The Essex Festival of Business: Building a Greater Essex arrives at Chelmsford City Racecourse on 5 November 2025 — bringing together companies of all sizes from across the region.
Whether you’re attending to network, exhibit, or just explore new opportunities, it’s one of the best chances this year to showcase what your business does.
But before you hand out a single business card or brochure, there’s one thing potential customers will look at first: your website.
Why Your Website Matters Ahead of Local Events
After meeting you at a stand or in a networking chat, people will almost always check out your website to learn more.
That first online impression can be the difference between a quick glance and a new enquiry.
A professional, up-to-date, and local-focused website builds trust, credibility, and makes it easy for people to take the next step — whether that’s getting in touch, booking, or buying.
If it’s been a while since you reviewed your site, this is the perfect time to do it. (You can find tips or get support from local experts in Chelmsford website design.)
1. Show That You’re Local
The Festival of Business celebrates what’s great about Essex and Chelmsford — your website should too.
Simple tweaks like these can make your site feel more relevant and boost local search visibility:
- Mention Chelmsford or Essex naturally in your homepage and “About” section.
- Include photos of local places or your team in familiar Chelmsford settings.
- Highlight your connection to the local community (“Proudly supporting Chelmsford businesses since…”).
These touches help people see that you’re nearby and invested in the same community they are.
2. Make Sure It’s Fast and Mobile-Friendly
Most people at events browse on their phones. If your website is slow or awkward on mobile, they won’t wait around.
Run a quick test:
- Does it load in under three seconds?
- Is your contact info clearly visible on mobile?
- Can users tap to call or message you instantly?
A quick tune-up before the Festival can make a big difference to how visitors perceive your business.
3. Give Visitors a Clear Next Step
Don’t make people guess what to do next. Add a clear call to action that turns curiosity into contact:
- “Book a free consultation”
- “Request a quote”
- “Visit us in Chelmsford”
The easier you make it for people to reach you, the more likely they’ll follow up after the event.
4. Mention the Festival (and Keep It Current)
Even if you’re not exhibiting, adding a quick note such as
We’ll be attending the Essex Festival of Business in Chelmsford – let’s connect!
…instantly makes your site feel fresh and current.
It also gives you something timely to share on social media — and a reason for local visitors to check back.
5. Keep Your Branding Consistent
If you’ve updated flyers, LinkedIn banners, or event materials, make sure your website reflects the same style and message.
Consistency helps visitors recognise your business across platforms and builds confidence in your brand.
In Summary
The Festival of Business is a fantastic reminder of how vibrant Chelmsford’s business community is — and how important it is to look your best both in person and online.
A polished, easy-to-use website shows that your business is modern, credible, and ready to grow.
If you’d like help getting your site event-ready, Essex Web Design Studio can help. We create fast, mobile-friendly websites for local businesses right here in Chelmsford — built to impress at first click.
Based in Chelmsford. Helping Essex businesses shine online.