Chelmsford Business

09/06/2026

Running an SME? Getting on top of your finances can feel overwhelming

A practical workshop from Ambitious Essex is coming to Chelmsford, this Thursday, 11 June (10am–12pm) to help you take control of your numbers and improve profitability.

The session will cover:
👉 Finance basics like cash flow, forecasting and reporting
👉 How automation can save you time and reduce admin
👉 Practical tools you can start using straight away

It’s not just theory - you’ll leave with real, useful insights you can apply in your business.

Delivered with Metro Bank and the FSB, there’s also time for informal networking to connect with others and ask questions.

If your finances feel a bit reactive, or you just want more clarity and control, this is well worth your time.

📍 Join in Chelmsford or online
🗓️ 11 June | 10am–12pm

🔗 https://shorturl.at/a4i3V

08/06/2026

Last week, the Invest Chelmsford Business team were delighted to attend the BID Awards, once again brilliantly hosted by Chelmsford For You.

It was a fantastic evening recognising the very best of our city’s business community - from Best New Business and Corporate Social Responsibility through to Customer Service, independent retailers and restaurants, and our larger leisure and hospitality venues.

It was especially great to see so many businesses we work closely with in the room, highlighting the strength, diversity and ambition that continues to drive Chelmsford forward.

As Sarah Tupper, CEO of Chelmsford For You, reflected, Chelmsford is a city of businesses that are inspired, connected and celebrated - and the evening left us feeling exactly that.

Congratulations to all of the winners and those shortlisted. We’re proud to support such a thriving and dynamic business community.

03/06/2026

Small businesses don’t just operate in Chelmsford—they help define our city.

This UK Small Business Week, we’re celebrating the people behind the shopfronts, market stalls, studios and start-ups that make Chelmsford such a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

From independents on our high streets to new traders testing ideas at Chelmsford Market, small businesses bring energy, creativity and character to our local economy every day.

They create jobs, support communities, and make a real difference locally.

Whether you’re starting out, growing your business or supporting local—Chelmsford is a place where businesses can thrive.

Springfield Florist, The Farm Shop Chelmsford Gallery43 Darts A Batch From Home Chelmsford Market Chelmsford For You Entrepreneurs Circle

20/05/2026

🐝 Ode to the mighty bee 🐝

World Bee Day is more than an awareness day, it's a celebration of how bees play a vital role in our ecosystem. As essential pollinators, bees help sustain our food supply and natural habitats. Providing them with safe spaces in urban environments is key to building greener, more sustainable cities.

Chelmsford Civic Centre has offered bees a space space with a rooftop hive, installed by organic bee keeping business, Plan Bee.

This colony of native black bees are protected from ground level dangers and from up high, they have easier access to tree tops where they can source nectar and pollen. Central Park and Bell Meadow are just a quick buzz away and offer blooming flowers and towering trees.

It is great to see businesses and organisations working together to protect and nurture these tiny, fuzzy pollinators 🐝

18/05/2026

Well done to these fab central Chelmsford food and refreshments venues on their recent 5-STAR food hygiene ratings! 5️⃣⭐ Have a favourite? 👆⬇️

Congrats to: The Amber Owl Coffeehouse 😋 Banana Tree 😋 Tasty Chinese 😋 Millie's Cookies 😋 The Bootmaker - Chelmsford 😋 The Breakfast Club (aka Club Café) 😋 Se7en Elephants Indian Restuarant 😋 Little Café 😋 Balti King 😋 Moulsham Cafe 😋 The Sandwich Shop 😋 Central Park Cafe Chelmsford 😋 Mr Cavendish Coffee House.

Well deserved! 🫧✨

14/05/2026

Only 3 days left to vote!

Have your say in the Chelmsford For You BID Business Awards before voting closes on 17 May.

🗳️ Vote here:
https://www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/chelmsford-bid-business-awards

These awards are all about celebrating the amazing businesses that make Chelmsford such a fantastic place to live, work and visit.

From independent gems to well-loved names, now’s your chance to show your support and recognise those going the extra mile in our city centre.

Winners will be revealed on 3 June – let’s help shine a spotlight on the businesses driving Chelmsford forward!

👇 Tell us who you’re voting for in the comments!

12/05/2026

Now open: Chelmsford Urban Business Grant Scheme

Small urban businesses across Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers can now apply for capital grants of up to £10,000 to support growth, productivity and long‑term resilience.

The Chelmsford Urban Business Grant Scheme is designed to help businesses invest in premises improvements, equipment and energy‑efficient measures that reduce costs and strengthen Chelmsford’s urban centres.

✅ Capital funding only
✅ Up to £10,000 per business
✅ 20% match funding required on the grant rewarded

Applications close 30 June 2026.

See the comments for details of how to apply.

A new capital grant scheme to support Chelmsford’s urban businesses – launching soon.

07/04/2026

In recent years, the business support landscape has evolved, with a growing focus of funded programmes on pre‑start‑ups and higher‑growth businesses.

To help better understand what all small businesses need, the Federation of Small Businesses - FSB is undertaking a nationwide research project.

The research aims to:
➡️ Understand how small businesses define “business support”
➡️Identify examples of what works well
➡️Explore support delivered by both the public and private sectors
➡️Inform future recommendations on business support provision

As part of this work, the FSB is inviting small business owners and leaders to complete a short survey.

Input from businesses across Chelmsford and the wider area will help ensure future recommendations are informed by real business experience.

To complete the survey please use the following link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=2K2hjA4HRUm19UL11i6NGIKUDYxr6IhGswHmE1arCUhUMjNNTEpDM0ZWQUtWRThVU1NCT0FCMk80Vi4u&route=shorturl

26/03/2026

Invest Chelmsford Business are excited to support Chelmsford College as they host a Youth Business Start‑Up Event, created for young people aged 16–24 who are interested in becoming their own boss, starting a business, or turning their skills into a successful side hustle.

This interactive afternoon will include:
✨ Inspiring workshops from guest speakers
✨ Insights from young entrepreneurs who’ve already taken the leap
✨ Guidance on becoming self‑employed in your chosen industry
✨ Employers and organisations who support young founders

📅 Thursday 30 April
⏰ 1.30pm – 4.00pm
📍 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 0JQ

Businesses and support partners working with young people are also invited to exhibit or speak, helping us inspire the next wave of Chelmsford talent.

Further details in the comments below.

23/03/2026

It’s fantastic to see nominations open for this year’s Muddy Stilettos Awards — a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the independent businesses that add so much vibrancy, creativity and character to Chelmsford.

Our independents play a huge role in shaping the local economy: creating jobs, driving innovation, strengthening our visitor offer and contributing to the unique sense of place that makes Chelmsford stand out.

These awards are a great way to shine a light on the people and businesses who work so hard all year round.

Last year’s Chelmsford winners showed just how much talent we have locally, and it would be wonderful to see even more of our brilliant independents recognised.

If you can, take a moment to nominate — it really does make a difference to the businesses at the heart of our community.