Launchpad Southend

Business Confidence for Disabled and Neurodivergent Founders
2026-04-28 10:00 - 23:00 UTC | Online
Please join Small Business Britain and Lloyds Bank for a LILAC Centre webinar.
‘Business Confidence for Disabled and Neurodivergent Founders’ will be presented by Suzi Payton. You can register now to join this free, one-hour online session.
Date: Tuesday 28th April
Time: 10.00am – 11.00am
Location: Online via Zoom
Suzi is a late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic speaker, comedian and coach, helping neurodivergent individuals embrace their true selves with confidence and authenticity.
Through a mix of coaching and optional comedy, she empowers people to feel in control and unapologetic. Drawing on her lived experience, Suzi delivers inspiring and humorous talks that raise awareness of ADHD and autism.

How to take back your time with AI-powered tools | Lunch and Learn
2026-04-29 12:00 - 12:30 | online workshop
In this Lunch and Learn, Dropbox’s Andy Wilson and Reclaim.ai’s Elizabeth Werdnik will explore how small businesses can boost productivity and take control of their time using AI-powered tools.
Many AI solutions promise efficiency, but the real value comes from tools that understand how you work.
Andy will share how AI can help cut through the noise by automating tasks, surfacing relevant insights, and freeing up time for more strategic and creative work. He will also demonstrate how Dropbox Dash, an AI-powered universal search tool, helps teams find, organise, and secure company information more efficiently, accelerating the journey from finding information to creating and acting upon it.
Andy will also be joined by Elizabeth Werdnik from Reclaim.ai, who will share how AI-powered scheduling can help teams better manage their time, protect focus, and optimise daily workflows.
Join us to learn how Dropbox and Reclaim.ai can work together to improve workflow efficiency and productivity, with opportunities for discussion, audience participation, and questions throughout.
If you have any questions you’d like Andy and Elizabeth to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)
About Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network, helping thousands of people turn their good idea into a great business. Join today to get everything you need to start and grow your small business, in one place.

Lunch & Learn Webinar: Why ESG is Good For Business and the Planet
2026-04-29 12:30 - 13:00 | Online
Join the experts at Positive Planet to understand why ESG is good for the planet and good for business.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is rapidly becoming a core business priority, not just for large corporates, but increasingly for SMEs. This lunch & learn webinar provides a practical introduction to ESG, breaking down its key phases from materiality assessment through to strategy development and effective reporting.
We will explore why ESG data requests are accelerating across supply chains, driven by investors, regulators, and larger organisations, and what this means for smaller businesses. Beyond compliance, the session will highlight how ESG can be used as a genuine competitive advantage, introducing five key levers that can unlock strategic value, from cost savings and risk management to revenue growth and brand differentiation.
Finally, we will cover clear, actionable steps to help you get started on your ESG journey, ensuring you can respond confidently to stakeholder demands while building long term business resilience.

First steps for implementing AI into your business | Lunch and Learn
2026-04-30 12:00 - 12:30 | online workshop
Heard everyone talking about AI but still aren’t sure what it actually means for your business?
Have you tried a tool or two, felt quietly underwhelmed and wondered if you’re missing something obvious?
In this Lunch and Learn, Charlotte Boundy explains how to start using AI and automation in a way that’s practical, clear and specific to how your small business works.
It’s a hands-on session where you’ll see automation working in real time, interact with it live and leave with a clear picture of where to focus first in your own business.
The tools exist – the question is knowing which ones are right for you.
Topics covered in this session

How to identify the tasks in your business that are ready to automate right now

Where you could be saving the most time and money with AI

How to choose the right AI tools for your business without wasting time on the wrong ones

About the speaker
Charlotte has spent 12 years working in business operations, first in London and then building Bright Spark Collective from the ground up during COVID.
In that time, she’s worked with close to 100 UK founders across a wide range of industries, helping them build businesses that run more smoothly and demand less of them personally.
If you have any questions you’d like Charlotte to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)
About Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network, helping thousands of people turn their good idea into a great business. Join today to get everything you need to start and grow your small business, in one place.

Understanding and Developing a Marketing Strategy
2026-05-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
Need to create a marketing strategy document but don’t know where to start? This workshop breaks down all the elements of a marketing strategy, to help you create a consistent and cohesive plan that helps you attract the right customers, communicate clearly, and grow your business with purpose.
Struggling to make your marketing actually work for your business? Many small business owners dive into social media posts, flyers, or ads without a clear plan – and end up frustrated when results don’t follow.
That’s why this workshop focuses on helping you create a marketing strategy that drives results. You’ll learn how to define your audience, sharpen your message, and turn your strengths into a clear, consistent plan you can use every day. By the end, you’ll have the know-how and framework to confidently market your business with purpose and direction.
What You’ll Learn:

What is a Marketing Strategy & Market Analysis: Understand what a marketing strategy really is and why it matters, while exploring your market landscape to identify opportunities and gaps where your business can stand out.

SWOT Analysis & Competitor Insights: Assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and learn how to analyse competitors to differentiate your business effectively.

Identifying Target Audiences & Crafting Your Unique Value Proposition: Discover who your ideal customers are and how to communicate what makes your business special in a way that resonates with them.

Brand Identity & Messaging: Define a clear, consistent brand personality, and create compelling messages that connect with your audience across all channels.

Choosing Channels & Measuring Success with KPIs: Identify the marketing channels that will deliver the best results for your business and learn which key performance indicators to track to see what’s working and where to improve.

Making your business visible in an AI-powered world
2026-05-06 02:00 - 15:00 | online workshop
Your customers are still searching. They’re just not searching the way they used to.
AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Google’s AI Overviews and voice assistants have quietly changed how people discover businesses, products and services. And most small business owners have no idea it’s happening.
Fortunately, you don’t need a big budget or tech team to fix it. You just need to know where to show up and how.
In this practical Tech Hub webinar, certified Google and Meta trainer Padebi Ojomo walks you through five clear, actionable steps to make your business discoverable in an AI-powered world.
You’ll get a straight answer to the question every small business owner should be asking right now – when an AI tool recommends a business like mine, will it recommend me?
What you’ll learn

Why AI search is different from traditional Google search and what that means for your business

The simple content changes that make AI tools more likely to surface your business

How to audit your current online presence for AI visibility in under 30 minutes

Which free and low-cost tools actually help (and which ones to ignore)

Your personalised next step based on where your business is right now

Who should attend

Early stage e-commerce founders launching or growing their first online store

Product-based businesses planning to scale their brand in the future

Founders who want to prepare their e-commerce brand for paid marketing and growth strategies

About the speaker
Padebi is a certified Google and Meta trainer based in Milton Keynes, specialising in practical AI adoption for small business owners.
She’s trained over 24,000 entrepreneurs across 17 countries through Meta’s official programmes. She’s the founder of The GPT Club and holds the UK Global Talent Award for her work in digital technology.
How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)
About Tech Hub
A collaboration between Google and Sage and built by Enterprise Nation, Tech Hub offers an accessible solution to support small businesses to adopt the technology they need to run and grow their ventures.

Action Hour: The Creative Leader – UK–USA Special
2026-05-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Webinar
On 6th May at 4:00 PM, I’ll be joining Stefan Mumaw (TEDx Speaker, LinkedIn Learning Author & bestselling writer) for a special UK–USA collaboration:
✨ Action Hour: The Creative Leader – UK–USA Special ✨
We’ll be diving into creativity in leadership, how to bring ideas to life in organisations, and how leaders can inspire cultures of innovation. It’s going to be practical, energising, and honestly… such a fun session to deliver.
Here’s the link to join us:
👉 Register here: https://seats.org.uk/event/action-hour-the-creative-leader-uk-usa-special/
I would really love to see you there; your presence would mean a lot.
If you know anyone else who would benefit from this session, please do pass along the invite (attached). The more creative minds in the room, the better!

From idea to clarity: Define what your business stands for
2026-05-11 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
Learn to use Canva to brainstorm ideas, organise and shape your brand visually and strategically.

This is the first session in a week-long series of free webinars from Enterprise Nation and Canva, created to help small business founders sharpen their marketing and build stronger brands.
To stand out as a small business owner or consultant, you need more than a great offer. You need a clear value proposition that shows exactly why you’re the right choice.
In this session, Rob Boliver will help you uncover what truly sets you apart.
You’ll move from a messy brain-dump of ideas to a clear, confident brand identity using a simple, practical process.
You’ll also learn how to use Canva Whiteboards to brainstorm, organise and shape your brand visually and strategically.
By the end, your founder story won’t just be a bio, but a narrative that attracts your ideal audience.
Topics covered in this session

Why branding matters for founders in 2026

How to use Canva to brainstorm, “moodboard” and shape your brand visually

How to develop a founder story and clear niche that feels right for you

About the speaker
Rob Boliver is a Canva Verified Expert, Design Engineer and Technical Artist AI based in Galway, Ireland. With over 585,000 YouTube subscribers and a course platform (UniCanva) with more than 11,000 students, Rob has spent years helping founders, entrepreneurs and small business owners build brands that actually feel like them.
He specialises in making the brand-building process practical and visual, using tools like Canva to help people move from scattered ideas to a clear, confident identity. His work sits at the intersection of design, AI and online business, and he collaborates with global tech companies on AI-driven design experiences.
Rob is known for breaking down complex creative processes into simple, actionable steps that anyone can follow, whether they are just starting out or looking to sharpen a brand they have been building for years.
If you have any questions you’d like Rob to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)
About Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network, helping thousands of people turn their good idea into a great business. Join today to get everything you need to start and grow your small business, in one place.

Build a magnetic brand: Turn clarity into marketing assets
2026-05-12 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
Learn how to use Canva to turn your brand positioning into a polished, consistent visual identity.

This is the second session in a week-long series of free webinars from Enterprise Nation and Canva, created to help small business founders sharpen their marketing and build stronger brands.
Today, you don’t need an expensive branding agency or a full-time design team to build a brand that gets attention.
In this session, Sydney Sam will break down the essential visual assets every founder needs, from high-impact imagery to social templates that stop people scrolling.
You’ll learn how to use Canva to turn your brand positioning into a polished, consistent visual identity. From smart templates to a refined brand kit – including your logo, colours, fonts and imagery – you’ll discover how to create content that looks premium, without the premium price tag.
By the end, you’ll be designing “thumb-stopping” content that feels aligned, professional and true to your brand.
Topics covered in this session

How to translate your brand positioning into professional visual assets

Where to start creating polished content in Canva using smart templates and a cohesive brand kit

Practical Canva hacks to achieve a premium aesthetic without the agency price tag

About the speaker
Sydney is a global brand strategist, an entrepreneur and a venture-building advisor with 15 years of experience helping founders across Africa, the UK and the US turn early ideas into revenue engines, iconic brands and resilient teams.
He’s widely regarded for his ability to blend clear strategy, creative execution and founder development into practical systems that accelerate growth.
Sydney supports business founders through one-on-one coaching, accelerator mentorship, venture training and hands-on brand execution through his creative-tech platform Workspace Global.
If you have any questions you’d like Sydney to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)
About Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network, helping thousands of people turn their good idea into a great business. Join today to get everything you need to start and grow your small business, in one place.

Networking at The Minories
2026-05-12 16:00 - 18:00 | The Minories, 74 High St, Colchester CO1 1UE, 74 High St, Colchester, CO1 1UE
Join us for an inspiring and unique business networking event at The Minories, an iconic and historic gallery in the heart of Colchester. Housed in a Georgian townhouse with a rich artistic heritage, The Minories has long been a cultural hub where art, history, and community come together.
You will hear from Director, Emma Howe, about how The Minories bridges the worlds of art and business, with insights into the venue’s history, its role in the community, and its current exhibition, setting the stage for the guided tours.

You will also hear about the upcoming exhibition, Out of Line: Banksy and the Art of Dissent, a major co-produced showcase exploring the work and cultural impact of Banksy. This highly anticipated exhibition reflects the gallery’s ambitious and collaborative approach, positioning it at the forefront of engaging, socially relevant programming.
Guided tours of the gallery will be available, with the exhibiting artist, Charlotte Bernays, discussing her current work and sharing the inspiration behind their exhibition. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions, engage with the artist, and explore the gallery’s historic architecture and curated spaces. Networking and refreshments will continue throughout, creating a dynamic environment for conversation, collaboration, and connection.
Date: Tuesday 12 May 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Venue: The Minories, 74 High St, Colchester CO1 1UE
Cost: Members Early-Bird £25.00 + VAT | Members Standard £30.00 + VAT | Non-Members £50.00 + VAT
Only TWO attendees per company
Member Early Bird bookings close on 31 March 2026, any tickets booked after this time will be at full price. Non-Member tickets can be booked once the Member Early Bird offer closes.
Spaces are limited, so secure your place now to make new professional contacts, gain fresh inspiration from the arts, and deepen your appreciation for The Minories’ vital role in fostering creativity and community. TEST.

Agenda: Subject to change
4.00pm – Registration and Networking
4.30pm – Welcome from Essex Chambers
4.35pm – Presentation from The Minories
4.55pm – Tours Commence, Networking & Refreshments
6.00pm – Event ends

Mastering Your Website Performance
2026-05-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Website Performance is a practical webinar focused on how to assess, diagnose, and improve how well a website performs — from both a technical and SEO perspective.

Join us and our members dotcraft Ltd for this informative session, where they’ll walk you through;

proven ways to surface performance issues (speed, Core Web Vitals, crawlability, indexing, and on-page efficiency)
share a clear framework for prioritising fixes
highlight quick wins that can deliver immediate impact.

You’ll leave with top tips, actionable next steps, and a checklist of improvements to boost user experience, search visibility, and conversions.
Date: Wednesday 13 May 10.00am – 11.00am
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Free for Members and Non-Members £25.00 + VAT

Introduction to Social Media Marketing
2026-05-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
Meet your customers where they are – and make social media work for your business growth!
This Introduction to Social Media Marketing course takes you back to basics – understanding and finding your audience online, and giving you the foundational skills to build a strong online presence that helps your business grow.
This workshop focuses on practical strategies that drive real engagement and business growth. You’ll discover how to choose the right platforms, craft content that resonates, and manage your presence effectively. By the end, you’ll have the skills and confidence to make social media a powerful asset for your business.
What You’ll Learn:

Building a Solid Foundation: Learn the basics of social media marketing, including how to choose the right platforms and set up your profiles for success.

Understanding Your Audience & Strategy: Discover who your ideal audience is, what they care about, and how to plan content that resonates with them.

Crafting Engaging Content: Explore techniques for creating posts, images, and videos that capture attention and encourage interaction.

Scheduling, Automation & Consistency: Learn how to plan and schedule content efficiently, using tools and strategies to maintain a consistent presence.

Growing Your Following & Engagement: Understand how to attract followers organically, encourage engagement, and build relationships with your audience.

From idea to impact: Build campaigns that stand out
2026-05-13 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
Learn how to turn your positioning into high-impact marketing that stops the scroll and starts conversations.

This is the third session in a week-long series of free webinars from Enterprise Nation and Canva, created to help small business founders sharpen their marketing and build stronger brands.
In a crowded marketplace, a brand’s strategy is only as strong as its execution. It’s time to move beyond one-off posts that drain your energy and start thinking on a campaign level.
In this session, Martha Keith will show you how to turn your positioning into high-impact marketing that stops the scroll and starts conversations.
You’ll learn how to create cohesive campaigns that work across social, email and even physical touchpoints, so your brand shows up consistently wherever your audience is.
Whether you’re launching a product or a service, you’ll discover how to make your marketing feel less like isolated content and more like a connected experience people will remember.
Topics covered in this session

How to move from one-off posts to 360-degree campaigns that drive results

How to create content that connects across social media and email

A simple framework for designing creative that stops people scrolling and captures attention fast

About the speaker
Martha is the founder and CEO of Martha Brook, a personalised stationery and lifestyle brand that has grown into a global e-commerce success.
She knows first-hand what it takes to build a brand from scratch using digital tools, from design and content creation, to marketing and selling online.
In 2024, she founded Business Secrets Club, a community of 135,000 small business owners, where she shares practical guidance on marketing, strategy and growth.
She is a member of the British Library Advisory Council and an Ambassador for the Business & IP Centre.
If you have any questions you’d like Martha to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)
About Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network, helping thousands of people turn their good idea into a great business. Join today to get everything you need to start and grow your small business, in one place.

Your Phone is a Film Studio: Using Short Video to Grow Your Business
2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:00 | online workshop
Your smartphone is more powerful than a camera crew – you just need to know how to use it! In this session, join experts Garry Lee and James Adam, BT and Small Business Britain show you exactly how to create short videos that stop the scroll and turn viewers into customers.

You’ll learn how to:

– Film and edit content that looks polished and professional
– using only your phone
– Know which platforms your videos should be on and how to tailor your content for each one
– Build a simple, repeatable video habit that keeps your business visible and growing.

About Gary and James: James and Garry believe in ruthlessly efficient marketing for small businesses. They don’t like to waste one second or one pound more than is needed. Both have over 20 years’ experience in marketing, brand, data and user experience. They have run businesses that serviced clients like Sainsburys, Skype, JD Sports and JCB, but came together in 2020 to form Thirty Three Percent, with the vision of bringing big brand marketing to small business. They firmly believe that small businesses can not only compete but thrive against the big brands by translating marketing best practice for small business.

About Amy (guest expert from BT) Amy Johnston is a Social Media Manager with 5+ years of experience building and managing social media strategies designed to increase engagement and elevate brand presence. Her approach combines data‑led decision making, creative content planning, and trend awareness to optimise campaigns across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About BT Digital Skills: BT Digital Skills is partnering with Small Business Britain to deliver digital skills to small businesses across the UK.

The AI founder marketing stack: Systems, speed and sustainability
2026-05-14 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
Learn how to build a simple, repeatable content system that removes the guesswork from what to post each week.

This is the fourth session in a week-long series of free webinars from Enterprise Nation and Canva, created to help small business founders sharpen their marketing and build stronger brands.
It’s a session about reclaiming your time by moving from manual tasks to smart, automated systems. In this webinar, Tara Elzingre will share the tools and workflows that help solo founders create the output of a full team.
You’ll learn how to build a simple, repeatable content system that removes the guesswork from what to post each week.
Using AI and Canva, you’ll discover how to turn one piece of “hero” content into a full suite of assets across a number of different platforms. By the end, you’ll have a faster, more efficient way to stay consistent without sacrificing quality.
Topics covered in this session

How to repurpose a single idea into newsletters, social posts and video scripts using AI

Setting up templates that help you create professional content in minutes, not hours

How Canva AI can help you scale your content and your business

About the speaker
Tara Elzingre is an AI strategist and digital systems expert, and the founder of Tara Elzingre Consultancy (TEC), a training-led consultancy that helps small businesses and corporate teams unlock serious time, growth and clarity by using AI and automation on purpose.
If you have any questions you’d like Tara to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)
About Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network, helping thousands of people turn their good idea into a great business. Join today to get everything you need to start and grow your small business, in one place.

Bootstrapped but beautiful: turn your brand into sales
2026-05-15 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
Explore how to move beyond traditional sales tactics and build a community-first approach to growth that feels authentic and sustainable.

This is the fifth and final session in a week-long series of free webinars from Enterprise Nation and Canva, created to help UK founders sharpen their marketing, build stronger brands, and grow with confidence. Expect practical guidance, fresh ideas, and tools you can put into action straight away.
In this fireside chat, SEO experts Areej AbuAli and Freddie Chatt will discuss founder-led marketing strategies that build trust and drive real conversions. The conversation will explore how to optimise your key digital touchpoints, from your homepage to your checkout flow, so your brand delivers a seamless, high-quality customer experience.
You’ll also discover how to move beyond traditional sales tactics and build a community-first approach to growth that feels authentic, sustainable, and genuinely aligned with your brand.
Topics covered in this session

Learn how to design a customer journey that moves someone from a social post to a confirmed order
Discover practical ways to optimise your website or product pages to reduce friction and increase value
Understand how to grow your revenue while maintaining a strong, personal brand

About the speakers
Areej AbuAli is the founder of Women in Tech SEO, a global community for marketers working at the intersection of marketing and technology. Since launching in 2019, the community has grown to over 12,000 members and 60,000 followers worldwide, connecting professionals through online groups, mentorship programmes, and conferences across the UK, Europe, and the USA. Based in London, Areej is an international speaker, a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador, a UN Women UK Delegate, and the author of Community Building for Marketers.
Freddie Chatt is an e-commerce SEO consultant with over 10 years of experience in SEO, including five years at Amara, building its SEO channel to over £10 million in annual revenue. Since going freelance in 2020, Freddie has helped online stores grow through search and writing the e-commerce SEO newsletter Search to Sale, which is trusted by SEOs at Lego, Gymshark, Target, Adidas and more.
If you have any questions you’d like Areej and Freddie to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)
About Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network, helping thousands of people turn their good idea into a great business. Join today to get everything you need to start and grow your small business, in one place.

Social Media Advanced: Paid Ads on Facebook & Instagram
2026-05-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
Use paid social media advertising to reach the right audience, drive traffic, and achieve real business results – without wasting money on ineffective ads.
Many small business owners struggle with paid campaigns because they run ads without a clear strategy, leaving them frustrated when results don’t match their expectations.
This workshop focuses on equipping you with strategies for paid social media campaigns that actually deliver. You’ll discover how to target the right audience, craft compelling ad content, and measure performance effectively. By the end, you’ll have practical skills and the confidence to turn paid social media ads into a powerful growth tool for your business.
What You’ll Learn:

Building a Strong Foundation: Understand the fundamentals of paid social media advertising, including campaign objectives, ad formats, and targeting options.

Defining Your Audience: Learn how to identify your ideal customers and use tools like custom audiences, lookalike audiences, and retargeting to reach them.

Creating Engaging Ads: Explore techniques for writing persuasive copy and designing eye-catching graphics using tools like Canva that drive clicks and conversions.

Setting Up Campaigns: Get hands-on guidance on creating and launching campaigns in Facebook Ads Manager, including ad placement, budget allocation, and bidding strategies.

Monitoring & Optimising Performance: Learn how to track key metrics, analyse results, and adjust campaigns to improve ROI and achieve better outcomes.

LinkedIn Do's & Don'ts for Success
2026-05-26 09:30 - 11:30 | Online
Finding it hard to make LinkedIn work for your business? Many small business owners set up a profile but post irregularly or struggle to engage the right audience, then wonder why results don’t follow.
This workshop focuses on giving you LinkedIn strategies that generate meaningful connections and business growth. You’ll optimise your profile, craft engaging content, and network effectively. By the end, you’ll have practical skills and actionable strategies to make LinkedIn a powerful tool for your business.
What You’ll Learn:

Optimising Your Profile: Learn how to create a professional and compelling LinkedIn profile that attracts the right audience.

Building a Network: Discover strategies for connecting with potential clients, collaborators, and industry peers effectively.

Creating Engaging Content: Explore how to post updates, articles, and multimedia content that positions you as an expert in your field.

Generating Leads: Learn practical methods to identify prospects, start conversations, and turn connections into opportunities.

Personal Branding on LinkedIn: Understand how to present your business consistently and authentically to build trust.

Analytics & Growth: Learn how to monitor engagement, track performance, and adjust your LinkedIn activity for maximum impact.

Twilight Networking at The Warren Estate
2026-06-02 16:30 - 18:30 | The Warren Estate, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RW
Step away from the office and into the Essex countryside for an evening of relaxed, high-quality networking at the beautiful Warren Estate.
Join us for an evening of meaningful connections at this stunning historic venue, set within 325 acres of picturesque parkland. The Warren Estate provides the perfect backdrop to connect, collaborate and unwind as the day turns to dusk, with elegant event spaces, landscaped gardens and a welcoming atmosphere designed to bring people together.
Attendees will hear from Managing Director, Tim Spencer, who will share a potted history of the estate, offering insight into its evolution along with its charming interiors and scenic outdoor spaces. He will also highlight how The Warren Estate combines character and versatility, making it one of Essex’s most distinctive venues and best kept secret.
Guests will then have the opportunity to take part in guided tours of the venue, offering a closer look at its impressive facilities and beautifully maintained grounds, alongside the chance to experience a golf simulator – providing a relaxed, golf-inspired setting that encourages conversation, connection and a touch of friendly competition.
During the event, a freshly prepared buffet will be served, allowing conversations to continue in a relaxed and sociable setting as the evening light fades and the surroundings become even more atmospheric.
Date: Tuesday 2 June 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Venue: The Warren Estate. Woodham Walter, Essex CM9 6RW
Cost: Members Early-Bird £25.00 + VAT | Members Standard £30.00 + VAT | Non-Members £50.00 + VAT
Only TWO attendees per company
Member Early Bird bookings close on 10 April 2026, any tickets booked after this time will be at full price. Non-Member tickets can be booked once the Member Early Bird offer closes.
This twilight networking event is all about creating connections in a setting that inspires conversation and leaves a lasting impression. Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality experience, so early booking is recommended.
Agenda
4.30pm – Registration, Networking & Refreshments
5.15pm – Welcome from Essex Chambers
5.20pm – Presentation from The Warren Estate
5.40pm – Tours, Networking & Refreshments
6.30pm – Event Ends

Overview of the Employment Rights Act Webinar
2026-06-03 10:00 - 11:00 | online workshop
The upcoming changes to the Employment Rights Act represent one of the most significant shifts in UK employment law in recent years.
Join us, alongside leading employment law specialists from Birketts LLP, for a focused webinar exploring what these reforms mean for employers, and how to prepare now.
This session will provide a clear overview of the proposed changes and the practical impact they could have on your business.
Key Reforms We’ll Cover:
• Unfair dismissal qualifying period reduced from 2 years to 6 months
• Compensation cap removed and time limits extended for unfair dismissal claims.
• Stronger restrictions on changing contracts, including “fire and rehire”
• Statutory sick pay expanded – no waiting days and no lower earnings limit
• Easier union recognition and industrial action
• Greater employer duty to prevent sexual harassment
• New working time and holiday record-keeping requirements
• Right to guaranteed hours for zero-hours workers
• Expanded parental rights and protections
Why This Matters
These changes significantly increase employer risk exposure and reduce flexibility in managing people and workforce change.
Businesses will need to:
• Review contracts and workplace policies
• Reassess dismissal and disciplinary procedures
• Strengthen compliance and documentation processes
• Enhance workplace culture and preventative measures
The businesses that prepare early will be best placed to manage risk and maintain control – secure your place to stay ahead of the changes.
Date: Wednesday 3 June 10.00am – 11.00am
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Free for Members and Non-Members £25.00 + VAT

Once you understand the changes, the next question is practical: What do we need to do, and when? Join us at our in-depth workshop on 9 July, designed as an action-focused session for organisations that want to move from awareness to implementation.

Funding, grants & levy transfer: How Small Businesses can access financial support with apprenticeships
2026-06-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Unlock the full range of financial support available to small businesses who want to bring apprentices into their workforce. This webinar demystifies apprenticeship funding, explains how to access government incentives and shows you how levy transfer from larger organisations can cover up to 100% of training costs. This webinar is brought to you by Amazing Apprenticeships, supported by the Edge Foundation as part of the Small Business Summer campaign.

Strategies for Successful Email Marketing
2026-06-09 09:30 - 12:00 | Online
Ever feel like your emails just aren’t getting noticed? You’re not alone! Many small business owners send out emails but aren’t sure how to make them really work.
In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of email marketing — how to write messages people actually want to read, send them to the right people, and see what’s working (and what’s not).
We’ll cover simple, practical steps to help you:

Get started in collecting data

Creating emails that connect with your audience

Share updates, offers, or stories that keep people interested

Use easy tools to send and track your emails

By the end, you’ll feel confident using email as a simple and effective way to stay in touch with your customers and grow your business.

What You’ll Learn:

Building a Solid Foundation: Learn the fundamentals of email marketing, from creating subscriber lists to segmenting your audience for targeted messaging.

The Legal Bits: Get an understanding of the legalities of email marketing including Marketing Consent (GDPR) and unsubscribes.

Crafting Irresistible Content: Dive deep into the art of crafting emails that captivate your audience.

Automation and Personalisation: Explore the power of automation to streamline your email campaigns and the art of personalisation to create a tailored experience for each recipient.

The Customer Journey: Learn how to utilise email marketing for more than just conversion. Nurture your customers and create touchpoints to improve customer engagement.

Analytics and Optimisation: Learn how to track and interpret key metrics, identify areas for improvement, and optimise your campaigns for maximum impact.

Inclusive Employer webinars
2026-06-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Recruiting the right people is getting harder and many employers are missing out on strong candidates without realising it.
We’re offering a fully funded, practical online programme for hiring managers to help you recruit more effectively, fairly and confidently.
What you’ll get:

Practical tools to improve job adverts and attraction
Better shortlisting and interview techniques
Confidence in fair, legally compliant recruitment
Access to a wider, more diverse talent pool
Improved retention and team performance

This is focused on what works in real businesses, not theory.
Sessions (online):

Tuesday 9 June 10:00am to 11:30am
Wednesday 10 June 10:00am to 11:30am
Thursday 11 June 10:00am to 11:30am

In Person: Master Your Finances
2026-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Patch Chelmsford, Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
Finance made simple for Essex SMEs – boost profitability with practical tools, automation and expert support.

Running your own business means wearing a lot of hats, but finance doesn’t have to be the one that keeps you up at night!
Join us in Chelmsford for a practical workshop designed specifically for SME owners who want to take control of their finances, improve profitability and make smarter decisions with confidence.
This interactive session takes a two-part approach:
🔹 Part 1: Finance Fundamentals Made Simple
Tony Brown, has over 30 years experience in finance and will be breaking down the essentials every business owner needs to understand. He will share how to stay on top of your finances through things like forecasting and cash flow management.
🔹 Part 2: Smarter Finance with Automation
Kelsey Brown, founder of the first in-person AI automation school, will delve into how modern tools and automation can save you time, reduce errors and give you better financial visibility. We’ll show you practical ways to streamline your processes and free up time to focus on growing your business.
This isn’t theory, you’ll walk away with practical advice you can apply immediately to your business.
Delivered in partnership with Metro Bank and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), this workshop also gives you access to a wider support network.
After the session, stay for informal networking, where you can:

Ask those burning finance questions
Connect with fellow SME owners
Learn about the support, tools and resources available to help your business thrive

Whether you’re just getting to grips with your numbers or looking to modernise your financial processes, this workshop will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.
Spaces are limited so reserve your place today.
Parking:
The nearest car parks for Patch can be found on Parkopedia here. Please allow enough time to park and walk across to the venue.

Online: Master Your Finances
2026-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Finance made simple for Essex SMEs – boost profitability with practical tools, automation and expert support.

Running your own business means wearing a lot of hats, but finance doesn’t have to be the one that keeps you up at night!
Join us in Chelmsford for a practical workshop designed specifically for SME owners who want to take control of their finances, improve profitability and make smarter decisions with confidence.
This interactive session takes a two-part approach:
🔹 Part 1: Finance Fundamentals Made Simple
Tony Brown, has over 30 years experience in finance and will be breaking down the essentials every business owner needs to understand. He will share how to stay on top of your finances through things like forecasting and cash flow management.
🔹 Part 2: Smarter Finance with Automation
Kelsey Brown, founder of the first in-person AI automation school, will delve into how modern tools and automation can save you time, reduce errors and give you better financial visibility. We’ll show you practical ways to streamline your processes and free up time to focus on growing your business.
This isn’t theory, you’ll walk away with practical advice you can apply immediately to your business.
Delivered in partnership with Metro Bank and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), this workshop also gives you access to a wider support network.
After the session, stay for informal networking, where you can:

Ask those burning finance questions
Connect with fellow SME owners
Learn about the support, tools and resources available to help your business thrive

Whether you’re just getting to grips with your numbers or looking to modernise your financial processes, this workshop will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.
Spaces are limited so reserve your place today.

An Interactive Guide to Creating Content for Social Media
2026-06-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Are you looking to create more engaging content across your social media channels?
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?
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: Tuesday 16 June 2026 10.00am – 12.00pm
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Members £95.00 + VAT and Non-Members £150.00 + VAT

Pricing for Profit (Without Losing Customers)
2026-06-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: your pricing isn’t just a number. It’s a signal. It tells customers what to think about you before they’ve even tried you. Join Small Business Britain, Lloyds Bank Academy and Catherine Erdly for Pricing for Profit (Without Losing Customers) – a session that digs into the psychology and practicality of pricing for small businesses. Because the goal isn’t just to charge more. It’s to charge right – in a way that builds trust, communicates value, and quietly makes your business more attractive, not less.
You will learn:
– How to price confidently and profitably
– Ways to communicate value to customers
– Common pricing mistakes to avoid
About Catherine: Small Business Britain are really excited to be partnering with the Lloyds Bank Academy on this comprehensive programme of webinars focused on offering support & expertise to small businesses during these difficult times.
These workshops range from financial management, branding for business growth, productivity hacks & stress management. The Lloyds Bank Academy is a free learning resource helping to upskill businesses on a variety of topics. From using social media to attract customers to staying safe from fraud, these lessons can help improve your business – and they’re completely free!

What to do When Cash Gets Tight
2026-06-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
When cash gets tight, most small business owners do one of two things: panic or ignore it. Neither helps. Join Small Business Britain, Lloyds Bank Academy and Claire Rulton for What to Do When Cash Gets Tight – a practical, no-nonsense session on one of the most stressful realities of running a small business. Cash flow is not just a finance issue. It affects confidence, decision-making and day-to-day operations. The good news is that with the right actions, taken in the right order, you can steady the ship more quickly than you might think. Come away with a clearer head, practical ideas and a plan you can put into action straight away.
You will learn:
– How to manage cash flow during challenging periods
– Practical ways to reduce financial pressure
– Steps to build greater business resilience
About Claire Claire Rulton is Director of Addison Accounts & Training Ltd and works closely with small business owners to help them understand their finances, improve cash flow and build stronger businesses. Known for her practical, no-nonsense approach, Claire makes financial information feel accessible and useful, giving business owners the confidence to take control of their numbers and plan ahead. Small Business Britain are really excited to be partnering with the Lloyds Bank Academy on this comprehensive programme of webinars focused on offering support & expertise to small businesses during these difficult times.
These workshops range from financial management, branding for business growth, productivity hacks & stress management. The Lloyds Bank Academy is a free learning resource helping to upskill businesses on a variety of topics. From using social media to attract customers to staying safe from fraud, these lessons can help improve your business – and they’re completely free!

Using Canva to Create Content
2026-06-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Learn how to design eye-catching graphics that elevate your brand and engage your audience without needing a design degree or expensive software, with this beginners guide to using Canva!
Struggling to create professional-looking visuals for your business? Many small business owners find themselves overwhelmed by design tools or rely on costly designers for every project. Introducing Canva – your key to success (and less stress!)
In this workshop we’ll be looking at the potential for our business by using Canva – and you’ll learn how to navigate the platform, design with purpose and ease, and maintain brand consistency to captivate your customers and build marketing materials that help you to reach your business goals. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and skills to produce high-quality visuals that resonate with your audience, put your best foot forward, and unlock new possibilities for your marketing!
What You’ll Learn:

Getting Started with Canva: Understand how to sign up, set up your account, and navigate the platform’s interface.

Creating a Brand Kit: Learn how to establish a cohesive brand identity by setting up your brand kit, including logos, colours, and fonts.

Designing Graphics: Discover how to create various graphics, from social media posts to posters, using Canva’s templates and tools.

Resizing Designs: Master the art of resizing your designs to fit different platforms and purposes, ensuring consistency across all your materials.

Practical Application: Participate in a live session where you’ll see how easy it is to create a graphic for a business campaign, and get the guidance from an expert on how to use the platform for your own business.

Mastering Your Website Performance
2026-06-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Website Performance is a practical webinar focused on how to assess, diagnose, and improve how well a website performs — from both a technical and SEO perspective.

Join us and our members dotcraft Ltd for this informative session, where they’ll walk you through;

proven ways to surface performance issues (speed, Core Web Vitals, crawlability, indexing, and on-page efficiency)
share a clear framework for prioritising fixes
highlight quick wins that can deliver immediate impact.

You’ll leave with top tips, actionable next steps, and a checklist of improvements to boost user experience, search visibility, and conversions.
Date: Thursday 25 June 10.00am – 11.00am
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Free for Members and Non-Members £25.00 + VAT
