Message from Murray Foster, Chair of Southend Business Partnership

Firstly a date for your diaries for our next briefing which is Thursday 9 October when we will return to the Maritime Room, Cliffs Pavilion. At this stage we are looking into the possibility of having a focus on Artificial Intelligence. Book now!

Some brief updates:

• Our airport has announced two new routes planned for Berlin and Grenoble
• New bus routes are envisaged to be in place at the end of summer, operating from Leigh Station to London Southend Airport and the Airport Business Park
• Lobbying has been undertaken by Southend-on-Sea City Council with TFL and DFT to expand the operation of the Elizabeth Line to London Southend Airport and our city centre
• Dunelm opened on 24th June, increasing the range of offer within Royals Shopping Centre and our City High Street
• Our City has been chosen over other top seaside resorts to have its own Monopoly board game based on our venues/sites!
• Last but not least, it’s  great to see Adventure Island hosting their third annual School Leaver Year 11 Recruitment Day welcoming around 100 local students in recruitment activities whilst gaining knowledge on customer service and health and safety.

Our partnership executive members met on 24 June and received insightful presentations from University of Essex on utilisation of Artificial Intelligence by businesses and voluntary organisations. The FSB provided their views on the recent Government Spending Review, and the newly announced Industrial Strategy.  SAVS presented about the 10 ways that businesses can support their communities. Essex Police and ECRC provided further insights into the challenges being experienced in our cyber world and steps that can be taken to mitigate. Our thanks to Trafalgar Theatres for hosting at The Dixon Room, Palace Theatre.

For a vast range of events across the city, check out the VisitSouthend website.

Please encourage others to sign up for our free monthly newsletters which provides a wealth of information.

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? 

Showcasing businesses will have the opportunity to promote job opportunities within their organisation.

Book your place

Leigh-on-Sea Business Expo

Tuesday 21 October 8am to 12pm 

Belfairs Methodist Church Hall, Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4NG.

The second Leigh-on-Sea Business Expo is being organised by Southend-on-Sea City Council - Business-on-Sea in partnership with Leigh-on-Sea.com

It will provide a marketplace of local businesses and services.

Like the Southchurch Expo, this is open to residents and businesses, so please consider coming along.

Are you a Leigh-on-Sea business? Would you like to exhibit?

Contact us to exhibit

Book your place to attend

Functional Skills for Maths and/or English

English and maths qualifications are the fundamental building blocks to achieving your goals. Whether that involves further education, going to university or training to improve your employability.

This course is unsuitable for learners who already hold a GCSE grade C / grade 4 or above.

This course takes a year, starting in September.

Find out more

The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026 are now open

The benefits of winning an award to businesses include:

• increased sales and growth
• access to new clients and markets
• greater recognition on the global stage
• easier to attract and retain skilled staff

Winners will also be:

• invited to a Royal reception
• presented with the award by one of The King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant
• able to fly The King’s Awards flag at their main office, and use the emblem on your marketing materials
• given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy

Businesses have until Tuesday 9 September to apply.

Find out more

Free support for starting a business

Aged 18 to 30 and have a business idea you’re passionate about? The King's Trust’s free Enterprise programme is here to help you turn that idea into a reality.

On Enterprise, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge you need to launch and grow your business. We offer free, flexible training and mentoring from business experts.

Throughout Enterprise, you’ll have opportunities to apply for funding to test your business idea, cover startup costs and grow your business.

Find out more

Construction networking

Tuesday 2 September 4.30pm to 6.30pm

Black Box Brewery, 18-19 Aviation Way, Rochford, SS2 6UN 

Calling all businesses in or associated with the construction industry, come along to this new Southend Construction networking event.

The group will meet monthly with a view to exchanging information, developing professional and social contacts, and supporting each other in pursuit of opportunities for collaboration and new business.

Book your place

Business Uncorked - Southend's Premier Networking Social

Friday 12 September 12pm to 2pm 

The Cork Dork Southend-on-Sea SS0 8NU

Step into Southend's most exciting new, premium business networking experience, where professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders gather in a relaxed, high-quality, social wine bar to enjoy a Bottomless Brunch.

Book your place

Find out more

Connecting Social Value with Communities: 10 ways of working

SAVS are seeking to support businesses in generating Social Value by highlighting different ways of working with charities. 

Can you help?

• Resource donations -IT equipment, office furniture, food bank supplies
• Training -can you deliver webinar training to support in upskilling the sector?
• Sponsor events - e.g. Southend Volunteer Awards
• Cash donations -SAVS can match you to a charity
• Individual volunteering
• Corporate volunteering 
• Micro grants
• Venues and meeting spaces - do you have empty office space once a week/month for charity meetings?
• Discounts and exclusive products.
• Fields of expertise – as charities grow, they need training in accounting -HR -digital skills etc. to help them get started. Skills are just as important to charities as monetary donations. Ideas are usually formed from a passion, but they have no skills in running a business as it grows.

Please contact:- Emma Jellett ejellett@savs-southend.co.uk

Bring your idea to life and get multiple chances to win £1,000

Each month from April to August, Enterprise Nation choose two lucky business owners at random to win a £1,000 cash grant, as well as a marketing strategy mentorship session to help them boost their brand.

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