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

Additional information:
Photography Notice: A member of the team will be taking candid pictures during the session. These photos may be used for future promotional materials, including on our website and social media platforms.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know upon arrival, or inform the event team in the room. By attending, you are consenting to potentially appear in photographs unless otherwise stated.
Dietry Requirements: There will be vegan and vegatarian food options available. If you have any additional requirements, please email rhiannon@betteragency.co.uk.
GDPR: By registering for this event, you agree to share your contact details with the event organisers for communication purposes. We respect your privacy and will handle your data in accordance with GDPR regulations.

Business Uncorked - Southend's Premier Networking Social
2025-05-30 12:00 - 14:00 | The Cork Dock, The Ridgeway, Southend On Sea, Essex, SS0 8NU
Where Great Business Conversations Flow as Smoothly as the Wine
Step into Southend’s most exciting new, premium business networking experience, where professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders gather in a relaxed, high-quality, social wine bar to enjoy a Bottomless Brunch.
At Business Uncorked, we believe that great connections are built over a glass of great wine, with engaging conversation and meaningful new opportunities.
This event at one of our City’s top wine bars marks the early stages of something special, and we want you to be a part of it.

What to Expect
Great Wine and Business Connections – set against the backdrop of a Bottomless Brunch, enjoy unlimited great wine (or beer/ soft drinks) from our carefully curated list, while mingling with some of Southend’s finest professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.
Delicious Cheese Board – savour our unlimited, carefully curated grazing board as you network.
A Professional Yet Relaxed Atmosphere – no forced pitches or awkward moments. Just genuine conversations with people who could become your next client, collaborator, or business supporter.
An Exclusive Crowd – we are capping attendance to ensure a quality experience where you can make valuable connections.
Great timing – a chance to reflect on the success of your week and ease into the weekend.
Business Uncorked is a thriving business community. These are not one-off events; Business Uncorked is a regular part of Southend’s networking scene. It’s a chance to unite people, create opportunities, and elevate your network.

Who Should Attend?
Business Owners and Entrepreneurs looking to expand their network and uncover new opportunities.
Corporate Professionals and Decision-Makers seeking valuable connections outside of their usual circles.
Freelancers and Creatives eager to collaborate and grow their brand.
Anyone who loves a Good Conversation Over a Glass of Wine!
If you want meaningful business connections in a relaxed, enjoyable setting, this event is for you.
Why Attend the Launch Event?
Be Among The First to Experience Networking With Business Uncorked – get in early and become part of a new, thriving business community.
Premium Venue, Premium Experience—our events are held in style in a stunning venue that builds on the success of its regular wine bar trade, offering fantastic wines and great company.
It’s the Perfect Mix of Business and Social networking—it’s networking but without the pressure. It’s just quality connections in a fantastic setting.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of Something Special!
Please book your ticket today and join us for a lunchtime of wine, wisdom, and great networking.

Rochford Speed Networking Event
2025-06-02 12:00 - 15:00 | Westcliff Rugby Club, Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1YG
This isn’t just networking… It’s mega speed networking with a sporting edge!
Tired of leaving networking events feeling like you missed half the room? At this high-energy event, we guarantee you’ll connect with at least 20 fellow business professionals; no sitting on the sidelines here.
Join the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Essex and Effective Business Network (EBN) at Westcliff Rugby Club, Rochford, for an afternoon of fast-paced, structured networking designed to supercharge your contacts list.
This event is kindly supported by Rochford District Council so the ticket price is subsidised for you. Click the link below to explore the various business resources available: https://www.rochford.gov.uk/business-news-and-events
Who’s it for?
Entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and small business owners who are ready to promote their services, share ideas, and build meaningful partnerships.
This event is open to members and non-members of FSB/EBN.
Kick-Off at 12:00pm
Arrive early to enjoy free-flowing networking over a delicious charcuterie board and soft drinks. The first round of speed networking kicks off promptly at 1:00pm with 4-minute, one-on-one sessions that get straight to the point.
Half-Time Break
After 40 minutes, grab some refreshments and catch your breath. It’s then back in action for round two!
Final Whistle at 3:00pm
Stick around to follow up on the conversations you’ve started, swap stories, and turn those new contacts into valuable business relationships.
This is networking with pace, purpose, and power, (just like a great rugby match!).

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

SE..whO Breaking down the basics of SEO
2025-06-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
In an era where online presence is a necessity, understanding the fundamentals of search engine optimisation (SEO) is crucial for individuals and businesses alike. Navigating this dynamic landscape, can appear overwhelming and complicated for small business owners, but Let’s Do Marketing are here to help.
This 2-hour webinar breaks down the basics of SEO, providing you with the understanding of the core principles and highlights the tools available to help search engines to give you the attention you deserve!
Event details:
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £30pp
What You’ll Learn:

Understanding Search Engines: Gain insights into how search engines work and how they determine the ranking of web pages.

Keyword Research and Optimization: Learn how to strategically incorporate keywords into your content to increase visibility and attract the right audience.

On-Page SEO Techniques: Explore the critical on-page elements that contribute to a website’s SEO success.

Off-Page SEO Strategies: Delve into off-page SEO factors, including backlink building and social signals. Understand how to cultivate a strong online presence beyond the confines of your website.

Technical SEO Essentials: Uncover the technical aspects of SEO, such as site speed, mobile optimization, and crawlability.

Measuring and Analysing SEO Performance: Explore key metrics and tools to measure the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.

Who Should Attend:
· Small Business Owners

Small Business Owners

Content Creators

Entrepreneurs

Anyone Seeking to Enhance Digital Presence

Let’s demystify SEO and empower you to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

Meet the Host:
Stacey Pretty | Marketing Director, Let’s Do Marketing

Stacey is the Marketing Director of Let’s Do Marketing, a marketing consultancy and services agency which is tailored to specifically support new and small businesses with organising and fulfilling their marketing ideas. With over 17 years of marketing experience, working in both B2B and B2C environments, Stacey has extensive experience in managing, creating, and promoting a variety of products and services using both online and offline marketing tools. Understanding the challenges faced by new and small businesses, Stacey seeks to simplify the complexities of marketing, with an approach focused on effectiveness and consistency, ensuring that every marketing effort translates into tangible results. For Stacey, marketing isn’t just about campaigns; it’s about building relationships and fostering an excellent customer experience.

2025-06-04 16:30 - 18:30 | Park Inn by Radisson Palace, Park Inn, Church Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AL
Join us for networking and insight at the iconic Park Inn by Radisson Palace in Southend, overlooking the beautiful seafront. This event offers businesses the opportunity to connect with the team behind the Lower Thames Crossing – one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the UK, set to reshape travel, trade, and business across the region.
Hear first-hand from Natalie Bonnick, Head of Supply Chain Development for Lower Thames Crossing, about the latest project updates, timelines, and the wide-ranging opportunities available for local businesses and communities. Engage in a Q&A session to explore how your organisation can get involved and benefit from this once-in-a-generation development.
As you build new connections and strengthen existing ones, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with complimentary refreshments and stunning sea views from the Park Inn by Radisson Palace. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, discover supply chain opportunities, or simply stay informed, this event is not to be missed.

Date: Wednesday 4 June 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Venue: Park Inn by Radisson Palace. Church Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2AL
Costs to attend: Members £30.00 + VAT Non Members £50 + VAT
Only TWO attendees per Company
Agenda: Subject to change
4.30pm – Registration, refreshments & networking
5.25pm – Welcome from Essex Chambers
5.30pm – Presentation from Natalie Bonnick, Lower Thames Crossing
6.00pm – Networking & refreshments
6.30pm – Event ends

Natalie Bonnick is part of the Complex Delivery Management Team at Jacobs and serves as Head of Supply Chain Development for the Lower Thames Crossing — a National Highways pathfinder project of both regional and national significance. She specialises in supply chain management for major infrastructure programmes, focusing on building resilient supply chains and fostering collaborative partnerships that support wide-ranging project ambitions, from low-carbon construction to sustainable skills development. With a background in procurement and commercial roles at Crossrail Ltd. and Transport for London, Natalie brings deep industry insight to her work. She is currently studying for an Executive MBA at Bayes Business School and sits on the Executive Board of the Global Women in Leadership Programme.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the Hosts:

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

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

***

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

Backing Essex Business is fully-funded by Essex County Council and delivered by Let’s Do Business Group. Backing Essex Business here to support business growth across the county, promoting economic growth and creating jobs, by providing free business support, access to finance and training.

For more information visit https: www.backingessexbusiness.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Who are we?

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

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

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

2025-06-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help businesses at every stage of their journey, from start-up to small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, this webinar will equip you with the insights, strategies, and tools needed to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Event details:
Date: Tuesday 10th & Wednesday 11th June 2025
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Online (ZOOM)
For: Businesses based in Essex

No matter where you are on your business journey, this workshop will support you in navigating your:
Competitive Landscape: Understand how to identify your unique selling points (USPs) and differentiate yourself from competitors.
Business Model Options: Explore innovative ways to optimize your revenue streams and enhance profitability.
Marketing Effectiveness: Pinpoint the most effective channels for reaching your target audience and maximizing marketing ROI.
Scaling for Success: Learn how to create the right conditions to launch new products, services, and expand your business.
Unlock the tools to navigate your business challenges and scale with confidence!

About the host:
Ross Moran, Business Advisory Manager
Over two decades focusing on new venture creation and business transformation, Ross has worked in multiple finance, management, and technology roles within small and large organisations. Implementing new business models and developing a deep understanding of how technology process improvements intersect with business lifecycles and ecosystems has given Ross a unique perspective on most aspects of business including market research, new product development, raising finance, sales, marketing, and business transformation.

This workshop is provided courtesy of Backing Essex Business. Fully-funded by Essex County Council and delivered by Let’s Do Business Group. Backing Essex Business (Formerly Back to Business Essex) is here to support business growth across the county, promoting economic growth and creating jobs, by providing free business support, access to finance and training. This workshop is available to businesses within Essex, excluding Southend and Thurrock.
For more information visit https: www.backingessexbusiness.co.uk

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

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

Additional information:
Photography Notice: A member of the team will be taking candid pictures during the session. These photos may be used for future promotional materials, including on our website and social media platforms.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know upon arrival, or inform the event team in the room. By attending, you are consenting to potentially appear in photographs unless otherwise stated.
Dietry Requirements: There will be vegan and vegatarian food options available. If you have any additional requirements, please email rhiannon@betteragency.co.uk.
GDPR: By registering for this event, you agree to share your contact details with the event organisers for communication purposes. We respect your privacy and will handle your data in accordance with GDPR regulations.

SME XPO 2025
2025-06-18 09:30 - 2025-06-19 16:00 | ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL
At SME XPO we’ll bring scale-up SME business leaders and founders together with expert suppliers to answer your challenges across the exhibition floor and in curated workshops and networking sessions. Whatever the challenge – SME XPO offers the help you need to scale and grow your business. Join us for two days of action-packed networking, inspiration, and learning at SME XPO 2025.

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

Additional information:
Photography Notice: A member of the team will be taking candid pictures during the session. These photos may be used for future promotional materials, including on our website and social media platforms.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know upon arrival, or inform the event team in the room. By attending, you are consenting to potentially appear in photographs unless otherwise stated.
Dietry Requirements: There will be vegan and vegatarian food options available. If you have any additional requirements, please email rhiannon@betteragency.co.uk.
GDPR: By registering for this event, you agree to share your contact details with the event organisers for communication purposes. We respect your privacy and will handle your data in accordance with GDPR regulations.

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

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

Our social media workshops are popular, and places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Who Should Attend
This training is for staff who have the responsibility of social media as part of their role and have a good working knowledge of Facebook and/or Instagram, but do not necessarily have a working knowledge of how to make the platform work best for their business. This course will assist in gaining that understanding and how to tailor it to established business goals.
What’s Included

The workshop lasts for 2 hours but attendees can stay on for a further 30 minutes for additional discussions and advice.
After the workshop, we will send you a pack containing all the advice, tips and links discussed during the session.
You will also be able to pass on follow-up questions to our trainers, SRX Consultancy, who will offer practical support (via email or a quick call) to ensure you are able to put everything you learned into action.

About the Trainers
SRX Consultancy is a boutique PR, social media and communications agency specialising in areas including charity and small business. Their bespoke and tailored training sessions have been running for 10 years – attended by staff from hundreds of charities, organisations, and small businesses, always receiving positive feedback. This workshop will be delivered by Simon Rothstein and Lauren Soar.
Date: Wednesday 18 June 10.00am – 12.00pm
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Members £95.00 + VAT and Non-Members £150.00 + VAT

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.
