The North Essex Economic Board (NEEB) is a dynamic partnership of local authorities focused on driving sustainable economic growth and development in the North Essex region. Through innovation, investment, and improved infrastructure, members, Braintree, Colchester, Chelmsford, Maldon, Tendring, Uttlesford, Epping Forest District Councils and Essex County Council are working together to empower businesses, support entrepreneurship, develop skills, and enhance residents' quality of life. By leveraging resources and expertise, it aims to build resilient communities and create a region of opportunity for future generations.
2019
NEEB Inception
Local authority partners agreed to develop an economic strategy that would articulate the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of the North Essex economic corridor.
The Board acknowledged that businesses are not defined by their district boarders and so a joined up approach would be beneficial to boost economic growth.
The motivation for the project was cross-district collaboration to better support economic growth throughout North Essex.
2020
Covid Recovery Support for Businesses
Towards the end of 2020, the local authority partners agreed to allocate 10% of their Additional Restrictions Grant (Covid) funding to a coordinated programme of activity stretching across North and Mid Essex, focussing initially on business support and skills development.
The projects main goal was to support businesses by providing fully funded business support from industry specialists, and to provide opportunities for businesses and individuals to develop and learn new skills to build success.
2021
Funding Secured
From 2021 each of the District and City Councils allocated a percentage of funding for this new and exciting project.
The collective pot amounted to over £1.6m to spend on joint project commissioning and delivery across the partnered districts within North Essex.
2022
Business and Skills Support Programmes Developed
In 2022 links with business support and skills development partners were established to begin the delivery of the projects mission and aims.
2023
NEEB Strategy Development
Working with Henham Strategy NEEB has developed a new strategy ‘Delivering For North Essex’ due to be launched later in 2023.
Braintree, Colchester, Tendring, Chelmsford and Maldon councils committed up to 10% of their revenue allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) across years 2 (2023/2024) and year 3 (2024/2025) for the continuation of the NEEB Project.
In June 2023 a new NEEB tenure to develop and provide Business Support in line with NEEB’s strategic aims was awarded to Let’s Do Business Group.
In October 2023 Epping Forest District Council Joined NEEB.
Our Future Plans
Longer-term the partnership is committed to promoting wider economic growth across the sub-region. A new strategy for the NEEB area has been commissioned and is currently under development.
Longer-term the partnership is committed to promoting wider economic growth across the sub-region. A new strategy for the NEEB area has been commissioned and is currently underway.
Through a series of workshops and developmental sessions we aim to announce the new strategic vision and mission very soon. Check back soon to find out more. Alternatively, please follow us on LinkedIn.
Our Team
Who is Involved?
NEEB is made up of Braintree, Maldon, Tendring, Uttlesford, and Epping Forest district councils, Colchester and Chelmsford city councils, and Essex County Council – each authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form the NEEB partnership.
Additional Support
Alongside our board, NEEB is supported by economic growth team officers from each partner council.
Additionally, the programme is supported by a dedicated Programme Manager to co-ordinate and manage day-to-day NEEB activities and a new Communications Lead to support NEEB’s move into this next phase of development.
Contact Us
To get in touch with us you can complete the contact form below, or alternatively directly contact the Programme Manager at NEEB@braintree.gov.uk | www.neeb.org.uk