A BUSINESS has marked a huge milestone as it celebrated 30 years of helping people get into work.

Prime Appointments in Witham began in 1992 and is an independent family-owned and family-run company.

It grew from a tiny two-woman power duo to an established recruitment agency across Essex and Suffolk.

Business partners and best friends Robyn Holmes and Margaret Locke built their business into a multi-million-pound venture.

However, Robyn was devastated when Margaret was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 50.

Robyn said: “We had thought she was going through a change; her mother had died, and they had been burgled, all in a short time frame.

“So initially Marg had six months away from the office, to have a sabbatical and see if she felt better. But she never returned to work.”

In 2018, Prime partnered with Alzheimer’s Society, with the company saying it is Margaret’s drive that got them where they are today.

A company spokesman said: “This friendship is the driving force behind our determination to create a world less affected by and, ultimately, free from Alzheimer’s, for Margaret and for millions of others around the world.

“We set out the challenge of raising £100,000 for Alzheimer's Society in ten years.  

“Now having raised an incredible £79,000, we have surpassed all expectations on our mission to beat dementia.

“To family, friends and the local community, we are eternally grateful for your support and your shared passion in giving back.”

To celebrate 30 years, the company had a brand-new train installation, suspended from the ceiling.

The train track runs throughout the office floor, running through the Witham model village, complete with a train station, convenience store, mill house, and more.