Since the first Covid-19 lockdown, we have seen how our remarkable business community has adapted to keep trading and started the process of recovery, once restrictions were lifted. Increased concerns to health that has meant Tier 2 restrictions, followed by lockdown this month, has been a huge blow to businesses who were relying on the pre-Christmas boost to sales in the final quarter of 2020.

Whilst your local district council is at the forefront to support the continuing emergency effort during this lockdown, we will also do all we can to support our businesses and those who work for them.

Braintree District Council is readying itself to dispatch Government support packages to those eligible and finalising discretionary criteria for additional grants, details to follow shortly.

We have relaunched our young entrepreneur scheme, have funding available to support industrial unit improvements and support to help those in the catering and hospitality sector.

We will also be doing our bit to encourage all residents to buy local in the run up to Christmas.

We continue to work with our partners at Essex County Council to develop projects that will support wider economic recovery, supporting retraining and job creation - more information to follow in the weeks ahead.

The vitality of our three town centres post pandemic is a huge priority for us.

Along with physical improvements, we will be working with the local communities in our towns to host events, provide support and increase the footfall in our towns.

We will be helping our towns to ‘bounce back better’ once this virus is beaten!

For more information and support please contact: www.braintree.gov.uk/coronavirus or economic.development@braintree.gov.uk.

Councillor Tom Cunningham Deputy Leader Braintree Council