Colbea Business Support X Gocargo
Every business starts somewhere. For Lee Pugh, founder of Colchester delivery service eCargo, the early days included business support from Colbea. Now his new delivery app, GoCargo, is sponsoring our work with start-ups and small businesses, helping the next generation of local founders get the same start he did. It's a story we love to share, because it shows what local support can lead to.
Where it started
When Lee was starting eCargo, he came to Colbea for business support. It's the kind of help we still offer today: free one-to-one sessions with an experienced adviser, tailored to your idea, your plans and the practical steps needed to get going, with the chance to extend that support for businesses with high-growth potential. For Lee, it was part of turning an idea into a working local business.
A greener way to deliver
eCargo delivers by electric cargo bike, keeping vans and cars off the city's roads. It works with businesses across Colchester, from local independents to national chains, with collections and deliveries available same day, next day or booked in advance. Its work has also been recognised with the Sustainability Award at the Colchester Business Awards.
The next step: GoCargo
GoCargo builds on everything eCargo has done so far. The new app makes it easier for businesses to book and manage deliveries, and after being used by some local businesses, it was officially launched in September at an evening hosted by Colbea and eCargo at our Digital Forum on Queen Street. For local businesses, that means less time spent arranging deliveries.
Launch night at the Digital Forum
GoCargo's official launch took place at our Digital Forum on Queen Street on Wednesday 23rd September, bringing the Colchester community together for a relaxed evening of food, drink and networking. Guests heard from Lee alongside Gemstone, the team who built the app, and had the chance to see GoCargo in action.
Fittingly, the night was a showcase for local businesses too, with pizza from Blasko's, treats from Norwegian Bakers, drinks from Colchester Brewery and live music from Raz Band UK. A videographer and selfie wall captured the evening, so keep an eye on our social channels for the highlights.
Giving something back
Now Lee is giving back. GoCargo's sponsorship supports Colbea's work with start-ups and small businesses across Colchester, helping us continue supporting the next generation of local businesses. It means a lot to see a business we supported grow, then come back to help others take the same first steps.
Could you be next?
If you live or run a business in Colchester or Tendring, our free start-up support could help you take your first step, just as our support helped Lee. You could get up to three hours of one-to-one advice from our experienced advisers, focused on your idea and what you need to get it off the ground. Whether you're testing an idea, setting up or ready to grow, the first step is simply telling us about your plans. Apply online and our team will be in touch. The next local success story could be yours.
Could you be next?
If you live or run a business in Colchester or Tendring, our free start-up support could help you take your first step, just as our support helped Lee. You could get up to three hours of one-to-one advice from our experienced advisers, focused on your idea and what you need to get it off the ground. Whether you're testing an idea, setting up or ready to grow, the first step is simply telling us about your plans. Apply online and our team will be in touch. The next local success story could be yours.
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