MAKE IT MAIDSTONE MAKE IT PROSPEROUS
New help for start-up businesses in Maidstone
Work is underway to introduce a town centre enterprise hub to boost start-up and micro businesses. The Business Terrace will be based in King Street and will offer six start-up offices on flexible in and out terms; up to 20 bookable desks; a seminar room; meeting room; and break out areas for business networking and collaboration. A programme of workshops, seminars and one-to-one advice will provide onsite support to help businesses thrive and grow.
Businesses and entrepreneurs interested in finding out more about sub-letting office space should contact Karen Franek at
karenfranek@maidstone.gov.uk or on 01622 602392.
£6 million investment at Junction 6
Maidstone is set to become home to the first of a new generation of purpose built drive-through Scania dealerships providing an extensive range of services for truck, bus and coach operators in the South East. The 2.5 acre site, situated off the A229 at Junction 6 of the M20, represents a total investment of £6m.
Scheduled to open in January 2016, the new Scania Maidstone premises will feature five drive-through workshop bays and a DVSA Authorised Testing Facility lane. Initially it will provide employment for a total of 34 technicians, parts and admin staff - a figure which is anticipated to rise significantly as the branch
establishes itself in the area.
LEADER Programme
Millions of pounds will be made available to rural businesses and communities across Kent under the new LEADER Programme financed by the EU and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It is the first time that all of Maidstone’s rural areas will be eligible to apply for the grant.
Funding under LEADER is available to organisations to develop projects that will: support micro and small businesses and farm diversification; boost rural tourism; increase farm productivity; increase forestry productivity; provide rural services; provide cultural and heritage activities. LEADER will match fund between 40% and 100% of the costs of the project.
The Kent Downs and Marshes LEADER programme (which includes Maidstone Borough) will be officially open for applications in June. If you have a project idea, please discuss it first with Huw Jarvis at Kent County Council on 03000 417104 or at
Huw.Jarvis@kent.gov.uk
Does your business need a free helping hand on Saturdays?
We are looking for businesses in Maidstone who need extra help on a Saturday, to sign up to the Saturday Job Scheme and accept a young person on a three month placement from April 2015.
Benefits to you: • Free – we pay the wages, you provide the opportunity
• Reputation – a great good news story for your business and community
Escalate
Nine companies in Maidstone are creating 124 new jobs and protecting a further 94 thanks to £2.5million of funding.
The 0% interest “Escalate” loans were administered by Kent County Council as part of the Regional Growth Fund, and awarded to businesses in West Kent and East Sussex looking to grow
and create new jobs while protecting existing ones. The loans awarded to Maidstone businesses accounted for 46% of the total funding, and were all supported by match funding from the private sector. As they are repaid, that money will be reinvested into further financial support for businesses.
The loans were awarded to innovative
and world-leading life sciences and technologies being developed in Maidstone, along with computer software development to train the engineers of tomorrow. The expansion of a company supplying the aerospace industry, and a start-up business leading the way in plastic recycling using new technologies, were also supported.
• Extra help – boost your workforce on a Saturday during busy periods
• Future prospect – if you are already considering extra help, this is an ideal opportunity to train and trial a young person, for free
Interested?
Call 03000 417 053 or email
abigaillewis@maidstone.gov.uk to find out how the scheme can work for you and your business.
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