Agenda item

Jamie Henderson (Deputy Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Environment and Coastal Regeneration) Steve Samson (Head of Economy) and Sarah Nurden (Strategic Programme Manager - KMEP) were in attendance for this item.

1.Mr Samson presented the item with background aspects presented to the Members

a)    The Kent and Medway Economic Framework was a jointly developed strategic document agreed in March 2024. It had been produced through collaboration between all local authorities in the County, the private sector and business community through the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP), other key organisations included universities and further education colleges. It reflected a shared commitment across key partners to support and guide economic development in Kent and Medway.

b)    The report outlined the five ambitions within Kent and Medway which had encompassed: supporting businesses and encouraging innovation, improving skills and employment, supporting infrastructure for growth, and economic opportunity for all communities and promoting Kent and Medway as places to invest, visit and conduct business.

c)    Officers provided a further update on activities under the economic strategy. It was recognised that the strategy was not a funded programme in itself, but rather a framework through which partners across Kent and Medway work collaboratively to secure external investment and deliver shared priorities. The Council would continue to work with a range of organisations to identify and pursue funding opportunities to support delivery.

d)    It was reported that the ongoing collaboration with universities and other regional partners was underway to prepare a joint bid to central government that would aim to secure funding to support the development and growth of innovation clusters. The update formed part of the Committee’s regular monitoring of progress against the strategy’s ambitions and action areas.

e)    Reference was made to the Kent and Medway Business Fund. The loan scheme was administered by Kent County Council and provided loan financing to small businesses across the County to support business growth and aid in job creation.

2. In response to comments and questions from Members, discussion covered the following:

a)    Members asked how aspects were measured specifically those aspects that have been successful. Officers acknowledged how broad the framework was and as an example discussed how a focus on business support could be measured through the Kent and Medway growth hub service to capture the number of businesses that had received support.

b)    Officers emphasised the importance of clearly demonstrating the impact of the strategy’s work, particularly in relation to measurable outcomes such as employment creation. The Member commented that, as an example, an ambition was to see 300 people employed through a particular policy or programme, reporting should enable Members to understand if progress had remained on track.

c)    Members discussed the recent closure of Visit Kent and how the current ‘Brand Kent’ sat within the overall picture of Kent tourism frameworks. Officers responded that the tourism body of work discussed had now been brought in?house under the new Grow in Kent banner.

d)    The team’s activities had included improving the number of businesses attracted to the County and the development of a pipeline of interested companies that could align with objective one of the economic frameworks. Performance in the discussed areas would be monitored accordingly. Similarly, the Visit Kent data that related to visitor economy metrics and business engagement was to be captured under ambition five of the framework.

e)    Members queried if supporting material could be provided to Members for when they were engaged in the wider communities. This would aid local business to be better informed of what opportunities were available to potential applicants. Officers highlighted the use the Connect to work, Growth Hub, Skills Bootcamps and the Visitor Economy Service as options to be considered.

f)      Officers confirmed that the Economy Team would aim to make a summary available to all Members. The team had engaged with businesses and partners and had ensured that the related information was readily available. This had allowed the team to discuss innovation with businesses and aid in highlighting related areas such as skills or workforce challenges. Having the information to hand had ensured that everyone would be aware of the full range of support and opportunities available collectively.

RESOLVED to note the Report