A FAMILY man has left behind the building industry to pursue a career in catering, and is already reaping the rewards whilst being able to spend more time with his young sons.

Lee Proctor, who is 34 and lives in Mersea, had originally been in the construction industry before deciding to leave behind the building site and throw himself into the kitchen furnace instead.

His new food business, Got Beef, started as a mobile food van in September last year, but with its popularity growing Mr Proctor decided to expand into his hometown of Colchester, where he lived until he was 16.

Gazette: Tempting – the food is mainly in the style of American BBQ takeawayTempting – the food is mainly in the style of American BBQ takeaway

The business is now operating out of the Cherry Tree pub in Mersea Road, as well as the mobile food van in Mersea, and Mr Proctor is delighted to see the progress that has been made both professionally and personally.

He said: “It’s about finding something I enjoy doing that also gives me time to spend with my young family.

“Now, I work during the hours the kids are in bed, which is nice.”

Read more:

• Council leaders agree deal for Colchester town centre plan

• Over 100 Colchester roads could get new 20mph speed limits

• Colchester and Tiptree Lloyd bank branches to close later this year

The construction industry proved too demanding for Mr Proctor, who has two 6-year-old sons Joey and Vinnie, with his wife Pamela – who runs her own dog grooming business.

“There’s a lot of pressure on the building industry – with food, if someone wants something to eat then they pay for it and they eat it.

“I’m not particularly tech savvy, I just enjoy the cooking side of it – I learn the social media part of it as I go along.”

Gazette: Worklife balance – since leaving the construction industry, Mr Proctor can spend more time with his familyWorklife balance – since leaving the construction industry, Mr Proctor can spend more time with his family

Got Beef currently employs eight members of staff, but with the business having hit the ground running, Mr Proctor is hoping to see it expand further in the near future.

“As it grows we want to make a bigger working space so we can introduce more menu items, because at the moment we have reached our capacity in the mobile van.

“There’s more competition in Colchester than in Mersea, but I’m not looking to take over the world – it pays my bills and gives me time with my family.”