BUSINESS men and women from the north of the Maldon District met at the Chairman of Maldon District Council’s invitation for a business breakfast.

The event, held at The Lock in Heybridge on Friday, was an opportunity for businesses to make connections and establish whether they would like to create a local business group that could meet regularly to share knowledge and experience.

Henry Bass, Chairman of Maldon District Council, had noted that the Maldon district has a thriving Causeway Business Forum and Burnham Chamber of Commerce and he wanted to see something similar replicated for those in the north of the district.

The idea had developed from the series of business visits he has been making during his term of office as chairman and feedback that he had received.

Mr Bass said: “The feedback from the event has been very positive and I am glad to hear that the businesses would like to continue to meet on a regular basis. There was a great buzz in the room and lots of connections being made which is just what I had hoped for.

“As part of my series of visits, I have visited many businesses in the Maldon district and seen great examples of entrepreneurship and forward thinking including plans for expansion, training and apprenticeships.

“I am also grateful to BEST Growth Hub and Wilkin & Sons who sponsored the event.”

Jacqui Stimpson, Business Navigator from BEST Growth Hub gave a talk on funding, and Jack Ellum, Interim Tourism and Events Manager from Maldon District Council, on the Maldon District Sense of Place branding.

To find out more about the group, funding, or the Maldon District Sense of Place free branding, contact the Economic Development Team on 01621 876215 or email busdev@maldon.gov.uk.