A RISK-TAKING entrepreneur from Thurrock hopes to see his businesses expand nationwide, after seeing success in the borough.

Paul Grayer, 37 from Fobbing, owns Grayers Graphics, Uniformwise and is a landlord to fourteen tenants. He is set to expand Grayers Graphics across the water to open a second branch in Kent by 2022, and will move into a new 5,000 square foot warehouse in April. Paul also plans to open a total of four Uniformwise shops in Essex by 2025.

The entrepreneur's first business Grayers Graphics, was launched in 2005 after Paul was made redundant. The business specialises in vehicle graphics and signage, working with local businesses and retail shops. Paul worked tirelessly in the first four years of the business to build a trust between Grayers graphics and his clients. The trust enabled Paul to expand his successful business, and create jobs for 8 employees, which he plans on increasing to 15.

The business strives to help companies with their branding and graphic designs. Paul said: "Local business has always been at the heart of Grayers Graphics and we always lend a hand where we can."

With Grayers Graphics moving into their new warehouse in April, Paul hopes the extra space will allow them to take more work with their current contacts, and have more space to bring larger vehicles and lorries to design graphics for logistic transport companies.

Investing £20,000 to advertise Grayers Graphics in West Ham's London Stadium last year was a huge risk according to Paul, fearing that he may have over-paid. But the risk paid off, with other Hammers sponsors becoming new clients. Paul said: "I have always seen the power investing a good part of my profits back into advertising and brand awareness, especially in the line of work we do with graphics.

"We need to be able to show other business owners that we can stand out from our competitors just like they can," he said.

The Thurrock-based businessman also created Uniformwise school wear in 2017, after being disappointed with the selection of other school wear shops. By 2025, Paul hopes they will open four Uniformwise shops across the County. Since it's opening, Uniformwise has grown from three schools using their services in the shop's infancy, to now 19 schools.

For all of Paul's achievements in business, he was shortlisted and won entrepreneur of the year in 2017, after being put forward by Thurrock Council. Paul hopes to further expand and continue to see success in his businesses.