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27.
April
2018.
Scale Up Ashford proves to be a huge success for local businesses

Civic Centre

Tannery Lane

Ashford

Kent

TN23 1PL

 

www.ashford.gov.uk

 

 

 

Media release

Ref No: 0117

Date: 27th April 2018    

Embargo:

Scale Up Ashford proves to be a huge success for local businesses

A pilot scheme funded by Ashford Borough Council to boost economic activity has been extended following the runaway success of the programme, the first to be launched in Kent. 

Scale Up Ashford has been delivered in partnership with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and Simon Teague from New Level Results, a business growth coaching specialist. 

The initiative identified six businesses in the borough that were assessed as having the potential and ambition to grow. A bespoke support programme was then created to ‘supercharge' them to exceed this potential to create jobs and boost the economy in a sustainable and long-lasting way. 

The results were so impressive that the decision has been taken to extend the scheme to benefit 10 companies in the next phase of the Scale Up programme. The original six firms were joined by the new recruits at Kent Invicta Chamber for an event to celebrate the success of the first cohort and the launch of the next round. 

The event heard that in six months the programme created 17 jobs, grew the turnover of the companies involved by 21% on average, and helped to facilitate half a million pounds worth of investment in plant and machinery. The full impact of the programme is still being assessed.

The six firms involved in the first programme are Forza Industries, Red Alert Telecare, AES Precision Engineering, Directline Structures, Medash Signs and VISARC. 

From a philosophy pioneered by the Scale Up Institute in London, studies have shown that growth within these sorts of businesses has been proven to create more local jobs and provide better returns to the local economy than other kinds of business support. 

Andrew Osborne, economic development manager at Ashford Borough Council, said: "Scale Up Ashford is a prime example of the authority's continued commitment to develop growth and economic prosperity across the borough.

"Following the success of the pilot scheme, we are now developing the next phase of the programme, which will expand the help and support available to even more businesses in the Ashford area." 

The second phase of Scale Up Ashford will kick off with a workshop for the 10 businesses selected, before a bespoke programme is created for each one. Meanwhile the original six companies will be able to access continued support from Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. 

For more information about the programme visit www.scaleupashford.co.uk 

For more information about membership and the full range of business support services offered by the Chamber visit www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk

ENDS 

 

Photo caption:

The six pilot scheme companies are joined by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and Ashford Borough Council staff at the Scale Up Ashford event. Also making an appearance is cartoon character Ask Phil, who features in business support campaigns in Kent and Medway. 
 
High res version available 

For more information contact:

Jeff Sims

Senior Communications Officer

Tel: 01233 330543

Mob: 07810 527979

jeff.sims@ashford.gov.uk

www.ashford.gov.uk