Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber

Thanet & East Kent Insider

17^th April 2010 Issue No.:

1. Great Opportunities for East Kent Businesses

As the Thanet & East Kent Insider reported in the edition of 14th August last year, Kent International airport at Manston is a “key driver for economic regeneration”. The study we quoted then concluded that “for every million passengers (workload units), European airports support around 2,950 jobs nationally, 2,000 jobs regionally, or 1,425 jobs sub regionally.”  To benefit to the maximum from the expansion at Manston, it is important to know just what the airport owner and the airline operators are planning. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber is pleased to report that it will be hosting a business breakfast on Thursday, 20th May 2010 featuring presentations from the key senior staff at Infratil and at Flybe. Regular readers of the Insider will know that Flybe is the airline that will be starting daily flights between Edinburgh and Manston on Thursday of the following week. Given that Flybe operates more UK flights than any other company and that Infratil is looking to expand its destinations to other UK cities, the opportunitites for companies in the East Kent coastal business community are significant. Further details and how to book your place will follow in next week’s edition.



2. Events Update

As we approach the tourist season, the Thanet & East Kent Chamber offers an intensive programme of networking events, all designed for members to increase turnover, reduce costs and provide friendly business-to-business networking opportunities. The events programme is summarised below. Booking for these popular events is essential.



3. Hotels & Restaurants Forum

To take place at the Thanet & East Kent Chamber on 28th April 2010 at 1500 hrs. Of interest to anyone with management responsibilities in the hospitality industry. The 75-minutes sesssion will begin with a short presentation by one of the managers reponsible for promoting the economic benefits to local companies of The Open Golf Championship in Sandwich in July 2011. For further details or to book your place,, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Chamber Hotel & Restaurants Forum”.



4. Dover Port Privatisation Lunch

To take place at the County Hotel, Dover at 1215 hrs. Dr Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover will outline the advantages to local businesses of his plans to privatise the port of Dover and how he intends to spend the £400m that is raised as a result. This event is exclusive to members of the Thanet & East Kent Chamber and the Dover Chambers of Commerce. Lunch included. For further details or to book your place, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Dover Port Privatisation”. If you would like a copy of the Chamber’s submission to the Secretary of State regarding the privatisation proposals and the effects on the East Kent coastal business community, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Dover Privatisation Submission”.



5. Turner Contemporary Breakfast

To take place at Quex Park, Musuem and Gardens at 07.30 hrs on 11th May 2010. Mr Paul Gray, Head of Operations and Resources at the Turner Contemporary, will explain how local companies can bathe in the reflected economic glory of what promises to be a world-class art gallery on Margate seafront which is due to be open for business at around this time next year. For further details or to book your place, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Turner Contemporary breakfast”. A full English breakfast will be served and all delegates will be invited to a guided tour of Quex museum.



6. Thanet Business Exhibition

To take place at G Casino on Friday 11th June 2010. Chamber members and their associates will have the opportunity to present their products and services in a convivial atmosphere. Stands are available to suit a variety of budgets and all exhibitors will receive a lunch pack and free publicity. For further details, contact 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 “Thant Business Exhobition” for background papers.



7. Thanet & Dover Golf Day

To take place at the Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club on Friday 8th October 2010. The East Kent Business community’s biggest golf tournament now features eight competitions at the course graced by Booby Locke, Jack Nicklaus and Sergio Garcia. Host to two Open Championships, this links course has a splendid clubhouse where golfers of all abilities can practise their excuses in complete comfort. For details, contact Graham Rayner, tel: 07899 873 535, or for backgriund papers email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Chamber Golf Day”.



8. New Sponsors

The Thanet & East Kent Insider welcomes three new sponsors. Cariss is a specialist in Open Source Software and is able to save companies considerable sums through thin client systems and reduced licensing fees, tel: 01843 823724. Mach Associates produces industry-leading software for the travel industry and offers large savings on telecommunications through Voice Over Internet (VOIP) packages, tel: 0870 321 9986. Sota Connect provides comprehensive IT services for companies of all sizes including data storage at its own facilities. The company also offers high speed broadband and is the owner of a unique fibre cable between Thanet and London, tel: 0800 072 2420.



9. Workforce Worries

In answer to the question, “How many people work in your company?” it is not uncommon to hear the reply, “About half of them.” A demotivated workforce produces depressing results. Targeted training can sometimes provide the uplift your workforce needs. When was the last time you reviewed your training programme? New chamber member TNG of Ramsgate offers a complete training and recruitment service “so you can focus on other demands of your business, saving both time and money.”  Jessica Berry promises to work with companies to produce a total package of support “designed to meet your needs and requirements and ultimately helping you to grow your business”. Jessica welcomes calls to her mobile, tel: 07872 503036. Other Chamber members offering recuitment and training advice include Canterbury Christ Church University tel:  01227 782196; Connexions Partnership Kent & Medway tel: 01622 607578; Engee Accountancy & Credit Management tel: 01843 599179; HRGO tel: 01843 591798; ILM tel: 01843 861616; Maximus Employment & Training UK  tel: 01843 808410: Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants tel: 01843 604890; Profile Development & Training tel: 01843 869100: St John Ambulance tel: 01732 876417: Thanet College Business Services tel: 01843 605036; The Fire Strategy Company tel: 07809 412749: The Stegle Centre tel: 01843 830247 and Adecco tel: 01842 609292.



10. On The Spot

We do not know if she is a floating voter, but the views of Karen Simmons of Ramsgate Yacht Sales are always welcome; especially when her email begins, “I find the newsletter well written, informative and entertaining.” Proof indeed that she is a lady of impeccable judgment whose opinions should be respected. So when Karen mentions that she has on her books a property in Margate that deserves attention, we asked her for some details. Consisting of five offices, a kitchen and storage space, this corner property in Canterbury Road will soon be available on a one to three year lease at an annual rental of £10,000. Is this a bargain? Karen invites interested readers to contact her direct at her On The Spot Property Company, tel: 07809 73 6327.



11. Budget Or Bust

Martin White of Empowered Business has written to the Thanet & East Kent Chamber with the words, “How do you measure the profitability of your business?” Perhaps influenced by the current feverish political climate, like an experienced parliamentarian he then answers his own question. “If it is by the cash balance in your bank account, the chances are that you are not working to a business budget plan. If you were, you would be able to accurately forecast your monthly sales, the gross profit you will make on those sales, your monthly business overheads and therefore most importantly your monthly trading profit and cash flow.” Martin makes a very good point. For any company, cash flow is critical to sustainable business; poor cash flow being the single most critical factor in the failure of small and medium enterprises. Of course, it helps to have something to sell that customers want to buy; but even companies with a ready market and willing buyers have gone to the wall through the lack of attention to proper budgeting. Martin is offering employers the opportunity to craft a business budget plan that prevents financial black holes and will “show you how to measure your business performance every month against your budget plan objectives.” Given Martin’s big company experience in sales and marketing, this looks like a good buy at £130. For details, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or give him a call, tel: 0776 826 7515.



12. Tried everything? Try This

This item is addressed at smokers who wish to give up and do not succeed no matter how much chewing gum they masticate, (yes it is written masticate and Mr Wrigley can testify that chewing gum does not make you go blind). Have you tried boiled sweets to no avail? Is hiding the lighter no longer an effective deterrent? The lady you should meet is Jean Murton of Chamber member, The Belmont Hypnotherapy Centre. As Jean puts it succinctly, “Those who smoke addictively, can become non-smokers”. Jean treats a wide variety of compulsions, addictions and anxieties and is credited with transforming the lives of many of those she has treated. If you find your colleagues stare at you, the lights at the crossroads are always red when you arrive, when you are offered a wine gum youir favourite red ones are already taken, the manager of your favourite football team refuses to take your advice or you just want to give up smoking, give Jean a call at her headquarters in Ramsgate, tel (01843) 587929 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. With Jean’s help, your favourite football team may still get relegated, but you might get promoted.



13. Newington Community

Dee Allen, Centre Manager at Newington Community Centre, has asked the Thanet & East Kent Insider to mention that the new IT Suite is now officially open It was launched on 5th April following support from Kent International Aiport, Thanet Lions, Thanet District Council, Ramsgate Trustees and Cariss. We wish Dee and her team every success.



14. Politically Correct Recruitment

We are grateful for one chamber member who sent us this account of his experiences as a manager recruiting for a junior post on his team. In line with the policy established by head office in London, our dutiful Chamber member asked the two candidates for the post of trainee salesman to take a short written test. He left them in the interview room returning fifteen minutes later to collect the papers and mark the answers. After a moment’s reflection he said to both candidates, I must congratulate you on your performance as you have both answered correctly 14 of the 15 questions on the paper. He turned to the candidate on his right and said, “However, I am inviting you to take the job”. The candidate on his left rose from his seat indignantly and said, “If we both got only one question wrong, why have you not chosen me?”  The manager explained, “The question you both got wrong was number 11. “And so?” said the failed candidate. The manager continued, “Jim here on the right wrote ‘I simply don’t know the answer’ and you wrote ‘Neither do I’” The question we ask readers is “Did our Chamber member chose the right candidate?“ Your thoughts are welcome at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..



15. 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

10^th April 2010 Issue No.: 

1. Thanet Switches On

It began at 10 seconds before midday at the Marlowe Academy. The assembled group of directors, supporters and technicians was crowded into the hi-tech Studio I as the countdown began. At exactly 1200 hrs on 6th April 2010, station manager Pete Willson came on air for the launch of 107.8 Academy FM. In an uncharacteristically emotional voice, Pete welcomed listeners to Thanet’s community radio station; the ultimate professional understandably betraying his relief and joy at finally coming on air. Since director David Atkey sketched out the first plans some six years previously, turning a good idea into a fully functioning reality has not been easy. There must have been times when the former BBC producer might have wished he was back behind the scenes at Live Aid coaxing performances out of Paul McCartney, Queen and Bob Geldof as the forces of officialdom almost strangled the station at birth. Difficulties in securing the right wavelength and recent delays in reaching agreement with authorities in France and Belgium were mercifully put aside as David reviewed the best wishes pouring into the studio from across East Kent. The first on-air telephone call to Pete Willson came from the Principal of the Marlowe Academy, Ian Johnson, who had interrupted his Easter holidays to join in the celebrations. Ian was quick to point out that 107.8 Academy FM was conceived as a community resource from which all residents and students in the area can benefit. As well as staff at the Marlowe Academy, former Thanet College Chairman of Governors, Paul Trumble, and parliamentary candidate Laura Sandys have contributed considerable time and advice. Many public and private individuals have also joined East Kent’s greatest benefactor, Roger De Haan, to ensure that the station has the funds to operate until the end of the year.  The Thanet & East Kent Chamber is working closely with 107.8 Academy FM on a sustainable future for Thanet’s newest media outlet and looks forward to representing the voice of business on its airways.



2. Who Will Listen to 107.8 Academy FM?

In the successful application to Ofcom of 14 November 2008, the mission statement of Academy FM was defined as aiming to “unite, support, involve and serve the Thanet community, to promote social gain and broaden listener choice”. Later in the application we learn that “radio is a one to one medium, where we talk to our listeners, not at them” which might be news to Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand, but seems sensible enough to the rest of us. A lively mix of music, news, sport, phone-ins, discussions and ‘in the armchair’ interviews should ensure that locals receive an attractive blend of information and entertainment to keep them interested around the clock. Sure to tune in are the signatories to the original application. Joining the Thanet & East Chamber and the aforementioned supporters in 2008 were names familiar to the East Kent coastal business community including  Cllr Steve Ward of Ramsgate,  Barry Coppock of Wantsum Savers, Keith Morris of Thanet Community Development Trust, Richard Samuel of Thanet District Council,  Chief Inspector Mark Nottage and Sergeant Sue Groombridge of the local police, Penny Dadds of Margate Jobcentre, Roger Gale MP, Dr Stephen Ladyman MP, Sue Buss of Thanet College, Cllr  Margaret Sheldrick of Birchington, Bernadette Whitlock of Thanet District Citizens Advice Bureau,  Jan Askew of East Kent Coastal NHS,  Frances Rehal of SureStart, Susan Priest of SEEDA and Andy Somers of Hartsdown College.



3. Hotels, Restaurants and The Open 2011

The Chamber Hotels & Restaurants Forum scheduled to take place on Wednesday 28th April 2010 at 1500 hrs at the Chamber HQ at the Kent Innovation Centre, Broadstairs will feature a short presentation from our associates at Dover District Council (DCC) on the opportunities for boosting business when the Open Championship returns to Sandwich in 2011. DDC has acquired an enviable reputation for supporting retailers in the district and its officers are keen to maximise the income for East Kent businesses from the moneyed visitors expected in July next year. Hotels and restaurants in the East Kent coastal business community can get ahead of the game by joining this informal gathering of like-minded professionals interested in sharing best practice and promoting business-to-business exchanges. Delegates will also be encouraged to promote business-to-business exchanges and find useful links to support their sales and marketing campaigns. Of interest to anyone with management responsibility in the hospitality sector, the forum is open to registered members of the Thanet & East Kent Chamber and the Dover District Chamber of Commerce and their associates. There is a nominal charge of £5.00 for Chamber members and £15.00 for non-members payable on arrival which covers room hire, tea, coffee, biscuits and administration. To register, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Chamber Hotel & Restaurants Form”.



4. Thanet Business Exhibition

Businesses of all sizes are invited to attend the Thanet Business Exhibition on 11 June 2010 at G Casino Westwood Cross. Stands are available at prices from £160.00. Companies looking to boost their sales in East Kent are invited to contact organiser, Graham Rayner, tel: 078998 73535 for details. For booking forms email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Thanet Business Exhibition”.



5. Port Privatisation Lunch

As noted in previous editions, the Port of Dover has presented privatisation proposals to the Secretary of State for Transport with a view to securing £400m of investment to build a new cruise terminal, a £30m marina and improvements to access roads. Around 14m passengers pass through the port each year as well as 100,000 coaches and 2.3m HGVs. The inadequacies of the road infrastructure bring misery to East Kent businesses and local residents every time severe weather or industrial action blocks the port. Operation Stack means No Operations for many businesses and unacceptable delays for all of us. With our associates at the Dover District Chamber of Commerce we are working with the Port of Dover to find a solution, see page 13 of “Our Plan for the Next Generation; Ferry Terminal 2” at http://www.doverport.co.uk/?page=PortDevelopment    We make no comment on the political aspects of privatisation, but we do agree that all serious traffic projections forecast increases in vehicles at the port and a remedy must be found. Keen to work with the two main business support organisations in the East Kent coastal business community, the Dover Harbour Board Chief Executive, Dr Bob Goldfield will be giving a briefing exclusively to Chamber members at lunchtime on Friday 30th April 2010. For details, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Dover Port Lunch”. For a free copy of this Chamber’s three-page submission to the Secretary of State, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Dover Privatisation Submission”.



6. Turner Contemporary Business Breakfast

Oh yes it has. Oh no it hasn’t. The pantomime approach may have been a feature once of the Turner Contemporary gallery as locals wondered if this project was ever going to start. Understandably, a certain scepticism greeted the news that the funding had been secured and a world-class gallery was going to be built on terra firma in Margate, better known for its amusement arcades, Dreamland (see the Thanet & East Kent Insider of 27 March 2010) and tasty seafood at the end of the Harbour Arm. As Frankie Howerd used to say, ‘Titter ye not”. Not only is the David Chipperfield designed building a reality, but the builders are already securing the roof. Gross Max Landscape Architects and David Chipperfield Architects are now turning their attention to the design of the external landscape. The project is on course to open to the public in Spring 2011. On 11 May 2010, Paul Gray, the charismatic Head of Operations and Resources Operations at the Turner Contemporary, will be presenting the latest developments at a business breakfast arranged exclusively for the Thanet & East Kent Chamber but open to all. Of interest to every local business, Paul’s talk will outline the role of this iconic building in helping the East Kent coastal business community grow and flourish; he should know as he used to work at Kew Gardens.



7. Chamber Golf Day

The East Kent coastal business community’s biggest golf tournament will take place at the Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club on 8 October 2010. Originally featuring a team contest between the Thanet & East Kent Chamber and the Dover District Chambers of Commerce, the tournament has now grown to include eight competitions and is attracting interest from overseas companies. Tournament director, Justin Bishop, is confident that the growth of recent years will continue. Prizes on offer include a new car. Bookings are already ahead of last year and any companies wishing to enter a team of four players are asked to email as soon as possible our events team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  with the subject line “Chamber Golf Day”.



8. Travel & Leisure Show

On Sunday 28th March the third KOS Media Travel & Leisure Show took place at Dover Cruise Terminal and attracted a steady stream of trade and private visitors. The recent boom in cruise holidays was reflected in the interest shown in cruise ships calling at Dover. The last annual report of the Port of Dover revealed a 9.1% increase in cruise ships but a 28.9% rise in revenue; a staggering increase in a recessionary trading environment.  Retailers throughout East Kent would clearly benefit from attracting more independent cruise ship passengers to their sales counters. Visitors to the Travel & Leisure Show had to pass a beautifully presented brand new coach belonging to Carol Peters Travel which offers extended leg room and full facilities. Managing Director, Peter Howe, is keen to build on recent successes and, like many Thanet & East Kent Chamber members, has full confidence in the economic future of East Kent. Tight cost control and a heavy emphasis on customer service allow this company to compete on price and still invest nearly £250,000 in each new coach. An enterprising approach was also the order of the day from the Powell Cotton Museum, Quex House & Gardens, tel: 1843 842168, which provided a presentation featuring characters in full Victorian dress distributing own-brand potato crisps and an inspiring talk from a reincarnation of Major Percy Horace Gordon Powell-Cotton (1866-1940).   The museum has a first-class reputation overseas and yet mysteriously there are still residents of East Kent who have never been there.  Feeling guilty? Telephone 01843 842168 for details. Kent International Airport at Manston had one of the busiest stands as visitors queued for information on the new low cost Flybe flights to Edinburgh starting on 27 May this year. Booking well in advance at www.Flybe.com secures the best prices.  In summary, Liz Hare and her team at KOS Media made a great success of the third Travel & Leisure show which has now become a firm feature in the travel sector’s marketing calendar. If you have a crush on a cruise, give a call to Chamber member “That’s My Cruise”, tel: 0800 028 9754. Vincent or Sandra will be pleased to help.



9. Chamber Diary Dates

It’s happening now, it’s happening in Thanet & East Kent.



10. We are Wonderful …Yuk

The Thanet & East Kent Chamber receives many unsolicited corporate magazines from national companies in London and the big cities anxious to inform us how wonderful they are. Perhaps some of them are, but the text is often obscure and the images even more so. Pictures of one inebriated member of staff in evening dress at a Manchester hotel presenting another member of staff with an award does not make for the most riveting story nor necessarily inspire the reader to purchase the products or services being promoted. There is a threshold of acceptability regarding self-promotion which ends at the first line of text that states ‘We are wonderful’ or similar. Also, equanimity and metal health are not enhanced by a constant stream of advertising telling us that we are too fat, too unfashionable and do not smell right. How much more enlightening it is then for others to blow your trumpet so that you can just sit back and enjoy the music. Excessive modesty and an overriding duty to promote the corporate interests of our members prevents the Thanet & East Kent Chamber from singing its own praises, but we are happy for others to comment, as the selection of unsolicited correspondence at item 11 below shows.



11. Voice of Readers

‘As ever a great newsletter’ Thanet District Council; ‘Fantastic weekly newsletter’ Royal Harbour Hotel; ‘Class as ever!’ Ramsgate Estates; ‘Always a good read’ Barclays Corporate; ‘Great newsletter as always. Not being a local yokel myself I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Elvis yet – I don’t think!’ Big Solutions Ltd; ‘I always read with interest as I find them so informative of what is going on in Thanet and, as in this case, the UK’ Harrington Associates; ‘We have become avid readers of the TEKC updates, we must congratulate you on such a well written and informative newsletter. I read very little unless I have to, so this is a true accolade!’ Lavender Blue Media Ltd. ‘Excellent news. Really good!’ KM Group; ‘Excellent work’ CARISS; ‘An excellent mix of valuable information and amusing chat. Very readable. Well done and best wishes to you and your team.’ Start Anywhere; ‘Just a quick thank you for these informative - and often entertaining! – newsletters’ Canterbury Christ Church University; ‘First off, I just wanted to say how enjoyable I find your newsletter.  I receive a number of Chamber newsletters around the Kent area weekly and monthly and by far, yours is the most informative, well-written and entertaining.  The small snippets are easy to digest, to the point, and often make me chuckle and it is the only one I read in its entirety every week.’ 5 Star Computer Systems Ltd; ‘It’s great to have someone making connections.’ Margate Harbour Arm; ‘Just to say how much I enjoyed the presentation yesterday. Really well organised- great speakers and a great opportunity for the people of Thanet to ‘grasp.’ Barclays Business Banking; ‘Congratulations on the Breakfast Meeting, I’m blown away by the quality of the last two Breakfast Meetings.” Mach Associates. The only official comment that the Chamber can make is that it is comforting to know that we are blessed with readers of such perspicacity and objective judgment.



12. That’s Nothing

Item 10 refers to the perils of bragging to potential clients. There is always a risk in such instances that you expose your weaknesses so that a competitor will appear promoting a bigger, better, cheaper product. Of course, your competitor may not always be telling the truth. One Chamber member in the timber trade has sent us this anecdote. You must judge for yourself if it is entirely reliable. Three tree surgeons were sitting at a bar in Maidstone bragging about the prowess of their ancestors who had all been lumberjacks. One said, “My great grandfather lived in Sherwood Forest and could move an axe so fast that in one month he felled 250 trees.” “That’s nothing”, said his fellow professional on the next bar stool, “My great, great grandfather lived in the Canadian wilderness and was so strong that in one month he felled 250 trees, chopped them up into bundles of firewood and delivered them to the homes of needy pensioners throughout British Colombia. The third tree surgeon, a slim 75 year-old, had sat on his bar stool in dignified silence throughout this but finally volunteered, “My great, great, great ….. grandfather lived in the Sahara Forest and…” He got no further as he was interrupted with, “Surely you mean the Sahara Desert?” To which he replied, “Oh sure, it’s called the Sahara Desert now.”  



13. Our Sponsors

The Thanet & East Kent Insider is grateful for the support and sponsorship provided by Girlings, Express By Holiday Inn and Adecco. 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 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.

Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber

Thanet & East Kent Insider

27^th March 2010 Issue No.: 

1. Dreamland Has Woken Up

Last Wednesday, the Thanet & East Kent hosted a business breakfast at the Fayreness Hotel entitled “Dreamland Wakes Up”. Chamber members enjoyed an animated networking session and a cooked English breakfast served at table before the Chamber Chief Executive introduced to a full house the main speaker, Jonathan Bryant, Project Director.  Any lingering doubts about the viability of the world’s first Heritage Amusement Park were quickly put to rest as Jonathan outlined the funding received to date and the rigorous business plan being formulated to ensure that the venue will be able to generate the revenue to meet its future running costs. 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” and confirmed that a full team will be in place shortly to ensure an opening in spring 2012. 



2. What Can Dreamland Do For Us?

Not much if you live in the Shetland Isles, but, an article in The Times on 3rd February 2003 noted, “One-fifth of all visitors to Thanet come for Dreamland”.  The decline in trade in Margate High Street owes much to the closure of Dreamland later that year. Margate may currently host the largest number of empty shops in the country and the end of Margate Harbour Arm may now be an unsightly building site, but the opening of the Turner Contemporary Gallery next year and the new Dreamland around twelve months later is going to bring serious trade to Margate retailers. There is no doubt that investors who have ignored Thanet’s coastal towns in the past are now showing a lively interest in the still relatively modest property prices. Suddenly the realisation that that cramped studio flat in Kensington could fund an office block in Margate and still leave enough left over for holiday flat and a lifetime membership of the local Golf Club does not look so dumb. As one local developer said in a telephone call to the Chamber, “There are a lot of personalised number plates driving around Margate at the weekends.”



3. 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. Above all, Jonathan wants to ensure that “all visitors have a fun day out”. In questions afterwards, amusement was the order of the day when Jonathan said that he did not think a McDonald’s outlet would be appropriate for the site. The next question came from Paul Crocker, manager of five McDonald’s restaurants in Kent and a raging success at all of them.  Chamber member Paul has more reason than most to complain. In fact, like all retailers present, Paul is delighted at the resurgence of Margate’s premier tourist venue and is probably already ordering an increase in supplies in anticipation of increased business.  Given Paul’s long-standing support to the community and Jonathan’s keen interest in securing a sound commercial model, the Thanet & East Kent Insider suspects that cooperation is not impossible. After all, McDonald’s UK describes Paul as one of its most successful franchisees, “He does this by getting out into the community, and seizing every opportunity there is to sponsor events and distribute vouchers so that people have an incentive to visit.” See http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/about-us/franchise/case-study.shtml Well, Jonathan did ask for ideas.



4. Calling Hotels & Restaurants

Following the success of the previous Thanet & East Kent Chamber Forum meetings on Property, IT, Consultants, Grants and Training, the Chamber Hotels & Restaurants Forum will take place on Wednesday 28th April 2010 at 1500 hrs at the Chamber HQ at the Kent Innovation Centre, Broadstairs.  The forum will be an informal gathering of like-minded professionals interested in sharing best practice and promoting business-to-business exchanges. Beginning with a short presentation on measures to boost income and reduce costs, delegates will be encouraged to promote business-to-business exchanges and find useful links to support their sales and marketing campaigns. Of interest to anyone with a management responsibility in the hospitality sector, the forum is open to registered members of the Thanet & East Kent Chamber and their associates. There is a nominal charge of £5.00 for Chamber members and £15.00 for non-members payable on arrival which covers room hire, tea, coffee, biscuits and administration. To register, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Chamber Hotel & Restaurants Form”.



5. Easter By The Sea

The Thanet Coast Project is organizing a series of Easter events along the East Kent coast. These include the celebrated Roc Dock Walk from Kingsgate at 1100 hrs on Easter Monday, Surfing Lessons, Easter Egg Hunts, Storytelling Walks and Clean Up initiatives when children can get themselves dirty and parents are not allowed to complain. All the aforementioned are free. At cost is the Sea Safaris Easter Special for just £12.00;  landlubbers are taken by boat to the Kent’s largest National Nature Reserve at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay with a good chance of seeing seals and local wildlife.  A great programme for all the family. For details, contact Tony, Suzie or Rebecca at the Thanet Coast Project by telephone to 01843 577672 or 01843 577409 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. As this Chamber is always saying, “It’s happening now, it’s happening in Thanet & East Kent”.



6. Campaign To Keep It Unique

Fresh from its brief encounter with Gary Lineker, Frank Lampard, Jenson Button Pamela Anderson, and Marco Pierre White, see the Thanet & East Kent Insider of 13th March 2010, Sandwich is already preparing itself for an influx of visitors for the world’s premier golf tournament due to take place from 15th July next year. Curiously, the website “Golfing in Kent” appears to have renamed The Open Championship as The British Open. The Thanet & East Kent Insider has always considered that one of the Unique Selling Points of our championship is that it was the first and is therefore entitled to be billed without a national epithet. The same distinction is enjoyed by our stamps which uniquely in the world do not state the country of origin. Will Golfing in Kent based in Rochester be campaigning with the Post Office to redesign our stamps? We should be told. See http://www.golfinginkent.co.uk/



7. Grab The Money Before Someone Else Does

It may come as a surprise to some readers of the Thanet & East Kent Insider that Scottish bank notes are not legal tender in England. In Scotland, English bank notes are not legal tender and, curiously, neither are Scottish bank notes. This is an anomaly that does not seem to worry most people unduly. After all, legal tender has a narrow technical meaning and parties to a transaction are free to agree to accept any form of payment. A debtor cannot be sued successfully for non-payment when paying into court in legal tender, but the exact amount should be offered as there is no requirement to give change. For the technically minded and those who like going to pub quizzes and never seem to win anything, here are the legal tender amounts in England and Wales.

If any Chamber member is considering refusing service to a customer paying with genuine Scottish bank notes, be advised that there is probably a competitor around the corner only too willing to accept them and who is at liberty to exchange them at full value at a bank or post office. If any readers feel they have problems with excessive amounts of Scottish bank notes, the Thanet & East Kent Chamber would be pleased to relieve them of the anxiety.



8. The More You Practise, The Luckier You Get

If you are one of those golfers, like the editor of these columns, who has no difficulty hitting the woods, the problem is getting the ball out of them, you will appreciate the value of regular practice at Stoneless Golf Centre, tel: 01843 823133. A new clubhouse due to open in the first week of April and a new function room to follow in July are evidence of the success of Stonelees in attracting new members to the club located in Ebbsfleet Lane, Ramsgate.  Suzannah and Rob Chapman are offering annual membership fees in three categories; Birdie at £460, Eagle at £500 and Albatross at £550. All of them allow playing on seven days a week on one or more of the three courses. Included in the fees are discounts on the driving range and simulator and a £25 voucher for the bar; a useful refuge where you can explain your excuses to your playing partners for spending so much time looking for your ball in the woods.



9. London To Paris

Rob Evans of Boys & Maughan Solicitors is planning a sponsored bike ride from London to Paris. Go for it Rob. May you have good weather and a following wind. Raising awareness of testicular and prostate cancer can only be good, especially for cyclists. We hope that the terms and conditions of his ride from London to Paris also allow him to return. If not, we are sure that he knows a good lawyer. Rob will be passing by the site of the Battle of Crécy in 1346; widely viewed as the punch up with the French that represented the final flourish of classic chivalry, we trust that when he returns, he will still be as polite and good-mannered as before. If not, we will have to say to him “On yer bike”. We wish Rob all the best.



10. Dover Port Privatisation

As noted in some detail in the Thanet & East Kent Insider of 6 March 2010, the Port of Dover is giving serious consideration to changing its status from a trust port to a private company. This has significant implications for the Port of Ramsgate which is under public ownership and would benefit from new capital investment. In liaison with our associates at the Dover District Chamber of Commerce, we have forwarded a submission to the Secretary of State, Lord Adonis. The three-page commentary follows extensive consultations with companies in the East Kent coastal business community. We have also discussed the substantive issues with clubs, voluntary groups, democratically elected public bodies and our own Chamber Port Advisory Group. We have encouraged detailed representations that are SMART, i.e. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. Readers might be interested to know that the scale of the development proposed requires a Harbour Revision Order that is decided by the Secretary of State and not the local planning authority. Thus we have an obligation to give particular attention to the infrastructure surrounding Dover and the effect on our roads and lay-bys throughout East Kent. Any interruptions in service at Dover Ferry Port produce unacceptable delays to domestic commercial vehicles on an already inadequate road network. Anyone who has had their journey interrupted through Operation Stack will also share the concern of East Kent local authorities and the Port of Dover itself that the 10,000 lorries per day that pass through Dover require adequate overnight parking facilities which currently do not exist. To receive your copy of the Chamber’s final submission, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Dover Privatisation Submission”.



11. Academy FM 107.8

With all the inward investment coming to Thanet from windfarms, the airport, the Turner Contemporary and a new Dreamland, you might think that Thanet deserves its own radio station.  You are quite right and now it has got one.  Academy FM will hit the airwaves with full force at 1200 hrs on Monday 5th April 2010. The driving force behind the non-profit making community station is David Atkey, Project and Operations Director and former BBC Radio One Executive Producer. David promises “an entertaining mix of music and discussion”. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber looks forward to providing the voice of business and will be taking a full part in supporting the Academy FM team both in their studios at the Marlowe Academy and in the outside broadcasts around the Isle of Thanet. Station Manager, Pete Willson, has enjoyed a stellar career at KMFM, Maidstone Radio and Invicta FM and will be bringing that local experience to bear as he hosts the 0700 – 1000 hrs Academy FM breakfast show. This will feature a guest for the “In the Armchair” interview as well as regular updates on travel, sport, local and national news. It’s happening now, it’s happening in Thanet and East Kent.



12. Easter News Break

As last year, the Thanet & East Kent Insider will be taking an Easter break next week. We will be returning on 10th April 2010 with more support for our sponsors and three additional new ones. We thank all correspondents for their input and especially the comment that “It is about time you improved the lay-out”. We agree and we will, but we will enjoy our Easter Eggs first.



13. Tiger Woods Returns

Regular readers will know that this Chamber is promoting links with Edinburgh in preparation for the launch of the Flybe flights from Kent International Airport at Manston. Our international contacts extend across the Atlantic, as the following golfing story from Georgia shows. In preparation for the Masters Championship and his rehabilitation into the public eye, Tiger Woods allegedly asked veteran golfer Arnold Palmer to accompany him on a round at the famous Augusta National Golf Club course where the great Arnie had won four times. When Tiger’s ball landed behind a 90 ft fir tree, he turned to Arnie and said, “Now what?” Arnie replied, “When this happened to me in 1964, I just blasted it over the tree and went on to win the tournament by six shots.” Tiger duly took out his favourite sand iron and hit the ball as high as he possibly could. The ball hit the tree smartly with a resounding THWACK and returned to land neatly at his feet. Disappointed beyond measure, Tiger turned to Arnie and said, “Look, how on earth did you manage to clear that tree?” “Easy”, said Arnie, “You see forty-six years ago that tree was only four foot high.”



14. Our Sponsors

The Thanet & East Kent Insider is grateful for the support and sponsorship provided by Girlings, Express By Holiday Inn and Adecco. 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 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.

Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber

Thanet & East Kent Insider

26^th March 2010 Issue No.:

 1. How Are We Doing?

Last week’s edition of the Thanet & East Kent Insider suggested that an optimist invented the aeroplane and a pessimist the parachute. As we look at the recently released unemployment figures, we conclude that the parachute makers are still in the ascendency but aircraft builders have some cause for satisfaction. We have commented before that monthly statistics do not provide a meaningful guide. It is the year-on-year figures on which we might base investment decisions and all those critical judgments on the state of our economy. Thanet remains burdened with the highest rate of unemployment in Kent at 6.2% against a mere 2.2% in Tunbridge Wells; but, we take heart from learning that the annual rate of decline in Thanet has fallen from the 28.1% listed in last month’s data to 18% in the most recent calculation. Similar falls in the annual rates of decline are noted in Kent, down from 37.6% to 15.4%, and the South East, now 35.7% against last month’s 13.4%. We are also beginning to see genuine rises in annual employment rates in certain wards. In Thanet, more people are in jobs now than a year ago in Bradstowe, Nethercourt and the Thanet Villages. In the Canterbury District, Barham Downs, Chartham & Stone Street, Seasalter and Sturry North all record annual rises, as do 13 wards in the Ashford District, 5 wards in the Dover District, 7 wards in the Maidstone area, 6 wards in Shepway and 5 wards in Swale. As with all such statistics, caution is necessary when looking at individual data items. For instance, the largest increase in Kent in annual employment is 50% in Weald East in the Ashford District, but this equates to just 13 more people with jobs than at the same time last year; lucky 13 if you are one of them but not indicative of a general trend. Overall, the figures tell us that the slide into unemployment is getting less steep, but employment has not started to rise.  



2. Give Us The Hard Facts, Please

3. Be Prepared

It was Robert Baden-Powell who gave the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides their motto of “Be Prepared”. In Scouting For Boys he explained that a good scout is ready, “having thought out beforehand any accident or situation that might occur, so that you know the right thing to do at the right moment, and are willing to do it.” How often have you faced a situation in business which you have not considered, for which you have not prepared and on which you have to spend considerable sums to escape?  Chamber member The Fire Strategy Company at Manston has been supplying business continuity advice to UK and Irish companies since 2004. To mark the launch of International Business Continuity Week, 22nd – 26th March 2010, our local experts are offering a unique Business Resilience Pack of coordinated business continuity consultancy services. The strategy and action plans are equally applicable to single site locations or part of an overall corporate approach covering several sites. The team of advisors, trainers and coaches include lead auditors for BS:25999 Business Continuity, IT resilience experts and experienced crisis management specialists. With the availability of year-long support, there has never been a better time to be ready for the unexpected so that when it happens your company survives and flourishes while your competitors may not. Be Prepared with The Fire Strategy Company. For details, telephone 01843 826282 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Be Prepared Business Continuity”.



4. Au Revoir, Matt

Matt Clarke, outgoing Managing Director of Kent International Airport, left his post last Friday with the good wishes all those business colleagues and associates who have worked with him and supported the successful expansion of the airport and its activities. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber Chief Executive and the Marketing & Membership Officer visited Matt in his office on his last morning to pay their respects and to thank him for the close cooperation with this Chamber. We also learned of the ambitious plans to add further destinations to the route to Edinburgh, due to begin on 27th May this year, and will keep readers informed of developments. Matt will continue as a board member at Manston, more a question of au revoir than goodbye, and we look forward to seeing him from time to time in East Kent on his visits from Wellington, New Zealand. 



5. Business Rates

Regular readers will know of the Thanet & East Kent Chamber’s long standing campaign against the iniquitous empty rates legislation and our continuing efforts to reduce the extra costs loaded on to our members through ever-increasing legislation and its associated expense. Members will recall the business breakfast of 22nd September last year, see Thanet & East Kent Insider of 25 September 2009, when with our associates at the Dover District Chamber of Commerce we welcomed the key decision-maker at the Valuation Office Agency who is responsible for setting business rates in East Kent. His announcement of an overall reduction of 5% in the average charge for business rates to East Kent companies from April 2010 was about the best result we could have expected. A rise of 10% for London businesses did not give rise to anxiety for the vast majority of our members. Businesses in East Kent should have now received their business rates advice for charges from 1 April 2010. If you are still unsure about how your charges have been assessed, Chamber members may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Business Rates Info” and we will send you the latest official advice together with guidance on what to do if you think you are paying too much. Please take note that whatever rate is set for you this year will be your base rate for the next five years. In fairness to the VOA, we must record that in the “Review of the Valuation Office Agency 2009” published on 10 June 2009, the VOA was roundly praised for its operations and a satisfaction score of 93% was noted for 2008/9. There was a particular tribute for the integrity of the Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rating list, a sharp contrast to the data management history of some other government departments. One of the few quibbles was that “More commercial awareness could benefit both the Agency and its customers”. As the largest business support agency in the area, this is where the Thanet & East Kent Chamber packs a punch in making representations to government departments and securing the best deal for our members.



6. What Are The Facts On Business Rates?

Send for our information pack as listed above and we will tell you. But, in general terms, the rateable value of East Kent business premises will increase and will be based on rental values in April 2008. The ‘multiplier’ will decrease from 48.5p to 41.1p. Any company with a rateable value from 1 April 2010 of below £18,000 may qualify for small business rate relief.



7. Medway and Water

The Thanet & East Kent Chamber was invited to Medway last Thursday evening to hear the transport plans for the next twenty years from Medway Council. In a fluent presentation, Senior Transport Planner, Mark Johnson, gave a fulsome account of Medway’s Transport Plan 3 (TP3) which aims to define the main transport routes which will inform all subsequent development in the area. This has important implications for all East Kent companies. Currently, the Kent County Council proposal for a third Thames crossing to link the A2/M2 with the M11 does not feature prominently in the main Medway strategy which is focussed mainly on reducing current and forecast bottlenecks based on current development plans.  Mark was given a hard time by some erudite fans of shipping routes who stated that insufficient attention is given to river and coastal traffic. The word river was apparently mentioned only once in TP2. Their detailed research included a list of the wharves that had been closed on the River Medway and the opportunities for moving non-urgent goods in an environmentally friendly way that have been lost as a result. The growing influence of groups such as Freight By Water, see www.freightbywater.organd South East Marine Association, see http://www.seama.org, suggest that Tim Lowry, Peter Ward, Bill Moses, Roy Brooks and other local UK shipping experts are going to have a much bigger influence on government policy in the future than has hitherto been the case.



8. Healthy Mind, Healthy Body

Dave Woodward, Social Care Commissioner for Mental Health at Kent County Council, has written to the Thanet & East Kent Chamber as follows, “I love the Thanet & East Kent Insider and appreciate the emphasis on well-being and emotional health. Your readers might be interested in our website at www.liveitwell.org.uk.” We are indeed, Dave, and there are some most useful tips for all employers interested in looking after their staff and getting the best performance as a result. Individuals will also welcome the guidance on healthy eating. We learn that according to research from the University of London, we spent ten times longer preparing our food 60 years ago than we do today.



9. Diary Dates

Dreamland Wakes Up business networking breakfast 24 March 2010, Dover Business Exhibition 10 June 2010, Thanet Business Exhibition, 11 June 2010, Chamber Golf Day at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club 8 October 2010. For details, email manager @tekc.co.uk or contact Graham Rayner, tel: 07899 873535.



10. Man’s Best Friend

We receive many stories from Chamber members. Unable to reveal their hand to their staff and with families none too enthusiastic to share the burden of corporate responsibility, the Chamber is often asked to assist, comment or sometimes just listen. Of course, we welcome such discussions which are always treated as completely confidential. From time to time, we hear anecdotes from members which they are happy for us to relate and this is the case with a trader from East Kent who took his lethargic cocker spaniel to the veterinary surgeon.  Concerned that his beloved Oscar was over-eating, he rested in absolute silence as the white-coated professional held Oscar in his arms and examined his teeth and throat. After a dramatic wait of nearly two minutes, the vet announced portentously “I’m sorry. I’m going to have to put him down”. “Oh, no”, said the devastated owner, “Is it his heart or what?”. “No” said the vet, ”it’s because he’s very heavy.”



11. Our Sponsors

The Thanet & East Kent Insider is grateful for the support and sponsorship provided by Girlings, Express By Holiday Inn and Adecco. 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 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.

© David Foley 20^th March 2010

Your Business Bulletin from Thanet & East Kent Chamber

Thanet & East Kent Insider

13^th March 2010 Issue No.: 

1. Caught In A Sandwich

There’s no doubt about our lead article this week. It is the Sandwich story. Since 1170, Canterbury has long benefited from the footfall generated following the martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket in its cathedral. Cheddar still attracts cheese lovers from far and wide. Pontefract has its liquorice fans. Bordeaux and the Champagne region have obvious attractions and even Patna draws in the tourists who like rice.  Battenberg for cakes and Cornwall for pasties. The astute reader will notice that we have made no mention of Bakewell. Sandwich has largely missed out on trading on its name. This all changed on Wednesday of last week when Gary Lineker, Jason Button, Frank Lampard, Marco Pierre White, Pamela Anderson and the boy band JLS took a full part in the life of the town as part of a Walkers Crisps advertising campaign. Chamber member Matt Collins of the Bell Hotel tells us that JLS sang Happy Birthday to one of his housekeepers. If any readers have not seen the advertisement recorded on the day, it is available on line at www.walkerscrisps.co.uk   Rumours of Beyoncé coming to Birchington have not been confirmed, but there is no doubt that with the advent of the High Speed rail link, the publicity surrounding the Turner Contemporary and all the news about windfarms, this part of East Kent is getting an increasingly high profile on the national agenda. As it states at the end of the Thanet & East Kent Insider, “It’s happening now, it’s happening in Thanet & East Kent”.



2. But What is Happening With Windfarms?

Thanet Off-shore Windfarm is on schedule to meet its target completion date of October this year when it will become the world’s largest windfarm. The London Array promises to be even bigger. On Wednesday of this week, the London Array Project Director, Richard Rigg, gave a detailed presentation to the Thanet & East Kent Chamber and a selection of invited guests in the magnificent surroundings of Chamber member Court Stairs in Pegwell Bay Road, Ramsgate. With the assistance of Commercial and Operations Manager, Matt Britton, Richard gave a full account of the current stage of development and outlined the opportunities for local companies. The London Array is a consortium consisting of three shareholders. Dong Energy of Denmark has 50%. E.On of Germany owns 30%. The Masdar Initiative of Abu Dhabi is the proud possessor of the remaining 20%.



3. Where is the London Array?

The simple answer is that it is not in London. The windfarm is planned for an area of 245km² located 20km from the Kent and Essex coasts in the outer Thames estuary. It will be connected by undersea cables to a substation at Cleve Hill, near Faversham. Phase One will see the placing of 175 turbines capable of producing 630MW. The next phase will depend on the satisfactory outcome of bird studies, but promises to produce a further 370MW, bringing total capacity to 1,000 MW. Regular readers will recall from the Thanet & East Kent Insider profile of the Thanet Offshore Windfarm, see Edition 65 of 25th June 2009, that TOW should produce 300MW from 100 turbines, sufficient for 240,000 homes. The London Array seeks to supply 750,000 average households. The construction, operations and maintenance base will be in Ramsgate.



4. How Much Will It Cost?

The consortium partners have given the green light to an investment for Phase One of 2.2bn Euros, the equivalent of around £2bn. That is serious money that takes full account of Britain being the windiest country in Europe.



5. What About The Technical Details?

Phase One will see the installation of 175 Siemens 3.6MW wind turbine generators fitted with the new 120m Siemens rotor. There will be two offshore substations, 220 km of subsea 150 kV export cables and 209km of 150kV inter array cables.



6. When Will It Begin?

It already has begun with the start of the onshore construction in July last year. This year will bring the start of the pre-construction surveys, the mobilisation of the offshore construction base and the assembly of the offshore construction team. In 2011, the foundations will be installed with the turbine installation beginning in October. Phase One is expected to be completed by December 2012. Richard Rigg anticipates that visitors flying into the London Olympics over the Thanet and Thames coastline will have a fascinating view of the latest developments in green energy.



7. What Will Happen in Ramsgate Then?

There will be a Construction and Management Base of 2,500m² consisting of a 650m² temporary office of two storeys. As well as a dedicated car park and welfare facilities, there will be provision for a health and safety department, marine coordination and installation management with 40 – 45 people based in the port. The much larger Operations and Maintenance Base will cover 8,000m² in a purpose built two-storey facility offering secure storage, offices, workshop, warehousing and welfare facilities. Alongside will be a mooring for six 12-person vessels. A new pontoon is envisaged and the existing fuel pumping arrangements will be upgraded. As many as 90 people will work from this base. Full-scale control and operations of the windfarm should begin from here in October 2011.



8. What About Jobs?

Around 70 posts will be created in June of this year. The Chamber has been in close consultation with the London Array for more than two years to maximize the benefits of the project for East Kent. The construction, operations and maintenance services are expected to make full use of taxi transfers, hotel accommodation, long term rents, office equipment, cleaning services, waste/recycling operations, safety equipment, catering, crew boat maintenance, fuel supplies, spare parts, crane hire, small tool hire and purchase, building site maintenance, welding and fabricators. All Chamber members not in default of their membership fees on 30 March 2010 will be automatically included on the supply list for the London Array.



9. What About Skills?

The Thanet & East Kent Chamber has attended a series of meetings in the last year to assist the London Array in sourcing local staff with the appropriate skills. We have been working with Kent County Council, Marine South East, Thanet College, Job Centre Plus and private training providers. We are in contact with the key decision-makers and will be seeking every advantage for Chamber members. 



10. Who Has Got The Contracts So Far?

The fact is that the major Tier 1 contractors are mostly from overseas. We expect that the Marine Energy Industry in the UK and indeed, in East Kent will grow from the opportunities presented, as confirmed at the Marine Energy Summit last November, see Edition 84 of the Thanet & East Kent Insider dated 13th November 2009.  For the record, our understanding of the major contractors engaged to date is as follows: Marine Crew and Vessels: MPI, a wholly owned subsidiary with a UK base in North Yorkshire, and A2SEA, 100% owned by Dong Energy of Denmark. Turbines: Siemens Wind Power of Germany. Foundations: Per Aarsleff A/S of Denmark and Bilfinger Berger Ingeniuerbeau GmBH of Germany, UK base in Warrington. Two Offshore Substations: Fabricom, part of the GDF SUEZ Group, listed on the Brussels, Luxembourg and Paris stock exchanges with a UK base in Immingham, Lemants and Geosea of Belgium. 150kV subsea Export Ccables: Nexans Norway AS which unsurprisingly is based in Norway. 33kV Array Cables: JDR Cable Systems of Hartlepool and Littleport, Cambridgeshire (loud cheers everyone). Export and Array Cable Installation; Visser & Smit Marine Contracting of the Netherlands and Global Marine Systems Limited of Chelmsford (getting close).



11. What Happens Next?

A supplier event in late April, see the Thanet & East Kent Insider for details. The London Array acknowledges a responsibility towards the East Kent business community. Over the next few years, the company promises to “maximise the benefits for the local economy” and expects to “make contributions to the local economy through the use of local services and facilities”. The Thanet & East Kent Chamber will be working closely with its members to bring products and services before the key buyers.



12. Visit Kent More

These columns often highlight the advantages of the tourist industry and the key role it plays in the economy of East Kent. Our friends at Visit Kent are offering readers an opportunity to hear industry experts on how to boost your income from the UK’s fifth largest sector. On 30th March at Godinton House and Gardens Ashford, Visit Kent, Tourism South East and Business Link are offering a free advice clinic and workshop. For three hours from 1030am, owners, managers and senior staff in tourism related businesses are invited to hear how an action plan can attract more customers and increase turnover. Lunch and refreshments are included. For more details, contact Daniel Humphreys by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone to 023 8062 5499.



13. Ten Years On

Boys & Maughan, the Thanet based law firm, has been awarded a certificate by Investors in People in recognition of 10 years of continuous attainment of the IiP standard. In receiving the award certificate Andrew Baker, Quality Partner at Boys & Maughan, remarked: “as an organisation that delivers knowledge on behalf of its clients, we have always invested heavily in our staff to enable them to convey their understanding in a people-friendly way”.



14. Dreamland Breakfast

This is a reminder of the Dreamland Wakes Up business breakfast scheduled for Wednesday 24th March 2010, as highlighted in the last two editions of the Thanet & East Kent Insider. The new Dreamland Project Director will be outlining the progress of the world’s first Heritage Amusement Park and all delegates will hear how their company might benefit from the increased footfall and selling opportunities. There will be no admittance without booking. For details, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the subject line “Dreamland Breakfast”.  We know from an article in the Times of 3 February 2003 that at its height of its popularity “One-fifth of all visitors to Thanet come for Dreamland”.  Traders in Thanet will be looking to the Turner Contemporary, Kent International Airport at Manson, the London Array and the High Speed rail link to take the word ‘regeneration’ out of the land of dreams and into reality. As the largest business support organisation in the area, the Thanet & East Kent Chamber will be part of this transformation. There has never been a better time to participate in our events.



15. Opportunity in Europe

The Chamber has been approached by a French organisation looking for a partner for an INTERREG IVA cross-border project focusing on enhancing business development between the UK and France in the field of biomaterials. The project seeks European funds to establish a Euroregional cluster. Any medical, pharmaceutical or biosciences company is invited to contact the Thanet & East Kent Chamber with an expression of interest. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Biomaterials INTERREG IVA”.



16. Going Down To The Beach

Do you know Spike Milligan’s well-known parody of a John Masefield poem, “I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky; I left my shoes and socks there - I wonder if they're dry”? Are you thinking, ”What on earth is a respectable Chamber of Commerce doing wittering on about poetry when I have a VAT return to complete before this evening’s post?” A fair point, but you might just know somebody who is looking for a job on the beach or near it. Thanet District Council has a vacancy for a young person aged 18 – 24,  or older if a resident of Margate Central, Cliftonville West, Ramsgate Eastcliff, Central Harbour, Newington or Dane Valley wards, for a job as a Thanet Coast Project Support Assistant. Reporting to the Thanet Coast Project Manager, the fortunate occupier of this position will spend some time in the Council’s offices in Margate but also a pleasant few hours on the local beaches where the main duties will be “to support the Thanet Coastal Project Staff working on public, volunteer and community activities with occasional help at environmental and coastal-related events”. There is no mention of whether the successful candidates should supply their own bucket and spade, but the job looks like a good opportunity to start a career in the growing sector of environmental care. More details available from the Thanet Coast Project, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 01843 577672 or 01843 577409.



17. A Party To Remember

In the last few weeks, we have featured the new daily £24.99 Flybe flights to Edinburgh from Kent International Airport at Manston. The reaction from Chamber members has been uniformly positive and we expect a brisk trade when the service begins on 27th May this year. Fans of single malt whisky and those who know how to enjoy themselves at the company’s expense might be interested to learn of the experiences of our new friends at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. After receiving its Royal Charter in 1786, one of its first tasks was to appoint a lighthouse man on May Island. The annual salary offered was £7 per year, a reasonable sum for a year’s work at the end of the eighteenth century. The committee of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce that had to make the decision on which candidate appoint took their duties very seriously; so seriously in fact, that the drinks bill that accompanied their deliberations amounted to £12. From this, it can be deduced that the Edinburgh Chamber has always known how to enjoy itself and how to generate income. We celebrate our new link with this organisation and look forward to promoting trade with the members of the Thanet & East Kent Chamber. By the way, if you are thinking of getting a Royal Charter for yourself, the Privy Council Office tells us that you should have “at least 5,000 members” and “the corporate members of the institution should be qualified to at least first degree level in a relevant discipline”.  



18. Our Sponsors

The Thanet & East Kent Insider is grateful for the support and sponsorship provided by Girlings, Express By Holiday Inn and Adecco. 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 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.