2023 – 2026 Impact: Supporting Businesses in Southend-On-Sea
Over three years, Let’s Do Business Group has provided fully funded one-to-one business support, access to finance, fully funded workshops and networking events, and a range of free business resources to start-ups and scaling businesses across Southend-On-Sea. The programme has helped businesses to strengthen their working practices, access funding, build financial resilience, and create and safeguard jobs across the city.
Commissioned by Southend-On-Sea City Council and funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the support launched in April 2023 with a clear purpose: to ensure that businesses of all sizes across the city had access to the kind of specialist support that could make a real difference, completely free of charge. As the programme draws to a close in March 2026, we look back on the three years of delivery and the lasting impact it has had on the local business community.
Supporting Southend-On-Sea Businesses
When the programme was launched in 2023, the challenge was clear. Businesses across Southend-On-Sea were navigating a tough economic climate, and many needed practical, expert support to find their footing and plan for growth. Through free one-to-one sessions with our business advisors, businesses work on tailored action plans and honest financial guidance to directly help them identify and apply for the right funding for their business.
As accredited lenders for business finance schemes, including the Start Up Loans Scheme and the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) in partnership with the British Business Bank and subsidiary Let’s Do Business Finance, Let’s Do Business Group could further help business owners open the doors that they didn’t know were available to them through business finance. Alongside this, a programme of fully funded workshops gave businesses the skills to take control of their finances, sharpen their business planning, expand their marketing knowledge, and build real long-term resilience. Businesses in Southend-On-Sea also had access to a suite of free resources, including business plan and cashflow templates, as well as factsheets and guides on topics such as tax, health and safety, and food hygiene.
The Impact
Over three years, our Essex team has worked with businesses at every stage, from newly launched start-ups finding their feet to established businesses looking to grow, adapt, or stay ahead. The numbers tell a strong story.
259 businesses received direct support, gaining the tools and confidence to push their business forward. 32.5 FTE jobs were created and 91 FTE jobs safeguarded across the city, contributing to a stronger local economy.
Success Stories from Southend-On-Sea
The businesses supported span a wide range of sectors and stages, from ambitious start-ups taking their first steps to established businesses with ambitions to grow include:
Helen Lewis Tutoring – Helen Lewis is an experienced teacher who founded her tutoring business in 2021, specialising in preparing international healthcare professionals for the Occupational English Test (OET). Through the programme, Helen worked with a business advisor to develop a comprehensive business plan and identify her unique selling points – a process that directly helped her secure grant funding for professional video production, diversifying her offering and strengthening her online presence. Helen has since gained a CPDSO accreditation and is exploring expanding the business further.
RunActive – Founded in 2012, RunActive is a specialist running and active lifestyle retailer with a strong customer base in Southend and beyond. When founder David Robinson approached LDBG looking to grow his sales team, he was connected to an expert business consultant who helped him refine his e-commerce strategy, plan a strategic store relocation, and improve his marketing across email, social media, and video. The support led to measurable results: 3 new jobs were created, existing roles were safeguarded, and the business is now on a stronger footing for continued growth.
The Sewing Factory – Wayne and Candy Miller founded The Sewing Factory Ltd as a homegrown manufacturing business committed to quality craftsmanship and British production. As demand grew, they faced the challenge of recruiting skilled machinists and production staff in an industry where specialist knowledge is increasingly hard to find. The LDBG business advisor helped them identify where their ideal candidates could be found, streamline their operations, and connect with local employment networks. The Sewing Factory has since recruited 2.5 new members of staff, bringing their total workforce to 22, and is now working proactively with local schools and colleges to inspire the next generation of manufacturing talent.
Where to get support for your business in Essex from April 2026?
This service has ended as of 31st March 2026. If you would like to learn more about the services available from Let’s Do Business Group, please get in touch.