Agenda item

David Wimble (Cabinet Member for Economic Developments and Special Projects), Stephanie Holt-Castle (Director of Growth and Communities) and Steve Samson (Head of Economy) were in attendance for this item

1.Mr Wimble presented the following:

a)    The Committee received the final in a series of five updates on progress with the Kent and Medway Economic Framework, which had been adopted in March 2024 by the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership, including local authorities, private sector representatives, and further and higher education partners.

b)    Ambition 5 had focused on promoting locations, with emphasis on the rural economy, the cultural and creative sectors, and opportunities to showcase the County nationally and internationally.

c)    Officers highlighted the role of the Kent and Medway Business Fund in supporting local firms within the creative and digital sectors. It was also reported that the Local Growth Plan (LGP) was being developed and would highlight opportunities for sector clustering, as well as future skills and employment priorities.

d)    The Committee was advised that a second focus related to creative places, including activity across districts to develop and promote cultural venues and enhance both resident and visitor spend.

e)    Third focus area addressed the rural economy, including support for Agri- tech and Agri- food businesses through Produced in Kent (PiK) membership. The Grow in Kent and Medway programme was also recognised for its contribution to innovation in the food and drink sector.

f)      The Committee was informed of ongoing work relating to the natural environment, including a cross border geopark initiative with northern France. It was noted that a prospective UNESCO bid was being explored, which could support economic growth and business opportunities across protected landscapes on both sides of the Channel.

g)    Members received an update on the visitor economy, noting that the Visit Kent service had been brought in house in November. It was reported that plans were in development for a forthcoming coastal campaign, alongside a campaign promoting viticulture.

h)    Recent promotional activity was highlighted, including collaborations with the high speed rail service to London and billboard campaigns aimed at increasing footfall and raising awareness of Kent and Medway’s visitor offer.

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

a)    The Committee acknowledged the importance of the film industry to Kent’s economy and its potential contribution to the visitor economy. Members queried how activity relating to tourism and the film industry could be better aligned to maximise economic benefits, including opportunities to attract visitors, promote filming locations, and enhance the county’s overall offer.

b)    It was advised that the Kent Film Office (KFO) had continued to play a key role in promoting the county as a filming location, supported by communications activity and local media coverage.

c)    Recent filming activity at Dungeness for an upcoming feature film were discussed and it was reported that such opportunities had been actively publicised to raise awareness. It was acknowledged that efforts would continue, within available budgets, to promote Kent and maximise the benefits of film activity for the local economy and visitor offer.

d)    Concerns were raised regarding the challenges posed by diminishing water supply in the context of planned development across Kent and highlighted the potential impact on the agricultural sector, particularly arable and livestock farming, noting that previous water shortages had led to serious consequences, including the loss of livestock. The Committee sought clarification on how these risks would be addressed going forward.

e)    The Cabinet Member responded to the concerns raised regarding water resilience, advising that there was unlikely to be any funding from central government for new water reservoirs and supplies in the foreseeable future.

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f)      Members suggested exploring how additional external funding and investment could be leveraged to support economic development, particularly in light of pressures on existing resources.

g)    In response the importance of growing the visitor economy was highlighted, alongside recognition of recent efforts to strengthen this area. Updates were also sought on the potential reopening of Ashford and Ebbsfleet International stations, noting that this would have a significant positive impact on economic growth and connectivity within Kent.

h)    Despite budget constraints and the relatively small allocation for the visitor economy, there were initiatives in development aimed at increasing revenue and strengthening the promotion of Kent.

i)      Approximately £100,000 of private sector investment had been secured to support the visitor economy service within its initial months of operation. The new service was due to be formally launched to industry stakeholders at Leeds Castle, with partners and stakeholders, and that this was expected to support further revenue generation.

j)      An update was also provided on Ashford and Ebbsfleet International stations. It was reported that, while progress remained gradual, significant work was ongoing behind the scenes, including technical discussions and partnership working between KCC, district councils, Government departments, MPs, and London St Pancras high speed, with the aim of securing the reopening of both stations.

RESOLVED to note the KMEF-Ambition 5 Report.