas & be inspired
Talk hardships
create beneficial connections
gain support and guidance

Ultimately walk away ready to go ahead and dive into the world of business!
Come along to hear from local business owners, exciting speakers and a range of different incentives to set you on the right path!

Where & When:
Friday 16th February at the Launchpad, Airport Business Park, Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford, SS4 1YH

Growing Your Business with Net Zero
2024-02-22 09:30 - 2024-02-29 11:30 | Zoom
Growing Your Business with Net Zero!
Eager to harness the power of sustainability to drive growth? This event is designed for forward-thinking entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry professionals eager for net zero business growth!
Our expert speaker will guide you through practical strategies and actionable insights that demonstrate how integrating Net Zero principles into your business model can lead to enhanced profitability, increased resilience, and positive societal impact.
Across 2 x 2 Hour webinars we will be exploring the intersection of sustainability and business growth. In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, businesses are presented with a unique opportunity to not only reduce their carbon footprint but also thrive in a sustainable, Net Zero future.
Webinar Overview:

Understand your carbon footprint and what it means for business
Energy efficiency within business
How your process can help to achieve Net Zero
Challenges and changes

The Host: Mike Russell MKR Solutions Ltd
Using their unique Lean2Green approach, they start the journey by ensuring your business is working at its most efficient and delivering the best possible outcomes for your clients and your bottom line.

ACCELERATE 3: Accessing & Managing Finance for Your Business
2024-02-27 14:00 - 17:00 | Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, Boundary Road, Colchester, CO4 3ZQ, United Kingdom
Learn all things business finance- how to access funding for your business and manage it well to ensure it has the greatest possible impact!
ACCELERATE 3: Accessing & Managing Finance for Your Business…
In the third part of the Accelerate series, we’ll be exploring the world of business finance. You’ll learn about financing options from grants to investment, and which is the best fit for your business. You’ll also gain practical skills for managing your finances.
We’ll be joined by John Stenhouse, lead for Angels@Essex, to explain the strange world of angel investment and venture capital.
The FSE Group will take you through the options for loans and bank finance.
Check back for further details as they are updated.

Where & When:
Innovation Centre Knowledge Gateway, Nestfield Road, Colchester, CO4 3ZQ
Tuesday 27th February 2024, 14:00-17:00

Contact the organiser to request a refund.
Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

Southend Business Partnership Briefing 7th March 2024
2024-03-07 07:30 - 10:30 | Park Inn by Radisson Palace, Park Inn, Church Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AL
Southend Business Briefing, where local entrepreneurs unite to share insights on local happenings and collaboration opportunities.
Southend Business Partnership Briefing 7th March 2024
Join us for an exciting in-person event, the Southend Business Partnership Briefing! This gathering will take place at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace in Southend-On-Sea.
Located on Church Rd, this venue offers a fantastic setting for networking and collaboration.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow business professionals and gain valuable insights into the local business landscape. Mark your calendars for this must-attend event!
Location:
Park Inn by Radisson Palace, Southend-on-Sea, Church Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2AL, UK

Digital Sustainability Webinar
2024-03-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Uncover the impact the internet has on carbon emissions and how you can make a difference in that output today with this digital sustainability webinar..
Digital Sustainability Webinar
Ever wondered what your digital carbon footprint is? Want to know more about how to measure and reduce your digital impact? Maybe you’ve heard about Digital Sustainability and aren’t sure where to start…
Join Essex Chambers and Bailey Bryan from Footprint Digital to uncover the impact the internet has on carbon emissions and how you as a business and as an individual can make a difference in that output today.
Bailey is part of Footprint Digital‘s ‘Green Team’. This internal working group works hard to champion sustainability within the company, encompassing their people, planet and place – the digital world. The team have recently achieved B Corp status, something Bailey is very proud of.
Agenda:
9.45am – Registration
10.00am – Welcome from Essex Chambers
10.05am – Presentation from Footprint Digital
10.45am – Q&A
11.00am – Webinar finishes

Where & When & Price:
Virtual via Zoom
Thursday 7th March 10:00am- 11:00am
Members price: £20 + VAT
Non Members price: £45 + VAT

Please note: This event will not be recorded and any material will only be circulated to those who attend.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with AWiE in Southend-on-Sea
2024-03-08 09:30 - 11:30 | Ocean Beach, Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2YG, United Kingdom
Celebrate International Women’s Day with AWiE in Southend-On-Sea!
Join Ambitious Women, Winning Women International and Southend-On-Sea City Council as we bring you a special event to celebrate International Women’s Day!
We’re delighted to co-host this occasion with our fellow community Winning Women. A group set up to support women in business.
Spend the morning with us from 9.30am at Ocean Beach and enjoy tea, cake and an exclusive view of the seafront as we celebrate the achievements of women everywhere!
AWiE events are very relaxed. Simply turn up when you can, stay as long as you like. There are no expectations for you to do anything other than enjoy yourself and talk to as many members of the community as you wish.
Make sure you don’t miss the chance to mingle with incredible people who are making a difference! Save the date in your calendar and get ready for an enriching event.
Ambitious Women in Essex –
A growing community set up through Essex County Council to support and celebrate as many amazing women in Essex as possible. https://pages.news.essex.gov.uk/pages/business
Winning Women International –
A group that provides monthly meetings and a non-judgmental, inspiring place for women at all stages and types of business to connect and collaborate with like-minded women. https://winningwomen.online/
On the day –
Please be sure to sign the register to let us know you have attended. If you have given us prior permission and confirmed your attendance, we share your details with all attendees post-event so you can continue to make great connections.
Photography –
We always try and take some pictures on our phones during the event to share on social media afterwards. If you would rather not be featured, please let us know on the day when you arrive.

Looking to start-up or develop a new business or idea?
2024-03-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Western Esplanade, Unit 21, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2EH
Looking to start-up or develop a new business or idea?
With no prior business knowledge required and the potential to gain a grant for £1000 to help you start your business. We are offering a face-to-face comprehensive training course taking place over two days, 10am- 1pm-including a networking lunch from 1- 2pm.
The workshop, split into two bite-sized sessions, will take you step-by-step through the process of creating and structuring your business through its formative stages. Focusing on how to prepare you and your finances, and exploring your business idea in depth. You will look at how to market your business and put a plan of action in place.
What’s covered?

Product or Service Description
Environmental and Sustainability Aspects
Marketing Analysis
Operational Aspects
Marketing and Sales
Financial Planning

Getting yourself ‘business ready’
We are here to help you if:

you’ve got an idea for a business
you’re starting your business.

Venue: https://twentyonesouthend.co.uk/
Dates: Tuesday 26th and Thursday 28th March 10am till 1pm / 1pm until 2pm networking Lunch provided
Contact us today as spaces are limited.

The South Essex Business Expo
2024-03-14 10:00 - 15:00 | The Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Essex, CM15 9NN, United Kingdom
The South Essex Business Expo 2024 – 14th March
We are really pleased to announce a partnership between all the South Essex Councils! Brentwood, Rochford, Southend on Sea, Basildon, Thurrock Castle Point and Essex County Council. Along with Essex Wildlife Trust, fsb, Colbea, Global, DS Group and Networking Essex.
What we hope to achieve the biggest business expo in South Essex at the Brentwood Centre on 14th March between 10am-3pm with 142 stands and 1000 visitors.
The expo will be promoted by all our partners to their databases, social media and newsletters! Globally we’ll be on Heart radio again leading up to the event. We intend to make every business in Essex aware of the expo and make it a must attend event.
This event is open to all businesses of all sizes, trades, industries, professions and sectors, start ups and pre start ups with something for everyone.
Business expo 2024 is free to attend with plenty of free parking at the Brentwood Centre.
To book your place please visit www.networking-essex.co.uk
If you would like to exhibit, please email aaron@networking-essex.co.uk

Small Business Britain
2024-03-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Lead Generation Masterclass
Join Small Business Britain, BT Skills for Tomorrow and Charelle Griffith for a session on lead generation and its pivotal role in driving success for your business.
In this 1-hour webinar you’ll gain invaluable insight into: –

Understanding Your Audience: learn how to identify and understanding your target audience with precision, enabling you to tailor your lead generation efforts for maximum impact.
Crafting Compelling Messaging: learn the secrets to crafting irresistible messaging that captivates and engages potential leads.
Leveraging Digital Platforms: learn how to use digital platforms and channels in amplifying your lead generation efforts, from social media to email marketing.
Optimising Conversion Strategies: understand the techniques for optimising your conversion strategies, to create a seamless journey for leads from initial contact to becoming loyal customers.

About Charelle:
Charelle Griffith is a Chartered Marketer, award-winning content marketer, blogger, podcaster and online business owner. Through her business, CharelleGriffith.com, Charelle provides 1:1 consulting, mentoring and training to coaches and online services providers around the world so they can improve their marketing, accelerate their business growth and ultimately build a thriving business that makes a big impact.
About Skills for Tomorrow:
BT Skills for Tomorrow is partnering with Small Business Britain to deliver digital skills to small businesses across the UK. This will include engaging workshops, exciting interactive digital training and really practical help, advice and bite sized hints and tips.

IONIC. LUNCHINARS WITH SAVS
2024-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
A free digital series of bite-sized learning lunchinars to boost your business skills and knowledge!
Ionic Digital Lunchinars with SAVS!

Lunch + Webinars = Lunchinars
Getting Found: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) & Google Ads

Lunchinars are bite-sized learning sessions. They are 1 hour long, from 12-1pm and are free to anyone that would like to join online.
Designed and delivered by SAVS, we work with a range of fantastic partners to create different series of sessions that are informative, innovative and relevant.
Each Lunchinar in the digital series includes 30-40 minutes of information sharing and learning, followed by a Q&A session. They also include a ‘takeaway’ – in the form of worksheets, cheat sheets, resources or checklists.

The series will cover making use of free, easy-to-use tools, as well as other more ‘industry standard’ tools (most of which have a charity discount) and online services, to help organisations achieve their goals.

All Lunchinars are available to watch back online on the Lunchinar Website. Check it out to see the dates of all this Digital Series!

SAVS, in partnership with Ionic Digital, are running a series of six Lunchinar workshops to help upskill local non-profit and charitable organisations on how they can enhance their digital presence in the modern world.

Small Business Britain
2024-03-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Small Business, Big Security: Essentials for Cyber Security
Join Small Business Britain, in collaboration with Lloyds Bank Academy, for a session on cyber security tailored for your small business, led by cyber guru Brian Chappell.
In this session, we’re diving deep into the realm of cyber security, where you’ll gain invaluable insights including:

Expert strategies to safeguard yourself and your business against cyber threats
Practical, hands-on steps to enhance your security posture and prevent potential risks
Jargon-busting insights to decode and understand complex cybersecurity terminology
Actionable advice on what you should be doing to stay safe, with practical examples to show preventive measures Brian has 30+ years of IT and cybersecurity experience in a career that has spanned system integrators, PC and Software vendors, and high-tech multi-nationals.

Small Business Britain are really excited to be partnering with the Lloyds Bank Academy on this comprehensive programme of webinars focused on offering support & expertise to small businesses during these difficult times.
These workshops range from financial management, branding for business growth, productivity hacks & stress management.
The Lloyds Bank Academy is a free learning resource helping to upskill businesses on a variety of topics. From using social media to attract customers to staying safe from fraud, these lessons can help improve your business – and they’re completely free!

Freeport East Innovation Cluster
2024-03-22 11:30 - 14:00 | Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, Boundary Road, Colchester, CO4 3ZQ, United Kingdom
Collaboration event with Ambitious Essex, including business networking lunch with Innovate UK Business Growth!
Freeport East Innovation Cluster Networking
Join Ambitious Essex (Essex County Council’s Business Growth and Sector Development Team) and Freeport East at this exciting event for Essex innovators.
This is a must-attend event for businesses of all sizes in the clean energy, digitech, life sciences and agri/foodtech sectors.
Join us to learn more about:

Freeport East’s role and structure, including their plans to develop and support innovation
A range of innovation and business support programmes from Essex County Council, including the new Ambitious Essex Innovation Accelerator for pre-startups
The University of Essex’s work and opportunities at the Innovation Centre Knowledge Gateway
Support and advice available via Innovate UK Business Growth

There will be plenty of time for networking with other innovative companies. You’ll also have the chance to meet potential suppliers, customers and/or future business partners.

Agenda:

11:30 – 12:00: Arrivals, refreshments & optional tour of Innovation Centre Knowledge Gateway

12:00 – 12:30: Opportunities at Freeport East

12:30 – 13:00: Ambitious Essex Innovation Accelerator

13:00 – 13:10: Opportunities at the Innovation Centre Knowledge Gateway

13:10 – 13:30: Innovate UK: Helping innovative businesses to grow. Hear from Alison Mitchell, Innovation & Growth Specialist, Innovate UK Business Growth

13:30 – 14:00: Networking lunch (buffet provided)

AI & Marketing: Building a cost-effective ‘team’ for small businesses
2024-03-28 09:30 - 10:30 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Join Better Agency at the Launchpad to learn how to utilise artificial intelligence for business marketing!
AI & Marketing: Building a cost-effective ‘team’ for small businesses!
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. This can effectively shortcut tasks and accelerate market awareness and growth.
This 45-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.
