BUSINESSES in Basildon are booming while Southend companies are struggling to make a profit, according to latest research.

Figures released by the Institute of Chartered Accountants show Basildon and Billericay have the highest average business turnover for the East of England.

Firms bring in more than £667,069 a year–more than 30 per cent above the national average of £505,644.

But, just 12 miles down the road in Southend, businesses are performing worse with an average turnover of £363,037 – less than 75 per cent the British norm.

This puts the town bottom of the rankings for the region, and 583rd out of the 632 constituencies across the country.

Castle Point also has a below average business turnover of £394,190.

Katherine Davison, chairman of the South East Essex Federation of Small Businesses, believes Basildon’s close proximity to London gives it an edge over neighbouring areas.

She said: “We have seen businesses have really improved in the last two years. They were doing a lot worse, but now when I go along to meetings people seem a lot more positive.

“In Southend we still have issues and they are mostly down to where we are. Southend is at the end of a motorway and has very little transport routes, so it’s hard to attract big names.

“Basildon is a lot more central, and also has a lot of industrial space. I’m confident things are going to improve even more in south Essex over the next few years.”

Kevin Blake, Tory deputy leader of Basildon Council, said this proves overseas trips to business hubs around the world which the Tory administration has been slammed for in the past are worthwhile.

He added: “This is just the beginning. It’s taken a lot of years and it’s taken a lot of criticism, but I think a lot of people will be eating humble pie now.

“You’ve got to speculate to accumulate sometimes, We’ve had to use taxpayers’ money to promote Basildon, but it’s worked because we’ve managed to bring in some big names who are now pumping money back into the economy.

“We have always attracted businesses from London because the rates are cheaper here, and we’ve got good roads in and out of the borough. People then settle here and buy houses and spend money in our town centre, so the knock-on effect is brilliant.”

Ron Woodley, Independent leader of Southend Council, is confident his town is on the upand believes next year’s figures from the Institute of Chartered Accountants could be different.

He said: “We’re working on our skills and education, and introducing more apprenticeships so when companies come into Southend they have a workforce that is really well prepared.

“We’ve got great parks and open spaces, beaches and culture, so it’s about creating the right work and life balance. I moved here from London for work and it’s been a great place to bring up my daughter.

“Southend isn’t just a kiss-mequick seaside resort built for tourism, it’s got a lot going for it.

“We’ve got links to a lot of European towns and cities through Southend Airport, so it’s a great place for businesses to set up.”

Loafing pays off for Joe

TEENAGE entrepreneur Joe Harris started his shoe business on eBay, but is now based in the Capricorn Centre, in Cranes Farm Road, Basildon.

His footwear range, Lord Loafers, is going from strength to strength and Mr Harris, 18, from Wickford, hopes to expand his product into 10 independent stores in the next 12 months.

He said: “I started in Basildon as it is local to where I live and there are so many businesses here.

“Basildon is doing so well because it is the type of people here. There are many who want to build their own business.

“We are very friendly and inviting people in Basildon, and businesses don’t just think about the numbers, there is a real focus on building a relationship with your customers. It’s quite the hub for businesses, too, with so many industrial estates and business parks around the town.”

Being out of town is key

BEAUTICIAN Amanda Sutton believes the key to success is taking a risk on out-of-town business premises.

The young entrepreneur, 27, from Leigh, opened the Beauty Basement, in Southchurch Road, Southend, five years ago and also runs Southend Nail and Beauty School across the road.

She said: “I’m shocked turnover in Southend is so low because businesses seem to be doing really well.

“When I started there were already quite a few beauty salons in the area so the key is to open in the right location for the right price. So many units in the town centre are now empty because people simply can’t afford the rates. You pay a premium. Out-of-town is often a better option because customers don’t have to worry about paying for parking.

“I will always keep expanding and I’m especially keen to work on the training side of things. I find a lot of people who come to us end up going off to start their own businesses, so there is still a lot of ambition out there.