New businesses are starting up and thriving in Colchester, despite the current economic climate. That’s the message from Colbea after its ‘Best New Business Client Award’ annual celebration at the Colchester Business Centre on the 11 December.
The finalists were drawn from the hundreds of businesses that Colbea’s advisers assisted during the year. Colbea provides business advice for start ups and existing businesses, together with training in business essentials and key skills. The award was presented in front of Colbea sponsors at their Christmas event.
The Award for 2008 was won by Blackwater Motor Yachts Ltd, which makes boats to specially commissioned designs. The business was set up at the end of 2007 by John Collins and Julia Brinkley, who invested a substantial amount of their own money into their new venture. Based at Hythe Quay, they employ 4 people and several sub-contractors, and have a network of suppliers from the Colchester area. After only one year they have a new design ready to be exhibited at the annual Boat Show in January and look set for a promising future. Business advice from Colbea helped John and Julia during the initial phase of setting up and trading. Blackwater Motor Yachts was selected for the dedication and enthusiasm John and Julia had demonstrated, together with their robust business approach and entrepreneurial spirit. The judges were also impressed that the business is already providing employment and economic growth in Colchester.
There were four other finalists, all of whom were commended for their commitment, hard work and innovative approaches:
- Jewellery designer, David White, who set up White Designs and makes bespoke pieces from his premises within the Colchester Business Centre.
- Arm Driver Recruitment Ltd, a recruitment agency owned and run by Michelle Thorogood, which provides workers for the transport industry.
- Violent Delights, an exclusive online fashion retail business that was the brainchild of Brad Seaborn.
- Bee Mine, a wedding dress retail business based in St Johns Street, Colchester, owned and managed by Charlotte Scott.
