The Insider

New plans for local growth

A new Government White Paper was published last week setting out exciting plans to kick start local growth. As part of these plans twenty-four new local enterprise partnerships have been given the green light, including in one that encompasses Kent, Medway, East Susses and Essex..

The Government’s new approach is an attempt to rebalance the economy, helping drive sustainable growth by focusing on three key themes:

* Shifting power to local communities and businesses, by creating dynamic local enterprise partnerships.
* Increasing confidence to invest.
* Focused investment, by tackling barriers to growth that the market will not address itself.

All three BCC Accredited Chambers in Kent , including Channel Chamber are looking forward to playing a key role in the new LEP to ensure that the needs of local businesses are fully acknowledged.

For details of the press release which includes a link to the White Paper itself. http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2010/Oct/local-growth

Calling all Home-based businesses

How important are home-based businesses to the Kent economy ? What help and support is needed to grow these businesses ?

All self-employed professionals, freelancers and those with their own companies are requested to spend just a few minutes in taking part in the following online survey . Anonymity and data protection is guaranteed.

To take part please visit: www.workhubs.com/surveys and click on KENT SURVEY

If you would like to discuss the survey with the specialists brought in to organise this research, please email or ring the
Work hubs Network direct on 01736 331872 (direct line for director Tim Dwelly)

Major Business Boost for Lydd Airport

Lydd Airport ’s development plans have taken a major leap forward after the airport was upgraded by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to handle a much wider range and size of commercial airliners including trans-Atlantic corporate jets such as the Gulfstream G500..

The airport had to satisfy a series of rigorous CAA requirements to achieve its new category, culminating in its annual emergency exercise. For more information about Lydd Airport , visit www.lydd-airport.co.uk

Where are you going to enjoy Christmas?

Folkestone Racecourse?

They are offering non race day Christmas party packages which start from £24.75 + VAT pp*. This comes with ample free parking, exclusive use of the venue ,dancing/disco, bar facilities and an adjacent Railway Station for those who don’t want to drive!
For further details please contact email emma.santer@folkestone-racecourse.co.uk or call 0870 220 0023

Or a more natural Christmas Lunch

If you’re fed up with tinsel and singing Santas why not try the award winning sustainable venue, The Pines Calyx. They are taking Christmas Lunch bookings for parties of 10 to 70 people from 22 November through to 17 December,Monday – Friday.

Sit back and enjoy a home cooked festive buffet in an elegantly decorated and naturally
inspiring venue.For further details contact 01304 851 737 enquiries@pinescalyx.co.uk www.pinescalyx.co.uk

Spoil Yourself at the Marquis

And don’t forget to mark a date in your diaries to bring family, friends & colleagues to the Marquis at Alkham this festive season. They have recently been included in the Good food guide, and awarded 2 rosettes by the AA guide. Christmas lunches are available throughout December, through to their New Years Eve tasting dinner evening, there really will be something for every celebration in 2010 (and into 2011)

For further details and reservations please telephone 01304 873410 or visit www.themarquisatalkham.co.uk

Lunch with Damian Collins

This year our Annual General Meeting will be taking place on Friday 12th November and Chamber members and non-members are most welcome to join us for a buffet lunch, where our new Chamber President Damian Collins will be giving us a short review of his first three months as an MP and there will be an opportunity to meet and talk to members of our Chamber Board.

There will be a small cost of £12 Plus Vat for lunch. To avoid disappointment you are urged to book your place soonest with Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022.