East Kent Open For Business as More Funding for Local Businesses Announced
A launch at Britain’s financial centre declared East Kent open for business last week. The Grow For It event at the London Stock Exchange signalled the start of a national campaign aimed at encouraging new investment and supporting high-growth businesses in East Kent.
Laura Sandys, MP for South Thanet, who helped secure £35 million of small business funding attended the launch and presented cheques to local businesses.
Speaking after the event, Laura said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Thanet and Sandwich. A launch at the very heart of the UK’s financial sector shows that we mean business. I want to see more investment being driven into the area and the Leader of Kent County Council is absolutely right: East Kent really is open for business.
“I’m so pleased that local businesses are already beginning to receive the financial support they need to expand and develop through interest-free loans. After Pfizer announced it was to close the doors at its Sandwich base, I worked with closely with Kent County Council to secure Central Government funding to promote growth in the area and help businesses thrive. This funding now called East Kent Expansion has already started rolling out and many more businesses are in line to receive cheques in the very near future.
“It was great to help present this round of funding that will directly translate into more jobs in Thanet and Sandwich. South East Bottling (pictured) was one of these recipients and the loan will fund the development of a specialised brewery bottling facility in Ramsgate. Other Thanet-based businesses receiving funding on the day included the Royal Harbour Hotel in Ramsgate and Flying Fish Hovercraft in Sandwich.”
Photos: Steve Stills
