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Castle Point Plan Consultation

We’ve set out a bold, community-led strategy for sustainable growth across the Borough. The Castle Point Plan will set out where new development will be allocated, how much affordable housing will be built and more up to 2043.

A further consultation is now open. Please give us your views 

Business Support & Resources

Castle Point Business Accelerator Programme

Castle Point Business Accelerator logo

Are you ready to elevate your business to new heights? The Castle Point Business Aceleraotor was launched in January 2024, and has been designed to help businesses in the borough to start, grow and reach their full potential. Delivered by specialist Deyton Bell Ltd this fully funded business support programme provides tailored support for those just starting out or businesses who are established but would like help to grow. It includes dedicated 1-1 advice and mentoring, advice around meeting regulatory requirements, peer networking, workshops and more.

See more about the programme.

 

 

Start a business
What you need to do to start a business: choose a legal structure, see if you need licences and insurance, learn about reliefs and benefits
Government www.gov.uk/set-up-business
National business support helpline www.gov.uk/business-support-helpline
Help to Grow programme www.helptogrow.campaign.gov.uk

 

Local government support

Castle Point Borough Council 

We have a number of business services to support businesses

business@castlepoint.gov.uk 

01268 882492

Business Support and Regeneration
Essex County Council  Start or Grow Your Business | Essex County Council

 

Further business support and resources

Ambitious Essex Growth Hub

Access bespoke business support in your local area: grant funding, business skills workshops, specialist advice, alternative funding options, apprenticeships and more.

 Ambitious Essex

 

Bidding for contracts
Register on the Government’s Contracts Finder portal, to search for information and contract opportunities for contracts over £12,000   www.gov.uk/contracts-finder  
For Essex County Council contract opportunities www.essex.gov.uk/information-suppliers/find-and-bid-contract   

 

Funding
British Business Bank www.british-business-bank.co.uk 

 

Skills for business
Essex Apprenticeship Hub- support to help your organisation take on an apprentice www.essexopportunities.co.uk/apprenticeship-hub/apprenticeship-hub/     
Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service www.essexalts.co.uk
T-Levels www.employers.tlevels.gov.uk/hc/en-gb

 

Creative and cultural
Create South East   www.createsoutheast.org.uk

 

Developing a new product or service
Funding is available for innovative businesses, through the Governments Innovate UK   Innovate UK
Knowledge Transfer Partnership Knowledge Transfer Partnership | Innovate UK

 

Social enterprise or charity
Unltd www.unltd.org.uk    
School for Social Entrepreneurs  www.the-sse.org

 

Other business support

Federation of Small Businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) are experts in business, offering their members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government. Their aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.

 Tel: 0808 20 20 888
www.fsb.org.uk

COLBEA

Colchester Business Enterprise Agency have been offering advice and training to businesses in Colchester for 37 years and they are now extending these services to other ​parts of Essex.

Initially it will be in the form of fully funded, one hour, One to One business advice sessions online, where a fully qualified business adviser will be able to answer your questions.

Tel: 01206 548833
www.colbea.co.uk

Essex Chamber of Commerce

Essex Chambers of Commerce, the home of business right across the county helping businesses from SME’s through to national and international companies to succeed.  Focusing on three essentials to help your business grow:- International Trade, Business Support and Campaigning.

 Tel: 01702 560 100
www.essexchambers.co.uk

Enterprise Nation

Enterprise Nation is a vibrant community of small businesses and business advisers that exist to shortcut your route to trusted business support.

 Tel: 020 3871 2922
www.enterprisenation.com

 

Specific schemes and projects

Digital Essex

Digital Essex aims to boost digital connectivity, champion digital inclusion and drive the digital economy by working with partners to run projects that support communities across the county. 

Digital Essex

Working Well

Working Well is commissioned by Essex County Council and offers small, medium and large organisations holistic health and wellbeing support.  The programme has been relaunched in July 2020 to support your business during COVID and the EU transition. Our Working Well programme includes free and discounted online training, and you can choose the offer that best suits your organisation’s needs.

This service is commissioned by Essex County Council

 www.essexwellbeingservice.co.uk/workplace

Innovation Centre

Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway is the bold new office space for innovative and technology-focussed business.

 Tel: 01206 405 500
www.innovationcentre-kg.co.uk

Small Business Commissioner

The Office of the Small Business Commissioner (SBC) is an independent public body appointed by the government under the Enterprise Act 2016 to tackle late payment and poor payment practice in the private sector of the UK.  The SBC can assist small businesses by checking contracts and providing advice on getting invoices right. The SBC operates a complaints scheme where small businesses can present their complaints in writing about payment issues they are experiencing with larger businesses. We are an impartial and free service.

 Tel: 0121 695 7700
www.smallbusinesscommisioner.gov.uk