Councilbust

By Rachel Charman

Southend Borough Council is participating in a free business support event on Tuesday 2nd February.

Representatives of firms throughout the borough are invited to the event at Saxon Hall, Aviation Way.

The event is sponsored by the Organisation for Responsible Businesses, and will demonstrates a business case for sustainable enterprise.

100 local business owners have signed up to attend the event, but there is still space for more.

Organisations such as Envirowise, Renewables East, Carbon Trust, National Industrial Symbiosis Programme, Advisory and Conciliation Service, Health and Safety Executive, Mindful Employer, Essex Federation of Small Businesses, Job Centre Plus, Networking-on-Sea and Essex Chambers of Commerce will also be exhibiting information.

The event marks the launch of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses (ORB). Jill Poet from ORB said:

“The event will be an excellent opportunity for Southend companies to find out about the many central and local government schemes available to support businesses.

“In addition, the programme manager for the ERDF Thames Gateway Low Carbon Project will be introducing the new assistance available for cost and carbon reduction in South Essex.

“Places can be booked on the web via the Essex Federation of Small Businesses FSB Events section: www.fsb.org.uk/essex/events or telephone me on 01702 468387.”

The Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, Councillor John Lamb said:

“This is a great chance for local businesses to find out about a whole range of free support available to them to help them survive and thrive.

“There will be advice about ways to help firms perform more efficiently, develop long-term sustainability, and reach new levels of success.”