Essex Chambers of Commerce and Braintree District Council joined forces to hold a business forum event at Braintree Town Hall, with Braintree MP James Cleverly as keynote speaker.

Guests also heard from the council on its work to support local businesses and from the Haven Gateway Partnership on the campaign for improveemnts to the A120.

Tom Cunningham, cabinet member for economic development at Braintree District Council, said: “The Braintree district is a great place to do business in terms of location, people and innovation that’s why we joined up with the Essex Chambers of Commerce to host the first Braintree Open Business Forum. A wide range of local businesses came together to share ideas and build connections and we’ve had great feedback.”

David Burch, director of policy at Essex Chambers, added “We were delighted to be approached by the council to work with them to deliver this event for Braintree businesses and were delighted by its success.

“We were particularly pleased to be able to highlight the campaign to improve the A120 which is vital for businesses in north Essex and would urge people to show their support by going to www.a120co.uk .”

A second forum is planned for early February 2016 with Witham MP and Employment Minister Priti Patel as the keynote speaker. Full details will be advertised later on the Essex Chambers and Braintree District Council websites.