Following a long career in social care, Clare Emmins launched Empower (registered as Empowered Solutions Ltd) to help people navigate their care options and gain greater choice and control over their support. With guidance, peer support and a £1,000 grant from Smart Start Brentwood, she has successfully established the business and is now focused on growing its reach and services.

EraseMe was founded by Elvijs Izaks to help individuals and businesses regain control of their digital footprint by removing or de-indexing sensitive personal information online. Supported by the Smart Start Brentwood programme and a £1,000 grant funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, EraseMe has been able to invest in specialist software, SEO and marketing to grow the business and continue helping clients protect their privacy and online reputation.

Halo Creative Media is a growing creative agency helping to strengthen brands through professional design, digital marketing, websites, and video content. After joining the Smart Start Brentwood Business Support Programme, the business gained valuable guidance and a business grant that helped improve operational capacity, invest in upgraded creative technology, and build greater confidence for future growth.

The Backing Essex Business programme concluded in 2026 after nearly five years of delivering tailored advice, skills development, peer networking and bespoke support to businesses across Essex – having supported over 2,300 businesses, and creating over 1,000 jobs in the county

Rayleigh-based creative business, Studio 3 Art, has been crowned the winner of the Innovation & Tech Impact Award at the Rochford District Business Awards 2026, sponsored by Let’s Do Business Group.

Let’s Do Business Group are delighted to share the finalists of the Innovation & Tech Impact Award, their sponsored category at this year's Rochford District Business Awards, which will celebrate Rochford’s changemakers and businesses that are striving for growth in 2026 and beyond.

For decades, manufacturing has quietly slipped into the background of career conversations. Schools tend to highlight technology, finance, healthcare, and digital roles, leaving the perception that manual and craft-based industries no longer exist in the UK. But companies like The Sewing Factory are proof that manufacturing is not only alive, it’s full of opportunity.

We are pleased to announce that Let’s Do Business Group has been awarded two significant contracts to deliver new, fully funded business-support programmes in Essex: Smart Start Brentwood and Innovate & Elevate Rochford District.

Concluding in March 2025, for 2 years Let’s Do Business Group have been proud to deliver business support and training to businesses across the North Essex districts of Braintree, Colchester, Chelmsford, Maldon and Tendring – helping to spark economic growth in the region, and support businesses to start up, grow and thrive. 

The free business growth programme which offers a series of bespoke workshops, webinars and 1:1 events – Blueprint for Business – returns for a second year to help businesses in North Essex map out their journey and achieve their goals.

Let’s Do Business Group are pleased to announce they have been commissioned to provide a Business Support service in North Essex, expanding their offering to entrepreneurs looking for start-up advice.

The Multiply programme, a countywide campaign launched by Essex County Council, is part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up strategy, and aims to improve adult numeracy and create ‘Skills for Life’ for residents in the county.

Thanks to Southend-On-Sea City Council and funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, new and established businesses in the city can benefit from specialist business support as they navigate the upcoming challenging years and look forward towards growth.