A COUNCIL chairman continued her business tour as she visited a bar on the high street.

Braintree Council’s Chairman Sue Wilson visited Number 92 Bar in Braintree High Street on February 10.

Number 92 is a family run business in Braintree that originally opened in September 2020.

During the visit, Councillor Wilson and Braintree Council’s economic department team were shown around the bar and introduced to staff.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Number 92 and meeting the staff behind a great local business – one that plays a vital role in boosting the night time economy and bringing people back into the town centre.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Look Around - Owner of Number 92 Matthew Dawnes and Braintree Council Chairman Sue Wilson

Whilst they were there, discussions were made about the Welcome Back Fund, a government scheme announced back in 2020, that provides councils across England a share of £56 million to support the safe return to high streets and help build back better from the pandemic

Specifically, they discussed how the Council can support the business through funding renovations to the bar premise front, including window repairs and repainting of the exterior.

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They also discussed assisting with the funding to install an awning, as following a pavement license, they can now offer outdoor seating, as well as how the Council can work with businesses to create a bespoke offer of support to the local independent businesses in the area.

Owner of Number 92 Bar Matthew Dawes said: “It was a privilege to have the Chairman come to Number 92 and sample our range of local and home produced drinks and food.

“I look forward to the council offering more and more support and encouragement to the small businesses.

“As a group of businesses at the Fountain End of the High Street, we all support and complement one another and together are working extremely hard to deliver for the people of Braintree and to continue to improve the reputation of our end of the High Street.”

For more information on the Number 92 Bar, visit barnumber92.com or visit their Facebook page.

Businesses interested in what support is available to them can visit braintree.gov.uk/businesses or email economicd@braintree.gov.uk.

Businesses interested in a visit from the Chairman can apply online at braintree.gov.uk/invitethechairman.