Support for businesses

Local support

• Chambers of Commerce support local business growth and enterprise. Services offered include representing business interests, support and training, help for start ups, networking and social opportunities, facilities for conferences and help with exporting and international business.

  • Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce covers Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, North Kent and West Kent.
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  • Channel Chamber of Commerce covers East Kent areas of Folkestone, Sandgate, Hythe, Deal, Dover, Sandwich and Romney Marsh.
• Federation of Small Businesses - Kent and Medway.
• Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is partnership between East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Thurrock and Southend..
• Locate in Kent offers a range of free services to help businesses expand in or relocate to Kent and Medway. Its free corporate relocation service also provides business grants assistance and commercial property searches.
• Kent Institute of Directors (IoD) is recognised as the premier business organisation for business people in Kent.
• Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is membership organisation which provides a full range of business support services.
• The Association of Tourist Attractions in Kent provides an independent forum representing the operators and owners of over 80 diverse visitor attractions in Kent.

National and government support

• Business Link helpline provides a quick response service to people with simple questions about starting or running a business. It also provides a more in-depth service for those with more complex enquiries.
• GOV.UK offers Information about starting up and running a business in the UK, including help if you're self employed or a sole trader.
• Manufacturing Advisory Service provide manufacturing business support for companies based in England, helping them to improve and grow.