Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber

Thanet & East Kent Insider

12^th June 2010 Issue No.: 

1.Thanet Business Exhibition

The Thanet Business Exhibition took place yesterday at G Casino, Westwood Cross, Broadstairs. The event brought together some of the area’s most successful companies who are eager to continue their growth curve by accessing new markets and making contact with more buyers.



2. Supporting Local Business

This is the last call for delegates to attend the “Supporting Local Business” networking breakfast scheduled for Friday, 18th June 2010 at Pegwell Bay Hotel, near Ramsgate. The main speaker will be the newly elected MP for South Thanet and Sandwich, Laura Sandys. Booking is essential for this popular event. A full cooked breakfast will be provided with a vegetarian option. Cost: £12 for Chamber members, £15 for non-members. To reserve your place, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Supporting Local Business Breaklfast”. 



3. Health Matters

The king of merchandising at Thanet Business Exhibition was undoubtedly the Spencer Wing which offered visitors to its stand a wide variety of give-aways from boxed thermal mugs to the more traditional pens and rulers. The Spencer Wing takes its excellent reputation for preventative health screening very seriously. As at the previous day’s Business Exhibition organised by our sister Chamber in Dover, the Spencer Wing staff provided a free blood pressure check which attracted many clients eager to see whether too many corporate lunches and too few trips to the gym posed any immediate risk to their corporate selves. Respected by health professionals throughout Kent for its zero percentage MRSA record, the Spencer Wing offers employers a comprehensive range of health packages available on site or as a mobile service including pre-employment screening and tests for “busy executives”. The Spencer Wing is well aware of the need to look for “the silent killers such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancers.” As their useful pocket guide states, “Early detection and prevention is key to good health in our later years”. For more details on Thanet’s private hospital, telephone 01843 234555.



4. Legal Eagles Flying High

Legal services were very much to the fore throughout the Thanet Business Exhibition. Chamber sponsor Girlings Solicitors offered a jargon-free zone fully justifying their claim to be “approachable, friendly and easy to deal with”. From six offices across East Kent, Girlings provides an all-encompassing service with specialists available in almost every aspect of business transactions, private arrangements, charity dealings and legal issues with Europe. Wherever you are in East Kent, the chances are that there is a Girlings office near you. The company welcomes telephone enquiries to any of the following welcome desks; Margate 01843 220274; Ashford Bank Street, 01233 664711; Ashford Station Road 01233 664711; Canterbury 01227 768374; Folkestone 01303 850100 and Herne Bay 01227 367355. Added power from the legal profession was supplied by Boys & Maughan Solicitors and Notary Public. Established in Thanet for more than 200 years, Boys & Maughan promises, “From private individuals to businesses large and small: you will be treated with the same attention, expertise and respect”. Offices in Margate, Birchington, Broadstairs and Ramsgate ensure a strong local presence. Boys & Maughan keeps clients up to date with initiatives. Yesterday’s posting on the comapny’s website will strike a chord with anyone who has sent out an invoice and not received prompt payment. “As anyone who has ever tried to collect a debt knows, there is a big difference between obtaining judgment and obtaining payment.” Too true. The Margate HQ will be pleased to take your call, tel: 01843 234000.



5. A Very Broadstairs Coup

The Sarah Thorne Theatre Club was a most welcome exhibitor. Readers of the Thanet & East Kent Insider of 1st May this year may recall the item headed “Superstar Patronage” which stated that “Sarah Thorne Theatre Club in Broadstairs has announced its first patron. The gasp from the arts establishment can probably be heard in John O’Groats.” The superstar in question was Judi Dench, or to be more correct, Dame Judith Olivia Dench, CH, DBE, FRSA. We speculated at the time whether she had a mantelpiece big enough to display her awards which include ten BAFTAs, seven Laurence Olivier Awards, two Golden Globes, a Tony Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and an Oscar. Not a bad friend to have for an out-of-town theatre near Broadstairs. The problem is that after such an outstanding coup, how do you follow that? Sarah Thorne Theatre Club Director, Michael Wheatley-Ward, continues to surprise the arts establishment with news of an additional actor patron which he revealed from his stand at the Thanet Business Exhibition. The actor in question went to school in Birchington. He is the brother of a television news presenter on Five News. He won the Best Actor accolade at the 2008 International Emmy Awards in New York for his portrayal of Robert Maxwell in a 2007 BBC drama. He was previously much celebrated for his role as Edward Teller in the 1980 BBC-US TV serial about the H-Bomb called Oppenheimer. To paraphrase Rolf Harris, “Can you tell who it is yet?” His most famous role is as Agatha Christie’s detective, Hercule Poirot. The new patron is, of course, David Suchet, currently appearing in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons at the Apollo Theatre, London. David Suchet will be joined by Orlando Bloom next month in Canterbury Cathedral to receive an honorary degree from the University of Kent. Michael Wheatley-Ward will not be drawn on an appearance at his theatre by Judi Dench and David Suchet, but Kent theatre-goers can undoubtedly expect more surprises from this mercurial director who continues to fill his commercially operated theatre week after week at a time when heavily subsidized competitors struggle to attract an audience. In an age of public funding cuts, there must be a lesson to be learned from this.



6. Premier Frameworks

Last week’s edition of the Thanet & East Kent Insider highlighted the valuable contribution to our economy by people who make things. Manufacturing in Thanet employs less than 10% of the workforce [Nomis 2008] and yet this country has a genius for invention and a practical approach to engineering. Framework Displays is probably the only significant UK manufacturer of exhibition displays. From its base at Lakeside International Business Park at Hersden, the company supplies large displays for blue-chip clients such as Kimberley-Clark as well as offering local one-man bands products such as the Premier Mini Wing banners for desktop use. Portability is one of the key advantages of Premier Framework displays. It is amazing how even the large structures made for international exhibitions abroad can be dismantled, folded and rolled to fit in the back of a small hatchback. For a demonstration, give this ‘exhibitor for exhibitors’ a call, tel: 01227 710104.



7. Training

Gary Player’s much quoted aphorism, “The more I practise, the luckier I get’ has a lesson for all local companies who wish to ehnance the skills of their workforce in order to increase production and retain their best staff. Profile Development and Training takes this to heart with a focus on flexible, demand-led courses that are designed to meet the particular needs of companies. As an example, the iTQ levels 1 – 3 qualification aims to increase IT skills through an “individual, flexible, work-based training programme” that leads to full OCR IT User NVQ. If these abbreviations are unfamiliar to you, let Profile Development and Training explain what they mean. If you want to sound knowledgeable, ask how many UVs (unit values) it takes for a level 1 qualification. All will be revealed by telephoning 01843 609300. Maximus Employment & Training also provide help with upskilling your workforce. Based in Ramsgate, Maximus is part of a an active network in the UK, Australia, USA, Canada and Israel which describes itself as a “welfare to work provider”. The success of its operations derives from working closely with candidates before they are presented to employers and ensuring that both the candidate and the interviewer are fully briefed on what is required. Increasing use of 4-week work experience trials also reduces the risk for employers and increases the success rate of candidates. Maximus  offers a “100% free of charge service” which helps to explain the rapid expansion of the company in Surrey, Sussex and Kent. Even your call to enquire about the service is free. For details, telephone 0800 028 3037.



8. Other Exhibitors

News of Thanet Business Exhibition stands by Auditel, Carol Peters Travel, Claridge Upholstery, ID Matters, Levicks, Thanet Business Network, Thanet College and Quex Park follow in a later edition.



9. Luftwaffe, Thanet & Pickles

At the despatch box in the House of Commons on the 10th June 2010, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Eric Pickles, said that under the previous government “more damage was done to the housing industry than the Luftwaffe did”. Property professionals in the East Kent coastal business community know that commercial premises have suffered more than housing as a result of the Rating (Empty Properties) Act 2007. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber has campaigned relentlessly against this pernicious legislation which was conceived at a time when the economy was in a far healthier state. The Act is a piece of London-centric legislation that took no account of  the needs and interests of investors in the East Kent commercial property infrastructure. Thanet District Council was the first district council in the UK to pass a motion calling for the Act to be removed from the statute book. The economic case for a full repeal was very much in the minds of the then Thanet MPs in 2008, Roger Gale and Stephen Ladyman, who both wholeheartedly supported this Chamber’s campaign. The winning candidate for South Thanet in last month’s general election, Laura Sandys, had already given her solid backing to local business in a two-page article in Property Week on 31st October 2008; a synopsis is available at http://www.bdonline.co.uk/empty-rates-hit-kent/3126444.article Tom Stokes is the Managing Director of the UK’s largest provider of new premises for Small and Medium Enterprises, Evans EasySpace.  In an exclusive interview with the Thanet & East Kent Insider on 26th November 2008, he said, “I urge the government to conduct a proper review that will throw up how much damage has been done to the property sector and the unintended consequences of the Act”. In a press release that followed the Pre-Budget Report of that month, this Chamber wrote, “the Act promises to achieve what the mighty Luftwaffe did not manage throughout WW11”. It is curious that Eric Pickles should use the same imagery. We can only assume that he is an avid reader of the Thanet & East Kent Insider. A copy of this week’s edition is on its way to him.  Let’s hope that the Empty Rates legislation is also on its way; the sooner, the better. 



10. The Longest Match

In last week’s edition, we took account of World Cup fever but asked readers to “spare a thought for the true supporters of local clubs in Sittingbourne, Maidstone, Folkestone, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate and Deal.” These columns have occasionally featured issues surrounding Doncaster Rovers which at first sight have llittle relevance to the economy of East Kent but might be of interest to die-hard football fanatics or to those who struggle for an answer to that difficult question at the end of a pub quiz.  If you have ever found your patience severely tested or if you were obliged to watch yesterday’s tedious draw between France and Uruguay, which did not even feature a contentious hand-ball or a chest head butting, then spare a thought again for the Doncaster Rovers supporters at a Division Three North cup game against Stockport County in 1946. It remains the longest professional football match ever played. After 30 minutes of extra time, the teams were drawing at two goals each. The referee decided that the match should continue until one team scored. After three hours and twenty-three minutes of play, the gathering gloom plus steam from locomotives returning to the nearby engine sheds forced the referee to end the match with the scores still tied. Stories abounded at the time of spectators going home for tea and returning to watch the end. One contemporary report quotes a miner who claimed to have completed a shift and produced two tons of coal during the added time. Penalty shoot-outs have mercifully put paid to such prolongued games. Long suffering supporters have noticed that good judgement and Doncaster Rovers have not always been close friends. This is the team that rejected Kevin Keegan as being not good enough. He later became European footballer of the year not once, but twice. The club sacked Lawrie McMenemy as manager. Almost inevitably, McMenemy went on to win the FA Cup as manager of Southampton. You could almost make the case that being rejected by Doncaster Rovers is a guarantee of success. In an incident on 12 September 2006, the club mascot, Donny Dog, was refused entry to the stadium and told by the police ‘not to reappear within 50 metres of the stadium’. Perhaps there is a message for East Kent business in all this. Do not despair, if your early efforts are rejected; it can even work to your advantage. After all, it will be no surprise to the long-suffering fans of Doncaster Rovers if the next list of Nobel Prize winners features a certain Donny Dog.

11. Our Sponsors

Girlings Solicitors has been managing the managing the legal affairs of commercial and private clients for over a century. Twenty-six partners and one hundred and twenty members of staff ensure a comprehensive range of services from the local offices in Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, Herne Bay and Margate. Offices in France and Spain complement specialist departments for charities, individuals and companies. For details, telephone 01843 220274. Express By Holiday Inn took on the daunting task of restoring the former Prospect Inn at Minster. The result is a spectacular hotel that combines the best of Oliver Hill’s 1930s design with ultra modern facilities and technological support. Conveniently located for business guests and holiday makers in East Kent, the meeting rooms and 105 bedrooms are available at competitive prices throughout the year. For details, telephone 01843 820250. Adecco is the world’ s largest HR solutions company offering a comprehensive service of temporary and contract staffing, permanent recruitment, outsourcing, outplacement, career services, training and consulting. Officially designated as a 2009 British Superbrand, Adecco is represented in Thanet and Dover by its Broadstairs office, tel: 01843 609292. CARISS design, install and support education and business computing systems as East Kent’s leading specialist company in Open Source Software.  To lower your carbon footprint, reduce your power consumption and adopt a thin client system, call CARISS, tel: 01843 823724. Mach Associates are the high-fliers in providing Internet technologies and specialist software solutions with a particular expertise in servicing the travel industry. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and with ISO9001 accreditation, Mach Associates also offers reduces telecom operating cost through VOIP/PBX phone systems. tel: 0870 321 9986. Sota Connect offers a comprehensive IT service covering best-value voice, data and Internet services for companies of all sizes as well as public sector organisations. The company operates two state-of-the-art data centres of over 10,000sq ft. Sota Connect owns and operates a unique 200km fibre network from London to Ramsgate with high bandwidth Internet access giving superfast Internet connections, tel: 0800 072 2420.

Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber

Thanet & East Kent Insider

5^th June 2010 Issue No.: 

1. Business In Thanet

Thanet Business Exhibition is the unmissable event for all businesses trading in Thanet. It will take place at G Casino, Westwood Cross, Broadstairs CT10 2BF from 1000 hrs on Friday 11th June 2010. For more details, contact the Chamber Marketing and Membership Officer, Graham Rayner, tel: 07899 873535 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line, “Thanet Business Exhibition”.



2. Supporting Local Business

This is a reminder of the business networking breakfast scheduled for Friday 18th June 2010 in Ramsgate from 0730 hrs to 0900 hrs. The main speaker will be the newly elected Member of Parliament for South Thanet & Sandwich, Laura Sandys, who will address the theme “Supporting Local Business”. Booking is essential. Tickets cost £12.00 for members and £15 for non-members. A cooked full English breakfast is included. For details and to book your place, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Supporting Local Business Breakfast”..



3. The World Cup & You

We are grateful to Chamber member J Cleverdon Chartered Accountants for drawing our attention to the official advice of Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, which refers to employees being “less productive, hung over or sick following over enthusiastic celebrations.” Now that Rio Ferdinand, ‘the Rolls-Royce of the team’, has been obliged to return home injured, it may be that celebrations might not be as enthustiastic as Acas has envisaged. Nevertheless, employers might like to consider some of the worker-friendly advice offered which urges companies to be; ‘Flexible, where possible – for example, by altering start and finish times during the working day; Clear about what you expect from employees – in terms of attendance and performance during the World Cup; Communicative – start talking to each other now about the World Cup and how you hope to manage leave and working hours; Honest – if you cannot accommodate any changes to your work practices then say so and Fair – you need to be seen to be fair about the way you respond to requests for time off and avoid favouritism’. Presumably, companies that do not follow this advice will be considered inflexible, unclear, uncommunicative, dishonest and unfair to their employees. Surely, these are not qualities associated with members of the Thanet & East Kent Chamber. The next three England matches are timetabled for Saturday 12th June at 1930 hrs against USA, Friday 18th June at 1930 hrs against Algeria and Wednesday 23 June at 1500 hrs against Slovenia. The last of the three is the first game to be played within standard office hours. Jon Cleverdon and his colleagues can also advise on changes in state pension age, national insurance contributions, changes to the advisory fuel rates from 1 June 2010, directors’ benefits and expenses claims for the year ending 5 April 2010 and news of a scam relating to a fake HMRC tax rebate. For details, give Jon a call in his Broadstairs office at 7, The Broadway, telephone 01843 866599.



4. Slient And Successful

Chamber member Silent Gliss is renown for its forward-looking policies and world-beating expertise in lean manufacturing. It will come as no suprise to suppliers and customers alike that this well-respected company at Pyramid Business Park, Broadstairs has won another award. The Manufacturing Advisory Service is the government body tasked with promoting best practice among British manufacturers. At a ceremony at the RBS Williams Formula One Conference Centre in Oxfordshire, Silent Gliss received the Best Practice Award for Kent from MAS South East.  These prestigious acollades reflect the added value that can be derived from companies working together to improve every aspect of their operations. As Lord Digby Jones said at a recent series of interviews with Thanet & East Kent Chamber members, “We live in a world where India wants your lunch and China wants your dinner”. The MAS South East Network and the Chamber forums bring together like-minded managers and company owners keen to match British goods and services against the world’s best. Silent Gliss is the leading global supplier of curtain tracks and blinds. Its products can be found in major stores throughout the UK and in 70 countries overseas. For more details of why East Kent is proud to host this company, see http://www.silentgliss.com. We congratulate Hugh Gage, Simon Waller, Kevin Stocker, Bob Brown and all the team at Silent Gliss and look forward to celebrating future success with them.


5. Manufacturing in the UK

The recent recession has caused many companies, investors and employees to look again at manufacturing. The beauty of producing saleable goods from raw materials is that the manufacturer is in contact with nearly every aspect of the process. Unlike commission on money transfers or stock-broking, the products a manufacturer makes are generally visible, touchable and enjoyable to the workers involved. It is far harder to draw comfort from a 5% commission on a £1,000 currency echange than by feeling the curve of a well-turned hard-wood leg on a chesterfield sofa. East Kent manufacturers who have sourced their raw materials in the UK and exported overseas have fared reasonably well in the the past two years. Steve Claridge of Claridge Upholstery Company, tel: 01843 290855, has a flourishing export market for his furniture which is all manufactured in his factory in Harold Road, Margate. The Manufacturing Institute in Manchester has just produced an enlightening report entitled, “Manufacturing: the Truth Behind the Myths”.  It seeks to address directly the misguided belief that manufacturing is predominantly dirty, low-paid and uncompetitive. Using data from the Office For National Statistics and other reputable sources, it makes the following conclusions; The manufacturing and engineering sectors contribute £799 billion to the UK economy; The UK is the world’s sixth largest manufacturer by output; Chartered engineers can earn as much as lawyers; Manufacturing accounts for 55% of all UK exports; Engineering and technology graduates are more likely than average to be in full time employment six months after graduation; more than 1.2 million people will be in green jobs by 2020;  3.1 million people are employed in UK manufacturing; UK manufacturing contributes one seventh of national wealth; The UK pharmaceuticals industry accounts for 9% of global R&D expenditure and Productivity per workforce job in UK manufacturing is nearly £8,000 higher than the service sector. To obtain your copy of the report, 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, “Manufacturing: the Truth Behind the Myths”.



6. Communities Knit Together

At this Chamber, we often highlight mental health issues as being a significant factor in harmonious relations between managment and the workforce. Companies which address the social and pyschological needs of their workers obviously have fewer problems during periods of difficult economic conditions. We should also perhaps not forget the vital role played by community knitting clubs where the click-click of knit one, pearl one has punctuated the social intercourse of generations at communal gatherings and provided a welcome backdrop for comfortable thinking. Chamber member King Ethelbert School in Birchington has taken this a stage further with its Crazy Craft Club which meets in term time on Thursday evenings between 1800 hrs and 2000 hrs and costs just £3 per week. If golf is too strenuous for you, if you have decided that Britain has not got talent or that the attractions of the World Cup are beyond your comprehension, you might like to try joining the light-hearted activities organised by Jayne Lawson, Director of Community Learning King Ethelbert School. On the menu for next Thursday is how to make your cushions plumper and your zips straighter, as demonstrated by the celebrated soft furnishings designer, Karen Hewitt. The sessions finish long before the pubs close leaving you plenty of time to insult your line manager and complain about your neighbours. For more details,contact Jayne by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone to 01843 830206.



7. News From Dover

On Sunday 6th June 2010, Dover and East Kent celebrates the centenary of the first first ever return cross-channel flight of 2nd June 1910 by the Hon Charles Rolls, better known to the world as one half of Rolls-Royce. Sadly, forty days after his historic flight, Charles became the first British aviator to be killed in an air accident when his Wright Flyer crashed in Bournemouth. Festivities to commemorate the historic flight centre around the statue of Charles Rolls on Dover esplanade and include a display of 100 Rolls-Royce cars as well as Charles Rolls’s 1899 Panhard et Levassor 8hp. One of the lesser known facts about the early days of Rolls-Royce is that Henry Royce and his engineers were based in St. Margaret’s Bay between 1913 and 1917. This is where they developed the first Rolls-Royce aero engines which proved to be of such inestimable value in the First and Second World Wars.  Claude Goodman Johnson was the first Managing Director of Rolls Royce. Known within the company as ‘the hyphen in Rolls Royce’, he had a weekend house in Kingsdown, near Deal. The early and rapid success of the Rolls-Royce Company owed much to the contacts of Charles Rolls within the aristocracy, but it owed more to the superb quality of its British manufacturing and engineering. After fewer than three years of trading, Rolls-Royce was dubbed by the Autocar magazine in 1907 as “the best car in the world”, a title it has worn comfortably ever since.  



8. True Supporters

Any football fans besotted with the World Cup take obvious pleasure from seeing the nation’s best players pit their skills against the finest from other countries. However, glory seekers should spare a thought for the true supporters of local clubs in Sittingbourne, Maidstone, Folkestone, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate and Deal who watch their teams play each week with no realistic prospect of being drawn against Real Madrid or seeing Lionel Messi or Ronaldo ever grace their home turf. Regular readers of these columns may recall the trials and tribulations of supporting Doncaster Rovers in their darkest days in 1997-98 when the team suffered the largest number of losses in a season experienced by any English professional club. The Thanet & East Kent Insider edition of 25th June 2009 relates the story of “the manager leaving the Belle Vue stadium to visit a tobacconist around the corner to borrow 20p to telephone a supporter. Clearly taking pity on the benighted coach, the shopkeeper replied, “Here’s 40p, telephone them all.”’ Another account surfacing from that time tells of the then manager, Mark Weaver. He was keen on strict codes of behaviour for both players and supporters.  Half-way through one game, he allegedly saw two fans climbing over the stadium wall. He grabbed them both by the collar and said, “What do you think you are doing? You just go back there, sit down and wait until the match has finished.” The manager had a point. It is not much fun suffering alone.

9. Our Sponsors

Girlings Solicitors has been managing the managing the legal affairs of commercial and private clients for over a century. Twenty-six partners and one hundred and twenty members of staff ensure a comprehensive range of services from the local offices in Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, Herne Bay and Margate. Offices in France and Spain complement specialist departments for charities, individuals and companies. For details, telephone 01843 220274. Express By Holiday Inn took on the daunting task of restoring the former Prospect Inn at Minster. The result is a spectacular hotel that combines the best of Oliver Hill’s 1930s design with ultra modern facilities and technological support. Conveniently located for business guests and holiday makers in East Kent, the meeting rooms and 105 bedrooms are available at competitive prices throughout the year. For details, telephone 01843 820250. Adecco is the world’ s largest HR solutions company offering a comprehensive service of temporary and contract staffing, permanent recruitment, outsourcing, outplacement, career services, training and consulting. Officially designated as a 2009 British Superbrand, Adecco is represented in Thanet and Dover by its Broadstairs office, tel: 01843 609292. CARISS design, install and support education and business computing systems as East Kent’s leading specialist company in Open Source Software.  To lower your carbon footprint, reduce your power consumption and adopt a thin client system, call CARISS, tel: 01843 823724. Mach Associates are the high-fliers in providing Internet technologies and specialist software solutions with a particular expertise in servicing the travel industry. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and with ISO9001 accreditation, Mach Associates also offers reduces telecom operating cost through VOIP/PBX phone systems. tel: 0870 321 9986. Sota Connect offers a comprehensive IT service covering best-value voice, data and Internet services for companies of all sizes as well as public sector organisations. The company operates two state-of-the-art data centres of over 10,000sq ft. Sota Connect owns and operates a unique 200km fibre network from London to Ramsgate with high bandwidth Internet access giving superfast Internet connections, tel: 0800 072 2420.

Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber

Thanet & East Kent Insider

29^th May 2010 Issue No.: 

1. Supporting Local Business With Laura Sandys MP

The Thanet & East Kent Chamber works in close cooperation with the Dover District Chamber of Commerce (established 1850) to drive down costs for our members and increase their turnover. As the main business support agencies in the East Kent coastal business community, the Thanet and Dover chambers also have a responsibility to support the local economy as a whole. We aim to keep companies informed of changes in national policies and publicise how they can benefit from amendments to existing laws, new legislation and other initiatives from government. “Supporting Local Business” is the title of a business networking breakfast on Friday 18th June 2010. The main speaker will be Laura Sandys, newly elected Member of Parliament for South Thanet and Sandwich. Laura began her political life at the earliest possible age; her pram was adorned with political campaign posters. She has owned and operated two small businesses herself and has a keen desire for Thanet SMEs to take full advantage of the ‘green collar work’ opportunitities that could follow from establishing an Eco-Economic Zone within our local borders. Fully aware that we should be making more of our natural and historic assets to generate high-margin non-seasonal visitors, Laura will comment on new government policies to stimulate growth and outline her “green and grand vision for Thanet”. Open to Chamber members and non-members alike, the business networking breakfast will take place in Ramsgate on 18th June from 0730 hrs. Tickets cost £12.00 for Chamber members and £15.00 for non-members. Booking is essential. To book your place or to find out more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Supporting Local Business Breakfast”.



2. Thanet Business Exhibition

The Thanet Business Exhibition has secured the sponsorship of the Kent Messenger Group and will be advertised extensively throughout East Kent. Commencing at 1000 hrs on Friday 11th June 2010 at G Casino Westwood Cross, Broadstairs CT10 2BF, the exhibition is expected to attract buyers from all sectors of the local economy. Ample car parking is available on-site. For more details, contact the Chamber Marketing and Membership Officer, Graham Rayner, tel: 07899 873535 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..



3. Thanet on TV

This Chamber is dedicated to supporting our local area at every opportunity. Regular readers will know that the Thanet & East Chamber often features on the radio, television and in the press. Usually Chamber staff and directors are able to research the issues of the moment thoroughly, consult with local enterprises and give a reasonable response to the interviewer or reporter. At the back of our minds is always the conviction that it is our Chamber members who are important and it is their interests that we represent. Occasionally, we are interviewed without any notice or the opportunity to collect our thoughts. Such was the case when approached by Business News South East after our recent business networking breakfast at Kent International Airport. Thus, we trust that members will be somewhat forgiving in viewing the results at http://www.businessnewssoutheast.com/869/news/business-optimism-in-thanet/



4. More On Manston

The Thanet & East Kent Insider of 30th October 2009 predicted that the expansion of Kent International Airport at Manston might lead lead to scheduled flights to Edinburgh and Manchester. The new daily flights by Flybe linking Manston to Edinburgh began last Thursday. We share the view of Cllr Bob Bayford, Leader of Thanet District Council, that “The start of the Flybe flights from Manston to Edinburgh is a great boost for the whole area” and we agree with Sandra Matthews Marsh, Chief Executive of Visit Kent, that the new flights are “great news for the county’s tourism businesses”. The razzamatazz that greeted the first flight included the pipes and drums of the magnificent 5 SCOTS Battalion based in Canterbury and liberal quantities of wine from Chapel Down of West Kent. The winery prides itself on its corporate values of being “tolerant, caring, enterprising, ingenious, creative, stylish, energizing and occasionally eccentric”. Perhaps it is fortunate that Flybe and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders do not subscribe to all the values of Chapel Down, but enterprise and creativity were certainly features of the welcome given to the first flight. After the launch had been duly celebrated in fine style, there was one piece of news that left a lasting good taste in the mouth, an après-goût worthy of the best claret, and that was the announcement of a Sunday to Friday daily service linking Manston and Manchester from 6th September this year. Tom Wilson, Chief Executive of Infratil Airports Europe, has no doubts that the Manchester flights represent “a vote of confidence , not only in the airport and the people that work here, but also in Kent as a short break destination.” So say all of us.



5. When Can I Catch a Flight to Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Manston Service

27th May 2010 – 26th March 2011



Sunday - Friday:              Departs Edinburgh 1050 hrs, arrives Manston 1220 hrs

Departs Manston 1245 hrs, arrives Edinburgh 1415 hrs

Saturday:                       Departs Edinburgh 1450 hrs, arrives Manston 1620 hrs

Departs Manston 1645 hrs, arrives Edinburgh 1815 hrs



6. When Can I Catch a Flight to Manchester?

Manchester Manston Service

6th September 2010 – 30th October 2010



Monday to Friday:            Departs Manchester 1040 hrs, arrives Manston 1150 hrs

Departs Manston 1215 hrs, arrives Manchester 1325 hrs

Sunday:                          Departs Manchester 1145 hrs, arrives Manston 1255 hrs

Departs Manston 1320 hrs, arrives Manchester 1430 hrs

30th October 2010 – 26th March 2011

Monday to Friday:            Departs Manchester 1040 hrs, arrives Manston 1150 hrs

Departs Manston 1215 hrs, arrives Manchester 1325 hrs

Sunday:                          Departs Manchester 1225 hrs, arrives Manston 1335 hrs

Departs Manston 1400 hrs, arrives Manchester 1510 hrs

All flights can be booked via www.flybe.com.



7. Free Training

Chamber member Profile Development and Training is offering free courses for employees and volunteers who do not currently hold a level 2 qualification, equivalent to a grade A to C at GCSE. For those who already have a level 2 qualification or higher, there is a negotiable employer contribution of £200. The courses are available to companies with fewer than 250 employees. Successful candidates may elect to continue their studies with funded training accredited by OCR, Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations, in the following subject areas; TQ (IT for Users) Level 2, Business and Administration Level 2, Customer Service Level 2 , Team Leading Level 2  and Adult Literacy and Numeracy. For more information, contact Profile Development & Training Director, Andy Gibbon, tel:  01843 609300 or come to see his stand at the Thanet Business Exhibition at G Casino, Westwood Cross on Friday 11th June 2010 .



8. News From Dover

Earlier today saw the launch of Dover Saturday Market in Dover town centre. Thanks to the full support of Dover Town Council, Dover District Chamber of Commerce launched the Saturday market to run every Saturday until the end of the year. Designed specifically to increase footfall in the high street shops, the first day opf trading was hailed as a great success with the Town Mayor, Cllr Sue Jones, being one of the first eager buyers to take advantage of the bargains to be found on the many stands in and around the central area. Music and a Hog Roast greeted all visitors. Despite some initial misgvings from local traders, shops were supportive and grateful for the hordes of new buyers attracted by the street stalls and enlivened street scene. As one passer-by put it to our roving Thanet & East Kent Insider reporter, “This is just what Dover needs. It brightens up the place and brings some life back to the town”. The organisers expect more stallholders to join as news of the market spreads.  Cruise ship companies have already expressed an interest in encouraging their passengers to visit on market days.



9. Policies for Healthy Profits

Healthy employees help a healthy company achieve healthy profits. For this reason, Thanet & East Kent Chamber works closely with the Eastern & Coastal NHS. We very much welcomes recent initiatives to take more account of business needs in assessing funding priorities. As one senior NHS director put it at a joint meeting, “In our hospitals and surgeries, we deal with the results, not the causes. We must consider housing, schools and the workplace in promoting measures to improve the health of our residents and workers”. Submissions to the new Health Plan for NHS Eastern and Coastal include a plea for more fitness classes for the over-fifties and greater awareness that minor ailments should be treated by the family doctor and not routinely brought to the Accident & Emergency department of a busy hospital. Schools are encouraged to share best practice through the Healthy Schools programme. There is a particular concern about obesity among children in reception classes and year 6. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber’s submission notes that there is a clear statistical correlation between poor health and unemployment and states that “If Predict and Prevent is to hold sway over Find and Fix, we need to find a greater role for the private sector in influencing health policies and priorities across the region.” We also acknowledge that our members have a responsibility as “There is a duty for employers to give more prominence to health issues on their internal training programmes, HR policies and company handbooks.”  As in all such matters, we are keen to represent the views of Chamber members fairly and accurately. Please send any comments by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “NHS Health Plan Comments”.



10. Photographs

Images from some events in the last year including, the recent Hotels & Restaurants Forum,  are available to view and purchase from our official photographer whose masterpices can be seen and appreciated at www.photoboxgsllery.com/ddcc .



11. Service Without a Smile

Hotels and restaurants feature frequently in the Thanet & East Kent Insider. This is perhaps not surprising given the role of tourism in East Kent and the promise of significant new business from the Open Championship in July 2011, new flights to Manston, the high-speed rail link and more trade from ferries and cruise ships. A lively and positive correspondence with members suggests that there is general agreement that the Chamber should continue and even increase our efforts to promote tourism. We could take a cue from the King James’s bible and comment on the role of faith, hope and charity in business, but in the tourism marketing mix, it might be more appropriate to add, “And now price, quality and service, these three; but the greatest of these is service”. After all, good service is often what provokes satisfied customers to return and bad service is what illustrates the conversations of unhappy customers for months. One Chamber member was determined to tell us his account of service received at a hotel. We have our doubts about this story, but readers must judge for themselves. Mr and Mrs Robinson were travelling from Newcastle to Manston to catch a flight to Jersey. Fatigued from their long drive and eager to celebrate their holiday in style, they decided to stop for the night at a posh hotel in London. Arriving late, they checked in but managed just four hours of sleep before descending to reception to check out at six-thirty the following morning. Presented with a bill for £345 for the night, Mr Robinson asked how on earth the hotel could charge so much for such a short stay. He fulminated loudly about the excessive cost. Not wishing to alarm any other early risers, the receptionist called for the night manager who greeted the Robinsons sternly and said that the hotel provided a heated swimming pool and a business centre which were expensive to operate. He continued that the hotel provided a comprehensive entertainment package in its main hall with top acts appearing as well as a well-known celebrity who had appeared in East Enders. He then listed a series of additional facilities the hotel had available. During this extended narrative, Mr Robinson greeted each allegedly unique selling point with the exclamation, “But we didn’t use it”. The manager was adamant and answered each time, “Ah, but you could have, they are all here”.  The manager refused to budge an inch and thrust the offending invoice into Mr Robinson’s face. With great reluctance, Mr Robinson produced his cheque book, scribbled furiously and, after adding his signature with an angry flourish, handed it over to the manager. “Thank you, sir” said the manager with a new-found civility. Then he read the words on the cheque. “What’s the meaning of this?” he growled, “You have made out the cheque for just £100, not the £345 on the invoice.” “Quite correct”, said Mr Robinson, “but I am charging you £245 for sleeping with my wife”. The manager protested, “That’s ridiculous. I didn’t.” Mr Robinson smiled sweetly and said, “Ah, but you could have, she was here”.

12. Our Sponsors

Girlings Solicitors has been managing the managing the legal affairs of commercial and private clients for over a century. Twenty-six partners and one hundred and twenty members of staff ensure a comprehensive range of services from the local offices in Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, Herne Bay and Margate. Offices in France and Spain complement specialist departments for charities, individuals and companies. For details, telephone 01843 220274. Express By Holiday Inn took on the daunting task of restoring the former Prospect Inn at Minster. The result is a spectacular hotel that combines the best of Oliver Hill’s 1930s design with ultra modern facilities and technological support. Conveniently located for business guests and holiday makers in East Kent, the meeting rooms and 105 bedrooms are available at competitive prices throughout the year. For details, telephone 01843 820250. Adecco is the world’ s largest HR solutions company offering a comprehensive service of temporary and contract staffing, permanent recruitment, outsourcing, outplacement, career services, training and consulting. Officially designated as a 2009 British Superbrand, Adecco is represented in Thanet and Dover by its Broadstairs office, tel: 01843 609292. CARISS design, install and support education and business computing systems as East Kent’s leading specialist company in Open Source Software.  To lower your carbon footprint, reduce your power consumption and adopt a thin client system, call CARISS, tel: 01843 823724. Mach Associates are the high-fliers in providing Internet technologies and specialist software solutions with a particular expertise in servicing the travel industry. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and with ISO9001 accreditation, Mach Associates also offers reduces telecom operating cost through VOIP/PBX phone systems. tel: 0870 321 9986. Sota Connect offers a comprehensive IT service covering best-value voice, data and Internet services for companies of all sizes as well as public sector organisations. The company operates two state-of-the-art data centres of over 10,000sq ft. Sota Connect owns and operates a unique 200km fibre network from London to Ramsgate with high bandwidth Internet access giving superfast Internet connections, tel: 0800 072 2420.

Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber

Thanet & East Kent Insider

22^nd May 2010 Issue No.: 

1. Manston, KIA and Flybe

Delegates to the Chamber’s business breakfast last Thursday in Manston in the departure lounge of Kent International Airport heard a detailed report on the new daily flights linking Manston to Edinburgh which will begin exactly one week later on 27th May 2010. Delegates learned that passengers will fly in a Bombardier Dash 8-400 aircraft.  No-one in the East Kent coastal business community is in any doubt that the expansion of the airport will provide significant growth opportunities for local companies. Research by this Chamber suggests that the main worry for residents and some companies is the noise generated by aircraft flying over East Thanet. The authoritative work, “OMEGA Community Noise Study” of January 2009 by Southampton and Manchester Metropolitan Universities put this simply as, “Noise disturbance is often the most significant issue raised by local communities concerned about airport expansion and also accounts for the vast majority of complaints about airport operations.”  All of which explains one of the reasons why Flybe chose the Bombadier Dash 8-400 aircraft to service the route. It is known in the industry as the Q400 and the Q stands for quiet.



2. Surely More Aircraft, More Noise?

Not necessarily. In fact, the Glasgow Airport Noise Action Plan 2008–2013 of December 2008 quotes the results of a Civil Aviation Authority report: “It found that Glasgow Airport’s noise footprint shrank in 2006 compared to 2002, despite a rise in passenger numbers from 7.8 to 8.8 million. It also found that the noise footprint in 2006 was less than half the size it was in 1990. Thus while Glasgow Airport continues to grow, the airport operation is actually getting quieter for its neighbours and stakeholders.” In other words, modern aircraft are relatively quiet. This is certainly the case with Bombadier Dash 8-400 aircraft which will operate on the Manston - Edinburgh route. It has been chosen specifically by Flybe for its low noise in operation. Benefiting from an A rating for noise and fuel consumption by journey length, Flybe is understandably confident of justifying its claims for minimal environmental impact.



3. What About All The Extra Charges for a Tea or Coffee?

Economy passengers do have to pay for drinks but are allowed to carry 20kg of luggage in the hold as well as one piece of hand luggage weighing a maximum of 10kg. Economy ticket prices start from £24.99, which is less than the price of a bottle of good single malt whisky. Flybe pre-assigns you a seat before you board the aircraft. You can pre-book your seat online, allowing you to choose exactly where you want to sit on board and with whom. Leg room is reportedly “more than any other UK low cost airline.” Business passengers might elect to pay a supplement for a ‘Flybe Economy Plus’  ticket which allows for priority check-in, no cost flight changes, 40 kg of hold baggage, access to Flybe executive lounges, drinks and snacks on board and double reward points from “the UK’s most generous frequent flyer programme”. Rather like the Paris Metro, Flybe offers a Business Express ticket book for frequent flyers who can buy a book of 20 one-way Flybe economy plus tickets at a large discount on the published fare. With a market position between the European low cost airlines and national carriers such as British Airways, Flybe has certainly found a market among UK companies anxious to keep in face-to-face contact with key clients without spending time and money on long motorway journeys. The recent Business Travel Awards saw Flybe win the categories of 2010 Best Short-Haul Airline and 2010 Best Environmental Contribution.



4. Tech Spec

Anyone who has never had SAE 20W-50 on their hands, does not recognise the thump thump of a Merlin engine or who thinks the only Wright brothers worthy of mention played for Arsenal, might like to skip this item. The Bombadier Dash 8-400 aircraft, known by its abbreviation of Q400, has 2 Pratt & Whitney PWC15DA Turboprop engines, suggesting strong resistance to volcanic ash clouds and the like. The two six-bladed Dowty R408 propellers are similar to the R391s fitted to the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules, which incidentally has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. Locals may recall that it was a Lockheed Martin C130 which was the transport of choice to take a Sumatran Woolly Rhino from Indonesia to Port Lympne Wild Life Park.  The Q400 carries two pilots and 2 flight attendants to service its 78 passengers. The maximum cruise altitude is listed by Flybe as 25,000 ft, although Bombadier claims a 27,000 ft ceiling, which is not quite high enough to pass over Mt Everest at 29,035 ft but more than enough to clear Ben Nevis, 4,409 ft. The manufacturers market the aircraft in Europe with the unique selling point that with 78 seats offering 30 inches of leg room, a low cost carrier operator requires a Passenger Load Factor of just 56% leading to “Q400 turboProfits”. This is good news for local business owners who are looking to establish new clients and suppliers in the Edinburgh area and require a sustainable service to meet their travel needs.



5. KIA

To an increasing number of residents and businesses the brand name KIA is becoming associated not with the second largest South Korean automobile manufacturer, but with an enterprising airport in East Kent. There are regrettably still some who associate Kent International Airport with its previous owners rather than the solid company that is Infratil. It is because of the success of its core businesses that Infratil can take a long-term view of its investments in European Airports. Last week’s edition of the Thanet & East Kent Insider took issue with the Daily Telegraph for printing an article stating that “Kent International Airport at Manston, outside Ramsgate, which lurches from crisis to crisis” when this is clearly not the case. The Infratil company report for the year ending 31 March 2010 claims an understated “Satisfactory year for shareholders”. The Chairman, David Marko, and the Chief Executive, Marko Bogoievski, must be popular with their investors as “Ordinary shares delivered a 22.5% return (dividends and capital gains) over the year.” A 16% rise in operational earnings would be welcome news in most boardrooms in Europe. They conclude their report with the words, “While the worst of the financial crises is likely to be in the past, and the economic recovery appears to be underway, Infratil will remain careful and conservative.”  Not many signs of a crisis there.



6. Locate in Kent

The offices of Locate in Kent have moved. Readers will be relieved to know that the new home is still located in Kent, a short distance from the former premises. Contact details are; Locate in Kent Ltd, 35 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4AX, United Kingdom. Tel: + 44 (0)1732 520700 Fax: + 44 (0)1732 520701, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..



7. Thanet Business Exhibition

The Thanet & East Kent Chamber Business Exhibition at G Casino on Friday 11 June 2010 has nearly attracted a full complement of exhibitors. If you would like to reserve one of the few remaining places, telephone the Chamber Marketing & Membership Officer, Graham Rayner, for full details, tel: 07899 873535 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..



8. Lavender Blue Helps You

“Increase traffic and potential customers by as much as ten times”’, that is the estimate of the effect of including short videos on your trading website according to Neal Ashford of Chamber member, Lavender Blue Media. Neal and his team of experts take into account that the internet and social media have transformed the way businesses communicate with consumers. Many traditional advertising tactics do not work on-line where a new generation of buyers requires animated images to retain their interest and a lively presentation to activate their credit card account. Lavender Blue Media can create for you an online video marketing strategy which could start you on a much more profitable relationship with your buyers and those who influence them.  a rich media content should strengthen your brand awareness, increase sales and give consumers an enhanced online experience For more information, give the Neal or Claire a call, tel: 01795 424252.



9. Apprenticeships

One aspect of skills training that received all-party support in the weeks leading up to the recent general election was the need to increase the number of apprenticeships offered to young people. Kent County Council in liaison with Thanet Works and Thanet District Council has 30 places available on a funded scheme which costs the employer just £50 per week. The apprentices are paid £105 per week and receive free training. Kent County Council takes on the responsibility on being the employer. The scheme runs for one year. For details, Chamber members should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Apprenticeships”.



10. News From The North

The Thanet & East Kent Chamber is the largest business support agency in the area with an increasing number of new members keen to take advantage of the growing opportunities for business-to-business sales. Although the Chamber is mainly focused on local issues, our membership now includes a growing number of companies from outside the East Kent coastal business community. One member from north of the Watford Gap escapes criticism for the following account. We have our doubts about this story, but readers must judge for themselves. A certain well-known businessman, Mr McTavish, sadly passed away a few years ago leaving a widow with a comfortable legacy following his prudent spending habits inherited from generations of thrifty McTavishes. Not wishing to squander her inheritance unnecessarily on writing to every family member and business contact, the widow McTavish went to the office of her local paper and said that she would like to place an entry in the Births, Deaths and Marriages column. The dutiful receptionist asked what words she wished to put and she replied, “Alec McTavish dead, funeral Thursday.” The kindly receptionist said, “The normal form of words is to add something along the lines of ‘sadly missed by family and friends’ and perhaps to add a few lines of poetry familiar to the deceased. Mrs McTavish asked sharply, “How much does that cost?” The receptionist said that there is a minimum charge of £15.00 to cover the first ten words with each additional word costing £1.50 each. After some careful reflexion, the widow McTavish accepted the form proffered and returned it with the minimum ten words duly completed. Accordingly, the next edition of the local paper featured an entry in the Births, Deaths and Marriages column which read, “Alec McTavish dead, funeral Thursday. Volvo for sale, recently serviced.”

11. Our Sponsors

Girlings Solicitors has been managing the managing the legal affairs of commercial and private clients for over a century. Twenty-six partners and one hundred and twenty members of staff ensure a comprehensive range of services from the local offices in Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, Herne Bay and Margate. Offices in France and Spain complement specialist departments for charities, individuals and companies. For details, telephone 01843 220274. Express By Holiday Inn took on the daunting task of restoring the former Prospect Inn at Minster. The result is a spectacular hotel that combines the best of Oliver Hill’s 1930s design with ultra modern facilities and technological support. Conveniently located for business guests and holiday makers in East Kent, the meeting rooms and 105 bedrooms are available at competitive prices throughout the year. For details, telephone 01843 820250. Adecco is the world’ s largest HR solutions company offering a comprehensive service of temporary and contract staffing, permanent recruitment, outsourcing, outplacement, career services, training and consulting. Officially designated as a 2009 British Superbrand, Adecco is represented in Thanet and Dover by its Broadstairs office, tel: 01843 609292. CARISS design, install and support education and business computing systems as East Kent’s leading specialist company in Open Source Software.  To lower your carbon footprint, reduce your power consumption and adopt a thin client system, call CARISS, tel: 01843 823724. Mach Associates are the high-fliers in providing Internet technologies and specialist software solutions with a particular expertise in servicing the travel industry. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and with ISO9001 accreditation, Mach Associates also offers reduces telecom operating cost through VOIP/PBX phone systems. tel: 0870 321 9986. Sota Connect offers a comprehensive IT service covering best-value voice, data and Internet services for companies of all sizes as well as public sector organisations. The company operates two state-of-the-art data centres of over 10,000sq ft. Sota Connect owns and operates a unique 200km fibre network from London to Ramsgate with high bandwidth Internet access giving superfast Internet connections, tel: 0800 072 2420.

Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber

Thanet & East Kent Insider

15^th May 2010 Issue No.:

1. Turner Contemporary

The Chamber business breakfast on 11^th May 2010 featured an inspiring presentation by Paul Hart, Head of Operations and Research at the Turner Contemporary gallery, Due to open in spring 2011 in time for next year’s tourist season, the gallery is expected to make a major contribution to the regeneration of Margate and the neighbouring coastal towns. Paul assured delegates that “There will always be at least one painting by Turner on display” as befits “arguably Britain’s greatest painter”. Paul envisages a programme of three major exhibitions a year but with an additional blockbuster exhibition in the first twelve months of the gallery’s existence. Keen students of art and business will appreciate the contribution to the local economy from a successful exhibition. The Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibition at the British museum ran for six months from 30^th March 1972 and attracted 1.6 million visitors. Paul Gray expects the major attractions to be scheduled for the low season of January to March when tourist numbers are traditionally at their lowest. Kent County Council (KCC), the Arts Council and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) have provided the finance for the gallery which, supplemented by donations, has produce the £17.4 million finance needed to complete the construction. KCC will remain the freehold owner. Since 1^st April this year, the Turner Contemporary has been an independent trust and a tenant of KCC. An annual turnover of £2.2 million is targeted with a throughput of 150,000 visitors per year. Admission to the gallery is expected to be mostly free but it is anticipated that sales from the shop and café will contribute towards the running costs. The project is currently on time and on budget. A “big Emin show” will be offered in the first year, celebrating the work of Tracy Emin, who of course was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 1999 following her My Bed exhibit at the Tate Gallery. Throughout the presentation, Paul Gray emphasized the world-class nature of the new gallery and the iconic status of its architect, David Chipperfield who, he concluded, “may be appreciated more overseas than he is at home”. The gallery is committed to working with local suppliers wherever possible and is currently looking for a caterer.

2. What Has Art Got To Do With Business?

A fair question that deserves an answer. There is a direct comparison with the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) in South Carolina. We know from a recent economic impact study of 2008 by Millo Gallo & Associates that the CMA directly and indirectly supports more than 370 jobs in the Columbia area and generates more than USD 23, 000,000 in economic activity annually. It is estimated that the City of Columbia, Richland County and the surrounding area receive a more than a sixteen-fold return on their combined USD 1,426,000 investment in the museum through increased tourism, retail sales, support of the local labour force and accommodation and hospitality tax revenues. Events and outreach programmes touch an average of 10,700 people per month. Overnight visitors spend USD 8.2 million per year in Columbia directly on lodging, retail and restaurant/bar expenditures. CMA’s arts education programs reach over 28,000 local children per year. The South Carolina Arts Commission commissioned a survey which indicated that “99% of CEO’s state that the availability of cultural activities is an important consideration when choosing a new location”. The study was completed before CMA’s record-breaking exhibition in 2009 entitled interestingly, “From Turner to Cézanne”. Now there’s an idea.

3. Manston

This is the final call for delegates interested in the business opportunities resulting from the expansion of Kent International Airport at Manston. Daily Manston – Edinburgh flights begin on 27^th May 2010. A business networking breakfast is scheduled at the airport on Thursday 20^th May 2010 from 0730 hrs to 0900 hrs. Speakers include senior decision-makers from the airport owner, Infratil, and the UK’s busiest domestic airline, Flybe. Booking is essential. Reserve your place by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Airport Business Breakfast”. Price: members £12.00, non-members £15.00.

4. Not Quite A Million Exclusive

Chamber member The Fire Strategy Company was established by Russ Timpson in 2004. Building on his experience as Group Fire Safety Manager at BAA and operating from a base at Manston on the fringe of Kent International Airport, Russ quickly established a reputation for providing high quality bespoke fire engineering solutions. Additional services were soon added to the product list that now includes business continuity planning. Steady growth ensured a solid client base that includes well-known names such as Bulmers, Cuisine de France and Mitsui Sumitomo. Official confidence in the company’s expertise can be measured by the patronage of public sector bodies The Palace of Westminster, HM Treasury and Imperial College London. A recent addition to the portfolio is a New Heritage Salvage Course which offers training in the recovery of highly valuable artifacts, paintings, books and furniture at times of flood, fire or other high risk events. The coalition agreement between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats released on 12^th May 2010 promised to block new runways at Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow. This increases the value of Kent International Airport at Manston. Any company supplying services to our local airport is in a favoured position. We do not know if this was uppermost in the minds of Zeta Compliance Group Ltd, but we are sure that on that same day Zeta announced that it had bought The Fire Strategy Company in a deal that will net the owners a possible £945,000. Russ Timpson remains as the Managing Director of The Fire Strategy Company. In an exclusive interview with the Thanet & East Kent Insider, Russ said that he is looking forward to taking full advantage of the new opportunities presented by the increased resources available from Zeta. He also emphasized the contribution made by his staff and expressed his full confidence in the new owners. East Kent should also stand gain from the deal as the company enlarges its list of local suppliers. Zeta has a published policy to support the area around their operational bases, “We strive to help and improve the communities where we work and live” For full details of The Fire Strategy Company’s services, telephone 01843 826282.

5. Silly Article

Noted for its trenchant support of business, the high quality of its prose and the occasional dramatic scoop, the Daily Telegraph does sometimes stray from the straight and narrow. At least, this appears to be the case in a recent article on Lydd Airport by Clive Aslet, whose main job is as the Editor-At-Large of Country Life magazine. Although the latest edition of Country Life has the headline, “What have the Romans done for us?”, it would be completely wrong to dismiss this publication as backward-looking as it has championed the cause of rural living with distinction since its very first edition in 1897. However, both the Telegraph and the magazine may have cause to reflect on the article of 1 May 2010 which states, “The county already has the proudly named Kent International Airport at Manston, outside Ramsgate, which lurches from crisis to crisis, its commercial future invariably on life support. Why should Lydd fare any better? It is quite likely, say local campaigners, to do worse. Manston not only has an extra-long runway, bequeathed by the Americans who wanted to land B52 bombers, but good road links.” Clive is right about the road links but woefully wrong about the crisis. He is rightly rebuked by one informed commentator; see comments at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/7657908/Romney-Marsh-and-keeping-the-Lydd-on-aviation-pressures.html Thanet & East Kent Chamber will continue to promote the interests of our corner of East Kent however misinformed remote critics may be. We look forward to working with our elected representatives in parliament and local government to ensure that our members in urban and rural communities are represented fairly and positively in the media.

6. Arts Festival

Earlier today, Thanet & East Kent Chamber joined with our associates at the Dover District Chamber of Commerce to present an Arts Festival at Dover College featuring Chamber members Cloudberry Ltd and Lovelys Gallery. The previous day, Allain Renoux, the famous French artist, had conducted Master Classes for local school children. Renoux was undoubtedly one of the stars at the festival which took place in the 12^th century refectory of Dover College. Cloudberry reported strong sales until just before 3.00 pm when fans of Portsmouth and Chelsea were understandably distracted by the afternoon’s FA Cup Final. The music on offer was of the highest order with distinguished performances from a tenor, a mezzo-soprano, a piano soloist and the intriguingly named, Zen Bicycle Band. The visiting contingent from France supplied the duo Les Bellejolaises who offered an original set of lively songs in English and French. Busy all day was the French wine grower, Jean-Luc Longère, who sold his wine by the glass and by the case. Centre stage were the artists. Graham Clarke, an official Kent Ambassador, was fully occupied signing his books and prints to eager purchasers as well as entertaining the whole hall with an impromptu spirited performance on his concertina. Kent artist Martin Aynscombe-Harris took delight in explaining where he found the inspiration for his celebrated paintings. Aynscombe-Harris will be travelling to France next month to participate in our sister festival at the Biennale D’Art Figuratif. The works of Kent’s own Cheryl Culver and Judith Gardner were also roundly praised. Visitors were treated to a preview of the designs for a National War Memorial on Dover’s Western Heights by John Pegg of Craft:Pegg Architects. The memorial is intended to celebrate the 1.7 million servicemen, women and civilians who gave their lives in the first and second world wars. The whole festival was filmed for television. A DVD will also be produced in the next few weeks. BBC Radio Kent featured a report on their Saturday show which can be heard for the next seven days on the BBC iPlayer at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p007rt4v by fast forwarding to 2.18.30. The festival website with links to the exhibitors and sponsors can be found at www.doverartsfestival.org.uk.

7. Risk-free Profit Growth Proposal

Alchemy is the ancient science of turning base metal into gold leading to wisdom, wealth and longevity. This must one of the reasons behind the choice of name for the Alchemy-Network programmes offered by Chamber member, Edward McCann. Marketing and business development are the main features of the services on offer to business owners together with an undertaking that payment is by results. As Edward McCann puts it, “All payment for the service comes as a small percentage of the extra income generated by the Alchemy-Network programme.” Qualifying companies must be in the bracket of 8 – 249 employees and have an annual turnover between £400,000 and £2,000,000. To avoid any conflict of interest, a strict ethical policy dictates that no two companies from the same sector are accepted as clients. Too good to be true? Find out by giving Edward McCann a call, tel: 01843 596 708 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

8. Nick Ewbank

Anyone who is familiar with the magnificent support to East Kent’s by its number one benefactor, Roger De Haan, will be aware of the contribution made to the operations of The Creative Foundation by Nick Ewbank. His work in cultural regeneration in East Kent is unique. Since arriving in Folkestone in 2001, Nick has worked with business and the public sector to bring positive social change. Nick has announced his departure as Artistic Director of The Creative Foundation, prompting Roger De Haan, Chairman of the Trustees, to write, “His innovative approach, energy and vision have been key ingredients in moving this project forward from tiny beginnings to the major initiative that is now recognized nationally. We have been extremely fortunate to have him here”. Praise is also recorded from Professor Michael Wright, Chairman of the Governors of Thanet College and outgoing Vice Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University who notes what Nick has brought to education as “an innovative and committed contributor”. Similar fine words from the South East Director of the Arts Council, Sally Adams, confirm that “Nick's energy and vision will be greatly missed”. The Thanet & East Kent Insider wishes Nick every success with his new independent company and looks forward to working with him on future initiatives to stimulate the economy of East Kent.

9. Maximum Support To Employers

Maximus Employment & Training UK is a welfare to work provider specialising in helping the disadvantaged in the labour market to gain employment. The Maximus group of companies operates throughout the UK, Europe, Australia, the United States, Canada and Israel. Ramsgate now hosts its own Maximus office in the Argyle Centre where Business Manager Lesley Game assisted by Chris Bishop, Kerry Jones, Nicky Charles and Sara Lawrie offers a free recruitment service. In an email to the Thanet & East Kent Insider, Chris Bishop writes that he is keen to work with local companies as “It is our objective to place the right people into the right jobs so naturally they will sustain”. To find out more, give Chris a call, tel: 01843 808410 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

10. Politics & Put Downs

Clement Atlee is the much respected Labour Prime Minister of the immediate post-war years who oversaw the creation of the NHS and is generally considered to have offered a praiseworthy example of consensual government. It was not always the case. He was famously described by Winston Churchill as “A modest man, but then he has so much to be modest about". Indeed after his death in 1967 aged 84, his estate was valued at £7,295, a modest sum indeed which is comfortably below the current estate duty threshold of £325.000 and somewhat more below what the children of modern Prime Ministers may fairly expect to inherit. Television occasionally gives us a classic put down moment. Some readers may recall Caroline Aherne’s remark on the Mrs Merton Show when interviewing Debbie McGee the young wife of an ageing magician, “So what first attracted you to the millionaire Paul Daniels?" Our traditionally adversarial political system specializes in witty but harsh personal criticism and has provided us with some memorable moments. David Cameron first came to the attention of many as a future Prime Minister when he introduced himself at Question Time with the following description of Tony Blair, “He was the future once”. The Conservative Party has a record of delivering its most damning verdicts on itself, as illustrated by Thanet’s erstwhile MP, Jonathan Aitken, who described his leader, Margaret Thatcher thus, “She probably thinks Sinai is the plural of sinus”. All jolly good stuff. The Labour Party has had some stars in its ranks nevertheless. Denis Healey’s remark on debating with Geoffrey Howe as “like being savaged by a dead sheep” has passed into contemporary folklore. Sweetness and light was not much in evidence between the Liberals and Tories in Victorian times, as evidenced by Disraeli’s indictment of Gladstone, “He has not a single redeeming defect”. Although the great Winston has been somewhat unfairly criticized for spending the best years of his life in preparing impromptu speeches, he remains the master of the English Language as his Nobel Prize for Literature rightly recognised. We leave the final comment to our greatest leader and parliamentary orator and his portrait of that most modest of Prime Ministers, Clement Atlee, as “A sheep in sheep’s clothing”. It doesn’t get much better than that.

11. Our Sponsors

Girlings Solicitors has been managing the managing the legal affairs of commercial and private clients for over a century. Twenty-six partners and one hundred and twenty members of staff ensure a comprehensive range of services from the local offices in Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, Herne Bay and Margate. Offices in France and Spain complement specialist departments for charities, individuals and companies. For details, telephone 01843 220274. Express By Holiday Inn took on the daunting task of restoring the former Prospect Inn at Minster. The result is a spectacular hotel that combines the best of Oliver Hill’s 1930s design with ultra modern facilities and technological support. Conveniently located for business guests and holiday makers in East Kent, the meeting rooms and 105 bedrooms are available at competitive prices throughout the year. For details, telephone 01843 820250. Adecco is the world’ s largest HR solutions company offering a comprehensive service of temporary and contract staffing, permanent recruitment, outsourcing, outplacement, career services, training and consulting. Officially designated as a 2009 British Superbrand, Adecco is represented in Thanet and Dover by its Broadstairs office, tel: 01843 609292. CARISS design, install and support education and business computing systems as East Kent’s leading specialist company in Open Source Software.  To lower your carbon footprint, reduce your power consumption and adopt a thin client system, call CARISS, tel: 01843 823724. Mach Associates are the high-fliers in providing Internet technologies and specialist software solutions with a particular expertise in servicing the travel industry. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and with ISO9001 accreditation, Mach Associates also offers reduces telecom operating cost through VOIP/PBX phone systems. tel: 0870 321 9986. Sota Connect offers a comprehensive IT service covering best-value voice, data and Internet services for companies of all sizes as well as public sector organisations. The company operates two state-of-the-art data centres of over 10,000sq ft. Sota Connect owns and operates a unique 200km fibre network from London to Ramsgate with high bandwidth Internet access giving superfast Internet connections, tel: 0800 072 2420.