South Essex's newest business support organisation has been launched to a chorus of acclaim in Southend.

Business Champions Network, an innovative attempt to tackle business failure by making the knowledge and experience of successful business people available to the owners and managers of new or developing companies, was launched with a Business Link for Essex-backed meeting at the Cliffs Pavilion.

Lending their support to the endeavour by speaking at the event were Mark Dobson from building sub-contractors Wilson James, raconteur and former police officer Bill Pirie, Simon Harris from Headlines hairdressers, inventor Terry Jennings, Debbie Swallow from A&K Office Products and football and entertainment agent Dave Davis.

BCN co-ordinator Val Rozga told them: "Running a business can be lonely and it is all too easy to be ground down and become demotivated. We mustn't allow that to happen. We need to support people and put them in touch with people who can help. That's what Business Champions Network is for."

New champion, Lee Taylor, of Synergy Supplies in Southend, said: "There is a real benefit to be had from businesses talking to each other."

Published Thursday, March 14, 2002