Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber

Thanet & East Kent Insider

2^nd September 2012   Issue No.: 193

1. Thanet Earth Update

As anyone with a keen interest in East Kent business knows, Thanet Earth is the name given to the group of large glasshouses on the outskirts of Birchington. Less well-known is the success of this investment in Thanet. Teething problems associated with the first phase of development are now firmly in the past. In an exclusive interview with the Thanet & East Kent Chamber, Managing Director Ian Craig outlined the recent progress made and detailed plans for the future. Such is the confidence of Thanet Earth in its operations on site, that it has committed £17 million to building a fourth glasshouse to supply the increasing demand from its customers. Work on the groundworks has already begun. On completion, the Thanet Earth complex will represent an investment of £120 million and employ 700 workers. Attention to staffing and human resources has been a key element in the success with no worker on minimum wages and much care given to the training and well-being of staff.

2. Why Do We Need Thanet Earth?

 It is in the UK’s best interests to produce more food domestically.  We note from a government report that: “In 2009, 27 countries together accounted for 90% of UK food supply. Just under half of this (49.5%) was supplied domestically from within the UK.” [Food Statistics Pocketbook 2011, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs]. This means in effect that from a position in 2008 when the UK supplied 52% of its food, now we import over half. This has strategic and security implications for the UK as well as important environmental considerations relating to the food miles involved. Given comparatively favourable weather and a unique location that is the closest in the UK to European markets, East Kent farmers, market gardeners and hydroponic growers are in a good position to reverse this trend and to provide a solution to the problem of domestic food supply.

3. But Aren’t These Jobs All Part-Time?

Full-time staff are an essential part of the Thanet Earth operation, as indeed are full-time core staff in our farms and at other food producers. To function successfully, part-time staff are equally essential. There is a widespread misunderstanding of the nature of employment in the UK food industry where part-time work is common due to the seasonal and cyclical nature of the sector. The same source at Defra quoted above states: “In 2010, 51% of food sector jobs were part time.”

4. Is Thanet Earth Part Of A Group?

Thanet Earth Marketing is part of the Paddock Wood based Fresca Group which can trace its origins to 1874 and the establishment M&W Mack Limited. The current group encompasses 17 fresh produce businesses which together posted a turnover of £390 million in the 12 months to 29 April 2011. Thanet Earth Marketing’s Managing Director made no made mention of his own role in the remarkable transformation at Barrow Man Road. The Group Chairman and Chief Executive, Chris Mack, did. In his published 2011 Review, he reserved “particular congratulations” for Thanet Earth Marketing and stated: “This business has turned a £4.4m loss into an operating profit that’s approaching £1m this year – a remarkable achievement and a welcome piece of good news”. We understand that the latest figures yet to be published show a continuation of the success story. This may help to explain why on 7^th August 2012 it was announced that Thanet Earth Marketing’s Managing Director Ian Craig has been appointed Deputy Group Managing Director.

5. Computer Virus

Chamber member Thanet Earth may maintain a virus-free environment in its greenhouses, but can you say the same about your IT systems? We have received reports from some Chamber members of particularly nasty bugs infiltrating their computers which have caused disruption to their daily operations.  Just about everyone with the cheapest desktop will have some sort of anti-virus programme, but commercial users and those who trade over the Internet require something more robust to protect their systems. The providers of the main free anti-virus programmes recommend that companies should upgrade to the professional software. This is hardly a surprise perhaps, but when contacting Avast, one of the market leaders, this Chamber was indeed surprised to learn that in the previous 30 days, Avast had detected 504,441 infected websites and claimed to have prevented 100,333,575 users from visiting them. This represents a lot of idle teenagers, disillusioned cold war scientists and anti-business activists doing their best to nobble your IT systems. If you want to get the best advice on preventing an IT disaster on your communications,  you might like to contact one of the following specialists who can give you expert guidance on how to remain unnobbled (a new word, you read it here first): A1 IT Web Design of Broadstairs tel: 01843 604664; Auratek of Broadstairs tel: 0845 652 2438; Coastal Data Systems Ltd of Ramsgate tel: 01843 823324; ICC Services Limited of Deal tel: 01304 365200; InCloudOne Ltd of Sandwich tel: 01732 447859; Simtech Computer Systems Ltd of Margate tel: 01843 297652 and Sota Solutions of Sittingbourne tel: 01795 413500.

6. Healthy Workers, Healthy Profits

We are grateful to our friends at Dover Counselling Centre, tel: 01304 204 123, for informing us that; “175 million working days are lost due to ill health every year. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that one in five days lost working days (36 million) are due to occupational ill health. This costs the nation around £13 billion a year.” If you wish to protect your staff from flu this winter and minimize the disruption to your business or want to organise health checks for yourself and family, you might like to consider the bespoke services of offer atThe Spencer Private Hospital in Margate tel: 01843 234555 or Ashford tel: 01233 616201.

7. Celebrating Manufacturers In East Kent

At a time when the country’s finances are under particular pressure, we need to support our domestic manufacturers. These are the firms where workers get their hands soiled making things. There is a respectable argument that it was our manufacturers who put the “Great” in Great Britain. Our East Kent factories are again well-placed to export to help restore our balance of payments and to reduce our national debt. One Chamber member, less enthralled by the Premier League and Saturday night television than many, has contacted the Chamber with the following comment: “We do not value people who make things, people who manufacture and sell to the world. We value people who can kick a ball or sing a song. There is something fundamentally wrong with this. We need to reorientate our aims and re-educate our desires.” He has a point. In East Kent, we are blessed with some excellent examples of busy companies which take in raw materials and send out finished goods. Here is a selection: Claridge Upholstery of Margate tel: 01843 290855; East Kent Coatings Limited of Margate tel: 01843 293343; Flambeau Europlast Ltd of Ramsgate tel: 01843 854000; Flying Fish Hovercraft of Sandwich tel: 01304 619820; Hornby Hobbies Ltd of Margate tel: 01843 233500; London Fancy Box Co. Ltd of Dover tel: 01304 209926; Major Fabrications (Kent) Ltd of Deal tel: 01304 614541; Premier Framework Displays of Canterbury tel: 01227 710104; Shepherd Neame of Faversham tel: 01795 532206; Silent Gliss Ltd of Broadstairs tel: 01843 863571; TV One Ltd of Margate tel: 01843 873300 and Wantsum Brewery Ltd of Canterbury tel 08450 405980.

8. Discovery Park Limited

The Thanet & East Kent Insider issue no, 191 of 4^th August 2012 gave detailed information on the background and current professional interests of the new owners of the Discovery Park. The purchase of this prime site in Sandwich from Pfizer was completed at 5.00 pm on 31^st July 2012. Since then, two of the three main board directors, Chris Musgrave and Trevor Cartner, have been joined by Jeffrey Hind to form Discovery Park Facilities Management Ltd. Jeffrey Hind remains on the board of Wynyard Facilities Management and Wynyard Food and Catering Limited and will no doubt be using his considerable experience to make a success of catering, food and room hire facilities on the 297 acre site. The challenge to local companies will be to match and if possible surpass the price, quality and service that Jeffrey Hind has come to expect from suppliers which must inevitably include those where he sits as a current board member; Beamish Mary Inn, The Captain Cook Brewery, Grey Horse Ltd, Consett Ale Works, Beer Warehouse, Brewer & Firkin (Hartlepool) and the delightfully named Slurp Ltd. The Managing Director of the Discovery Park is Paul Barber, a genial Yorkshire man, yes they do exist, with an enviable record of success. Curiously early in his career he worked in the estates department of Kent County Council. A graduate in Land Management from the University of Reading, Paul Barber worked asa Development Manager for the DTI before becoming the Regional Director of English Partnerships for Yorkshire and Humberside. He then became the Executive Director of Yorkshire Forward for twelve months before spending six years as Chief Executive of Priority Sites Ltd. Since 2006 he has divided his time between posts as Chief Executive of Strategic Sites Ltd, Director of UK Strategic Partnership Ltd and since July 2011, Managing Director ofWynyard Park Limited. He is justifiably proud of Wynyard’ success in regenerating the former 200 acre Samsung site at Billingham which is now adjoined to an additional 500 acres purchased from Sir John Hall and currently hosts 65 companies supporting 2,000 jobs. That will do nicely, thank you.

9. 30,000 Workers Needed

News has reached the Chamber from the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the gas, power, waste management and water industries, which is licenced by Government and working under the guidance of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) that:  “Due to an ageing workforce and significant capital expenditure programmes, in particular in new technologies, the gas, power, waste management and water industries, need to recruit and train over 30,000 staff over the next five years. This represents a significant increase in both recruitment and training activity.” If your company is looking for a new direction, if you are thinking of investing in training courses or if your son or daughter is wondering about how the recession will influence their career path, there may be some value in considering the gas, water, power and waste industries. They are all providing products and services in demand now and for the foreseeable future.

10. Have Mobile, Will Buy

News has reached the Chamber from the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG) that the percentage of UK online sales made through a mobile device could reach 1 in 5 by Christmas 2012, with the percentage of site visits through the channel at just under 1 in 3. Surveys of 20 top retailers including Debenhams, JD Sports, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Matalan and Millets have revealed that in the second quarter of this year the percentage of sales through mobile devices rose to 11.6%, up from 8.2% in the first quarter. Since the beginning of 2010 the penetration of mobile in terms of UK e-retail sales has soared from just 0.4% of e-retail sales in Q1 2010 to 11.6% in the last quarter. Site visits through mobile devices also rose significantly in the second quarter, reaching 21.1% of visits to UK e-retail websites, up from 16.4% in the previous quarter. In a press release of 30^th August 2012, Chris Webster of Capgemini said: “The second decade of this century will be viewed in history as the decade when the mobile device became the point of access to digital services. This has happened very quickly for commerce services and by the end of this year, 20% of all digital commerce transactions will be completed on mobile devices.” IMRG stated last January that: “E-retail now accounts for 17% of the total UK retail market and is likely to increase with the rise of mobile commerce and following high sales of tablet computers in the last year.” That prediction seems to have materialised. One Chamber member has commented bluntly: “The lesson for East Kent retailers is clear: ‘Join in or ship out’. However, perhaps our good friends at Value Retail have a solution as the item below shows

11. Best Practice

Not all retailers have fallen victim to the rise in Internet shopping. We have often reported in the past on the example set to our retailers by BicesterVillage near Oxford, and its parent company, Value Retail Limited. Whereas our High Street shops have suffered in recent years, BicesterVillage near Oxford has gone from strength to strength. In 2011 Value Retail’s sales increased by 20%, driven in part by Chinese tourists who spend £250 each on average, an increase of more than three times since 2009. In an article in Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), ‘”the bible of fashion”, Value Retail’s Chief Executive Desiree Boiler claims: “In Europe, we’ve always been number one in terms of productivity per square foot”. The power of world class brands is a significant element in this success. Boiler continues: “Chinese love Prada, Gucci and Burberry, but there’s a broader curiosity now. For instance, in Value Retail’s flagship BicesterVillage mall in England, Alexander McQueen is popular.” Value Retail owns nine villages in Europe; all within one hour’s travelling time of a centre of population. Margate, Ramsgate and Dover would have to improve their rail journey times from London to attract the interest of the company. Continuing expansion will be assured next year when the first Chinese outlet is due to open, a 600,000 square foot development to be known as SuzhouVillage. Situated around 50 miles from Shanghai, Value Retail estimates that it is within one hour’s drive of 40 million people.  A key target will be fashion goods for Chinese men. In contrast to their Western counterparts, Chinese men spend more than double the amount on clothes as Chinese women. Boiler ascribes this to different cultural habits. “They behave differently from Europeans and Americans where [menswear] is usually purchased by women for men”. Any British men reading this who buy their own socks might not realise that they are in a minority group.

12. Goodbye Thanet College, Hello East Kent College

ThanetCollege maintains that it is proud of its past and is very much looking forward to a bright future under its new title and branding as EastKentCollege. The resurgence in the last few years of Thanet’s largest training organisation has led to some ground-breaking changes that have made the college more business-friendly and better prepared to meet the current and future needs of employers. A new range of Higher Education courses complement the PeterJonesEnterpriseAcademy. They will be joined next year by the £6 million Centre for Environmental Technology. It’s all systems go at the Broadstairs campus and time to update your database, mobile or old-fashioned filofax personal organiser with the new name: East Kent College, Ramsgate Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1PN, tel: 01843 605040. 

13. North South Divide

Our media outlets are currently much engaged in covering the weeks before the general election in the USA where voters will in all probability face a choice between the Republican Candidate Mitt Rooney and the incumbent Democratic Party President Barack Obama. It was in 1858 that another Republican candidate for a Senate seat made a speech in Springfield, Illinois in which he said: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” That person was Abraham Lincoln.  He lost that particular election but of course later became US President. He was talking at the time of the differences between the North and South of his country.  On the same day last week that we learned that the new BayPoint Club in Sandwich has recruited a chef from George Blanc's restaurant of 3 Michelin stars to serve gourmet food to the refined palates of discerning executives, we read that in Doncaster a fish & chip shop has produced the world's largest serving of cod & chips which at 97lbs had to be lifted from the fryer with two gardening forks. Now, what does that tell us about modern Britain?

14. Joint Venture Strategy

Some readers may have heard a variant of the following narrative as it has a noble history and like a fine wine can mature with age. Trusting to the innate intelligence, outstanding intellectual abilities and discreet tastes of our readers, we bring this account to you nonetheless in the knowledge that some Chamber members are currently actively considering joint ventures. Our tale begins in the early years of Mrs Thatcher’s administration when workers were being urged to form their own companies in order to grow the UK economy.  It was not only workers who heeded the call. One chicken, brighter than most, decided that he would like to branch out on his own account rather than keep producing for the sole benefit of his master, the farmer. After a serious feasibility study and careful consideration of the marketing mix of price, place, promotion and product, he decided on what he wanted to sell.  Unable to launch the company on his own, he approached his friend the pig with his idea. “Look, Mr Pig, we are on the outskirts of town on a direct route to the station. Lots of people pass by our field on the way to work in the morning. Why don’t we form a joint venture and offer a cooked English breakfast for sale.” “But what can we give them to eat, Mr Chicken?” asked the pig.  “That’s easy, Mr Pig.”, said the chicken. “We offer them eggs and bacon, the classic English breakfast. My cash projections show that after the initial costs, there will enough profit in two weeks to set us up for years.” “That’s great”, said the pig, “but where do we get the food.” Simple, Mr Pig. That’s the beauty of it. We provide everything, here on the farm. I will produce the eggs and you produce the bacon. “Great”, said the pig, “I wonder why we didn’t make the joint venture before.” After a minute’s quiet reflection, the pig said hesitatingly: “Just a moment, Mr Chicken. You provide the eggs and I provide the bacon. Is that correct?” “Just so”, said the Chicken.” “But if that happens”, said the pig,. “you are fine. But I’m not.” “Well, there are always winners and losers in every transaction”, said the Chicken. “Maybe so, Mr Chicken”, said the pig. “But I don’t think that’s at all fair. You get all the profits and I get annihilated in the process.  I don’t call that a joint venture.” “Oh, you know nothing about business, Mr Pig”, said the chicken, “That is precisely what happens with most joint ventures; now pass me the frying pan”.

© David Foley 2^nd September 2012

Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber  

Thanet & East Kent Insider

18^h August 2012   Issue No.: 192

1. Business Innovation & Skills

The Chamber’s East Kent Business Advice Clinic received some distinguished visitors on Friday, 10^th August 2012. Two Senior Policy Advisors from the Government’s Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) joined our EKBAC panel of chartered accountants, senior lawyers, Chief Executives and enlightened entrepreneurs for a detailed briefing on trading conditions in East Kent. Discussions covered all sectors before centering on proposals to promote the growth of the local economy. The advisors stayed with the panel for the full session of the East Kent Business Advice Clinic which welcomed new inward investors and established companies looking to expand. Later, the panel visited three rapidly growing Chamber companies in East Kent which export over half of their production. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber will be working with these companies, BIS and other Chamber members to encourage more favourable trading conditions for local manufacturers.

2. Goal Setting

Following his previous contributions to the Thanet & East Kent Insider on Time Management, Effective Meetings, Presentations and Problem-solving,  chamber member Philip Tilston of Polylink Solutions, tel: 07875 924191, has now submitted the fifth in his series of management advice texts. Regular readers will know that we have quoted Yogi Berra in the past. Edition 164 of 16^th July 211 mentions many of Berra’s priceless sayings of which perhaps the best is: “I’m not going to buy my kids an encyclopaedia. Let them walk to school like I did”. Philip ends his account with a most appropriate quotation from this renowned US baseball coach. But first, this is what Philip has to tell us about Goal Setting. “Setting goals is essential to achieving results. They help to set a long term vision that can then be broken down into smaller goals that provide a roadmap or series of stepping stones on how to get from where we are today to where we want to be. These goals should be written down to help crystallise their importance.  Short term goals should be set with resources in mind.  Setting too many short term goals for the available resources will not lead to effective results unless they are prioritised.  Small companies face almost all the same problems that large companies do. However, small companies have a smaller pool of talented resources to direct at solving those problems. The impact on the business will be much more effective by achieving 80% of the five most important goals than 2% of each of fifty goals. Goals should be SMART i.e.  Specific, Measurable results, Agreed with staff, Realistic and have Time deadlines. Progress on achieving the goals should be checked regularly and also the goals themselves need to be reviewed periodically. As Yogi Berra said famously: “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else” Thank you Philip, this is sound advice with welcome reminders for us all.

3. BayPoint Magic

Earlier today, the BayPoint Club in Sandwich opened its doors to families and sports enthusiasts who were keen to see what was happening on the site of the former Pfizer Sports & Social Club. Blessed with splendid weather, the Open Day provided a welcome opportunity for visitors from all parts of East Kent to join in the fun activities that ranged from a Charity Zumbathon to free use of the hi-tech gym machines which allow you to watch your favourite television programmes while you undertake specific exercises designed to meet your own unique fitness needs. BayPoint staff were delighted with the response from the general public. At a time when school playing fields are under increasing pressure, it is pleasing to know that there are 17 acres of dedicated grounds and facilities available in the heart of the East Kent coastal business community that will inspire a generation to be fitter, healthier and happier. For more details, see the lively website at www.baypointclub.co.uk. 

4. Golf Day

The Chamber Golf Day scheduled for 12^th October 2012 at Prince’s Golf Club, Sandwich is now almost fully booked. There is just one place left for a corporate team of four players. When this is taken, we will establish a reserve list for use in the event of cancellations. A prize fund of around £30,000 is on offer. The fee of £85 per player includes refreshments on arrival, green fees, lunch and entry into all the team and individual competitions. Corporate teams participating in the 2012 Golf Day have priority for 2013. For more details, contact the Chamber’s Graham Rayner direct, telephone 07899 873535.

5. What’s All This About Dreamland, Then? 

Cllr Iris Johnston of Thanet District Council was quoted in the Sunday Times of 3^rd February 203 as saying: “One-fifth of all visitors to Thanet come for Dreamland”. The final closure of Dreamland in 2005 represented a body blow for Margate traders. Successful as the Turner Contemporary has been, its benign influence has yet to manifest itself fully outside Margate old town. Thus, the announcement yesterday that Thanet District Council has received approval from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for the compulsory purchase of the Dreamland site will encourage workers, business owners and residents alike that perhaps at last this part of Margate’s seafront may return to its busy glory of the past. The Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Clive Hart, certainly thinks so. In a much quoted press release he stated: “I’m thrilled with today’s announcement. This is a key step to unlocking the regeneration of the Dreamland site”. He was thrilled again at the confidence shown by government in the council’s ability to work in harmony with The Dreamland Trust to make the dream a reality. “I’m thrilled that the Secretary of State is confident in our plans to help secure the regeneration of Dreamland, and today’s announcement moves us closer to delivering this greatly anticipated amusement park.” Our Chamber Co-President, Roger Gale MP, is looking for a swift improvement and reacted to the news with a prompt statement: “We have been blessed with the Turner Contemporary at one end of the bay and cursed with an eyesore at the other. I trust that Thanet Council will now take robust and immediate action to secure the necessary support and funding to bring about the restoration of the scenic railway."  

6. Haven’t We Heard All This Before?

Chamber members will recall that Jonathan Bryant, the then Director of the Dreamland Trust, gave a presentation to Chamber members in March 2010 at the Fayreness Hotel. In our report in edition 101 of the Thanet & East Insider of 27 March 2010, we summarized Jonathan’s talk: “Will the new Dreamland be like the old one? The simple answer is ‘No’. The new amusement park will cover around half of the Dreamland site, the other half is scheduled for private sector development. The scenic railway is one of the prized treasures and will be restored to operations. The Dreamland Trust has already acquired many of the former attractions and has recently purchased a big wheel. Jonathan welcomes new ideas but he is keen for the new Dreamland to be attractive to families and tourists of all ages and not to be characterized as a museum of past attractions. Key to the right creative dynamism will be the design, colour schemes, concessions and catering available on site. Tracing the origins of Dreamland to a restaurant and dance hall which opened in 1863, Jonathan gave a lively account of the colourful owners to date who have included ‘Lord’ George Sanger, John Henry Iles, Billy Butlin, the Benbom Brothers and local entrepreneur, Jimmy Godden. Jonathan paid a warm tribute to the Chairman and founder of the Dreamland Trust, Nick Laister, ‘He knows more about seaside amusement parks than anyone else in the UK’. He confirmed that a full team will be in place shortly to ensure an opening in spring 2012.” Since uttering those fine words more than two years ago, Jonathan Bryant has moved to the National Trust for Scotland, but Nick Laister remains. Nick has coordinated much of the activity to restore Dreamland and declared yesterday: “The residents and businesses of Thanet, and its many existing and future visitors, have waited far too long for work on this project to start. With our funding in place and our plans drawn up, today’s news is hopefully the final major hurdle that we will have to cross.” He added that Stage One of the project is now expected to open in Easter 2014.

7. How Are We Doing?

The UK interest rate, exchange rate and unemployment rate give a fair indication of our national economy. The only one of these three measures that can be fairly asessed locally is of course the unemployment rate. Despite some gloomy news about static growth in the UK, monthly changes in the unemployment rates in Kent provide some genuinely positive news. The July 2012 figures reveal that just three districts in Kent suffered a monthly rise in unemployment; Maidstone, Thanet and Shepway, and these rises were all below 1%. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber has always stated that it is the annual figures that indicate a sustainable trend and there are some encouraging signs there too. In the last quarter, there was a drop in the rates of annual increase in most Kent districts suggesting that if the linear trend continues, we could see the year-on-year jobless figures for East Kent fall before the end of 2012. This has already happened in Dartford (-6.4%) and Tunbridge Wells (-7.7%). In the six-month period from February 2012 to July 2012,  unemployment in the East Kent districts of Thanet, Dover, Shepway and Canterbury fell by 6.3%, a point to consider in reviewing the annual increases. Gerwyn Davies, Labour Market Adviser at theChartered Institute of Personnel and Developmenthas issued a note of caution. He is concerned that the upturn in the national job figures may foreshadow jobs cuts later. In a press release of 13^th August 2012 following the publication of CIPD’s Quarterly Labour Market Outlook, he stated: “Recent falls in unemployment suggest that the labour market is on a sound footing, but a closer examination reveals that many employers are holding on to more staff than is required by the current level of demand in order to retain their skills. This is a make or break moment for employers - unless growth picks up many will find that they cannot hold on to some workers any longer.” This may have been true in East Kent in 2010 and 2011, but we have not seen much evidence of this in the last few months. We will continue to monitor the position closely and keep members updated.

8. Give Us The Facts

Unemployment in East Kent

Data reproduced under the terms of the Click-use License no. C2010000980.

9. Secrets Of Success

The secret of business and personal success is open to interpretation and much discussion, as any bar in the UK will reveal. The success of UK athletes in the London Olympics has surely shown that a backing team is just as important as individual talent and perhaps even more so. Thus, it is with the knowledge that those around us and closest to us deserve appreciation, respect and support that we should try to maximize our own success. The Team GB cycling team won 7 of the 10 track cycling gold medals available. The humility of the British Olympians has provoked some stark comparisons with the bloated egos of professional footballers. Nowhere was the contrast more apparent than in the attitude of Victoria Pendleton. Fresh from her gold and silver medal winning performances, she said that she is now going to retire as: “I’d really like to do a cake-decorating course and a pattern-making course with my mum.” Somehow, it is difficult to imagine a footballer voicing the same ambition after winning the Premiership or qualifying for the Champions League. A defining aspect of Team GB cycling coach Dave Brailsford’s management approach is “the doctrine of marginal gains”. Making consistent and sustained improvements, however small, will produce the progress that will eventually challenge the best in the world. Some readers may recall that one Team GB rider won her heat by one thousandth of a second, which must mean that the polish on her cycling helmet could have made a difference. The message to all East Kent businesses is surely to embrace change and progress in all aspects of operations, making the most of the talents of staff and never to be satisfied with the status quo. As Philip Tilston advises elsewhere in this bulletin, in implementing your change plan, start with the five most important issues before progressing to the minor ones. At the end of the day and reflected at the bottom of your balance sheet, it is probably those minor changes that will ultimately distinguish you from your competitors.

10. Buyer Beware

We are grateful to Ann Charman of Kent County Council’s Communications and Community Engagement department for drawing our attention to some warnings from Kent Trading Standards. There is a danger when buying products or services via the Internet that you might assume that the seller is based in the UK if the web address ends with “.co.uk”. Kent Trading Standards informs us that a recent case involving the purchase of a wedding dress from such a site revealed that that the trader was in fact based in China. We are advised to check with the Trading Standard’s website at http://uk.theshoppingassistant.com which can show detailed background information on any websites under suspicion. Alternatively, you can of course support your local economy and buy the product in question from the shop around the corner. We are also reminded to avoid responding to unsolicited calls from organisations offering you a prize for a competition you have not entered or pretending to be a Microsoft engineer wanting to access your computer to rid it of a virus.  Microsoft does not make unsolicited calls. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber is always happy to discuss any concerns members might have with rogue traders. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Trader Query”. For information on Payment Protection Insurance refunds

11. Did The London Olympics Benefit The UK?

We are grateful to Cleverdons Chartered Accountants, telephone 01843 866599, for their briefing of 14^th August 2012 on the boost to the national economy from the London 2012 Olympics, We learn that: “British businesses stand to benefit from up to £14 billion worth of investment deals that have been secured in recent weeks as eyes have been on the Olympics. Ministers have also vowed to help firms capitalize on the Games, hoping to create an international business legacy that could bring £13 billion to the UK economy in future years.” The event has been used to influence key decision-makers overseas. We read that: “Over 3,000 business leaders have been welcomed to London over the Olympic period, including more than half of the FTSE 100 companies, to encourage investment into Britain. The 12 Global Business summits being held at Lancaster House in London will run into September.”

12. Did The Olympics Benefit East Kent?

You would have to be devoid of any patriotic fervour and a hard-hearted Scrooge indeed not to have been enthralled by the succession of British victories in the London Olympics. Some Chamber members admit to screaming at the top of their voices as Mo Farrah rounded the final bend of the 5,000 metres final before holding off the opposition in majestic splendour to win a gold medal. Others, indifferent to the sweaty exertions of the athletes, marvelled at the chiselled beauty and precision of the GB Dressage Team which kept its audience in rapt silence as the final riders nursed their dancing horses towards a winning position. However, few East Kent businesses have reported increased turnover. News reaching the Chamber suggests that July receipts were slightly disappointing overall. Nevertheless, there does seem to be a general acceptance that the showcasing of London and the South East will indeed benefit our image abroad in key export markets. It would be churlish to make too much of the French president’s alleged remark on meeting David Cameron on 1^st August 2012 that: “The British have rolled out a red carpet for French athletes to win medals.” At that time France lay 3^rd in the medal table and Team GB had yet to win one gold medal. The final table showed Team GB with 29 gold medals and France with 11, or to put it another way: le Royaume-Uni de Grande-Bretagne et d’Irlande du Nord vingt-neuf, La France onze. As dedicated Europeans, it would be quite wrong to draw attention to the outstanding success of Team GB in comparison to France. It would be distinctly impolite to remind our nearest European neighbour of the difference of 18 in the gold medal tally. Of course, it is quite incorrect to state that the London Olympics was produced under budget. Any private enterprise that quoted £2.4bn for a project that ended up costing four times that sum would now be instituting all sorts of soul-searching to determine why the financial planning had gone so disastrously wrong.  In summary, there have been clear benefits to East Kent employment from the London Olympics, but we must wait a lot longer to see the effects on the local economy and particularly on our export and tourism sectors.

13. Ticketing Problem At Paralympics

The Chamber received a plea from a disabled reader who was having difficulty securing seats for her and her family at the Paralympics. Beth Davis-Hofbauer wrote: “I am a wheelchair user, with a four-year-old autistic son and a nineteen-month-old baby. Naturally we wanted to sit together and, particularly as it’s the Paralympics, I assumed there would be adequate provision for this to happen. I was stunned to hear that there was no way that this could happen as there is a policy that wheelchair users can only be accompanied by one other person.I cannot believe that this event, designed to inspire a new generation of athletes, has a discriminatory ticketing policy. It’s essential that my husband sits with me as he helps me with things I need to do and clearly my kids can’t sit separately. Quite apart from these practical considerations, I want to share this special occasion with my family, but I’m being prevented from doing so just because I am in a wheelchair.” You will be pleased to know that Beth has now secured 4 contiguous tickets for the cycling event on 30^th August 2012. However, we share her concern that for whatever reason other families with less media support may not be so lucky. Beth has set up a petition which at the time of writing has secured over 37,000 signatures. If you wish to add your name to the list, see the website at http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/international-paralympic-committee-london2012-review-ticketing-policy-for-wheelchair-users and take heart from the many supportive comments that Beth has received from the general public.

14. Hartsdown

We are grateful to Pete Barnett of Hartsdown Academy for sending details of the Hartsdown A level results which Executive Head Teacher Andy Somers, describes as: “The best ever – the level of achievement is astonishing. Eight sixth formers gained three A grades; five gained two A grades plus other passes; candidates achieved more B grades than ever before. We are so proud of the students’ efforts and pleased for them as it opens the door to a world of opportunities for them. They all achieved or surpassed expectations. They will be heading off to university, further education, training and employment and will be able to further broaden their horizons.” At a time when the availability of a skilled workforce is increasingly valued by ambitious companies in East Kent, it is encouraging that Hartsdown is making such rapid and sustained progress. Hartsdown Academy will be increasing its commitment to Thanet Skills Studio from next month and continues to promote best practice in education through the East Kent Learning Alliance.

15. Learning To Mediate

October 2012. Also approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Council and counting for 16 CPD hours, this programme is priced at £2,250 + VAT. For more details, contact course director Ben Waters by telephone to 01227 782253 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Readers might like to know that Chamber member South East Mediation of Broadstairs offers a professional mediation service to companies and individuals throughout East Kent. For details, contact Dr John East by telephone to 01843 608105 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

16. The Real Power

Is it true that behind every successful man is a determined woman? You will have your own view. We have learned of one of the possible reasons for the success of one well-known personality. This story may well be apocryphal, but we leave that judgment to our good-looking, elegant and knowledgeable readers to decide.  It concerns William Jefferson Blythe III, known to most of us today under his adopted surname as Bill Clinton. His formidable wife Hilary supported his bid for high political office and was as delighted as anyone when he was inaugurated as President of the United States in January 1993. However, whereas Bill was obliged to follow strict security and protocol in the weeks before he assumed office, Hilary took the opportunity to make the journey to Washington on her own by car in order to experience a few last weeks of freedom before the iron grip of the White House took hold. As she reached the border of her home state of Arkansas, she stopped for fuel, only to be accosted promptly by the garage hand who exclaimed: “Hilary, How are you? It’s me Ralph. Don’t you remember?” Shocked at the intervention and mindful of the warnings she had received from the secret service, she remained steadfastly silent. “You know me, Hilary Rodham, I’m Ralph. We walked out together at school at Maine East.” Breathing a deep sigh of relief, Hilary Clinton relaxed and said: “Of course, Ralph, now I recognize you. It’s great to see you. How are you doing?” Ralph replied with a smile: “I’m fine, Hilary. But just think. If you had married me, now you would be the wife of a gas attendant from Illinois”. Hilary looked at him sharply, paid her bill and then said sternly: “Oh no, Ralph Scawsby. You’ve got it wrong, very wrong. If you had married me, now you would be President of the United States”.  Any ladies reading this will not need reminding of where the real power lies in our society.

© David Foley 18^th August 2012

Thanet & East Kent Insider

12^th May 2012    Issue No.: 185

1. Business Networking Breakfast

The Thanet & East Kent Chamber again joins forces again with our sister body the Dover District Chamber of Commerce (est. 1850) in announcing our June Business Networking Breakfast on the theme of Tourism. Of interest to anyone interested in improving relations with their customers and clients, the session will include speakers with a profound knowledge of the East Kent coastal business community and a desire to help all delegates to improve their bottom line. There will be excellent networking opportunities along with a full cooked breakfast with a vegetarian option. Scheduled for Friday, 8 ^th June 2012 from 0730 hrs to 0900 hrs at a venue in Sandwich, the event is expected to attract a wide range of companies and interested parties. Tickets cost £12 for Chamber members and £16.00 for non-members subject to availability. Booking is essential. To reserve your place, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Business Networking Breakfast 8 June 2012”.

2. Manston Airport Update & BBC

Following the publication last Wednesday of Thanet District Council’s draft response to Manston Airport’s night flying proposals of 27^th October 2012, BBC Radio Kent featured a spirited debate yesterday morning between the leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Clive Hart, and the Chief Executive of Thanet’s leading business support organisation, the Thanet & East Kent Chamber. Cllr Hart made the point that the Council was against night-time flights as this was the majority view expressed in a recent survey it had conducted. He also emphasized that cross-party groups had been fully involved in the processes leading to this conclusion. Cllr Hart added that the economic benefits of airport expansion have been over-estimated and the environmental anxieties were paramount in the council’s rejection of two night flights in the period 2300 hrs to 0700 hrs. David Foley countered with a quotation from the council’s own consultants which largely validated the promised boost to the local economy. He reminded the audience of the high unemployment in Kent and said that Thanet could learn from the business-friendly approach of Southend Council. He also promised a warm welcome to investors keen to imitate local successes such as TV One, Carol Peters Travel, Hornby, Flying Fish (hovercraft), Westwood Cross and Thanet College. The discussion can be heard for the next six days at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00rfbym fast forward to 1:07:30.

3. What’s All This About Southend?

When looking for best practice in Council support for its local airport, Southend Borough Council stands out from the crowd.  Demonstrating a warm welcome to inward investors, the local Council has shown unswerving backing for Southend Airport since its purchase by the Stobart Group on 2 ^nd December 2008.  The massive employment opportunities presented by a successful airport have been recognised by both the elected members and some business-minded officers, notably Scott Dolling, Group Manager for Enterprise & Tourism at the Council, and Emma Cooney, Inward Investment & Enterprise Manager. Southend Borough Council managed to avoid the planning delays and red tape that bedevilled Heathrow Terminal 5 which took 20 years to come to fruition from its genesis in 1982 to the beginning of its construction in 2002. Scott and Emma’s seminal Southend-on-Sea Hotel Investment Fact File published in March 2010 foresaw Southend Airport increasing passenger numbers to 2 million with a view to creating 4,900 related jobs and another 1,000 at a nearby business park; targets that are now well within sight. Southend Airport Railway Station opened on 18th July 2011 and a new passenger terminal received its official blessing from the Secretary for State for Transport on 5^th March 2012. Nine days later, at the Local Government Chronicle Awards, Southend Borough Council was voted Council of the Year 2012.   Not surprisingly, two days ago Cllr Nigel Holdcroft was re-elected as Leader of Southend Borough Council. The new extended runway at Southend Airport is 5,902 ft. long. The runway at Manston Airport measures 9,029 ft.  Thanet has the highest youth unemployment in the South East. Southend doesn’t.

4. Three Job Vacancies

An international mobile telephone consortium has contacted the Chamber with a request for a Research Analyst to work in Nairobi for three months starting in June 2012. The same company also has a temporary post for a research position in London for two months starting in July 2012. This latter post would be suitable for an undergraduate. If you know of any suitable candidates, Chamber members are invited to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Research Post Vacancy Kenya” or “Research Post Vacancy London”. Nearer to home, one of our Chamber members has a vacancy for a part-time post of around two hours a day for five days a week. No special skills are required. There is a possibility of working off-site. This position might suit a disabled person. For more details, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Part-time Packing Post”.

4. Energy Procurement

During the last month, public bodies in Kent have received a reminder about how important it is to keep a sharp eye on procurement procedures when buying energy. Fortunately, companies in East Kent are able to call on the services of tried and tested specialists who are able to negotiate the best discounts with suppliers and keep your accountants and auditors happy. For more information on how you can reduce your energy costs, the following experts will be pleased to help you. Martyn Young of Atlantic Business resources tel: 0781 353 7456, David Batten of Auditel (UK) Ltd tel: 01843 581322 and Jeremy Bailey of Auditel tel: 01843 588776.

5. Commercial Energy Costs

Japan faces energy supply problems in the wake of the tsunami disaster of March 2011. Following the closure for inspection of its last operational nuclear power plant on 5 ^th May 2012, Japan is now facing the prospect of power shortages in the Summer months. Until the Great East Japan Earthquake, as it is known in the Far East, 30% of Japan’s power generation was from nuclear sources. Happily, we are currently facing a brighter prospect in the UK. We are grateful to E.ON for the May 2012 market report which shows welcome falls in commercial energy prices of between 2% and 16% in the last twelve months with at least a 5% decrease in commercial energy prices across the board in April 2012. Although domestic gas prices are expected to rise again before the Winter months, at last our energy advisors have some better news for companies about to review their energy contracts.

6. Big Companies, Big News in Thanet

The Thanet & East Kent Chamber hosted a meeting of the Thanet Business Forum last Thursday at its Broadstairs offices at the Kent Innovation Centre. A small grouping of larger companies, the Thanet Business Forum focuses on some of the issues faced by bigger enterprises. Although some of the discussions must inevitably remain confidential, members will want to know that the development of Primark at Westwood Cross shopping centre is progressing on schedule. The former Antolin warehouse of some 70,000 sq. ft. is expected to host around 250 staff when it opens later in the year. The development of the new Sainsbury’s on the other hand is reported not to be going ahead for the moment pending a review. The premises formally occupied by Peacocks will be taken by Poundworld, a competitor to Poundland, an established retailer already in residence across the road from Westwood Cross.

7. Charles Dickens

In contrast to the depressed pub sector as a whole where doom and gloom are still the order of the day, the Charles Dickens pub in Victoria Parade Broadstairs has been flourishing since its recent complete refurbishment. The upstairs rooms are now open for business and it is clear that the business has benefited from the magic touch of new owners, Thorley Taverns.  

8. Turner Update

The Turner Contemporary on Margate’s seafront can claim over 500,000 visitors since its launch in April 2011. An independent assessment of its economic impact on Margate and the surrounding area estimates that £6.2 million has been spent locally as a result of the new gallery. Last week alone saw 13,000 visitors pass through the doors. The successful Turner and the Elements exhibition finishes tomorrow. The next blockbuster show entitled “She lay down deep beneath the sea” opens on 26 ^th May 2012 and features the works of Tracey Emin. The gallery advises: “This exhibition contains work of an adult nature. Please use your discretion when visiting with children.”

9. Late Bookings Expected

Manston Airport reports an increase in freight traffic of 18% and is looking for a boost in aircraft movements as we approach the opening of the London 2012 Olympics on 27^th July 2012. Advance bookings at the airport and at local hotels for the London 2012 Olympics have been below expectations suggesting that we can anticipate a rush of last minute reservations as overseas and domestic customers make late decisions on their travel and accommodation plans.

10. Locate in Kent & HS1

The ever-excellent Locate in Kent is as busy as ever encouraging inward investors into East Kent at a series of exhibitions overseas and in the UK. LiK is liaising closely with Kent County Council and London Metropolitan on securing the future of the Discovery Park at Sandwich. We now know that the first phase of upgrading of the fast rail link from Ashford to Canterbury should reduce journey times by 3 or 4 minutes. The second phase to take place in the years 2014 to 2017 is awaiting approval but is expected to focus on improvements between Canterbury and Ramsgate with a reduction of a further 10 minutes. By the end of the second phase, it should be possible to claim a Ramsgate to London Stratford journey time of 59 minutes. We currently have no more information about the proposed Manston Parkway Station.

11. New Car Sales And Arsenal FC

Paul Everitt, the Head of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders since 2008, has strong family connections with East Kent. He was happy indeed this past week with news of a 3.3% rise in new car registrations. Following a fall in private sales last year of 14%, Paul is widely quoted in the national press as saying: “We are seeing a steady increase in consumer confidence with growth in private demand, boosted by the arrival of a raft of new products. SMMT has increased its full year forecast to 1.95 million units, putting the market marginally ahead of 2011, indicating a period of relative stability". This will be good news for motoring suppliers in East Kent and a welcome sign of recovery in a key market for all commercial media organisations, printers, ferry companies and a myriad of small firms involved in the motor trade. Paul Everitt joined SMTT in January 2008 with the industry in crisis after a 60% fall in production. At the time, he said how much he admired Arsène Wenger, the manager of Arsenal Football Club.   “He is somebody who has set out a strategy and worked that out over a long period of time. He has remained committed to some clear principles". Since then, Paul seems to have done rather better than the Arsenal team which has won nothing in the last four years despite finishing in the top four places in the Premier League. Still, he can at least be pleased with himself that he did not model his management strategy on Doncaster Rovers FC, the subject of past comment in these columns. The South Yorkshire Club that has at least two supporters in East Kent was indeed first in one respect this season. It was the first club in all the professional leagues to be relegated. Doncaster Rovers fans can look forward next season to travelling to the exotic climes of Crawley, Walsall and Hartlepool.

12. Top Selling Cars

Can you guess the ten most popular cars sold in April 2012? The Ford Fiesta tops the list with 8,780 cars sold.  Petrolheads and car fanatics may find a few surprises in the list that follows: Vauxhall Corsa 6,184 sales, Ford Focus 5,491, Vauxhall Astra 4,684, BMW 3 Series 3,737, Volkswagen Golf 3,600, Volkswagen Polo 3,579, Nissan Qashqai 2,990, Vauxhall Insignia 2,751 and Fiat 500 2,600. Readers are invited to discuss their own motoring needs with A Class Insurance Solutions of Canterbury tel: 0844 544 9055; BSB GB (Ltd) of Broadstairs for car paints tel: 01843 604995; D P Lead & Sons of River tel: 01304 824155; Kent Car Craft of Broadstairs tel: 01843 587376; Millards Insurance of Deal tel: 01304 613072 and Walmer Adamson Motors of Deal tel: 01304 381300.  

13. Thanet Jobs Fair

Following a meeting yesterday with the Thanet & East Kent Chamber’s Co-Presidents Sir Roger Gale MP and Laura Sandys MP, the Chamber will be working with Job Centre Plus, Thanet College, government bodies, Thanet District Council, Thorley Taverns and others in organising a Jobs Fair in Thanet on 26^th June 2012. Of interest to recruiters and job-seekers alike, the event will focus on boosting the job market in Thanet, Dover and beyond and on bringing companies of all sizes up to date on the incentives available for apprenticeships and training. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber looks forward to working with our members and associates in promoting the event to the business community and ensuring that local companies can benefit to the maximum from the opportunities presented.

14. Thanet District Council

Following a series of meetings with Thanet District Council, we are pleased to report that TDC has revised its procurement policies. We are grateful to Cllr Clive Hart for his prompt responses to our entreaties on behalf of Chamber members and welcome the changes to the “Thanet District Council Contract Standing Orders” and the “T hanet District Council Purchasing Guide, Supplementary guidance to the application of Contract Standing Orders” which now state that for works, supplies and services of a value between £10,000 and £74,999 “Consideration to be given to suitably qualified Thanet Supplier/s, if available.”. We see that as an important step towards redirecting locally generated public funds towards local companies. Regular readers will be aware of this Chamber’s long-standing campaign to end the ridiculous position whereby Thanet District Council is contractually obliged to buy its printing from companies in Northampton and elsewhere. We look forward to working with Thanet District Council on implementing further business-friendly policies which will not only benefit our Chamber members but will help to address the severe unemployment in Thanet. The latest figures show that in the Cliftonville West ward, one in five adults of working age are now claiming unemployment benefit. [NOMIS March 2012]

15. Beware Of Imitations

We have been advised that some Chamber members have been harassed by unsolicited telephone calls and emails purporting to be from a Chamber of Commerce claiming to represent Thanet and the surrounding area and making wild claims about membership status. If you are worried about any such communications, please make this known to the Thanet & East Kent Chamber and we will take the appropriate action. We should make it clear that our good friends at the Federation of Small Businesses, the BNi, the Institute of Directors and the Kent Invicta Chamber in Ashford have not been the subject of any complaints and we look forward to working happily with them in the future as we have in the past.

16. Can We Expect a David Cameroon & An Ed Millibank?

The BBC, world-class broadcaster, paragon of media virtue and upholder of the highest standards in international journalism does occasionally make mistakes. If you have ever missed out an apostrophe, misspelt a word in an email to a customer or, perish the thought, written to an elected member of parliament and got the name wrong, you can take a large measure of comfort from knowing that you are not alone. It appears that the BBC is after all staffed by humans. A report yesterday on the BBC News website stated: “In April, transport minister Theresa Villagers suggested Manston could be used to increase airport capacity in the south east of England.” It is not known whether this young and good-looking Minister of State for Transport is happy with the beeb’s rechristening from Theresa Villiers to Theresa Villagers, but as a former barrister and lecturer at King’s College London, she will know what to do if she isn’t.  See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-18031552

17. Forewarned Is Forearmed: London 2012 Olympics

Thanet & East Kent Chamber member Stonelees Golf Club will be the setting for a meeting on the evening of Thursday 24^th May 2012 when our good friend Cllr Sue Chandler of Dover District Council will be joined by Martyn Cassell of Thanet District Council and Ian Parkes, 2012 Business Lead for South East England for a full briefing on how to minimise disruption to your business during the period of the London 2012 Olympics. Organised in conjunction with our good buddies at the Federation of Small Businesses, the session incurs a small charge of £6 to cover the cost of the buffet and refreshments. The evening begins at 6.00 pm and is expected to finish at 9.00 pm. To book your place, contact Sue Waldock by telephone to 01622 688134.

18. Making Time To Succeed

Chamber member Philip Tilston of Polylink Solutions, tel: 01 07875 924191, has submitted one of what we expect to be a series of short articles on different aspects of management written exclusively for the Thanet & East Kent Insider. We know that readers will find much of interest in the words from this experienced Finance Director. We start with two paragraphs on Time Management. Phil writes: “In the words of William Penn: ‘ Time is what we want most, but what we use worst’. We can use our time better by utilising some simple techniques detailed below. They may not be rocket science, but time management is one of those areas where we all get into bad habits and a quick refocusing on a few techniques can yield great benefits. Perform a time audit. I know, you don’t have time to log your activities for a day, let alone a week. However, just logging how you spend your time for one day is a real eye-opener. Once you see the amount of unproductive time spent then it helps give focus to improvement. Set Priorities each day. Rank items on a daily ‘to do’ list in order of importance by using A, B or C rankings. Make sure to clear all the A items each day. Determine what is your most effective time. Some people are really effective first thing in the morning while for others it is later in the day. Tackle your A items when you are at your most effective. Set aside blocks of time when you will not be disturbed. Use this time for A tasks. If you have an office, then shut the door and put up a ‘Do not disturb’ sign. If you work in an open plan office you can still use a ‘Do not disturb’ sign on your desk when you want to focus on a key task. Yes, people will make comments at first but once they get used to it then they will treat is as normal. Remember that an Open Door policy is not the same as allowing anyone to walk into your office and talk to you whenever they want to.”

19. Delegation

Phil concludes his master class on time management with a few comments on delegation. “Delegate Effectively. You don’t have time to do everything yourself. Also, don’t do the work of subordinates that you have just delegated to them. It is now their responsibility. Don’t let them put it back onto your shoulders. Voicemail is your friend. Let it take messages while you are in your ‘Do not disturb’ time. Make all the return calls at a more appropriate time for you. Procrastination can be caused by not wanting to do certain tasks or by not knowing where to start on large tasks. There is little option but to grit your teeth and start on those irritating jobs. If there are a lot of small ones, it is often best to set aside one hour and deal with them all in one go. For larger tasks it often helps to break them into smaller pieces. Once a start has been made, it often creates a momentum that makes it easier to keep going. In the words of Jean de la Bruyère, an astute lawyer and acute observer of life across the Channel in 17^th century France: ‘Those who make the worse use of their time are the first to complain of its shortness’”. Thanks Phil. We look forward to more sage advice in the next edition, assuming you have time to write it.

20. Dame Carol Black Speaks

Lynn Marchant of Kent Mindful Employer has sent the Chamber details of the Kent Wellbeing Symposium scheduled for 3^rd October 2012 at Detling, near Maidstone. Headline speaker for the day is Dame Carol Black, t he UK National Director for Health and Work. Billed as “a unique mix of expert speakers, idea forums, sounding platforms and networking opportunities”, the event is open to private and public bodies. Tickets are available at £149 each. For more details, click on www.kentwellbeingsymposium.co.uk or telephone 01622 684407.

21. DWP Advises

We are grateful to Tony March of the Department of Work and Pensions at Palting House, Folkestone for drawing our attention to the new government packages designed to encourage young people into joining the workforce. A range of wage incentives are available. There is a neat summary of the national scheme on two pages of text, see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/youth-contract-employer-factsheet.pdf . Also available is a toolkit for employers to acknowledge the issues around the removal of the Default Retirement Age. 'Working Longer - A Guide for Employers' is an online resource which offers guidance and support, including links to case studies that illustrate how other businesses are managing without a fixed retirement age. The DWP informs us that: “ The default retirement age (DRA) has been abolished. This means you can no longer retire staff unless retirement notifications were appropriately sent out before 6 April 2011. You can only retire workers if you can objectively justify it in your specific circumstances.” So now you know. For more information, see http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1097353348&type=CAMPAIGN&furlname=workinglonger&furlparam=workinglonger&ref=&domain=www.businesslink.gov.uk

22. Hartsdown Helps Alzheimer Sufferers

We are grateful to Peter Barnett of Hartsdown Technology College for informing the Chamber of the £500 raised for Alzheimer charities by three walkers from Margate who made the long journey on foot from home base to the new Olympic Stadium at Stratford. We offer our congratulations to Grant Roswell aged 16, head of college Kerry Boyd aged 18 and college governor Richard Boyd, father of Kerry and a former student himself. We do not know how old Richard is but he is clearly fit enough to walk for the best part of two days. Joined for the last six miles from the Cutty Sark by teachers Ryan Gardner and Alan Cadby, Kerry said afterwards: “It was a really tough challenge and I felt like quitting when the tiredness and pain got too much. But I struggled through because it was for a really worthwhile cause.” Public understanding of dementia in its common forms of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia has progressed considerably in the past thirty years. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. The Alzheimer’s Society informs us that a recent survey revealed that nearly 60% of suffers remain undiagnosed, causing considerable distress to their families and friends.

23. Will, Will, Won’t

Mick Rendell of Acorn Investments reminds us of the importance of making a will. As he puts it: “We should all know how important it is to have a valid will, yet millions of us put off writing a will and, in doing so, run the risk of the state determining how our assets should be distributed on our death. If someone dies without making a will, they are said to have died 'intestate'. If this happens, the State sets out who should deal with the deceased's affairs and who should inherit their estate i.e. property, personal possessions and money.” Mick outlines the current legal position as: “If you are married or civil partners, there are surviving children, grandchildren or great grandchildren of the person who died and the estate is valued at more than £250,000, the partner will inherit all the personal property and belongings of the person who has died, the first £250,000 of the estate plus a life interest in half of the remaining estate. This means that if you are entitled to the life interest, you cannot get rid of or spend that part of the estate. You can, however, have the benefit of it during your lifetime.” We share Mick’s view that the writing of a will is something that can never be done too soon, no matter how young you are. Specialists offer the best advice and we recommend contacting one of the following Chamber members: Barnes Marsland tel: 01843 221466; Boys & Maughan tel: 01843 234000; Girlings tel: 01843 220274: Macalister White 01843 572789; Venado tel: 01843 591791.

24. A Car Story

This edition of the Thanet & East Kent Insider has mentioned an upturn in the motoring trade. It has not stopped one Chamber member from reminding us of his experiences as the proud owner of a Lada. We have our doubts about this story, but we leave it to readers to judge for themselves. “It was in the early nineties and I suppose I must have been around 24 years old at the time. I was as proud as punch of my Lada Riva and it was something of a mystery to me why no-one else shared this enthusiasm. Of course, the car was basically a 1966 Fiat 124, made in Russia without the benefits of modern machinery or design. It was heavy on fuel, slow and had a marked tendency to break down often. My particular model blew smoke out of the exhaust like a steam train and various parts of the exterior kept falling off. But, in other ways it was an ideal vehicle. I mean I often forgot to lock it at night and it was never stolen. I expect that the main dealership was in Russia or St Petersburg or somewhere which made spare parts something of a problem. Anyway, one day I found that I needed a new rear light bulb. Thinking that this might be a common part, I went to my local garage in Ramsgate. On arrival at reception, I said: “Excuse me, have you got a new rear light bulb for my Lada?” The owner of the garage disappeared for a few moments and then returned with the bulb. Grabbing my ignition keys, he said; “A new light bulb for your Lada. Mmmm. I suppose it’s a fair swap, but only if there is some petrol in the tank”.

© David Foley 12^th May 2012

Thanet & East Kent Insider

21st January 2012     Issue No.: 178

1. Business Networking Breakfast

This is a reminder that the Thanet & East Kent Chamber is hosting its January Business Networking Breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express at Minster on Friday 27^th January from 0730 hrs to 0900 hrs. The main speaker will be the Managing Director of Manston Airport, Charles Buchanan, who will outline the latest news regarding the airport and the potential opportunities for suppliers and for future employment. The meeting will be attended by the Chamber's Co-President, Sir Roger Gale. Booking is essential. To book your place, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Business Breakfast 27 January 2012”. Tickets include a cooked breakfast and cost £12 for Chamber members and £16 for non-members.

2. Free Business Advice Clinic

Thanet & East Kent Chamber in liaison with the Dover District Chamber of Commerce offers a free monthly Business Advice Clinic. Subject to space available, any private sector company or social enterprise may book a 40-minute session and benefit from free guidance from a senior lawyer, a chartered accountant and business leaders with outstanding records of success. Launched last March with the objective of replacing the regional Business Link service, the clinics have already attracted over 70 clients including start-ups, established companies and voluntary groups. The next Business Advice Clinic is scheduled for 3 ^rd February 2012 in Broadstairs. To book your place, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Business Advice Clinic” or telephone 01843 609289.

3. Pfizer Update

On Friday, 27th January 2012, the Thanet & East Kent Chamber will be announcing the name of a buyer of part of the Pfizer site. Following extended negotiations with the parent company in the United States, the successful purchaser is now in possession of the freehold and will be making a further significant investment in the premises. Full details will be announced next Friday. Chamber Chief Executive David Foley said: "This sale marks an important vote of confidence in East Kent and will undoubtedly encourage other companies to consider investing in the Discovery Park at Sandwich”.

4. Fire Rescue & Safety Precautions

We are grateful to the Kent Fire and Rescue Service for a dramatic account of a rescue in Dover. Thanks to a smoke alarm, no lives were lost. Sacha Taylor informed the Chamber that: “A smoke alarm proved its weight in gold for an elderly woman in Dover when it sounded and alerted her to a fire in her home. When fire crews arrived at the house in Salisbury Road at around 5.40pm, the woman had already been led to safety by a neighbour, having heard her smoke alarm sounding and realising her kitchen was on fire. It appears that a pan left on a hob had overheated and started the fire, which set light to the basement kitchen of the property. Crews in breathing apparatus extinguished the fire and also rescued the woman’s pet dog from the property. It was given oxygen therapy at the scene.” To ensure that you, your business and indeed, your dog, escape in a similar fashion contact Safety & Management Solutions based at Manston. This company offers: “a complete fire risk assessment service providing you with a simple and cost effective process to manage fire risks at your business or event which meets the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Order) 2005.” For more details give Paul Sadd a call, tel: 01843 821406 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .Paul also informs Chamber members that a few pounds spent now might save a lot more later, or as he puts it: “ As of April the HSE will undertake visits to businesses where some form of intelligence or information indicates that there may be a problem. This includes accident reports, previous information or tip offs from other agencies or the public.

Introduction of Fee For Intervention (FII) in which the HSE will be charging Directors of Companies £124 p.h. should they visit a business and find a material breach. From the information we have, a conservative estimate of fees in respect of an enforcement notice could be in the region of £1,500 or in respect of a prosecution the costs could be as much as £100,000.”

5. Energy Prices

At last some good news about energy prices. Martyn Young of Atlantic Business Resources joins several members in welcoming the recent announcements about lower costs for electricity and gas. In an email to the Chamber he writes: “ The mild weather has been the major factor in keeping prices low for the UK as there has been no call on the storage for power generation. As the days are getting longer and the forecast to the end of January is for mild weather it is unlikely that the weather will drive up prices for the rest of the winter period, and I cannot foresee a major increase in global manufacturing in the first half of 2012, so I believe we may be in for a few months of relative price stability barring wars and natural disasters.” For more information on how you can reduce your energy costs, the following experts will be pleased to help you. Martyn Young of Atlantic Business resources tel: 0781 353 7456, David Batten of Auditel (UK) Ltd tel: 01843 581322 and Jeremy Bailey of Auditel tel: 01843 588776.

6. Commercial Energy Costs

Anyone with an oil-fired heating system at home or in the company will be less happy with recent price movements than those with gas or electric systems. We are grateful to E.ON for the January 2012 market report which shows the price movements below.

7. Chamber at House of Commons

The Thanet & East Kent Chamber was represented at the House of Commons on 12^th January 2012 at a meeting chaired by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Mike Penning MP. Regular readers of the Thanet & East Kent Insider will have little difficulty in guessing the main subject of the discussions at which the interests of East Kent business received a fair hearing.

8. Some Economic Indicators

The CPI annual rate of inflation fell to 4.2% in December 2011, reflecting the fall in energy prices and discounted clothes in the critical pre-Christmas retail sales. To put this in context, in the period from 1989 until 2010, the average UK inflation rate was 2.72% with a peak of 8.50% in April 1991 and a trough of 0.50% in May 2000. Any local store managers with shares in their business will know that volume is not necessarily the best guide to increased margins. The well-worn saying that “Turnover is vanity, profit is sanity” will be familiar to clothing retailers contemplating their trading figures from the last two months. Nevertheless, the Office for National Statistics tells us that we spent £42.1bn in the retail sector in December, considerably more than the £29bn in November 2011 and the £39bn in December the previous year.  There is less reason for good cheer in viewing the unemployment figures for December 2011. Thanet again posts the highest unemployment rate in Kent with the latest figures showing 6.0% of the workforce looking for jobs. Most worrying of all is the rate for youth unemployment which shows a jobless rate in Thanet for 18 to 24 year olds of 14.2%, the highest in the South East and a distinct contrast to the scene in Canterbury where just 3.3% of young people in this age band are registered as unemployed. District unemployment figures for East Kent appear below.

9. How Are We Doing?

Here are the unemployment figures from the Office for National Statistics, culled from the latest publication of the ever-excellent Research & Evaluation team at Kent County Council.

10. Hartsdown Lifts Our Hearts Up

Hartsdown Technology College has some answers to youth unemployment with imaginative programmes that engage their students in business. Pete Barnett informs the Chamber that the college is living up to its name.Manufacturing and product design students are currently making an exhibit for display in reception that demonstrates the steering and brake mechanisms on a car. Students at Thanet Skills Studio will be giving the design a thorough test. Progress in film technology from Super 8 to digital light projectors will also be the subject of an exhibit. Retailers are not being ignored. Pete writes that McDonalds has been particularly helpful to Hartsdown students.   “Sean Barber, who is the franchisee for two outlets in Dover, discussed various aspects of McDonald’s with them, including industry sectors, competitors, how the recession has affected disposable income of families, and how this, in turn, has affected different businesses. In a question and answer session he passed on important advice about preparing for job interviews and he outlined what employers look for in job seekers. He talked about the motivation and enthusiasm to work as among the most critical aspects of what he looks for in potential employees.” Many Chamber members will applaud these words. The soft skills of punctuality, being polite to customers and dressing appropriately are much valued by employers.

11. Funding Alert

We are grateful to Cara Thorpe at TVCSF for keeping the Chamber updated on the Kent Big Society Loan Fund targeted at social enterprises in the county. The scheme is funded by Kent County Council (KCC) and managed in partnership with the Kent Community Foundation (KCF). We learned that £3m will be available over three years, with the first £1m allocated to KCF to provide loans from January 2012. KCC will top up the fund by £1m each year until 2014. The deadline for the first round Loan Enquiries is 15th February 2012. Some charities and voluntary bodies may not be overwhelmed by the 4% administration fee which raises the interest rate charged on a typical £30,000 loan over three years to 12.4% APR. Full details are available at http://www.kentcf.org.uk/loan_funding.html .

12. Digital Switch Over

Thanet Community Networks is hosting a useful information session on the Digital TV switchover which will begin in Kent on 20^th May 2012. Margate Media Centre will host an information session starting at 1000 hrs on Tuesday, 7^th February 2012. The BBC is offering a scheme that provides “full support for to elderly, disabled and disadvantaged people.” Our good friends at the Thanet Citizens Advice Bureau will also be on hand to advise individuals on how to reduce their fuel costs.  For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call in at the Margate Media Centre, 11-13 King Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1DA.

13. Summer Dates

We are grateful to Roger Gabriel of the Kent Economic Board for a list of key dates this summer from the start of the Olympic Torch Relay in May to the closing ceremony of the Paralympics in September.

14. Avoidance Before, Evasion Now

We thank Jon Cleverdon of Cleverdons Chartered Accountants for notifying the Chamber of an immediate change in taxation legislation. Remembering for the moment that tax avoidance is a legal initiative that reduces your firm’s payments to HM Customs & Excise whereas tax evasion is an illegal measure that could see you face a big fine and a prison sentence, make what you will of the following change in tax liability: “ The legislation blocks a tax avoidance scheme involving post-cessation trade relief, after the Government heard of an avoidance scheme that seeks to generate post-cessation trade relief for set-off by users of the scheme against their other income or capital gains.” If you are not an accountant and you understand every nuance of that sentence then you probably don’t get out as much as you might and you should consider taking up a hobby such as stamp-collecting to bring some relative excitement into your life. For the rest of us, we are happy to leave the explanation to one of the following experts: Acorn Bowman Finance & Investment Management of Broadstairs tel: 01843 609365; J Cleverdon Chartered Accountants of Broadstairs 01843 866599; J W Accountancy Services of Shepherdswell tel: 01304 830229; Kemps Accounting Solutions Ltd   of Broadstairs tel: 01843 861188; KJA Bookkeeping Services Ltd of Canterbury freephone: 0800 804 8952; Levicks Chartered Accountants of Broadstairs, Canterbury and Maidstone tel: 01843 862716; Michael Martin Partnership Ltd of Whitstable tel: 01227 770500 and Neville Weston Chartered Certified Accountants of Ramsgate tel: 01843 594571. Advice on pensions is also available from County Financial Services of Birchington, tel: 01843 265070.

15. Venerable Elvis Speaks

Given the current high unemployment in Thanet and the challenge employers throughout the UK are finding in recruiting workers with the right skills, we looked again at the Review of Skills by Lord Leitch published in December 2006 which found that: “ In OECD comparisons of 30 countries, the UK lies 17th on low skills, 20th on intermediate and 11th on high skills. 7 million adults lack functional numeracy and 5 million lack functional literacy. 17 million adults lack Level 1 numeracy – equivalent to a low level GCSE. The proportion of people with low or no qualifications is more than double that in Sweden, Japan and Canada.” Surely, this has improved in the last five years? When faced with a matter of such national importance, the Thanet & East Kent Chamber traditionally turns to Thanet’s resident hermit, the Venerable Elvis. Thought to be at least 230 years old, this wise man lives in a humble dwelling located in the hinterland between the disused power station at Richborough and the abandoned quarry in Manston. His whereabouts are unknown to everyone except our intrepid reporter who always notes carefully the words of wisdom emanating from the great man’s lips. Who could forget the Venerable Elvis’s comments on the demise of Pfizer and the lack of innovation in the Sandwich pharmaceutical sector? As we recorded in the Thanet & East Kent Insider edition of 6 August 2011, the Venerable Elvis said “I often find that others pinch my ideas, sometimes even before I have thought of them myself.” Thus it was with some hope and expectation that one misty morning last week, our reporter took the secret path to the Venerable Elvis’s cave and asked him: “Why are we so poor at maths in the UK?” Thanet’s esteemed hermit stroked his long grey beard and said in that thin voice characteristic of many spiritual figures down the ages: “There are ten types of people in this world; those who understand binary and those who do not.” We are indeed blessed to have such a wise man in our midst.

© David Foley, January 2012

Thanet & East Kent Insider

26^th November 2011      Issue No.: 175

1. Media & Business with BBC, ITV and KRN

The December Chamber Business Networking Breakfast for December will take place on Friday 16^th December 2011 and will feature speakers from the BBC, ITV, Kent Regional Newspapers and a private network. The speakers will outline their own experiences in the media and will advise on how businesses can best interact with television, radio and the press. The event will take place at the Pegwell Bay Hotel, Ramsgate from 0730 hrs to 0900 hrs. Booking is essential. Tickets cost £12 for Chamber members and £20 for non-members. To reserve your place, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 01843 609289.

2. Darren Clarke & Co in Kent

The Chamber was the guest of Dover District Council at a meeting last Wednesday with Peter Dawson, the Chief Executive of the R&A, and his team to review the impact of the Open Golf Championship at Sandwich last July. During a concentrated analysis, traffic management, ticketing, accommodation, merchandising and other aspects were examined in detail. There was heartfelt relief that there had been no ‘incidents’ to test the emergency services and general agreement that Darren Clarke had proved to be a popular winner. Some concern was expressed by traders in Sandwich regarding access and footfall, but the overwhelming success of the tournament was acknowledged by all. Indeed, the economic impact on the East Kent economy in Thanet, Dover, Canterbury and Shepway was the main focus of the afternoon. During the whole session, not one person committed the heinous crime of referring to the “British Open”. As all patriotic golfers will know, the Open Championship was the first in the world and we leave it to others to add a few adjectives in an attempt to catch up.

3. Don’t You Just Invent Some Fancy Numbers?

Not at all. The economic impact figures were compiled by Sheffield Hallam University according to strict criteria following over 2,000 surveys with spectators. Further desk analysis drew on the data relationships established during the 2010 Open at St Andrews in Fife. The revenue listed refers uniquely to new money that is event-specific, which means that it originated from outside the host economy. In other words, spending from locals who would have spent their money one way or another during the week of the event was specifically excluded from the calculations.

4. How Many People Attended?

Most of the press reports list 180,000, but we can be more precise than that. On the practice days from 10^th July to 13^th July 2011, there were 31,222 spectators. During the four days of the competition proper, the crowds were as follows: on Thursday 14^th July 31,545; on Friday 15^th July 42,846; on Saturday 16^th July 36,471 and on Sunday 17^th July 38,007. Anyone with a calculator, spreadsheet or a just a good head for arithmetic will know that the total visitor number is 180,091. It is interesting to note that the most popular day was the Friday. The practice days amount more or less to an effective fifth day in terms of attendance.  

5. Where Did They All Come From?

There were some slight differences in the survey results, but the overall picture is as follows: East Kent 12.4%; Rest of Kent 12.3%; Rest of UK 65.5%; International 9.8%. The data reveals that the event attracted just under a quarter of its spectators from Kent, showing just how popular golf is in the county.

6. What Did They Spend Their Money On?

We can trace the direct spending from spectators on services and products in East Kent and Kent. The following figures show the total amount spent by spectators during the period of the 2012 Open. The figure for Kent as a whole includes East Kent.

7. Is That All?

No it isn’t. We can add all the other spending and add a mysterious “multiplier” which experience has suggested contributes to producing an accurate assessment.

8. Is That All Now?

Nearly. There is something to add which is called the Media Equivalency Value. In brief, all the television exposure over the course of the week would cost a huge amount on national television networks. The Open Championship was broadcast in 196 territories reaching 458 million households over 3,676 broadcast hours. For the sponsors at Nikon, HSBC, Doosan, Rolex and Mercedes-Benz as well as for East Kent tourism, this has an estimated value of £52.6 million. In summary, we can calculate that the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich had an economic impact of around £77 million of which £24.14 million came directly to Kent and £21.18 million to East Kent. Thank you very much, Mr Dawson, sir. Please come back soon.

9. Business Directory

The 2012 Chamber diary has now been published. If any Chamber member has not received a copy by Friday, 2^nd December 2011, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange for delivery. The publication serves as the official business directory for the East Kent coastal business community from Whitstable around to Dover and will be used by a wide variety of private and public bodies to inform their purchasing decisions. The companies listed include almost every sector of the economy and we urge all Chamber members to consult their diary before they buy.

10. Exports to France

We are pleased to note strong interest from East Kent companies looking to find new export markets in France. So Now, the English-speaking French agency near Lyon that specialises in promoting East Kent companies in the Eurozone, reports enthusiastic interest from local suppliers and service providers who are looking to increase their sales into Europe. With a currency advantage of over 20% since 2007, an increasing number of suppliers are finding that their products and services are competitively-priced in France and neighbouring countries. Offering marketing studies, business plans, mailshots, designs, website translations and a host of ideas to assist your exports, So Now welcomes enquiries from Chamber members keen to boost their sales in the Eurozone or to enter European markets for the first time. For details without obligation, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and expect a prompt reply.

11. Thanet College Update

Last Tuesday, Chamber member Thanet College hosted its second annual Star Awards to recognise exceptional contributions during the year by staff members. Chairman of the governors, Professor Michael Wright CBE DL, joined Principal, Graham Razey, to congratulate the winners. Although not at last week’s awards evening, some of the biggest winners in the past year have been those Chamber members who have benefited from the College’s “Buy Local” policy. We are delighted to report that in the year to 31^st July 2011, a total of £1,362,608 was spent with local suppliers. This represents a record amount and provides an example to other Further Education colleges in the UK who are seeking closer ties with their local business community. Capital spending with local companies rose from 21% of budget in the year ending 31^st July 2010 to 93% of budget for the quarter to 31^st July 2011. There is nothing a company should like more than a customer and Thanet College has given the local business community every reason to like its own products and services. In a letter to the Chamber, Graham Razey writes: “There may be further developments in the future and so I would like to reassure you and the Chamber’s members that the College is continuing its commitment to ‘Buy Local’”.  Graham and his team are well supplied with the Chamber 2012 diary.

12. Surely Not More About Golf?

Just a little. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber in liaison with our sister Chamber in Dover is in the pleasant position of considering the many offers it has received to host our Golf Days. We will be reporting to members on the results of these negotiations. The Chamber Autumn Golf Day is the biggest corporate golf event in the East Kent business community and we look forward to even more teams entering in 2012. Readers are reminded that images of the 2011 Golf Days at the Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club and Prince’s Golf Club can be found on the official image website at http://www.photoboxgallery.com/DDCC

13. Unemployment

As always in presenting employment data, we look at the year-on-year trends rather than examine any monthly changes which can fluctuate widely and give a misleading impression of the state of our local economy. We are grateful to Kent County Council’s Research & Evaluation department for sending us their ever useful digest of the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. Sadly, all 12 districts in the KCC area show an annual rise in unemployment. In just 3 districts is there less than double digit growth: Dartford +8.3%, Sevenoaks +9.8% and Tunbridge Wells +4.8%. For the purposes of this report, we write a “+” sign before all increases. There is no relief for job-seekers within the county boundary in Medway which shows +17.6% more registered unemployed in October 2011 than one year previously. The highest annual increase is in Gravesham at +21.9%, but Dover at +20.1% and Canterbury at +20.0% are not far behind. The recent announcement by government of measures to stimulate employment among the 18-24 year olds cannot come soon enough for KCC’s school leavers and resident graduates. This group has experienced a year-on-year increase in unemployment of +27.1%. Also not to be ignored are the 60-64 year olds where the data shows a +42.0% increase over the year in unemployment benefit claimants. The message to the county’s workforce might be: “Don’t fall out with your boss”. The data for East Kent is listed below.

14. How Are We Doing?

15. Regional Growth Fund

We are grateful to our Chamber Co-President, Laura Sandys MP, for supplying members with the official summary of the current state of the Regional Growth Fund. Details are in the attached RGF Fact Sheet and RGF Intervention Rates. We will advise members as soon as the application procedure has been finalised. We are assured by Laura that UK Trade & Investment, UKTI, will be promoting East Kent at every opportunity. In her words: “We will never be better promoted internationally”. UKTI will focus on attracting “Big Players” so that local suppliers can play a full part in the supply chain. In particular, Laura identifies engineering companies, life science innovators and service companies with the ambition and drive to meet the needs of international firms.

16. Business Advice Clinics

The Chamber Business Advice Clinics were well-supported this month. Regular readers will be aware that we hold sessions on the first Friday of the month in Broadstairs and on the first Wednesday of the month in Dover. Attendance is free of charge and open to companies and start-ups of all sizes which trade or seek to trade in the districts of Thanet or Dover. The Chamber has been successful in securing the backing of benign investors who are willing to consider applications for development projects. There is £1 million of funding available, subject to reasonable prospects of a good return over 5 years. Currently, four projects are being considered for investment sums ranging from £25,000 to £135,000.

17. Waste Not, Want Not
TW Services has launched a new website which has raised the bar for all UK waste processing and recycling centres. Featuring full social media links and on-line trading services, the website offers full access to the company’s domestic and commercial product range including skip hire, hazardous waste disposal and house clearances. Such are the advances that TW Services has made in recent years that even the keenest ecologically-minded critic will be impressed by its “Zero to Landfill” policy, embraced with enthusiasm by all the 80 or more staff members. Still in family ownership, the company can rightly claim to be the leading independently owned waste management company in Kent and has the resources, equipment and experience to process 750,000 tonnes of domestic and commercial waste every year. For more details, see the website at www.tw-services.co.uk or telephone head office in Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, tel: 01304 626364.

18. Boys & Maughan Expands

Confidence in the future of Ramsgate is very much in evidence at Boys & Maughan Solicitors which is welcoming three new members to its Ramsgate legal team. Lorraine Smith, Wills & Probate, Tom Moulsdale, Litigation, and Dawn Sahathevan, Residential Conveyancing, are joining Managing Partner Andrew Baker in strengthening the company’s presence in Thanet. Tom represents the third generation of the Moulsdale family to work at Boys & Maughan. Andrew Baker said: “With the high speed train link to London, the upgrading of the A256 and not forgetting the country’s only Royal Harbour, Ramsgate continues to be one of the shining jewels in Thanet’s crown.” For more details, contact Robin Evans by telephone to 01843 234000 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

19. Ramsgate Tunnels

Predict and prevent must have been words very much in the mind of Ramsgate’s ‘Mad Mayor’ ABC Kempe and Borough Engineer, R D “Dick” Brimmell when they first drew up plans for tunnels under Ramsgate. The Home Office repeatedly rejected requests for such an extensive network of bomb shelters but finally relented in the spring of 1939 after Hitler’s troops had marched into Czechoslovakia on 16th March 1939. The letter conveying the decision of the Lord Privy Seal Sir John Anderson arrived in Ramsgate on 20^th March 1939.  Working around the clock, Francois Cementation Co Ltd completed the project in time for the Duke of Kent to be guest of honour at the opening ceremony on 1^st June 1939. Capable of sheltering 60,000 people, the tunnels were an engineering marvel that were soon to prove their worth in saving the lives of Ramsgate citizens in the air raids of 24^th August 1940 which saw the Luftwaffe drop over 500 bombs on Ramsgate damaging 800 houses. Last Thursday evening, the Old Customs House in Ramsgate was the venue for a celebration of Kempe and Brimmell’s foresight and an update on the plans on how to spend the £53,000 recently awarded by the Jubilee People’s Millions Fund to help restore the tunnels. Introduced with consummate professionalism by the actor Clive Holland, an invited audience heard from Ramsgate Mayor Cllr David Green, Project Manager Peter Borrough and other committee members about some of potential uses for the tunnels and their undoubted impact in attracting visitors to Thanet. For more information, see the website at http://ramsgatetunnels.org   

20. Customer Service

Canterbury Christ Church University is offering a networking breakfast at Hall Place Enterprise Centre, Harbledown near Canterbury on Tuesday 6th December 2011 entitled “Customer Service, how can it set you apart from your competitors?”  Delegates will be invited to explore their own experiences of good customer care and service and will learn the different techniques required to meet the demands of businesses as well as the general public. Tickets cost an eminently reasonable £12 for the 0745 hrs to 1015 hrs session and include breakfast and coffee. For more details, contact Jenny Overy direct by telephone to 01227 782672 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

21. Manstonians Vote “Yes”

We learn from our good friends at the Isle of Thanet Gazette that the villagers of Manston have voted to support the airport and its plans for development. Manston Parish Council vice-chairman Bill Bell is quoted as saying: “I suppose people feel as if they are part of the airport, it is part of their history”. The villagers of Manston could teach the failing economies of the Eurozone a thing or two. Well done, Bill Bell & Co. If we are to maintain our schools, emergency services, social services, defence commitments and all the heavy demands we place on government at all levels, Chamber policy dictates that it is essential that we support the businesses that fund the public sector. The airport at Manston represents our best bet to create sustainable, worthwhile jobs in Thanet in the medium and long term. Successful airports breed development and industry, creating opportunities for school leavers and mature workers alike. We should cherish the airport owners, Infratil, and remind the doubters that Manston Airport has been in operation since 1915. See http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Villagers-airport-s-plan-flying-night/story-13884772-detail/story.html

22. A Rounded Judgment

With all the serious local firms of solicitors in the Chamber membership, it is perhaps not surprising that we hear so many stories relating to justice and its various manifestations.  We have our doubts about the following account, but we leave it to readers to judge for themselves. “There are many reasons a divorce might be granted: adultery, a two-year separation by consent, a five-year separation without consent and, of course unreasonable behavior; but, we all have different ideas as to what is unreasonable. One recent case concerned a wife who still rather liked her husband but found his breakfast habits to be insurmountably distasteful. The main cause of her extreme distress was his habit of making coffee and then failing to clean the coffee machine properly. It appears that he ground the beans himself and always left a residual amount of coffee grounds in the electric grinder which infuriated his spouse who felt obliged to clean up after him. The accumulated stress of over 1,500 mornings of such anxiety had reduced her to a state of frenzy which eventually prompted her to seek a divorce. When the case came before the judge, he enquired of the wife’s lawyer just exactly how much coffee was habitually left to be cleaned. After much consideration and detailed discussions with the petitioner, the reply was given: “Around a level teaspoonful, my Lord”. The judge duly considered the new fact in the light of all that had been presented to him. In giving his final judgement, he first expressed his sympathy with the wife. He continued that had the excess coffee amounted to a dessertspoonful or more, his decision may have been different, but on the balance of the evidence before him, he had no option but to conclude that there were insufficient grounds for divorce.”  

© David Foley, November 2011