Jump start your business in 2022 with specialist support

Training and advice on a range of topics, from building your start-up and finance to digital skills and import/export support, the help begins this month and runs through-out the year.

Paid for by the North Essex Economic Board - a partnership of district, borough, and city councils within the area and Essex County Council - the support is free at the point of access for businesses.

Firms within the Chelmsford, Maldon, Colchester, Braintree, Uttlesford and Tendring areas qualify for the support.

Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford, Colbea Chief Executive, said: "Working with local councils to provide the best outcome for their businesses and residents is what we do best.

"Colbea is delighted to be delivering a well-rounded and extensive suite of support and advice for new and growing business; we recognise that behind every business is a person needing the tools to succeed and we provide the space to work learn and grow."

The training on offer is:

·       First Steps to Start-up Success - an online comprehensive training course for those starting up or developing a new business. Split over two bite-sized sessions, this course takes you through the process of setting up and structuring your business.

·       Introduction to Finance - an online course helping you to understand the fundamentals of finance and tax within your business.

·       Digital skills - six online sessions covering social media, project management, online sales, and your website.

·       Cyber security - an online session helping to protect you and your business from cyber threats and online fraud.

·       Import/export training - six training courses available for those companies who are looking to start importing/exporting, or who are already in the industry and would like to enhance their skills.

Most courses will be repeated throughout the year, so even the busiest schedules can be accommodated. Further information on all the courses will be available on the Colbea website: https://colbea.co.uk/

To complement the training courses, one-to-one advice sessions for those looking to start a business are also available with Colbea's expert advisors, as well as more specialised advice for the import/export sector.

Cllr Tom Cunningham, from the North Essex Economic Board, encouraged businesses to sign-up for the support.

"We are collectively funding this support because we know firms have had a tough time over the past two years, and the business landscape is ever changing," Cllr Cunningham said.

"There is so much opportunity across North Essex and we want to support local small and medium enterprises to really make the most of that - and what better way than to sharpen your skills and offer through this support."

The North Essex Economic Board is also funding a skills programme, to ensure businesses can attract the right people to work for them, and other business support such as specialist sessions on key sectors.

17 January 2022