Stepping Out

When Dutchman Frank van Wezel settled in Southend on Sea it was the first step of a business career and a love affair with the county of Essex that will always remain close to his heart

Dutchman Frank van Wezel began living in Southend on Sea in the early 1970s when he was tasked to develop a new fertilizer business in England after working for a decade in Kenya. The coastal town with an airport operating short flights to his native Holland seemed like the ideal place to live – plus the local beaches were a big attraction. He and his family felt immediately at home, thanks in part to two factors that were important to him.

‘Sport, sport, sport and great genuine people,’ says Frank. ‘There’s no better feeling than being at home on a Sunday morning enjoying a cup of tea with the newspapers – English newspapers are the best in the world in my opinion – watching people at the seafront, enjoying a famous Rossi ice cream or running, walking the dog, cycling, sailing, and swimming. On a sunny day — and that’s most of the time, despite foreign perceptions — it beats anywhere in the world,’ Frank reflects.

In terms of the local population, Frank quickly came to a positive conclusion. ‘I mostly liked their sense of humor, the privacy they allow others and the genuine nature of the British people. We were always impressed with the quality of life here and the commitment shown by members of the local sports clubs who organized excellent events and some memorable dinner dances.’