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Support for Existing Business

Business Link South East

 

Whether your business is in need of assistance or looking to expand Business Link South East has a team of qualified business advisors ready to help. They can offer workshops, one to one sessions or business visit to suit your needs. Business Link is currently holding Business Advice Clinics and Innovation Clinics at Charter House in Ashford for businesses looking for support in the current climate or assistance in developing new products, processes and services.

 

For more information email  Business Link South East or call 0845 600 9 006.

 

 

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

 

The Kent Invicta Chamber Business Support team run a ‘keeping you healthy’ programme for your business. Choose from either a one off advisory session on a particular business issue or a 12 month tailored programme in order to develop and grow your business.

 

For more information contact Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce or call 01233 503838.

 

 

Kent International Business Support

The Kent International Business Page on the KCC website provides support and advice for companies wishing to explore the possibility of exporting or internationalising their business.

Enterprise Europe Network 
A specialist support network for SMEs. Its role is to raise awareness of business opportunities for companies within the EU and inform them of relevant regulations, programmes and initiatives. The Enterprise Europe Network offers a range of tailored services to help businesses develop new products and access new markets.


UK Trade & Investment (South East) (UKTI)
The main source of information, guidance and support for UK businesses wishing to export products and services overseas or access international markets. Through its local trade advisers, UKTI can provide a number of support services and access to a network of Embassies, Consulates and other offices in over 100 markets worldwide.


The Transmanche Enterprise Network Project
An EU funded Interreg project which promotes entrepreneurship and cross-border trade between Medway, Canterbury, West Flanders and the Nord-Pas de Calais region. TEN aims to help small businesses investigate export opportunities and promote trading links between the UK, Belgium and France.

 

‘Export to Grow’ Support: The 2 Seas Trade Project

Kent County Council has recently secured over €400,000 in European funding for Kent to deliver a series of trade and export support activities for Kent companies. The project will provide support to Kent businesses interested in beginning to export to Dutch, Flemish and French markets.


 

Ashford Town Centre Partnership

 

The Ashford Town Centre Partnership is a non-profit making membership organisation, that is developing an effective partnership between the public, private and voluntary sectors, so together they can achieve a safe and vibrant Town Centre in which to work, live and visit.

 

The Ashford Town Centre Partnership markets, promotes and is actively involved in events and projects that attract visitors into the town centre and provide benefits for its members.  The Town Centre Manager assists Ashford Town Centre Businesses in finding the right support and advice.

 

For more information visit the Town Centre Partnership website or call 01233 664410

 

 

Shell Step

 

Why not secure a dynamic, committed team member for a summer placement to help you develop your companies potential? Access the knowledge of the UK's brightest undergraduates for an 8-week work placement project.

 

Shell Step helps small and medium-sized businesses develop their potential by utilising the high level skills of the UK's brightest undergraduates. Undergraduates bring new skills and focused enthusiasm to help businesses to kick-start or manage development ideas - giving your business fast and affordable access to knowledge.

 

The ideal time to have a Shell Step student is during a period when they can work full-time (typically for 8 weeks), giving full attention to a problem or challenge that you do not have the time or resource to focus on in-house.

 

As part of an integrated business support programme, Shell Step provides support and mentoring for you and your undergraduate throughout your project.

 

For more information please email Shell Step.

 

 

Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) - An opportunity for your business

 

Does your business employ fewer than 50 people?

 

Don't miss out on the Graduate Internship Scheme offered by Canterbury Christ Church University and funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

 

The scheme which aims to help both small businesses and unemployed graduates.  The University will contribute up to £1,500 towards the cost of paying minimum wage to an eligible graduate who takes up a 13 week internship in your business.

 

For more information visit the Canterbury Christ Church University website, call Samia Abdiche on 01227 782093 or email sam.abdiche@canterbury.ac.uk.

This webpage was updated on 11/17/2011

 

Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre
Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL
Telephone: 01233 331111
Email: customer.care@ashford.gov.uk or view our contact us page.
Ashford Borough Council Ashford, Best Placed in Britain

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