Business Representative Organisations

The Council is committed to working with organisations that represent and lobby on behalf of businesses in the District. Consultation with such groups helps the Council to be aware of and respond to the changing needs of the businesses community.

We also work in collaboration with them to deliver business support projects and networking events.  If you are considering joining a local business representative organisation more information is provided below.

The Federation of Small Businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Formed in 1974, it now has 215,000 members across 33 regions and 230 branches.

Our lobbying arm - led by the Westminster Press and Parliamentary office - applies pressure on MPs, Government and Whitehall and puts the FSB viewpoint over to the media. The FSB also has Press and Parliamentary Offices in Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast to lobby the devolved assemblies. Policy Managers work alongside Regional Development Agencies to further FSB influence at a regional level.

In addition, Member Services is committed to delivering a wide range of high quality, good value business services to members of the FSB. These services will be subject to continuing review and will represent a positive enhancement to the benefit of membership of the Leading Business Organisation in the UK.

The Chambers of Trade

The Chamber of Trade & Commerce is the principal link between the local commercial and business community providing it with a voice both locally and nationally.

Funding has been provided by Rochford District Council to enable websites to be setup for the Districts three Chambers of Trade and Commerce, Hockley, Rochford and Rayleigh. Now all news and events are quickly and freely available to all members, together with notices, minutes and agendas. Each member has their own home page and any member can easily contact another and see what goods and services are available or link to their own individual websites.