Mum and daughter Frances and Jennifer Warren have set up Truly Scrumptious just outside Culver Square to offer an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of old-fashioned and modern chocolates and sweets.

And the move to Sir Isaac’s Walk was made possible with a little help from their friends - Kerseys’ Solicitors, who helped ensure they had the lease which was right for them.

Frances, 55, said: “We want this shop to be like an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’, full of confectionery you can’t find in the supermarket. We sell everything from jars of old-style, hard-boiled sweets to gourmet chocolate, from pick and mix to hampers, as well as our wedding services.”

Frances started out working on a sweet counter in the village shop on a Saturday, then went on to own a jewellery shop and manage a sweet shop. She said traditional sweet shops bring back fond memories and are great for people of all ages.

But the family dream was put on hold because they could not find suitable premises and contracts. Frances then contacted her local solicitors, Kerseys, which has an office in Colchester Business Park.

She said: “I’ve been with Kerseys for the last six years and they’ve helped me to sell homes, set up wills and now lease a shop.  I’d been searching for years for the right place, but the contracts offered were just not suitable.

“The team at Kerseys made me aware of potential pitfalls and ensured I didn’t have to be tied to a lease for longer than necessary.

“The language used for such paperwork is Double-Dutch to most, but they explained it all clearly to me.  It was reassuring to work with Kerseys and I couldn’t have done it without them.  They’ve saved us time, money and hassle in the long-run.”

Frances and Jennifer invited people who had supported them along the way for an official opening, including Kimat Singh, Matthew Osborn and Leila Murray from Kerseys.

Kerseys partner Kimat Singh, who specialises in the management of leasehold estates, said: “We work closely with small and medium retails businesses like Truly Scrumptious and always try to ensure they get the best possible terms on their retail leases.  

“There is no 'one size fits all approach', particularly for independent retailers, so we tailor our services to their specific needs. We are pleased Frances and Jennifer are now based in an excellent shopping street, with many independent and boutique shops.”