Help for local businesses to grow

Helen visiting a local foundry

Almost everywhere you look, Faversham and Mid Kent is teeming with brilliant businesses who we could be doing more to help grow. 

In never ceases to amaze me how many diverse businesses we have locally. From farms to foundries, health tech to rocket manufacturers. Possibly the only thing they have in common is how tough they've found the last few years. Brexit uncertainty, covid, and inflation have given businesses lots to think about besides expanding.

But now we're heading out the other side, we've got to start to get businesses thinking about growing again. 

Taking that next step can often be a challenge - whether it’s barriers to trade, changes to local and national policy, or finding the right skills. I want to work to help bridge these gaps, with support from our local councils and government ministers. When I was a minister in the Treasury I spent a huge amount of time looking at this, and how getting it right leads to more jobs and a stronger local economy.

With that in mind please find below my 2024 survey for local business - I'd love to hear from you if you've got something specific I could be doing to help.

Helen's 2024 business survey

What sector is your business in?
How long have you been trading?
Do you feel that your business is fully consulted on local matters?
Would you be interested in joining a forum for local businesses to create a unified voice?
If possible, would you like to grow your business?
If yes, which of the following do you feel are barriers to that? (You can select more than 1)
Since the coronavirus pandemic, do you feel that footfall in your local area has:
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News

Spending on local services in Kent to hit £1.1 billion

Spending on local services in Kent is set to increase as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

Kent County Council’s budget has been set at just over £1.1 billion for the next financial year – an increase of £57 million from last year’s budget.

Brighter days are on the way as we enter 2021

Many of us will be glad to see the back of 2020.

A year that started with such promise, brought hardship and grief in the form of Covid-19. For many, it will be remembered for the moments that were missed, and the loved ones we have lost.

And the Christmas card competition winner is...

I’m delighted to announce the winner of my Christmas card competition this year is Alice Jeffery from Roseacre Junior School.

The winning design will feature on cards seen by people across the local area and one has even been sent to the Prime Minister.

More support for hardest hit children and families in Kent

Family budgets across the country are being squeezed by this pandemic.

That's why on top of the support already provided, the Government has announced a new £170 million Covid Winter Grant Scheme for local councils to help people most in need.

More money to boost broadband in rural areas

I’m delighted that Kent is one of 17 councils across the country benefitting from a £22 million boost to the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.

Eating out to help out in Faversham and Mid Kent

Latest stats from the Treasury show more than 54,000 meals were claimed in Faversham and Mid Kent under the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

This is a tremendous response to the scheme, which I know has been appreciated by pubs, restaurants and cafes in our area.

More money for safer streets in Kent

I’m pleased that Kent will be benefiting from a new £25 million scheme to keep our streets safe.

The Safer Streets Fund is part of the Government’s work to tackle crime, and aims to stop offences that blight communities and cause misery to victims.