BACKING Essex Business is delivered by Let’s Do Business Group and fully funded by Essex County Council. The service provides up to 12 hours of free advice to local businesses. They support organisations across a range of sectors and locations. Additional support includes 1-2-1 and group workshops, training and access to finance.

World Entrepreneurs’ Day, Monday 21 August, celebrates the role entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth and job creation. For Backing Essex Business, it is a chance to recognise local entrepreneurs, as well as their innovation and perseverance.

The service is also encouraging entrepreneurs to access its support. Available to businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors, guidance can help entrepreneurs to navigate the complex economic landscape and cost-of-living challenges.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy, said: “It is fantastic to hear success stories from Backing Essex Business. We have funded the service for three years, enabling over 800 local businesses to access support.

“On World Entrepreneurs’ Day, we urge small business owners and self-employed individuals to take a look at the help on offer. With a team of experts to guide you and a wealth of resources on offer, you could find exactly what you need to grow your business.”

Lucy Can’t Dance

Lucy Roe is the owner of Lucy Can’t Dance, an alternative bridal wear company in Chelmsford. She sought support from Backing Essex Business to navigate the post-pandemic wedding industry.

She said: “It was great to chat to an expert and offload. Backing Essex Business helped me go through my cash flow, understand monthly payments and help me prepare for energy price rises.

“They helped me to identify potential areas of savings and supported me to tie off any loose ends with debt. I now have a better understanding of my cashflow and what I need to take in each month.”

Hutch Logistics

Owned by Ben Toogood and Sait Cham, Hutch Logistics secured funding through the Recovery Loan Scheme. This helped the Chelmsford-based logistics company to move into new, fit-for-purpose premises.

Mr Toogood said: “Our growth was halted until we got more space. We’re thrilled to be in our much larger unit with great access to local ports!”

Mr Cham added: “We’re now on a position to take on more clients and create new jobs. We’re continuing to develop innovative techniques and change the logistics sector for the better.”

Transporter Engineering

Based in Gosfield, this vehicle solutions company was already making positive contributions to the local economy. Not only were they creating jobs, but they were also starting to use renewable energy and exporting excess energy to the local grid.

Barry Poulter, Managing Director, said: “After the Covid-19 pandemic, we were faced with unpredictable demand. We needed to refresh our strategy to better prepare for the future.

“I joined Backing Essex Business’ Group2Grow Peer Network Programme to learn from fellow businesspeople. I also benefitted from the expert support on offer, enabling me to get a fresh outlook on the business.

“The programme helped me to meet people facing similar problems and come to practical solutions. Being a business leader can be lonely, so it was great to be part of a network and run my ideas past others.”

Discover support and funding options for your business on the Backing Essex Business website.