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Message from Murray Foster, Chair of Southend Business Partnership
In our December newsletter we portrayed 2026 continuing to experience a somewhat challenging environment but with locally some positives. At the time we went to press we were unaware that the University of Essex had made a business case sustainability decision to close their Southend Campus by the Summer of 2026.
Whilst appreciating the exacting environments for universities most people that have since contacted me have been shocked by the decision and some by the manner of handling leading to total closure of our city’s campus – many were directly involved like myself to varying degrees in securing the delivery of The Forum and Gateway Building amongst many other facilities.
This is really terrible news for our city impacting students, staff, city foot flows, businesses engaged in providing services, private rented sector, related property potential voids and ultimately our city no longer having the profile of a university campus city. Somehow out of this there has got to be an onward and upward approach, so our planned executive meeting being held mid-January will now include an agenda item regarding this matter and I have asked that UoE update fully on all aspects enabling a constructive discussion on support and mitigation activities where I am sure also Southend-on-Sea City Council and South Essex Colleges Group will also have key inputs.
Given the upcoming closure of University of Essex’s Southend campus, it prompts me to aim for a new year resolution that will see a clear way forward for the regeneration of the Kursaal, ensuring that it is a priority for all involved and promoted as such through the upcoming Devolution process for Essex. The time has certainly come for one of our most iconic sites to become a positive news story.
However, there are anticipated good news stories for 2026 being that multi million pound building improvements will have been completed for Genting’s Casino and also Cliffs Pavilion by the Spring and Summer respectively. In addition, Southend-on-Sea City Council are undertaking £1 million of improvements to some park playgrounds across our city. Also, London Southend Airport will continue to pursue their route expansion plans. No doubt there will be more successes to come for our city throughout this year!
Diary reminder!!! - our next briefing meeting on morning of 12 February will focus on audio communication with keynote presentations from Folded Wing, Radio Essex, Ruark Audio and South Essex Colleges Group (SEC).
Many thanks to SEC for hosting and providing an additional premeeting room alongside their Pod auditorium at their Southend campus. There will be our usual Q&A session... BOOK NOW!
Don’t forget to search out what’s on in Southend by visiting VisitSouthend’s website for a vast range of events. If by any chance you want enjoyment further afield then our London Southend Airport has expanded its winter routes.
In signing off please encourage others to sign up for our free monthly newsletters which provides a wealth of information such as below to over 2000 recipients.
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2026/2027 Budget Briefing for the Business and Voluntary Sector
Online Monday 19 January 10am to 11.30am
Businesses and voluntary groups are invited to hear from Joe Chesterton (Executive Director for Finance and Resources) and councillors, about the council’s budget plans for 2026/27 and beyond. This is your chance to have your say on the council’s budget ahead of formal decisions being made.
Book your place
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Southend Business Partnership Briefing
Thursday 12 February 7.30am to 10.30am
South Essex College, Luker Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1ND
The focus of this briefing will be on the dynamic sector of audio communication including reflections on challenges and opportunities in the current economic climate.
- 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
Find out more and book your place
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Marketing Support for Businesses
Online Workshops - ZOOM
Free to Essex Businesses using code ESSEX25 at checkout
- Understanding and Developing a Marketing Strategy
- Tuesday 6 January, 10am to 1pm
- Book your place
- Strategies for Successful Email Marketing
- Wednesday 7 January, 9:30am to 12pm
- Book your place
- Using Canva to Create Content
- Tuesday 13 January, 1pm to 2:30pm
- Book your place
- Her Biz: Women's Start-Up Programme
- Thursday 22 January, 29 January, and 5 February, 3 x 3hr sessions from 9:30am to 12:30pm
- Book your place
Find out more
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The Southend Culture Small Grants Scheme
Applications are open now and will be considered on a rolling basis until 31 January 2026
The Southend Culture Small Grants Scheme, which is funded through the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), is designed to support local people develop new ideas and strengthening existing community events.
The grant can support a wide range of activity, including:
- festivals,performances, and workshops
- public art and heritage projects
- community-led cultural events
- projects celebrating Southend's diverse voices.
Find out more
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Essex Energy Summit
Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Hylands House, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ
Hosted by Essex Growth Agency on behalf of Essex County Council, we are bringing together energy developers, supply chain businesses, educators, policymakers, and strategic partners for a morning of insight, collaboration and action.
Book your place
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Essex Build Expo 2026
Friday 6 March 2026 8.45am to 4pm
Hylands House, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ
Essex Growth Agency - Essex County Council in partnership with Essex chambers of commerce
Ready to grow your business, win contracts and stay ahead of the curve?
Essex Build Expo is the event that opens doors to the future of construction and development in the region. This is where deals are made, partnerships are formed and opportunities become reality.
Book your place
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The South Essex Business Expo
Thursday 12 March 10am to 3pm
The Brentwood Centre CM15 9NN
We are really pleased to announce a partnership between all the South Essex Councils, Brentwood, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Thurrock, Castle Point and Essex County Council along with Global, DS Group and Networking Essex.
What we hope to achieve is the biggest business expo in South Essex.
Find out more and book your place
To enquire about a stand email aaron@networking-essex.co.uk
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Local Government Reorganisation survey
Essex residents given their say on keeping their council services delivered locally
Closes Sunday 11 January 2026
A Government consultation began on the 19th November and this is your opportunity to let the UK Government know what you want. There are currently 15 councils across Essex, but the national government wants fewer local authorities that deliver most services to residents. Southend-on-Sea City Council’s preference is for 15 to become five, with Southend reorganising into a new organisation with Rochford and Castle Point Councils, although other authorities have different proposals.
Have your say.
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Business Breakfast Networking
Wednesday 28 January 7.30am to 9.30am
To take place at SKIA FOS Studio Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 9AG that is across the road from their Westcliff site with tour of the site included.
Trust Links is an independent charity for mental health, well-being and the environment in Essex.
Book your place
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Your Business. Their Future. Our Community.
The Greater Essex Careers Hub would like to invite employers to share their expertise to inspire and inform the next generation. By sharing insights into career pathways, you can help students understand how their interests can turn into real opportunities.
In response to the Government’s newly launched Modern Work Experience, the Hub would like to work with businesses to offer a more flexible approach, moving away from the traditional placements, in favour of shorter, less resource heavy, more inclusive experiences such as workplace visits, employer-led projects, and in-school activities.
If you are a business that would like to get involved, contact us for more information.
Email: careershub@southend.gov.uk
visit:- https://greateressexcareershub.co.uk/
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AI in Tendering – Practical, Compliant & Competitive Use
Friday 23 January 10am to 1pm
Launchpad Southend Airport Business Park Rochford SS4 1YH
AI is transforming how businesses approach public sector bidding. This two-hour workshop helps micro and small businesses understand how to use AI safely, ethically, and effectively in their tendering process.
Book your place
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Ambitious Essex Growth Hub digitech competition
Applications close Monday 26 January 2026 at 5pm
The programme is designed for digitech businesses across Essex — including those in software, AI, and cybersecurity — and will offer a range of prizes such as marketing support, publicity opportunities, and business coaching!
Get started
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Online Marketing Workshops
- Online Digital Marketing Workshop
- Wednesday 14 January 10am to 12pm online
- Master the Skills to Thrive Online with this Digital Marketing Workshop, presented by Heavyweight Digital
Book your place
- Grow Your Business With Email Marketing Workshop
- Thursday 12 February 11:00 to 1pm online
- Boost your business with email marketing: build lists, segment audiences, craft content, automate easily, and grow engagement.
Book your place
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Find out more about the Southend Business Partnership and what we do.
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