In summary
October saw the arrival of the much-anticipated Autumn Budget from the new Labour Government.
Whilst it made the history books for the first female Chancellor to deliver a Budget, did it make history for other reasons?
If you missed our online webinar or in-person event in Maldon, then please do reach out to your Development Manager for the latest information on what it means for small businesses in practice: [email protected]
Featured news and events
This year has seen a whole host of FSB events!
Speed networking has emerged as a clear favourite, often being described as “organised chaos” but “the best networking event I’ve ever been to”.
We also held our inaugural FSB Essex Business Bootcamp for small businesses.
Carla Watkins, from Carla Watkins Photography, said: “The Bootcamp was one of the best events I've been to! It was full of fabulous humans, bright colours, thought-provoking speakers, and brilliant exhibitors. Business absolutely does not have to be boring!”
We’ve hosted our events in lots of different venues across the county including an historic Martello tower, a tapas bar, an indoor winter garden and a two AA rosette restaurant.
We are currently planning 2025 activity… And need your ideas!
If you have a space within your business that you would be happy to open for networking events, please do contact [email protected]
Small Business Networking in Loughton
Network, collaborate, promote your services, and support each other at this free event, which is open to FSB members and non-members with a business based in the Epping District.
Whether you're new to FSB or want to pick up a heavily discounted membership, you'll get to meet with like-minded entrepreneurs, self-employed people and small business owners from across the district.
FSB memberships, funded by Epping Forest District Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, mean that sole traders will pay just £50 for a two-year membership, as opposed to the normal £390. You must be based in the Epping Forest District to qualify.
A buffet lunch will be provided – kindly sponsored by Epping Forest District Council. There will be free networking over lunch from 12pm, with a short talk from FSB and Epping Council from 1pm.
This event is being hosted by The Hobo, a private member's club in Loughton where business happens and members matter.
Although this event is free to attend, booking is essential, and you may not be granted access to the building without booking
In other news
FSB events
FSB events are a great way to meet with like-minded entrepreneurs, self-employed people and small business owners.
We are taking a break in December from events but have a few taking place in Thurrock throughout November!
- Thurrock Business Support and Networking Event: £8.00 for FSB members and £10 for FSB non-members. Book here.
- Backing Thurrock Business Christmas Networking: Free to attend for all. Book here.
The AdVantage competition
Win up to £2500 worth of marketing support to advance your business and grow!
The AdVantage competition is designed to help new and scale-up businesses, from all over Essex, gain a digital advantage over their competition.
Fully funded by BEST Growth Hub and delivered by Let's Do Marketing, this competition is FREE to enter for all business leaders across Essex (including those in Southend and Thurrock)
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a pitch skills workshop, culminating in them presenting a pitch about their business and how the support will help them to grow.
Nine businesses will then be chosen to each win a package of marketing support to the value of £1500, but one lucky business will get a marketing support package worth £2500!
Still in the news
Free business support in Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, and Tendring
If you’re looking to start a business, obtain business finance or concerned about how to manage your business debts then Let’s Do Business Group offers 1-2-1 advice, workshops and webinars to help you. It is also an accredited delivery partner for a number of business loan providers.
Thanks to funding from NEEB and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Businesses in Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, and Tendring can access free tailored support to help them achieve their growth plans.
Free business support in Harlow, Uttlesford and Epping Forest
Meet with a business expert at your premises or at an NWES office.
Undertake a Business Diagnostic Review to assess your strengths, weaknesses, core markets, and competencies as a business. Then, get help to develop a plan for business improvement – increase sales, expand to new markets, drive down costs, increase productivity, or find finance.
If your district is not covered, please email Ann Scott on [email protected] to discover what is available.
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