Free business advice for Essex firms

As an accountancy firm with branches in Chelmsford and Saffron Walden, many of our clients are firms that are based in Essex. If you are one of them, you may be interested to learn that Backing Essex Business is offering up to 12 hours of free business advice and support.

What is Backing Essex Business?

Backing Essex Business is part of the Let’s Do Business Group, a well-known provider of business finance, training and support in the South East and the East of England. Backing Essex Business is a business support service that is fully funded by Essex County Council.

What free business advice is available?

The organisation offers Essex businesses up to 12 hours of free support and advice. You can get help in areas such as business finance and risk, staff and recruitment, workplace operations and managing your supply chain.

You can find out more about what’s on offer here.

Targeted support for businesses in North Essex

Thanks to backing from the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB), Backing Essex Business is offering specialist financial support for firms in the Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester Maldon and Tendring districts.

Companies in these areas can make use of a team of experienced business advisors. They can also participate in free webinars and workshops geared towards business finance. Again, firms are eligible for 12 hours of free business support.

What does the North Essex business advice programme offer?

The North Essex programme offers support in four main areas.

1.     Future planning and financial forecasting

Backing Essex Business offers impartial advice that’s tailored to your needs. It can help you get to grips with financial forecasting and finding the right finance packages for your company. The organisation can also help you with the funding application process. This support is valuable whether you’re trying to grow or rebuild a business.

2.     Starting up a business

If you are looking for start-up funding, Backing Essex Business may be able to help. This is because it is an accredited partner (via Let’s Do Business Finance) of the Start Up Loan Company. If your business is under 3 years old, you could be eligible for a business loan of between £500 and £25,000. You can repay the loan over one to five years at a fixed interest rate of 6%. You’ll get help with your application and benefit from 12 months of free business mentoring.

3.     Financial reviews and funding

Backing Essex Business offers full financial reviews. If you are looking for a higher level of funding, Let’s Do Business Finance is an accredited partner of the Growth Guarantee Scheme. This is designed to help with any legitimate business purpose, including managing investment, cashflow and growth. You can get help applying for a loan of up to £2m. On the other hand, if your company is facing difficult decisions, Backing Essex Business can refer you to insolvency experts who can help.

4.     Workshops and webinars

You can also benefit from a series of free workshops, webinars and training sessions. These have a focus on business finance topics. They are designed to give you help and support while also giving you the opportunity to network with other Essex businesses.

How can I find out more about free business advice?

You can get in touch with Backing Essex Business either online or by calling 0800 970 8981. If you are looking for business funding and need help preparing your accounts, be sure to get in touch with one of THP’s accountants.