Campaign calls for investors to Choose Canterbury

Canterbury is an amazing place to do business.

That’s that message behind the Choose Canterbury campaign and website which is being launched today (Monday 18 November) and is designed bring businesses to the district and boost jobs.

It is the result of a collaboration between Canterbury City Council and Locate In Kent, the county’s inward investment agency, and is being paid for by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Choose Canterbury includes:

• a new website showcasing the district as a great place to do business – choosecanterbury.co.uk
• a digital marketing campaign and a series of events promoting the district’s virtues to potential investors
• practical help for businesses to get a foothold in the area including finding premises, accessing grants and loans and help signposting to help with support services such as IT, legal advice, IT and recruitment
• support for key employees and their families that are moving to the area

Cllr Chris Cornell, the city council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Inclusion, said: “We all know what a fantastic place this is to live and work in.

“Choose Canterbury aims to share this message with the world and bring new jobs and exciting new talent to the area.

“We are uniquely placed – we’re close to London, along with fantastic transport links, the Channel and the Thames Estuary and have sites available for business growth.

“When you add that to our rich history and cultural heritage that attracts people to this corner of the Garden of England and the fact we have a skilled workforce supported by university-backed specialist schools in engineering and medicine, it is an irresistible combination.

“As we’ve made very clear in our Corporate Plan, we want to work in partnership with organisations such as the Canterbury BID.

“Whether businesses come to Canterbury city centre or Altira Business Park in Herne Bay, we want this to lead to quality job opportunities and lasting economic value for our community and feed into our plans to create a circular economy.”

Locate In Kent will play a vital role in delivering Choose Canterbury by using its expertise and resources to showcase the district as a great business destination and engage with investors.

Charlie Hutching Lawrence, Locate In Kent’s Business Development Manager, said:

“The city is already well known internationally and is increasingly a place of cutting-edge innovation.

“Choose Canterbury will build on this and promote Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable as great destinations for businesses in sectors key to the UK and regional economy from green energy and the life sciences to advanced manufacturing.

“The project will also make the most of the district’s tourism industry and the continued success of the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University and the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) as centres of learning and innovation.

“We will be working hard to attract new businesses from hotel groups to new co-working spaces while working with others to explore longer term investment opportunities.”

Joshua Williams, Partner, at law firm Brachers LLP in Watling Street, Canterbury, said he has absolutely no regrets opening in the city.

He said: “We opened in Canterbury four years ago and we’ve never looked back.

“Canterbury is a dynamic region that encourages creativity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for businesses to establish their roots.

“We were warmly welcomed by a thriving, supportive business community, which we are now firmly a part of.

“This environment has enabled our firm to grow and to offer our services to more clients across the region.

“New businesses considering the city can be confident that they will be building on solid foundations for success.”

Canterbury is also home to an award-winning business improvement district which has been providing business support in the city for more than 10 years.

Lisa Carlson, CEO of Canterbury’s Business Improvement District, said: “There is no doubt that Canterbury is an incredible city.

“Those of us lucky enough to live and work here are invested in a world-famous cathedral city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a cosmopolitan retail centre with an enviable mix of national brands and independents, an award-winning theatre and cultural scene, a set of learning and a destination that attracts millions of visitors each year.

“The high-speed links to London continue to attract new residents, along with our proximity to ancient woodland, riverside walks and miles of coastline.

“We’re delighted with the Choose Canterbury campaign because we want to make sure everyone is aware of the fantastic investment opportunity.

“As a business improvement district, we’re focused on empowering businesses, enhancing the experience for everyone, and campaigning for the city and the surrounding area through our tourism website, Visit Canterbury.”