The Kent Business Summit 2019 took place on Friday 11 January with over 300 guests discussing how to sustain economic growth in the county, particularly in light of the challenges and opportunities that Brexit will create.
The event, organised by the Kent Business School (KBS), was in its second year after a hugely successful launch in 2018 and built on this success by increasing visitor numbers and attracting high-profile speakers from organisations and businesses across Kent.
The summit was opened by Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Karen Cox, who outlined the University’s commitment to working with regional business and government on skills development, improved productivity and sustainable innovation.
Keynote speakers included Technical Manager for Transport for the Southeast Mark Valleley, who discussed plans for an integrated transport system for Kent, the CEO of Visit Kent, Deirdre Wells OBE, and Locate in Kent, Gavin Cleary, who spoke about how to make Kent a desirable destination for both work and family life, and Melissa Carson, Head of Research at Be the Business, who outlined how firms across Kent can work as productively as possible.
A series of roundtable discussions took place later in the day where delegates drew up action plans around key issues the region needs to focus on, such as improving the road system, investing in food tech, increasing tourism, boosting SME growth and retaining skilled graduates and workers within the region.
Event organiser from KBS Floortje Hoette said: ‘It was fantastic to see so many people attend the Kent Business Summit 2019 and hear so many interesting and thought-provoking presentations. What has become abundantly clear once again is that businesses, government and academics are very keen to work together in sustaining economic growth for Kent.’
KBS will now produce a summit report that will identify actions and key avenues for new research raised at the event. Throughout 2019 it will also help foster further discussion and networking opportunities between all those that attended.
The event was organised together with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Institute of Directors and Locate in Kent, and sponsorship from Crowe, Malcolm Hollis, Cripps, Southeastern Railway and the KM Media Group.