Business In Essex

This page introduces useful resources for businesses in Essex. It’s aimed at businesses already established in Essex, or those considering relocation to Essex. Come and join us!  

Essex is increasingly popular with firms looking for easy access to the City of London and docklands, without the exceptional costs.  Parts of Essex are within a 30 minute train journey to the centre of London.  Both property and wage costs are much lower in Essex.

A busy Essex office
A busy office in Essex

Business Support from Essex County Council

Essex County Council is committed to helping Essex-based businesses grow and thrive. They provide access to a number of funding and finance streams.  They provide a range of business support activities. There is more information here.

Federation Of Small Businesses

The FSB is the UKs leading lobby and benefits group for small businesses. It has an active Essex branch which holds regular meetings for both information and networking. See the FSB website for details

Essex University Business Hub

The Business Hub is a purpose built facility that can offer you and your organisation a wide range of support services, all of which are specifically designed to deliver a sustainable, successful business culture. There really is something for everyone…

  • Information – access to specialist support, advice and training, including expert on-site short courses to help you continuously improve your business;
  • Innovation – a unique feature of the University’s new business facility is the inspirational i-lab, a concept space designed to motivate and encourage liberating, inventive and creative thinking;
  • Incubation – The landmark University of Essex building in Southend also hosts a business incubation centre (BIC) which provides space and support for start up or growing businesses.

Essex Chambers of Commerce

Essex Chambers of Commerce is the leading business support network in Essex with almost 2500 full and affiliated Members and extensive contacts with the wider business community. Essex Chambers is also an accredited Chamber with the British Chambers of Commerce network now representing more than 100,000 businesses nationwide.

The Chamber is a fully independent body offering a comprehensive range of business services and plays a crucial role in representing Members\’ views at local, regional and national level. Services provided include:

  • The most extensive and varied calendar of Networking Events in Essex
  • Friendly and professional business support on ALL business issues
  • First-class support for International Trade
  • A free Legal Advice Line
  • Cost-effective Training Seminars and Work-Based Learning for Apprentices
  • Many other cost-saving benefits

The Big Business Boost

The Essex Big Business Boost aims to celebrate and support entrepreneurial ability across the county. It is open to any business based in Essex which employs 15 people or less.

A Few Recommendations

We’d like to recommend a few of the best Essex businesses.  Not the big ones, which can pay for their own PR and advertising.  The small local ones that sometimes struggle as national chains take over.The ones owned and managed by Essex people.