| Autumn 2009 |  |
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| Kent Property Market Report paints positive outlook | |
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The Kent property market recorded an encouraging performance in 2008/9, exceeding expectations on a number of fronts, according to the 2009 Kent Property Market Report. Despite the challenging economic climate, office rental values remained stable in Kent, growing by 0.4%, compared to the UK average which fell by 3.8%. Launched in Ashford in October to an audience of nearly 200 property professionals, the report reviews performance in Kent in 2008/9, covering residential property, retail, tourism and regeneration and for the first time, the rural property market. The report is written by Kent County Council and property experts Cluttons LLP, is produced by Locate in Kent and supported by RICS, law firm Cripps Harries Hall LLP and chartered surveyors Smiths Gore. It is available to view online via www.kentpropertymarket.co.uk. |
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| Locate in Kent assists 50 companies in 6 months | |
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Locate in Kent has assisted 50 companies to create more than 1,000 new jobs and safeguarded 500 jobs in Kent and Medway since April 2009. This represents a 4% increase in successes compared to the first six months last year. These companies have taken in excess of 1mft2 of commercial space and invested more than £34m. The agency also has a healthy pipeline of 289 companies actively looking to relocate to or expand in Kent. Encouragingly, new projects increased by 40% in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2008/9. |
| AEI Compounds invests in new facilities | |
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AEI Compounds Ltd, a subsidiary of TT electronics plc, is expanding and moving its operations from Gravesend to Sandwich. The company manufactures and sells plastic compounds, used in the manufacture of electric cables and hot and cold water pipes. The relocation was made possible by a Grant for Business Investment, which is funded by the South East England Development Agency. The funding was delivered by Finance South East following free advice from Brian Short, grant advisor at Locate in Kent. For more information about AEI visit www.aeicompounds.co.uk and for more on GBI grants visit www.locateinkent.com/grants |
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| Update | |
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Locate in Kent attended several events this autumn including the Property Forum in Hertfordshire, Offices 2009 in London, the renewable energy event, BWEA 31 in Liverpool, the Kent International Business Event at University of Kent and Thames Gateway Forum at the O2. The agency also took part in Property Week's virtual exhibition Invest UK. The Kent Property Market Report launch took place on 16 October, with a London launch on the 12 November. The agency's autumn networking event was held in November at Kent Science Park and the Christmas event will take place at Bradbourne House, East Malling. Bradbourne House has recently become a Locate in Kent corporate partner. For more information about the venue visit www.bradbournehousekent.co.uk and for more information about joining the partnership scheme see www.locateinkent.com/Partners. |
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© Locate in Kent Ltd 2009 |
| www.locateinkent.com |  |
