Rochford District Council’s Events Programme
The Economic Development Unit offers various FREE events and training throughout the year, which provides useful information and support to local businesses.
If you would like to be notified of events, training and initiatives you can join the Rochford Business Network. Please sign up online via 'Tell Me More'.
Ambitious Women Rochford District Meet Up
On Tuesday, 14 May, 10am - 12pm at The Mill Arts & Events Centre, Rayleigh
In the second collaboration with Rochford District Council, Ambitious Women in Essex are also privileged to be partnering with Networking 4 Essex Women, insert link: https://networking4essex.co.uk/ a networking group based in Rayleigh.
During the event we will be joined by Essex Police who will be delivering a workshop teaching you how to keep safe online and what steps you and your service users can take to protect yourself. Book your place on the Ambitious omen Rochford meet up via Eventbrite
Essex Global Summit
Just under four weeks to go until the FREE Essex Global Summit on Wednesday 22 May at Hylands Estate, Chelmsford. From 10 am until 3 pm.
Join experts, industry leaders and innovators to hear about the future of international trade. This event is for companies who are already trading internationally or those looking to start their global journey.
*Hear from keynote speakers who will delve into the latest trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the global trade landscape
*Take part in panel discussions and gain insights that will shape the future of your business internationally
*Take advantage of exclusive workshops and discussions to deepen your understanding of trading globally
Pre-registration is essential as registrations cannot be done on the day. Places are limited and only two attendees per company. Sign up for your place via the Essex Summit website.
Demystifying Public Sector Procurements for SMEs
On Wednesday 22 May at 11.00am – 1.00pm online.
A free webinar for SMEs that explores how small to medium sized businesses in Essex can find and successfully bid for public sector contracts. This webinar is delivered by David Adlington, Consultant, from The Consortium, Catherine Martin, Procurement Specialist, from Essex County Council, Derin Ovolen, Social Value and Climate Change Officer and Rosalva Johnston, Essex Anchor Social Value Officer.
Book your place via Let’s Do Business website
FSB Essex Summer Social
On Wednesday 24 July from 3pm to 6pm at Marco’s Spanish Restaurant in Rayleigh.
Ticket price includes Paella and Sangria! You do not need to be a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) member to come along. Once you have purchased your ticket, drop-in any time between 3 and 6 pm for some delicious food and drink whilst you expand your network - and your waistline!
Book your place on the FSB Essex Summer Social via the FSB website.
Rochford District Business News
Rochford District Council is committed to supporting local businesses. We have set up the Rochford Business Network to enable us, the Economic Development Team, to make contact with local businesses, to provide information, help and support and to deliver this to the local business community.
Since launching the network , now rebranded 'Tell Me More', over 3000 businesses have joined and are enjoying the benefits the network has to offer. The Tell Me More service is free to join, and as a member you will have access to:
- E-bulletins detailing events and campaigns that assist local businesses
- Regular emails that include local and national information (including opportunities for grants and funding)
- Receive notification of business support services and initiatives that may help your business
- A support structure for local businesses to connect with each other
- Opportunities to engage with local businesses, business support agencies and Council Officers
- Consultations taking place in the District
To join all you need to do is sign up to Business News through the Council's 'Tell Me More' service
You can also keep up to date with all business related news by following us on twitter @Business_RDC
UK Imports and Exports
From the 1st January 2022 new rules apply for UK business operations regarding imports and exports.
Register now for HMRC live webinars - HMRC will explain existing guidance and answer general questions about the content. They’re unable to answer questions specific to the items you import or export on the webinars:
- Importing – steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration – get advice on how to make a supplementary declaration and how intermediaries can help
- Customs Import Declarations: an overview – of the whole declarations process
- Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving – covering zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations
- Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary – your responsibilities if using an intermediary to complete import or export declarations
- Importing food and drink, and animal products from the EU to Great Britain – DEFRA webinars about upcoming changes and how to register and use the import system IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System).
You can also find webinars and videos from other government departments about trading with the EU.
Cyber Security
Studies have shown that historically there has been a rise in cybercrime following large notable events impacting the UK as criminals capitalise on any possible confusion such as a global pandemic.
Taking time now to review your businesses cyber security provision and colleague education will help to protect your business from any future disruption from a cyber incident. You may find the Metropolitan Police’s website a useful resource as well as the websites listed in Related Content section.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has created a tool that every small business should use to make sure you are #CyberAware - get your free Cyber Action Plan today by visiting the NCSC website here!