Growing the Kent economy 2016/17

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Growing the Kent Economy 2016/17
The assistance of finance to SMEs in
Kent was further extended when the
Escalate programme was launched
in December 2013. This scheme was
aimed at companies in West Kent and
parts of East Sussex area who had
increases in turnover year on year
and showed high growth potential.
In total 40 companies were supported
and all case studies can be viewed on
Kent.gov.uk. Details of some of the
companies supported are as follows:
The Imaging Centre Ltd, for the
purchase of a new specialist machine
to expand the operation of this card
printing facility; Berties Wood, to
expand the log-drying facility within
the existing site; Water processes,
to increase its workforce to support
the research and development of
modification of water treatment
equipment; Contracta Systems Ltd, to
increase its workforce to meet demand
for providing hearing loop systems in
public places both in UK and other
countries; and All About Home Care Ltd,
providing care for the elderly population
in West Kent.
To find out more about the new
finance schemes register your interest
on the Kent.gov.uk website or email
and a
form will be emailed to you.
Kent County Council has awarded £56 million to 250 Businesses to
enable them to expanded and grow.
domestic marketplace; Sandwich
Leisure, providing year-round camping
facilities; J J Systems, to purchase
new unit to enable growth of the ICT
company, Bumble Beez Ltd, a family
entertainment centre; Tankerton Arms,
a micro pub; and Shearwater Systems,
designing and developing innovative
software to support healthcare.
The full details of all of the 159 companies
can be viewed on Kent.gov.uk
The Tiger Programme was launched
in March 2013 and offered 0% loans
and equity to support start-ups or
existing businesses in North Kent and
Thurrock. The 51 companies received
finance support for expansion of
facilities, purchase of new premises,
research and development for new
products and development of existing
products including finding new
and innovative products to improve
efficiency.
Here are details of some of the companies
supported: Blackbox Solutions, supplies
digital print, scan and copy network
systems; GDM Partnership Services ltd,
designing innovative low energy and
sustainable solutions for the building
environment; Wozair Ltd, a new facility
for designing and manufacturing
specialist heating and air conditioning
systems; Brightwater Technology Ltd,
developing and manufacturing new
water treatment systems; Digital
Contact, an emerging ITC start-up
focused on “Big Data”; EH Nicholls a road
haulage firm expanding to new site;
and Tillett Ltd, a niche manufacturer
and exporter of racing seats expanding
their facilities.
Regional Growth Fund
Supporting Kent Businesses
Since April 2012 Kent County Council
has made £56 million available to
businesses, both new and existing, by
providing 0% interest loans, grants and
equity investments. The majority of the
funds allocated have been for loans
which will enable further funds being
available as repayments are received.
Three programmes provided financial
support to companies at a time when
they had put on hold their plans to
generate new businesses, diversify or
increase their product range due to lack
of access to finance. All the partners
involved in the finance schemes are
committed to supporting the growth
of the SMEs in Kent.
The three schemes operating throughout
Kent are on target to create more than
5,000 jobs and will leverage in more
than £84 million of private and public
sector investment.
The Expansion East Kent programme
was an ambitious scheme offering 0%
loans, grants and equity investments
to businesses within the East Kent area.
A total of 159 companies have received
support, covering a diverse range of
sectors including manufacturing,
services, life sciences and tourism. The
companies which have been supported
include: South East Bottling, a start-up
company to provide a bottling facility
for brewers in the South East; the Royal
Harbour Hotel, adjoining a Grade 2
listed building set in a premier garden
crescent; Viking Recruitment, establishing
a world class training facility for the
marine industry; Giram UK, developing
and manufacturing effective wheelchair
passenger safety solutions; Elite Flooring,
expanding premises to enter into