Locate in Kent has met its targets for the percentage of quality jobs retained or created, and for jobs in growth sectors and in target areas of Kent.

The organisation has assisted a wide range of companies this financial year from large to small businesses in all sectors. Recent investments include one of Europe’s leading international express delivery and logistics companies, GBA Services, based in Lancashire, which expanded into Ashford, and SunConcept, a German solar energy specialist which has expanded into the UK, setting up at Kings Hill.

Locate in Kent is currently analysing its figures for 2010-11, which will be formally announced at its end of year event on 14 June. 

During February, Locate in Kent and Kent Developers Group undertook a survey among members of the Kent Developer's Group, property agents, developers, intermediaries, investors, planners and other consultants to determine what the industry feels the barriers and opportunities for development are in Kent.

From the responses gathered, the majority claimed the lack of available finance for development projects and the economic situation were the biggest current obstacles to development, followed by national planning control uncertainty including localism, and lack of mortgage availability for housebuyers.

Tax Increment Funding was selected as the top measure to assist in encouraging development. Other ideas to kick-start the industry included the speeding up of the planning process, clear and concise guidance on planning policy, Enterprise Zones and efforts by public sector bodies to bring their land forward for development.

Most respondents thought it would take 18 months for confidence to return to the housing market, compared to the majority believing it would take two years or more for the commercial property industry. For more results from the survey visit www.locateinkent.com and click on ‘research', under the ‘media centre' menu.

Canterbury Christ Church University recently launched JobShop, an online vacancy service dedicated solely to their students and graduates. JobShop enables employers to instantly advertise vacancies to the university’s 2,500 registered students free of charge.

JobShop will advertise a range of vacancies from part-time work and graduate positions to vacation work or work experience and volunteering. The service will provide access to a cohort of enthusiastic and dedicated graduates and students looking to start successful careers with South East businesses.

The JobShop team, based within the University’s Employability and Careers Services, are also on hand to provide employers with advice on the steps to take in order to advertise and make the most of the service.

Visit www.canterbury.ac.uk/jobshop and follow the employer link or email jobshop@canterbury.ac.uk for more information.

HSBC has joined as Locate in Kent's most recent corporate partner. With its global experience, local knowledge and support, and 8,000 local experts in 63 countries, HSBC can help businesses achieve their ambitions and do business internationally. For more information visit www.business.hsbc.co.uk.

Locate in Kent has a wide range of corporate partners. For details, see the Partnership Directory on the Locate in Kent website - www.locateinkent.com/partners. The Corporate Partnership scheme is aimed at all companies looking for new business opportunities. 

Membership costs £1,500 plus VAT per year and benefits include a company listing and link on the Locate in Kent website, invitations to networking events and entry in the Partnership Directory, which is distributed widely to clients. For more information call Lizzy Crofts on 01732 520700.