Outlook p24
9/7/15
16:15
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ERRI de Lange is one of 736 people in Southend now enjoying life in a fulfilling job either created or safeguarded thanks to a Government business grant programme administered by the Council. The 28-year-old is a Service Delivery Manager and leads a team of seven at customer contact centre Ventrica. The company received £114,000 from Business Southend towards its £400,000 expansion plan and is now half way through adding another 80 staff to the 150 already employed. “It’s such a lovely place to work because of the vibe, the incredible people from all walks of life and the customer focus,” said Kerri.
Council grants support
736 PEOPLE IN JOBS “I was aware of the Council investment in Ventrica. It helped open up a new wing of the building for our campaign team who support Mylan – one of the world’s top pharmaceutical companies – and other Ventrica employees. My new job is a step up and I’m really enjoying being able to interact with our clients.”
Ventrica is one of 103 firms who have received grants totalling just over £1.11 million which in turn attracted private sector investment of £2.8 million. The programme also staged 42 workshops and handed out seven innovation vouchers which allowed firms to tap into university expertise.
Emma Cooney, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Group Manager for Economy and Tourism, said: “Business Southend has been a fantastic success in supporting the creation of lasting, well paid jobs in the town.” ■ To find out more visit www.businesssouthend.co.uk, or telephone 01702 215022.
Grant aid administered by the Council has opened doors for Kerri de Lange and colleagues at Ventrica.
Business is buzzing at The Hive The HIVE – Southend’s coolest hub for startups, growth and small to medium sized businesses – is buzzing after its spring launch. Entrepreneurs are already using its bespoke, flexi space created over two floors at the Beecroft Gallery. Its Chief Executive Officer Mark Kass said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and the business community of
24 Outlook SUMMER 2015
Southend and south Essex to help create economic growth.” Ngozi Omolaiye, who runs the Bernard Michael Consultancy from The Hive’s collaborative space, said: “I’ve already had loads of start-up and growth advice from their in-house business support team that I’m sure will help grow my new recruitment business. “There was no deposit to pay, I moved in straight away and I know that I can upsize or downsize if I need to without any real fuss.” To find out how you could benefit from value-for-money space at The Hive, email thehivesouthend@ thehive.org.uk or call 01702 416000. You can also follow on Twitter and Facebook.
Senior consultant for Bernard Michael Consultancy Ngozi Omolaiye at work in the Hive.