Summer may feel like it’s behind us, but with everyone returning refreshed, recharged, and ready for the new school year, there’s a real sense of momentum as we step into autumn. That energy is reflected in our Members’ achievements, as this edition of Grapevine highlights - featuring inspiring local business success stories and valuable insights into Essex’s ever-evolving business landscape.

The Chambers team has shared in this renewed drive too, with a busy September full of events, training, and opportunities for engagement. Before you dive into the fantastic selection of Member articles, here’s a look at what Essex Chambers have been up to this month.

Festival of Business – Full Exhibitor List Revealed!  

We’re thrilled that all the stands for this year’s premier business event have completely sold out and the full exhibitor list has been announced.

On Wednesday 5 November, the Summer Marque at Chelmsford City Racecourse will be bursting with over 100 exhibiting businesses. This is the biggest showcase in the event’s history, spotlighting the very best of the Essex business community.

The day will also be packed with inspirational speakers, fantastic Festival features, the presentation of the prestigious Best in Business Award and unparalleled networking opportunities. It’s truly an unmissable occasion.

Visitor entry is completely FREE! Everyone in the business community is welcome to join us to celebrate the amazing entrepreneurial spirit in Essex.

Happy 21 Year Work Anniversary, Denise! 

Please join us in congratulating our incredible CEO, Denise Rossiter, on reaching an amazing milestone, 21 years at Essex Chambers of Commerce! 

Over the past two decades, Denise has been a driving force in the Essex Business Community. She has built strong partnerships with the Police, politicians, community organisations, major infrastructure projects, international brands, overseas Chambers, and business leaders across the county.

Denise ensures the voices of Essex businesses are heard at the highest levels of local councils and government. Her vision, energy, and dedication have shaped the Chambers into a respected and trusted voice for business across our region.

Here’s to Denise, and to many more years of inspiring leadership and success for Essex businesses!

An Evening of Networking in Style with Jaguar Land Rover Southend

We were delighted to host a fantastic evening of networking surrounded by luxury, high-performance vehicles at our recent event with Group 1 Jaguar Land Rover Southend.

As a Chamber of Commerce, one of our greatest privileges is to showcase our members, and this gathering was a perfect example of how we bring businesses together.

The showroom made a spectacular backdrop, with attendees networking amongst some of the finest vehicles Britain has to offer. The atmosphere was buzzing as businesses shared ideas, discussed opportunities, and celebrated both their passion for luxury cars and their commitment to driving the Essex economy forward.

We extend our sincere thanks to their team for their warm hospitality and for hosting such a memorable occasion.

Parliamentary Reception at the House of Lords

We recently had the privilege of hosting a private Parliamentary Reception at the House of Lords. 

It was an honour to be joined by Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston CBE, Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Havliand, and members of our business community. 

Attendees enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea in historical and prestigious surroundings. Valuable connections were being made as we overlooked the landmarks of the Thames, beautifully framed by a double rainbow that went through the centre of the London Eye! 

With many changes and challenges facing our county, the occasion was a great opportunity to celebrate the powerhouse of innovation and industry that is Essex. Lord Johnson himself commented on the “extraordinary entrepreneurship” within the county. 

The event was an incredible achievement for the whole Essex Chambers team, and we were delighted to invite our members to enjoy it with us. 

Croissants, Councils & Connections in Colchester

It was a bright and early start as we welcomed attendees to enjoy a wonderful breakfast networking event at the newly refurbished Delta Hotel Colchester. Guests were treated to a delicious breakfast spread of fresh pastries, eggs benedict, and breakfast burritos all in the sophisticated surroundings of the Balkern Suite function room.

We were delighted to be joined by Pamela Donnelly, CEO of Colchester City Council. There are huge changes happening. With a Mayoral candidate soon to be elected, Devolution, and Local Government Reform, the entire governing structure of Essex will be transformed.

Pamela emphasised the importance of events like this one to be able to hear directly from the local business community. Colchester is a relatively new but modern city. As well as explaining the potential upcoming changes she also updated everyone on the exciting improvements and developments transforming the area.

Welcome to our New Members in the North!

It was a pleasure to be joined by so many of our New Members to our stylish offices at the Innovation Centre in Colchester.

The evening was a great way for them to get to know our team and the wide offering of support available to them through their membership.

It was also a great opportunity for them to build relationships and connections with their fellow members.

Thank you to the team at our Colchester home in the Innovation Centre and to everyone who attended.

We’re proud to be able to support our business community to connect and grow.

Dates for your Diaries

 💻 Improving your LinkedIn Skills Workshop – Tuesday 14 October
 🤝 October Virtual Networking – Wednesday 15 October
 🛑 Conflict Management Workshop with Essex Police - Thursday 16 October
 💡 Devolution for Essex - What you need to know Webinar - Wednesday 29 October
 🖥️ November Virtual Networking – Wednesday 12 November
 🍓 Tiptree Festive Networking - Thursday 20 November
 🚫 Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Webinar - Wednesday 26 November
 📱 Improving your Facebook Skills Workshop – Tuesday 2 December
🎄 Christmas Networking Breakfast at Braxted Park – Thursday 11 December