London Stock Exchange declares East Kent open for
business
Grow for It brought East Kent to London on Tuesday morning, with
a showcase event at London Stock
Exchange.
The campaign, which is lifting the lid on the business and
investment opportunities available in East Kent, was being
introduced to the London business community. Business Minister
Michael Fallon addressed an audience of 120 investors,
entrepreneurs and media, who heard what’s on offer for businesses
in East Kent.
The day commenced at 8am with
Paul Carter, Leader of Kent County Council, officially opening
the day’s trading at the Stock Exchange, alongside Marcus Stuttard,
Head of AIM, London Stock Exchange’s international market for
smaller growing businesses.
He was joined by East Kent MPs, business beneficiaries of the
Regional Growth Fund and East Kent entrepreneurs, prior to an event
that paraded East Kent as a business destination to London
investors and business figures.
The Business Minister told the gathered audience that, “East
Kent is out in front as an area that is delivering on the potential
of the Regional Growth Fund”, arguing that, “the region has the
drive, resourcefulness and companies to thrive in the coming
years.”
Paul Carter further declared East Kent “open for business”,
commenting on the area’s significant business advantages and the
necessity of unlocking its growth potential.
He was followed by Doug Richard, investor and founder of
School for
Startups, who paid tribute to East Kent’s potential as a hub
for creative and digital businesses, something that was echoed by
Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, who spoke of
Folkestone’s potential to rival Brighton as a south-east centre for
creative entrepreneurship.
Panel discussions, chaired respectively by Damian Collins and
Laura Sandys, MP for South Thanet, featured the East Kent
businesses that are benefiting from the Regional Growth Fund and
the growth potential of the biotech sector, with the world-leading
facilities at Discovery Park in Sandwich.
The day was also notable for the announcement of new recipients
of Expansion East Kent funding - interest-free loans via the
Regional Growth Fund. Businesses including South East Bottling, a
joint venture to create a specialist bottling facility in Ramsgate,
part-driven by London brewery Sambrooks, were awarded
cheques by Paul Carter and Michael Fallon.