Launchpad Southend

Essex Business Sales Accelerator - June Start
2025-06-20 09:30 - 13:00 UTC | 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.

***

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

Managing Business Cyber Security | An Event for SMEs
2025-06-24 08:30 - 12:30 | BT – Braham One, I Braham Street, London, E1 8EE
Join us at BT – One Braham for a day packed with insights on keeping your small or medium-sized business safe from cyber threats. Learn from industry experts, network with fellow SME owners, and gain practical tips to safeguard your business against online risks. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your cyber security knowledge and protect your valuable data. Register now to secure your spot!
Nearly half (43%) of businesses in the UK experienced a breach or attack in the last 12 months. The impact can be severe too, costing micro and small businesses an average of £7,960 and medium and large business an average of £12,560, according to the latest government survey.

Agenda

09:00 – 09:30
Welcome coffee and networking

09:30 – 09:35
Welcome talk

09:35 – 09:45
Keynote on the importance of Cyber Security for SMBs

09:45 – 10:00
Talk on cyber risk and governance

Cyber risk and governance are critical for small and medium businesses as they face increasing threats from ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. Effective governance involves implementing robust …

10:00 – 10:30
Group workshop: Discuss with other SMB leaders their approach to cyber risk

10:30 – 10:40
Security Awareness Training annoucement

A new product to support SMBs provided by BT

10:40 – 11:00
Networking

11:00 – 11:25
Next Generation Security Discussion with Q&A​

11:25 – 12:15
Group workshop: Reviewing your approach to cyber security with BT experts

Practical discussions to help you and other leaders reflect on your approach to cyber security and how to tackle next generation cyber security risks.

12:15 – 12:20
Event close

12:20 – 13:00
Networking Lunch

Chambers Annual Golf Day
2025-06-25 09:30 - 19:30 | Canons Brook Golf Club, Elizabeth Way, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5BE
⛳ Join Us for the Chambers Annual Golf Day 2025 🏌️‍♂️
Get ready for a fantastic day on the greens at Canons Brook Golf Club, one of Essex’s finest courses.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just enjoy a day on the green, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, entertain clients, and enjoy some friendly competition at this first-class golfing experience.
What’s in Store?
🏌️‍♂️ 18 holes on a stunning championship course
🏆 Exciting team and individual competitions – including the chance to win £10,000!
🤝 Prime networking opportunities with local businesses
🍽️ Delicious breakfast, BBQ, and refreshments
🎁 Exclusive prizes and a celebratory awards presentation
Canons Brook has one of the best courses in the region. Designed by the legendary professional golfer, Sir Henry Cotton in 1963, matured over 60 years. A truly engaging golf experience with lots of variety and all located in the heart of Essex. With little rough, many bunkers and large greens on which aspiring golfers of all standards are rewarded for thoughtful and skilful play.
Golf Day Teams: For any groups of four that have made a booking for the Golf Day, we have assumed that you want to play together as a team. If this is not the case, please let us know as soon as possible, and we will divide you into mixed teams.
For individual players, we will place you in mixed teams of 4 with other attendees.
Don’t miss out on this unique occasion to combine business prowess with golfing finesse.
Date: Wednesday 25 June 9.30am to 7.30pm
Venue: Canons Brook Golf Club. Elizabeth Way, Harlow CM19 5BE
Costs: Members £85.00 + VAT Non-Members £125.00 + VAT.

COMPETITIONS INCLUDE

🏆 WINNING 🏆
TEAM
The Claret Cup & Individual Winners Trophies
4 x £50 American Golf Vouchers
Sponsored by

🏅 RUNNER UP 🏅
TEAM
Individual Runner Up Trophies
4 x £25 American Golf Vouchers
Sponsored by

🏌🏻‍♀️OVERALL 🏌🏽‍♂️
INDIVIDUAL WINNER
Overall Individual Trophy
£100 American Golf Voucher
Sponsored by

⛳ NEAREST THE PIN ⛳
Professional Golf Wear
Played on the 5th Hole
Sponsored by

💷 HOLE IN ONE 💷
£10,000 Cash Prize*
Played on the 12th Hole
Sponsored by
*T&C’s apply

🏌🏽‍♂️LONGEST DRIVE 🏌🏻‍♀️
£75 American Golf Voucher
Played on the 18th Hole
Sponsored by

Timings for the day:

9:30am
Registration, breakfast rolls & refreshments and networking

10:30am
Teams make their way to their starting holes

11:00am
Tee off for 18 holes, shotgun start

5:30pm
2 course BBQ, award ceremony and prizes

7:30pm
Event ends

Golf Buggies are available to hire but must be pre-booked by the user from the venue directly – Charges apply and buggies are limited.

Extra Information

Parking Info
Free parking is available at the venue

Refreshments
Breakfast rolls with tea, coffee and juice will be served on arrival. 2 course BBQ will be served after the tournament. The Club House will be open for you to purchase any additional refreshments.

Understanding data in GA4 and harnessing it for growth
2025-06-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Part of the Be Better – Launchpad (Digital Marketing) 2025 collection
Feeling lost in the world of Google Analytics 4 (GA4)? This session, “Understanding Data in GA4 and harnessing it for growth” is your ultimate guide to navigating the powerful new analytics platform.
We’ll embark on a journey to demystify GA4, exploring the fundamental changes from its predecessor, Universal Analytics. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the new tracking methods and how they provide a more comprehensive view of user behavior across devices and platforms.
The 90-minute session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to confidently set up GA4 for your website. We’ll walk you through the process, ensuring you capture the data that matters most for your business.
But data collection is just the beginning! We’ll delve into deciphering the wealth of information within GA4. Learn how to interpret the new data structure and unlock valuable insights into user engagement, content performance, and marketing campaign effectiveness.
By the end of this session, you’ll be empowered to leverage the power of GA4 to make data-driven decisions and optimise your marketing strategies for success.

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.

Security & Protection: Scams and How to Avoid Them
2025-06-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Online scams targeting small businesses are on the rise – and they’re getting more sophisticated.
From phishing emails to fake invoices, knowing what to look out for can make all the difference.
Join Samantha Hancock from Derbyshire Constabulary, alongside Small Business Britain and Lloyds Bank Academy, for a practical, no-nonsense session on how to spot, avoid and protect your business from scams.
You’ll get clear guidance on the latest threats, real-life examples to learn from, and actionable steps to keep your business safe, whether you’re working from a laptop, phone or tablet. Knowledge is your best defence – join us and stay one step ahead.
MENTORING: You will have the opportunity to receive 2 hours of free expert small business mentoring to discuss your small business challenges, whatever they are, confidentially with our expert mentors. *attendance is required in order to receive this* Small Business Britain is delighted to be partnering with Lloyds Bank to bring you this programme to help support the UK’s small businesses.

Essex Business Sales Accelerator - June Start
2025-06-27 09:30 - 13:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Description
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.

***

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

Space Solutions, Local Impact: Discover ESA BASS in the East of England
2025-06-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa Back Lane Cambourne CB23 6BW, Cambridge BBack Lane, Cambourne, Essex, CB2
Join us for Space Solutions, Local Impact — a free event introducing the European Space Agency (ESA) Business Applications & Space Solutions (BASS) programme to organisations across the East of England. Learn how satellite data and space technologies are driving innovation in sectors from agriculture and energy to health and transport.
Hear real-world success stories, get practical insights into funding opportunities, and book your slot for a 1-to-1 surgery with our ESA BASS Ambassador to explore how your business or organisation could benefit.
Lunch is provided.

The Sisterhood Summer Party
2025-07-03 19:30 - 23:00 | The Mews, 2 Nelson Mews, Southend On Sea, Essex, SS1 1AL
It’s that time again!!!
Come and join your fellow Sisters for THE Summer Party of the year!!!
A chance to meet new and familiar faces, let your hair down a little and indulge in a little networking of course!
Your ticket includes:-

Welcome drink when you arrive – a glass of fizz or fruit juice
Business Card Table
Light buffet
Glitter Bar
Dancing
Optional Speed Networking

Tickets are LIMITED and are available to ALL Sisterhood ladies across the network!
EARLY BIRD PRICE – just £35 if you grab yours BEFORE June 14th!!!
After 14th June the price INCREASES to £45!!!!
They will go quickly so please don’t wait to get yours!
We can’t WAIT to party with you!!!

Location
The Mews, SS1 1AL

Essex Business Sales Accelerator - July Start
2025-07-04 09:30 - 2025-07-25 13:30 | 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 – July 4th 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 – July 11th 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 – July 18th 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 – July 25th 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: July 4th – July 25th
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.

***

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
Please click here to see the Backing Essex Business Privacy Policy

Social Media Supremacy: Paid campaigns on LinkedIn and Meta
2025-07-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Part of the Be Better – Launchpad (Digital Marketing) 2025 collection
Unleash the power of social media advertising to propel your brand to new heights! This session, “Social Media Supremacy: Paid Campaigns on LinkedIn and Meta,” equips you with the knowledge and tools to craft winning campaigns that resonate with your target audience on the two leading social media platforms – LinkedIn and Meta (encompassing Facebook and Instagram).
We’ll delve into the art of building laser-targeted audiences, ensuring your message reaches the right people at the right time. You’ll learn how to craft compelling creative assets and ad copy that captures attention and drives engagement.
The 90-minute session explores the best targeting mechanisms available on both LinkedIn and Meta, enabling you to tailor your campaigns for maximum impact. We’ll guide you through the process of building effective social media campaigns, from setting clear goals to measuring success and optimizing your strategy for continuous improvement.
By the end of this session, you’ll be empowered to navigate the exciting world of social media advertising with confidence. You’ll possess the skills to create high-performing campaigns that generate leads, drive conversions, and solidify your brand’s position within the social media 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.

Managing social media channels on a budget
2025-07-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Go from social media novice to social media ninja! Join us to learn how to increase your reach and grow your customers.

What you’ll learn

how to create compelling content that not only engages, but converts too
the role that emotions play in social media marketing
how to create content for international audiences without having to start new social media accounts

Description

Maximise your online presence overseas without breaking the bank!
This hands-on session will provide practical tips and strategies to efficiently manage and grow your social media channels, leveraging the key to success online.
Designed for both B2B and D2C businesses, this workshop will help you to engage your audience, create compelling content and measure your success, all whilst thinking of your overseas audience and their journey to purchasing.

Speakers

Charlie Garnham
Digital Trade Adviser, Department for Business and Trade

Charlie loves talking about website UX, international SEO, social media presence and website localisation with her clients to ensure that they get the most out of their digital assets; whether they are selling direct to consumers or trading with distributors, agents or partners overseas. From handbags to security gates, biogas converters to recruitment services, Charlie supports all types of businesses with their export journey. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks in her local area and enjoying good food in the South West.

Build a digital marketing strategy to drive sales
2025-07-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Join our Fuel your Business Growth: Digital Edge series, in this session we will be exploring how to build a successful digital marketing strategy.

What you’ll learn

What marketing methods you should prioritise when budgets are limited
Uncover demand and gain actionable inspiration for campaigns
Identify sources of data and insight to build a confident digital marketing strategy

Description

Join this session to learn the core digital marketing methodologies to cost-effectively increase, tap into and capitalise on demand. With a key focus on cost-effective methods that bring interested customers closer rather than ‘pushing’ advertisements to irrelevant audiences, this session will have insights for B2C and B2B brands of all sizes.

Speakers

Martin Calvert
Marketing Director, ICS-digital

Martin Calvert is Marketing Director at ICS-digital, an international digital marketing agency that helps large and small firms succeed in highly competitive and highly regulated sectors worldwide.
Martin hosts the ICS: Everything Digital podcast on Apple and Spotify which covers multilingual digital topics including SEO, content, PR, product and much more.

US Trade Tariffs Webinar
2025-07-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Behind the Tariffs: What 2025 Means for Your Supply Chain & Customs Strategy
Recent changes to US tariffs have created new challenges and considerations for UK businesses trading with the United States. If you are exporting goods into the US it is essential to understand how these updated tariffs may impact your supply chain, pricing, and compliance requirements.
Join our experts – Richard Bartlett from Export Unlocked (UK) and Angela Aaron, Senior Compliance Director at KlearNow AI (US), for an in-depth look at:

The latest US Trade Tariffs
The evolving UK–US trade deal
How to stay tariff-savvy in a volatile trade environment

We will explore how to assess your exposure to supply chain disruption and implement smarter, more resilient strategies.
Date: Monday 7 July 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!

ATA Carnets Workshop
2025-07-08 09:30 - 11:30 | Zoom
This virtual workshop will focus on a useful international scheme for the temporary movement of goods – the ATA Carnet Scheme.
Since the UK left the EU there has been an increase in the need to control temporary movements, and if you are sending or receiving goods for demonstration, exhibitions, testing or as professional equipment, you should consider this Passport for Goods.
This workshop will cover the application process and how to control the use of ATA Carnets effectively, focusing on –

What the ATA Carnet scheme is and how it works internationally
How to apply for an ATA Carnet in the UK
Procedures of using an ATA Carnet for both hand carried and unaccompanied freight
Receiving imports under the ATA Carnet Scheme
Discharging the ATA Carnet correct to avoid fines and penalties
Tips on what to do if things go wrong

This workshop is ideal for businesses that move goods temporarily, for example – sending tools and equipment with an engineer to perform repairs & servicing, taking equipment to sporting or entertainment events or taking part in a Trade Show.

Introduction to Social Media Marketing
2025-07-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
Want learn how to use social media to market your business effectively? Join this short course from Let’s Do Marketing to learn how to create your social media strategy for success – and come away with the knowledge, skills and confidence to start connecting with your customers online!

Get to know more about social media channels and what they can do for your business, how to use them effectively, as well as create award winning and eye catching content to resonate with your customers. Get a better understanding on tools and software to make your social media marketing a breeze, and learn more about the possibilities with Social Media Marketing.
Event details:
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £35pp
During this course, we’ll cover:

The basics – understanding how marketing relates to social media and vice versa

The characteristics of each social media channel, how to determine which one is right for your business (or all of them!), as well as how to use the most popular channels Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Finding your customer online, and identifying ways to connect with and reach them

Creating graphic design content using tools like Canva to capture the attention of customers on your news feed

Scheduling social media posts and content to make your life easier, with tools like Meta Business Suite, Buffer and more

Developing a social media Strategy

As well a dedicated Q&A session, where you can ask a social media expert any questions you have about your own social media strategy.

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.

Understanding VAT on Imports & Exports Webinar
2025-07-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Join our expert led webinar with Scrutton Bland. This 45-minutes webinar explores imports and exports, providing clarity on how goods moving into and outside the UK are treated with regards to VAT.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to account for VAT and stay compliant with UK and non-UK legislation as well as the chance to ask questions in a Q&A session.
We will cover:

• VAT on Imports
• VAT on Exports
• Documentary Requirements
• VAT Accounting and Compliance
• Triangulation

Overview of Incoterms®
2025-07-15 09:30 - 11:30 | Zoom
Understand the Rules. Reduce Risk in International Trade.
Incoterms® 2020 are globally recognised rules that clearly define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade. These three-letter acronyms are essential for setting the terms of delivery, managing risk, and ensuring clarity in contracts.
Using the wrong Incoterm®, or misusing one, can result in serious issues, including delays, disputes, additional costs, and even failed payments. That’s why it’s critical for businesses engaged in global trade to fully understand how and when to apply each term.
This virtual overview will cover:
• A clear explanation of each of the 11 Incoterms® 2020
• The role of Incoterms® in international contracts and logistics
• How to select the right term for your business
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• Real-world examples to illustrate best practice
Included with the overview:
• A downloadable copy of the course slides
• Comprehensive guidance notes to support continued learning and contract accuracy
This session is ideal for anyone involved in sales, purchasing, logistics, shipping, or contract negotiation – helping you to apply Incoterms® confidently and correctly in day-to-day trade operations.

Date: Tuesday 15 July 9.30am – 11.30am
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Members £250.00 + VAT and Non-Members £330.00 + VAT
Please note: This event will not be recorded and any material will only be circulated to those that attend.
Can’t make this date? Contact us to register your interest for the next course date
British Chambers of Commerce Accredited Course: The British Chambers of Commerce has a range of nationally accredited international trade courses that give essential skills that are invaluable to small and large businesses alike.
At the end of the course there will be a short assessment paper to complete which results in a BCC Certificate with a Pass or Merit achievement worth 1 credit. Achieve 6 credits to receive the BCC Foundation Award in International Trade.

Converting followers into customers
2025-07-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
What you’ll learn

Understand how to structure your social media content to guide followers through the customer journey
Learn proven tactics to increase engagement and encourage conversions through calls-to-action and social proof
Discover how to leverage analytics and insights to refine your strategy and improve conversion rates

Description

Growing a social media following is one thing – turning those followers into paying customers is another.
In this session, we’ll focus on practical strategies to move your audience from passive engagement to active conversion.
You’ll learn how to create content that drives action, optimise your social channels for lead generation, and use social proof to build trust and credibility. Walk away with clear, actionable steps to turn your followers into loyal customers.

Speakers

Edwina Mullins
Co-owner and Director, SocialB

Edwina has 20 years’ experience delivering digital marketing strategies in technology, manufacturing, engineering, and hospitality sectors. Edwina oversees strategy and execution for SocialB’s client portfolio, as well as delivering consultancy, strategy, and training. Edwina also mentors the team, sharing her wealth of hands on and strategic e

2025-07-16 09:30 - 12:00 | First Intuition Chelmsford, 2 Coval Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1TD
Come and join us for an enjoyable networking and learning morning!
Hosted by First Intuition East Anglia, the Chelmsford Sales Club is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, share ideas and grow your company and your network.
Whether you’re an experienced sales professional or you want to understand how to grow your role and your business, this event is for you. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with many others in the sales industry and expand your business horizons.
Book now, registrations will close when we reach capacity!

Get Found, Get Clicked, Get Customers: Making LinkedIn Work for Your Business
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Join Small Business Britain, BT Digital Skills, and LinkedIn expert Ashley Leeds for a practical, confidence-boosting session for small business owners who want to get more out of LinkedIn.
In this webinar, you’ll learn:
– The 3 things small businesses are getting wrong on LinkedIn (and how to fix them fast)
– Profile power moves
– how to turn your profile into a mini sales page
– Easy content ideas that build trust and drive traffic
– How to show up in just 15 minutes a day (and why it works)
– The secret to connecting with the right people (without feeling salesy)
Expect actionable tips, relatable examples, and plenty of support to help you get started or level up your LinkedIn game.
You’ll also receive a free resource pack to keep the momentum going after the session.
About Ashley: Ashley Leeds, the ‘15-Minute Guy,’ is a LinkedIn expert, coach, and speaker who helps professionals build confidence and visibility—all in just 15 minutes a day. Having once struggled with self-doubt and feeling invisible,
Ashley knows first-hand how powerful it is to finally start showing up authentically. His approach is simple, relatable, and proven to get results. He’s helped hundreds of professionals transform their LinkedIn presence, including speaking internationally at Accountex Canada, inspiring others to embrace LinkedIn with confidence.
About BT Digital Skills: BT Digital Skills is partnering with Small Business Britain to deliver digital skills to small businesses across the UK.

Import Procedures & Documentation Training
2025-07-22 09:30 - 12:00 | Zoom
Build Confidence in Sourcing from Global Markets
Global sourcing presents valuable opportunities for UK businesses to access a wider range of products, materials, and components. With the right strategy and understanding of procedures, importing can be a cost-effective way to enhance your competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
However, bringing goods into the UK involves navigating a complex set of rules, paperwork, and compliance requirements. This virtual half-day course is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in the essential aspects of importing.
What You’ll Learn:
• Key steps in the import process from order to delivery
• How to prepare and manage import documentation
• Practical tips to ensure compliance and avoid delays
Included in the Course:
• A downloadable set of course presentation slides
• Detailed guidance notes to support your import activities long after the session
Ideal for businesses new to importing or those seeking to improve their internal processes, this training provides practical knowledge to help you manage international purchases with confidence and clarity.

Date: Tuesday 22 July 9.30am to 12.00pm
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Members £250.00 + VAT and Non-Members £330.00 + VAT
Please note: This event will not be recorded and any material will only be circulated to those that attend.

Can’t make this date? Contact us to register your interest for the next course date

The British Chambers of Commerce has a range of nationally accredited international trade courses that give essential skills which are invaluable to small and large businesses alike.
At the end of these courses there will be a short assessment paper to complete which results in a BCC Certificate with a Pass or Merit achievement worth 1 credit. Achieve 6 credits to receive the BCC Foundation Award in International Trade.

Importance of International Documentation
2025-07-28 09:30 - 13:00 | Zoom
This course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the importance of customs documentation in the world of international trade to ensure both parties clearly understand the documentation that will be required in the import or export of goods or services. This includes evidence of delivery, proof payment, export and import documentation, customs clearance, intellectual property rights, mitigating risk and dispute resolution.
► Certificate of origin
► Licences
► Labelling
► CMR
► Proof of delivery
► Certificate of origin
► Health certificates
► Proof of customs entry
► Commodity codes
► Certification
► WTO
► Chambers of commerce
► International bodies
Date: Monday 28 July 9.30am – 1.00pm
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Members £330.00 + VAT and Non-Members £375.00 + VAT
Credits: 1 credit gained with successful completion of a multiple choice questionnaire

Our Trade Expert Training Academy online program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the global marketplace.

Customs Procedures and Documentation Training
2025-07-29 09:30 - 11:30 | Zoom
Strengthen Compliance. Streamline Your Trade Operations.
This concise but comprehensive virtual training session provides essential insight into the procedures and documentation required when dealing with UK and international customs authorities. Whether importing or exporting, understanding what’s required for customs declarations is vital to ensuring smooth, compliant trade operations.
Failure to comply can result in delays, inspections, and financial penalties—all of which can be avoided with the right knowledge and preparation.
This course covers:
• The key customs procedures businesses must follow
• Understanding the data and documents needed for customs declarations
• The role of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in maintaining compliance
• How good customs practices can improve efficiency and reduce risk
• An overview of both import and export requirements
Included with the Course:
• A full set of course slides for future reference
• Detailed guidance notes to reinforce learning and support implementation
Designed for anyone involved in international trade, this session will help your business operate more effectively and avoid common pitfalls when dealing with customs.
Date: Tuesday 29 July 9.30am – 11.30am
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Members £250.00 + VAT and Non-Members £330.00 + VAT
Please note: This event will not be recorded and any material will only be circulated to those that attend
Can’t make this date? Contact us to register your interest for the next course date
British Chambers of Commerce Accredited Course: The British Chambers of Commerce has a range of nationally accredited international trade courses that give essential skills which are invaluable to small and large businesses alike.
At the end of these courses there will be a short assessment paper to complete which results in a BCC Certificate with a Pass or Merit achievement worth 1 credit. Achieve 6 credits to receive the BCC Foundation Award in International Trade.

Using AI tools to create content for your business
2025-08-05 13:00 - 15:00 | online workshop
In this business.connected workshop in partnership with Vodafone Business, we’ll explore how to harness the power of AI to create smarter, more strategic content – without compromising on authenticity.
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business owner or part of a growing team, this session will give you the tools to confidently integrate AI into your content strategy while staying true to your brand voice and values.
Led by Kristian Downer, an expert in digital content and AI applications, the workshop will cover how to use AI tools to generate blogs, video scripts and social media posts efficiently – plus how to make sure your content feels human and trustworthy.
You’ll also learn how to repurpose one idea into a wealth of content across different platforms, and how to use AI-powered analytics to track what’s working, what’s not and where to optimise.
Kristian has over 11 years of experience in digital marketing and specialises in helping business owners and marketing managers cut through the complexity to achieve consistent, profitable growth. From sole traders to large corporates, he’s delivered proven strategies and high-performing campaigns that drive real results.
Now, as a national trainer for Google Digital Garage through Enterprise Nation, he’s equipping businesses across the UK with the skills to navigate the evolving digital landscape – including the opportunities and challenges of AI in marketing.
With business.connected, get support on the technologies and digital business areas that can help you and your business work smarter. Grow online with expert guidance, peer insights, digital skills training and smart connectivity solutions.
Key takeaways from this session

Ethics and authenticity when using AI: Understand the importance of using AI responsibly, including keeping data secure and maintaining brand trust.
AI tools for creating content: Explore practical tools to help you generate engaging blogs, scripts and social media posts more efficiently.
Balancing AI and human content: Learn how to blend AI-generated and human-authored content to remain authentic and relevant.
Content repurposing strategies: Discover how to turn a single idea into 10 or more pieces of content across different platforms.
AI-driven analytics: Use intelligent tools to measure your content performance and optimise your strategy for better results.

Important details about the workshop

During the webinar, you’ll also have the chance to ask Kristian any questions.
The session lasts two hours. By signing up, you’ll also receive extra resources to support your learning.
Each workshop is designed to deliver practical, hands-on advice for SMEs. You’ll leave the session knowing how to implement specific strategies.

This webinar is part of a series for business.connected. Check out the other events, including more online workshops and business bootcamps held in-person across different regions of the UK.
About business.connected
The business.connected hub is a free online training programme of workshops, webinars and e-learning modules designed to help businesses go digital and adopt new technology.
The programme is supported by Vodafone Business. For more information, visit the business.connected support hub.

Customer profiling: Customers and competitors
2025-08-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Duration1 hour
Contentbusiness academy
Part ofFuel your Business Growth: Start your business

Learn how to conduct market research to start your business on the right foot!

What you’ll learn

how to use a SWOT analysis
creating a Unique Selling Point (USP)
identifying your core target customer

Description

In this session we will be exploring basic market research techniques to help you better gauge your customer profile(s). We’ll also be giving some thought to the trading environment.

Speakers

Chris Stevens
Head of Business Support, Swindon and Wiltshire Business and Growth Unit

Chris has over 6 years’ experience in mobilising and delivering business support programmes and projects to bring about regional economic development.

Darren Brindley
Business Navigator, Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub

Darren has over 20 years experience of working with businesses of all sizes around the world, supporting their development, growth and skills progression.

SE..whO Breaking down the basics of SEO
2025-08-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
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.

2025-08-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
Join SAVS and Ingenium Coaching online on Monday 11th August, from 12pm to 1.30pm for this free training session to understand different personality types. Book your free place

This is part of a four-part series with Ingenium Coaching to deliver training to the sector to improve your personal and professional development. This session is number two in the series, with the first focusing on understanding perception and how it differs for each person.

This session will explore how to improve workplace relationships and performance by helping individuals understand themselves and others better, ultimately leading to more effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

It will also help you to understand the challenges in understanding diverse personalities and behaviours, promoting self-awareness, and enhancing team dynamics.

Although the session is 1.5 hours long, the lunchinars usually finish within 1 hour.

Planning for success: How to action plan by adopting SMART objectives
2025-08-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Duration1 hour
Contentbusiness academy
Part ofFuel your Business Growth: Start your business

Get to grips with using SMART objectives in your business planning.

What you’ll learn

how to identify risks
using SMART action planning
flexible planning

Description

We’ll guide you through an action plan with SMART (specific, measurable, realistic, timebound) objectives and how to incorporate flexibility and revision.

Speakers

Chris Stevens
Head of Business Support, Swindon and Wiltshire Business and Growth Unit

Chris has over 6 years’ experience in mobilising and delivering business support programmes and projects to bring about regional economic development.

Darren Brindley
Business Navigator, Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub

Darren has over 20 years experience of working with businesses of all sizes around the world, supporting their development, growth and skills progression.

Four steps to kick-start your venture
2025-08-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Get the fundamentals you need to give your business idea the best chance of success.

What you’ll learn

key do’s and don’ts when starting your business
foundation pillars for success
focus areas for planning

Description

Join Archie Wilkinson, CEO and Co-founder of Lifesaver, as he takes you through the ‘do’s and don’ts’, the foundational pillars of success, and the focus areas for giving your venture the best chance of success.

Speakers

Archie Wilkinson
CEO, Lifesaver

Archie is the CEO of Lifesaver, a certified B-Corp company pioneering sustainable charging solutions. Under his leadership, Lifesaver developed the world’s first outdoor power bank vending machine, reducing battery waste and partnering with major events and venues like Wimbledon, The O2, Wembley Stadium and Winter Wonderland. As an Export Champion, he has expanded Lifesaver internationally, recently achieving 58% annual revenue growth and EBITDA+.

August Virtual Networking - Free For All
2025-08-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
Expand Your Horizons: Join Our Free For All Virtual Networking Event!
Ready to grow your professional network and spark new opportunities? We’re excited to invite members and non-members to experience our popular virtual networking. These events offer an open, engaging space for professionals from all industries to connect, collaborate, and thrive.
This interactive and informal experience makes connecting easy and enjoyable, offering the chance to engage with a diverse range of professionals, many you might not have encountered otherwise. With dynamic breakout rooms, you’ll reconnect with familiar faces and forge new partnerships that could drive your business forward.
Open to everyone in the Essex business community and beyond.
Don’t miss this chance to build your network and explore what’s possible!
Date: Wednesday 20 August 10.00am to 11.30am
Platform: Zoom
Cost: FREE for All
Only TWO attendees per company
Agenda
9.50am – Sign into Zoom Meeting
10.00am – Welcome introduction from a Client Relationship Manager
10.05am – Networking
11.30am – Meeting finishes
