To celebrate International Women's Day 2026, Let's Do Business Group welcomed 16 local businesswomen to Freedom Works in Hastings for a day of expert-led start-up training, networking and celebration – all under this year's theme of Give to Gain. From business planning and marketing skills to meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs, the day was a reminder that when women in business are given the right tools and the right people around them, the gains reach far beyond the individual.

This International Women’s Day (IWD), we’re shining a spotlight on someone who has quietly – and consistently – been one of the most impactful champions of women in business in the Southeast region. Meet Lisa Young, a key member of the Let’s Do Business Group team and the driving force behind our Her Biz programme, which has supported aspiring female entrepreneurs over the past six years.

Ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, Let’s Do Business Group reflects on the success of the Women's Startup Programme, Her Biz, and how we have given to help others gain.

1705 Consultancy is a growing Southend-on-Sea business helping organisations and event venues manage safety, security and risk more effectively. With fully funded business support from Let’s Do Business Group, funded by Southend City Council, the company has strengthened its financial planning, strategy and growth plans, helping to expand while supporting clients with risk assessments, event safety planning and Protect Duty readiness.

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.

Celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 with Let’s Do Business Group at a free, in-person event in Hastings designed to support women at the start of their business journey. Featuring practical business and marketing sessions, expert guidance, and face-to-face networking, this event embraces the theme Give To Gain by sharing knowledge, connections, and confidence to help women grow in business.

The Sewing Factory Ltd is a growing UK manufacturing business built on craftsmanship, quality, and a commitment to local production. As demand for their textile products increased, they faced significant recruitment challenges due to a shortage of skilled workers in the industry. Seeking support, they were referred to Backing Essex Business.

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.

This festive season, we have donated 10 teddy bears to the Friends of Conquest Teddy Bear Campaign, helping to bring smiles and comfort to children on Kipling Ward at Conquest Hospital, Hastings.

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.

When David Robinson set out to grow his business, RunActive, he had three key goals in mind: expand the brand’s online presence, increase footfall in his retail stores, and secure financial stability to grow his team.

Let’s Do Business Group’s partnership with Newhaven Enterprise Zone continues to thrive, offering grants that drive business expansion and sustainable development across the town.  

Let’s Do Business Group is launching the Luton Elevate: Business Growth Launchpad, a new programme offering mentoring, workshops, collaborative learning, and growth grants.

A record month in delivering over £722,000 in Start Up Loans and supporting over 200 new businesses in their ambitions, September 2025 saw another successful Start Up September® from Let’s Do Business Group. 

Mike Shorer Fine Jewellery is proof that heritage businesses can adapt to modern challenges. With support from the Let’s Do Business Group and the Newhaven Enterprise Zone, Mike transformed his Newhaven workshop with solar power, energy-efficient upgrades, and new tools — cutting costs, reducing carbon, and future-proofing his craft.

At Let’s Do Business Group, we’re passionate about helping new businesses thrive — and this September, we’re once again putting start-ups in the spotlight with Start Up September® 2025. 

The Let’s Do Business Group team are proud to announce they have been successful in securing funding to deliver business support in Hastings, East Sussex through the RISE programme funded by Hastings Borough Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Leads Direct Ltd, a Newhaven-based supplier of tailored power leads and cable solutions, expanded its warehouse capacity and improved operations through the Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s Refurbishment of Employment Space Fund.

Based in Southend-On-Sea, Lyfe VR is a trailblazing business. Set up by Simeon Brookstone and his Business partner back in January 2023, Lyfe VR focuses on providing virtual reality experiences.

Owner of KP Life Coaching won £500 to jumpstart her business from the NatWest funded Her Biz Start Up Business workshops.