Alex Ward likes helping people. So five years ago, the businessman and head of digital at Zero Above design and marketing agency decided to become a special constable with Essex Police.

“I did it to make a difference,” says Alex, 30, who started his own business when he was just 17.

“I wanted to do something that gave back to the community and as soon as I started doing it I really felt like I was able to help change lives.”

Alex’s day job is working for a marketing agency where he uses his creative skills to help clients boost business.

It all started when, as a teenager, he became interested in digital media and design. He launched his own business, Red Tiger, which was doing well right up until the recession hit.

Alex, from Colchester, says: “I just played around with the technology and was really interested in design and how people interact with design. I eventually got to grips with the main programmes and got involved with people already working in the industry.”

He says work experience is a good way to learn the ropes about digital media.

He says: “When Red Tiger closed down I worked in several media and digital places before coming here to Zero Above in Bures. I take people’s websites and make them perform better, including mobile application, online advertisements and social media.

“I am keen on how our clients, the businesses, engage with their users so my job is also about being able to create a conversation between the client and their users. It’s where I get my kicks.”

Alex says that while he is self taught and has no formal qualifications in the digital industry, those interested in getting involved can go on a range of short courses to teach them what they need to know.

He says: “I don’t think it’s essential to have a degree, but there are apprenticeships out there. I have taken management courses, but that’s it.”

When Alex decided to become a special officer five years ago it was fulfilling a wish of his to work with the police. He was recently promoted to Acting Special Chief Inspector and looks after a proactive team of 50 people in Braintree and Uttlesford.

The role is voluntary and is covered by expenses only, but Alex admits he wouldn’t want to do it as a paid job.

He says: “I try and get shifts on Friday and Saturday nights and during the week I’m often in meetings at the station and doing paperwork.

“You really have no idea what you are coming into when you join the police. It can be anything from domestic abuse to road traffic accidents and sudden deaths.

“It’s real policing and real community involvement. However it doesn’t appeal to me to do this as a paid job because I am quite happy doing my work in digital media. I like being able to do both.”

“I would encourage others, whether they want to get involved in digital media or something else, to consider some type of volunteering because you do learn a lot about yourself and your abilities.”