About This Event

Get ready to explore new business ideas and connect with future-focused entrepreneurs at this can’t-miss event! Braintree District Council invites local businesses, investors and growth partners to the first Braintree Business Futures conference: a focused morning of economic insight, practical ideas and useful connections. Hear what is changing, what it could mean for your organisation and where the next opportunities for Braintree District may lie. Why attend? ✅ See the bigger picture: understand the forces shaping the UK economy and business confidence. ✅ Plan for local change: explore Braintree District’s growth ambitions, priority sectors and investment opportunities. ✅ Take practical ideas back to work: choose from a workshop on devolution led by LGA East, a session on skills gaps led by Colchester Institute, how to become sustainable by Groundwork or inward investment opportunities by Essex Growth Agency. ✅ Make valuable connections: meet businesses, investors, developers, education partners and business support organisations. ✅ Help shape what comes next: share the challenges and opportunities that matter to your business. What the morning includes · National economic keynote: a clear view of the UK business environment and what is changing. · Braintree’s growth and investment story: discover the refreshed Locate in Braintree offer and the District’s approach to attracting and supporting investment. · Future opportunities: hear about priority sectors and where Braintree District can grow. · Local Government Reorganisation: a business-focused update on what organisations need to know. · Choice of practical workshop: select the session most relevant to your organisation when registering. · Networking and marketplace: connect with peers, partners and support providers. Headline speaker: Michael Wilson Michael Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wilson-33436516/) is one of the UK’s most experienced business and economics broadcasters. A founder member of Sky Television’s business operation, he spent two decades anchoring major coverage including Budgets, market shifts and periods of boom and bust. His opening keynote will translate the national economic picture into clear, relevant insight for businesses making decisions now. Economic insight from the University of Essex Prof Eric Smith, (https://www.essex.ac.uk/people/SMITH50002/Eric-Smith) Lecturer at the University of Essex, will add an academic perspective on the economy, helping delegates consider the trends, evidence and implications behind the headlines. Workshop choices · Devolution and what it means for business — LGA East (https://www.localgoveasteng.gov.uk/): explore the changing local government landscape and the practical implications and opportunities for businesses. · Futureskills —Colchester Institute (https://www.colchester.ac.uk/): 'Skills for Growth' - recruitment, technical skills, apprenticeships and future sector needs. · Sustainability - Groundwork (https://www.groundwork.org.uk/east/what-we-do/groundwork-east-projects-in-essex/): Net Zero as a Business Opportunity · Investment - Essex Growth Agency (https://www.essexgrowthagency.co.uk/why-essex): Unlocking Growth in Braintree - Sites, premises, finance, infrastructure and what businesses need to expand. · Supply chains - Essex Supply Chains (https://essexsupplychain.co.uk/): Building Stronger Essex Supply Chains: Local Opportunities and Business Growth. Who should attend? This event is designed for SMEs, larger employers, businesses planning to expand, investors, developers, commercial property professionals, sector representatives, education and skills partners, and organisations supporting economic growth across Braintree District and the wider Essex economy. Reserve Your Place Places are free but limited. Whether you're concerned about phishing emails, protecting customer data, online fraud or simply want peace of mind, this workshop will provide practical advice that you can put into action immediately.

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