Thinking Business April 2023
Kent region shows economic resilience.
Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business.
It was so lovely to see so many of you at the Kent Business Leaders Dinner held at the beautiful Bradbourne House in East Malling. We had over 50 guests attend this event which included a fascinating historical tour of the Tudor Grade I listed building by Karyn Hood from the East Malling Trust. I never underestimate and underappreciate the enormous value of seeing people face to face.
Looking at our environmental impact as individuals and businesses is important to us all – and the environment is the focus of this edition.
A BCC survey of more than 1,000 businesses, of which 96% are SMEs, has discovered that nine out of 10 people don’t fully understand what the Government’s target of making the UK Net Zero by 2050 means for them. It also revealed that there is a big divide between firms with more than 50 employees and those with fewer than 50 in terms of understanding and progress.
The research has also revealed that more than two-thirds of SMEs (69%) have installed LED lighting, more than a third (34%) are investing in greener vehicles and just under a third (30%) are using solar panels. We look at how we can increase those figures in this issue.
The cost-of-living crisis has hit small firms hard and planning for Net Zero can slip down the list of priorities but remember that we, as a Chamber, are here to help.
The feature on South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) makes positive reading. SELEP has backed more than 40 skills projects, supported by over £40m investment for skills training across the South-east. More than £80m in European Social Funding has been allocated across our area to support people into work and training, alongside over £70m of European Regional Development Funding providing targeted business support programmes. They have also invested more than £450m on road, rail and other infrastructure projects, as well as close to £248m on commercial development projects for doing business in our area. This is helping our corner of England display economic resilience.
Things are looking positive for our region. It is promising to see that Kent’s property market is optimistic with 70% predicting growth over the next two years and it is fantastic to see that Hochiki Europe has purchased a £5.5m facility in Medway. This sends a clear signal that Medway is seen as a valuable investment opportunity for global businesses.
I hope that this Spring gives us even more reasons to have a spring in our step!
Jo James, Chief Executive
Kent Invicta Chamber Commerce
