The finalists have been announced for Newsquest’s brand new Super-Start Competition, sponsored by Larking Gowen, Fisher Jones Greenwood and Barclays Commercial.
From the six finalists, four have been clients of the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea) and one of those four is an existing tenant in the Colchester Business Centre. They are: Ms Sandi Moon, who has started a ‘green’ business called EasyMaps; Mr Brad Seaborn, whose Violent Delights is an online fashion retailer; Ms Amanda Ruiz, who also trades online selling delightful Peruvian knitwear for children and adults, and finally Miss Wendy Irwin from ‘GODS’ (Girls on Doors), a security business.
Miss Irwin is a tenant at one of the 34 business units managed by Colbea. With 70 per cent of businesses in the Colchester area being owner-managed or one-man-bands, easy in-out terms and competitive rents are essential. The units provide a true incubation centre where new businesses can flourish and develop.
Bob Baggalley, Chief Executive of Colbea and the Colchester Business Centre, said: “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen ex-clients of Colbea in business award finals; some have even gone on to pick up top prizes. It’s very satisfying for our business advisers in particular, who put a great deal of time and effort into helping these entrepreneurs put their ideas to work in a commercial environment.”
The finalists, each of whom has put together a business plan, have to present that plan to a panel of judges who will determine the winner. The finalists will also be introduced to Colchester business people with a view to opening discussions about investment opportunities.
