Business grant and relocation in Kent news
Ashford businesses flock to discuss future of town centre
More than 40 Ashford businesses and key stakeholders have met to discuss future plans for the Kent market town and how the Town Centre Partnership can help support them grow and prosper.
The event, held at the Ashford’s Future marketing suite at Charter House on 25 February, was organised by the Town Centre Partnership and Ashford Borough Council.
It provided businesses the opportunity to hear about plans for the town centre set out in the Town Centre Area Action Plan and to discuss their views on how the Town Centre Partnership can help support businesses in the future.
Businesses were welcomed by Jo James, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and acting Chairman of the Town Centre Partnership and received presentations from Simon Cole, Planning Policy Manager for Ashford Borough Council on the town centre plan and Judith Armitt, Managing Director for Ashford’s Future on the exciting projects that will be starting work in the next few months including Victoria Way, Junction 9 and the international railway station improvements.
Andrew Osborne, Economic Manager for Ashford Borough Council opened discussions with businesses on how the Town Centre Partnership could meet the changing needs of its members and ensure the promotion of the town centre enhances the trading environment for the whole business community.
Andrew Osborne, Economic Development Manager for Ashford Borough Council, said: “We were delighted to see so many businesses attend, and from a wide range of sectors. There was a very positive can-do approach from everyone and we received some excellent feedback and ideas.”
Viv Kenny, Town Centre Co-ordinator, said: “The attendance and discussions were very positive. It now falls to the Partnership to look at the feasibility and costs of putting some of them into action. One of the key points raised was for everyone to pull together to help promote the town. We would urge local businesses to join the Partnership and together we can raise the town’s profile.”
Source: Ashford's Future
Back to press releases main page
