Essex Chambers of Commerce has hosted a dinner event to give local business leaders an opportunity meet the recently-appointed chairman of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), Christian Brodie.

The aim was to enable local firms to share their views with the new chairman on the key issues affecting future growth in the county.

Infrastructure, especially roads and broadband connectivity, and the need for better engagement between the education and business sectors were among the issues raised.

Denise Rossiter, chief executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce, said: “We were delighted that Christian accepted our invitation to meet chamber members from a variety of backgrounds who could give him first-hand knowledge of the issues they face in their business.

“We hope that the discussions will be of great help to him and his colleagues in shaping future policies for the development of the south east economy and the LEP’s strategic economic plan. We look forward to continuing to work with the LEP in the coming months.”

Mr Brodie has also already spent a visiting a number of schemes in Braintree and Witham to see how SELEP money is being spent, and where more investment could help further.

Set up by Braintree District Council’s economic development team, the tour included visits to Ignite House and the proposed new Witham Enterprise Centre, as well as meeting new start-ups in the district supported by such schemes.