Our Team
Operations and Compliance
Jacqui Stimpson
Operations and Compliance Manager
JacquiStimpson@southend.gov.uk
Jacqui has worked at BEST Growth Hub since 2017 and is renowned for her passion and enthusiasm about business. Her main motivation is to make a real difference to businesses in Essex by helping them access the help and support they need to be successful.
Jacqui’s career includes 26 years in banking, leadership, professional coaching and facilitation; this brings a breadth of experience in unlocking potential in people, businesses and support networks. She has worked with public, private, corporate, SME, Sole Traders and 3rd sector organisations. In fact, Jacqui has supported over 1000 SME’s from prestart to scale up and has a comprehensive knowledge of all support available and how to access it.
As the Operations and Compliance Manager Jacqui is responsible for all aspects of the day to day operation, monitoring, reporting and compliance within the Growth Hub and is responsible for the Business Navigator Team.
Jacqui also oversees the Peer Networks Programme for BEST. Her main aim is for cohort members to build trust together and create an environment for open, constructive, communication that brings real time solutions, ideas and opportunities for both business and personal growth.
Business Navigators
Our local team of Business Support Navigators can help you identify relevant programmes, initiatives or funding schemes currently on offer across Essex, Southend and Thurrock and can help you access them.
Ben Cluett
Business Navigator
In January 2021, Ben joined the Growth Hub as an apprentice Business Navigator after leaving college and spending time in the Hospitality industry. Ben has since qualified and has now joined BEST as a full time Business Navigator and works with the rest of the team to provide a tailored support service to the businesses he works with.
Ben leads on the Brentwood, Rochford, Harlow and Epping Forest areas. He is responsible for understanding what is available to those businesses locally, regionally, and nationally. As well as collaborating with the rest of the team to fully support start-ups, SME’s and Scale-Ups in Essex, Southend and Thurrock with their growth and development.
Dawn Andrikopoulos
Business Navigator
DawnAndrikopoulos@southend.gov.uk
Dawn comes from a background of enterprise in a wide range of industries, particularly leisure and tourism, before setting up her own company. Dawn is passionate about being able to signpost businesses to the wealth of support available and improve the journey and success of every Essex business.
Dawn is available to meet in person at the Old Court House in Grays every Wednesday between 10am & 4pm.
Darren Moss
Business Navigator
Darren re-joined the BEST Growth Hub in October 2022 having previously worked for BEST in the past as a Partnership Co Ordinator.
Jacinda Love
Business Navigator
Jacinda is a communicator, connector and enthusiastic business advocate.
Over 20 years’ experience promoting businesses has given Jacinda expertise in finding business development solutions and connecting people to maximise business opportunities.
Working for and with business support agencies and local authorities in Essex Jacinda has an extensive knowledge of and access to the help that is available to businesses.
In Jacinda’s role as a Business Navigator, she uses her knowledge and motivation to achieve results for businesses looking to start and grow their enterprises.
Jacinda is available to meet in person at the Innovation Centre Knowledge Gateway in Colchester every Thursday between 10am & 4pm.
Mercy Mathews
Business Navigator
With an extensive list of 13+ years’ experience working with a number of private sector companies and local authorities, as well as most recently running her own business, Mercy has developed a wealth of knowledge and understanding of what is needed to ensure businesses are able to scale and grow and what opportunities they have to be able to do so.
In Mercy’s role as a Business Navigator, she uses her knowledge and understanding of business support to assist business owners in Essex access the right level of service available to successfully grow and scale their business.
Mercy is available to meet in person at the PATCH Workspace in Chelmsford every other Thursday between 10am & 4pm.
Communications and Marketing
The BEST Growth Hub Marketing and Communications team is always happy to help. Please contact our team for requested copies of our Best Growth Prospectus or any marketing and PR enquiries at bestmarketing@southend.gov.uk
Kate Thompson
Growth Hub Communications and Engagement Lead
Coming soon