Businesses anticipate positive outcomes after a series of workshops

Sarah Brockwell giving a presentation

“I’m thrilled that these workshops are supporting small businesses with their work as well as encouraging growth, supporting and creating jobs."

Businesses anticipate that jobs will be safeguarded and created thanks to a series of workshops organised by Braintree District Council.

The fully-funded workshops were launched in support of businesses at the start of the year.

The sessions covered topics such as trading out of the cost-of-living crisis, increasing productivity and how to motivate, recruit and upskill staff.

The workshops will soon conclude and businesses have been reporting back on their usefulness.

Thirty-six percent of businesses said that as a result of the workshops jobs would be created; while sixty-four percent said they will be adapting new technologies or processes.

A significant eighty-two percent of businesses anticipate improvements in productivity; while forty-six percent said jobs would be safeguarded.

An attendee found the workshop on recruitment and training ‘very positive and engaging’ and added that it had given insight into how to develop a more thorough ‘on-boarding process’ and its importance.

Cllr Tom Cunningham, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Braintree District Council, said: “I’m thrilled that these workshops are supporting small businesses with their work as well as encouraging growth, supporting and creating jobs. It’s great to hear the positive feedback and anticipated outcomes from the businesses in attendance.”

The workshops received £18K from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr Tom Cunningham added: “Our plan moving forward is to support businesses with grants and a series of business support initiatives in collaboration with our partners at the North Essex Economic Board. The new programmes will launch at the end of next month.”

For more on the initiatives, businesses should subscribe to the e-newsletter www.braintree.gov.uk/tellmemore

Published: 17th March 2023