A chief executive who has led a Colchester-based enterprise agency for five years is to step down.

Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford, who has been in charge of Colbea for five years, said she was stepping back so she could spend more time with her family.

Mrs Seymour-Rutherford’s successor, Simon Mead, will join from Cambridge Wireless, a technology community where he served as chief executive officer.

Colbea, which supports small and medium sized businesses by providing office space, business advice, and training opportunities, is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, having been formed in 1982.

Talking about her time at the enterprise agency, Mrs Seymour-Rutherford said she was proud to taken Colbea through a tumultuous five years.

She said: “The last five years have been a time of modernising Colbea, strengthening partnerships and supporting business within the Colbea Community through the pandemic.

“I wish Simon great success as he takes on the chief executive role and I am excited to see the way Colbea will expand and grow under his stewardship.”

Looking ahead to his new role, Mr Mead said: “I am looking forward to helping Colbea achieve its goals and to continue the great work done by Ashleigh and her team.”