Kent’s Quarterly Economic Survey Q1 2022
We’re delighted to be bringing you this newly designed and formatted Kent & Medway Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) report in what are clearly challenging times.
This quarter we have seen a gradual waning of the post covid Christmas euphoria as businesses begin to whither under a barrage of operational cost increases. Sanctions, consumer confidence, inflation and supply chain issues are all having an effect.
Alongside this turbulence we see that recruitment remains a problem and yet, despite the logical conclusion being to train and retain existing staff, fewer firms appear to be looking to invest in training. An opportunity perhaps for public sector intervention.
Although there is clearly a significant amount of uncertainty still at large in our business community, there remains an underlying current of positivity and optimism. This could be down to context in that, compared to the trading conditions of pandemic
lockdown, things might not seem so bad.
Whatever the reasons, it’s clear that whilst businesses remain vulnerable, progress towards economic recovery continues and it will be down to those in power to provide continued support.
Jo James OBE
Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
