Businesses, entrepreneurs and people thinking about starting something new are being reminded to book their place at free events taking place during the first week of Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight.

The programme gets under way on Monday 28 September and runs until Thursday 8 October, bringing together workshops, advice sessions, networking opportunities and events at venues across the district.

Led by Tendring District Council’s (TDC) economic development initiative Tendring4Growth, the fortnight is designed to give local firms and future business owners practical help, useful contacts and new ideas to take away.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said the opening week offered plenty of practical support for businesses at every stage.

“Whether you are already running a business, looking to grow, thinking about taking on staff or just starting out with an idea, the first week of Business Fortnight has something useful to offer,” he said.

“These sessions are free to attend and are a great chance to pick up advice, meet other local businesses and find out more about the support available through Tendring4Growth and our partners.

“I would encourage people to look through the programme and book onto the events that could make a real difference to their business, skills or future plans.”

Places are free, with booking open for most events at www.tendring4growth.com.

The fortnight begins on Monday 28 September at 10am with Procurement from the Beginning at Clacton Town Hall. The interactive workshop will guide businesses through the procurement process and share practical tips for putting together stronger tender applications.

On Tuesday 29 September at 1pm, Walton and Frinton Yacht Club will host Championing Startups in Tendring, a session aimed at people taking the early steps in business. Run by TDC and Colbea, the event will feature advice, networking and local business insight from speakers including Dan Loveless from Alresford’s Forge Fitness, Colbea chief executive Simon Mead, Karen Cooke from Brightlingsea’s BENCHspace and Jamie Spears of Rebel Monkey Coffee House, Co Fitness and Grey Stag Bathrooms in Harwich.

On Wednesday 30 September at 10am, businesses are invited to attend HR and Management for Small Businesses in 2026 and Beyond at The Sunspot in Jaywick Sands. The session, which is being run by HR Prime, will look at key issues for small employers, including employment law, AI, recruitment, staff retention and leadership.

The following day, Thursday 1 October from 10.30am, sees the return of the popular Tendring Jobs and Skills Fair at the Princes Theatre in Clacton. More than 50 exhibitors are expected at the district’s largest employment and training event, offering opportunities for jobseekers, people considering a career change and those looking to build new skills. Entry is free and no booking is required.

On Friday 2 October, from 10am to 2pm, residents, businesses and visitors can drop into Clacton Town Hall to find out more about the Clacton Thriving vision and action plan and share their views on future priorities for the town centre.

The Young Entrepreneurs Market will take place on Saturday 3 October from 10am to 1pm at Clacton Leisure Centre. The market will give young people aged 16 to 30 the chance to develop their ideas, gain confidence and connect with experienced business professionals, whether they are already trading or just starting out, and sell their products to the public.

The second week will continue with Colbea's Guide to Grants and Funding on Monday 5 October, followed by Content Creation for Small Businesses on Tuesday 6 October, The Event Blueprint - From idea to impact on Wednesday 7 October and the Tendring4Growth Business Awards at the Princes Theatre in Clacton on Thursday 8 October.

For more information on the events, or to stay up to date with Tendring4Growth’s eBulletins, go to www.tendring4growth.com.