TWO popular Colchester businesses have joined forces to help give each other a boost this summer.  

Colchester’s own Joe’s Whippy ice cream business is partnering with Essex Bakery, also based in the city, to broaden their customer base and bring their sweet treats to all.

The rainbow-clad ice-cream vans will stock Essex Bakery’s renowned brownies, much to the excitement of the two owners and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Smiles- Both business owners are excited about the collaboration. Smiles- Both business owners are excited about the collaboration. (Image: Gary Essex)

Joe Bristow, 29, has been running Joe’s Whippy for ten years.

He said: “It’s amazing that I’m able to have another local business’ products, which are doing really well, on board with all our vans. It’s an accomplishment.”

Joe continued: “I shared a post on social media teasing that we’re working together, and I’ve had a few messages already from customers who love both of us.”

Gary Essex, 40, said: “For me, collaborating with Joe was a great idea because my girls love the sound of his van when it comes around.

“If there’s anything better than warm brownie, it’s warm brownie with ice cream.”

Tasty- Essex Bakery are known for their delicious brownies. Tasty- Essex Bakery are known for their delicious brownies. (Image: Gary Essex)

Gary worked as a chef and secondary school food and business teacher before starting Essex Bakery with his wife Nat in 2011.

He said it was “a risk to take the gamble from teaching” to start the business, but Essex Bakery has continued to grow.

The business made a variety of treats, such as cupcakes and millionaire shortbread, before focusing on the brownies.

Gary said: “The brownie was the thing we were most passionate about because it’s a real special product.

“I developed this brownie recipe while working in a kitchen at a golf club. We made them more and more.”

Great- Joe's Whippy and Essex Bakery are excited to share their brownies and ice-cream. Great- Joe's Whippy and Essex Bakery are excited to share their brownies and ice-cream. (Image: Gary Essex)

As the business grew, it expanded from baking at home, to a unit, to an even larger unit to “cope with the bigger demand.”

“There’s a lot of competition,” Gary said. “But people recognise us from different farmers’ markets.

“Brownies is what we’re known for,” he added.  

Joe started Joe’s Whippy when he was just 19, and he’s always been involved in the local community.

Joe said: “We’re excited to try it. If we can help each other’s businesses grow, even better.”

Both businesses are on social media and have websites: https://www.joeswhippy.co.uk and https://www.essexbakery.co.uk