COUNCILLOR Tim Wilkinson has received a certificate of merit on behalf of Braintree District Council.Councillor Wilkinson said he was “delighted” to receive the recognition of the council's support to the development of local business over many years.

COUNCILLOR Tim Wilkinson has received a certificate of merit on behalf of Braintree District Council.

Councillor Wilkinson said he was “delighted” to receive the recognition of the council's support to the development of local business over many years.

“I recognise that business needs change continuously and that we need to keep listening to business people so that the council's objectives and policies enable and encourage enterprise, whether it's through local advice centres or our extensive portfolio of commercial properties.”

The councillor, who runs his own small business added that it was a fact that nearly 80% of businesses in Braintree survive and grow beyond three years, whereas in other parts of the country the same proportion fails in the first year.