OWNING and operating a small business is a sure-fire prerequisite to offer the people of Wannon better grass roots representation, Craige Kensen of Casterton believes.

Mr Kensen started his own jewellery store from scratch in his twenties, which he believes has grounded him in what it means to work hard, especially in retail with the constant pressures of overheads, keeping staff paid, enduring red tape and bureaucracy, which he claims has led him to better understand the people of Wannon.