Message from Murray Foster, Chair of Southend Business Partnership

Southend United F.C - If someone had told you 12 months ago that SUFC would be in the National League play off promotion final at Wembley (Sunday 1 June 2025) in front of a crowd of some 52,000 who would have believed?! Overall, an immense performance which I was privileged to witness!

Our most recent Southend Business Partnership Briefing was held on 22 May at the Holiday Inn and our thanks to their staff and for London Southend Airport for hosting this event. There was a great turnout with keynote presentations focusing on the many positive initiatives within Southend. This of course included London Southend Airport, which has just been named as “London’s fastest growing airport” in a new report.

A date for your diaries: our next Briefing is Thursday 9 October when we will return to the Maritime Room, Cliffs Pavilion. At this stage we are sounding out the possibility of having a focus on Artificial Intelligence. Book now!

On the national scene, which inevitably effects local businesses to varying degrees, there has generally been positive reactions from the UK business bodies in regard to UK/USA deal, the UK/India trade agreement and the more recent UK/EU agreement. On the latter, more is to be worked through regarding the Fishing sector, which remains a more challenging area. However, the new arrangement regarding SPS measures are broadly welcomed and we wait to see if this yields any benefits for our cockling industry in Leigh Port.

Don’t forget searching out what’s on in Southend on the Visit Southend website for a vast range of events, including the Pier hosting the return of a full replica of Christopher Columbus’s ship from the 1 to 7  July. Also, there is Waddle On Sea, 11 July to 3 September, a fun filled spectacle as a huddle of penguin sculptures take over Southend, celebrating creativity and community spirit. More imminently upcoming is the Pandemonium Street Fest 2025, taking place the weekend of 21 to 22 June in Southend High Street. The event is put on by the University of Essex East 15 Acting School and will include a variety of free pop-up performances starting with a colourful Samba procession.

In signing off, please encourage others to sign up for our free monthly newsletters which provides a wealth of information below.

Find opportunities for council contracts

Online - Wednesday 11 June 10am to 11am

This workshop will explain how to source and bid for Public Sector contracts (training provided to local businesses and the Voluntary and Community Sector)

The Central Digital Platform is an online portal which will make it easier for suppliers to find and bid for contracts, and for buyers to meet their transparency commitments under the Procurement Act 2023. Suppliers must register in order to be able to view and bid for opportunities. Register your business here.

Register for the webinar

Online: Master Digital Marketing Workshop

Wednesday 11 June 10am to 12pm

Join us for a hands-on digital marketing workshop where you'll learn how to attract, engage, and convert your ideal audience.

From social media strategy and SEO basics to email marketing and ad campaigns, you'll walk away with practical tools, proven techniques, and a clear action plan to grow your online presence.

Book your place

Endangered Crafts Fund

Small grants to help the most at-risk crafts

Heritage Crafts has re-opened the Endangered Craft Fund to support craft practitioners working with traditional skills at risk of being lost in the UK. The fund aims to help safeguard these crafts by providing targeted financial support to makers who are working to revive or sustain endangered practices listed on the Red List of Endangered Crafts.

Individual grants of up to £2,000. The fund can be used for activities such as training to pass on skills, buying tools or materials, developing specialist equipment, or funding innovative ways to promote endangered crafts.

Deadline: Friday 17 October 2025 at 5pm

Find out more

Applications now open for the next Create South East programme cohort

Over 120 local businesses took part in the first round of the Create South East programme, receiving intensive support from industry and investment experts, as well as a programme of workshops designed to develop the essential skills needed to secure investment. 

Deadline to apply: Monday 16 June at 12pm 

Find out more

Southend Creatives Summer Social

Wednesday 2 July 6pm to 9pm 

S.P.A.C.E, Rutherford Cl, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 5LQ

Our summer networking evening is open to anyone working in or around the creative and cultural industries in Southend-on-Sea, at any stage of your career.

We’re an inclusive, supportive space where all are welcome!

A short talk will be taking place: Culture and Devolution: what does it mean for us? Hear from a local creative on this topic. Plus time to connect, chat, and share ideas

Find out more

Southchurch Business Expo

Thursday 18 September 8am to 12pm

The Plaza 600 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2PT

The third Southchurch Business Expo is being organised by Southend-on-Sea City Council - Business-on-Sea in partnership with Project Southchurch and sponsorship from Kursaal Plant Hire.

It will provide a marketplace of local businesses and services.

This is open to residents and businesses, so why not pop along and join us. 

Businesses showcasing will have the opportunity to promote available job opportunities within their organisation.

Book your place

UK Social Enterprise UK Awards 2025

Each year, the UK Social Enterprise Awards shine a powerful spotlight on the pioneering organisations transforming lives and communities across the country.

Entering the Awards is not only your chance to win a prestigious award but also an opportunity to elevate your story, celebrate your team’s achievements, and showcase your impact to a national audience.

The applications close on 7 July.

Find out more

BIG Networking for Small Businesses

Online - Thursday 12 June 10am to 11.30am

Are you ready to expand your network and grow your business? Don't miss out on the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)'s BIG Networking event - the UK's largest virtual networking opportunity for small business owners.

Book your place

Festival of Business: Building a Greater Essex

Wednesday 5 November 10am to 3pm at Chelmsford City Racecourse 

Explore a dynamic showcase of local businesses and organisations across various industries. From established enterprises to emerging innovators, this is your chance to discover new products, services, and partnership opportunities.

Networking Opportunities: Forge meaningful connections with fellow professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, collaborate on new projects or simply share ideas, the festival offers unparalleled opportunities to engage with the Essex business community.

Find out more

Southend Business Partnership Briefing 

Thursday 9 October 7.30am to 10.30am

Maritime Room, Cliffs Pavilion SS0 7RA

• 7.30am - Registration will begin.
• 7.30am to 8.30am - Networking, light breakfast, and marketplace.
• 8.30am - The business briefing keynote speakers will start.
• 10.00am - Continue networking and visiting the marketplace.
• 10.30am - Close

Book your place.