ALAN Jefcoate is the new vice chairman of Essex Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).Previous vice chairman David Miles left a vacancy after taking on the role of Essex FSB regional secretary.

ALAN Jefcoate is the new vice chairman of Essex Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Previous vice chairman David Miles left a vacancy after taking on the role of Essex FSB regional secretary. After a keenly-fought election contest, Mr Jefcoate was elected to hold office until the annual general meeting in November.

Mr Jefcoate runs C M Enterprises Hook End, a business which distributes wire and fibre ropes and a range of lifting equipment and is based in Hook End, between Bentwood and Ongar. He is also vice chairman of the south west Essex FSB Branch.

Essex FSB chairman Iain Wicks said: “Having been in business in many posts from sales representative to sales director and now company owner Alan has a wealth of experience which is now available to FSB members in Essex, Havering and Redbridge.”

Mr Jefcoate said: “I am looking forward to my new role on the FSB's county executive which will complement the work I already do in South West Essex.

“One of my key areas of interest is crime against business and I am confident that my experience as a member of the Brentwood Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership's Town Centre Panel will be of use elsewhere in the county.”