1. art and entertainment
2. comics and animation
3. comics

Edition 99: Week commencing Monday 11 July 2011
NWES is pleased to support Essex Voice of Business Online.
NWES operates a number of managed workspace centres for small and growing
businesses including in Harlow and Thurrock.
Business support services are also available in Castle Point, Harlow, Maldon,
Rochford, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock
If you are looking for office space please call 0845 60 99 99 1
Finding what you want!
Headings in Essex Voice of Business Online have now been colour coded to make it easier for you
to find the items that interest you most.

Events – a full listing of events through until 2012 can be found at Essex Events

Tender Opportunities

Workshops and Seminars

Apprenticeship Opportunities

FSB Updates

Lobbying and Campaigning Issues

Information and Consultations

Special Offers and Discounts for FSB Members

Business Awards

Advertisements
Southend Voice of Business Breakfast Briefing: How To Win Public Sector
Contracts – FREE TO ATTEND - LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!
Leigh-on-Sea: Thursday 14 July 2011 7.30am until 9.30am
A FREE TO ATTEND EVENT
Dominic Collins from Essex County Council‟s 2012 Legacy Team will explain how to win Olympic contracts
through CompeteFor
Alice Ashley, Head of Procurement at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council will explain how to win contracts
through the local authority
Jill Poet of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses will be explaining how to achieve accreditation.
PLUS
Enjoy a breakfast bap while you network with other local businesses
Book Now!
Green Market Place – LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!
Basildon: Monday 11 July 2011
Organised by Basildon Green Business Forum and Essex FSB this popular event includes seminars and a
market place providing advice and information on green related issues to boost your business profits and
reduce your carbon footprint.
Bookings for exhibitors are now being taken and the event is free to attend.
Book Now!
Harlow Voice of Business Briefing: Using Social Media To Get New Business,
Keeping On The Right Side Of The Law and How To Access Finance For
Business – LAST CHANCE TO BOOK! Money Back Guarantee!
Harlow: Thursday 14 July 2011 6.00pm until 8.30pm
Marketing expert Steve Clarke will share practical tips on how to increase your sales and if you don‟t think
they will work for your business he will give you your ticket price back!
FSB Legal Services will explain how they help you stay on the right side of the law.
Experts from FSB Insurance Services will explain the best way to get the right insurance cover for your
business at the most competitive price and also give details of the No Win, No fee debt collection service
available.
Book Now!
Using Your Voice!
Essex FSB uses data from members to help its lobbying and campaigning – the recent survey on
apprenticeships identified more than 1500 potential new apprenticeship possibilities and that data helped us
put together a bid for £5 million from the Regional Growth Fund as it gave hard evidence of the new jobs
which would be created.
Our thanks go to all who completed that survey!
Each month there is a Voice of Small Business Survey which gathers data on current economic conditions
and key issues of concern to members.
The data gathered is used for national and local lobbying.
More than 4,400 members are already participating in that survey panel taking 10 minutes each month to
tick the survey boxes which apply to them.
BUT WE NEED YOU TOO!
The more members who participate in the survey the better the quality of data we have available so if you
are not already receiving that monthly survey please sign up for it here.
Thurrock Voice of Business Briefing
Thurrock: Wednesday 27 July 2011 6.00pm until 8.30pm
Book Now!
Looking To Increase Your Profit Margin And Maximise Your Sales? Plan For
Success, In Just Four Hours – 13% Discount For Essex FSB Members, Now
Just £26!
Ipswich: Thursday 14 July 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Chelmsford: Tuesday 19 July 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Billericay: Thursday 11 August 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Ipswich: Saturday 13 August 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Ipswich: Thursday 08 September 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Thurrock: Saturday 17 September 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Planning for Growth is an interactive and inspiring four-hour workshop to provide you with the skills and tools
you need to improve your bottom line and increase your business value.
Is it for you?
If you are a small business owner/manager, have been trading for at least one year, employ less than five
people and want to grow your profits, then yes, it is for you.
To book your place at the FSB Member’s rate call our Events Booking team on 0845 601 1000 and quote:
FSB.
Chelmsford: Voice of Business Briefing
Chelmsford: Wednesday 17 August 2011 6.00pm until 8.30pm
Book Now!
Business Network Groups
Essex FSB supports a number of regular Network Groups which have a good track record of helping
members win new business.
Rainham: Tuesday 12 July 2011 7.45am until 9.30am
Book Now!
Holland-on-Sea: Wednesday 13 July 2011 7.30am until 9.30am
Guest Speaker is Neil Thomson - ReMaDe Essex - Essex County Council - Matter Can
Neither be Created nor Destroyed (A Waste Perspective).
Book Now!
Wickford: Wednesday 13 July 2011 8.00am until 9.30am
Book Now!
Brentwood: Thursday 14 July 2011 8.00am until 9.30am
Book Now!
Havering and Redbridge Joint Meeting: Friday 15 July 2011 8.00am until 9.30am
This is a joint event is in partnership with The Queen‟s Theatre, Hornchurch.
Book Now!
Witham: Friday 15 July 2011 4.30pm until 6.30pm
Book Now!
Chelmsford: Friday 15 July 2011 4.30pm until 6.30pm
Book Now!
Eastwood: Monday 18 July 2011 4.00pm until 6.00pm
Book Now!
Leigh-on-Sea: Tuesday 19 July 2011 7.30am until 9.00am
Book Now!
Basildon: Wednesday 20 July 2011 7.30am until 9.30am
Book Now!
Thurrock: Thursday 21 July 2011 8.00am until 9.30am
Book Now!
Maldon: Friday 22 July 2011 4.00pm until 6.00pm
Book Now!
Colchester: Friday 22 July 2011 4.30pm until 6.30pm
Book Now!
Rawreth: Wednesday 27 July 2011 11.00am until 12.30pm
Book Now!
Redbridge: Friday 29 July 2011 8.00am until 9.30am
Book Now!
Grays: Tuesday 02 August 2011 8.00am until 9.00am
Book Now!
Westcliff-on-Sea: Wednesday 03 August 2011 7.30am until 9.30am
Book Now!
Billericay: Thursday 04 August 2011 8.00am until 9.30am
Book Now!
Hornchurch: Friday 05 August 2011 7.30am until 9.00am
This event is in partnership with The Queen‟s Theatre, Hornchurch.
Book Now!
Join Essex FSB And Come To SIX Events Free – Save up to £120!
From Tuesday 01 March 2011 there is a new special offer from Essex FSB.
Every member that joins will be able to attend SIX Essex Voice of Business Briefings free of charge and
they can choose any six in their first two years of membership.
Around 30 Essex Voice of Business Briefings are held each year at different venues across Essex,
Havering and Redbridge offer:

Information on how to boost your business from experts in marketing and sales

Details of the latest offers to help cut your business costs on everything from bank charges to
fuel

The opportunity to network with fellow business people from across Essex, Havering and
Redbridge

A buffet to enjoy while networking
If you are not an FSB member you are welcome to attend these events but there is a cost, usually £20, to
cover food and venue charges incurred by Essex FSB.
The annual subscription to join the FSB for a sole trader is just £120 so you can save that by
attending your six free events!
More details on this offer
More details on FSB membership
Event details and booking
PLEASE NOTE: If you joined Essex FSB since 01 March 2009 you should have received details of how you
too can attend SIX Essex Voice of Business Briefings free of charge before Saturday 31 December 2011.
Funding Information For Businesses
Chelmsford: Monday 11 July 2011 1.30pm until 4.30pm
Speakers topics include EU and Innovation Funding Support Service – Derek MacLeod, TUV NEL and
Enterprise Europe Network – Hendrik Pavel, Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
The event is hosted by e2v technologies which was the only local firm to successfully bid for Regional
Growth Fund money in Round One.
More details by email
Dragon Jelly
Leigh-on-Sea: Thursday 14 July 2011 9.00am until 5.00pm
A jelly is an opportunity for those who work alone or are self employed to work with others.
Book Now!
LLEA Network Event
Colchester: Wednesday 20 July 2011 6.45pm until 8.30pm
More details
Designers Network Meeting
Colchester: Monday 25 July 2011 4.30pm until 7.30pm
The Designers Network, Essex County Council and the University of Essex invite designers from the East of
England to an evening get together in the iLab.
Sally Brazier from the Designers Network will be hosting the evening, demonstrating the Business Model
Canvas to help you design how your business will compete in the future.
Book Now!
Business Breakfast Briefing: The Implications of the Greek Economic Crisis for
the East of England
Colchester: Tuesday 26 July 2011 7.30am until 9.30am
This free to attend event at the University of Essex will be chaired by Professor Eric Smith, Head of the
Department of Economics with contributions from:
 Professor Paul Whitely (Government), who will be discussing the politics playing out in London;
 Professor Emil Kirchner (Government), who will be discussing the impact of the crisis on the Euro
and the European Union;
 Dr Miltos Makris (Economics), who will be presenting the Greek economic outlook;
 Dr Gianluigi Vernasca (Economics), who will be commenting on the economic impact on the UK and
our region.
Book Now!
Essex Police Consultation
Rayleigh: Wednesday 27 July 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
This consultation event will be held at Rayleigh Market, Market Place, Hockley Road, Rayleigh.
Business Networking Charity Golf Day In Aid Of Brainwave
Great Totham: Thursday 08 September 2011
More details
ARE YOU CLAIMING ENOUGH TAX CREDITS?
Did you know that many business owners are missing out on opportunities to increase their tax credit
entitlement – often by £1,000s? Most accountants do not provide advice on tax credits and therefore you are
probably not hearing about the ways you can increase your claim.
Cornerstone Accountancy offers a FREE review of your current position and we will only charge you a fee if
we can increase your entitlement.
In the first instance please send an email with your name and business type (sole trade etc) to
taxcredits@support4business.co.uk to receive further information.
4N Networking Groups
Basildon: Friday 22 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Bishop’s Stortford: Thursday 14 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Braintree: Tuesday 12 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Chelmsford: Thursday 21 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Colchester: Friday 15 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Dunmow: Tuesday 12 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Harlow: Friday 22 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Leigh-on-Sea: Wednesday 13 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Maldon: Tuesday 19 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Romford: Thursday 14 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Saffron Walden: Tuesday 19 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Waltham Abbey: Friday 15 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Witham: Tuesday 19 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
These groups meet fortnightly.
More details
Bishop’s Stortford Breakfast Club
Much Hadham: Wednesday 13 July 2011 8.00am until 10.00am
Book Now!
Bishop’s Stortford Business Connections
Much Hadham: First and Third Tuesday of each month 6.00pm until 8.00pm
Book Now by email
BNI Witham
BNI is launching a new group in Witham with anticipated September start date which means there are
vacancies in all business categories.
More details by email
Breakfast for Business..... And Lunch Too!
Colchester: Wednesday 13 July 2011 6.45am until 8.30am – then fortnightly
Colchester: Thursday 14 July 2011 11.45am until 1.30pm – then fortnightly
Witham: Thursday 20 July 2011 6.45am until 8.30am – then fortnightly
Book Now by email!
BRX Stansted Airport
Stansted: Every Thursday 7.00am until 9.00am
More details by email
Business United BNI.
Dagenham: Every Friday 11.45am until 1.45pm
Book Now by email
Business Lounge Network Group - Discount for Essex FSB members
Shoreditch: Thursday 14 July 2011 7.30pm until 10.00pm
Book Now!
Catalyst Network Group
Colchester: Every Wednesday 6.45am until 8.30am
What makes Catalyst Business Networking unique is our approach, we hold cutting edge „business clinics‟
and „business education‟ slots which turn our group into a think tank geared for your success.
You may also be surprised to hear that our primary goal is NOT referrals. Our prime focus is on the growth
of the business and the business owner, because of this deep relationships are built and high quality
referrals naturally follow.
Book Now by email
Chafford Hundred Mum’s Business Club
Chafford Hundred: Monthly Meetings
This is a networking group that meets at least once a month and it is for mums in business, about to start a
business and not sure of the business idea.
Mums business club gives us an opportunity to chat in an informal environment with the kids too and explore
new possibilities.
More details
Chelmsford Business Connections
Chelmsford: First and Third Thursdays of each month 7.00am until 8.30am
No Membership fee, £25 per month for two breakfasts.
More details
Chelmsford NetLinked Group
Chelmsford: Alternate Wednesdays 7.30am until 9.00am
More details
Chingford Business Network
Chingford: Second Tuesday of each month 12 noon until 2.00pm
More details
CM Connected Network Breakfast
High Ongar: Friday 15 July 2011 7.30am until 9.30am
Networking event in partnership with CM Connected magazine. Essex FSB will have an information stand at
this event.
Book Now by email
Colchester Connected Networking Breakfast
Colchester: Friday 29 July 2011 7.30am until 10.30am
Regularly more than 200 local business people attend this event – are you missing out?
Essex FSB will have an information stand at this event.
Book Now by email!
Colchester Jelly Network Group
Colchester: First Friday of every month 9.30am until 5.30pm
This is a free to attend network group.
Book Now!
Danbury Business Networking
Danbury: Third Wednesday of every month 4.30pm until 6.30pm
More details
Essex Business Club
Chelmsford: First Tuesday of each month 7.30pm until 9.30pm
Ideal for the new business start-up, feeling its way into the business community, and small business wanting
to expand. The Essex Business Club is a member-run networking and support organisation for businesses
in Essex. Our members include start-ups, micro businesses and larger enterprises across a wide range of
products and services.
More details
Essex Business Forum
Great Warley: Every Thursday 6.30am until 8.30am
More details
Essex Business Network
Basildon: Thursday 14 July 2011 7.00am until 9.00am
Billericay: Thursday 04 August 2011 6.00pm until 8.30pm – Christian Business Network Group
Billericay: Thursday 14 July 2011 6.00pm until 8.30pm – Social Networking for Business
Brentwood: Thursday 21 July 2011 7.00am until 9.00am
Chelmsford: Friday 15 July 2011 7.00am until 9.00am
Chelmsford: Friday 29 July 2011 12 noon until 2.00pm – Lunch Group
Romford: Wednesday 13 July 2011 7.00am until 9.00am
Southend-on-Sea: Tuesday 12 July 2011 7.00am until 9.00am
Witham: Tuesday 12 July 2011 7.00am until 9.00am
Essex Business Network offers relaxed and informal business networking with no gimmicks, committees or
grading of networkers.
Book Now!
Essex EventNet
Bishop’s Stortford: first Thursday of each month 12 noon until 2.00pm
Chelmsford: last Thursday of each month 12 noon until 2.00pm
More details
Essex Property Network
Brentwood: Tuesday 12 July 2011 6.30pm until 9.30pm
A networking group for anyone involved in the property industry.
Book Now!
Grapevine Network Group
Chelmsford: Friday 22 July 2011 5.00pm until 7.00pm
Chelmsford: Friday 19 August 2011 5.00pm until 7.00pm
Chelmsford: Friday 16 September 2011 5.00pm until 7.00pm
Book Now by email
Hello Network Group
Harlow: Monday 18 July 2011 08.00 until 10.00am then fortnightly
More details
LLEA Network Event
Colchester: Third Thursday of each month 6.45pm until 8.30pm
More details
Network Group at CEME
Rainham: Every Friday 7.00am until 9.00am
Why not give this new network group a trial?
Book Now by email.
Newport Business Association Breakfast
Newport: Friday 29 July 2011 8.00am until 9.30am
Book Now by email
Nexus Networking Group
Great Warley: Every Thursday 6.45am until 8.30am
Book Now!
PING (Park Inn Network Group)
Harlow: First and Third Friday of each month 8.00am until 9.30am
From Friday 06 May 2011 PING combines face-to-face breakfast networking with hints and tips about the
effective use of social media.
Book Now!
Select Network Business Breakfasts
Brentwood: Every Friday 7.00am for 7.15am start until 9.00am.
Chelmsford: Every Wednesday 7.00am, for 7.15am start until 9.00am.
Visitors £15 for first breakfast meeting, then FREE voucher for next meeting.
More details
Stansted Professionals Lunch
Stansted: Friday 05 August 2011 12 noon until 2.00pm
Book Now by email
Southend Network Group
Southend-on-Sea: Friday 05 August 2011 1.00pm until 3.00pm
A free to attend network event.
Book by email.
Southend Peers Business Network
Southend-on-Sea: Every Thursday 7.00am until 8.45am
This network group is looking for new members.
More details by email
The Lead Generation Club Network Group
Braintree: Every Tuesday 7.15am until 9.00am
Book Now by email
Dunmow: Every Wednesday 7.30am until 9.30am
Book Now by email
Thurrock Mum’s Business Club
Thurrock: Monthly Meetings
This is a networking group that meets at least once a month and it is for mums in business, about to start a
business and not sure of the business idea.
Mums business club gives us an opportunity to chat in an informal environment with the kids too and explore
new possibilities.
More details
Wake Up Business Club
Basildon: Every Tuesday 6.45am until 8.30am
Book Now!
Clacton Air Show
Clacton-on-Sea: Thursday 25 August 2011 and Friday 26 August 2011
The Clacton Air Show celebrates its 20th year this year and is the biggest event in the Tendring District‟s
event calendar and is estimated to attract in excess of 120,000 visitors over two days.
The event is well supported by the local, regional and national media and is a well-established event in the
air show calendar.
The show site stretches along Clacton‟s seafront and features on site catering, trade stands, entertainment
and attractions. There is no entrance fee for this event.
Various promotional opportunities are available including:
o
taking trade space
o
advertising in the official souvenir programme or
o
sponsorship opportunities available.
More details
Saffron Walden Speed Exhibition Stand Bookings now being taken
Saffron Walden: Tuesday 27 September 2011 10.00am until 3.30pm
Essex FSB will be exhibiting at this event.
More details
East London Business Expo Stand Bookings now being taken: discount for
Essex FSB Members
Dagenham: Wednesday 12 October 2011 10.00am until 6.00pm Exhibition open
Dagenham: Wednesday 12 October 2011 6.00pm until 8.00pm Networking Reception
These events are free to attend for visitors.
More details
Register for free attendance
Chelmsford Business Showcase
Chelmsford: Tuesday 15 November 2011 9.30am until 4.30pm
This hugely successful and popular event held at Anglia Ruskin University and sponsored by NatWest bank
includes some 40 exhibition stands plus seminars on key business issues, all free of charge.
More details by email
Business Start Up Show
London: Wednesday 16 November 2011 and Thursday 17 November 2011
More details
Hornchurch Business Exhibition and Network Event - Stand Bookings now
being taken
Hornchurch: Monday 28 November 2011 6.00pm until 8.30pm
The Queen‟s Theatre once again organises this popular annual event which attracts many visitors.
More details by email
Harlow Business Exhibition
Harlow: Friday 15 June 2012 9.30am until 4.00pm
More details to be announced.
Update Your FSB Email Preferences
FSB members can now update their email preferences easily by logging onto the FSB Update Facility. You
can update your email addresses, select whether or not you wish to receive general emails from the FSB
and also how you wish to receive the Annual Report paperwork.
100 Apprentices in 100 Days – The South Essex Challenge!
The National Apprenticeship Service, in partnership with the Essex Enquirer, The Federation of Small
Businesses and the provider network, is about to embark on an ambitious campaign to increase the number
of Apprenticeship opportunities on offer in Essex and would like to invite you to be part of it.
The Essex 100 in 100 campaign, launched on 16 June, aims to generate 100 Apprenticeship opportunities
across the local area within 100 days.
More details
Get Involved by email
Essex Apprenticeship Scheme Subsidies
Essex County Council has announced details of funding it has received to support the salaries and training
of apprentices in Essex – in some industry sectors this can be 100%.
If you are considering taking on extra staff the Essex Apprenticeship Scheme could be a cost effective way
of recruiting.
More details
Apprenticeships: Support and Guidance
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has responsibility for the development and growth of
Apprenticeships in England.
Locally the NAS is working with partners, including Essex FSB, and businesses to support the expansion of
Apprenticeship opportunities in the county.
To find out how Apprenticeships can be good for your business in Essex.
More details
Or call one of the Employer Services Managers below:
Dorothy Holland (Thurrock, Brentwood, Epping, Harlow and Uttlesford) T: 07766 780737
Rachel Dawson (Southend, Rochford, Castle Point and Basildon) T: 07810 757254
Apprenticeship Subsidies Available in Southend-on-Sea!
The Low Carbon Business Programme is now offering subsidies to help SMEs take on apprentices.
In addition to the business audits, signposting and grants already available through the Low Carbon
Business Programme we can now offer financial support in taking on an apprentice.
What's in it for you?


The Programme will provide a significant contribution towards the wages of the apprentice
The apprentice will receive a FREE sustainability workshop place so they can measurably help your
business improve and grow
More details
Apprenticeships: Innovative Training – Staff development opportunities for
FSB members!
Lota Training are an innovative training provider with sites across Essex, delivering Apprenticeship training
with a real understanding of the needs of the employer. Lota was created to bridge the gap between
education and business and now offers a wide selection of courses to compliment businesses in Essex.
Lota strives to be the provider of choice for employers and learners alike. Our commercially experienced
staff are committed to delivering quality training solutions that have a real impact on the individual and the
success of any organisation.
Lota delivers Apprenticeships and business training in the following occupations:
Business Administration
Customer Service
Hospitality & Catering
Engineering
IT Professional
Construction (multi-trades)
Childcare
Team Leading
Management
Motor Vehicle Repair
In addition, to ensure our apprentices are more mobile in the current job market, Lota offers FREE DRIVING
LESSONS
(terms
and
conditions
apply)
to
all
learners
on
an
Apprenticeship.
Why don't you benefit from our free apprentice recruitment service and start to "Grow Your Own Talent"!!
Contact Wendy Twydell for further information.
Enhance Your Workforce
LifeSkills is a National Training Provider. Our Employer Responsive Division is based in Basildon and
caters for all ages but especially the 16 – 18 year olds across Essex.
The Apprenticeship Training Programme is where we match suitable employers with high calibre 16-18
year olds while they are studying for their NVQ/QCF Level 2 Certificate in Business Administration
Apprenticeship or NVQ/QCF Level 2 Certificate in Retail Apprenticeship. They will then receive enhanced
Customer Service training or training in their chosen qualification which will lead to the learner being able to
go on to complete their level 3 qualifications.
The course length depends on the apprentice‟s ability and is typically between 9 and 12 months. The first 6
months will consist of students spending their time split between attending one of our Training Centre‟s
completing their learning and the remaining time with you grasping valuable firsthand experience
The following three to six months will be with you five days a week while LifeSkills enhance their
qualifications e.g. complete a Diploma in their chosen qualification (Business Admin or Retail) or a
Certificate in Customer Service.
Your financial contribution is £100 per week and LifeSkills offer reimbursement options for the time learners
spend off the job at college.
We also offer a full range of NVQ training packages for all your existing staff.
If you would like to support a local young person with no financial exposure please email Stuart Goudge
Internship Opportunities from Redbridge College
Redbridge College is looking for six week long work based placements during July and August for students
following Business Administration and Creative Media courses.
If you choose to take on an intern you will be able to interview them to make sure they are a good fit for your
business.
More details by email
Card Processing Charges – Half Price For FSB Members
From this summer there will be a minimum charge introduced across the industry for monthly processing
fees for credit and debot cards. Typically this will be £20 per calendar month and any card processor whose
transaction charges are less than this will pay that minimum fee.
The FSB has reached agreement with Streamline, which handles around half the card prcoessing
transactions in the United Kingdom, so FSB members will have a minimum monthly charge of £10 – half the
usual price.
FSB Members with questions about card processing should contact FSB Customer Services on 01253
336000.
Not Yet A Member?
This is yet another way that businesses can save on their running costs by joining the FSB with annual
subscriptions starting at £120 – details here
Register To Receive Tender Opportunities
If you want to bid for public sector contracts register your details here to receive regular email alerts.
Procurement Website Opens For Business
As announced earlier this year, and reiterated at the FSB‟s National Conference, the Government is looking
to make public sector procurement easier for small businesses. It has now launched its Contract Finder
website and a feedback form if you have any problems.
Have You Experienced Problems With The Procurement Process?
You can now report any problems you have with the procurement process to the Government through the
Extended Supplier Feedback
Tender Opportunities via Essex County Council Libraries Business Information
Service
Below are details of a selection of tenders issued by public sector organisations in Essex, Havering and
Redbridge.
Chelmsford: Other Community, Personal and Social Services Reference: 193578) Deadline: Thursday 14
July 2011
South Essex: Refurbishment of Mechanical Services and Associated Work (Reference: 7620) Deadline:
Friday 15 July 2011
Rainham: School Catering Services (Reference: 193588) Deadline Monday 18 July 2011
Southend-on-Sea: technical inspection and testing services (Reference: 187467) Deadline: Tuesday 19
July 2011
Braintree: Park and Playground Equipment (Reference: 209155 ) Deadline: Tuesday 02 August 2011
Rainham/Ingrebourne: Ingrebourne Hill Vegetation Maintenance Contract (Reference: 2798) Deadline:
Wednesday 04 April 2012.
For more information on any of the above contracts please contact Essex County Council Libraries Business
Information Service at business.information@essex.gov.uk or telephone 01245 492535.
GEKES LEP Tender Opportunities via Essex County Council Libraries
Business Information Service
Below are details of a selection of tenders issued by public sector organisations in the area covered by the
Greater Essex, Kent and East Sussex Local Enterprise Partnership
Kent: PCT Mailings (Reference: 6605) Deadline: Thursday 14 July 2011
Lewes: medical practice and related services (Reference: 196860) Deadline: Monday 18 July 2011
Maidstone: supply of photocopiers to schools (Reference: 187273) Deadline Monday 25 July 2011
Maidstone: repair and maintenance work (Reference: 187463) Deadline: Thursday 28 July 2011
Eastbourne: Records Management system (Reference: 196792) Deadline: Wednesday 10 August 2011
West Malling: Subsidised Bus Services (Reference: 209334) Deadline: Monday 22 August 2011
Eastbourne: Taxi Services (Reference: 176456) Deadline: Monday 11 January 2012
East Sussex: Costal flood risk modelling (Reference: 6964) Deadline: Monday 20 February 2012
For more information on any of the above contracts please contact Essex County Council Libraries Business
Information Service at business.information@essex.gov.uk or telephone 01245 492535.
Tender Opportunities From London Olympics
LOCOG are advertising the following tender opportunities connected with the London Olympics. Deadlines
usually refer to last date for expression of interest.
1.
More than 200 boats in total, including over 150 RIBS of varying sizes, engines of differing
power, work boats, sailing-related competition equipment, and specialist craft such as Jet Skis and
Zap Cats.
2.
Medical Goods for Emergency Services Room including veterinary supplies and medical
grade furniture.
More details.
Tender Opportunities From Basildon Borough Council
We have received the following tender opportunities from Basildon Borough Council:
1. Insurance Broker Services. Deadline submission of quotation 12:00 noon, Tuesday 05 July 2011
More details
Tender Opportunities From Southend-on-Sea Borough Council
We have received the following tender opportunities from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council:
1. Local Involvement Network (LINk)
2. Tender for inclusion onto an Approved List, for Community Support
3. Expressions of Interest for Ground Floor Extension & Refurbishments to The SEEVIC College
4. Remodelling Works - Westwood and Longmans
5. Tender for Public Toilet Cleaning Service
More details
Make Sure You Have Your Say On The Issue Of The Day
The FSB „Voice of Small Business‟ Survey Panel is growing and the data gained from it is being used not
only in the media, but in Parliament to give strength to arguments put forward on behalf of members, and to
ensure the interests of small firms are at the top of the political agenda.
FSB members can have their voice heard by signing up to the FSB Survey Panel.
Find out more about the survey.
Business Awards
Everywoman Business Awards
THE NatWest everywoman awards are now open for entry to female entrepreneurs across the UK.
Application Deadline: Friday 22 July 2011
More Details
British Business Champions
British Business Champions is the only truly independent organisation staging high profile awards in every
region of the UK culminating in a prestigious annual national finals event.
There are five categories for small businesses and six categories for medium sized businesses.
If in Essex Register HERE for East of England Regional Business Champions Awards.
Application Deadline: Wednesday 27 July 2011
If in London Register HERE for London Regional Business Champions Awards
Mumpreneur Awards
These awards have 10 categories
Application Deadline: Wednesday 29 July 2011
More details
Internet Business Awards
These awards have 31 categories
Application Deadline: Friday 31 July 2011
More details
Southend Business Awards
These awards have 13 categories open to businesses in the Castle Point, Rochford and Southend-on-Sea
Council areas
Application Deadline: Friday 19 August 2011
More details
Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Awards (up to 6 x £1,000 each month)
If you're aged 16-30 and need funding to get your new business idea or project off the ground, the Shell
LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Awards offers up to 6 x £1,000 prizes every month to the most innovative ideas
submitted by new businesses (in their first 12 months of trading).
Winners of the monthly Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Awards will also be offered a range of 'value-added
prizes' throughout the year.
You've got until the last day of the month to enter the awards so apply now by logging in at the bottom of this
page!
New for 2011
Each month, the three Grand Ideas Award winners with the highest judges‟ scores will automatically be put
through to our „Hot 40‟ shortlist for the £10,000 Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, with
the remaining winners added to a pool of „sift entries‟.
Read more about our Changes to the Shell LiveWIRE Awards.
Apply online now for the chance to win £1,000 and £10,000 for your business.
Rochford Sports Awards Now Open
If you have a sports team at your business or a member of staff who coaches or plays in a team and you are
based in Rochford make sure you nominate them for one of the six award categories.
Deadline: Wednesday 28 September 2011
More details
Dartford Crossing: Consultation
On Thursday 30 June 2011 Roads Minister Mike Penning launched a consultation on the future charges for
the existing Dartford Crossing and plans for another crossing.
That consultation was due by 31 December 2011 but still better late than never!
Essex FSB is working with Kent and Medway FSB and Greater London FSB to prepare a response to the
consultation and have also asked for it to be placed on the agenda of the next LEP Board meeting later in
July.
Read the consultations here
Send your views to Essex FSB Development Manager Keith Brown.
And Broken Promises
In his announcement on Thursday 30 June 2011 Roads Minister Mike Penning said that with “immediate
effect” tolls would be lifted whenever queues reached 10 miles (Junction 28 for A12 at Brentwood in Essex
or Junction 4 for Orpington in Kent).
On Friday 01 July 2011 BBC Travel reports said that the queue on the Essex stretch reached 12 miles, well
beyond Junction 28, and those queues lasted for more than four hours according to the travel reports.
Essex FSB has written to Mr Penning asking him why we should trust him when the Highways Agency
keeps ignoring his instruction and the promises he makes are broken – in this case in less than 24 hours!
Independent Retailer Month – July 2011
There are a number of ways you can take part to support independent retailers including:
 I love this shop because.... complete the sentence with your video comments on the YouTube
channel
 Download the logos from Flikr so you can show your support – 3 sets available, sized for web and
large format print
 “Like” the facebook page so you can both share what you are doing for Independent retailer month,
spread the word AND when we reach 100 likes someone who has liked the page will get a little
prize!!
 Join the Linkedin “Independent and SME retailer forum” to network online with others who share
common interests
 Follow our hashtag on Twitter and see tweets from both sides of the Atlantic - #IndieRetail
 Subscribe to The Retail Champion Blog (via email or RSS, the widgets for each are in the right
hand panel) to receive a blog-a-day for Indie Retail throughout July...
 Keep an eye on all of the social media, and the news page of the website –
www.independentretailermonth.co.uk/news
Competition Law Guidance
The Office of Fair Trading has published new guidance for businesses on competition law compliance. This
includes specific advice for Directors, general guidance for all businesses, a quick guide to competition law
compliance and a short film.
Bribery Act Now In Force
The Bribery Act came into force from Friday 01 July 2011 meaning that it is now a corporate offence for
failing to prevent bribery in business. Businesses can avoid conviction if it can show that it has adequate
procedures in place to prevent bribery. The FSB has worked with the Ministry of Justice to produce a Quick
Start guide for small firms to help get to grips with the Act. Find out more about this and what procedures
businesses can put in place.
Red Tape Challenge
The Government‟s „Red Tape Challenge‟ is still open and is looking for input on the challenges faced on
health and safety, enforcement and regulations.
Deadline is Saturday 30 July 2011
Health And Safety Review
The Government has launched a review into Health and Safety legislation. The review looks in detail at all
Health and Safety regulation and asks that organisations that respond detail which regulations are
necessary/redundant and why. We have recently written a paper on the burden of regulation and will follow
up with a response to the review. If you have any thoughts on Health and Safety legislation then Sara
Higham would like to hear from you.
HM Revenue And Customs Campaign
HMRC has announced an initiative to crack down on VAT rule breakers. The campaign will focus on
individuals and businesses who are trading above the VAT threshold but who have not yet registered for
VAT. This campaign will be launched later in the summer and we will send further updates when they are
available.
Tell Priyen Patel about your thoughts on this initiative.
Speak Directly With High Street Banks
Better Business Finance – part of the Bank Taskforce – is organising a series of events up and down the
country so small firms can talk directly to the UK‟s biggest banks. Find out more about the initiative and
events in your region.
Problems With Certification Bodies
The FSB would like to hear from members that have experienced problems with certification bodies for
standards such as ISO 9001 because they were not UKAS accredited meaning the certificate was not then
accepted.
Review of Data Protection Act
Data Protection legislation is currently being reviewed at EU level. The FSB wants to make sure that any
revised regime takes account of the interest of small businesses and we are looking to hear about members
experiences of the Act.
Maldon Think Local Scheme Launched: Now On Twitter
Essex FSB has been working with Maldon District Council, Maldon District Business Partnership and Maldon
Business Association to develop a Think Local campaign for Maldon.
Maldon Member of Parliament John Whittingdale launched the scheme on Saturday 21 May 2011.
It is free to join the scheme.
Follow on Twitter @ThinkLocalMald
More details
Find Out About IT
e-skills UK – the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology – has produced an IT
explained handbook for businesses getting started with IT which can be downloaded for free.
Fraud Guidance For Businesses
The Fraud Advisory Panel has updated guidance around pre-employment screening and has range of other
free guidance for businesses on its website.
Practical Crime Reduction Online Tool Designed To Help Save Losses From
Your Business
Research shows that the average small business loses £3,000 every year, yet there are simple things which
can be done to significantly reduce crime and save money.
To help, the Design Council and the Home Office‟s Design and Technology Alliance have developed a free,
online resource for small businesses to ensure that businesses address crime.
Reduce Mobile Phone Theft
Essex FSB and Essex Police are working together to try and reduce the incidence of mobile phone thefts in
the county and YOU can help by easily protecting your own handsets by registering your mobile phone and
IMEI number at www.immobilise.com
To find your IMEI (international mobile equipment identity) number key in *#06#
Your IMEI number will appear as 14 to 17 digits on your mobile phone screen – this number is unique to
your phone. If your phone is stolen, contact your mobile phone operator with your IMEI number so your
phone can be „disabled‟ and so useless to the thief.
This information is automatically placed on the National Mobile Property Register, which is searched
regularly by all UK police forces. Registering the details makes it more likely that you will become reunited
with your mobile phone if it is recovered by police.
£2 Million In Grants For Thames Gateway Businesses
The Thames Gateway Low Carbon Business Project has up to £2 million in grants available to
help businesses in the Thames Gateway reduce their costs and their carbon footprint by
becoming more energy efficient.
More details
Where Can You Get THIS Much for only £120 a Year?
If you are not yet an FSB member then you need to ask yourself why not? Subscriptions start at £120 per
year and the benefits available are many including free business banking, free 24/7 legal advice line, tax
investigation cover, preferential rates on credit and debit card processing and discounts on petrol and diesel.
More details
Subscription Rates
Check out the details on Recruitment Video.
NWES News – 50% Off Video Conferencing At Enterprise Hub
NWES is offering discounts on packages available at Harlow Enterprise Hub.
The Harlow video conferencing unit will allow you to communicate with another video
conference system anywhere in the world without the need to travel, accommodating up to
twelve people at any one time.
Room hire is charged by the hour, please call 01279 311 400 for availability.
If you are trying to set up in business and need help or support call 0845 60 99 99 1 or visit
www.nwes.org.uk .
SmartPhone Usage Survey
A quick survey by Southend-on-Sea Business Partnership.
Complete survey here
Transforming Regulatory Enforcement
The FSB is looking for small firms to tell us their stories, both good and bad, on regulatory enforcement and
what would make their experience better. This will be used to feed into a Government consultation so that it
gets the approach to regulatory enforcement right.
Calling All Defence And Security Firms
NDI UK – the Northern Defence Industries – is offering FSB members discounted rates to exhibit at the
Defence and Security International exhibition taking place at the ExCeL centre between 13-16 September.
Email NDI UK for more information.
Question From Small Business Minister Mark Prisk MP
Small Business Minister Mark Prisk is seeking views from businesses on the following question:
How could we encourage more business people to become mentors and more businesses to benefit from an
experienced business mentor?
More details
Southend Business TV Now On Air
A dedicated TV channel for Southend-on-Sea based businesses is now available.
View here.
BIS Outreach Programme
A new initiative from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) whereby civil servants will
undertake short placements in your organisation.
The Outreach programme aims to increase understanding and strengthen relationships between the
department and its stakeholders.
BIS staff will visit your organisation for one to two days to learn about how you operate, the challenges you
face and your views on government policy.
You can agree with the civil servant in advance about how you want the placement to run.
More details
New Radio Station For Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea
Radio Wivenhoe is due to start broadcasting in July to provide a local radio station for the CO postcode
area.
More details
Keep In Touch With The LEP
The East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Local Enterprise Partnership is
developing a number of initiatives aimed at helping businesses including on:
 procurement
 broadband
 energy security
 food security
 transport infrastructure
You can get the free weekly email newsletter issued by the LEP by sending your email address to
LEP@essex.gov.uk to keep up to date on conferences and projects involving the LEP.
Billericay Student Seeks Electronics Work Placement
A Sixth Form student from Billericay School is seeking a one week work experience placement in the
electronics industry starting on Monday 18 July 2011.
More details by email
Free CCTV Check Up For Retailers From Essex Police
Do you have CCTV installed in your premises?
Would you like the police to successfully prosecute your shoplifters / offenders?
Well-planned, effective CCTV, that produces clear images of offences and offenders, can be an invaluable
tool in the prevention and detection of retail crime.
Unfortunately many systems installed in shops have badly placed cameras, produce poor images or
cannot download footage for use in court proceedings.
For a free assessment of your CCTV system and advice on achieving the best possible evidence, simply
telephone Peter Caulfield Ad Cert ED&CP , Essex Police Crime Reduction Advisor & Architectural Liaison
Officer on 07791 601591 so that I can make an appointment to visit you.
Coaching for High Growth (CHG) - Subsidised by the East of England
Development Agency
CHG is part of the Government‟s “Solutions for Business” portfolio of business support
products.
Funded by EEDA the objective of CHG is to increase the stock of strongly-growing businesses
in the region. The programme will run until March 2012 and will support a total of 100
businesses over this period. CHG offers a 5-month programme of support for small and
medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region with the potential to achieve high growth. In the
context of this programme high growth is defined as a growth rate of no less than 20% per
annum for a 3 year period.
The core of the programme is delivering high-calibre coaching to participating companies. The
coaches play a major role in helping the client business to achieve their growth potential.
Companies that are recruited to the programme will send 2 – 4 members of their management
team to a Growth Pathfinder Masterclass to take a fresh look at what they want to achieve and
allow them to develop a simple plan to deliver on their goals. The Masterclass will be facilitated
and enable companies to work with coaches to identify a Pathway to Growth in their business.
An action plan will be produced to focus on where the coaching support can help the companies
to address the areas for development.
To be eligible for CHG businesses must meet the following criteria:
 Be based in the East of England region: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex,
Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
 Employ no more than 250 employees
 Have been trading for at least a year
 Have a turnover of no less than £100,000 and no more than £10,000,000 in the last
financial year
 Have the potential and the desire to achieve 20% annual growth in sales turnover
 Be willing to pay a company contribution of £250 to £500 towards the cost of the
programme, depending on the number of days coaching undertaken
Places are limited and there is strong demand. The next Masterclasses are on:
12 July 2011 8.30am until 5.00pm Hethel Engineering Centre, Norwich
19 July 2011 8.30am until 5.00pm St John’s Innovation Centre, Cambridge
20 September 2011 8.30am until 5.00pm St John’s Innovation Centre, Cambridge
If you think your business would benefit from having a coach who helps you take a step back and
exploit the growth opportunities you believe exist, apply at www.stjohns.co.uk/coaching
Courses To Help Rural Businesses
LandSkills East has been set up to provide rural businesses with improved access to skills and training
courses in Essex.
Bursary funding is available between £500 to £3000 per application and is worth 50% of the cost of the
training activity with a minimum application of £1000.
More details
Resource Efficiency Review Tool
Resource Efficiency East has developed a simple Resource Efficiency Review Tool, which can identify
where a business might be spending too much on resources. The Review Tool offers a good starting point to
identify areas where resource efficiency improvements can be made within your business.
The Business Resource Review
Our team of specialists can examine your use of energy, water and materials (waste) via our free core
service. The Review is a fully funded, onsite examination of resource use, conducted by one of our team of
advisors. From the Review the advisor will provide a report including recommendations and guidance on
how you can increase your resource efficiency. The advisor will then provide follow-up support by email and
telephone to assist you to implement the recommendations contained in the Report.
More details
Additional Staff At No Cost To Business
Work Experience is one of a number of initiatives that falls under the umbrella of „Get Britain Working‟ and
will offer a work placement of between 2 to 8 weeks.
Work Experience can benefit many young people aged 18-24, who have been claiming Jobseeker
Allowance for at least 13 weeks and is aimed particularly at those who might have barriers to finding
employment.
What are the benefits?
 supporting young people in the community - providing a positive Work Experience placement offers
young people the opportunity to understand and develop skills relevant to the world of work and
support them to become work-ready.
 Extra resource - Work Experience placements can provide the additional resources to take forward
projects within an organisation that otherwise might not have been carried out.
 No wage costs involved to the organisation offering a Work Experience placement. Customers will
remain on any benefits they are claiming whilst undertaking the placement and will receive support to
meet travel and childcare costs.
More details by email
£1,000 For Your Training!
A match funded grant of up to £1,000 can be spent on leadership training and coaching that helps grow the
business, improving productivity and competitiveness. The programme also includes a free consultation with
an expert adviser before the training commences, as well as a free follow-up to discuss the impact of the
training and any further skills needs.
SME leaders should contact the Leadership and Management Advisory Service to book their free personal
leadership and management assessment.
More details
Free Press Coverage For Good News Stories
If you or your business is based in Braintree, Colchester or Tendring Council areas the Colchester Gazette
and Essex County Standard is looking to hear from you.
If you have taken on new staff or promoted someone within the company send them the details for their
Movers and Shakers column.
If you have won an award, made a major investment in the company, opened new premises, won a major
contract or launched a particularly innovative or interesting new product or service that may be what they
need for a good news story about local businesses.
BUT it must be REAL news not just an attempt to advertise your business free of charge!
More details from Vanessa Moon.
3Sixty Launched To Help Essex And East London Businesses
Epping Forest College is committed to working closely with the local community, and offers a range of
training, apprenticeship, recruitment and education services ideal for businesses in south-west Essex and
north and east London.
The College‟s dedicated employer responsive unit, 3SIXTY has the independent expertise to assess and
advise on the relevant training and funding available and how this can be delivered in a time a place to suit
the employer needs.
More details
Cost Effective Research For Your Business
Would you like to target students at the University of Essex more efficiently?
We are a student led marketing and market research company based at the University of Essex and we can
provide targeted primary market research just for your business. We also offer free basic consulting.
Find out more by email
Low Carbon KEEP Programme
The Low Carbon KEEP Programme is a unique opportunity for SMEs in the East of England to access
funding to support knowledge transfer partnerships with expert knowledge bases such as universities and
colleges. The benefits of working with such a knowledge base are numerous and many companies have
successfully accessed expertise and assistance through formalised knowledge transfer partnerships which
they would not otherwise have had the resources to engage with.
A successful project under the Low Carbon KEEP programme would see an appropriately qualified graduate
employed by the knowledge base partner, but working as a fully engaged member of staff within the
recipient SME and supported by an expert academic for half a day every week. The project itself must have
a low carbon theme, however how carbon (or carbon equivalent) savings can be achieved is limited only by
the imagination of the project itself. Savings can be created within the business itself, perhaps through a
resource efficiency project, upwards through its supply chain or downwards into its customer base, via the
development of a new product or service. Innovative projects are encouraged but simple projects with a high
degree of replicability have equal value to the success of the programme. Funding is available now and until
the end of December 2013 and the knowledge base can be located anywhere within the UK.
More details
University of Essex Jobs Online
Promote your part-time or full-time opportunities to the University‟s students and graduates on the newly
enhanced Jobs Online vacancy board.
Register here for this free service offered by the Career Centre.
£8 million Available For Low Carbon Investment
The Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF) is a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supported
venture capital fund. It is seeded with £8 million from the ERDF and matched with private sector investment
and will run until December 2015.
The fund will make early-stage equity investments into small and medium sized enterprises within the East
of England that are developing new and innovative products or processes in a low carbon, environmentally
sensitive manner.
The definition of low carbon companies also includes companies producing low carbon products, supplying
low carbon services or companies seeking to invest in low carbon equipment or processes to become low
carbon in their operational activities. This could include those developing alternative energy sources or
reducing existing carbon emissions amongst others.
More details
Ofcom Broadband Interactive Map
Ofcom has just launched an interactive map of fixed broadband across the UK, based on data provided by
communications providers. The map, covers 200 local authorities and details: the availability of superfast
broadband, average broadband take-up, average actual speeds and the percentage of homes with
broadband currently not receiving 2Mbit/s speeds.
Free Website Development – Easy To Follow!
Getting British Business Online is a campaign that Enterprise UK runs in partnership with Google, along with
other partners including BT and e-skills UK.
The scheme is aiming to give free business websites to 100,000 businesses and entrepreneurs in Britain to
tackle the current situation where more than 1.5 million businesses have no active web presence.
More than 45,000 businesses in the UK have already launched a new website for their business as a result
of the Getting British Business Online campaign which is a joint initiative led by Google, BT, Enterprise UK
and e-skills UK.
One Essex business owner we know has already used this service to develop his own website. Former
Essex FSB Development Manager now has a website for his business Terry Taber Talks and you can see
for yourself the type of site you can construct.
New Enhanced Credit Check Service – special for FSB members!
Regular readers of this newsletter will know that Essex Libraries Business Information Service provides free
Company Credit Checks. This gives you a chance to check out who you are doing business with and
whether they are reliable and credit-worthy – essential information in the current economic climate.
But wouldn‟t it be useful to know about any significant changes to those companies that you regularly do
business with? Well, now you can!
The Business Information Service is now offering an enhanced service – exclusively for FSB members. Just
tell them the companies you are interested in (up to a maximum of 5) and they will send you an email every
time a change is registered. This includes:

Change in credit limit

New annual accounts

A writ or CCJ added

Change in director‟s details

Company status change
To request a credit check report or register for the alerting service send an email to
business.information@essex.gov.uk or call the Business Information Service on 01245 492535 quoting your
FSB membership number.
Setting Up A New Company?
Essex County Council Business Information Services has added a new service to its portfolio aimed at
helping set up new firms in the county. The service includes:

A free company name check

Certificate of Incorporation

Memorandum and Articles of Association

Minutes of the first meeting

Share certificates

Unlimited resubmissions should your application be rejected for any reason

Free telephone support
The application process takes about 15 minutes and your company will usually be registered within 24
hours.
More details
Local Authority Consultations
Braintree: Local Development Framework Core Strategy
More details
Hadleigh: Town Centre Masterplan consultation
More details
Havering: Proposed Speed Table, Coldharbour Lane, Rainham
More details
Further information by email.
Deadline: Friday 22 July 2011.
Havering: St Edwards Way/ Mawney Road, Romford - Proposed Changes To The Junction
Further information by email.
Deadline: Friday 22 July 2011.
Southend-on-Sea: Draft Licensing Policy
More details
Southend-on-Sea: Selective Licensing of Homes in Multiple Occupation Policy
More details
Southend-on-Sea: Selective Licensing of privately rented accommodation
Deadline: Friday 23 September 2011
More details
Thurrock: Economic Recovery and Growth Plan
More details
Need a Free Company Credit Check?
Essex Libraries Business Information Service has always provided free reports on Limited Companies, but
now we can provide you with free credit checks.
In the current economic climate it‟s become even more important to check out with whom you‟re doing
business. Do you know that they are reliable and credit-worthy? Why not save yourself some time and
money by getting us to email a CreditSafe report direct to your desktop. In addition to director information
and balance sheets, reports also include credit ratings and limits, County Court Judgements and
mortgages.
More details by email.
£10 For Every New FSB Member Recommended By A Friend!
If you are already an FSB member you KNOW the benefits membership brings including:

Free legal and tax advice

Access to free business banking

Discounts on fuel

Preferential rates on credit and debit card processing
plus much more and all for an annual subscription that starts at £120!
With 210,000 members nationally the FSB is the largest business organisation in the UK BUT we aim to get
bigger!
Here in Essex around 50 new members are joining each month but we want to double that number
with your help.
More members means a stronger voice representing small businesses which is why the FSB has launched a
new scheme encouraging existing members to recommend business colleagues join too.
For every referral YOU make who joins £10.00 is available as a ‘thank you’ for the referral.
Joining the scheme is easy just log on to Recommend a Friend, enter your membership number and Vcode
(on your membership card or available from Essex FSB Development Manager, Keith Brown) then enter
your colleagues details and leave the rest to the FSB.
Business Courses On Offer From NWES
Harlow: Thursday 21 July 2011 9.30am until 4.00pm
Business Planning Workshop.
Harlow: Thursday 04 August 2011 9.30am until 1.30pm
Business Ideas Workshop is your first step on the journey towards self employment.
Harlow: Wednesday 24 August 2011 9.30am until 4.00pm
Business Planning Workshop.
More details
Book Now by email
Free Webinar From The Prince’s Mayday Network: Leadership Skills For A
Sustainable World
Tuesday 19 July 2011 3.00pm until 4.00pm
To enable the potential of business to play a lead role in moving towards a sustainable economy, it is critical
that individuals at every level in all types of businesses are equipped with the skills they need to take action.
To a large extent, it is not the required leadership skills that are new – but this vastly more complex context
in which they need to be applied.
More details
Coaching Skills Accreditation Course - FSB Member’s Buy One Get One Free
London: Wednesday 07 September 2011 and Thursday 08 September 2011
Whether you use coaching already, or want to add it to your repertoire of skills, with this workshop you can
learn and experience the fundamentals of the coaching process. Suitable for people wishing to coach in the
personal or business areas.
Book Now by email
Looking To Increase Your Profit Margin And Maximise Your Sales? Plan For
Success, In Just Four Hours – 13% Discount For Essex FSB Members, Now
Just £26!
Ipswich: Thursday 14 July 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Chelmsford: Tuesday 19 July 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Billericay: Thursday 11 August 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Ipswich: Saturday 13 August 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Ipswich: Thursday 08 September 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Thurrock: Saturday 17 September 2011 9.00am until 1.00pm
Planning for Growth is an interactive and inspiring four-hour workshop to provide you with the skills and tools
you need to improve your bottom line and increase your business value. Led by an entrepreneur who runs a
number of successful businesses himself, the workshop uses unique concepts and approaches that you can
apply to your business straight away. Whatever your growth aspirations are, this workshop will set you on
the right track to achieve them.
You will leave with a Business Growth Plan that will put you on the road to improving profits and increasing
sales, and as an added bonus you will then receive ongoing support from your own Small Business
Adviser who will be on hand to help you put that plan into action.
The value of this workshop is £130 but the subsidised cost for any business is just £30 and as a member of
the FSB you are eligible to attend at a cost to you of just £26.
(We regret that due to funding restrictions this special offer is only available to FSB Members based in Essex, Bedfordshire,
Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk or Suffolk)
The four hours you spend working ‘on’ your business, rather than ‘in’ it is priceless.
What does it cover?
 Understand business aims and growth aspirations
 Define key financial and market objectives
 Identify issues and opportunities in your business and look at the best way to use them to your
advantage
Take away unique tools such as the „profit builder‟
Develop a successful Business Growth Plan.
Is it for you?
If you are a small business owner/manager, have been trading for at least one year, employ less than five
people and want to grow your profits, then yes, it is for you.
To book your place at the FSB Member’s rate call our Events Booking team on 0845 601 1000 and quote:
FSB.


Free Training Workshops
The University of Greenwich is holding a number of workshops free of charge for eligible London
businesses. Find out more.
Harlow Council Free To Attend Courses
Harlow District Council‟s Economic Development Team is running a programme of HMRC courses to help
local businesses:
Harlow: Tuesday 12 July 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Newly Self Employed: The Basics
Harlow: Thursday 04 August 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Business Expenses and Capital
Allowances
Harlow: Wednesday 07 September 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Self Assessment Online
Harlow: Wednesday 05 October 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Newly Self Employed: The Basics
Harlow: Thursday 10 November 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Business Expenses and Capital
Allowances
Harlow: Thursday 01 December 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Self Assessment Online
Harlow: Thursday 19 January 2012 11.00am until 1.00pm – Self Assessment
Book Now!
HMRC Free To Attend Courses
Harlow: Tuesday 12 July 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Newly Self Employed: The Basics
Chelmsford: Tuesday 19 July 2011 - How VAT works
Chelmsford: Tuesday 19 July 2011 - VAT – Trading with other countries
Colchester: Thursday 21 July 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Self Assessment Online
Colchester: Wednesday 27 July 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Paying Expenses and Giving
Benefits to Employees
Harlow: Thursday 04 August 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Business Expenses and Capital
Allowances
Chelmsford: Thursday 18 August 2011 – Outward Processing Relief
Colchester: Thursday 18 August 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Newly Self Employed: The Basics
Chelmsford: Tuesday 06 September 2011 - How VAT works
Chelmsford: Tuesday 06 September 2011 - VAT – Trading with other countries
Harlow: Wednesday 07 September 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Self Assessment Online
Colchester: Tuesday 13 September 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Business Expenses and Capital
Allowances
Harlow: Wednesday 05 October 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Newly Self Employed: The Basics
Harlow: Thursday 10 November 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Business Expenses and Capital
Allowances
Harlow: Thursday 01 December 2011 11.00am until 1.00pm – Self Assessment Online
Harlow: Thursday 19 January 2012 11.00am until 1.00pm – Self Assessment
Book Now!
Thurrock Council Courses
Grays: Wednesday 13 July 2011 9.30am until 12.30pm – Win More Business
Grays: Tuesday 19 July 2011 9.30am until 12.30pm – Benefit From A Greener Business
Book Now!
University of Essex Courses – Discount Available For FSB Members
Southend-on-Sea: Tuesday 12 July 2011 9.30am until 4.30pm – Building and Planning A Website
Southend-on-Sea: Tuesday 26 July 2011 9.30am until 4.30pm – Presentation Skills
Book Now!
Leadership and Management
The Leadership and Management programme offers up to £1000 of funded training for company Directors
and Senior Managers of companies. It also includes funding for leaders of charity, voluntary or not for profit
organisations.
It is often difficult for managers and owners within small to medium sized businesses to identify and source
appropriate management training and development solutions to improve management skills - this is where
our dedicated Leadership and Management Specialist Advisers can help.
Each employer can benefit from up to £1,000 of grant support for leadership and management training. The
first £500 does not require a contribution from the employer and should be used for directors/leaders/senior
managers. The subsequent £500 must be 'match funded' by the employer and is available for senior
members of the management team.
Apply here for funding
Funding Still Available
Beyond 2010 is a programme that offers businesses in the East of England funding and support for higher
level training opportunities that focus on improving business performance.
Contact Tracy Beavan at Project Skills Solutions
How Good Are You At Getting Your Business Out There?
CK Academy is able to offer funded training for you and your team to a value of £1500
More details
SME Leadership Training Master Classes – Essex FSB Discount + £500 free!
Chelmsford based Essex FSB member Pro-Action is offering a 10% discount to FSB members booking on
one of their business improvement courses.
Funding is currently available for these courses £500 unmatched and a further £500 matched so business
leaders/ owners can have £1500 of invaluable training for a net spend of £500.
They are not sure how long this funding will remain available given the current climate so would suggest
those that qualify take full advantage.
More details
Safety Courses – Discounts Available For FSB Members
AM Safety Specialists Limited runs a programme of courses covering many aspects of health and safety at
work.
Discounts are available for FSB members quoting membership number when booking.
More details.
Book Now by email!
Saint FM Advertising Rates – 20% Discount For FSB Members
Saint FM has devised a unique package for FSB members which includes a further 20% discount on our
prices.
Advertising starts at £25 per week, with a minimum of a 1 month contract. This would buy a minimum of 3
plays a day, 3 days per week. As a special promotion Saint FM is also offering within this price, a hyperlink
from our website to the customers.
Please be aware that there is also a £100 fee for the production of the jingle.
Saint FM also accept payments in instalments.
More details by email
SME Discounts.com - 40-90% Discounts on Marketing, Operations, IT and
Financial Services
SME Discounts.com is the “Groupon for B2B services”. We send exceptional deals on business products
and services to our members (Free to sign-up) via email.
Exceptional in Price (40-90% discounts on RRP) and on Quality (we pre-qualify each supplier before they
are allowed to create deals).
So you can cut costs and rest assured that you‟re engaging with credible suppliers.
We also offer a £6 referral fee for every new member you invite to the site (credited to your account when
they sign-up and make their first purchase).
Warehouse and Storage Needed
An Essex FSB member is looking for around 100 square metres of warehouse or storage space with a small
office within 15 minutes drive of Basildon.
If you can help email
SME Discounts.com - Attract New Business Clients with No Upfront Costs
SME Discounts.com is the “Groupon for B2B services”. We send exceptional deals on business products
and services to our members (Free to sign-up) via email.
If you‟re providing B2B services or selling B2B products, why not feature a discounted deal? It‟s an easy,
simple, fast and effective way of attracting new clients.
Best of all is that there is no upfront costs. We simply take a commission on each Sale we produce. No
Sales No Fee. Simple.
It‟s FREE to register simply go to: http://www.smediscounts.com/uk-national/page/company
FSB members pay only 15% commission instead of the normal 25%, so be sure to state this we
speaking to us! (We‟ll call you once you submit your first deal)
Dragon Enterprise Centre Half Price For FSB Members
As a special promotion Dragon Enterprise Centre would like to offer you 50% off the normal price the next
time you hire our boardroom or conference rooms for the day.
So if you are thinking of planning that next meeting or training day then why not take full advantage of our
great offer and have full exclusive use of the room between the hours of 08:00 – 18:00 with complementary
tea, coffee making facilities and biscuits for you and your attendee‟s throughout the day all included in the
discounted fee.
The Boardroom - Seats 12 people with a normal price of £79.00 – You would only pay £39.50
The Conference room – holds up to 70 people with a normal price of £99.00 – You would only pay £49.50
More details by email
Need Office Space In South East Essex? – FIRST MONTH FREE then 10%
Discount For FSB Members
Dragon Enterprise Centre off Progress Road in Leigh-on-Sea is offering this special deal for Essex FSB
members on their easy in, easy out, purpose-built serviced office space which includes telephone and
internet access.
More details by email
Furniture Available
Brentwood‟s Lighthouse Project has a number of office desks and pedestal drawers & storage units for sale.
The furniture is „Cherry Executive‟ type and all the items are in good condition.
Qty 5 „2 Drawer storage units‟ (H-80cm. W-100cm. D-54cm) £30 per item.
Qty 8 „Corner type desk‟ (H-72cm. W-180cm. D-120cm) £30 per item.
Qty 4 – off „Pedestal drawers‟ (H-72cm. W-42cm. D-60cm) £25 per item.
More details by email
Are You Reaching Your KPIs Or Are You Unsure? – 33% Discount For FSB
Members
We will help you measure your KPI‟s so that you can monitor your company‟s progress. 33% discount to all
FSB members.
More details
Discounted Ergonomic Chairs
All FSB members a 15% discount across all of our products at www.uniqueposturalsolutions.co.uk
To take advantage of this offer members should email orders to info@uniqueposturalsolutions.co.uk so the
discount can be applied and an invoice generated.
Generate More Business With Printable Discount Vouchers! - £10 OFF For FSB
Members
Every month townvoucher.com, the No. 1 Discount Voucher Scheme for Colchester, publishes discount
voucher features in the Colchester Gazette and the Colchester Circle Magazine. Small, local businesses
can potentially reach up to 77.000 customers each month with their voucher offer by combining these
features and the free of charge online opportunity of townvoucher.com.
townvoucher.com uses modern media channels like facebook, twitter and the iPhone to get the discount
voucher offer to as many potential customers as possible.
FSB members pay just £89 for a voucher spot in the feature of their choice.
Contact by email and quote FSB Offer
New Business Centre Units Available In Nazeing
Just 10 minutes from M25 J25/26 M11 J7. A Development of 6 New Self contained B1/B8 Units Ready for
Occupation April 2011. 1100 Sq Ft Open Plan, Kitchen Facility Inc Fridge, Tiled Bathroom, Gas Central
Heating, 2 Parking Spaces, High Security Doors and Roller Shutter, Lighting, Power and Fire Alarm Fitted,
Flood Lit Exterior, Low Rateable Value, Small Business Relief Rates Available.
More details by email
Limited Ricoh A3 Colour offer - with Free delivery! Special Offer For FSB
Members
While stock last, DOTS have a very special offer for FSB Members only. This is for the brand new Ricoh
colour MFD the MPC 2030, which prints and copies at 20 pages per minute in full colour improving the
quality of your output. This fantastic machine will also scan directly to your network enabling you to
communicate information faster.
The kit is serviced by the manufacturer directly which ensures fantastic reliability. At only £15.00 per week
this kit is normally cheaper to run than a standard A4 desktop printer.
To enquire please email David Broomfield quoting 'Ricoh FSB offer'.
Special Radio Advertising Packages From Phoenix FM
Major Sponsorship Packages
Weather, Travel, Local Events Guide or Sponsorship of our daily Breakfast, Lunch or Drive Shows
Guaranteed minimum 24 mentions per day
As a FSB Member you also get our spot advertising package worth £1,995 per year FREE of charge
Spot Advertising
Your 30 Second advert broadcast 4 times a day, 365 days a year
FSB Members get 1 extra free advert per day and get another EXTRA FREE advert per day so that‟s 6
adverts a day for your money.
Show Sponsorship
Sponsor credit given throughout a weekly 2 hour show and show promo with sponsor credit aired an
additional 3 times a day
FSB Members get an additional show promo with sponsor credit each day 365 days per year
More details by email
CEME Savings For FSB Members!
As a result of the partnership developing with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), CEME CC is
offering a discount of 20% on room hire bookings to all companies that belong to the FSB.
CEME CC has been working with FSB for six months by providing a venue free of charge for networking
events. CEME CC hosts these Network Events on the second Tuesday of every month; and in July and
November the FSB Rainham Voice of Business Briefing is held.
This offer is available to all FSB members and includes The Pod, The Box and The Boardroom. For further
details and Terms and Conditions please call 020 8596 5151 or email events@ceme.co.uk
Driving Lessons Offer – 20% More For FSB Members!
Essex FSB member Farrah Driver Training is offering FSB members wishing to learn to drive their first 12
hours @ £15.00 per hour for FSB Members. Normal website offer is first 10 hours @ £15.00 per hour for
the general public.
More details of geographical areas covered.
Book Now by email.
A Picture Paints a Thousand Words – Less Than Half Price!
So speak to your potential clients with the right images using this special offer.
www.KeithHoskinsPhoto.com is offering a package, of half a day photography, full edit and image
enhancement for just £99 (usual price £200).
This includes all images on disk with full copyright release. There are only six per month available for
February so be quick as its first come first served!
Contact: info@KeithHoskinsPhoto.com
Opportunity for Experienced Business Consultants
The Organisation for Responsible Business is looking for experienced business consultants throughout the
UK who would like to include ORB consultancy in their repertoire. The new Bronze, Silver & Gold Standards
are auditable accreditations applicable to businesses of all sectors and all sizes, although predominantly
designed for SMEs.
More details
Half Price Business Coaching for FSB Members
Loughton based business coach Sue Taylor is offering Essex FSB members half price coaching on
Mondays.
More details by email
Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel – 20% Discount on Lunch in Thyme Restaurant
for FSB members
The Waltham Abbey Marriott is situated on Junction 26 on M25.
At present we do business lunches at Thyme Restaurant from 12.00 to 2.30pm. We guarantee to serve
three course meals in 45 minutes. We are delighted to offer 20% discount on business lunches for all FSB
members, where they can have a quick lunch meetings.
Special Offer For Essex FSB Members in CM6, CM7, CM77, CB10 and CB11
Postcode Areas
Essex FSB member Activ Web Design is offering fellow Essex FSB members a half price e-mail marketing
campaign with a brochure or e-commerce website (£125 instead of £250)
More details
Book Now by email
Special Officers From Advanced Digital Graphics
Discounts 20% discount on outdoor PVC banners and a 10% discount on roller banners are available for
Essex FSB members from Witham based Advanced Digital Graphics. Quote your membership number to
receive the discount.
More details
Order by email
Free Health and Safety Tips From Helmsman Services
Directors and Senior Managers, whether you like it or not YOU are responsible for your organisation's Health and Safety and YOU could be prosecuted if there is a
problem.
Download your FREE '12 TOP HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR DIRECTORS AND OFFICE
MANAGERS' that will help you understand more about what is expected of you
And remember, the minimum fine that has been recommended for a prosecution under the Corporate
Manslaughter Act is a crippling £500,000!
For your free booklet, click here
Banners And Promotional items
Image On offers a vast range of personalised clothing, Banners and Roll up Stands in addition to Business
Cards, Personalised Gifts and Vehicle Graphics to name just a few, all with a minimum order of just one item
across the range.
Essex FSB members can receive discounts between 10% and 20%
More details
Order by email
Office Space In Braintree...
Modern Office space in Braintree, close to all amenities, small private estate, reception area, ample free
parking, kitchen area, toilets desk, part or whole office for rent.
More details by email
...And In Brentwood...
Mews location on a secure site in central Brentwood near the High Street, railway station and M25 Junction
28.
Single office approx. 300sq.ft. for £4,500 p.a. including all services except electricity and communications.
One car parking space plus visitor‟s space adjacent to the office. Conference room also available.
More details by email
... And In Brentwood Again...
Close to Brentwood Railway Station and available Monday to Friday 9.00am until 5.00pm
More details by email
...And in Galleywood...
Located on the main road between Galleywood and Great Baddow this office space would suit a start up or
young business.
More details by email
... And In Rochford...
A freelance web designer is offering free office space in Rochford with the opportunity for some work too.
More details by email
...And Office And Storage Space in Romford
An Essex FSB member has the following newly built premises available in Victoria Road, Romford

1 x 750 sq ft Storage area with roller shutter door.

2 x 250 sq ft Offices

1 x 750 sq ft Office space
Plus car parking, Communal toilets and kitchen facilities and services.
More details by email.
Discounts Available at University’s Enterprise Hub
Essex FSB members can receive a 10% discount on conference and meeting room hire at the University of
Essex Business Hub, Gateway Building, Elmer Approach, Southend on Sea SS1 1LW.
More details by email
Corporate and Promotional Supplies
Our in house embroidery and screen-print ensures most competitive prices including preferential rates for
FSB members.
Suppliers to FSB, if it takes a logo we supply it
More details.
Business Coaching Available
Essex FSB member and Loughton businesswoman Sue Taylor of All About You, Life Coaching and
Educational Consultancy is offering FSB members a 10 per cent discount on coaching and mentoring
sessions.
More details
Don’t Hide the Good News!
Essex Voice of Business Online has proved very popular with lots of positive feedback and we know that
leading councillors, some MPs and even the Government Office in the East of England are reading it every
week.
To date we have more than 10,000 subscribers and want that number to increase so please forward this to
business colleagues you think may also benefit and encourage them to subscribe using the link below – this
is a FREE service supporting businesses in Essex, Havering and Redbridge.
Please keep sending your comments and items for inclusion to Essex FSB Development Manager Keith
Brown.
To subscribe free of charge to Essex Voice of Business Online, please send a blank email to
essexvoiceofbusiness@fsb.org.uk and type SUBSCRIBE in the subject. (Leave the body blank).
Essex FSB On Air
Essex FSB now has a weekly slot on two local radio stations sharing business news and comment.
You can hear us each Tuesday at 5.00pm on Phoenix FM to discuss business news from Brentwood,
Billericay and surrounding areas. You can listen at 98FM or online
You can hear us each Wednesday at 5.30pm on Saint FM to discuss business news from Maldon, Burnhamon-Crouch, Danbury, South Woodham Ferrers, Tiptree and surrounding areas. You can listen at 94.7FM or
online
Copies of each week‟s briefing notes can be viewed at Essex Voice of Business on Radio.
If you are a business in those areas and have an item for inclusion on the news email details to Essex FSB
Development Manager, Keith Brown, by Friday of each week for the following week‟s broadcast.
Copies of the weekly scripts can be found at Essex Voice of Business on Radio.
Twitter
You can now follow FSBEssex on Twitter to keep up to date with latest news and offers.
More than 1,900 people already follow us – make sure you don‟t miss out!
Linked In Group For Essex FSB
Essex FSB now has a special group on Linked In where members can share views and discussions as well
as keep up to date with the latest media news and events from Essex FSB.
More details
Follow the FSB on FaceBook
You can follow the activities of the FSB by joining our official fanpage on FaceBook. Become a fan to view
regularly updated events, photo galleries, lobbying information and have the opportunity to add your own
photos and discuss current small business issues.
The Small Print!
To stop receiving Essex Voice of Business Online, please send a blank email to
essexvoiceofbusiness@fsb.org.uk and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject. (Leave the body blank – not
even your email signature).
Inclusion of any event or offer in this newsletter is for information only and does not imply that it is endorsed
by Essex FSB in any way and details should be confirmed with the organiser direct.
While every care has been taken in the compilation of this newsletter errors or omissions are not the
responsibility of the compiler or of the FSB.
Unless specifically stated goods or service mentioned are not endorsed by the compiler of the FSB which
does not accept, endorse or accept any liability for any goods, services or events featured in this newsletter.
AccessAbility Help
Please contact Keith.brown@fsb.org.uk if you would like this document in an alternative format or if you
require any AccessAbility help.
Essex FSB represents more than 4,000 businesses in Essex, Havering, Redbridge,
Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock local authority areas.
You can keep up to date with the latest news from Essex FSB by following us on Twitter
or by
subscribing to the free Essex Voice of Business Online newsletter - just send a blank email to
essexvoiceofbusiness@fsb.org.uk and type SUBSCRIBE in the subject. (Leave the body blank)
Keith Brown
Essex Development Manager
FSB (Federation of Small Businesses)
T: 01277 365244
M: 07917 628928
W: www.fsb.org.uk/essex
The information contained in this email is strictly confidential and for the use of the addressee only. Notice is hereby given that any disclosure, use
or copying of the information by anyone other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may be illegal. If you have received this message in error
please notify the sender immediately by return email. Neither the sender nor the FSB accept liability for any damage sustained as a result of
software viruses and advises that you carry out your own virus checks before opening any attachment.
National Federation of Self-Employed and Small Businesses Ltd (Federation of Small Businesses) Sir Frank Whittle Way, Blackpool Business Park,
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