Author: Sarah Daniells

TENDRING4GROWTH Business Fortnight

TENDRING4GROWTH Business Fortnight

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

TENDRING4GROWTH Business Fortnight, run by Tendring District Council (TDC), features events with expert speakers covering topics on digital marketing, inclusive employment, and women in business, to more niche industries such as tourism and creative and cultural arts.

Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight

Locations across Tendring will play host to these events from Monday, 25 September to Wednesday 4 October, including a Jobs and Skills Fair; details can be found on our Eventbrite page and attendees are asked to book in advance to help manage numbers.

Cllr Ivan Henderson, TDC Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism, said he was looking forward to meeting local firms, celebrating success and encouraging new business relationships.

“Businesses big and small play a vital role in Tendring’s local economy, whether they are a cottage industry or a large manufacturing firm, an entertainment venue or servicing offshore wind turbines,” Councillor Henderson said.

“Our TENDRING4GROWTH fortnight celebrates all of that, providing something that all small independent businesses should take advantage of.”

The TENDRING4GROWTH Business Fortnight begins on Monday, 25 September with Spotlight on Tendring at the new Sunspot business centre in Jaywick Sands from 10am to 12.30pm. Keynote speaker Scott Russell from Paddy & Scott’s will discuss his business journey, whilst Colbea and Backing Essex Business will provide information on business support available across the district.

This is followed on Tuesday, 26 September with Coastal Tourism at The Waterfront Harwich from 10am to 1pm. Speakers include representatives from Harwich and Dovercourt Tourism Group, Essex County Council, Milsom Hotels and Restaurants, Landguard Trust, and Freeport East.

On Wednesday, 27 September the Digital and Independent Retailers event will take place at the Kingscliff Hotel in Holland-on-Sea from 10am to 12:30pm. Speakers include The Write Impression (TWI), Leading Motion Ltd, and Essex Police who will provide support for establishing a robust online presence and cybersecurity.

Week two begins with a Women in Business networking event on Monday, 2 October at Clacton Leisure Centre from 10am to 12.30pm. Speakers include Ambitious Women in Essex and various local businesswomen.

On Tuesday, 3 October, three events will take place. Harwich Arts Centre will host the Creative and Culture event from 10am to 12:30pm with speakers from Arts Council England, Clacton Creatives, Colbea, and TDC.

Kingscliff in Holland-on-Sea will host two informal events focusing on inclusive employment, starting with the Military Employer Recognition Scheme from 10am to 12pm – Followed by Disability Confident from 12pm to 4pm.

Closing the open invitation Business Fortnight is the Innovation: A Freeport East, Industry & Innovate UK Edge Perspective event on Wednesday, 4 October at Wix Village Hall from 10am to 12:30pm. This will explore how the freeport will boost global trade for local business, with speakers from RWE Renewables, Freeport East, and Innovate UK Edge.

Projects invited to bid for cash grants in Tendring

Projects invited to bid for cash grants in Tendring

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

Projects promoting creativity and culture, supporting town centres or the visitor economy are being invited to bid for cash from Tendring District Council (TDC).

Initiatives which support development of skills, improvements to town centres, and creative, cultural and heritage activities, could be eligible for a share of £130,000 this year from TDC’s allocation from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) – which totals £1,188,232 over three years.

Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, encouraged people to apply.

“This is an opportunity not to be missed, as we have this funding from the government we are keen to passport out into communities,” Councillor Henderson said.

“The Shared Prosperity Fund will enable organisations to run projects which really, positively, impact our town centres, visitor economy, culture and heritage – or people and skills.

“We are keen to work with new partners in allocating these grants, and I would encourage any local organisation to think about their planned projects they could get support for – and especially to think about joint applications for innovative, new projects.

“We would particularly welcome applications which benefit multiple businesses or generate improvements across the district – schemes which share prosperity for all of Tendring while responding to local demand and need.

“This funding will complement other work being carried out by us, and our partners, to boost opportunities, skills, and the economy in Tendring.”

Other such work includes a skills roundtable event hosted by TDC on 28 June that brought employers and training providers together to look at how industry skills gaps could be matched up with current courses.

Meanwhile TDC has appointed a new town centre manager whose role, funded from UK SPF, will be to work with businesses and user groups in towns across the district on measures to drive up footfall, reduce empty shop units and related activity – all schemes which could qualify for further grant funding.

Further grants from the UK SPF will be available next financial year under the third instalment of the fund from government.

The deadline for grant applications is 21 August, though the council will close the scheme early if all the funds have already been allocated – so people are encouraged to apply early.

To find out more and to apply visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/business/regeneration/shared-prosperity-fund.

Parks and gardens in Tendring keep four Green Flags

Parks and gardens in Tendring keep four Green Flags

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

Parks and gardens around Tendring have kept their prestigious Green Flag Awards.

The district has maintained all four of its Green Flags for open spaces at Clacton Seafront Gardens, Weeley Crematorium and Gardens, Cliff Park in Dovercourt and Crescent Gardens in Frinton.

Mick Barry, Tendring District Council (TDC) Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said the awards were testament to the hard work of council staff and volunteers in maintaining the areas to such a high standard.

“All of our parks and gardens, not just these four, look fantastic and that is thanks to the incredible work in all weathers of our horticultural teams, and many volunteers who are passionate about their local area too,” Councillor Barry said.

“I am pleased for them that Keep Britain Tidy has rewarded their efforts with these four prestigious Green Flags – which recognises not only how beautiful a place is, but also the behind the scenes and community efforts too.”

Clacton Seafront Gardens won its first Green Flag in 2009, with Frinton’s Crescent Gardens joining it the next year. Weeley Crematorium’s grounds first received a Green Flag in 2013, while Cliff Park got its first Green Flag in 2016.

Awarded by Keep Britain Tidy, the Green Flag scheme – now in its 28th year – assess not only the visual aspects of a site, such as its beauty, horticulture and cleanliness, but also community involvement, access and management, and are a sign of quality.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved across Tendring in achieving the Green Flag Awards.

“These are vital green spaces for the community in Tendring, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

Find out more about the Green Flag Awards at www.greenflagaward.org

Tendring event grant scheme launches

Tendring event grant scheme launches

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

Organisers of free events taking place in Tendring over the coming months could qualify for a grant of up to £1,000 to support their occasion.

Events could be eligible for a share of £10,000 from Tendring District Council’s (TDC) allocation from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) – which totals £1,188,232 over three years.

Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, encouraged event organisers to apply.

“The aim is to help local independent organisations either make the most of the summer season, or look to extend the season and increase footfall during traditionally quieter months,” Councillor Henderson said.

“We recognise that tourism plays a key role in our economy, but we also know the sector is keen to develop our year-round offer; these grants can help to support that.

“So if you’re planning something over the next few months, why not get in touch and see if your event could be boosted with a grant from us.”

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the fund will remain open until the allocation has been spent – meaning organisers are encouraged to apply early.

To find out more and to apply visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/business/business-support-grants-and-loans.

Events must take place by 31 March 2024, and be free to attend for the public.

Essex Big Weekend, 25th August – 25th September

Essex Big Weekend, 25th August – 25th September

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

The Essex Big Weekend is back. Many visitor attractions throughout Essex offer residents the chance to win hundreds of FREE entry tickets over the weekend of 6th and 8th October 2023. From castles to pubs, glamping to theatres, there is something for everyone to choose from.

The on-line ballot is open from 25th August – 25th September, during which time residents can apply to win as many different tickets as they wish, however, there will only ever be one lucky winner per household. Tickets will then be allocated two weeks before the weekend.

Discover what’s ‘on your doorstep’ and enter The Essex BIG Weekend www.essexbigweekend.co.uk

Essex Big Weekend Logo
Clacton is named as Millets fourth best coastal location in England and Wales

Clacton is named as Millets fourth best coastal location in England and Wales

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

Millets has officially declared Clacton as the fourth best coastal area in England and Wales!

A range of factors were researched including Google review ratings for the main beach of each coastal location, along with the water quality rating, warmest ocean water temperature and the average cost of parking for up to four hours.

Read the full article at www.millets.co.uk/blog/coastal-index

Two new blue flags for Tendring Beaches

Two new blue flags for Tendring Beaches

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

Seven beaches in Tendring have been handed prestigious awards by Keep Britain Tidy – including four of the top Blue Flags for the first time in eight years.

Two new beaches along the Essex Sunshine Coast have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for 2023, at Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze’s Albion beach. Brightlingsea and Dovercourt Bay also retained their Blue Flag status. In addition Brightlingsea, Harwich, Frinton, Walton-on-the-Naze’s Albion and Naze beaches, and Martello Bay in Clacton have all been given Seaside Awards in recognition of their quality.


Frinton last held a Blue Flag in 2016, while Walton’s Albion Beach had previously held a Blue Flag award but was not entered by Tendring District Council (TDC) last year as coastal works were anticipated to lead to a temporary drop in water quality.
Seaside Award beaches have amenities at a high standard where they are provided, and a Blue Flag is an even higher globally recognised accreditation for quality beaches, taking into account factors such as water quality and availability of nearby facilities.

Lee Heley, TDC Corporate Director for Place and Economy, said the awards recognised the quality of seafronts around the district as well as their beauty. “The Essex Sunshine Coast is wonderful place to enjoy, whether you live locally or travel in to visit,” Mr Heley said.
“In recognition of the importance of our coastline to the local economy, particularly tourism, we invest a lot of time, effort and money into our seafronts – and it is fantastic to have this work recognised with Blue Flag and Seaside Awards in this way.
“Having the prestigious Blue Flags and Seaside Awards make for an excellent advert for the Essex Sunshine Coast, and we hope will attract more visitors to Tendring.”


Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “Visitors to a beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.
“The Blue Flag is the world’s most recognised award for beaches and marinas and, to qualify, each applicant must meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.
“We’d therefore like to recognise and applaud all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve some of our best-loved and most popular beaches. The collective efforts of beach managers, volunteers, residents and businesses all contribute to the success of these sites in achieving the incredibly high standards demanded.”

Essex Big Weekend 2023

Essex Big Weekend 2023

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

From August 18, residents from Essex, Kent and East Sussex can enter a ballot to be in with a chance of securing free tickets and vouchers for popular attractions, hotel and restaurants across Essex tanks to the Essex Bigger Weekend, hosted by Visit Essex

Whether you are grandparents keen to take grandchildren out for a day away from the crowds, a couple looking for a romantic midweek date or a family intent on making up for lost time, there is something for everyone in the Essex Bigger Weekend ballot.

Essex Big Weekend Logo
Corbeau Seats Rally Tendring & Clacton 22 & 23 April 2023

Corbeau Seats Rally Tendring & Clacton 22 & 23 April 2023

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

The Corbeau Seats Rally will return to the area on 22 & 23 April 2023 with a field of more than 100 cars entering the fray.

The Saturday evening Clacton seafront stage, which was introduced last year, has been extended for this edition. At 6pm, rally cars will exit the greensward before meeting in the Hazlemere Road Car Park in Holland-on-Sea.

In the Clacton section, there will be viewing areas along the stage, free of charge, with the one nearest the start thought of as offering the best views.

The rally’s four Sunday stages have been extended and will cover Little Bromley, Great Bromley, Mistley, Bradfield, Wix and Tendring and Great Bentley. Roads will be closed from 7am on Sunday to the end of the rally.

For more information email residents@corbeauseatsrally.co.uk and visit www.corbeauseatsrally.co.uk for a map of the rally, road closure details and spectator information.