As one of Essex’s leading retail and leisure destinations, Braintree Village plays an important role in people’s everyday lives that extends far beyond shopping. By supporting business growth, creating jobs and pathways into employment and providing a place where communities come together, the destination creates lasting value for local people, businesses and neighbourhoods.
In 2025, Braintree Village supported 1,028 jobs across Landsec, its retail partners and businesses operating at the destination. It also helped 214 people move closer to employment through initiatives such as employability partnerships, which provide valuable hands-on industry experience, and work placements.
The research also found that Braintree Village delivered £1,183,747.09 in social value in 2025 through investment in local communities and employment initiatives, including bursaries, community grants, volunteering and partnerships. These initiatives help create lasting value beyond economic contribution by supporting community wellbeing, strengthening local partnerships and fostering a sense of pride in the local community.
Alongside its economic and social contribution, Braintree Village continues to invest in a more sustainable future. Through its partnership with specialist beekeeping service, Plan Bee, the destination has nurtured a thriving population of an estimated quarter of a million native Essex black bees – a species that was close to extinction a century ago. The rewilded site is managed organically without chemical treatments, plastics, or artificial feeding, providing essential forage for the pollinators and yielding nearly 100 jars of raw honey alongside honeycomb.
Braintree Village continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s leading outlet destinations with iconic brands choosing to open outlet stores at the centre this year, including Mint Velvet, Lovisa, Hobbs, Whistles, and Phase Eight. Beyond retail, Braintree Village remains committed to making a positive impact through partnerships with organisations including First Stop Centre, and initiatives such as ‘Made in Braintree’,championing local talent, inclusivity and opportunities for the wider community.
Josef O’Sullivan, Centre Director at Braintree Village, said: “Retail destinations are part of the fabric of the communities they serve. They help local businesses grow, create employment opportunities and provide places where people can come together, connect and spend time.
“The findings published today demonstrate the important contribution Braintree Village continues to make to Essex. By investing in the destination, supporting employment, working with community partners and operatingmore sustainably, we’re helping businesses and communities thrive. In turn, that attracts further investment, supports long-term growth and creates lasting value for the local area.”
