Inspired by the Olympics? Here in Southend on Sea we are lucky enough to have a diverse selection of clubs and organisations, and with the school holidays underway and Olympic fever gripping the nation what better time to get into training for 2020?!

It can sometimes be difficult to stay positive with daily talk of recession and a shrinking economy. However, there is an immense amount of help and advice available for both new and established businesses in Southend to ensure our local economy thrives.

Essex remains one of the safest counties in the UK but that doesn’t mean we can afford to become complacent, particularly during the holiday season.

thebestof Southend is delighted to announce some radical and exciting new developments, all designed to maximise your online business exposure and significantly raise your profile and profitability.

Are you a young internet savvy entrepreneur just starting out in business, a self confessed technophobe with an established company, or somewhere in between? The Internet has revolutionised the way we market business, and it pays to keep up to speed.

Are you ready? There’s less than a week until we finally get to see the Olympic torch, alight and in all its glory being proudly carried through our town by some of the most inspirational members of our community.

Our firefighters do a fantastic job but as they feel compelled to take action over cuts to the service, now may be a good time to raise awareness of fire safety and the measures we can take to ensure the only things charred at the BBQ are the sausages

On 1st June, Essex Police began their Anti Drink Drive Campaign in earnest. Designed to coincide with the Jubilee Celebrations and the European Football Championships, it is already showing signs of success.

As we are awash with leftover bunting, royal masks, plastic corgis and Union Jack emblazoned teddies, t-shirts and tablecloths - is there anything in there worth hanging on to for more than just posterity?

Are you utilising networking as an integral part of your marketing strategy? If not, why? thebestof #Southend gives the lowdown on the benefits of networking.