A PAIR of Burnham innovators have been shortlisted for the BIG Business Boost Award by Essex County Council.

Francis McGinty and Jerry Thornton, both from Burnham, run Working for Wellbeing, a business which has seen them nominated for this award.

“We help companies in what we call psycho-social risk management,” explained Francis.

“Psycho-social risks have negative impact on a company’s bottom lines as well as the wellbeing of their staff.

“We offer ways of reducing workplace stress and reducing the amount of time workers spend off.”

The pair were thrilled to make it down to the final shortlist of four businesses, after Essex County Council received more than 200 applications.

Francis said: “I think making this shortlist acts as some justification for what we are trying to do here.

“It was hard to tell whether we were going to make it down to the final four or not to be honest.

“We knew that they were focused on innovation and we are an extremely innovative business.”

Jerry added: “Rather than trying to battle the outcome of the problem, we try and tackle the cause of the problem and address the issues that cause stress in the workplace.

“We went into a business in the South West and managed to reduce the average number of days taken off from eight days to 1.6 days.

“These sort of days off cost the UK economy approximately £1.4 billion per year.”

They were also very grateful to the Essex Innovation Scheme, without who, they say, they wouldn't be in this position.

Francis said: "If it had not been for the Essex Innovation Scheme we would not have entered the competition. They helped us a lot in managing to get us focused on the business model.

"For any business the Essex Innovation Scheme is their and are extremely useful and extremely helpful."

Kevin Bentley, Essex County Councillor responsible for economic growth and partnerships, said: “The shortlist is extremely impressive and shows just how diverse a business portfolio we have here in the county.

“It ranges from high-tech business and inventions to environmentally friendly products and farming solutions.

“The awards received more than 200 entrants showing just how Essex means business. I am looking forward to learning who the winners are and watching their progress as their businesses grow here in Essex.”

To find out more about what Working for Wellbeing do, visit workingforwellbeing.co.uk.