The Consortium (East) Ltd announced today that it has partnered with the
Supply Chain Academy, part of GB Global, to deliver Essex Works™, a scheme designed to contribute to the
economic development of Greater Essex.
Essex Works™ consists of four expert-led projects supporting residents and businesses across Essex with:
• Job Creation – creating Essex jobs for Essex people
• Digital Skills Development for School Leavers
• King’s Awards for Enterprise – application support for eligible businesses
• SME and Startup Growth Support for Key Business Sectors (Advanced Manufacturing, Construction,
DigiTech, Clean Energy, Visitor Economy, Life Sciences, AgriTech, Advanced Logistics) including
professional education, supply chain consultancy and funded programmes.
At a time when productivity, skills shortages and economic decline remain challenges across the county, Essex
Works™ will play a vital role in strengthening Essex’s economic resilience. SMEs are the backbone of the local
economy, and Essex Works™ will upskill and support businesses to help unlock stalled growth.
Graham Broughton, Director of The Consortium (East) Ltd said: “Essex has enormous untapped economic
potential, with its strategic location, diverse industries and strong entrepreneurial base. Essex Works™ has
been designed to unlock that potential by directly addressing the barriers that hold businesses back particularly
skills gaps, recruitment challenges and access to growth support. We are not just supporting individual
businesses; we are strengthening entire sectors that are critical to Essex’s future, from advanced manufacturing
to clean energy. By connecting local people with real job opportunities, supporting SMEs to scale and helping
ambitious businesses gain national recognition through initiatives like the King’s Awards for Enterprise, Essex
Works™ is about building a stronger, more resilient and more prosperous Essex economy for the long term.”
Alex Mortimer, Director of Supply Chain Academy commented: “The Supply Chain Academy is a leading
provider for SMEs, and Essex Works™ reflects our commitment to delivering practical, high-impact education
that drives real economic outcomes”
.
Tina Wilson, Business lead at Supply Chain Academy noted, “Essex is a county with significant growth potential,
particularly within its key sectors, but that growth depends on having the right skills, infrastructure and support
in place. Working with Essex Works™ will support the local needs. We are proud to be working in partnership
with The Consortium (East) Ltd to deliver a programme that not only supports businesses today but also helps
future-proof Essex’s economy for years to come.”
Applications for the Essex Works Job Creation programme are now open to eligible Essex-based businesses.
It consists of five 1-hour online sessions running from 30 April to 11 June 2026. The programme is fully
funded, so there is no cost to participate. Apply here:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheConsortium2/EssexWorks
Essex-based businesses to benefit from free support with Essex Works™
