Anne Khan, 51, is the owner of Rollerworld and Demon Xtreme Sport’s sales and marketing director.

She was recently named one of Essex’s most inspiring women in business by our sister publication Essex Living magazine.

KATY PEARSON reports

Former pro-skater Anne’s dream job when she was a youngster was to own a roller rink.

“I used to skate at the Triangle and Rollerworld as a teenager,” she laughed.

And as of November, that dream has been a reality.

“My husband and I have been running Demon Xtreme for about 16 years starting in Harlow, and we have now had shops in Harlow, Colchester, Chelmsford and Alexandra Palace in London,” she said. “We also now own Rollerworld in Colchester. Previous owner Andy Starr approached us January 2018 and asked us buy the business from him.

“We now are the proud owners of the finest rink in Europe and the rink is classed in the top six in the world. It is somewhere I have visited as a professional skater since it opened 29 years ago.

“When we were approached by Andy Starr, it was literally like a dream come true.

“We usually start at about 11am and work through until about 9pm or 10pm when the rink is over,” she said.

“I interact with all our staff including our cleaning staff, maintenance guys who are there during the day making sure Rollerworld is clean and tidy, safe and well maintained and looking great for our customers.

“I’m also making sure the jobs are done right and listening to changes the staff may want to make. Everything has been done the same for 29 years and this isn’t always the best.

“I answer emails and promote Rollerworld, meet with our management team to discuss ideas and changes.

“No day is ever the same, I also make up custom skates, sharpen ice skates and serve people in our shop.”

So what training can possibly prepare you to become a roller rink owner?

“The best thing I ever did was to become a coach,” said Anne.

“I am a qualified roller and ice skate coach and roller and ice hockey coach.

“For 30 years I have loved imparting my knowledge and seeing skaters and players both learn and grow. We now run the largest ice hockey club in the UK with more than 500 members, this is what makes it all worthwhile.

“Owning Rollerworld now enables us to teach people of all ages to skate and introduce them to sports on skates, this helps to build the clubs around Essex and creates more skaters.”

And when it comes to the business person she most admires, it’s pretty close to home.

“My husband Jason is my inspiration, through thick and thin he carries on and never gives up,” she smiled.

“He is hard working and understanding. In business we fit together like a glove, we complement each other, the things he is a little weak at are my strengths and vice versa.

“I was told in 2007 after a major family car accident he may never walk again. Not only does he now walk and run (badly) he now plays ice hockey and shares his knowledge with others.

“He never lets anything beat him, he carries on no matter what, I admire and love this about him and it has make me a better business woman for sure.

“ Never let anything get you down and never give up because you never know what is around the corner.”

CAREER STATS:

Q The secret to building a successful career?

A Patience and hard work.

Q Your top business tip?

A Work hard, treat people as you would like to be treated and always have time for your staff and customers