A practical, lasting guide to keeping money moving so local firms stay solvent through quiet weeks and busy seasons alike Cashflow is not the same as profit. A firm can…
What’s in the box: Bill and Bert’s wins national gift retail award
Colchester’s Sir Isaac’s Walk independent gift shop turns social media unboxing into a national prize, after years of drawing shoppers from across the country. On Sir Isaac’s Walk, Bill and…
Lily & Fern, West Bergholt: florist and creative studio on Colchester Road
Wedding, funeral and event floristry, workshops and a walk-in shop, trading as LILY & FERN LIMITED under director Lisa Anne Doonan. Lily & Fern is a florist and creative studio…
The Barn, Stanway: family garden centre and café on Turkey Cock Lane
Plants, gardenalia and a refurbished café at the Stanway site opened in 1986, now run by Richard and Rachel Doubleday under THE BARN PLANT & GARDEN CENTRE LIMITED. The Barn…
Colchester Business Awards voting closes Thursday 17 September
Eight days left to cast a public vote before the cut-off, with the Town Hall ceremony still ahead Public voting for the Colchester Business Awards 2026 closes on Thursday 17…
Essex SMEs face a cooler vacancies market, with verified hiring support still open
UK vacancies edged lower again in the May to July period, while the East of England still posts the highest regional employment rate. ONS does not publish regional vacancy counts.…
High-street footfall still soft as Colchester rateable values reset
National BRC-Sensormatic data show August footfall down on a year ago, with England weaker than the UK average. Valuation Office figures for the 2026 revaluation give a verified Colchester rateable-value…
Sterling steadier in July, but import prices still elevated for Colchester stockists
The Bank of England’s sterling effective exchange rate strengthened on the month in July, and ONS import-price inflation cooled from June’s peak. Local retailers and manufacturers should still plan on…
How to use Colchester’s awards and networking season without wasting hours
A practical guide for Essex firms on when local awards are worth entering, how to spend networking time, and when to decline the invite. Autumn in Colchester and across Essex…
Premises insurance basics for Colchester shops and workshops
What local traders should review with a broker before the next renewal For independent shops and workshops in Colchester, premises insurance is less about chasing the cheapest quote and more…