There has been a real buzz about the area this summer and particularly in Folkestone since the launch of the Triennial arts festival just over a month ago. Businesses are reporting more customers and sales up over 10% based on the same period last year. The Creative Foundation has calculated that over 30,000 visitors came to see the Folkestone Triennial in its first ten days. I have also picked up a growing sense of optimism and people talking up our future prospects. This can only be a good thing and I hope this optimism continues through the summer and autumn.
We know though that coastal communities like ours have underlying problems from levels of unemployment and social breakdown which are higher than we would want them to be. Since the election, along with other MPs from coastal communities in the south east of England, we have been pressing the Government to recognise the unique set of challenges that need to be addressed to help boost our economies and create new jobs. So I was pleased that at the end of last week the Government announced the creation of a new ‘Coastal Communities Fund’ to support the economic development of coastal communities. This will help a wide range of projects, including for example those that support charities, the environment, education and health. This will be paid for by allocating half of the revenue raised by the Crown Estate’s marine activities, and is estimated to be £23.7 million in its first year, opening in April 2012.
Local projects and community groups will be able to apply for funding which will be available on a bid basis through the Big Lottery Fund. The Government will announce soon further details of how you will be able to access this scheme, and I hope that many local groups look to take advantage of this.
Whilst Government initiatives can play an important role in supporting local projects it is the ideas and drive of individuals and communities that can make the real difference. I was delighted last week to be invited to the launch of Gurkhas Services Link, a new Folkestone based business that has been launched by the former army officer and Councillor Dhan Gurung. Gurkhas Services Link brings together specialist business services in security, cleaning, general manpower and construction. They have ambitious growth plans and I wish Dhan and his team every success for the future.
Last Sunday, along with Sarah and the children, I took part in the annual Folkestone sandcastle competition organised by local artist Shane Record to raise fund for the Church Street Project children’s charity. This was once again a great success and it looked like a record number of entries, and of a very high standard.
I previously written about the Start-up business competition I have launched for the Conservative Party conference in October this year. Any business launched since May last year can apply and the deadline for applications is at the end of this month, so if you would like to find out more or apply you can find more information online at www.conservatives.com/startuphub