THE COUNCIL has revealed all the work done to support businesses across the district during the pandemic.

Over the last 18 months Braintree Council supported the district throughout three national lockdowns as businesses were forced to close.

The council has supported businesses by:

  • Providing support to businesses by keeping businesses updated of changes to legislation while offering advice and support.
  • Employing Covid ambassadors to keep the town centres as safe as possible making sure both businesses and residents are able to follow all Covid secure measures.
  • Administering £54 million of grants to support businesses and help keep them going throughout the pandemic.
  • Launching a shop local campaign to encourage residents to support local businesses in a safe way.
  • Administering new pavement licences to give businesses more options and space to place tables and chairs outside of cafes, restaurants and bars in order to be able to social distance.
  • Investing in 'Click it Local' which helps local businesses compete with delivery companies such as Amazon. By the end of March, 17 businesses had signed up to the scheme in the district, with a further 20 businesses in the pipeline over the next two months.

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Leader of Braintree Council, councillor Graham Butland said: "Most residents, businesses and ourselves, as a local authority, have been affected by the pandemic which has changed all our lives in different ways.

"Over the last year, the far reaching impacts of the pandemic has seen the council go above and beyond to deal with the challenges, supporting our residents, communities and businesses as well as adapting how we delivered services to keep key services running.

"We are proud of how the community has come together during the pandemic and of the role the council has been able to play supporting the community at what has been a very difficult time."

The council will publishing more information about our services following the government announcement on July 12.