We’re back with the January edition of Grapevine, our monthly Member Newsletter. We hope your 2025 has got off to a great start! This year promises to be an exciting one for businesses across Essex, with fresh opportunities, new collaborations, and continued innovation driving our local economy forward.
In this edition, we’ll be sharing inspiring success stories from our members, key insights into the regional business landscape, and updates on upcoming Chamber events designed to support and connect our thriving business community. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain valuable industry knowledge, or showcase your own business achievements, Grapevine is here to keep you informed and engaged.
We look forward to another year of growth, resilience, and success—together. Here’s to a prosperous 2025!
New Member Benefit Alert!
At the beginning of January, we were delighted to launch our newest Member benefit – YourHR.guide.
YourHR.guide gives our Members FREE access to helpful templates, insightful guidance and updates on changes to employment law and HR regulations.
Members, have you logged in and explored the great features of this benefit yet? A designated contact from each company would have received login details directly from YourHR.guide, this is your key to a host of helpful content.
Not only has each Member organisation been given a FREE access level, there is also an opportunity to upgrade to Premium access for an exclusive discount rate. Premium access includes:
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Over 250 HR templates, policy documents and contracts of employment
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Over 150 page of HR guidance
There have been significant changes to the world of HR recently and many more to come with the Employment Bill. Make sure you stay up to date with the correct policies and procedures with YourHR.guide.
Find out more here.
Expanding your Businesses Virtually and Socially
As we eased back into normality this January, we kicked off the new year with some great virtual opportunities.
It was fantastic to see so many of you at our first Virtual Networking event earlier this month. It’s heartening to know that these events continue to be so valuable to our community. Our interactive and friendly format lets you connect with a diverse range of professionals all from the comfort of your desk. If you would like to experience our Virtual Networking for yourself, then join us for our next session on Wednesday 12 February.
This month also saw engaging and insightful discussions at our Improving your Instagram Skills Workshop. Held virtually, course facilitators SRX Consultancy showed our attendees how they could best utilise the visual platform for their organisation. In a world where so much happens online, it’s vital to know how to harness the power of social media to boost your brand and understand the tools available to help you do so. Throughout 2025, we’ll be running a series of social media workshops, head to our events section to see if there is a course that could take your companies social engagement to the next level.
A Remarkable Evening at Rega Research
Our 2025 networking events programme started with a pitch perfect evening at Rega Research Ltd’s Southend based factory. It was a delight to welcome our attendees for a behind-the-scenes look at the world-renowned manufacturer of exquisite quality high-fidelity audio systems.
The company, which has been operating for over 50 years, is a remarkable example of just what can be achieved through cultivating a passionate and dedicated workforce. Indeed, that passion was palpable as the networking took place in the canteen, a central point in the open plan space of the factory. As conversations and connections were made between attendees, we were surrounded by workers busy assembling the various high calibre products that Rega produces every day.
We heard from Rega’s Company Co-Ordinator, Phil Freeman. Phil, who has been with organisation for 46 years, regaled attendees with the company’s history. Rega’s founder, Roy Gandy, started the company in 1973 and ever since they have been designing and manufacturing the very best in audio systems, from record players to speakers.
After the talks and tours, our attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet all made inhouse by the catering team. The food was not only beautifully presented but also thoughtfully curated, adding to the overall warmth and hospitality of the evening. It was a perfect complement to such an enjoyable and inspiring event.
Recognising Employer Achievements in Rochford
We are proud to be sponsoring the Employer of the Year category of the Rochford District Council Business Awards 2025.
Congratulations to the category finalists:
🌟 Assent Risk Management
🌟 Palmers Solicitors
🌟 The Treehouse Club
We look forward to announcing the winner at the awards ceremony taking place on 13 February. Visit Rochford Council’s website to see the full list of finalists.
Dates for your Diaries
💼 Improving your LinkedIn Skills Workshop - Tuesday 11 February
📚 Penguin Random House Networking Tour – Thursday 27 February
💻 March Virtual Networking - Wednesday 12 March - FREE for Members
📱 A Guide to Meta Business Suite for Facebook & Instagram Workshop - Thursday 13 March
🛫 Networking with the Radisson Blu Hotel & MAG London Stansted Airport - Tuesday 18 March
🧠 Neurodiversity in the Workplace Webinar - Thursday 20 March - FREE for Members
🚓 Conflict Management Workshop with Essex Police - Wednesday 26 March - FREE for Members
👨🍳 Networking with MasterChef's Anurag Aggarwal - Thursday 3 April