The Thames Gateway Regeneration Project - Thomson Snell and ...

Local financial, professional and business advice servicesDo you believe that business in this region is effectively cateredfor by the provision of?:ServiceBanking servicesAccountancy servicesLegal servicesProperty consultantsBusiness interest groupsYes55%59%59%57%58%No36%29%29%25%42%Don’t know9%12%12%18%0%Whilst these figures would indicate a pleasing level of satisfactionamongst those interviewed, it is clear that there is still room forimprovement. A significant number of responses indicated thatservice was patchy and dependent on specific locations, and thatthere was a large number of smaller providers. In addition theneeds of particularly large or medium sized businesses were notadequately being met and there were several indications of useof advisers outside the Thames Gateway area (although notnecessarily London).Business interest groups mentioned included Business Link,Chamber of Commerce (North Kent), Federation of SmallBusinesses, Institute of Directors and River Medway BusinessUsers Association. Many respondents acknowledged that they didnot get involved with their local business support groups andseveral commented that there was duplication and confusion inand about the services provided by different groups.When asked what else would benefit them, the respondentsrequested more diversity at networking events and greaterprovision for those in tourism and retail sectors. There wereseveral requests for more vehicles to exchange businessinformation – led by local entrepreneurs rather than public agencies.Regular bulletins about progress and plans for the area and fornews of businesses moving into the region were also requested.“Something centred around the issues of construction, who isdoing what, where and when” Construction“There is no forum for North Kent in terms of tourismservices. The South East of England tourist board used to bequite active in this area but it is not clear what body hasreplaced it and how it works” Retail/wholesale“More vehicles for the exchange of business information andopportunities” Commercial services“Networking groups outside of the Chamber of Commerceand Institute of Directors to talk about business issues. Aforum for business leaders to share ideas, information and tonetwork in order to bring together people from differentbackgrounds” Housing“I would like to see more facilitation for larger employers onissues such as recruitment, education etc”Electronics manufacturing6