250+
Businesses engaged and registered for support with the Growth Hub
80%
Of Businesses receiving support that helps them overcome one or more Business Growth Barrier
90%
Satisfaction rating from Businesses engaged with
The Challenge
High street businesses across Essex are operating in a difficult and fast-changing trading environment. Rising costs, reduced footfall, changing customer habits and increased competition from online retail mean many local businesses are having to work harder to remain visible, profitable and relevant within their communities.
For Essex County Council and the Ambitious Essex Growth Hub, the challenge was to reach businesses that do not always engage with traditional support channels, then provide practical help that reflected the realities of high street trading. Essex businesses needed support that was accessible, local and commercially useful, helping them strengthen their digital presence, attract customers, improve resilience and continue contributing to vibrant, sustainable town centres.
Our Support
Our support was designed to provide practical, targeted support that met businesses where they were. Funded by Essex County Council and the Ambitious Essex Growth Hub, the programme focused on helping high street business owners engage with the Growth Hub as well as respond to changing customer behaviour, improve their digital confidence and strengthen their long-term resilience.
Support was shaped around the real challenges facing Essex high street businesses, with in-store visits, accessible guidance and tailored mentoring to helping them become more visible, adaptable and commercially confident. By focusing on the needs of local businesses and the communities they serve, the programme supported more sustainable, vibrant and future-ready high streets across Essex.