Thurrock: Where to Find Council Support for a Local Business

Thurrock is one of ZRKEE's seven council areas, and one where the council's own finances shape what local business support can look like. The council issued a Section 114 notice on 19 December 2022, stating that it could not balance its budget from existing resources that year or the next, according to its published finance page. This guide sticks to what Thurrock Council's business pages say today, and says plainly where they are silent.

Where the council's business pages point

The "Business and licensing" section links to business support, business rates, selling to the council, land and premises for sale or rent, licences, registrations and permits, health and safety, food safety, Trading Standards, business waste and recycling, exporting and filming.

Business support: Business Buzz and one-to-one advice

The Business support page names one scheme, a "Business Buzz" email subscription. The council says it carries "the latest business news, opportunities for grants and free one-to-one advice". The page gives no eligibility rules, dates or direct contact details for the advice, so subscribing and then asking the council is the practical route.

Grants: nothing named locally

The council's business grants page does not describe a specific Thurrock grant. It points to GOV.UK's "Find government grants" and "Finance and support for your business" pages, and to the Start Up Loan, which is a loan rather than a grant. If you hear of a local grant, check it against those official pages before relying on it.

Business rates: what changed from April 2026

• The council's rates page says that from 1 April 2026 there is no Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief. It records that this was announced in the Budget of 26 November 2025. In 2025/26 the relief was 40%, capped at £110,000 per business.
• For 2026/27 the page lists new multipliers, including a small business retail, hospitality and leisure multiplier of 38.2p and a standard one of 43.0p for eligible properties under £500,000 rateable value.
• The Supporting Small Business scheme is extended for one year into 2026/27 for eligible occupied properties.
• Contact for rates queries: 01375 652 960 or [email protected].

The council's page contains some typing slips in its figures, so confirm amounts with the council or GOV.UK before budgeting.

Where to start

• Food business? Start with food safety and Trading Standards.
• Opening or changing premises? Check licences and permits, and land and premises.
• Worried about your rates bill? Contact the business rates team and ask which relief applies to you.

Find Thurrock's independents

ZRKEE lists 31 verified Thurrock businesses across 28 categories, from care and childcare to electricians, tool hire, leisure and food.