Welcome to the very last edition of Grapevine for the year, and what a year it’s been. It has been a privilege to share our members’ good news, expertise and accomplishments over the last 12 months. Each edition has been packed full of incredible articles, giving a great snapshot of all the Read More

Holidaymakers searching for a smoother start to their travels may want to look east, because London Southend Airport has emerged as the capital’s most punctual airport, according to new data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.   During the busy July – September 2025 period, 75% of Read More

Southend-based Filmmakers Blatella Films launch a joint short film initiative with Welcome to the UK and The Poetic Sort tomorrow entitled ‘Welcome to Southend’. Blatella Films reached out to The Poetic Sort group who are based in Southend Read More

The run-up to Christmas is often seen as a time when hiring slows down, inboxes go quiet, and companies hit pause until January. But for many employers, the festive season offers one of the most strategic windows of the year to find and secure great talent. If you’re looking to strengthen your Read More

Recently, Gus Burton proudly hosted the inaugural Gala Dinner for his business club, The GBR Collective, at Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat in Mayfair. Held on Thanksgiving Day, the evening was more than a celebration of the club’s success—it Read More

From lifesaving rescues to preventing emergencies before they happen, we are marking a year of progress - responding to more calls for help while strengthening safety and prevention work across our county. Our 2024–25 Annual Report and Fire and Rescue Statement, which has just been published, Read More

Chris Barlow, head of manufacturing at MHA, comments on the recently released S&P PMI data: “The rise in manufacturing PMI to above 50, the first time since September 2024, has certainly come as a welcome surprise, suggesting that there are tentative signs that the sector may be turning Read More

We’re delighted to announce that we have officially been recognised as a Gold Partner of Umbraco CMS. This milestone is far more than a badge - it reflects our deep commitment to the platform, our technical expertise, and our ongoing involvement in one of the world’s most popular open-source content-management systems. What Gold Partnership Read More

This month, c2c Railway honoured driver Alan Mann for his 50 years of service on the railway. At an event at c2c’s Shoeburyness depot, Alan was met by Hannah Watson, c2c Head of Drivers, and Colin North, c2c Driver Depot Manager, with a selection of cakes and sweet treats to celebrate this amazing Read More

Essex residents struggling with cold, inefficient homes will soon benefit from a major new energy efficiency initiative. Essex County Council has secured £6 million from the Government’s Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme, which will be delivered Read More

Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground recently hosted the deeply moving Light up a Life evening together with St Clare Hospice and St Mary’s Church Great Dunmow, bringing together the community to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones. The event, which took place on the evening of Thursday, December 4th, saw families and friends gather Read More

‘What are you doing in my swamp?  The Palace Theatre is pleased to reveal that 2026’s Summer Youth Project (SYP) will be Shrek The Musical. Open to young people aged between 9 and 19 with a passion for performing, cast auditions will be held in April.   The Summer Youth Project Read More

We are proud to announce Farleigh Hospice as the Official Charity Partner for the 2026 Synonymous Sport Raceday. Farleigh Hospice provides compassionate care for adults living with life-limiting illnesses across mid-Essex. Their support extends beyond the patient, offering vital bereavement services Read More

Greater Anglia colleagues from across the network took part in a day of action to raise awareness of violence against women and girls as part of White Ribbon Day on November 25. Teams visited stations and trains across the region to encourage staff and customers to sign the White Ribbon Promise - Read More

Get ready for new employment rights enforcement agency, Azets warns Essex businesses The clock is ticking for Essex firms to get ready for the introduction of the Fair Work Agency (FWA), according to experts from international business and advisory group Azets.   H-J Dobbie and Chris Waterson Read More

A woman who attempted to save the life of her injured neighbour and a man who chased down a motorist who’d almost run over an officer were among nine Essex heroes recognised at the national Police Public Bravery Awards. The awards honour selfless members of the public who have placed themselves Read More

Ellisons has acted for VegTrug Limited, the Colchester-based designer and manufacturer of innovative raised garden products, in the sale of its US subsidiary, VegTrug USA, Inc., to its Japanese parent company, Takasho Co. Ltd. The transaction marks a significant step in VegTrug’s international Read More

Recently, some of the team at McKenzie Arnold participated in a training session with the Essex Police Cyber Security Team.  After the session, Claire Blackwell, Administration Manager, commented: "On behalf of the team at McKenzie Arnold, we would like to sincerely thank the Cyber Security Team from Essex Police for coming Read More

Last month marked the flagship annual Chambers of Commerce Festival of Business which took place at Chelmsford City Racecourse.   The theme this year was “Building a Greater Essex”, and the event was attended by over 1000 delegates representing businesses across the county. The event Read More

London Stansted has secured planning approval to increase its annual passenger limit up to 51 million, unlocking the potential to deliver a wide range of consumer, economic and community benefits over the next 20 years.   Uttlesford District Council Read More

Essex is celebrating the remarkable career of Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Jane Gardner, who retires today after an incredible 43 years of public service and nearly a decade at the PFCC office. Jane joined the PFCC team in 2016, bringing Read More

There are countless amounts of research talking about the importance of taking annual leave, and the effects of not having a break from work. The consequences of not taking a break include low productivity, performance and attendance, as well as health (physical and mental) impacts, fatigue and low motivation. Employers Read More

£50 challenge There is still time to get involved in Farleigh’s £50 Fundraising Challenge which has been extended to 31st March 2026. It is a positive, feel-good way for colleagues to work together and unleash their creativity for a good cause, plus it contributes to corporate Read More

The highly respected co-founder of Fisher Jones Greenwood (FJG), a leading regional law firm and proud member of Lawfront, has welcomed a new era for staff and clients after retiring following four decades at the helm.  Tony Fisher, who founded Read More

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is delighted to announce the opening of its newest charity shop on Canvey Island this December. Located at 39-41 Furtherwick Road, the shop is set to open its doors on 22nd December, just in time for the festive Read More

For 25 years the ‘Father Christmas’ of Essex & Suffolk Water has been collecting presents for underprivileged children. What started out as a small gesture of festive kindness by Dave Lockwood, a customer team manager, has transformed into a quarter of a century commitment to making Read More

Presenting the centenary edition of Tidal Thames News! 🎉 In 2025 Tidal Thames News, as it is currently known, turned 100 years old! We have compiled a special anniversary edition to mark the occasion.   Look back on stories of the tidal Thames from wartime efforts to environment and safety-focused developments.   We hope you enjoy Read More