In summary
As we step into 2025, the team at FSB Essex would like to remind you that we’re here to support your small business with its big ambitions this year.
Your Essex Development Manager, Ann Scott, is constantly talking to local councils, authorities, stakeholders like universities and the media to make sure small businesses, like yours, are represented at a local level.
Please email [email protected] if you need help in dealing with a local issue.
Featured news and events
Co-Working Days with Colbea
Beat those Monday morning blues!
Are you ready to work alongside like-minded business owners for the day? This is your chance to connect, collaborate, and inspire one another in a dynamic environment...
Whilst working from the modern and comfortable space of Colbea's Business Centre, you can tap into both FSB and Colbea for business support - in addition to meeting with fellow entrepreneurs who you can share frustrations, best practice and ideas with.
You'll be given access to a desk in an open space, where you can pitch up with your laptop - you may also book a private room should you need to make confidential calls.
Guests are welcome to come and go as they please, but the co-working day starts at 9.00am and finishes at 17.00pm.
We have three dates:
- Monday 20th January - North Colchester Business Centre
- Monday 17th February - City Centre Business Centre
- Monday 17th March - North Colchester Business Centre
There is free and secure parking on both sites. We will also supply tea, coffee and biscuits but please do bring lunch.
Email [email protected] to book.
Grow your business for good with FSB’s latest bootcamp
Our popular bootcamp series is coming to Peterborough, featuring a brilliant line-up of expert speakers to help you hone your skills in marketing, AI, and fraud prevention.
With plenty of networking sessions built into the day, there will be lots of opportunities to mix and mingle with local entrepreneurs to grow your connections.
Limited tickets are available, so make sure you don’t miss out!
In other news
FSB events in 2025
We have lots of exciting events planned in Essex for 2025…
Don’t forget to hold these dates in your diary:
- Tuesday 25 February: Speed networking at The Plaza in Braintree
- Thursday 27 March: Small business networking (wellbeing special) at ARU Arise in Harlow
- Wednesday 23 April: “The fundamentals of writing a marketing plan” workshop at Southend Launchpad in Rochford
- Wednesday 14 May: Member Only Dinner at House by Hilly Gant restaurant in Braintree
- Thursday 19 June: “Get back 20 minutes a day with AI” workshop at ARU Arise in Chelmsford
Booking links will be live on our website very soon!
Greater Essex Business Board
The Greater Essex Business Board, designed to act as the voice of the private sector in the county, has appointed FSB’s Essex Development Manager to the board.
Members will play a key role in attracting investment and influencing job growth. They will also advise on infrastructure/skills priorities and oversee future Government programmes.
Julia Gregory, who was recognised in 2023 by the National Businesswomen Awards with a lifetime achievement award, will Chair the board.
Still in the news
Boost your brand – exhibitor opportunities at FSB’s brand-new bootcamp
Looking to boost your brand to small businesses across the East of England? Then make sure you check out the opportunities to exhibit at FSB’s Grow your Business for Good bootcamp, coming up in March 2025.
Taking place at Alia Future Business Centre in the heart of Peterborough, we have a limited number of exhibition spaces available to help you make your business stand out from the crowd and get in front of entrepreneurs from across the region.
Business support across Essex
Free business support in Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Rochford and Tendring
Let’s Do Business Group offers 1-2-1 advice, workshops and webinars. It is also an accredited delivery partner for several business loan providers.
Free business support in Epping Forest, Harlow, and Uttlesford
NWES provides free one-to-one advice, consultancy and business growth workshops to help local businesses scale-up and grow.
Free business support in Basildon
The Consortium provides a free programme, including peer to peer support, business grants and workshops.
Free business support Castlepoint
Deyton Bell has a dedicated helpline, business startup support, group workshops, up to 2 hours of 1-2-1 mentoring, peer group support and free resources.
More news and activity near you
- Bedford, Cambs and Herts
- East Anglia
- More from FSB East of England
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Essex is Ann Scott. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBEssex
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Essex