Press release

North Kent businesses disengaged from regeneration project

First ever qualitative survey of local businesses in Thames Gateway provides new insight.

Business leaders from 51 companies ranging from sole traders to international corporations in the Thames Gateway area, that collectively employ over 11,000 people, have voiced their opinions on the Thames Gateway regeneration project.

The research was carried out using face-to-face interviews with North Kent businesses between September 2005 and June 2006, by leading regional law firm Thomson Snell and Passmore (TS&P). TS&P opened its Thames Gateway office in Northfleet a year ago, following an ongoing presence in Kent dating back to 1570.

A wide range of business sectors were represented in the study, including construction, manufacturing, education/training, hotels and leisure, transport and logistics and business services.

The report details the opinions of local companies in the North Kent area on a variety of topics, including awareness of the Thames Gateway regeneration project, communication with the development agencies, views on infrastructure developments and the commercial challenges specific to the participating companies and their sectors.

The report has many key findings that highlight some of the issues affecting the Thames Gateway.

- Overall, the majority of businesses within the region regard the project positively and are optimistic about the benefits it will bring.

- The report also reveals some major concerns, not least the transport infrastructure and the increased future pressure on local services. Nearly all respondents identified health provision as being a particular challenge in the future.

- One of the key findings is that 70% of interviewees reported that they had not been consulted in any way about development in the Thames Gateway. This is backed up by a consistent theme that there has been a lack of communication and consultation resulting in the delivery of fragmented messages to businesses. Those questioned indicated a desire for more involvement with the project and improved information regarding the full range of initiatives planned, along with any likely impacts on existing businesses and infrastructure.

- 78% of respondents believe the new jobs and new businesses created by the project will present a real challenge for local companies and there is a major concern over recruitment, particularly with regard to the availability of appropriately skilled staff.

Kamal Aggarwal, Partner at TS&P who led the research said: "The report offers a valuable insight into the issues facing the Thames Gateway businesses community. All in all, the consensus appears to be 'so far, so good' but we must not deviate from ensuring that we deliver truly sustainable communities and a legacy based upon quality, with community pride at its heart."

Click here for a copy of the full report.

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