Two new directors have joined the Board at Colbea – Colchester’s centre for business excellence. Seamus Clifford from Ellisons Solicitors and Denise Stocker from LeoPrint Limited were welcomed as Board members at the beginning of December.
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Mr Clifford is a Partner and Head of the Corporate and Commercial practice at Ellisons Solicitors in Colchester. In addition to his commercial experience he brings to Colbea specialist legal skills in the areas of corporate finance, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions.
Ms Stocker is Managing Director of Leo Design, Print and Promotions, a print and corporate gifts business that was founded in 2004. As a founder member of the business, Ms Stocker has first hand experience of start-up and growing a business through difficult economic times. Her management roles in the corporate environment means she brings a wealth of experience to Colbea.
Directors such as Mr Clifford and Ms Stocker are essential to the management of Colbea. Every member of Colbea’s Board gives their time and skills on a purely voluntary basis, making a significant contribution to the operation of the Agency. As well as providing business advice and training for start up businesses, Colbea now assists established businesses through a comprehensive management and vocational training programme. Supported by Colchester Borough Council, it also manages two business incubation centres in the town containing a total of 62 serviced office suites, which provide small businesses with a professional environment without the usual commitment of commercial leases.
Bob Baggalley, Colbea’s Chief Executive, said: “Colbea has faced huge challenges over the past year as government funding sources have been withdrawn. Without support from our directors and business sponsors we would not be able to continue to encourage the growth of enterprise in this area. In a region of SME predominance it is vital that we provide advice, training and accommodation for growing businesses.”
