Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea) has unveiled an expanded line-up of sponsors for 2018, rounding off a successful year of growth in support from established local firms.

The latest new sponsors are Voice Workshop, a specialist training provider for teachers of singing and vocal coaches, and Heptagon HR, a human resources company focused on the SME sector, which are both based in Colchester.

They join retailer Fenwick, Nicholl’s Law and KAT Marketing whose managing director, Kat Skingle is a member of the Colbea board.

She said: “It’s a huge pleasure to be sponsoring Colbea and the vital work they are doing to support growing business in Colchester. Growing my own business from scratch has taught me that any helping hand and knowledge you can pick up along the way can make all the difference to a venture being successful.”

Debbie Winter, director at Voice Workshop, added: “I’m embedded within Colbea, so sponsorship seemed like a natural step. Moving forward, we’re also looking at the possibility of becoming involved in some of Colbea’s upcoming outreach work with schools and colleges.”

Heptagon HR was founded by Jo Clifton who also runs Colchester’s Business Biscotti event.

Colbea chief executive Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford said: “We are delighted to welcome Voice Workshop and Heptagon HR as our newest sponsors. As local businesses, both of these sponsorships really help to reinforce Colbea’s dedication to SMEs based in Colchester and surrounding areas.”