IN September, long-standing Colbea CEO Bob Baggalley stepped down after 18 years in the post.

For the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency, it left a huge void.

Fast forward six months and that void has been filled by Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford, following four years at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

The former Assistant CEO has big ideas for the town, including supporting the Business Improvement District proposals and encouraging businesses to work more with schools.

She worked in financial services in the city for 12 years, the last six of those spent at Seymour-Pierce where she was part of the team that listed the Superdry clothing company.

She said: "It was interesting working with large corporate clients to realise their ambitions. The chamber was an amazing experience, I understood how partnerships were grown."

She managed the business development team there from 2013 onwards. Her experience has led her to want to achieve the same for Colchester.

She is backing the Colchester BID, which aims to give local businesses a say over plans to improve the town centre.

Businesses in the BID defined area will pay levy to the BID fund, based on the business rates bill. This levy is used to develop projects which will benefit businesses in the local area.

A previous attempt to designate Colchester as a BID in 2007 was rejected, however Mrs Seymour-Rutherford, 42, is confident if the right steps are taken it could do wonders.

She said: "Since day one I have been building relationships, there are little issues and barriers that every town has to try and overcome.

"The BID is a good idea and if it is done properly it will transform the town centre.

"From what I have seen it really works and brings the business sector together, it's a great opportunity for Colchester."

One of her other aims is preparing young people, the people she calls 'our future', for work.

While at the Suffolk Chamber she was able to work with the British Chamber to help members better engage with their MPs.

She also explored how businesses can better connect with schools.

She said: "During that time the British Chambers recognised they wanted to be doing more to support young people into work.

"Suffolk agreed to be part of a pilot with 32 chambers to look at the issue of how we can bridge the gap between business and education.

"The core of it is bringing businesses in to mentor young people and hold mock interviews.

"University is not always the best option and you need that life experience behind you, I am an advocate for apprenticeships.

"Young people are out future and they need to be better prepared, at the moment I don't think the curriculum allows for much of that."

She has already helped Colchester businesses by securing funding for Teach East to give seminars on how businesses can grow as technology develops. Her next move is to work with Colbea focus groups to figure out how they can make a better creative space for businesses to thrive.

When she is not working, she is enjoying home time in Ipswich with husband Noon, who makes bespoke guitars, and two sons Kieran, nine, and Tyler, five.

They love going on outdoor adventures as a family.