>meet the colchester ambassadors.

How would you best describe your organisation and its values?

Ingleton Wood LLP is a building design consultancy with six offices, the largest of which is in Colchester. We strongly believe that having a local presence in the communities we serve allows us to provide a better service and our staff to have a good work / life balance. 

When did your organisation begin and how has it evolved? 

Ingleton Wood started as a small building surveying practice in Shenfield in the 1950s and has grown organically to a team of almost 200 people. We have been multidisciplinary – representing all aspects of building design and property services – for some 20 years, growing our disciplines and our staff numbers. The practice is managed by seven partners who between them represent our biggest disciplines of building surveying, architecture and mechanical and electrical engineering. The partners are now supported by a very strong practice management team and a dedicated senior staff body. 

How big is your organisation now?

We now employ over 180 people with, at the time of writing, 52 in Colchester.

How do you see your organisation evolving over the next five years?

We opened our fifth office in Cambridge three years ago and this brought structural engineering into our practice. After a period of consolidation and general growth in all five offices, we are actively looking for the next location to build our coverage.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based organisation?

Our Colchester office is very successful for many reasons. The location is key; we not only have a strong local economy, supporting public and private sector clients, but great road and rail access to London, Kent and the Midlands. Our partners and employees love living in and around a town which is very family friendly, with a breadth of educational opportunities for their children right the way through to university. 

What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

Traffic and transport is an emotive subject in Colchester! Perhaps victims of our own success, we suffer the usual issues with parking and travel times at peak hours. Whilst the centre of the town is quite compact, the region as a whole is large, and dependency on the car is high. Many members of staff do not live within walking or even cycling distance of work and public transport links are erratic and often expensive. 

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for business and for the town generally?

Ingleton Wood work with many local businesses and organisations – schools, contractors, housing developers – both social and private – and expansion means construction activity which is always an opportunity at whatever scale. Development of property portfolios by key landowners such as the University of Essex, Colchester Garrison and Colchester Institute benefit the town in terms of aesthetics, employment and business opportunities. Sustainable growth will result in a town which continues to be a great place to live, work and bring up a family.

What do you see as the most important focus for Colchester’s future and why?

Colchester will continue to grow because it has so much going for it and therefore the most important thing is joined up thinking. We need housing, employment opportunities, transport infrastructure fit for the future as well as an approach to the environment and sustainability which must be second to none. It is simply not possible to prioritise any one of these because the interrelationships are too great.

How would you best describe your organisation and it values?

Newman Commercial are an independent firm of property consultants based in Colchester with a specific emphasis on providing all our clients a personal, professional and pro-active service.

When did your organisation begin and how has it evolved to date?

Newman Commercial was formed in March 1996 and from small beginnings evolved to become one of Colchester’s leading commercial property consultancies. In August 2017 Newman Commercial merged with the Fenn Wright Group to provide an even greater width of professional services we can offer.

How big is the organisation now?

There are over 140 staff actively involved in residential, commercial and professional property advice within the Fenn Wright Group of companies it makes us one of the largest and most diverse property consultancies within the region.

How do you see your organisation evolving over the next five years?

We expect to see the company expand into other areas within Essex and Suffolk with the aim to become the largest property advisor within the area.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based organisation?

Colchester offers the ideal location from which to run our business as it is centrally located within Essex and Suffolk with excellent access to London, Stansted Airport, the east coast ports and the national motorway network.

What are the biggest challenges for businesses in Colchester?

Managing growth in a sustained way. We need to see continued investment in the transport infrastructure in particular, in order to make ease of movement a priority for businesses.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for business and for the town generally?

With Colchester being one of the fastest growing areas within the UK, businesses will benefit from a large local catchment of highly qualified personnel capable of working within their businesses.

Which of the four key themes promoted by Colchester Ambassadors is the most important to you and why?

They are all equally important as we need to have a vibrant town to attract the most talented and skilled workers, in order to support our businesses and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit.

How would you best describe Mersea Homes and its values?

Mersea Homes is a regional residential developer delivering high quality homes that will stand the test of time.

Who started Mersea Homes and when; how has it evolved to date?

The business was started by my grandfather in 1947 as a small building contractor. Over the 50+ years it has now evolved into a well respected residential developer carrying out schemes of all sizes including large urban extension for thousands of homes.

How big is Mersea Homes now?

We provide jobs for over 150 skilled tradesmen and professionals and have built thousands of houses in the region.

How do you see Mersea Homes evolving over the next 5 years?

We wish to continue building the business year on year but without compromise to quality.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based business?

Colchester is a fantastic place to operate due to its strong economic track record, geographical location and infrastructure making it a growth location. When you put all this together it makes it an exciting, aspirational place to live and bring up a family, so the future is bright.

What are the biggest challenges for your business in Colchester?

Ensuring the increasingly hard battle of building new strategic infrastructure to accommodate growth, as well as overcoming existing deficiencies. Making sure that education and training is directed to all parts of the construction industry so that the skilled work force needed will be readily available.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for both Mersea Homes and for the town generally?

Being a house builder, growth obviously means that people need good quality homes to live in which, if we do our job well, will ensure we can continue to thrive.

Of the 4 themes promoted by Colchester Ambassadors, which is the most important to you and why?

Creating Capital in Colchester. If Colchester is successful in doing this, it will ensure that it is a place where people want to live and grow, which will in turn mean that necessary skills and investment will occur. In my view we cannot standstill, the world is changing and we need to adapt to ensure we are ahead of the game.

How would you best describe Bartech Marine Engineering and its values?

The core values of Bartech emanate from our family ownership, and are to work in partnerships, providing the highest quality and service whilst continuously improving. We apply this philosophy as diesel engine specialists working in the oil and gas, marine, power generation, nuclear and locomotive industries. The structure of the business means we are able to work with some of the world’s biggest companies, overseas navies and national railways, but always with a flexible, responsive, personalised service.

Who started Bartech Marine Engineering and when; how has it evolved to date?

The business was started in 1987 utilising the extensive diesel engine knowledge of my father-in-law, Gerald, which began in 1966 as an apprentice, then a service engineer for Paxmans, the famous Colchester diesel engine producer. He was joined by his wife Jane, who’s experience as a legal secretary was invaluable in establishing the administrative procedures and templates vital for any professional company. There are now five shareholders, all of whom are family members, who have continued to grow the business, taking on several major multi-engine maintenance contracts and representing major engine brands MTU, Moteurs Baudouin and Bosch.

How big is Bartech Marine Engineering now?

Bartech employs 23 staff, operating with a current turnover of £3million out of our dedicated 1,700m² workshop.

How do you see Bartech Marine Engineering evolve further over the next five years?

We are entering into more long-term maintenance contracts with blue chip companies which means we can provide increased benefits for our clients and more stability for ourselves. This will continue to grow across more sectors. Also, we are in discussions aimed at forming the right partnerships to develop our market in both the UK and overseas.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based business?

Companies like Paxman Diesels and Colchester Lathes have ensured a very strong engineering heritage in Colchester, which has continued with many ex-army engineers in the area. This army history has also given an underlying strength of respect, discipline and community.

As a location, Colchester provides easy access to engines in use as standby generators in London as well as many marine applications around the East Anglian coastline. 

What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

I would like to see further support and promotion of engineering in the town. With such a strong heritage, this should be celebrated and encouraged to continue. I want to see more recognition of our past achievements in the hope that young people become passionate about a career in it.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for both Bartech Marine Engineering and for the town generally?

With the growth of the town, we see its profile overseas increasing, creating more opportunities for overseas investment and business expansion locally and abroad. Further business growth will result in more employment and local development.

Of the four themes promoted by Colchester Ambassadors, which is the most important to you and why?

‘No Better Place for Your Family and Business to Live and Grow’. Whilst running a local business, it is important that I can continue to grow the company, providing local employment and contributing to the local economy. As a father of two, my priority is to give my children the support they need to develop and would look to Colchester to continue to expand its current offerings, to facilitate both.

How would you best describe Barkley Projects and its values?

Barkley Projects is a commercial and residential property development company which aims to produce a high-quality product with a personal touch.

Who started Barkley Projects and when, how has it evolved to date?

Barkley Projects was started in 2003 to work alongside a large regional building contractor. It has since evolved and undertakes all kinds of property work. It partners with other businesses and has a portfolio of rental properties. 

How big is Barkley Projects now?

There are 2 partners, but numbers actually working for us depends on the developments we are doing as we employ many Contractors. 

How do you see Barkley Projects evolving over the next 5 years?

We will continue to develop individual sites which is most likely to be housing projects. However, we will continue to look out for commercial opportunities as well, with view to increasing our portfolio of property.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based business?

Colchester is an up and coming place. It is has a feel near enough to the benefits of London but without the hugely expensive housing prices. The substantial growth in the area creates excellent opportunities, and business networks in the area are strong. Rail networks are also improving, which will have a big impact on the town. Likewise, the knowledge and use of technology makes the town a real hub for business. 

What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

There could be more focus on the town centre with proper investment to make it a place to attract more visitors. Having a pedestrianised High Street, even for part of the day, would go a long way towards this. Also, in the long term, the widening of the A12 which although may initially cause a traffic challenge will then create benefits which most certainly outweigh this, making access in to Colchester and surrounding areas easier and quicker.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for both Barkley Projects and for the town generally?

For us, growth allows us to re-develop more sites for housing and to look for more commercial opportunities. With the town’s fast expansion also brings the benefit of attracting a wider range of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. 

Of the 4 themes promoted by Colchester Ambassadors, what is the most important to you and why?

No Better Place for Your Family and Business to Live and Grow. Colchester is a great place for families. It has a rich heritage with beautiful countryside, including the famous Constable Country, on the doorstep. Plus, if we can develop the town centre we will create an attractive and safe environment for local families to enjoy as well as encouraging more visitors.

How would you best describe CGN Restaurants Ltd – McDonalds Franchisee and its values?

A big brand franchise which is a people-business dedicated to its customers.

Who started CGN Restaurants Ltd –McDonalds Franchisee and when, how has it evolved to date?

I moved to Colchester four years ago. Prior to that I had a franchise in London, but I sold up and moved here and took over the three existing McDonalds restaurants. In 2015 I identified then opened a 4th branch, near to the Stadium.

How big is CGN Restaurants Ltd – McDonalds Franchisee now?

There are 4 branches, 3 of which are drive-through. I employ 520 staff, with 48 managers and a senior team of 10.

How do you see CGN Restaurants Ltd – McDonalds Franchisee evolve further over the next 5 years?

I feel there’s room for another out of town restaurant/drive-through. Branches will be refurbished and mobile ordering will evolve. Despite out of town growth, I would not want to close the High Street branch unless, due to rent and rates, I had to.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based business?

There is fantastic energy in the town. It’s growing rapidly. There’s a great sense of community and of giving back to the community through clubs, volunteering and giving to charities. There are schemes like COLBAC (Colchester Business Against Crime) where businesses work with the Police to fight crime. In fact, last year Colchester got Purple Flag Status, accredited to towns that are diverse, enjoyable and safe town at night.

 What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

Traffic control and congestion and road networks. The volume of new people to the town can create issues but that’s a good problem to have.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for both CGN Restaurants Ltd – McDonalds Franchisee and for the town generally?

Extra custom. I have seen a lot of change in my 4 years here. The growth makes the town an exciting place to be. Bring it on.

Of the 4 key themes being promoted by Colchester Ambassadors, which is the most important to you and why?

No Better Place for Your Family and Business to Live and Grow.

How would you best describe Colchester Institute and its values?

Colchester Institute is a provider of education and skills to all sectors of the community from entry to degree level, offering full and part time learning to all age groups. We support the economic wellbeing of the community by providing to individuals the skills, knowledge and attitudes to secure, and then succeed in, employment and by providing to employers, a pipeline of skilled and qualified employees.

Colchester Institute puts the success and wellbeing of students and a positive student experience at the core of its values. It sets high expectations of all involved and aims for excellence in everything. The College values equality, diversity and respect and recognises the need to break down barriers to success.

Who started Colchester Institute and when, how has it evolved to date?

Colchester Institute, formerly known as North East Essex Technical College, opened in 1954. In the 1970s, following structural changes, it became known as Colchester Institute. In May 2016, permission was granted to deliver the Higher Education (degree provision) element of our work under the banner of ‘University Centre Colchester’.

 How big is Colchester Institute now?

There are approximately 11,000 student enrolments every year of which around 44% are 16-19 year olds in full time Further Education, 20% are apprentices and 13% are studying at degree level. The remainder are adults on mainly part-time programmes, some of which are fully funded by the government.

The College’s turnover is approximately £40million and there are almost 1500 full and part time staff.

How do you see Colchester Institute evolving over the next 5 years?

Growing the provision of skills and focusing on skills priorities in line with employer and local economic needs, in particular, providing the skills needed to support local plans. These include the growth in housing locally and regionally and opportunities related to the upgrade of the road and rail infrastructure as well as large-scale off shore and nuclear energy projects.

Construction and engineering skills will be vital to these. Additionally, the acute need for skills in the health and care sectors as well as in creative and digital media creates a huge demand which we must support. We anticipate growth in apprenticeships (with a larger volume of students choosing this route as opposed to full time study at all levels). The government’s proposals to develop T Levels (Technical Levels) will require us to provide more substantial work placement opportunities to full-time students than is currently the case.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based organisation?

• The College benefits from the good relationships that exist in the town with schools and other education providers.
• The highly respected University of Essex, our partner University, is located in the town and as such, our degree students can access many of the University’s resources in addition to our own.
• The diverse range of employers who engage with Colchester Institute as their skills provider.
• The pro-active Borough Council.
• The town’s proximity to London and to major ports and airports.

 What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

For us, challenges come from the fact that the town does not have a distinct predominant business sector, and there are relatively few large organisations in the borough. This means, as a skills provider, the engagement is with many different small and medium sized organisations.

The current unreliable road infrastructure, especially the A12 and A120, makes travel between our sites in Tendring, Colchester and Braintree unpredictable.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for both Colchester Institute and for the town generally?

Expansion is good for students as they can see the opportunities that new and different businesses in the town can bring in relation to employment opportunities.

The growth is exciting. There will be opportunities for new partnerships with businesses which will lead to further opportunities for work experience and for apprenticeships – a great way of providing skills training to people of all ages.

Nationally, there is likely to be an increase in the demand for a wide range of  skills once, post-Brexit, labour and skills cannot so easily be imported from abroad.

Of the 4 key themes being promoted by the Colchester Ambassadors, which is the most important to you and why?

To me they are all important and they stand together to make Colchester great, but if I had to choose one, it would be ‘Creating Capital in Colchester’. Colchester Institute’s mission is to deliver first-class education, professional development and technical skills training to develop careers and strengthen the local economy.

The strategic plan from 2017 to 2020 contains five priorities – the second of which is to ‘play a greater role in driving local and regional economic growth’. We’re excited about the very real contribution we can make to this ambitious and fast growing Borough.

How would you best describe your organisation and its values?

Park City is an award-winning provider of outsourced Human Resources, Health and Safety Consultancy and Training and Development services, enabling businesses to improve, develop and flourish from a best practice compliance foundation to commercial solution-driven employment relations management.

People are at the heart of our organisation working collaboratively creating innovative solutions for our clients with our service delivery model based on face to face trusted relationships. We genuinely seek to become an extension of our client’s organisation.

When did your organisation begin and how has it evolved to date?

Park City was founded by Juliet Price in 1997 and is a pioneer in the field of outsourcing. Our mission has been to create organisations with engaged, well trained staff all working towards a common goal. We employ professional staff who enjoy a supportive environment with shared learning and knowledge passed between colleagues.

How big is the organisation now?

Park City started out as a Human resources service provider to local Colchester clients and has expanded significantly to now deliver services across East Anglia, the South East and exclusive London brands also. With 20+ staff Park City has grown organically over the last 20 years and expanded its services to include Chartered Management Institute, CMI level 3, 5 and 7 training courses.

How do you see your organisation evolving over the next 5 years?

Park City are leading the way locally in the field of Leadership and Management Development being the only Company in Colchester offering Level 3-7 Diplomas. Workplace well-being and Employee Engagement are key over the next 5 years. Developing the Leaders of the future is our mission and Health and Safety has more focus on the practical elements of management and monitoring as well as the compliance framework. “It’s all about what you do not what you say you do”.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based organisation?

Juliet Price, our MD, was for many years a member of the Boadicea Ladies Network in Colchester and group of Leading Business Women Entrepreneurs in Colchester. Colchester certainly develops leading business women in addition to supporting our initial growth from a diverse range of businesses available in Colchester and the surrounding area; today it offers great links to major towns and cities in the South East and London via the rail network, all important areas for client development.

What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

Workplace well-being and Employee Engagement are key over the next 5 years. Staff retention will also increase in its importance as will the restructuring potential of the labour market because of the continued increase in automation and AI technology, we are well placed to manage this transition for businesses. Continued management and leadership development underpinning retention as the job market increases and opportunities for staff to move an alternative employer as business growth continues. We may also continue to experience skills shortages thus increasing the need for internal training and development strategies.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for business and for the town generally?

It is important to retain the excellent business network and sense of community all working together for the greater good. Increased housing will increase footfall to the benefit of retail and leisure, business will benefit from a growing labour market and with excellent Schools, Colchester institute and Essex University, the potential for highly skilled and available staff is a real benefit. Our digital infrastructure and creative industry sector, already identified as a significant contributor, can only continue to flourish against a background of growth.

What do you see as the most important focus for Colchester’s future and why?

It is important to identify with the history and heritage of Colchester, it is Britain’s oldest recorded town and we are very proud of our heritage whilst also looking forward and to be a fast moving, agile, forward looking and innovative town ………..our mission should be to be the best location to live, work, play, invest and learn in the UK.

Growth will stretch existing infrastructure networks in the short term, particularly roads; a more radical and innovative solution is required to complement park and ride to shorten journey times across and through the town. Time for autonomous travel vehicles or pods to move in, a la Milton Keynes.

How would you best describe your organisation and its values?

Mosaic is a progressive, innovation-led integrated marketing agency, at the forefront of digital marketing trends when it comes to website development and content. We also have a training division, Mosaic Media Training. Most of our clients are entrepreneurial in ethos and our remit is to make their ideas come to life.

When did your organisation begin and how has it evolved to date?

Mosaic launched in Colchester in 2000 after its directors left the BBC. It began as a traditional PR and marketing agency but has transformed over the years to embrace digital technology. CEO Karen Ainley has a masters degree in digital marketing and runs the CIM Digital Strategy course in the area for the Academy for Marketing.

How big is the organisation now?

Mosaic has a 12-strong team, supported by a number of associates, and works with clients all over the UK, delivering integrated marketing strategies, creating websites, videos and content, running PR campaigns, managing events and designing a full range of marketing collateral, and more.

How do you see your organisation evolving over the next 5 years?

Mosaic always has its eye on the future and, because it is also a training organisation, is committed to ensuring its own team remain fully up-to-date in all relevant technologies, through the company’s in-house Mosaic Academy. Our ambition is to continue to grow organically, both in terms of staff and clients and we remain committed to staying in Colchester, where we see numerous opportunities for the future.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based organisation?

Colchester has become a leading player in the creative and digital sector in the region and we are proud to play an active role in the Creative Colchester community. Our CEO Karen regularly attends the Creative Colchester committee meetings. This gives us the advantage of understanding the many opportunities that are available to our own digital community, through investment in broadband, collaborating with specialists locally or taking advantage of the opportunities being offered through partnerships with the University of Essex. As a company, we also benefit from the great transport links, being close to the railway station and the A12, as many of our clients are based across the UK.

What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

Any growing town faces the same challenges, particularly traffic congestion caused through housing growth. As long as investment follows in infrastructure – such as roads and rail, health and education, the town will maintain its position as one of the most charming places in the eastern region for people to live and to grow their businesses.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for business and for the town generally?

The great thing about Colchester is that it is full of entrepreneurs who have ‘made it’ – and although we are growing, there is incredible camaraderie and excellent networking opportunities which encourage people to trade with each other and to share skills, knowledge and experience. 

What do you see as the most important focus for Colchester’s future and why?

Colcheter needs to remain entrepreneurial to stay ahead of the game. It’s one of our strongest USPs and provides opportunities to create jobs and wealth, which are then reinvested into the local community.

How would you best describe your organisation and its values?

The University of Essex is dedicated to exploring new ways of thinking, and putting our ideas into practice to improve the world around us. We’re proud to be Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2017 and ranked 22nd in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide (TGUG 2017). We’re committed to excellence in teaching and excellence in research and we deliver these commitments by valuing inclusivity, partnership and creativity.

When did your organisation begin and how has it evolved to date?

We were founded in 1964 with the dual mission of conducting research at the cutting-edge of innovation and technology, and preparing graduates to meet the challenges of the modern world. This mission remains at the heart of everything we do and we’re constantly evolving to meet the challenges of today and the future. We aim to support our students to fulfil their potential as individuals within our truly global community, and we deliver research which helps improve people’s lives in the UK and around the world. We’re proud of our top 15 ranking (for the fifth year running) in the National Student Survey, and to be the 15th most international university in the world (Times Higher Education April 2017).

How big is the organisation now?

The University is home to over 13,000 students and we’re a major regional employer with  more than 2,100 staff. We contribute over £500million each year to the East of England economy, with an economic impact of £478m in Colchester alone. Our students come from more than 140 countries, with over a third from outside the UK. This makes us the most international mainstream university in the UK outside London.

How do you see your organisation evolving over the next five years?

We’re just starting work on developing our next strategic plan for the period 2019 to 2025. This will focus on driving forward research and innovation to meet emerging challenges, and ensuring that our graduates have the skills and capabilities they will need for the future. We will be building on the success of our existing strategic plan which has seen us make incredible progress so far towards our target of 50% growth by 2019. At the same time we’ve significantly expanded our academic staff numbers and we’re investing substantially in our facilities.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based organisation?

We want to help make Colchester a world-class knowledge borough at the forefront of the digital revolution. We’re fortunate to have strong partnerships with organisations and businesses that share our huge ambitions for Colchester and the wider region. We’re working closely with businesses, industry, leading sector organisations, local authorities, and economic growth partnerships to realise our aims by enabling access to the right facilities, business support, and R&D innovation expertise.,

What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

Colchester is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit: as well as hosting some large businesses, it is home to a high volume of small-scale freelancers and microbusinesses. These businesses typically face barriers of scale that inhibit productivity and growth. This is one of the reasons why we have invested significantly in connectivity and business clusters, on the University’s Knowledge Gateway and at the Creative Business Centre in the town centre. Clustering enables smaller businesses, particularly in key growth sectors like data science, artificial intelligence, digital and creative industries and agri-tech, to access relevant support, workspace, networking, research expertise and finance.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for business and for the town generally?

Colchester offers major opportunities for knowledge-led businesses to build their businesses through a skilled graduate workforce, to draw on the R&D expertise of world-leading researchers, and to be part of a vibrant community working in partnership to meet future challenges and achieve economic growth.

What do you see as the most important focus for Colchester’s future and why?

To continue working effectively, in partnership, to identify and deliver ambitious plans for Colchester; strong partnerships enable us to go further, faster, in realising the next phase of our ambitions for Colchester.

How would you best describe XS Items Ltd and its values?

We are the E-tailer of choice for excess stock. We help companies realise value on customer returns, excess stock and end of line products. We take stock, add value and then sell online. It is purely an online business. Our values include trust, integrity, loyalty, honesty, enthusiasm, passion, knowledge and learning.

Who started XS Items Ltd and when, how has it evolved to date?

The business was started in 2005 with 3 employees. There are 4 shareholders and we now employ 52 people.

How big is XS Items Ltd now?

We deal with around 8,000-10,000 items per month, and are currently in the top 10 sellers on eBay.

How do you see XS Items Ltd evolve further over the next 5 years?

We want to expand our product range and expand our channels to the market. At present, we use Amazon and eBay but will be looking at other platforms for potential growth. Technological advances provide a wide range of products that require repair and refurbishment, thus we are continuously evolving our service to cover all types of audio visual and consumer electronics. One particular fast growing area is smartphone and tablets, where we are able to repair and refurbish to a very high standard. We are now offering this expertise to local companies and individuals as a fast turnaround local service for repair and rectification.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based business?

Colchester has a strong local economy with a good pool of potential staff. It is relatively close to London but far enough away too. The countryside is 10 minutes away and there’s generally a good work-life balance.

What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

Employment is high which can impact on the ability to recruit. The town centre could be improved. Plus there is terrible congestion in certain parts of the town, as well as the need for more affordable housing.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for both XS Items Ltd and for the town generally?

Growth in the town also means greater availability of workforce. It’s good to see the interest around digital business. Generally, growth means opportunities for all.

Of the 4 key themes being promoted by the Colchester Ambassadors, which is the most important to you and why?

Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit. Ensuring that our people are continuously looking at new approaches and services working in an environment that provides rewards for innovation and self-drive.

How would you best describe Sportsafe UK Ltd and its values?

We aim to be the company of choice for the service, repair and provision of sports equipment to schools & colleges, sport & leisure services, uniformed services, gymnastic clubs, trampoline clubs, sports clubs and hotels. We provide a professional and highly competitive service to all of our clients, ensuring personnel have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and authorities. We encourage and train all employees to seek continuous improvement in their work and enhance customer satisfaction, thus ensuring our work is carried out to the highest possible standards.

We have 6 core values which employees ‘sign up’ to: Trust; Integrity; Pride; Passion; Enjoyment; Respect. Our values are extremely important to us and we will hire and fire by these values.

Who started Sportsafe UK Ltd and when, how has it evolved to date?

I started the business in January 1997, one man and one van initially, growing in its first year to one office in Colchester with three people, two vans, servicing 250 sites. By 2007, we had opened a second office in Scotland, with 25 people, 13 vans, a fitness department and servicing 5000 sites on 19 contracts. Today we have five offices across the UK, with 95 staff, 32 vans, servicing 16000 sites with 120 contracts.

How big is Sportsafe UK Ltd now?

We are now part of the Abeo Group, global leaders in gymnastics, climbing and locker rooms with a turnover of over 200 million Euros and employing over 1000 people

How do you see Sportsafe UK Ltd further evolve over the next 5 years?

To expand our clothing division ‘Branded’ and to promote our outdoor division ‘Outdoor Spaces’ based in York. To continue to invest in sport for children through our ‘Supporting the Next Generation’ programme. To open another 2 regional bases across the UK and look to open international offices. Plus to retain our headquarters in Colchester.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based business?

Its location is very good for us with links to ports, airports and East Anglia region. Employment is also good and the support of local organisations.

What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

Roads needs to be improved as do telecommunication networks. Support from the council for growing business would be good especially around property.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for both Sportsafe UK Ltd and for the town generally?

For us it is access to more employable people, in the present climate employing the right people can be difficult. The younger generation are very important to us as they are the future of Sportsafe so we encourage apprentices, some of our best team members started as apprentices

Of the 4 key themes promoted by Colchester Ambassadors, which is the most important to you and why?

Creating Capital in Colchester. Although they are all very important, creating capital and entrepreneurial growth for me are the most exciting parts, having started the company from one man to its present form. It’s what drives me to continue and grow the company.

How would you best describe your organisation and its values?

We are a top 200 firm of solicitors. Our core values are Integrity, Expertise and Respect, for our clients, our suppliers and each other.

When did your organisation begin and how has it evolved to date?

We first opened in Colchester in 1983. Our centre of gravity remains in Colchester but we now have offices in Chelmsford, Billericay, Clacton on Sea, Holland on Sea and central London.

How big is the organisation now?

We have grown from two partners with no staff to an organisation employing nearly 200 solicitors, legal assistants/paralegals and support staff over the last 30 years or so.

How do you see your organisation evolving over the next 5 years?

We are focused on further growth to respond to the changes in the competitive environment for legal services over the next five years byboth organic growth and growth by merger. Technology is going to be one of the greatest drivers for change over this period and we are determined to be early adopters for artificial intelligence applications and other innovative technologies which will support the delivery of legal services.

What are the advantages of being a Colchester-based organisation?

All of the things which make Colchester a golden opportunity for those wanting to grow their businesses. Good infrastructure, road and rail links, human resources, lifestyle.

What are the biggest challenges for business in Colchester?

Those of any growing and prosperous area, finding the right people to meet the demands of a growing business. Ensuring that the infrastructure keeps up with the growth in population.

As the town expands, what opportunities does this create for business and for the town generally?

The opportunity to compete effectively with other towns and cities in the region for more investment and a greater focus on attracting growth businesses. 

What do you see as the most important focus for Colchester’s future and why?

The borough needs to believe in its importance to the region. These positive factors should help all of the different communities develop more self-confidence and excitement. I think the business community can lead that process which is why I am happy to be an Ambassador.

When did your organisation begin and how has it evolved to date?

The Churchmanor Estates Company plc was established in 1985 to specialise in property investment and development across the Eastern Region. To date the company has built in excess of 2.5million square feet of commercial accommodation across the commercial property markets including in-town and out of town retail development, research and development buildings, industrial and logistic buildings together with office development both in-town and on business parks.

What are your most memorable schemes across the region?

We have carried out many of our commercial developments with a range of partners including major Institutions and Pension Funds, Local and District Councils and Cambridge Colleges, notably St John’s College and Peterhouse. Our schemes have included Chelmsford Business Park with Essex County Council, the 250 acre Chesterford Research Park with Avivia and Uttlesford District Council and the Peterhouse Technology Park in Cambridge.

What schemes have been completed in Colchester?

We have been active in Colchester for some 28 years and over that time we have developed some major schemes. Colchester Business Park, a collaboration with Colchester Borough Council, was conceived as an office park and it is pleasing that 25 years later the scheme is still seen as the premier out of town office address in the town. As well as several developments on Severalls Industrial Park we completed in 2006 the 190,000sqft Flakt Woods development and this still remains the largest factory to be built in Essex over many years. We have also been active in the town centre forming a joint venture with the local Co-Operative Society redeveloping the majority of their store in Long Wyre Street.

What are your current developments in Colchester?

We are developing a 20 acre site known as Stane Park in Stanway opposite the existing Sainsburys. The first phase is a public house and a number of restaurants which are currently being built and with phase two, a proposal has been made for a retail park anchored by B&Q.

How do you see your organisation evolving over the next five years?

We believe that the economic prospects in the Eastern Region will see steady progress over the next five years and this will enable our business to bring forward commercial development opportunities. Such developments will provide a range of  employment opportunities but will also make a significant enhancement to the built environment of the towns across the region in which we work.

How do you see Colchester developing over the next five years?

Colchester as a town has been very accepting of growth which has led to house building numbers over the last 10 years achieving some of the highest in the country. This trend is set to continue with the potential development of two garden villages either side of the town which will be accompanied by large allocations of employment land to provide the facilities for companies to grow in the Colchester catchment. Every job created has a ripple effect throughout the economy and this will help keep Colchester a buoyant place to do business for many years to come.

How do you see your future in Colchester?

We hope that we can play a continued role in the growth of Colchester assisting where we can to bring forward retail and commercial development to the benefit of the future prosperity of the town. We will continue to work collaboratively with the Local Authority, private landowners and  private and public companies to help improve the infrastructure of the town and to create viable development opportunities to help grow the employment base of Colchester.