Transforming Local Economies: Elevate Basildon Business Delivered Measurable Growth in Just 6 Months
“342 businesses engaged, 29 new enterprises created, and 98.5% satisfaction—proof that targeted, expert-led support drives real economic impact.”
“78% of participants were new to council support—successfully reaching untapped businesses and unlocking growth.”
“A scalable, repeatable model that combines recognition, skills, and real-world outcomes for councils.”
Elevate Basildon Business - a national economic development award – Outstanding Impact 2026
Elevate Basildon Business – Driving Local Growth and Innovation
Client: Basildon Borough Council
Delivery Partner: The Consortium (East) Ltd
Programme Duration: September 2025 – March 2026
Overview
Elevate Basildon Business was a high-impact business support programme, fully-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, designed to stimulate economic growth, support entrepreneurs and strengthen the local business ecosystem. Delivered over six months, the programme combined practical training, peer support, digital tools and targeted interventions to engage a wide range of businesses—from pre-starts to established SMEs. Incorporating a ground-breaking bespoke digital App, the programme successfully developed the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the entire Borough, including Basildon, Wickford, Laindon and Billericay.
The Challenge
Basildon Borough Council sought to:
- Increase engagement with local business support
- Reach underserved entrepreneurs
- Drive measurable economic outcomes including job creation and business growth
- Enhance digital capability and innovation among local businesses
A key barrier identified was that many businesses had not previously engaged with council-led support, limiting their growth potential.
The Solution
The Consortium (East) Ltd designed and delivered Elevate Basildon Business - a structured, multi-channel support programme, including:
- Workshops and webinars covering AI, finance, sales, and strategy
- Peer groups and co-working sessions to build collaboration and accountability
- 1:1 expert support tailored to individual business needs
- A dedicated innovative digital app to improve access and engagement
- A Digital Skills Showcase linking businesses with future talent
The programme was carefully planned with clear milestones, consistent delivery and a mix of in-person and online engagement to maximise accessibility.
Elevate Basildon Business followed on from Basildon Business Boost – another equally successful programme, designed and delivered by The Consortium (East) Ltd in 2024/25.
Popular Events & Business Impact
A key driver of the programme’s success was its high-quality, relevant event programme, designed around real business needs. The most popular sessions included:
AI Secrets for Business
This flagship workshop introduced practical AI tools that businesses could implement immediately to improve efficiency, marketing, and customer engagement.
Sales & Marketing in a Digital World
Delivered twice due to demand, this session helped businesses refine their messaging, improve online visibility, and convert leads.
Money Matters: Funding & Finance for Growth
A highly rated workshop that demystified funding, cash flow, and financial planning, giving business owners the confidence to make informed decisions.
Strategic Planning: From Chaos to Clarity
This session supported business owners in developing clear, actionable growth strategies.
Bid Writing & Procurement Webinar
Enabled SMEs to access public sector opportunities by improving understanding of procurement processes.
Peer Group Programme
Ongoing peer sessions created a trusted environment for collaboration, accountability and shared problem-solving.
Wider Impact
Beyond core KPIs, the programme delivered significant social and economic value:
- Supported 280 students through a Digital Skills Showcase
- Facilitated partnerships with banks, universities, and employers
- Created PR opportunities through local media
- Encouraged collaboration and new business opportunities
Client & Participant Feedback
Feedback was consistently positive, with participants highlighting the practical, jargon-free advice and immediate business impact.
“Very informative… I’m looking forward to applying these new skills to my business.”
“No gimmicks—just straightforward, valuable advice.”
“A fantastic event… I met a potential client.”
Conclusion
Elevate Basildon Business demonstrates how a well-designed, locally delivered programme can drive meaningful economic impact in a short timeframe. By combining accessibility, expert-led support and measurable outcomes, the programme successfully engaged new audiences, supported business growth and strengthened the local economy.
This model is scalable and repeatable, offering other councils a proven framework to deliver high-value business support with clear return on investment.
NEEB Link – Delivery and Performance
The Consortium has delivered a high-quality service that aligns with NEEB’s objectives and local priorities. The Consortium has maintained proactive engagement across all NEEB districts with local authority economic development teams and partners. Feedback received by businesses has been positive.
Digital SkillsWithin Braintree, The Consortium has supported the Digital Skills programme with strong planning, employer engagement, and smooth delivery logistics. Feedback from participants and partners has been positive, and activities have been delivered to agreed timescales and standards.
Based on our experience, I am pleased with the quality and reliability of The Consortium’s work and their commitment to achieving outcomes for local businesses. I am happy to recommend The Consortium.
Federation of Small Businesses
Ann Scott, Area Manager, Federation of Small Businesses:
“Having had the pleasure of working with The Consortium in the past, I have every confidence that any initiative they deliver will be delivered with a high level of professionalism, dedication, and a genuine commitment to supporting small businesses.”
The Big Pitch
Cllr David Kendall, Chair – Finance & Resources Committee, Brentwood Borough Council:
“Thank you for all the work that you and your team put into making this year's ‘Big Pitch’ event such a success. I know that yesterday's event was a culmination of many weeks of coaching and support that has been given to the businesses and I was really impressed with the quality of the presentations we were asked to judge. I am a big supporter of ‘The Big Pitch’ and hope that it can continue evolving and developing going forward.”
Get Set Grow and The Big Pitch
Paula Chapman, Senior Economic Development Officer, Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Councils:
“Working with The Consortium has been a great experience for our local authorities. The team kept in constant contact and if the programme or marketing needed tweaking, it was no problem for Sarah to do this. We exceeded targets and delivered a good business support programme in the process! Get Set Grow and The Big Pitch were valued by our business community and the finale event well organised.”
The businesses that we've supported
Delivering impact across Essex.
Through EssexWorks®, businesses gain access to practical support, specialist expertise and new opportunities.
Working with local authorities, employers and economic development partners, we help create jobs, develop skills and support a stronger Essex economy.
Austin Motor Company
Background
The Austin Motor Company Ltd is a world-renowned brand, that is now based in Braintree. The Austin Motor Company name and copyright was purchased by Rayne resident, John Stubbs, to create a new manufacturing company that specialises in creating a range of electric vehicles (EVs) starting with ‘The Arrow’. Featured on BBC radio, the story of The Austin Motor Company is taking the media by storm. John Stubbs, the Owner and CEO is an eccentric British engineer, whose childhood dream to build a motor car, manifested itself with the re-birth of the legendary Austin Motor Company. Stubbs acquired the iconic Austin Motor Company brand in 2015 as a 50th birthday gift. From his modest workshop in a little corner of Essex, Stubbs has designed and launched the world's first classically designed all-electric production vehicle.
The Austin Motor Company raised £350,000 of seed funding from private investors, enabling the business to build two test prototypes (see picture). The seed funding has also allowed the business to develop a 2 seater version of the Arrow. Production of the Arrow 2 has started with the first shipment already sold to buyers in the UK, USA and UAE.
The Arrow 2 is powered by 10 kWh Lithium Ion battery giving a 150 mile range.
A self-confessed non-marketer, John joined Blueprint for Business to develop a marketing strategy.
Positive Intervention
After attending the Business Growth and Sales workshop at the Plaza in Braintree, John took advantage of booking 1:1 support from Graham Broughton. He invested 7 hours with a digital marketing agency to explore the possibilities of promoting the Arrow ready for direct selling to consumers. The objective was to raise awareness and drive pre-orders for Austin Motor Company's new retro-styled electric car, appealing to classic car enthusiasts who value sustainability.
Graham helped create a marketing campaign aimed at individuals who appreciate a fusion of vintage aesthetics with modern technology to support the sale of 6 vehicles a month.
Outcome
“I am an Engineer - not a Marketer, so to be able to use Graham Broughton to help create a marketing strategy was a huge advantage to my development of The Austin Motor Company. Having 7 hours of support, has given me access to the expertise I needed. I also benefitted from the in-person workshop that was held at the Plaza in Braintree.
As The Austin Motor Company grows, I expect to create a number of new jobs and I’m particularly keen on developing apprenticeships for the future. “
John Stubbs, Director, The Austin Motor Company
Citizens Advice Tendring
Background
Citizens Advice Tendring is an independent charity based on the east coast of Essex, with offices at Clacton-on-Sea and Harwich. Website: https://cabtendring.org/ It employs 30 staff, has 29 volunteers and is one of the top performing branches of the entire Citizens Advice network, which covers England and Wales.
The charity provides free, confidential and impartial advice and also campaigns on big issues affecting people's lives. Services are delivered to local people by telephone, email and face-to-face appointments. Practical advice and guidance are provided on topics including: poverty, food banks, benefits calculations, signposting, mental health and energy saving. There is also a popular charity shop on the High Street in Clacton.
Emma Funnell (pictured above) is Business Support Manager and registered for Blueprint for Business in September 2023. Her goal was to find a way to promote the charity’s services (on a small budget) and she chose Sarah Brockwell as her business coach. 1:1 coaching sessions were delivered via ZOOM at a time convenient to Emma.
Positive Intervention
Emma was focussed on growing the charity successfully and strategically without being distracted with smaller operating and staffing issues. Mindful of a limited budget and resources, Sarah developed a tactical plan that would have a positive impact. These included:
- A staff survey (to gain insight and galvanise loyalty)
- A referral to Essex County Council’s Working Well programme (for staff up-skilling)
- A referral to Essex Police Cyber Security team (for business continuity education and training)
- Completion of a SWOT analysis (by Trustees and the Management team)
- Development of FAQs for the website (to reduce the volume of straightforward enquiries)
- Development of a Citizens Advice Bureaux Forum (for branches to trade best practice tips)
To provide some tangible ‘takeaway’ outputs, Sarah worked through a Marcomms plan and a Brand Tree, which provides legacy content for the charity to use in the future.
Outcome
“I had 3 hours of 1:1 coaching from Sarah, which left me inspired to start a Level 5 Senior Management training course. I found the sessions with Sarah both practical and strategic. The advice was well-suited to our organisation and was easy to implement. I was able to feed back what I had learnt from Sarah to my team.
My sessions with Sarah were also the catalyst for me achieving a new qualification, which has benefitted the charity and its clients, as well as me and my staff. I would encourage any organisation to take up the offer of free support on the Blueprint for Business programme”.
Moto Pizza
Background
MOTO Pizza was founded by Georgie Collins in 2018. Born through a love for sharing food, MOTO Pizza’s ‘bottomless pizza’ dining experience is built on quality produce and reducing food waste. Currently based in Chelmsford and Colchester, the ‘chain’ is growing in popularity and more branches are planned. The distinct USP of the business is the absence of a menu. By removing the menu, food waste is eliminated, and diners are able to sample an extensive range of handmade pizzas on demand.
Founder Georgie joined the Blueprint for Business programme in October 2023 and chose Graham Broughton as a business coach. Graham has extensive experience in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) with a background at Unilever. Georgie sought support from Graham to grow the business. The business currently employs 50 people in its two Essex branches and its objective is to grow to 100 staff with addition of two new restaurants within 12 months (sites have been identified and lease negotiations have started). Graham was able to support Georgie with seven hours of business coaching delivered via ZOOM at a time convenient to Georgie.
Positive Intervention
With an ambitious business plan to grow to 10 restaurants within 5 years across the East of England (and to create 220 new jobs), Graham supported Georgie with strategic and tactical advice covering the following:
- A comprehensive review of the existing business plan
- Marketing – the benefits and tactics of creating a GDPR compliant customer database
- How to optimise staff retention
- Developing personal leadership skills
- A strategy to grow the business revenue with Merchandising
As well as the seven hours of 1:1 support, Georgie also had access to the Blueprint for Business portfolio of in-person and virtual workshops, which offered free training to staff. Topics included Business Growth and Sales, Overcoming Business Hurdles and Business Management. Accessibility was key and with workshop locations in Chelmsford, Colchester, Braintree, Maldon and Tendring, as well as a series of 10 virtual workshops, there was ample choice of topics, venues and times.
Outcome
“The sessions with Graham have really validated our plans and added some excellent strategy to the mix. Graham has lots of experience in FMCG and was able to give me some first hand advice of what works and more importantly, what doesn’t work.
We have ambitious growth plans and Blueprint for Business has helped us along the path to creating 220 new jobs.”
Ultimotive Ltd
Background
Ultimotive manufactures car cleaning chemicals in the UK, marketing them worldwide using licensed brand names Turtle Wax, Williams Car Care, Moto GP, Michelin and Stayzon. The car wash and auto detailing market is worth £8.461bn, with an annual growth rate of 2.46%. The sector is responsible for employing 208,000 people worldwide (source IBIS World).
Positive Intervention
Ultimotive was a fast-growing company, whose continued export growth was restricted by a lack of working capital. Graham Broughton, an Essex Innovation mentor, introduced the business to the International Division of the client's bank, and to the Government's UK Export Finance scheme. As a result of UKEF support guarantee, the bank increased their operating facility from a low five-figure to a high six-figure sum.
Outcome
As well as the accolade of the Queen's Award for Enterprise, export sales (accounting for 39% of the company's business), experienced growth of almost 300% in the period 2015-17. Notably, at this critical time for British exports, Ultimotive's global reach is still accelerating. International markets include Australia, Qatar, Turkey, Sweden and Jordan. 2019 will see the company's footprint expand further as it launches exciting new products in Asia.
Having the Williams name at the forefront of the car care sector is important for our brand. Ultimotive's constant innovation of products has enabled the continued success that Ultimotive and Williams have experienced.
The Cheeky Panda
Background
Cheeky Panda is an importer of sustainable tissue paper (made from bamboo pulp). The founders Chris and Julie Forbes (pictured) joined the Essex Innovation Programme as a start-up in March 2016 working with Mentors Graham Broughton and Sarah Brockwell. The company was about to launch a crowdfunding campaign to finance stock acquisition. The company wished to raise brand awareness via PR.
Positive Intervention
During the course of the eight EIP mentor sessions, we carried out the following: completion of a strategic business plan, marketing and PR plan, development of brand, business awards entry, introduction to senior industry buyers as well as advice on ecommerce, IP, trade finance, import and export.
Outcome
As a result of the positive interventions, the company started to immediately turnover revenue, secured private finance, won multiple business awards and currently employs 10 people. New products have been launched and are now on sale in major retailers including Amazon, WH Smiths, Aldi, Morrisons, Ocado and Tesco.
This project was undertaken as part of the Essex Innovation Programme (EIP), funded by Essex County Council. Case Study is published by permission of Essex County Council.
Sky-Pod
Background
Sky-Pod is an Essex based company that designed and developed an innovative tent that is suspended above the ground, rather than staked to the ground. Using military grade fabrics and textiles, its unique structure is based on the experience of a Company Director, who designed combat equipment for the British military. The Sky-Pod allows users to interact with the natural environment and its wildlife, reduces the traditional camping footprint, letting the camper to rise above it all and re-engage with the trees to create unique vantage points and experience new vistas. In addition, the gentle floating motion of the Sky-Pod is therapeutic, allowing users to reset their body clocks while sleeping in the trees.
Positive Intervention
Sky-Pod approached the Essex Innovation Programme for support to develop the product from initial prototype stage through to production manufacture. Innovation and Product Development Mentor John Hawker, worked with the company to oversee creation of component drawings, source manufacture of prototype and production parts, negotiate production costs, review commercial exploitation strategies, and obtain patent and design registration protection.
Outcome
Launched in November 2017 and now a successful business, the Sky-Pod tent is sold internationally through the Sky-Pod website.
This project was undertaken as part of the Essex Innovation Programme (EIP), funded by Essex County Council. Case Study is published by permission of Essex County Council.