Masterlord Office Village

Providing cleaning services for a major Amazon Prime thriller series, The Power, is one of Vivo Clean’s more unusual business contracts.  George Pennell was contacted by production company Sister
Pictures Power, which is shooting this summer in Bawdsey, Suffolk.  Cleaning is required seven days a week during the construction phase of the convent film set and throughout filming.  

The Power, based on Naomi Alderman’s prize-winning novel, stars Leslie Mann, Catastrophe star Rob Delaney and Tim Robbins from The Shawshank Redemption.  The series is set in a dystopian future where all teenage girls can electrocute people using just their hands. When the teenagers find they are able to awaken this power in older females as well, women across the world begin to seize power.  An everyday story of Suffolk, then: keep your eyes open! 

George Pennell seized the opportunity to explore setting up his own business when he was furloughed from his job in construction recruitment.  As lockdown ended, he created Vivo Group and moved into a new office at Epsilon House in June after a spell working from home using Masterlord’s virtual office  service.  

Now, he employs almost 25 cleaners covering everything from offices, schools, restaurants, factories and places of worship to residential end-of-tenancy or turnaround deep cleans and builders’ cleans.  “We add the sparkle after the work is done,” says George. 

‘As businesses rebuild, cleaning is a growth industry. Contract cleaning, along with property  maintenance and repairs, gives our clients a one-stop shop to look after their premises.  Often, our cleaners spot faults or damage onsite, so we alert the client and can offer a repair service too.  We’re on a mission to raise standards in the cleaning industry, and to support our customers as their needs change.’

George Pennell, Vivo Group

Vivo are already known for their consistency, as property owners rely on them to deliver immaculate  professional service with method statements, eco-friendly biodegradable products, and scrupulous hygiene.  Their 5-star Google reviews confirm their claims. 

George plans to grow organically, employing all his cleaners, encouraging teamwork and a sense of   belonging.  

‘Taking an office in Epsilon House was a natural progression in building the business. I started with a virtual office when I was working from home, but being part of the business community at Masterlord – with all the support they offer – is perfect for us.’

George Pennell, Vivo Group

For more information, visit their website or contact 01473 599500

Famous authors J K Rowling, Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King and Arthur Conan Doyle all created gripping stories, and all preferred to write their manuscripts using a fountain pen. 

Roy van den Brink-Budgen started collecting fine pens, starting with just five, before discovering that there was a business opportunity. He went on to found Izods and created an international business with clients in 38 countries, based at Epsilon House. With a background in the wine trade, he compares that business with pen collecting as both are filled with hugely passionate people. 

Fine fountain pens such as Montblanc – Roy’s specialty – are popular as graduation or special event gifts, lasting decades.  But it’s the collectors, from Indonesia and the Middle East to the USA, Peru and the UK, who drive the market, with some having pen collections worth millions. There are similarities between collecting pens and watches, according to Roy, but pens are more accessible.

‘There’s a real pleasure in ownership of a handmade fountain pen: the materials, craftsmanship, design and aesthetic are all important.  There are stories behind most of the pens, particularly Montblanc who create series of pens linked to famous authors, President Kennedy, even the Beatles.  Now I’ve created my own range of Izods Paradigm fountain pens, made in Italy of ebonite in five different colours, that are proving very successful.”    

Roy van den Brink-Budgen, Izods

A glance through the huge range of pens offered by Izods (izods.ink) is to enter a world of beautiful, hand-crafted writing implements.  Opening a specially designed box could reveal a Montblanc 149 Blue Hour Skeleton, one of their flagship pens.  Or a rare, beautiful 1950’s pen made of celluloid.  

Preloved pens are hugely popular, as there is a flourishing market. Roy is perfectly placed with his international connections to find exactly what a collector is looking for.  Seeking that special gift, a Montblanc Year of the Golden Dragon 2000 limited edition fountain pen could be yours for £2595. But there are also pens priced at less than £200 or a distinctive Izods Paradigm pen, which took 18 months to develop and has an 18k nib, for £400.

“Moving into a serviced office at Epsilon House after working from home introduced me to a business community like no other, with everything onsite.  I have friends who work at Epsilon House, and the package collection and delivery service at reception works perfectly for me.”

Roy van den Brink-Budgen

Find out more at izods.ink or on Instagram: @izods_pens. 

Contact Roy van den Brink-Budgen: hello@izods.ink or call 01473 935704 

Family business with a personal touch on property

For James and Emmelyn Cornish, running their successful family business is all about building relationships with property owners and tenants.  The two directors of Henry Rose Lettings and Sales are well known in the Ipswich area for their distinctive, personal service.  

James and his wife Emmelyn started in Epsilon House at Masterlord Office Village in 2012, later opening a high street location before deciding to work predominantly from home as the market changed. After all, with a phone and laptop, you can work from anywhere. They made use of the virtual office service at Epsilon House, where calls are answered in the company name and messages forwarded immediately by e-mail to be actioned. Epsilon House remained open throughout the pandemic, providing much needed resources for many businesses. 

“Our lettings business is busier than ever, with between 30 and 50 enquiries for each letting. There’s a shortage of properties in the Ipswich area. We decided to return to Epsilon House this year, with my brother-in-law Harry Baker joining the team. A serviced office and meeting rooms are perfect for what we need now.  It’s modern, clean and there are no maintenance worries. With the reception and postal services, everything we need is right here.”

James Cornish, Henry Rose Lettings

Personal recommendation and referrals are the secret of Henry Rose Lettings’ success, with 80% of their business being rental properties. The company advises landlords on suitable properties to buy, managing properties for maintenance, repairs and cleaning, plus electrical and gas checks, and energy efficiency ratings – all to ensure they are in compliance. 

Many landlords have a small portfolio, with some having only a single property. They are handled as efficiently as larger portfolios.  The company offers expert advice for HMO (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) property management and licensing, where facilities are shared by multiple tenants and the requirements are more complex.  

“We give our tenants as much respect and attention as we give our landlords. It’s an important element of our business, which is built on personal reputation and service.”  

James Cornish