The Essex district of Braintree has been quietly getting on with its own agenda, which just happens to include allocating community asset-management and a pragmatic approach to service provision. Michael Burton talks to its new chief executive, Nicola Beach, who takes over in January.

In the same county as the constituency of community secretary Eric Pickles, the shire district of Braintree has been quietly getting on with the Government's agenda, irrespective of legislation.