Last week, I was fortunate to catch up with local entrepreneur superstar Angus Browne and Southend Councillor Bernard Arscott. Angus, best known for Leigh-on-sea's fantastic Brownes Bootcamp (I can vouch for this personally), has recently expanded into another business venture, this time on water. Browne’s Thames Estuary Boat & Fishing Trips offer boat trips and tours aboard two boats “Daisy Margaret” and “Starfish". The trips the local sites to Southend Pier, Mulberry Harbour, SS Richard Montgomery, Red Sands Maunsell Forts, and more locations.
Angus founded Brownes Boot Camp as a way to help local people access fitness resources in fun environment and simultaneously meet others who want the same. Firth has attended the Saturday morning training and agrees that Angus is brilliant at getting clients to perform for the best results, while still having fun while training. It is a tough, but fun, fitness group that trains outside all year round.
I have been in contact with Angus ever since his plans to bring a new pontoon to Old Leigh and I know that he requested access to take passengers from Southend Pier for accessibility and safety reasons, but he was denied - even though he is more local than most of the businesses operating there. I have since sent a letter to Leigh Council questioning their decision, tourism is central to the local economy which is why I felt it completely necessary to challenge the Council on this one!
Angus and I visited Strand Wharf along with Leigh Town Council Member Bernard Arscott to discuss the future of Brownes Trips. I am advocating to expand tourism potential by allowing more and more people to see the marine and hidden land beauties that Southend has to offer.
Anna:
'I am delighted that Angus, such a key local business entrepreneur, is looking to expand his already successful business and add to the local economy. I am very supportive of his proposals and can’t wait for my first boat trip with him!'
When asked about his new venture, Angus said:
“I wanted freedom, open-air, challenges, adventure…I found it on the sea.”
