An Interactive Guide to Creating Content for Social Media
2026-06-16 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | 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

Understanding and Developing a Marketing Strategy
2026-06-30 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.

Let's make it work! The Greater Essex Careers Hub - Conference 2026
2026-07-02 09:30 - 15:30 | ARU, Bishop Hall Lane, Chelsmford, Essex, CM1 1SQ
Coming together to transform careers education across Greater Essex – an event for employers, educators and careers professionals

This event brings together employers, educators, training providers and careers professionals from across the county, to explore the current need for careers education and glimpse into the future.
What to expect from the session:

Be part of the movement shaping the future of careers education across Greater Essex.
Hear from inspiring keynote speakers who will challenge thinking and spark new ideas.
Join hands‑on workshops designed to give you practical tools you can use right away.
Connect with employers, educators, and careers professionals who share your passion for supporting young people.
Explore the latest needs and trends in careers education and get a glimpse of what’s coming next.
Make real impact by contributing to a stronger, more connected careers ecosystem.

Mark your calendars and get ready to experience Let’s make it work! from The Greater Essex Careers Hub!

Introduction to Social Media Marketing
2026-07-08 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.

Employment Rights Act In-Depth Implementation Workshop
2026-07-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Birketts Law LLP, Brierly Place, New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0AP
From Legislation to Implementation
The upcoming changes to the Employment Rights Act will significantly reshape employer obligations and increase organisational risk.
Once you understand what is changing, the next question becomes practical:
What do we need to do, and when?
Join us, alongside leading employment law specialists from Birketts LLP, for an in-depth, action-focused workshop designed to help businesses move from awareness to implementation.
This interactive session will go beyond overview and focus on the practical steps required to protect your business and ensure compliance.
What This Workshop Will Cover:
• Identifying your highest areas of risk under the new framework
• Reviewing contracts, policies and probationary processes
• Strengthening dismissal and disciplinary procedures
• Managing changes to terms and conditions lawfully
• Preparing for increased tribunal exposure
• Updating sick pay, zero-hours and parental policies
• Ensuring compliance with working time and holiday record-keeping
• Implementing effective sexual harassment prevention measures
Why Attend?
These reforms reduce flexibility and significantly increase employer exposure.
This workshop is designed to help you:
• Translate legal change into practical action
• Prioritise immediate steps and longer-term adjustments
• Reduce the risk of costly tribunal claims
• Strengthen governance and documentation
• Protect operational flexibility where possible
You will leave with greater clarity, practical guidance and a structured plan to prepare your business.
Date: Thursday 9 July 10.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: Birketts LLP. Brierly Place, New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0AP
Cost to attend: Free for Members and Non-Members £45.00 + VAT
Businesses that act decisively will be best placed to manage risk, maintain control and operate confidently under the new regime.
Secure your place and take the next step from understanding to implementation.

Business Start-Up Course
2026-07-13 10:00 - 2026-07-14 15:00 | 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.

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

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

Festival Of Business
2026-11-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Chelmsford City Racecourse, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 1QP, United Kingdom
We’re excited to announce the return of the Festival of Business, taking place on Wednesday 11 November at Chelmsford City Racecourse – bringing together businesses from across Essex to connect, celebrate and grow.
This year’s event promises a dynamic day of networking, collaboration and opportunity for businesses of all sizes.
For Exhibitors:
Take advantage of the opportunity to showcase your products and services, generate new leads, strengthen relationships and raise your brand profile within the Essex business community. Spaces are limited and always in high demand, so we encourage early booking to secure your stand.
For Visitors:
The Festival is free to attend and provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with a wide range of businesses, discover new suppliers, gain insights and expand your professional network. Be one of the first 500 visitors on the day to receive an exclusive goody bag!
EXHIBIT AT THE FESTIVAL OF BUSINESS
Book your stand at one of Essex’s leading business exhibitions, celebrating growth, innovation, and collaboration across the county. This is your opportunity to showcase your organisation, connect with decision-makers, and position your business at the heart of Essex’s evolving economy.
Why Exhibit?
Exhibiting at the Festival of Business provides a powerful platform to:
💼 Showcase Your Business – Present your products, services, and success stories to a targeted professional audience
⚡️ Meet Potential Clients & Partners – Build meaningful connections with businesses, industry leaders, and key stakeholders
🔍 Increase Brand Visibility – Raise your profile among decision-makers from across Essex
🌟 Stay Ahead of the Curve – Gain insight into emerging trends, innovation, and growth opportunities
📈 Drive Sales and Leads – Generate valuable leads and partnerships during and beyond the event
Who Should Exhibit?
The Festival of Business is ideal for:

Businesses looking to grow and expand
Companies offering innovative products and services
Local suppliers seeking new partnerships
Professional service providers (consulting, legal, financial, etc.)
Tech and digital companies driving industry transformation

Exhibitor Benefits

Dedicated exhibition space
Networking opportunities with attendees, sponsors, and speakers
Premium company listing in the official Festival brochure
Opportunity to demonstrate products or services to visitors
Exclusive advertising space available in the Festival brochure
Opportunity to enter the Best in Business Award

Exhibition Space Details

Maximum space of 2m wide x 2m deep
One 6ft table with cloth and two chairs provided (unless opted out during booking)
Electricity available to your stand (must be selected at booking stage)

Need more room to showcase your business? Contact us to discuss larger exhibition or outdoor space options.
Pricing:
Standard Exhibition Stands

Members: £395 + VAT
Non-Members: £700 + VAT

Festival Brochure Advertising – Limited Space Available

1/2 Page: £75.00 + VAT
Full Page: £125.00 + VAT
