Martin Prentice, the Institute of Directors’ Ambassador for Kent, emphasised the creative and global nature of many Kent businesses. “Kent is a focal point for a number of diverse industries with a mix of global innovators and creative entrepreneurs driving change and economic prosperity across the county,” he said.


Technology talent


Entrepreneurial talent and high-growth SMEs are supported by Kent Country Council, through advice via the Kent and Medway Growth Hub and investment from the Kent and Medway Business Fund. The technology sector is one of those high-growth sectors, typified by a concentration of businesses around Ashford.


Andrew Osborne, Economic Development Manager for Ashford Borough Council, said: “Ashford has seen its fair share of technology and digital companies setting up in recent years. We have targeted growth in this sector and it is now bearing fruit with many companies using the town as their base, with its agile and a skilled local workforce.”


One business hoping to make a local impact before expanding across the UK is Localise, a community marketplace app where local people can engage with, and support, local independent businesses.


“We had a seed funding round in April 2020 and we have recently deployed our product into the App Store,” said Ashleigh Cornelius, CEO and Founder of Localise. “We’re currently working exclusively in Ashford and Tenterden as our first launch locations where we’re working in collaboration with the local councils to help promote their independent businesses.”


He added: “It is only natural that we launch the app in our home county, where we have a vested interest in the community and the success and sustainability of our local high streets. We hope to create new


Kent business snapshot Main business growth sectors Sector


Creative and digital Manufacturing Food and drink


Logistics and transportation Source: locateinkent.co.uk


Number of businesses 7,000 3,000 2,500 2,150


partnerships with more councils across Kent and then further afield across the UK.”


Contract developer and manufacturer of medical devices ITL also benefits from Ashford’s good transport links, particularly to medical technology hubs in London and Cambridge.


“Being specialised in what we do, certainly within the UK and in Europe, we have been able to attract significant business over the past few years,” said Tom Akrill, Business Development Manager at ITL, which is a member of Somerset-headquartered photonics technology company G&H Group.


“With the financial backing of G&H, we are investing in our facilities, technology and people. Our international operations will continue to be extremely important to us. G&H is an ambitious organisation and is working closely with us,” he continued.


Solving logistical challenges


Logistics, storage and distribution is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors and Kent is naturally a focus for much of this activity. Not surprisingly, Brexit and labour shortages are forcing companies to think differently about how they operate.


Europa Worldwide is doing exactly that. It handles half a million European road consignments, split evenly between imports and exports. It saw a small drop in trade as businesses migrated to Europe and the number of consignments fell.


Dionne Redpath, Chief Operating Officer at Europa Worldwide, said: “Turnover that eroded was more than replaced by additional business from imports and customs clearance income that we didn’t have before.”


Brexit triggered the launch of a new product, Europa Flow, for UK exporters. “We have created an infrastructure in the UK, France and Belgium that allows UK exporters to take away the hassles associated with the reinstatement of trade borders.


Localise’s community marketplace app


businessmag.co.uk NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 21


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