Opportunities for companies to grow their
business
11 July 2012
Firms from across Kent gathered for the county’s first Green
Business Conference to find out about tapping into funding
opportunities to grow their business.
Executives and entrepreneurs also found out more about how
cutting a company’s carbon footprint can help cut costs – and win
business.
Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic
Regeneration, Mark Dance, gave the key
note address at Hall Place, Canterbury, to the 80-strong
audience.
Mr Dance said:
“At a time when economic growth in the UK economy overall is
flat, projected growth rates for the low carbon sector remain
buoyant – between 2008 and 2010, employment in the sector in Kent
rose by more than 17%, that’s 3,700 jobs in the county.
“We are working with our partners to put the low carbon sector –
with all its potential – at the centre of our approach to economic
growth.
“So, through ‘Expansion East Kent’ our £35million Regional
Growth Fund programme, we are offering interest-free loans to
support businesses with plans for investment that will create
jobs.
“We want low carbon businesses to apply, and we’re putting extra
support in place. We are offering advice and support to business to
reduce utility bills and costs. And we are offering support in
establishing supply chain networks alongside our aggressive
promotion of Kent as a location for inward investment.”
South Thanet MP Laura Sandys told delegates about the benefits
of developing green credentials.
Ms Sandys said:
“The green economy is an excellent opportunity for pro-active
businesses. Forward-thinking businesses are getting themselves in
gear to take up the opportunities, not just in the conventional
‘green’ industries, such as wind turbines for example, but as the
secondary support businesses that are required as well – printers,
marketing, web designers and many more.
“The businesses that will thrive in the future will be well
managed and efficient, they will manage their resources well, to
ensure that they are getting the most for their clients and making
great profits. With Kent pursuing such a green and forward looking
agenda, businesses should recognise the immense benefits of
locating in the county and the opportunities to access the green
supply-chain.”
The conference was part funded by Kent County Council and the
South East European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness
Programme 2007 – 2013.
Find out more about Expansion East
Kent.
Find out more about free sustainable
business.