Supporting North Essex to turn disaster into development
Supporting North Essex to turn disaster into development
The North Essex Economic Board (NEEB) discuss how Essex Business Leaders have turned disaster into development, utilising skills, and business support programmes to move their ventures forward.
In recent years, businesses in Essex and worldwide have faced significant upheaval due to factors like Brexit, a global pandemic, conflict in Ukraine, and a rising cost of living. Business leaders have grappled with adversity, uncertainty, and tough decisions to secure their futures and achieve their goals.
While some high street staples have sadly reached breaking point, many local entrepreneurs and business leaders have seized this uncertain period as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Committed to nurturing economic growth, NEEB has curated free support programmes to enhance digital skills among residents and ensure businesses have the necessary tools and support to adapt, innovate, and emerge stronger.
The Role of the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB)
The North Essex Economic Board is a collaborative initiative of North Essex Local authorities focused on cultivating economic growth and development in the North Essex region. Through innovation, investment, and improved infrastructure, we empower businesses, support entrepreneurship, develop skills and enhance residents’ quality of life.
How can NEEB help you and your business?
Access to Business Finance and Guidance
One of the key benefits offered by the North Essex Economic Board is free access to business experts from Let’s Do Business Group. Whether you need a listening ear to talk through your plans, or advice on moving the business forward through strategy, recruitment, operations, financial planning, or marketing, they are here to help. The team benefits from a wealth of business knowledge and experience including how to access business finance and grants for development. If you are based in the districts of Chelmsford, Colchester, Braintree, Tendring or Maldon and looking to expand, your business can get support to access the help it needs to to fuel your growth ambitions.
Skills Development and Training:
In addition, North Essex residents and businesses can access free programmes focused on skills development and training. From professional development workshops on digital marketing, leadership, and finance, to personal development training to improve IT skills and obtain employment. Many businesses have already capitalised on these opportunities to enhance their capabilities of their workforce and drive innovation within their organisations.
Programmes include:
Blueprint for Business
Developed and delivered by a team of award-winning Business Coaches, Blueprint for Business provides you with learning opportunities you can tailor to suit your needs along with access to a North Essex entrepreneurial ecosystem to connect and network with. Covering topics such as business growth, marketing, negotiation skills, Cyber Security and digital tools, the programme is organised so that businesses can create a pick ‘n’ mix of activities to support their individual business growth goals.
Support for Digital Transformation
In an increasingly digital world, businesses must embrace digital marketing and technology to stay competitive. Recognising this need, North Essex Businesses can access a series of free marketing webinars on topics such as social media, marketing strategy, SEO, email marketing, and using Canva.
“It was great to have someone to shine a light on the business and show there is a path forward, this is what we’re going to do, and how I can help you. We felt a bit lost, unsure what’s next for us, but having their support has helped us gain confidence in our business and helped us grow.”
— Amber Coldron, Nursery Manager – Cann Hall