Kentish Express Ashford & District
Chamber partnership on for another 15 years
The special relationship between Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has been extended into a 15th year.
The ongoing service level agreement between the two organisations strengthens further the co-ordinated approach to supporting businesses in the borough, which both bodies say is vital to maintaining Ashford’s position as one of the top business locations in Kent.
The partnership is enhanced by ABC now having patron status of the chamber, which the authority says raises its profile further among the business community and enables it to increase its opportunities to network with key stakeholders, including MPs, established businesses in the county and the borough’s young entrepreneurs of the future.
The chamber provides support and guidance for Kent businesses and has more than 1,200 members.
The agreement will see one-toone business advice and business start-up workshops offered free of charge to Ashford residents.
To access these and other support services, businesses should contact the chamber through its website at www.kentinvicta chamber.co.uk
ABC says the patron status is important in moving forward Ashford’s growing inward investment programme, which includes major projects such as the new Ashford College and the redevelopment of sites in Elwick Place and Victoria Way.
Cllr Gerry Clarkson, leader of ABC, said: “I am delighted that we have increased our involve- ment with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. We are fortunate to have such an active and strong chamber and formalising this relationship can only help businesses in the borough.”
Jo James, the Chamber’s chief executive, said: “I have been a firm advocate of Ashford Borough Council’s approach to economic investment and growth. The way it works with public and private sector stakeholders of any size to realise Ashford’s potential is clear for all to see.
“The fact that the council now has patron status should signal to everyone the strength of the council’s resolve to both deliver on its aspirations and make Ashford truly successful in the longterm.
“I can only commend the borough council on its proactive and tireless pursuit of achieving its economic development goals for the betterment of the borough.”