Make Your Market Win Start Up Business of the Year at the 2024 Rochford District Business Awards!

Backing Essex Business, proud sponsors of the Start Up Business of the Year award at this years Rochford District Business Awards, are pleased to announce the winner of the prestigious award are Make Your Market!

After an exciting run up, the winners of each award category from this years Rochford District Business Awards were revealed at the awards ceremony at The Rayleigh Club in Rayleigh. The awards, hosted by Rochford District Council and sponsored by Toomey Motor Group, attracted businesses from all over the district and from a wide variety of sizes and sectors – giving just a small taste of the diverse blend of businesses in the area.

The Start Up Business of the Year award, sponsored by Backing Essex Business, part of the Let’s Do Business Group, highlights one particular organisation that has shown exceptional entrepreneurial spirit since their inception; overcoming challenges in their journey to launch and growing, driving local economic growth and impact in their sector and the local community. Shortlisted for the award this year were three businesses – Make Your Market (Rochford branch), The Little Dining Club and the Business Innovation Group (BIG).

After tough deliberation, at the Rayleigh Club on Thursday 29th February, Make Your Market was awarded first place and named as the Start Up Business of the Year!

Formerly Rochford Teenage Market, Make Your Market showcases small businesses and performers - created by The Design Cabin Community C.I.C, Make Your Market since launching has also expanded into Brentwood and Castlepoint – lifting up small businesses and performers locally, and giving them support on how to run their small businesses effectively. Regularly running events, they offer free space for makers to display their art, creations and crafts to reach a wider audience – providing a vital mode of support to small businesses that struggle to get themselves seen.

Backing Essex Business are honoured to have been part of the Rochford District Awards this year, and delighted to have sponsored the Start Up Business of the Year award which shines a light on Rochford as a district that is a welcoming first home for new and growing businesses.

Here’s to next year!

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