Police seize drugs stash

A Medway man has been charged with a drug offence following an investigation by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

Brian Daniels, 56, of Anchor Road, Rochester, was arrested at a property on Watery Lane in Westwell, near Ashford, on Friday, March 3.

Officers also seized a substantial amount of cannabis and cash from the property.

Daniels has been charged with possession with intent to supply cannabis and bailed to appear before Folkestone magistrates on Wednesday, October 18. Business Editor Nearly half of bosses think Kent’s popularity as a place to do business will improve over the next five years, according to a new study.

Two-thirds of business people questioned believe the county is a good location to run a company – mainly thanks to strong transport links such as the high-speed line from Ashford to St Pancras and the Eurostar line.

However, 8% believe Kent’s prospects will become less attractive over the next five years.

The figures come from investment agency Locate in Kent, which has surveyed the county six times since 2003.

Its latest study of 238 business people found the Kent’s proximity to London and the continent – and its connectivity between the two – came out on top as its strongest selling point.

This was followed by quality of life, cost benefits and the availability of a skilled workforce.

Those who expect Kent to become more attractive as a business destination were most likely to mention new and improved transport links and infrastructure. Increased development, improved links to Europe and an increase in the population were also mentioned.

The study focused on the views of developers and investors, who made up 42% of respondents compared to 9% in 2014.

The results showed optimism for business in Kent was highest among this group.

Locate in Kent chief executive Paul Wookey said: “This reaffirmation is key to supporting the delivery of jobs and investment to the county. It also helps us identify areas where Kent is not considered yet, and contains plenty of positive case studies to illustrate the benefits.”

The study follows the launch of a campaign by Locate in Kent called “101 Reasons Kent Makes Business Sense”. The company’s website lists 101 benefits of doing business in the county.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup. co.uk

Locate in Kent chief executive Paul Wookey says business confidence in Kent is high, thanks to strengths such as its high-speed commuter trains