How can we help you? Call us on 01206 548 833 No Images? Click here The end of an era...In September this year, our CEO Bob Baggalley retired after 18 years with Colbea. During his almost two decades in the role, Bob has racked up an impressive list of achievements, serving alongside eight Board Chairmen at 18 AGMs and overseeing the creation of the AGP itself – now into its third year. Colbea has become one of Essex’s most successful business support organisations under Bob’s tenure – winning two National awards for innovation and excellence – working on initiatives across Essex with organisations such as Essex County Council, EEDA, Business Link, Essex TEC, Haven Gateway Partnership, Barclays, RBS Bank and the BEST Growth Hub – to name but a few.
The introduction of innovative new services has coincided with a considerable increase in the number of small business clients, in the past year alone Colbea delivered 1,289 business services. Bob always ensured Colbea maintained its strong local presence, delivering business support services on behalf of Colchester Borough Council, Maldon District Council and Tendring District Council. Without doubt one of Bob’s proudest achievements is the development of Colbea’s two Business Incubation Centres. Opening in 2001 (Central) and 2011 (North), at a combined cost of £3.8 million, the Colchester Business Centres have provided 62 purpose-built offices for the small businesses of Colchester for the last 16 years. Farewell Bob and enjoy your retirement! From all at ColbeaAre you ready for GDPR? Introducing our Newest SponsorWe spoke to John Moorhouse, Senior Consultant of the Nicholls Law Fraud & Cyber Risk Division, about why the firm has chosen to sponsor Colbea, and, of course, the upcoming GDPR regulations… “We can help (the businesses of Colchester) through the regulatory maze of the new upcoming forthcoming data protection regulations, which will come into force in May 2018 – we want to help every company ensure that they will be compliant when the new regulations are enforced.” “Colchester is a growing business community, and Colbea is ideally placed to help us increase our profile within that, and help start-ups and smaller businesses avoid the pitfalls of data protection, and in particular the upcoming new EU General Data Protection Regulations – GDPR.” There should always be an ‘i’ in BusinessInnovation, Improvement, Imagination There are many ‘i’s that fit in Colbea’s Business Innovation, Improvement, Imagination Group, and we’ve talked about pretty much all of them over the years. But one thing has never changed, according to Colbea Business Trainer Trevor Edwards, “The most important "i" in BIG is you! Never lose focus of that. There’s an Oscar Wilde quote – ‘Always be yourself, everyone else is taken.’ – which rings true in business.” Which is why BIG has been evolving again, slightly, to focus on the issues affecting our members now. Trevor says, “Bring in your current business issues, and we’ll discuss them and work through them together.”
Why BIG is more than just another networking group Ribbon & Label Supplies is an established, successful business, but owner Mark Lister (pictured above - second from right) still attends BIG regularly, having been one of the original members in October 2011. “I find BIG and the team of advisors to be invaluable as I look for ways in which I can continue to grow my business successfully. BIG provide the right information, in the right way for me and have always been available to assist when I have called on them for help with tasks and problems.” Let us share your good news!• Have you employed a new member of staff? • Or seen an older one retire? • Have you been shortlisted or even won an award? • Have you moved office? • Or won an exciting new contract? • Or maybe you’re celebrating a year in business, or 2 or 5 or 25? We want to hear about it! And share what's great about you and your business with the Colbea community.Coming up at COLBEA04.10.17 - Generation Innovation - Networking for the Next Generation Young (at heart) and curious about starting your own business? Trying to build up your network but don’t know where to start? Come to Generation Innovation, the best place for young professionals to network in Essex! 10.10.17 - BIG October Building Financial ResilienceIt's easy to take your eye off the financial ball. However, to ensure that our businesses are financially resilient it is essential to keep a constant focus on the money coming into and going out of our businesses. At this month's meeting our guest speaker is Thomas Lee from Birkett Long LLP, who will be sharing with members of the BIG Group his knowledge and expertise about two of the most important areas in financial control...CASH FLOW & DEBT RECOVERY We are full, but you can apply in person for a place to join COLBEA for the Annual General Party and celebrate the best of Colchester commerce. If you are a sponsor, tenant or Colbea Ambassador and you haven't booked your place, please use the link, or email jane.green@colbea.co.uk
Anytime - BOOK your FREE One-to-One session with a COLBEA Business Advisor. Our experienced, accredited advisors have been there and done it in business, and are here to help you do the same! Call 01206 548 833 - BEST Growth Hub provides FREE business workshops across Essex, click here to find events near you. Supporting our Sponsors - Birkett LongSolicitors with offices in Colchester, Basildon and Chelmsford, Colbea sponsors Birkett Long are kindly contributing to our next BIG meeting - Thomas Lee will be our guest speaker sharing his expertise about financial resilience, including cash flow and debt recovery BOOK NOW We would like to say thank you to Birkett Long, and all of our sponsors, for helping COLBEA support the businesses of Colchester. Is £2K of FREE* business support for you? Ask these businesswomen... Our third IM4S Course is our most popular yet, it was fully-subscribed a week before! Click the button to make sure you're first to know when you can sign up for Course 4. "The coaches have been inspiring and motivational" - Jen Thomas"Starting a business can be a lonely experience, but with a supportive network it's a lot more fun." - Kate Cox "I have never felt so enthusiastic about or inspired to produce a spreadsheet!" - Carol Hennahane Click here to find out what else our IM4S graduates have been saying about the programme...F |