GET SET GROW II Business Support Programme
The GET SET GROW programme is open to businesses at any stage, whether start-up or established, located within the Rochford district or Brentwood borough. Participants can have any trading status, including Sole Trader, Limited Company, or Community Interest Company (CIC). It is FREE to businesses to participate, as fully funded by UK Government.
GET SET GROW is delivered by a team of award-winning Business Coaches from The Consortium. Combining the power of group business coaching (you will not be placed in the same group as a competitor) with confidential one-to-one mentoring, culminating in a chance to enter ‘The Big Pitch’.
The GET SET GROW II programme has now closed. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to be notified of future local business support, please sign up to our newsletter.
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'.
The Fundamentals of Writing a Marketing Plan
Wednesday 23 April from 9.30 am to 11:30 am at Launchpad Southend, Airport Business Park, Rochford
Join this FREE in-person event with Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Essex and FSB Member - Michelle Passfield, to gain practical insights/expert guidance on marketing planning and strategy to help you achieve business growth! This is perfect for small business owners and marketing professionals within small organisations; whether you're just starting out or an established business looking to refine your existing strategy. Sponsored by Rochford District Council, there will also be time to network over tea, coffee and pastry refreshments.
Book your place via FSB website
Group2Grow - The Essex Peer Network Programme
Group2Grow is back to connect more business people together to create solutions and learn new skills. Applications to join are now open. This FREE programme consists of over four 2-hour group sessions and 3 hours of 1:1 support with an expert business coach, offering tailored advice to your individual business challenges and discussing the core subjects important to you.
Visit the Backing Essex Business website to find out more and apply
Achieving Email Excellence Strategies for Successful Email Marketing
Wednesday 16 April from 10am to 12pm via online webinar
In this 2-hour webinar, explore how email marketing can be a game-changer for your business, unravelling the secrets behind crafting compelling campaigns and how they seamlessly integrate into your overall marketing strategy.
FREE using code "ESSEX25" Register via Let’s Do Business Group
Using Canva to Create Content
Tuesday 29 April from 10am to 11.30am via online webinar
Want to learn how to create eye-catching and engaging graphics for your business? Join this using Canva workshop to find out how to utilise this online graphic design platform to make everything from your company branding to social media posts and more!
FREE using code "ESSEX25" Register via Let’s Do Business Group
The King’s Awards for Enterprise: How to win in 2026
Wednesday 30 April from 2pm to 3.30pm via online webinar
Essex businesses are invited to join Ambitious Essex for a free webinar where you'll gain invaluable tips and insights on how to win the UK's most prestigious business award - The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026! You'll hear from past Essex based winners, who will share their experience of the application process, as well as touching on the tangible benefits to their business of winning a King's Award.
Book your place at The King's Awards via Eventbrite
Electrification skills training programme
Tuesday 29 April to Thursday 1 May from 9am to 5pm at CU London in Dagenham.
This 3 day course is tailored for engineers with traditional pre-electrification industry experience, technicians, students in engineering and technician programmes at levels 2 or 3 or non-technical roles; the course aims to expand their knowledge in Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD).
Book your FREE place on the Electrification Skills programme via Eventbrite
Networking and Business groups
- 3 Chambers (Rayleigh, Rochford & Hockley)
- Ambitious Women in Essex
- Business Network International
- Effective Business Network
- Essex Business Partnerships
- Essex Business Forum
- Essex Chambers of Commerce
- Federation of Small Businesses
- Networking Essex
- Networking 4 Essex Women (NEW)
- Nexus Networking Group
- Women in Business Network
- YES Network (Young Entrepreneurs Southend on Sea)
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
The UK has left the EU and the transition period has now ended. This means that the UK has now left the EU Single Market and Customs Union and EU law no longer applies in the UK. From the 1st January 2022 new rules applied for UK business operations regarding imports and exports.
His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can provide guidance and have produced webinars and videos. An example topic is below:
- 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.
For further information on International Trade and the support available, please visit our International Trade page
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!