DEBBIE Nyman is senior manager at Money Matters pawnbrokers, in Grays High Street.

Q: What do you love about Thurrock ?

A: It has to be the people. Working and doing business with them is always lively and entertaining. It’s really being with your own that counts for this firm.

Q: What has kept you in Thurrock?

A: We started in Tilbury buying our first shop there and this trend has continued though to our shop in Grays High Street.

It was a large investment for the company, one which shows our commitment to this town. We are the longest-established pawnbroker in the area, and we hope for a bright future.

Q: How do you see the future for your business in the borough?

A: Good. The business has ridden out the recession well, and we hope this will continue, but we know the business must move with the times.

Q. How do you think other parts of Essex see Thurrock?

A: As an extension of East London. As such, Thurrock should be given extra funding by the Government. But this can be a huge advantage to the area when teamed with the superport and other large developments.

This is an area with real growth and will bring prosperity for many years.

Q: What advice would you give to people wanting to start a business?

A: Be prepared to put your heart and soul into it. Try to look at the downside of any business plan first. It can be easy to talk up any ideas, as I know to my own cost. But if you’re sure, go for it. It can be great fun and rewarding, always remembering any company’s best asset is its staff.

Q: What made you start the business here?

A: We are local people, working in our local area, employing local people, so it was just a case of doing what we knew. Local knowledge is a great thing for a small business.

Q: What involvement with the community do you have ?

A: Along with others, we have been trying to help start a Grays town partnership to help to the town centre get Government grants. That would help to bring back the type of shops lost over the years.

We are also bringing Peppa Pig and other acts to the town, to make it fun to shop here.

Q: What do you like most about the Gazette?

A: I like to read about what is going on in the community.

If you want your family or business to feature, call our newsroom on 01375 411502.