Case studies
Cookies and Cones
In 2018, Matt Davis established Cookies & Cones – an American style, instagrammable dessert business.. Appealing to the sweet tooth, the business offers freshly baked and often customisable dessert items from mouth-watering cookies, brownies and doughnuts, with additional menu items from waffles, crepes, milkshakes and freshly made gelato.
Up Front Coaching and Mentoring Ltd
When attending an Essex Networking event Jon Cox was informed of the support available to him via BEST For Essex Business Group. “Jacinda Love approached me to ask more about my company and proceeded to explain the services that BEST can offer” After this meeting Jon arranged for a 1-2-1 with BEST to explore the support available to help his business to grow.
White Bicycle Ltd
In 2020 Leah Holroyd founder of White Bicycle Ltd contacted BEST Growth Hub (one of NEEB’s funded Business Support partners) to gain advice on what steps would best support her business to grow.
(Sarah Brick Photography)
Monoki Media
Monoki Media produce video content for businesses and musicians. They also offer social media management and bespoke coaching services. In recent year Monoki Media had identified that the ever-growing trends in the digital media industry required them to radically updating their equipment so as to stay current and continue to grow as a business.
Austin Motor Company
The Austin Motor Company Ltd is a world renowned brand, that is now based in Braintree.
Owner John Stubbs sought to create a new manufacturing company that specialises in creating a range of electric version (EV) vehicles. Discover how the Blueprint for Business Support Programme has helped them take develop a marketing strategy.
Moto Pizza
MOTO Pizza, based in Colchester and Chelmsford was born through a love for sharing food. MOTO Pizza’s ‘bottomless pizza’ dining experience is built on quality produce and reducing food waste. Discover how the Blueprint for Business Support Programme has helped them take their business forward.
Citizens Advice Tendring
Citizens Advice Tendring is an independent charity based on the east coast of Essex, with offices at Clacton-on-Sea and Harwich.
Discover how the Blueprint for Business Support Programme has helped them take develop a business strategy to grow the organisation.
InCharge Services
INCharge Services based in Maldon, provides outsourced credit control to SMEs.
Discover how the Blueprint for Business Support Programme has helped it to use networking to it’s advantage, expanding it’s network and promoting its services effectively.
Cheerful Chai
The Cheerful Chai coffee shop is Essex’s first ‘Happy Café’, serving a variety of drinks and treats including Chai Latte, freshly made toasties and locally produced cakes. Utilising the Blueprint for Business 1:1 mentoring programme, Cheerful Chai could seek out experienced advice on its business strategy and growth goals.
Total Clean Ltd
Supporting St Helena Hospice Through Ethical Enterprise Total Clean, in support of St Helena a commercial cleaning business based in Colchester, talks about how it ‘provides a service, whilst giving back’ and how it was able put in motion its plan for the future thanks to support from a business support programme funded by the North Essex Economic Board.
Wilson's Auto's
In January 2025, Charlie and Toni Wilson officially opened Wilson’s Auto’s in Colchester, a family-oriented garage dedicated to providing honest, high-quality vehicle servicing and repairs. Their journey from concept to reality was not a straightforward one, but with determination, family effort, and the invaluable support of business advisor Robert Laurie, through the North Essex Economic Boards fully funded business support programme, their dream business took off successfully.
Soap Music
SOAP Music are passionate about helping artists, labels, and managers thrive in the world of music streaming. Founded in May 2024 by industry experts Ian Greaves and Matt Allard, this Chelmsford-based agency provides the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube with confidence.
Following support from The North Essex Economic Board Business Support Service, SOAP Music is on a fast track to the top.
The Fitness Consultancy
With over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, The Fitness Consultancy, Chelmsford provides tailored strategies and actionable advice to help clients succeed. While initially raising investment and developing a business case to open his own health club, Lee sought support from the Blueprint for Business Programme.
Buzz Box
Buzz Box was founded by Mark Meadows to make beekeeping more accessible by offering beginner-friendly starter packs. An avid beekeeper, Mark had invested in an exhibitor space at the Garden Press Event, and sought help to optimise opportunities to engage journalists at the show and support with strategies to get featured in mainstream press.