News
downsmail.co.uk Trading ‘improving in town’ MAIDSTONE is continuing to attract businesses to the borough – a sign the county town is claw-
ing itsway out of the recession, say analysts. Almost 300 new companieswere registered in Maidstone in the first quarter of 2014 (January to March) – an increase of 4.2% versus the same period last year. While the figure compares badly
to the UK as a whole, the town is doing well when it comes to the number of companies closing – 146 in the same quarterly period, which is a decrease of 34.5% on the same quarter last year. Peter Valaitis, managing director
of
Duport.co.uk, which produced the report, said: “The falling num- ber of closures in Maidstone sug- gests trading conditions are improving – an excellent sign.”
A SERVICE launched by Maid- stone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has progressed, thanks to another generous donation by the Peggy Wood Foundation cancer charity. The endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) can help with carrying out an accurate biopsy of lymph glands which assists in diagnos-
Economy based on leisure and retail
MAIDSTONE's economy is largely based on leisure and retail and the town is ranked as having one of the top five shopping centres in the South East. Restaurants and bars are key to the area's success, with the night-time economy being worth more than £75m annually.
In the UK as a whole, new busi-
ness registrationwas up by 11.8% – although the number of closures in- creased by 5.7%, an indication that businesses in Maidstone have greater staying power than in most parts of Britain. Cllr Malcolm Greer, cabinet member for economic and com- mercial development, said: “All of
Donation boosts cancer service
ing and accurately staging lung cancer. It also helps to diagnose other cancers. The equipment was handed
over in the endoscopy unit at Maidstone by Bryn Annis, chair- man of the Peggy Wood Founda- tion, to respiratory consultant Dr Syed Arshad Husain and Avey Bhatia, chief nurse for the trust.
Rockland Electrical
Grave Tending Services
Caring for the final resting places of people and pets.
General gardening of graves Floral tributes and arrangements. Planting of seasonal bulbs. Grave sitting and prayers. Poppy placement.
Stone masonry, restoration and smoothing.
Please tell us if you have any special requirements. Additional services can also be seen on our website. Please quote MDM
01622 772507
hello@cherishmymemory.co.uk www.cherishmymemory.co.uk
12 Malling August 2014
our hard work, since 2008, is now showing rewards. The drive to in- crease the status of our public realm, with the completion of both stages of the High Street regenera- tion and other ongoing improve- ments to other areas in the town has made Maidstone attractive for business opportunities. “The jewel in our crown is the
new KIMS hospital that recently opened; this being an investment of £80m, generating 800 jobs when fully commissioned. “Future works which have plan-
ning permission include the Maid- stone Medical Campus [near M20 J7], an investment of over £200m and the creation of 3,700 jobs. “The completion of the new East
Wing of the museum and the refur- bishment of the Hazlitt Theatre have all sent out the right message, that we are open for business and the opening of the new Next Home flagship store [near M20 J7] in Oc- tober shows that Maidstone is the place where businesswants to be.”
Hospital staff with chief nurse Avey Bhatia, Bryn Annis from the Peggy Wood Foundation and Dr Syed Husain
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