Launchpad Southend

Business Start-Up Course
2026-07-13 10:00 - 2026-07-14 15:00 UTC | Online
Free 2-day course! Turn your idea into reality with tools, knowledge & confidence. Perfect for aspiring & early-stage entrepreneurs.

Got a business idea you’re ready to explore, or a new business you want to grow with more confidence? 🚀
This free 2-day online course from Ambitious Essex is designed specifically for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners who want practical support, expert guidance, and a chance to connect with others on a similar journey.
Led by an experienced business professional, the course will help you turn your ideas into something more structured, sustainable and ready for growth.
Across the two days, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Develop and test your business ideas
✅ Understand your customers and target market
✅ Build a practical and realistic business plan
✅ Explore finance and funding opportunities
✅ Create strong foundations for long-term success
But this isn’t just about learning theory.
There’ll be plenty of opportunities to network, share ideas, and work collaboratively with other people who are at a similar stage in their business journey. Whether you’re looking for feedback, motivation, new connections or simply reassurance that others are figuring it out too, this course is designed to be supportive, interactive and genuinely useful.
Perfect if you’re:
✨ Thinking about starting a business
✨ Recently self-employed or newly launched
✨ Looking for more structure, clarity, and confidence in your next steps

Social Media Advanced: Paid Ads on Facebook & Instagram
2026-07-14 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.

Ready for Biz - Online
2026-07-16 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
The popular Ready for Biz start-up programme returns via Zoom in July 2026!
Are you thinking about setting up a new business? Ready for Biz, Start-Up programme, is returning to support aspiring entrepreneurs.
Why not turn your idea/hobby into a reality?
Workshop dates/times:
The programme consists of 3 x 3-hour sessions, each from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Thursday 16th July – Exploring your idea and shaping your business plan

Thursday 23rd July – Understanding financials and funding options

Thursday 30th July- Marketing, social media & online presence and Practicalities of getting started

Ready for Biz: What’s it about?
To increase entrepreneurship, we are offering a fantastic opportunity to come together to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to launch a successful business.
This inspiring programme has been specifically created to help encourage you to set up a new business. From refining your business idea to marketing and managing your finances, we can help you prepare to successfully start your business.
This programme is delivered by Let’s Do Business Group, one of the leading providers of business support and training in the South East and East of England.
100’s of aspiring entrepreneurs have already completed our start up programmes, using the learnings to turn ideas into viable businesses, will you be next?
Your place includes:

Nine hours of expert-led start-up training delivered over three interactive workshops

Copies of all presentation slides

Practical templates including business plans, cash flow forecasts, and other useful planning tools

A bank of resources and recommended websites

Opportunities to ask questions and receive guidance tailored to your business idea

The programme will help you to:

Explore and clarify your business idea

Research your target market and understand your competitors

Develop your business model and kick-start your business plan

Help you to understand the numbers, create projections and explore funding options

Start shaping your marketing strategy, incl. online and social media presence

Set your business goals

Overview of business types, tax and insurance, accounting software, and bank accounts

Tools to help with taking the next step

Gain peer support from like-minded people

These sessions will be taking place via Zoom. You can access Zoom easily from your desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. Join our experienced Start-Up Coaches for a series of 3 x 3-hour sessions starting Thursday 16th July 2026.
Please note that previous participants have done so whilst caring for children and juggling other distractions. So don’t let that be a barrier, and if you have any specific needs or cannot attend all the sessions, please just drop us a line at info@ldbgroup.co.uk, and we can discuss options.
Closing date for applications is Monday 13th July.
Eligibility:
Open to anyone who’s not yet up and running or has registered as self-employed or a company within the last 12 months.
Only invited applicants can apply through this registration. These are applicants from Gosport, Rochford, Brentwood, or East Sussex who have been referred through REED/DWP.
All other applicants should apply here – https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/ready-for-biz-online

We look forward to hearing from you!

How email can actually help you grow your business
2026-07-20 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
What separates an email that people open, read and click from one that they just delete?
Constant Contact is here to help you find the answer!
In this session, we will break down the building blocks of high-performing emails and share a five-step framework for successful email marketing.
Topics covered in this session

Essential tactics small business marketers need to get started

Simple ways to move your email strategy to the next level

The five steps to take to make your email marketing successful

Take your learning one step further with a 30-day Constant Contact free trial, allowing you to test new ideas and follow along from day one as your learn.
About the speakers
Both Berit Block and Sophie Dunlea are employees at Constant Contact, the AI-powered marketing platform that has helped millions of small businesses and nonprofits grow for over 30 years.
Berit Block is Senior Director of International Marketing at Constant Contact. Based in London, she leads Constant Contact’s global marketing.
Her work centres on removing the complexity from marketing for small business owners, startups and sole traders so they can find new customers, communicate effectively and grow without needing to be a marketing specialist themselves.
Berit has extensive experience in other companies such as Meta and WeTransfer. Beyond her corporate career, she is co-founder of Planet Thanet Locations, a Kent-based agency serving the film, photographic and events sector and serves as Non-Executive Director and Advisor to Girl Hike CIC.
Sophie Dunlea is the UK Marketing Lead at Constant Contact. Also based in London, she works closely with communities and partners across the UK who share a passion for helping small businesses get seen, connect with customers and grow through smarter marketing.
With a background in events and large-scale partnerships, Sophie specialises in helping businesses turn simple marketing ideas into meaningful results.
If you have any questions you’d like Berit and Sophie to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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.
About Constant Contact
Constant Contact offers email and digital marketing tools that make it easy for your small business or nonprofit to get the attention and revenue it deserves. Constant Contact has joined Lunch and Learn to share its extensive marketing expertise.

LinkedIn Do's & Don'ts for Success
2026-07-21 09:30 - 11:30 | Online
Use LinkedIn to expand your professional network, attract new clients, and create real business opportunities – all without feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
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.

Event details:
🕙Time: 09:30am – 11:30am
📌Location: Online (ZOOM)
💷Cost: £30pp +VAT

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.

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

Stacey Pretty is the Marketing Director at Let’s Do Marketing, where she helps small and growing businesses turn their marketing ideas into real results.
With more than 19 years of hands-on experience in both B2B and B2C marketing, Stacey’s worked on everything from digital campaigns and content strategies to traditional promotions. She’s seen what works, and what doesn’t, for small businesses trying to make their mark.
Stacey’s mission is simple: to make marketing easier to understand and more effective for business owners who have a lot on their plates. Her sessions focus on practical, achievable steps that bring consistency, confidence, and results.

FSB Webinar: Stronger Teams: Practical ways to support employee mental health
2026-07-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join workplace wellbeing experts for a practical session on creating psychologically safe, supportive teams. Learn how employers and small business leaders can confidently support mental health, reduce stigma and build cultures where people feel seen, valued and able to thrive.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace starts with leaders who feel confident supporting their people. In this session, Jay Harrison from Mind and Denise Markham Wroe from Open to Coaching draw on their extensive experience in wellbeing, leadership and organisational culture to explore what truly makes a workplace psychologically safe. They’ll share practical approaches that move beyond awareness and into meaningful, human‑centred action.
Our host will be Rob Harrison Consultancy Partner at Glued Ltd

Designed for employers and small business owners, this webinar offers clear guidance on reducing stigma, recognising distress and fostering environments where staff feel valued, supported and able to thrive. Expect honest insights, real-world strategies and tools you can immediately use to strengthen wellbeing across your team.
We will also hear from HealthyShoots:
Healthyshoots is an Occupational Health Portal that offers affordable individual case support or annual unlimited occupational health support, depending on the needs of the member.
It started as a trial two years ago but due to its success and the needs of the FSB membership it has developed into a very popular benefit.
The Healthyshoots team has worked together since 1999 and has handled more than 10,000 OH cases, including more than 1,000 for the FSB in the last two years.
Carl Laidler is the Director of OH Support for Healthyshoots but previously was a founding shareholder in Health Assured the EAP and Managing Director of Prevent plc who conducted in excess of 100,000 workplace health screens throughout the UK

How to avoid email jail: Why deliverability is everything
2026-07-27 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
Writing a brilliant email is pointless if it never reaches the inbox.
In this session, we tackle deliverability head-on. The do’s and don’ts, the common reasons emails get blocked, and the quick wins that can instantly improve your delivery rate.
Plus: why subject lines, send times, sender details and pre-headers matter more than you think.
Topics covered in this session

How to build a top-tier sender reputation to avoid the spam folder

How to instantly improve your inbox rate by managing your list and boosting email engagement

How to win back silent subscribers to boost your deliverability

Bring each session to life with a 30-day Constant Contact free trial, helping you turn insights into action.
About the speakers
Both Berit Block and Sophie Dunlea are employees at Constant Contact, the AI-powered marketing platform that has helped millions of small businesses and nonprofits grow for over 30 years.
Berit Block is Senior Director of International Marketing at Constant Contact. Based in London, she leads Constant Contact’s global marketing.
Her work centres on removing the complexity from marketing for small business owners, startups and sole traders so they can find new customers, communicate effectively and grow without needing to be a marketing specialist themselves.
Berit has extensive experience in other companies such as Meta and WeTransfer. Beyond her corporate career, she is co-founder of Planet Thanet Locations, a Kent-based agency serving the film, photographic and events sector and serves as Non-Executive Director and Advisor to Girl Hike CIC.
Sophie Dunlea is the UK Marketing Lead at Constant Contact. Also based in London, she works closely with communities and partners across the UK who share a passion for helping small businesses get seen, connect with customers and grow through smarter marketing.
With a background in events and large-scale partnerships, Sophie specialises in helping businesses turn simple marketing ideas into meaningful results.
If you have any questions you’d like Berit and Sophie to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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.
About Constant Contact
Constant Contact offers email and digital marketing tools that make it easy for your small business or nonprofit to get the attention and revenue it deserves. Constant Contact has joined Lunch and Learn to share its extensive marketing expertise.

Making AI work for your small business: Turning opportunity into action
2026-07-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Making AI work for your small business: Turning opportunity into action (with Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP)
AI is starting to change how small businesses run and grow, but many owners are still unsure how to get the most from it.
Concerns about cost, trust and risk remain common and are stopping some businesses from embracing AI.
Work by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) points to a clear trust gap that could put a £42bn opportunity at risk for UK small firms. This session brings together practical examples and policy insights to help you decide what AI could bring to your business.
Join Rishi Sunak and FSB for a focused discussion on how AI is being used in practice and what we can learn from those who have adopted it most successfully.
Why attend
• See how small businesses are using AI in real situations
• Understand the main barriers identified in recent FSB work
• Hear Rishi Sunak’s views on supporting AI adoption
• Ask questions during the live Q&A
What will be covered
• Introduction: Why AI matters now
• FSB’s new report on AI adoption: Key takeaways for small business owners
• Rishi Sunak in conversation with small businesses: Practical experiences and challenges
• Live Q&A: Questions from attendees
• Closing remarks: Key takeaways

Using Canva to Create Content
2026-07-29 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-09-23 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!

Event details:
🕙Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
📌Location: Online (ZOOM)
💷Cost: £30pp +VAT

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.

Meet the Host:
Kerry Madge | Marketing Executive, Let’s Do Marketing

Kerry Madge is a creative and hands-on Marketing Executive at Let’s Do Marketing, bringing nearly six years of experience helping businesses grow through social media. With a BA in Marketing Management, she specialises in social media advertising, content creation, and graphic design, turning ideas into engaging posts that capture attention and drive results.
Kerry excels in social media advertising, graphic design, and copywriting. Her passion lies in crafting creative solutions and developing comprehensive marketing strategies that empower small businesses to visualize and achieve their overarching goals.

FSB Webinar: Funding the future
2026-07-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Looking to grow your business but unsure where to find funding or how to secure it? Join us for Funding the Future, an insightful webinar designed to help small business owners navigate the often-confusing world of business finance and funding opportunities.
Whether you’re looking to invest in sustainability initiatives, expand your operations, purchase equipment, or simply strengthen your cash flow, this session will provide practical guidance on accessing the right funding for your business.
We’ll be joined by Celia Gaze, Founder and CEO of the The Wellbeing Farm, one of the UK’s most innovative and sustainable event venues. Celia will share her inspiring journey from transforming a rundown farm into a thriving, award-winning business with sustainability at its heart. She’ll offer a candid look at her experience securing funding to support The Wellbeing Farm’s growth and environmental initiatives, including the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned along the way.
You’ll also hear from Capitalise, the partner behind the FSB Funding Platform, who will demonstrate how FSB members can use the platform to explore funding options, connect with a wide range of lenders, assess their financial health and improve their chances of securing finance. The platform provides access to over 100 UK lenders and helps businesses identify the most suitable funding solutions for their needs.
You’ll discover:

Real-world insights from a business owner who has successfully secured funding
How the FSB Funding Platform can help you find and apply for funding opportunities
Practical steps you can take immediately to improve your funding readiness

Whether you’re considering your first funding application or looking for new ways to finance your next stage of growth, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge, tools and confidence to take the next step.

How to use AI without sounding like a machine
2026-08-03 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
This session is all about working smarter, without losing your voice.
Learn how to create high-quality content, spot and fix overused phrases and prompt like a pro. Plus, discover how automations can do the heavy lifting in the background, freeing you up over the busy summer months.
Topics covered in this session

How to get more marketing done and generate high-quality content

How to prompt like a pro – prescriptive techniques to get results that match your brand voice

How to do more and save time with automation

Make the most of each session and sign up to a 30-day Constant Contact free trial, so you can follow along, practice what you’ve learned, and see the tool for youself.
About the speaker
Andrew Davis is a UK-based digital marketing trainer, keynote speaker and generative AI specialist with over 25 years’ experience in the digital industry.
He has worked with organisations including FIFA, Forbes, Ogilvy, Sony PlayStation, Dyson, O2 and Tesco, helping teams understand how social media, content strategy and emerging technology can drive better marketing outcomes.
His career spans started by launching BBC Radio 1Xtra and Myspace.com, alongside four years serving on the Ofcom Advisory Committee for England. Andrew is known for making complex digital topics practical, engaging and easy to apply.
If you have any questions you’d like Andrew to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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.
About Constant Contact
Constant Contact offers email and digital marketing tools that make it easy for your small business or nonprofit to get the attention and revenue it deserves. Constant Contact has joined Lunch and Learn to share its extensive marketing expertise.

Smarter ways to grow your contact list
2026-08-10 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
In this session, you’ll discover practical and creative ways to grow your audience, from sign-up forms and QR codes to social media, events, and incentive offers.
Discover how to capture valuable insights, such as your subscribers’ interests and preferences, so you can deliver more relevant communications, nurture your audience over time and ultimately grow your business.
Topics covered in this session

Strategies to attract new contacts to your list
Creative ways to capture valuable information like interests and preferences
How to manage your list over time to drive success

Jump in and prepare before the session with a 30-day Constant Contact free trial, so you can put your learnings into action.
About the speaker
Andrew Davis is a UK-based digital marketing trainer, keynote speaker and generative AI specialist with over 25 years’ experience in the digital industry.
He has worked with organisations including FIFA, Forbes, Ogilvy, Sony PlayStation, Dyson, O2 and Tesco, helping teams understand how social media, content strategy and emerging technology can drive better marketing outcomes.
His career started by launching BBC Radio 1Xtra and Myspace.com, alongside four years serving on the Ofcom Advisory Committee for England.
Andrew is known for making complex digital topics practical, engaging and easy to apply.
If you have any questions you’d like Andrew to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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.
About Constant Contact
Constant Contact offers email and digital marketing tools that make it easy for your small business or nonprofit to get the attention and revenue it deserves. Constant Contact has joined Lunch and Learn to share its extensive marketing expertise.

Breaking Down the Basics of SEO
2026-08-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Get your business found online by the people who need you most.
Tired of feeling like your website is invisible? You’re not alone. Many small business owners put time and effort into building their website but still struggle to show up in search results.
This workshop will help you fix that. You’ll learn simple, practical SEO strategies that bring more visitors to your site, attract your ideal customers, and help your business grow. We’ll break down the jargon, showing you how to optimise your website, create content that ranks, and use free tools to see what’s working.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make your business more visible online — and feel confident doing it yourself.

Event details:
🕙Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
📌Location: Online (ZOOM)
💷Cost: £30pp +VAT

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 Optimisation: 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 optimisation, and crawlability.

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

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

Stacey Pretty is the Marketing Director at Let’s Do Marketing, where she helps small and growing businesses turn their marketing ideas into real results.
With more than 19 years of hands-on experience in both B2B and B2C marketing, Stacey’s worked on everything from digital campaigns and content strategies to traditional promotions. She’s seen what works, and what doesn’t, for small businesses trying to make their mark.
Stacey’s mission is simple: to make marketing easier to understand and more effective for business owners who have a lot on their plates. Her sessions focus on practical, achievable steps that bring consistency, confidence, and results.

Marketing that matters: Learn from the experts
2026-08-17 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
Do you want to know why email marketing remains a crucial part of marketing and business growth?
Bring your questions and join our exciting panel of marketing professionals.
Join Berit Block, Senior Director of International Marketing at Constant Contact, as she hosts a live Q&A with Lorna Bladen, Small Business Community Manager at Canva and Edward Stephens, Marketing Lead at Chelsea Football Club Womens as they discuss why email marketing remains a critical part of marketing and business growth.
Bring your questions and gain valuable insights from experienced marketing leaders.
Don’t miss your last chance to sign up for 30-day Constant Contact free trial, so you can put your learnings from Marketing Mondays into action and begin to grow your business straight away.
If you have any questions you’d like the panel to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
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.
About Constant Contact
Constant Contact offers email and digital marketing tools that make it easy for your small business or nonprofit to get the attention and revenue it deserves. Constant Contact has joined Lunch and Learn to share its extensive marketing expertise.

Strategies for Successful Email Marketing
2026-08-20 09:30 - 12:00 | Online
Learn how email marketing can help your business grow.
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.

Event details:
🕙Time: 09:30am – 12:00pm
📌Location: Online (ZOOM)
💷Cost: £35pp +VAT

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.

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

Stacey Pretty is the Marketing Director at Let’s Do Marketing, where she helps small and growing businesses turn their marketing ideas into real results.
With more than 19 years of hands-on experience in both B2B and B2C marketing, Stacey’s worked on everything from digital campaigns and content strategies to traditional promotions. She’s seen what works, and what doesn’t, for small businesses trying to make their mark.
Stacey’s mission is simple: to make marketing easier to understand and more effective for business owners who have a lot on their plates. Her sessions focus on practical, achievable steps that bring consistency, confidence, and results.

Income Diversification Training
2026-08-20 13:00 - 15:00 | online workshop
Having your income eggs all in one basket can be risky and stressful. In this session we look at what funding options may be available to you and how to choose the avenues for diversifying your income which are most likely to succeed.

By the end of this session, we hope you will:

Gain an understanding of the potential sources of income available.
Understand a process for choosing the right sources of income.
Increase confidence in your ability to choose the right next steps.

Understanding and Developing a Marketing Strategy
2026-08-25 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.

Event details:
🕙Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
📌Location: Online (ZOOM)
💷Cost: £35pp +VAT

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.

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

Stacey Pretty is the Marketing Director at Let’s Do Marketing, where she helps small and growing businesses turn their marketing ideas into real results.
With more than 20 years of hands-on experience in both B2B and B2C marketing, Stacey’s worked on everything from digital campaigns and content strategies to traditional promotions. She’s seen what works, and what doesn’t, for small businesses trying to make their mark.
Stacey’s mission is simple: to make marketing easier to understand and more effective for business owners who have a lot on their plates. Her sessions focus on practical, achievable steps that bring consistency, confidence, and results.

Back to School with AI: Your Questions Answered
2026-08-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Summer’s over, the inbox is full, and your to-do list definitely didn’t take a holiday! But what if September could feel like a fresh start?
This special Back to School session with AI expert Cheryl Laidlaw is your opportunity to hit reset on how you’re using AI in your business – and get your questions answered live.
In this session you will:

Walk away with three AI tasks you can try in your business immediately
Get clear answers to the AI questions you’ve been too busy (or too embarrassed) to ask
Hear what other small business owners are trying, testing and finding

AI in Your Business Curious to Confident: Find it, Build it.
2026-09-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
This two-part series (Thursday 3rd & 10th September) is designed to take small business owners from ‘I know I should be using AI more‘ to ‘I actually know exactly how to do this.’
In Part 1:

Find out where AI can make the biggest impact in your business, helping you identify practical opportunities to save time, reduce your workload and work more efficiently.

Date: Thursday 3rd September, 10am
In Part 2:

Learn how to turn your AI ideas into practical systems that work behind the scenes.
Build time-saving workflows, create prompt templates you can use again and again, and connect your AI tools to streamline everyday tasks.
Leave with working systems you can start using straight away.

Date: Thursday 10th September, 10am

The North Essex Business Expo 2026
2026-09-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Charter Hall, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, CO1 1YH, United Kingdom
We are really pleased to announce a partnership between the North Essex Councils (NEEB), Colchester, Maldon, Tendring, Braintree, Uttlesford, Epping, Chelmsford, Essex, Global, the DS Group and Networking Essex . What we hope to achieve the biggest business expo in North Essex at the Charter Hall, Colchester on 10th September between 10am-3pm with over 150 stands and 1000 visitors.
The expo will be promoted by all our partners to their databases, social media, newsletters and in the case of Global we’ll be on Heart radio again leading up to the event. We intend to make every business in Essex aware of the expo and make it a must attend event.
This event is open to all businesses of all sizes, trades, industries, professions and sectors, start ups and pre start ups with something for everyone.
The expo is free to attend with plenty of free parking at the Charter Hall, to book your place please visit www.networking-essex.co.uk and if you would like to exhibit, please email aaron@networking-essex.co.uk

The Fundamentals of Innovation Funding
2026-09-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
Learn from expert Innovation Mentors on how to approach Innovation Funding to accelerate innovation in your business.

Are you developing a new product, service or technology and wonder how innovation funding could help accelerate your growth?
If so, join this webinar hosted by the Innovation Grant Mentoring Team to learn more on how to propser your business venture with grants!
This practical and insightful webinar is designed to help innovative businesses understand and navigate the innovation funding landscape in the UK.
Join the team and our guest innovation mentors to explore how innovation funding can accelerate your ideas into reality.
Our experts, Liz Flint and Colm Watling, will discuss:

Why innovation funding exists and how it supports business growth

The benefits of Innovation Funding

What makes a strong funding application

Ultimately you’ll gain clear insight into the innovation funding journey.
To conclude the webinar, the team will explain how the Innovation Grant Mentoring Programme provides tailored support, expert feedback, and guidance to innovators across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
This webinar is perfect for businesses looking to fund innovation, accelerate growth, and bring new ideas to market.

Southend Business Show 17 September 2026
2026-09-17 09:30 - 15:00 | Southend Tennis & Leisure Centre, Eastern Avenue, Southend On Sea, Essex, SS2 4FA
Southend’s flagship business event for 2026, shining a spotlight on our city’s strengths and supporting growth across all sectors.

The Southend Business Show will bring together hundreds of local businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and public‑sector partners for a day of networking, workshops, and businesses from across the city exhibiting under one roof.
It will be one of Southend’s flagship business events for 2026, shining a spotlight on our city’s strengths and supporting growth across all sectors.
This is open to residents and businesses, so why not pop along and join us.
Organised by Southend-on-Sea City Council – Business-on-Sea
Sponsored by: –
Muddy Wood Projects Ltd is your go to for all your Construction, Maintenance, Refurbishment and Fire Door Safety requirements. Regardless of your building, we can help you with all your requirements. Muddy Wood Projects Ltd excels in professional project management, paying meticulous attention to every aspect of your project.
Surgical Holdings (part of the Stille AB group) is a Southend-on-Sea–based manufacturer and repair specialist of high-quality surgical instruments and orthopaedic products. Employing around 60 people locally, the company blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to support hospitals across the region and beyond.
BTMK – Recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 for the third consecutive year, BTMK is a leading Essex law firm delivering complete legal support for individuals, families and businesses. From personal and property matters to private client and high-value commercial work, BTMK’s trusted advisers are with you at every stage — from your first home to your most complex corporate transaction.
Formara is Southend-on-Sea’s oldest continuously operating print company. We offer a wide range of print products and print marketing services including direct mail, print and packaging design, email campaigns, graphic and logo design, and full brand development, with over 50 years of industry expertise
Dedman Gray For over 40 years, Dedman Gray have been one of the leading auctioneers and commercial agents in the Essex area, offering a wide range of services to buyers and sellers. This includes 6 large regional property auctions, including both residential and commercial properties, land and a selection of investment properties. Auction is now a very popular method for active purchasers.
Azets We combine specialist expertise, progressive technology, and international scale to provide trusted accountancy and business advisory services locally, including our dedicated team of professionals in Southend-on-Sea. Your goals, our people, a fresh mindset – solving problems so you can confidently focus on what you do best.
Supported by-
Freedom Leisure Centre, Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 4FA
10am to 10.30am Join Sales Geek, Lisa Ansell who will be delivering a workshop on “Stand out from the crowd’

The USP myth
How to identify and communicate your differentiation
Marketing yourself authentically
Engaging your audience with clarity

12pm to 2pm join Networking Essex with Aaron Desmond

In Person: Adopt Digital – Getting Started & Working Smarter
2026-09-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Arise Chelmsford Innovation Hub, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1QT
Part of the Adopt, Adapt, Grow Through Digital collection

Arise Chelmsford Innovation HubChelmsford, England
Thursday, September 17 • 10 AM – 12 PM

Overview

Work smarter, not harder. Discover digital tools, automation and expert support to help your business grow.

Running a growing business often means wearing multiple hats, juggling endless tasks and feeling like there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
What if you could free up some of that time, get a clearer picture of what’s happening in your business and create systems that help you grow without adding more to your workload?
Join Ambitious Essex and Taz Panjwani, Founder of Vibe Agency and recently named Entrepreneur of the Year in the Essex Tech Top 50, for a workshop all about working smarter through digital tools, automation and better business processes.
Vibe Agency helps businesses streamline operational processes to improve efficiency and unlock growth. Vibe works with clients across sectors, from small and medium enterprises to organisations like the NHS, Anglia Ruskin University and the Chartered Insurance Institute. In this session, he’ll share real-world examples, practical tips and the tools that can help you spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time focusing on what really matters.
We are delighted to be delivering this workshop in partnership with ARU Arise Innovation Hubs, Oxford Innovation, Launchpad, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Made Smarter and Connected Innovation.
With representatives from all of our partners in the room, this is more than just a workshop. It’s an opportunity to connect with organisations that can help support your growth journey, access specialist expertise, explore innovation opportunities and build valuable relationships with fellow business owners.
If you’re looking to scale your business through digital, improve efficiency and discover the support available across Essex, this is an event not to be missed.
Please note: This is a three-part series, but you’re welcome to attend just one, two or all three sessions. Simply choose the workshop(s) that best suit your business and where you are on your growth journey.
During the workshop we’ll explore:
✅ How to spot inefficiencies that are slowing your business down
✅ Using automation to reduce admin and repetitive tasks
✅ Improving data visibility so you can make better business decisions
✅ Creating processes that support growth and scale with your business
✅ Simple digital tools that can save time and improve productivity
✅ Real examples of businesses that are using technology to work smarter and grow faster
Who is this workshop for?
This session is perfect for business owners and leaders who are:

Looking to scale their business
Feeling stretched for time
Wanting to improve efficiency and productivity
Curious about automation but unsure where to start
Looking for practical ways to streamline operations and support growth

What to expect
✔ A practical presentation from Taz Thornton
✔ Live Q&A with Ambitious Essex, Taz, ARU Innovation Hub, Connected Innovation, Oxford Institute and the FSB
✔ Informal networking with other Essex business owners
✔ Actionable ideas you can take away and implement straight away
If you’re looking for ways to save time, improve visibility across your business and build stronger foundations for growth, this workshop is for you.
Please note: This course is funded specifically for Essex-based businesses. If your business is located outside of Essex, unfortunately you will not be eligible to attend and your ticket will be refunded.

Online: Adopt Digital – Getting Started & Working Smarter
2026-09-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Part of the Adopt, Adapt, Grow Through Digital collection

Online event
Thursday, September 17 • 10 AM – 12 PM GMT+1

Overview

Work smarter, not harder. Discover digital tools, automation and expert support to help your business grow.

Running a growing business often means wearing multiple hats, juggling endless tasks and feeling like there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
What if you could free up some of that time, get a clearer picture of what’s happening in your business and create systems that help you grow without adding more to your workload?
Join Ambitious Essex and Taz Panjwani, Founder of Vibe Agency and recently named Entrepreneur of the Year in the Essex Tech Top 50, for a workshop all about working smarter through digital tools, automation and better business processes.
Vibe Agency helps businesses streamline operational processes to improve efficiency and unlock growth. Vibe works with clients across sectors, from small and medium enterprises to organisations like the NHS, Anglia Ruskin University and the Chartered Insurance Institute. In this session, he’ll share real-world examples, practical tips and the tools that can help you spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time focusing on what really matters.
We are delighted to be delivering this workshop in partnership with ARU Arise Innovation Hubs, Oxford Innovation, Launchpad, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Made Smarter and Connected Innovation.
With representatives from all of our partners in the room, this is more than just a workshop. It’s an opportunity to connect with organisations that can help support your growth journey, access specialist expertise, explore innovation opportunities and build valuable relationships with fellow business owners.
If you’re looking to scale your business through digital, improve efficiency and discover the support available across Essex, this is an event not to be missed.
Please note: This is a three-part series, but you’re welcome to attend just one, two or all three sessions. Simply choose the workshop(s) that best suit your business and where you are on your growth journey.
During the workshop we’ll explore:
✅ How to spot inefficiencies that are slowing your business down
✅ Using automation to reduce admin and repetitive tasks
✅ Improving data visibility so you can make better business decisions
✅ Creating processes that support growth and scale with your business
✅ Simple digital tools that can save time and improve productivity
✅ Real examples of businesses that are using technology to work smarter and grow faster
Who is this workshop for?
This session is perfect for business owners and leaders who are:

Looking to scale their business
Feeling stretched for time
Wanting to improve efficiency and productivity
Curious about automation but unsure where to start
Looking for practical ways to streamline operations and support growth

What to expect
✔ A practical presentation from Taz Thornton
✔ Live Q&A with Ambitious Essex, Taz, ARU Innovation Hub, Connected Innovation, Oxford Institute and the FSB
✔ Informal networking with other Essex business owners
✔ Actionable ideas you can take away and implement straight away
If you’re looking for ways to save time, improve visibility across your business and build stronger foundations for growth, this workshop is for you.
Please note: This course is funded specifically for Essex-based businesses. If your business is located outside of Essex, unfortunately you will not be eligible to attend and your ticket will be refunded.

2026-09-18 09:30 - 12:30 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Hosted by the Launchpad at Southend Airport Business Park, the Sales Geek Essex Southend Sales Club is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded professionals and business leaders, learn valuable sales strategies, share ideas, and grow your company and your network – and receive expert sales training!

Whether you’re an experienced sales professional or want to understand how to grow your role and your business, this free event is for you.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with many others in the sales industry and local business community, and expand your business horizons.

Book now, registrations will close when we reach capacity!

And please do not hesitate to contact Anna (anna.watson@salesgeek.co.uk) if you have any questions.

Business Innovation Unlocked: Essex
2026-09-30 09:30 - 13:30 | Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, Boundary Road, Colchester, CO4 3ZQ, United Kingdom
Join our innovation experts to discover how innovation funding can benefit your Essex business to thrive for the future.

Ready to turn your innovation idea into a stronger funding application? Join this interactive in-person session for Essex businesses to gain practical, expert guidance on navigating innovation grants with confidence.
Led by innovation specialists Andrew Dahl and David Kaye, the event will help you to understand:

Identify fundable innovation projects
Understand what assessors want to see
Strengthen your bid writing and proposal development skills
Stand out from the competition and boost your success rate

Andrew and David will deliver their expertise through talks, breakout sessions and 1:1 discussions.
You’ll also meet the teams behind Innovation Grant Mentoring, Connected Innovation and the Essex Growth Agency, who will introduce the free support available to Essex innovators and explain exactly how to tap into it.
Why attend?
Designed as an interactive, in-person session, this event will give Essex entrepreneurs a clear route through the innovation funding landscape — from shaping a strong idea to taking confident next steps towards success.
What will you gain?

Practical tips to strengthen your innovation grant applications
A clearer understanding of the UK innovation funding landscape
Expert insight from experienced innovation and grant specialists
Tailored guidance through interactive breakout discussions
Information on free business support available to Essex innovators
Confidence to shape your idea towards funding success

What’s the purpose?
Delivered for Essex businesses, this event brings together local innovators, expert mentors and regional support to strengthen:

Awareness of innovation funding
Grant applications
Success rates within Essex

Strategic Grants Fundraising Training
2026-10-06 09:30 - 11:30 | Online
The grants landscape has changed, and while the basics have remained the same, priorities have not. In this introductory session we look at the essentials of grant fundraising considering this new world of grants we find ourselves in.
By the end of this session we aim for you to:

Have a better understanding of the grants landscape
A view of the full grants process
Understanding of what makes a strong application

Business Innovation Unlocked: Essex
2026-10-08 09:30 - 13:30 | Arise Chelmsford Innovation Hub, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1QT
Join our innovation experts to discover how innovation funding can support your Essex business with its future innovation plans.

Ready to turn your innovation idea into a stronger funding application? Join this interactive in-person session for Essex businesses to gain practical, expert guidance on navigating innovation grants with confidence.
Led by innovation specialists Andrew Dahl and David Kaye, the event will help you to understand:

Identify fundable innovation projects
Understand what assessors want to see
Strengthen your bid writing and proposal development skills
Stand out from the competition and boost your success rate

Andrew and David will deliver their expertise through talks, breakout sessions and 1:1 discussions.
You’ll also meet the teams behind Innovation Grant Mentoring, Connected Innovation and the Essex Growth Agency, who will introduce the free support available to Essex innovators and explain exactly how to tap into it.
Why attend?
Designed as an interactive, in-person session, this event will give Essex entrepreneurs a clear route through the innovation funding landscape — from shaping a strong idea to taking confident next steps towards success.
What will you gain?

Practical tips to strengthen your innovation grant applications
A clearer understanding of the UK innovation funding landscape
Expert insight from experienced innovation and grant specialists
Tailored guidance through interactive breakout discussions
Information on free business support available to Essex innovators
Confidence to shape your idea towards funding success

What’s the purpose?
Delivered for Essex businesses, this event brings together local innovators, expert mentors and regional support to strengthen:

Awareness of innovation funding
Grant applications
Success rates within Essex
