The regeneration of Folkestone's seafront and harbour came a step closer when the masterplan created by the leading architect Sir Terry Farrell, recently received its outline planning approval from Shepway council. The delivery of this plan will transform the economy and long term prospects of the whole area and is something we should wholeheartedly welcome. […]
There was good news last week for the Folkestone economy with The Workshop creative business centre opening its doors in Tontine Street, and applications opening up for places at the Doug Richard 'School for Creative Start-ups' which will be based at the Creative Foundation. Last Friday I was given a tour around The Workshop, the […]
Commenting on the announcement Damian Collins said: “This is excellent news and will I believe provide a considerable boost to the economy of Romney Marsh, creating new jobs and attracting businesses to locate in this area. “You can look at the success of other smaller airports like Southend, to see that they can play an important role […]
Damian spoke at the London launch of the ‘Grow for it’ campaign in the London Stock Exchange, alongside the leader of the county council Paul Carter, and fellow East Kent MPs. Damian said: “I have been working to support the launch of and promote the East Kent ‘Grow for it’ campaign, which has been led […]
We are now seeing real progress with economic growth both locally and nationally. Unemployment is continuing to fall, and is now lower than it was in May 2010. New business starts are on the up and existing firms, particularly now in the construction and house building sectors are reporting growing interest and activity. I want […]
Last Friday I spoke at a special meeting at the Chamber of Commerce in Folkestone for the Shepway Housing Initiative. This meeting brought together many different people and organisations that have an interest in discussing how we can meet the local need for more and better housing. The meeting was attended by Shepway Council and […]
This week I was also appointed as the Small Business Ambassador for the Conservative Party for Kent and the south east of England. The purpose of the role is to promote the interests of smaller and start-up businesses to Ministers and policy makers in government, and I hope that I can use this position in […]
This week I launched the “Start-up Hub” national competition for start-up businesses, to give them the chance to exhibit their business idea for free at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. This is the third year that we have organised this competition, and twelve businesses will be given the opportunity to join us at the […]
Last week the government approved the planning applications that will allow for the controlled expansion of Lydd Airport. This is excellent news and will I believe provide a considerable boost to the economy of Romney Marsh, creating new jobs and attracting businesses to locate in this area. You can look at the success of other […]
The latest unemployment figures show that more people are finding work in our area and across the country. Over the last year the overall rate of unemployment in the Folkestone and Hythe constituency fell by 2.6% and the rate for the young unemployed (18 to 24 year olds) has fallen by just under 13%. Nationally […]