Council strengthens links to local business

Thanet District Council has signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with the Thanet and East Kent Chamber (TEKC) in a move that signals a strong commitment to supporting local business.

It will run for three years, and gives council recognition that TEKC is the largest representative of local business.

Underpinned by the Memorandum of Understanding are mutual interests such as the growth of the local economy, inward investment and job creation.

Details laid down include a council undertaking to consult with TEKC when developing policies and major initiatives that seek to promote the area’s growth. In response to this, TEKC has agreed to provide the council with regular feedback on commercial issues and to give its backing to jointly agreed policies and initiatives.

Both parties have pledged to liaise over initiatives to encourage new businesses and to back existing firms operating within the district. TEKC will give public endorsement to council measures designed to promote the business community.

In an extra boost to the local economy, the Memorandum of Understanding commits the council and TEKC to support activity that provides advice to commercial organisations. The document also heralds joint working on promoting the area to inward investors and encouraging start-up businesses.

Regular contact between the council and TEKC will strengthen all the aims and objectives of the two organisations as they work towards helping the local business community.

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Clive Hart, said: “The council and TEKC are both dedicated to supporting the local economy through job creation, business promotion and attracting inward investment. As the largest business support agency in Thanet, TEKC has an intimate knowledge of the needs of the local private sector, and we’re very happy to have forged such a strong and effective relationship.

“The Memorandum of Understanding represents a tangible and auspicious pledge to the local economy and the people of Thanet.”

The Chief Executive of TEKC, David Foley, said: “This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening the links between the democratically elected local government body representing the district and the largest business support organisation. We look forward to working together to promote local companies, to ease the growing pains of start-ups and to attract inward investment for the benefit of all companies, workers and residents.”