Chamber will run one-stop advice service

Business group Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a two-year deal to run a one-stop-shop advisory service for companies in the county.

The body will run Kent and Medway Growth Hub after being given the contract by Kent County Council as part of a Government initiative to make it easier for firms to find information, products and services aimed to help them grow.

The chamber last year launched a pilot scheme from its headquarters at Ashford Business Point – one of 30 hubs across the UK.

It aims for the hub to engage with 4,000 businesses a year.

The announcement was made at the chamber’s AGM last Friday.

Chief executive Jo James said: “This is an exceptionally important contract. Firms want a single point of contact for business support, where they can find all the information they need. We are going to build on the pilot we ran last year and make it easier to access.”

MJ Allen boss Tim Allen handed over the chairmanship to longtime chamber director Richard Lavender. Mr Allen will continue as vice-chairman.

The chamber also hinted it may reduce its number of business to business exhibitions next year.

Mrs James said: “There has been feedback that the B2Bs were great but four was too many.”