Grow your business
Support, advice and finance
The Economic Development Team at Uttlesford District Council are on hand to offer user-friendly support and signpost you to the most relevant business advice services and finance available to help your business. Contact us at business@uttlesford.gov.uk
There are a range of external business advice and finance options available to help your business grow, purchase new equipment or start-up. Here is just a small selection. Contact the Economic Development team for more information.
BEST Growth Hub
The BEST Growth Hub is the first port of call for Uttlesford businesses. Business navigators are available for free discussions to answer your questions and concerns, as well as point you in the right direction for external or government advice.
From grant finding, business support, training courses, help with recruiting apprentices and more the business navigators at the BEST Growth Hub offer one-to-one support to nurture, scale up and adapt businesses.
For more information get in touch with a BEST navigator on 0300 303 4864, email info@bestgrowthhub.org.uk or visit the website: https://southeastbusiness.org.uk/essex-southend-thurrock
Help to Grow: Management Course
- access 12-weeks of learning designed to fit alongside work commitments
- develop a bespoke business growth plan to help your business reach its full potential
- get 1:1 support from a business mentor
- learn from peers and network with businesses just like yours
The programme is 90% funded by the government so you only pay £750. Delivered in partnership with Small Business Charter, courses are running at leading business schools across the UK.
Visit the website for more information: https://smallbusinesscharter.org/help-to-grow-management
Help to Grow: Digital
Access free, impartial online support about how digital technology can boost your business's performance. If your business is eligible, you can also access a discount of up to 50% towards the costs of buying approved software, worth up to £5,000.
Visit the website for more information: https://www.learn-to-grow-your-business.service.gov.uk/
National Business Helpline
Contact the Government's Business Support Helpline for free advice and guidance to new and existing businesses. Contact by phone on 0800 998 1098 or via email at enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org
British Business Bank
Information about financial options for business, including a Finance Hub that identifies the best options for individual businesses www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub
Licences and permits
If you are developing your business into new areas you may need to apply a licence or permit go to our licenses and permits section to find out how to apply.
Digital Connectivity
Uttlesford District Council has invested £500,000 in superfast broadband infrastructure as part of the Superfast Essex programme which is set to bring faster and more reliable broadband to residents and businesses. The project will make Uttlesford one of the best connected districts in the county, and will particularly help to ensure it is a place where businesses can thrive, wherever people want to work. You can check when addresses are due to be covered by the programme at www.superfastessex.org/interactive-maps/.
Go Green
We have ideas on funding, saving money and the environment on our grants and assistance for businesses and the public sector page.
Support for businesses in the construction sector
I-Construct is a supply chain development and innovation support project designed to help local companies access opportunities in the construction market and develop new products and services within their businesses. It introduces companies to new ways of doing business, offering expertise and influence in areas as diverse as offsite construction, renewable energy, digital technology, zero-carbon targets, business development strategy, robotics, and more. https://i-construct.org.uk/
Free business newsletter
Sign up to keep up to date with information relevant to Uttlesford businesses https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/keep-me-posted
