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