The starting point would be a core ‘Brand Kent’ team across both councils that would build on the legacy, knowledge and expertise of both Visit Kent and Locate in Kent.
Once up and running, additional resource from the private sector would be sought to enhance what can be offered to business, residents and visitors.
KCC and Medway Council are working with the appointed administrators to ensure the best possible outcome for residual assets.
Paul King, KCC Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Coastal Regeneration said: “The loss of both Visit Kent and Locate in Kent was a massive blow to the business community and tourist industry in Kent. The importance of these services in encouraging and supporting local businesses, attracting visitor spend and investment to Kent and Medway and providing employment and leisure opportunities for local residents cannot be underestimated.
“I am committed to taking forward the work that these organisations carried out over so many years to bring in extra investment and raise the profile of our amazing county.
“Both authorities, with support from local partners and stakeholders, will work as quickly as possible to restore a Brand Kent service and ensure that the county does not get left behind in these important areas.
“Despite the ongoing financial challenges facing all local authorities I am delighted that KCC and Medway Council have come together, following discussions with key partners, stakeholders and industry, to safeguard this service, and ensure we continue to champion Kent and Medway in a hugely crowded and competitive marketplace.”
Commenting on the new initiative Cllr Harinder Mahil, Medway Council Portfolio Holder for Economic and Social Regeneration and Inward Investment said: “Tourism and inward investment are critical to the economy of Kent and Medway and to helping it grow. With tourism contributing a massive £4billion a year to the economy of Kent and Medway and supporting nearly 78,000 jobs and the inward investment successes of Locate in Kent attracting and supporting businesses and more than 1,000 jobs, I am delighted that we are planning to move swiftly in partnership to secure the ongoing support for and demonstrate our confidence in this sector.
“We have some ambitious plans for Kent and Medway and want to ensure we continue as one of the best places to invest and visit in the country. From our rich heritage, stunning coastline, our reputation as the garden of England and visitor experiences to the superb range of business and employment spaces, support services for businesses and our growing reputation in the medical sciences, culture and creative sector and food and drink industries we have a huge amount to offer.
“We know how disappointed everyone was across the county to lose Visit Kent and Locate in Kent. We are committed to carrying on their good work and will now work with partners, investors and businesses across the county to build on their legacy and keep Kent and Medway firmly on the map.”
KCC and Medway Council were key partners in both Visit Kent, since 2002, and Locate in Kent, since 1997. Both organisations were responsible for raising the profile of the county, promoting all it has to offer and subsequently making it a destination of choice for business investment and tourists, both nationally and internationally.
Visit Kent was instrumental in supporting and growing the sizeable tourism industry in Kent, with a visitor economy worth £4 billion and representing 11 per cent of all jobs in Kent. Meanwhile, Locate in Kent supported 1,130 companies who either moved, set-up or expanded in Kent. That led to the creation or retention of 70,165 jobs, which equates to more than 7 per cent of the current local workforce.
Visit Kent ceased operating on 3 September and Locate in Kent went into liquidation on 18 September, both blaming the impact of a number of external factors, including the financial ramifications of the county being overlooked for a place on the Devolution Priority Programme, and the pressures in local government and public sector finances, plus the loss of various external funding streams that were previously available.
The KCC Reform administration has written to Central Government, asking for further support.
Cabinet Member Paul King will take the key decision on the new Brand Kent service. It is subject to call in by KCC’s Scrutiny Committee. A report will go to the Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee in November.
