Rochford District Council is seeking to expand networking and funding opportunities for Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley high street businesses.
Through a series of High Streets Summits to be held from March 2025 to January 2026, the Council is encouraging businesses across Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley town centres to explore options for collaboration to increase footfall and dwell time.
Rochford District Council will also be launching a £20,000 grant scheme to support high street businesses in Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley to make shopfront or accessibility improvements to their premises.
Councillor Michael Hoy, Chair of the Economic Development, Regeneration and Tourism Committee at Rochford District Council, said: “We are keen to convene our town centre businesses over the coming months to discuss collaboration opportunities and create a clear action plan to help future proof the District’s high streets. We also want to support our businesses with making shopfront and accessibility improvements to attract new customers. Our new grant scheme will help to funding projects such as painting, repairs and new signage.”
High streets experts, Locus, will be hosting four High Streets Summits across Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley:
- 25 March 2025 – Rayleigh, The Mill Arts & Events Centre
- June 2025 – Rochford, venue to be confirmed
- September 2025 – Hockley, venue to be confirmed
- January 2026 – Rayleigh, venue to be confirmed
Registration for all events is free and open to businesses across all sectors that are located on the Rayleigh, Rochford or Hockley high streets.
The Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley Shopfront Improvement Grant scheme will be open from 28 March to 12 May. Grants of up to £2,000 will be awarded in early June to support businesses with making exterior improvements to their premises. These grants are funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Full details of the grant scheme and the application form
For more information, email Rochford District Council’s Economic Development team at business@rochford.gov.uk