Ashford EDG August 2025 Minutes
Ashford Economic Development Group – August 2025 minutes
Nettie Buss (AB)
Tom Jenkins (TJ)
Lucy Clark (LAC)
Katie Hodson (KH)
Camilla Maurice (CM)
Jason Rainbird (JR)
Tim Sheppard (TS)
Dan Sherlock (DS)
Richard Stafford (RS)
Tom Shaw-Dunn (TS-D)
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
AB welcomed Camilla Maurice (CM) LSIP Project Manager, and introductions were made around the room.
The purpose of this meeting was to obtain an update to the Kent & Medway LSIP (Local Skills Improvement Plan)
CM explained that the existing project was coming to an end and explained that a report will be collated and circulated as a result.
After the initial 5 areas that were being focused on (Construction, Manufacturing & Engineering, Health & Social Care, Education and Food (Fresh, horticulture and Agri-food), 2 further areas are to be added which are Transport & Logistics as well as Creative Industries.
CM advised that the colleges in Kent have been key to gathering this information.
Going forward there will be more of a focus on occupations, and since the focus was agreed maritime has been added, this is to support Kent employers with new information coming through.
CM updated the AEDG that a new LSIP website will be launched shortly and following the success of Skills 25, Skills 26 will be taking place in March 2026. The Skills 25 event which was held earlier this year has resulted in more collaboration and partnerships forming in sectors.
A general discussion followed which covered areas including:
- How success is measured
- Activities which are being undertaken
- The transition around working on roles, rather than sectors
- Employability, especially with regards to those new to the working environment
- Data discussion – where it is collated and how, as well as how it is used
- Bootcamps (further details subsequently provide by Tom @ ABC)
- Cost of employing staff
- Work that is being undertaken around the hospitality sector
