Title

ECONOMIC GROWTH

£50k business grants

Rochford DC has handed out £50,000 in grants to local businesses in a bid to help boost economic growth in the district.

Rochford DC has handed out £50,000 in grants to local businesses in a bid to help boost economic growth in the district.

The money was secured from the Business Southend growth hub and went to a variety of local companies and social enterprises.

‘The money will be spent on some practical initiatives, such as expanding workshops and office areas, and building an optimised website,' said portfolio holder for enterprise, Cllr Mike Steptoe.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Councils must prove their relevance

By Barry Quirk | 21 October 2026

As the sector awaits the arrival of a devolution White Paper expected to contain a blueprint for shifting power from the centre, this week The MJ is launchin...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Strategic authorities: Staying off the ropes

By Dan Peters | 29 September 2026

Dan Peters assesses Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority’s progress under mayor Luke Campbell, and asks how new strategic authorities can get off to a ...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

MJ Regeneration: A Budget to build from

By David Blackman | 17 September 2026

Chancellor John Healey’s commitment to regional economic growth predates the Burnham Government by about 30 years, says David Blackman. His Budget will need ...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Dealing with LGR limbo

By Neil Merrick | 15 September 2026

Councils face renewed uncertainty over staffing, finances, contracts and long-term planning as ministers review local government reorganisation. Neil Merrick...

-->