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’.
You will meet your cohort (max. 10 businesses) via ZOOM, under the facilitation of the Business Coach. Each group session will last for 2 hours and you will have 4 sessions in total over a 6-7 week period (on regular days and times).
Plus, you will be able to book 1.5 hours of private one-to-one time (via ZOOM) with your Business Coach. This can be taken as a 1.5-hour block or 2 x 45 minute sessions. You choose a date/time that suits you.
Interested Rochford District businesses can apply using this form. Group cohort sessions will commence in September 2024 and the whole programme runs until 31 March 2025.
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'.
Understanding and Developing a Marketing Strategy
On Tuesday 7 January, 10am to 1pm via online webinar. Free for Essex businesses use code ESSEX25 when booking.
The South Essex Business Expo
Held on Thursday 13 March at The Brentwood Centre from 10am - 3pm. With over 150 exhibitors and an expected 1,000 visitors, the expo will be the largest networking event in South Essex in 2025. The expo is in partnership with Rochford District Council and South Essex Councils.
Book now for your FREE visitor place 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!