Laura said that this was a great week for business as she welcomed the announcements of a raft of new measures and support to boost business in Thanet. “There has never been such a large investment into East Kent by any government in living memory. 5% of the total national Regional Growth Funds are going into East Kent.”
Speaking at the launch of the Regional Growth Fund that is offering £35 million to businesses across East Kent, Laura said “I was delighted when we secured this enormous amount of funding but I am absolutely thrilled that we are now going to see this money create tangible jobs”.
“The Regional Growth Fund offers a fantastic opportunity for businesses of all shapes and sizes to grow. Indeed it’s not just our big businesses that can apply but smaller existing businesses, and start-ups as well. This is a perfect opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to set up shop in Thanet and Sandwich. For the application form do link to http://www.kent.gov.uk/business/business_support_centre/help_and_advice_for_businesses/local_and_national_support/expansion_east_kent.aspx
Laura also highlighted the good news for Kent’s rail passengers announced this week saying: “One hour from London to Ramsgate is on its way – this is a remarkable investment what will ensure that we are no longer left at the end of the line. The High speed services are key to promoting Thanet and Sandwich as prime locations for investors.”
The launch of Expansion East Kent came just as Google stopped in Thanet for the day to hold ‘Juice Bar’ workshops for local businesses seeking to boost their online presence. Laura dropped in on one of the workshops to meet with the Google team and some of the business owners seeking advice.
Laura said: “With the help of my colleague Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone, we have successfully brought Google’s team of experts to our doorstep. The Google workshops in Ramsgate were fully booked, and in fact oversubscribed. The feedback I’ve had so far from those who attended has been extremely positive. Given the evident high demand from local businesses, I will be speaking with Google in the hope of persuading them to return to Thanet to hold another event in the near future– watch this space!”