The NEEB link helps prisoners at HMP Chelmsford build business skills before release
Entrepreneurship is being used as a rehabilitation tool at HMP Chelmsford, where prisoners about to be released took part in a business start-up workshop presented by NEEB Link.
The session focused on helping participants see self-employment as a realistic and direct way to return to society, equipping them with the confidence, knowledge and practical skills needed to start and run a small business after release.
Designed to be accessible and practical, this workshop covers the basics of building a business, including developing a business idea, choosing the right business structure, understanding customers and pricing, basic marketing principles, and where to find free help, training and financing.
Delivered by Sarah Brockwell as part of the NEEB Link programme, the session also highlighted the extensive fully funded funding available to budding entrepreneurs across North Essex. This includes access to mentors, co-working spaces, networking opportunities, digital tools and funding.
Participants were introduced to practical, modern business tools like the NEEB app, free business planning tools, marketing platforms like Canva, and AI tools including ChatGPT, helping to eliminate technical knowledge and showing how digital tools can support small businesses from day one.
Feedback from prisoners has been very positive, with all participants saying they would recommend the workshop to others. One attendee described it as “very insightful and informative”, particularly praising the guidance on charities and CICs, funding options, guidance and the range of tools available to support new businesses.
Staff at HMP Chelmsford have also welcomed the initiative, praising its relevance and accessibility, and have invited the NEEB Link team to return in February to deliver a workshop focusing specifically on self-employment.
Councilor Ivan Henderson, chairman of the North Essex Economic Board, said the plan reflected a wider commitment to inclusive growth and opportunity.
“The North Essex Economic Board is committed to inclusive growth and creating opportunities for everyone in our communities,” he said. “Supporting regeneration through business is a powerful way to help people build a sustainable future and make a positive contribution to society.”
NEEB Link runs until 31 March 2026 and is an initiative of the North Essex Economic Board, fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Created and delivered by The Consortium (East) Ltd, the program provides free networking events, workshops and resources to help people start and grow businesses across Chelmsford, Braintree, Colchester, Epping Forest and Maldon.
By delivering targeted workshops in settings such as HMP Chelmsford, NEEB Link continues to demonstrate how business support can play a vital role in regeneration, social mobility and long-term economic participation.
