Supporting the local economy

Discover how we support the local economy in Kent. See who we partner with and how we develop key skills across Kent.

Our role in economic development

In Kent, we:

• lead and coordinate activities for economic growth
• work with partners to create a thriving and strong economy for all
• oversee the delivery of strategic economic programmes and initiatives
• offer support to local businesses and communities.

Our partnerships

Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP)

We are part of the KMEP, the Economic Growth Board for Kent and Medway. It shapes the priorities and opportunities for Kent and Medway and brings together:

• business leaders
• local authorities
• education and skills providers
• other stakeholders.

Visit the KMEP website to learn more.

Business Advisory Board (BAB)

KMEP has support from different subgroups. One of these is the Business Advisory Board (BAB). BAB is a business-led forum. It acts as a ‘sounding board’ for us and KMEP to review and reflect on economic strategy. It includes representatives from important local sectors. The board meets every two months and share insights on:

• trading conditions
• local economic experiences.

Visit the KMEP website for full details of the BAB membership.

We also commission the Kent and Medway Growth Hub service. This service is the main point of contact for business support and advice in the area. The hub helps local businesses. It connects them to support and funding which helps them start, grow, and sustain their business.

Kent and Medway Economic Framework

The Kent and Medway Economic Framework finds the key strengths, challenges and opportunities for our economy.

We are committed to engaging with and representing the interests of local businesses.

Some of the ways we engage with businesses:

• Run the Kent and Medway Business Advisory Board which provides regular updates and information about challenges and opportunities facing Kent’s key industry sectors.
• Support the Kent and Medway Business Summit and a number of other local business events.
• Work closely with local Business Membership organisations including the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Businesses.
• Run regular surveys and consultations to gather feedback and insights from businesses on various topics.
• Host and attend network events and webinars.
• Produce and share newsletters and bulletins for businesses.

We work with the government and other agencies to:

• advocate for the needs and priorities of Kent businesses
• provide access and influence national and regional programmes and policies.

We also offer a range of services and initiatives to help businesses start and grow in Kent, as well as to attract and retain investment and talent in the area.

Services and initiatives we deliver, commission or support

Connect to Work

Connect to Work helps people to access and stay in work if they:

• have a disability
• have a long-term health condition
• are part of a disadvantaged group.

Inward investment and visitor economy services

Promotes Kent and Medway's tourism offer to increase visitor numbers and spend. They also work with businesses wishing to establish a base or expand in the county.

Kent Ambassadors

Kent Ambassadors are a network of people. They share their skills and connections and work to promote Kent as a great place to:

• live
• work
• study
• visit.

Kent and Medway Business Fund Standard Loans

Kent and Medway Business Fund Standard Loan is a £55 million fund that provides loans of between £25,000 and £600,000. The fund is available to small and medium-sized enterprises in Kent and Medway, with a focus on:

• innovation
• sustainability
• job creation.

The Kent Rural Partnership

The Kent Rural Partnership is a collective initiative. They work to boost the rural economy and support businesses in Kent and Medway. Our role involves:

• providing financial and strategic assistance through its economic development programmes
• making sure local businesses have the resources they need to thrive.

Made Smarter South East

Made Smarter South East supports manufacturing and digital businesses to adopt new technologies and boost productivity.

No Use Empty

No Use Empty is an award-winning scheme that offers loans and grants to property owners and developers. The aim is to bring empty commercial and residential properties back into use, creating:

• jobs
• homes
• business spaces.

Produced in Kent

Produced in Kent is a membership organisation who:

• champion and support food, drink and craft producers
• help them to access new markets and customers.

Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps offers flexible training courses for adults to fast-track into jobs in sectors with skills shortages.

The Kent Foundation

The Kent Foundation is a charity. It helps young entrepreneurs to start or grow businesses in Kent by providing free:

• business mentoring
• advice
• training.

The Strategic Partnership for Health and the Economy Task Force

This task force brings together stakeholders from:

• public sector
• private sector
• voluntary sector.

The force focuses on the health and work challenges and opportunities in Kent and Medway.