Businesses across the district are encouraged to save the dates of a series of free networking events and seminars to upskill and share best practice.

The Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight, run by Tendring District Council (TDC), will feature expert speakers covering topics on digital marketing and women in business, as well as specific industries such as tourism, business in town centres, and creative and cultural arts.

Locations across Tendring will play host to these events from Monday, 23 September to Wednesday, 2 October, including the annual Jobs and Skills Fair.

Ivan Henderson, TDC Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism urged local businesses to mark their calendars for upcoming events.  

“Our Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to share leading practices, form new relationships and learn new methods to facilitate growth,” Councillor Henderson said.

“The schedule provides a diverse range of activities for everyone, and I am excited to engage with local firms and honour their achievements.”

The Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight springs into action with the launch event Regenerating Tendring on Monday, 23 September at Clacton Leisure Centre. This offers a broad overview of business success stories and attendees can learn about opportunities for growth within Tendring.

This is followed by Tourism on Tuesday, 24 September at the Kingscliff Hotel in Holland-on-Sea, encompassing strategic guidance to businesses within the sector to attract visitors and encourage them to stay longer.

On Wednesday, 25 September, an event at the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel in Thorpe-le-Soken will deliver not to be missed advice on how businesses can improve their social media presence and consumer engagement. There will also be tips on cyber security and how to prevent ransom attacks.

The Jobs and Skills Fair will return to Clacton Town Hall on Thursday, 26 September from 10.30am to 2.30pm, providing the opportunity for businesses to come face-to-face with a diverse range of potential candidates.

Week two begins with a Women in Business networking event on Monday, 30 September at The Waterfront in Dovercourt, where attendees will be empowered by inspirational stories and business guidance across a range of industries.

On Tuesday, 1 October, the Creativity and Culture event at The Electric Palace in Harwich is a chance for local creatives to discover support to access funding, network, and discuss projects with TDC’s Creativity and Culture Team.

The Business Fortnight concludes with the Town Centres event on Wednesday, 2 October at The Nose bookshop in Walton-on-the-Naze. Here, town centre-based businesses can network, find out what they can do to improve trade, and the support available from the council.

Businesses can apply for a stand at the Jobs and Skills Fair free of charge by contacting the Economic Growth Team via email at tendring4growth@tendringdc.gov.uk.

Details on event times and how to book your place will be released in the coming weeks.