Record number of businesses open in Basildon (From Basildon Recorder)

Record number of businesses open in Basildon

9:20am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

Dupe Williams who set up Glitzzy Glamour

BUSINESS is officially booming in Basildon.

A record number of businesses were set up in the borough in the summer of 2012, according to recent research from company formation specialists Duport.co.uk.

Company formations rose by 24 per cent during the third quarter of 2012, reaching a record 162 - a record in the town’s history.

The news comes as a new branch of Costa opened on the Mayflower Retail Park last week and Pets at Home announced it will open a second store at the Pipps Hill Retail Park in March - highlighting again that big names in retail also want to and continue to invest in Basildon.

Tony Ball, leader of Basildon Council, is encouraged by the record figures.

He said: “One of the council’s five key promises is to support local businesses with an overall pledge to create opportunity. This approach is now paying off.

“We have worked hard to cultivate inward investment through trade missions and the recent European New Town Conference, which we hosted.

“But we also work hard on local business support through business breakfasts, regular workshops and procurement events and by investing in our economic development team who work daily with our business community.

“It would seem that the borough is reaping the benefits of a lot of hard work to encourage new businesses into the area, and these figures emphasise that Basildon is the place to be.”

Net company growth also reached a record high during the third quarter of the year.

Former midwife Dupe William, 52, set up clothing and jewellery boutique Glitzzy Glamour, in Basildon’s Eastgate Shopping Centre, in November last year and also juggles running the shop with district nursing.

Her career began in midwifery and she moved to Basildon in 2003 after having a baby, but she has always wanted to go into the fashion world.

“I always wanted to have a boutique,” she said.

“I love looking after people, that’s the main interest, caring for people and helping them look good. It’s a long-life passion for me.”Mrs William said there has been a lot of interest from shoppers and she is now “finding the right niche” so she can cater for their needs and requests.

She added: “I just thought if I don’t do it now I will never do it. I have to take the risk and pray it works, but I still keep practicing as a district nurse as it gives me a back up.

“It’s tough but it’s enjoyable as well.”

Mrs William said she is hoping to employ someone part time at the boutique so she can continue with her nursing to fund the business in future.