Welcome
Welcome & Contents
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Looking ahead to a momentous year
Jo James
Chief Executive
Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business, which appears as we look forward to a year that promises to be momentous for business as the Brexit negotiations gather pace. Or fall apart amid bitter recriminations. We simply do not know what the outcome will be.
However, if the politicians are presiding over an atmosphere of uncertainty, that is not the case in the business world. Business people are accustomed to thinking clearly and it is not difficult to find, amid the uncertainty, plenty of cause for optimism in Kent, something reflected in all of the editions of Thinking Business that we have published in 2017. For example, in this edition our Spotlight feature on page 16 examines some of the many initiatives that are transforming the business landscape in Ashford in a compelling partnership between the public and private sector. At a time when public sector budgets have been squeezed and local authorities need more than ever to show creative thinking, the sense of co-operation in Ashford to attract investment and create jobs is truly inspiring. There is also a strong health and wellbeing theme to this edition of the magazine and our big interview on page 22 is with Simon James, who is the CEO of KIMS Hospital.
Contents
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5 6,9,10 7 11 12-14 16-21
Chamber Business Awards Chamber News Members News Focus on Finance Patron Comment Members News Spotlight on Ashford
Our Patrons
22-23 25-29 30 33 35 36-37
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Simon tells us how the hospital is growing and helping to transform the face of healthcare in Kent and talks about the way the hospital cares for its staff as well as its patients. We continue the health and wellbeing theme in our main cover feature which starts on page 25. More and more employers are recognising their responsibility to help keep their staff healthy. Life can be stressful, work can be challenging and many employers are offering programmes and services that help preserve health in the workplace.
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That trend has led to the growth of specialist organisations that can offer expert advice and our feature examines some of the options available. And finally, as we celebrate the Kent economy, we are issuing a call for entries to the Chamber’s business awards, on page 4. They are the ideal way to shout about what we do best and we urge you all to enter.
So, there is plenty of cause for optimism and with that thought may I wish you a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Big Interview Cover Feature Health & Wellbeing Ask the Expert The Person Behind the Business The Economy & Us Members News
38-39 41 42-43 44 45 46-47 48-49 50
International Trade 24 Hours with... Chamber Events Chamber Exhibitions Member Benefits Business News New Members Last Word
Editorial and General Enquiries
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Sevington, Ashford, Kent. TN24 0LH Chief Executive: Jo James Tel: 01233 503 838 Fax: 01233 503 687 info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk
Published December 2017 © Benham Publishing
Disclaimer
Publisher
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Benham Publishing Limited, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Ian Fletcher Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 admin@benhampublishing.com www.benhampublishing.com
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Thinking Business is published for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in Thinking Business are not necessarily those of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2017 Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.
Thinking Business
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