One of the district's top performing businesses is celebrating 25 years in Braintree.

CSS Recruitment and Training Limited has been highlighted by Braintree Council after a visit from councillors and members of the economic development team.

The business, based in Manor Street, was formed in 1994 when owner William Gleeson decided to set up a business closer to home after years working in London.

Mr Gleeson said: “I’ve lived in Braintree for almost 40 years and it is a place that is very important to me.

"Over the past 25 years we have built up the client base and it is now very much a family business with my four children working alongside me since the early most challenging years.

“It was great to welcome Braintree Council into our business and to talk through not just our successes but our challenges too.

"It isn’t often we get the chance to sit back and tell someone our story and to reflect on our achievements.”

The business, which has a turnover of £30 million, employs 72 full time staff and has six offices across the country, with plans in place for a seventh.

Since 2012, it has been raising money for local causes, through organising fundraising nights and by donating a percentage of its profits to CSS Charitable Trust.

Councillor Kevin Bowers, responsible for economic development, said: “CSS has been part of the fabric of Braintree for almost 25 years and they have a fantastic story to tell.

"Starting off in a business start-up unit at the old Black Notley hospital they have worked extremely hard, progressed and developed into a leading and respected company in their field.

"It is great to have such a successful national business in Braintree run by a local family.”

Braintree Council will keep in contact with the business and has offered to introduce it to important skills and education partners in the district.

The economic development team has also been able to identify funding opportunities for the business.