Recently, I took part in in one of the Federation of Small Business (FSB) Kent’s business breakfasts at the Medway Innovation Centre. It was a pleasure to take part in what was an interesting discussion with a great mixture of representatives from over 20 local businesses.
The key points discussed during the breakfast event centred around skills and infrastructure. I am encouraged by the level of skills access we have in Medway and North Kent. For instance, earlier this month, HRH the Duke of York formally opened the new Medway University Technical College, which received its first intake of students back in September. Students at the college will have the opportunity to specialise in engineering, construction and design.
In addition, we recently had news that 7,410 new apprenticeships have been started by people in Rochester and Strood since 2010. I am proud that Rochester and Strood ranked 4th in the South East and 17th nationally. On a more regional outlook, there were 348,350 apprenticeships started in the South East as a whole since May 2010. This is all part of the Government’s aim to deliver 3 million more high quality apprenticeships by 2020.
Appropriate infrastructure for our local businesses is also a key priority of mine looking forwards. With the news of the preferred Second Lower Thames Crossing location falling around our local region’s already over capacity road systems, as well as forward planning for Operation Stack, it is clear that a serious strategy is needed. I have recently begun engagement with government stakeholders in this area and will continue to press forward down a number of avenues to see where essential planning can be made.
Similarly, the universal access to broadband for businesses within Medway is something that needs addressing. Sadly, there are still a number of business units that are unable to access suitable internet connections, particularly around the Old Chatham Dockyard. This has been on my agenda for some time, having raised the issue in parliament and to ministerial colleagues, and I will be continuing forwards with this over the weeks to come.
I found the discussion with local businesses and the FSB both thorough and informing, and it was great to take note of the variety of individual views regarding a host of matters. I will be looking forward to working with the FSB at similar local events in due course.