Much of the economy of Essex is characterised by Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), with more active enterprises than its near neighbours and a business registration rate higher than the national average. The county has access to several ports throughout the area, allowing for international trade across the North Sea, or out of the Stansted or Southend airports.
On a local level, 40% of SMEs have regional or national markets, whilst the rest boast an average market extending 20 miles from their base. Many parts of the county are under significant development at the moment, subsequently this is providing many opportunities for small businesses to take on public contracts, as well as attracting more people to the area which is only increasing business growth.
Invest Essex has identified several industries, including Finance, Construction, IT and the Creative Industry, which it says are of great importance to the county’s economy, particularly as they account for around 100,000 jobs across Greater Essex.
Another major lure for business are the county’s higher education establishments, such as Writtle College and their successful apprenticeship schemes, as well as Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Essex Business School. These resources are a hot-bed for skills and intellectual resources, with students eager to get into the workplace.
With such an attractive area for business, it has never been more crucial to remain connected. This is where Nexus Networking comes in. Membership gives you a unique opportunity to undertake business and online marketing training, as well as our weekly Speaker Series where members share their business knowledge and industry insight with fellow members. Since we’re like one big family, we often utilise one another’s services, and members are constantly finding and referring new contacts to one another. You’ll also receive regular promotion of your business through our social media profiles.
If you’d like to experience first-hand the many benefits of a Nexus membership, book your place at the next meeting by contacting paul.lomas@energycentric.co.uk or call on 07807 494530.