| February 2011 |  |
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Locate in Kent reaches milestone - 700 companies assisted |
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Locate in Kent has helped 704 companies to relocate to or expand in Kent since 1997, helping them to create more than 26,150 new jobs in the process. The company recently assisted CV screening business Jefferson Hunt Ltd move its entire operation from Essex to Wateringbury, near Maidstone. Jefferson Hunt works with clients across a range of sectors including banking and financial services, logistics, aerospace, retail and the public sector, operating globally in the US, India, China, Australasia, Africa and throughout Europe. It counts leading financial institutes and international companies as well as leading brands among its clients. Locate in Kent has also assisted printing services company Response Envelopes Ltd with its relocation from Croydon to Kent. It has taken new offices at Springhead Enterprise Park near Ebbsfleet, bringing all 6 staff to the county. It has also recruited a new full time printer to help run its new press and hopes to create two more positions over the coming year. For more information about Jefferson Hunt, visit www.jh-ltd.com and for further details about Response Envelopes, visit www.responseenvelopes.co.uk. |
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Supported by
| 'Kent Innovation Corridor' launched | |
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Kent and Medway’s innovation centres have come together to form a ‘Kent Innovation Corridor’ to maximise the benefits for their tenants. The county now has a network of centres that is second to none. New state-of-the art facilities at the Nucleus in Dartford, Innovation Centre Medway in Chatham and Canterbury Innovation Centre add to excellent existing space at Kent Science Park near Sittingbourne, Kent Innovation Centre in Broadstairs and the Lakesview Enterprise Centre, near Canterbury. All the centres are designed to meet the needs of start-up businesses with innovative services or products. They provide flexible space and support to foster growth and act as a ‘stepping stone’ for companies wanting to take their own independent commercial premises. They also offer communal areas and other facilities for hire and many run free events to encourage tenants to work together and make new contacts. Some centres only accept businesses from specific sectors, while others offer space to any company that can be defined as ‘innovative’. Further details can be found on the Locate in Kent website: www.locateinkent.com/intro.php?p=45. |
| Locate in Kent's new interactive map | |
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Locate in Kent’s refreshed website features a new interactive map function, allowing users to view development sites and opportunities in all areas of the county at a glance. Clickable areas of Thames Gateway Kent, Maidstone and West Kent, Ashford and East Kent show average commercial and residential property prices and population figures. The maps for each location show main infrastructure in the area alongside potential and existing commercial and regeneration sites, which link to each development’s website or to descriptions, travel times and contact details. To view, visit www.locateinkent.com and click on ‘Kent Interactive Map’. The company has also launched a new offshore wind section of its website aimed at those already working in the sector and companies wanting to get involved in the industry. It is accessible from the Locate in Kent homepage www.locateinkent.com by clicking on 'Offshore Wind Energy' under the 'Industry Sectors' tab. |
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| Kent County Council pilots Fit for Work scheme | |
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In East Kent, a scheme is being piloted to make return to work faster and easier for employers and employees. Fit for Work is for employees registered at GP practices in eastern and coastal Kent in areas including Dover, Thanet, Canterbury, Shepway, Ashford and Swale. This is being trialled until June 2011, and the service may be continued and widened if it proves to be successful. A team of occupational therapists, employment specialists, psychologists and physiotherapists is available depending on the individual’s needs. For more information call 01843 830220 or visit www.kent.gov.uk/news_and_events/news_archive/fit_for_work.aspx. |
| Partnership with Locate in Kent | |
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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. |
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© Locate in Kent Ltd 2011 | www.locateinkent.com |  |
