THIS week, Lucy-Emma Harris, director of digital agency Pixelwork, of The Tower, Guardian Avenue, North Stifford, tell us why she loves it here...

Q: What do you love about Thurrock?

A: I moved to Thurrock more than 15 years ago after living abroad. What I love about the area are the opportunities it offers and its location in regards to London, airports, Europe etc. Nothing is too far away. Thurrock has a wide offering, from industrial landscapes to country parks and riverside walks, along with great shopping at Lakeside.

Thurrock is always changing and I have certainly seen the impact of regeneration over the past 15 years.

Q: What has kept you here?

A: My work, family and the opportunities to grow my business, as well as the friends I have made.

Q: How do you see the future for your business in the borough?

A: Exciting. Creative industries are creeping into Thurrock and it is brilliant to be a part of that. Thurrock is changing, like it always has, and I like that.

Q: How do you think other parts of Essex see Thurrock?

A: I think it’s always been seen as the poorer neighbour to more rural areas, but with a better understanding in more recent years, I think they’re opening their eyes to what Thurrock has to offer.

Q: What advice would you give to people wanting to set up their own business here?

A: Go for it. There are plenty of support services and networks that can help.

Q: What made you start your business here?

A: The diversity and the regeneration, as well as the aspirational spirit of the people of the area.

Q: What involvement with the community does the business have?

A: We like to get out and about and have worked on various projects with young people, both in schools and through work experience and apprenticeships. We recently worked with the Bata Reminiscence group, along with the Tilbury Riverside group, on the creation of the app at Coalhouse Fort.

Q: What is your favourite bit about the Gazette?

Jonathan Catton’s Down Memory Lane – it’s great learning about the history of the areas we take for granted on a daily basis.

If you want your family or business to feature, call our newsroom on 01375 411502.