FOR Kevin Hayler, independent businesses are what give the town centre life.

He set up Annecto in 2012 and the managing director opened an office in Braxted Park Road in Great Braxted in 2013.

He and his team of 22 work with independent businesses, providing them with the tools they need to accept credit and debit card payments.

Mr Hayler has had experience in banking and credit card payments for about 22 years, and he wants to show businesses in Witham and the surrounding areas they have somewhere to turn.

With the card payment sector and online shopping being a growing market, Mr Hayler is trying to prevent independent business from losing out.

He said: "The market is dominated by banks, it's a logical step, but sadly they look at people as a number rather than a name.

"The aim is to connect with our customers, give them guidance and understand the business."

The company is planning on holding local seminars to show business owners that understanding card payments and online shopping is easy.

Processing card payments can be expensive, but Mr Hayler said he wanted smaller and more independent businesses to keep up with the change in times.

Mr Hayler said: "Independent businesses do not have time to go and research and understand all of this, and there is often a fear of the unknown.

"We just want to tell people not to worry and we can guide them.

"We are only four and a half years old but we are passionate and we are trying to work more with the community."

The company supports local charities such as the Havens Hospices and is a sponsor for the Witham Business Exhibition, to be held in October.

The Witham Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event at Witham Public Hall, and between 10am and 4pm more than 30 local businesses will showcase their products.

To find out more about Annecto visit www.annectouk.co.uk.