Launchpad Southend

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

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

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

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

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

This workshop is organised by backing Essex Business on behalf of Southend-On-Sea City Council and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What next? Business Finance as a Journey!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Investment for Innovation

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

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

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

This event is in partnership with the UKBAA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unlocking potential for your business through diversity and sustainability

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

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

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

This event is held in partnership with Lifted Ventures.

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

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

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

Along with a panel of Start Up Loan Ambassadors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Agenda:

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

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

– 8pm-9pm: Networking & bowl food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This workshop is organised by Backing Essex Business on behalf of Southend-On-Sea City Council and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Steps to Start-up Success
2023-09-06 14:00 - 2023-09-07 17:00 | Online
Looking to start-up or develop a new business or idea? Are you living in or have a business within Essex county? With no prior business knowledge required, take part in an online comprehensive training course taking place over two days, 2pm-5pm.
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. The courses intention is to help you develop the framework that will support you throughout your business journey.
What’s covered?

Getting yourself ‘business ready’
Making your marketing work
Business banking
Managing your business money
Preparing for business planning
Your next action steps

When is it?

Wednesday 6th September – 14:00 – 17:00
Thursday 7th September – 14:00 – 17:00

Please be aware that attendance on both days is required.
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 would like any further information or have any questions, please contact us on 01206 548833 or email enquiries@colbea.co.uk

Essex Virtual Networking
2023-08-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Interested in finding out what free support and advice is available to Essex based SME’s? Want to start, grow and establish your business? All of which from the comfort of your own environment? Well this virtual networking opportunity is where you can meet with like-minded entrepreneurs, self-employed people and small business owners, to network, collaborate, promote your services and support each other in the Essex area.
The meeting will take place virtually for an hour. Look forward to a lively, interactive session where attendees will each be given time to introduce themselves in a supportive, unpressured environment. FSB has the aim of helping smaller businesses achieve their ambition, and provide events such as virtual networking in order to reach their mission goal. As a result of previous success from these types of events, they are providing more and more for people to utilise.
This free #FSBConnectOnline networking is open to all businesses – both FSB members and non-members are welcome to attend, so please feel free to share with your networks.
FSB offer their members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government. If you are an existing FSB member or interested in becoming one, there will also be FSB representatives on hand to talk to you about ensuring you get the most from your membership during this challenging time.

An introduction to Able Futures and how we can support employers to support mental health at work
2023-08-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
With the aim of supporting mental health in workplaces comes a webinar hosted by an Able Futures Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant. This session will cover how managers can lead with compassion to advocate a positive mental space for employees. Able Futures deliver the Access To Work Mental Health Support Service in England, Scotland and Wales on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
Able Futures knows that mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can lead to having some bad days. Things such as stress or bereavement can also impact our mental health and sometimes mean that we struggle at work and don’t feel able to cope with everyday life. If you live with mental health difficulties you know there are up days but there are down days too. You also know that those down days can really affect you at work- you might find it hard to focus, or maybe struggle to perform at your best. All in all, mental health has a huge effect on your productivity at work, no matter the specifics. The aim of Able Futures is to help you enjoy more good days and enable employers to be actively supporting mental health in workplaces.
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As an employer you can sign up to promote the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service to your apprentices and receive a comprehensive range of support for free. Every apprenticeship provider that registers for the service receives a toolkit, a free training resource full of helpful dos and don’ts, access to webinars and information sessions on mental health at work. Along with access to qualified professionals to help you help your apprentices. You gain resources and guidance on the latest topics for supporting people with their mental health at work. Knowledge you can access at any time.

Ambitious Essex 'Innovation in... Digitech'
2023-07-07 10:30 - 14:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Ambitious Essex, Ambitious Women in Essex and Digital Essex are joining forces to bring you the next event in their ‘Innovation In…’ series, this time our focus is on all things Digitech.
Join us for a morning session where you can from our amazing 3 guest speakers (itinerary below) who will be speaking individually and also taking part in a general panel discussion around the topic, where the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions. There is also lots of opportunities to network with fellow attendees.
Tim Robinson, Chief Operating Officer, Tech East
Tim is Chief Operating Officer of Tech East, the digital tech cluster organisation for the East of England. He is a founding board member of the UK Tech Cluster Group member. Prior to returning to the East of England Tim held international general management, strategic marketing, and tech product roles at Thomson Reuters, Informa and RICS. He is a non-executive director of UEA’s Norwich Business School and a board member of the New Anglia LEP Cultural Board. He was educated at London Business School and Newcastle University.
Caitlin Glover, Founder, Syper Education
Caitlin is an 18 year old neurodivergent entrepreneur with a passion for using technology in education. She founded Syper Education, a neurodivergent-specialist tuition agency and has recently been selected as a Big Education Challenge Finalist. Caitlin is using technology to ensure that no child is left behind because of the way their brain works.
Beth-May Leddra-Chapman, Freelance UX/UI Designer
Beth-May is a young, award winning designer who runs her own business as well as using her skills to mentor other designers.
Agenda:
10:30 – 11:15: Arrival drinks and networking
11:15 – 11:30: Guest Speaker – Tim Robinson, Tech East
11:30 – 11:45: Guest Speaker – Caitlin Glover, Syper Education
11:45 – 12:00: Guest Speaker – Beth-May Leddra Chapman, Freelance UX and UI Designer
12:00 – 12:30: Panel Discussion and Opportunity for Q&A – “Innovation in Digitech”
12:30 – 14:00: Lunch and Networking
Getting to the event:
The event is being held within The Launchpad, Southend Airport Business Park, Rochford.
The venue is accessible by public transport and there is parking on site for those driving.

Southend Business Partnership Briefing
2023-06-29 07:30 - 10:30 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Following the success of March’s briefing we are hosting the next briefing on the 29th June at Launchpad, Airport Business Park.
Hosted at Launchpad, Airport Business Park, Rochford, you are guaranteed a great experience with our June Southend Business Partnership Briefing at a exciting new venue with FREE PARKING.
The morning will have on offer: light breakfast, networking opportunities and a round of business updates from local businesses and providers.
The event will consist of two parts (registration and refreshment from 7:30am):7:30-8:30am Networking with a market place
8:30-10:00am SBP briefing with speakers
We are finalising all details at the moment , please check back at a later date for further information.
These meetings are a great opportunity to meet with other local businesses to network, to gather information that could support your business growth and to have the opportunity to express your thoughts on what Southend needs in order to enable businesses to recover and thrive.
If you are not yet a SBP member and wish to receive the monthly SBP newsletter and quarterly briefing invite please subscribe to the Free SBP membership at: www.public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKSOUTHENDBC/signup/32490
If you require any further information please contact economicd@southend.gov.uk
