The Association embraces all commercial sectors and currently includes manufacturers, retailers, professional services, transport and logistics operators, leisure groups, construction firms and petrochemical companies amongst others. Although the Business Association is business-led and dominated by private sector companies Membership is also open to public and

voluntary sector groups who work directly with businesses. Consequently Business Link, the East of England Development Agency and various educational bodies are full Association Members and any similar organisations are welcome. The Association is also open to firms of any size, from vast multinationals to small local firms. We believe that every company will benefit from Membership regardless of their size.

Members of the Association receive access to all four Action Groups as well as to bi-annual meetings of the full Business Association. Full details of all these Groups are available here whilst agendas and minutes of meetings are available on the ‘News and Features’ section of this site.

The Action Groups are the focussed core of the Association, aiming to devise projects and deliver results. Full Association meetings involve a range of interesting presentations and are very well attended by key commercial figures from across Thurrock, consequently they represent exceptional networking opportunities.

Seminars are also regularly arranged offering Business Association Members access to various external groups and information sources. Additionally plans are being developed for a regular Business Association Newsletter for Members.

Membership costs £200 per year (plus VAT) - smaller businesses can apply for a concessionary discount - and is company rather than individual-based. Consequently once a company has joined any representative of the firm can be nominated to attend particular meetings.

The Business Association is always looking for new Members, both ambitious small firms and large businesses interested in getting involved with the exciting changes going on in Thurrock. All inquiries and feedback are very welcome and should be directed to the Business Association Secretariat on 01375 374362 or info@tlea.org.uk