UKTI 2007/2008 - Annual report
Jul 10, 2008
Paul Wookey, Chief Executive of Locate in Kent said: "This year's record results published by the UKTI in its annual report confirm the significant role foreign direct investment plays in the UK economy and local economy in Kent. The report also reflects Locate in Kent's successful year in terms of attracting a record number of companies to Kent and increasing job creation by 42% on last year."
"Kent is very much part of UKTI's success story and the international and sector strategies that we have pursued at Locate in Kent is paying off. We are proud of Kent's contribution in the life sciences sector, which was highlighted in UKTI's report. East Kent had a particularly successful year in this sector, with German company PARTEC, which specialises in measuring devices for the life science sector, opening an office at the Canterbury Enterprise Hub, and Boston-based Solace Pharmaceuticals establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary near Canterbury. The report also alludes to the important links between SAIC, one of the world's top defence contractors, and the Biometrics Institute of The University of Kent. ""The current economic downturn and the lack of availability of funds in the UK show that attracting international companies to Kent is now more important than ever. We share the county council's ambitious plans for the county and we need to continually engage with the emerging economies in India and China as well as the more developed markets in Europe, such as France. We are working closely with UK Trade and Investment and SEEDA and recently hosted an event at The British Embassy in Paris to promote investment opportunities around Ebbsfleet International Station and we will continue to hold seminars for French companies about doing business in Kent."
KCC Cabinet Member for Regeneration Roger Gough said: "This is very good news for Kent. It shows the value to the Kent economy of KCC 's substantial support for Locate in Kent. They have been very successful in attracting inward investment to Kent for a number of years. Taking this forward is crucial to our aim of further lifting Kent's economic performance."
