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Supporting the local economy

Family walking along a pier

Find out how we help to grow the local economy in Kent including working in partnership to support local businesses and developing the skills needed to ensure we have a strong, healthy workforce.

Our role in economic development

We are responsible for leading and coordinating economic growth activity in Kent, working with our partners to create a prosperous and resilient economy for all. Kent County Council's economy function oversees the delivery of strategic economic programmes and initiatives, as well as providing advice and support to local businesses and communities.

Our partnerships

We are members of the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP), which is the Economic Growth Board for the functional economic area of Kent and Medway. KMEP brings together business leaders, local authorities, education and skills providers, and other stakeholders to shape and influence the economic priorities and opportunities for Kent and Medway.

A summary of the role of KMEP:

  • Business representation – KMEP is the main forum by which we engage and consult with private sector employers to hear their views on emerging economic plans, economic programmes, and significant funding proposals.
  • Economic strategies – KMEP is responsible for the development and oversight of the economic strategy for the functional economic area of Kent and Medway. It is developing growth plans in response to the Government’s UK modern industrial strategy.
  • Programme delivery (including monitoring of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) Legacy Funds) – KMEP advises us on the use of Growing Places Funding (a revolving low interest capital loan scheme). It also has primary oversight and monitoring responsibility for the LEP Legacy Funds, namely the Local Growth Fund and Getting Building Fund.

You can find out more about this work by visiting the KMEP website where you will find the full details of the KMEP board membership, the meeting agendas and papers, conflict of interest policy and register and the KMEP terms of reference.

KMEP is supported by a range of sub groups which includes the Business Advisory Board (BAB). BAB serves as a business-led forum that acts as a ‘sounding board’ for us and KMEP, to review and reflect on economic strategy. BAB includes representatives from key sectors of the local economy and meets bi-monthly to provide insights on current trading conditions and sector-specific experiences of the local economy. Visit the KMEP website for full details of the BAB board membership.

We also commission the Kent and Medway Growth Hub service, which is the main point of contact for business support and advice in the area. The growth hub can help local firms to access a range of services and funding opportunities to start, grow and sustain their business.

Kent and Medway Economic Framework

The Kent and Medway Economic Framework, identifies 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, such as the support available, and the future outlook.
  • Host and attend events and webinars to share information and advice, as well as to network and collaborate with businesses and other organisations.
  • Produce and distribute newsletters and bulletins to keep businesses updated on the latest news, opportunities and resources.

We work with the government and other agencies to advocate for the needs and priorities of Kent businesses, and to 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

  • Kent Ambassadors, which is a network of successful individuals who use their expertise, experience and connections to promote Kent as a great place to live, work, study and visit.
  • Kent and Medway Business Fund, which is a £55 million fund that provides loans of between £25,000 and £600,000 to small and medium-sized enterprises in Kent and Medway, with a focus on innovation, sustainability and job creation.
  • Kent International Business, which is a partnership of local and national organisations that support businesses in Kent and Medway to export and access overseas markets. The service provides advice, events, trade missions and funding opportunities for new and experienced exporters.
  • The Kent Rural Partnership, which is a collective initiative that includes Kent County Council, working to boost the rural economy and support businesses in Kent and Medway. The council's role involves providing financial and strategic assistance through its economic development programmes, ensuring that local businesses have the resources they need to thrive.
  • Locate in Kent, which is the official inward investment agency for Kent and Medway, providing free and confidential advice and support to businesses looking to relocate, expand or invest in the area.
  • No Use Empty, which is an award-winning scheme that provides loans and grants to property owners and developers to bring empty commercial and residential properties back into use, creating jobs, homes and business spaces.
  • Produced in Kent, which is a membership organisation that champions and supports local food, drink and craft producers, and helps them access new markets and customers.
  • The Kent and Medway Health and Economy Partnership and Kent and Medway Employment Task Force, which are two strategic groups that bring together key stakeholders from the public, private and voluntary sectors, to address the challenges and opportunities relating to health and work in Kent and Medway.
  • The Kent Foundation, which is a charity that provides free business mentoring, advice and training to young entrepreneurs, who want to start or grow a business in Kent.
  • Visit Kent, promoting the county as a leading destination for domestic and international visitors, and supporting the recovery and growth of the tourism sector.