Dover News

Your Business Bulletin from Dover District Chamber of Commerce

27th April 2014

1. Banking, Finance and Investment

The Dover District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Banking, Finance and Investment Conference on 13th June 2014. Of interest to anyone concerned with the best use of their money, the conference features a star-studded list of speakers headed by Ian McCafferty of the Bank of England. Ian sits on the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank and plays a leading role in setting the UK Interest Rate. Formerly Chief Economic Adviser to the Confederation of British Industries, Ian was also at BP as Head of Macroeconomics and Chief International Economist for NatWest Markets. Ian knows about money and can help Chamber members in East Kent to make the best use of it. Also speaking from the podium will be Mark Davies, Communications & Corporate Affairs Director for the Post Office. With over 11,700 UK outlets, the Post Office is the fastest growing UK financial services provider and the leading supplier of travel money. One in three UK SMEs visit their Post Office at least once a week. Formerly at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Mark is a communications expert who previously worked at CNN and the BBC and is the ideal person to outline how the reinvigorated Post office can support your business. We shall also be welcoming the President of an overseas Chamber of Commerce representing 14,000 companies and Mr Mahbubul Anam, President of Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA). The Chamber will be contacting all members shortly with booking details.

2. Changes at the Port of Dover

Shipping and Ports Minister Stephen Hammond MP, set out his policy for the future of Dover on 9th April 2014. In an official communiqué, the minister stated: “The agreed plan for the way forward will give greater community involvement in the strategic leadership of the port, with community non-executive directors being added to the board. It will also give the harbour board greater financial powers, to provide it with flexibility by allowing it to enter joint ventures and borrow against its assets. These changes will allow the board to raise substantial funds to invest in the future. The investment this will help deliver should bring real benefits to the port, its customers and the local community.” The Dover District Chamber of Commerce is consulting with key stakeholders and Chamber members to ensure that the maximum benefits are brought to local companies in what seems to mark the first steps in the biggest change in the strategic management of the Port of Dover since it was accorded Trust Port status in 1606. The Chamber will be pressing for maximum sensitivity to the needs and economic interests of the local community and will be playing a full part in representing the views of Dover People’s Port Trust which now numbers over 1,000 members.

3. Congratulations to Laraine

In an email to the Chamber, Maidstone MP Helen Grant wrote some warm words about a board member of Dover District Chamber of Commerce, Laraine Soliman. Well-known in maritime circles for her marketing expertise in promoting Dover’s cross-channel ferry services, Laraine is also a regular panel member of the East Kent Business Advice Clinic administered by the Dover Chamber. Less well-known is her work as a volunteer and supporter of community initiatives in and around Maidstone. Helen Grant MP confessed to being privileged and honoured to present Laraine with an award for Star Neighbour at the Celebrate Maidstone Gala earlier this month writing: “Laraine is a real pillar of the community, loved and respected by her whole street”. Dover Business News congratulates Laraine and looks forward to her supporting Chamber members for many years to come. .

4. Independent Financial Advice

At the beginning of April 2014, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) formally took responsibility for regulating the £200 billion consumer credit market. 50,000 businesses who offer some form of credit to the UK consumer are now subject to the FCA’s consumer protection rules and Principles for Business. Every person who uses a credit card, has an overdraft, seeks help from a debt management firm or takes out a loan will be protected. Among those firms regulated by the FCA will be Regency Independent Financial Advisers. The Chamber has heard uniformly positive reports from this well-established company which has recently moved to new premises in Dover. A professional financial advisor since 1989, Director Barry Williams played a key role in transforming the sector from a much criticised commission based model into its current fee-based system. The flawed commission based operations were finally outlawed in January 2013. Barry undertakes to deliver a truly independent service that is personal, open and transparent. For more details, contact Regency Independent Financial Advisors at their new home at 125 Snargate Street, Dover, Kent CT17 9DA or telephone 01304 213902. Barry can also be reached by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There are more details available on the website at www.regency-ifa.co.uk.

5. East Kent & the IMF

The International Monetary Fund has blessed the UK with encouraging news for companies and investors. We are an attractive proposition and that’s official. No less a publication than the Financial Times has noted the endorsement of the UK recovery by the IMF. Reporters Chris Giles and George Parker make this abundantly clear in an article last week which states that: “the International Monetary Fund retreated from its criticism of his austerity policies and predicted Britain will grow faster than any other rich economy this year.” [Financial Times, 8 April 2014]. Chamber members will appreciate that low inflation, increasing consumer confidence and falling unemployment rates across the UK are encouraging signs indeed. The hard evidence from independently audited figures is there for all to see. As the late Stanley Unwin might have said “Oh gloribold perspectico for Britly economy. Deep joy”.

6. Unemployment

The latest unemployment figures show a remarkable change since this time last year. The Dover District Chamber of Commerce monitors closely the economic data supplied by the Office for National Statistics and the well-respected Business, Research, Information and Evaluation department of Kent County Council. Of the three main indicators of economic health – Interest Rate, Unemployment Rate and Exchange Rate – it is the unemployment rate which is the only local measure. As such, we can take much comfort from the figures that show a 20.1% fall in the number of unemployment benefit claimants in the last twelve months. Every ward in the Dover District has seen an increase in jobs except for Town & Pier where there are just two fewer unfortunate people aged 16 to 64 in gainful employment than in March 2013. This bright picture is reflected across East Kent as can be seen from the table below.

7. Give Us The Facts

Unemployment based on Claimant Count data supplied by ONS for resident adults aged 16 – 64.

8. Chamber Breakfast With Sir Roger Gale MP

On 2nd May 2014, our sister Chamber in Thanet will be hosting a Chamber Business Networking Breakfast featuring the Chamber Co-President, Sir Roger Gale MP, as guest speaker. Sir Roger has the unique distinction of being the only former pirate radio station disc jockey to sit in the House of Commons. He can also claim a distinguished career as the Director of Children’s television for the BBC. Whether his experience of keeping immature minds informed, educated and entertained has served him well since he entered the House of Commons in 1983 may be one of the questions Chamber members will put to him after his talk. What is not in doubt is that as a distinguished Parliamentary Committee Chairman, Sir Roger has seen many changes in the commercial, cultural and social fabric of the nation since he first took office as MP for Thanet North when the leaders of the main political parties were Margaret Thatcher of the Conservative Party, Michael Foot of the Labour Party and David Steel and Roy Jenkins as joint leaders of the SDP-Liberal Alliance. Top of the UK singles charts on 6th June 1983 was Every Breath You Take by Police and of the album charts Thriller by Michael Jackson. We are expecting a full house for this event. There will be plenty of time for networking. Booking is essential. The price of £12 includes a full English breakfast with a vegetarian option. To reserve your place, Chamber members are invited to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line: “Sir Roger Gale Breakfast 2 May 2014”. The meeting will start at 0730 hrs on 2nd May 2014 and will finish at 0900 hrs. Full details of the venue near Manston will follow with confirmation.

9. East Kent & IMF Again

On the most influential figures in international financial markets is Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. Lagarde’s words on how to stimulate the world economy are studied closely by finance ministers the world over and then sometimes promptly ignored as they pursue the best interests of their national economy. In a speech in Washington DC on 2nd April 2014, Lagarde criticised the USA for not following the governance reforms she had recommended, but was obliged to admit that the USA has been more successful than mainland Europe in recovering from the recession. Similarly, she admitted that the risks from low inflation were not such a factor in the USA and UK as they are in most of Europe. When senior figures from the European Union give speeches in the USA, it seems almost compulsory to quote from European writers and thinkers; we have more of them than the hosts. The USA’s actions may produce more revenue per person, but we can take pride in thinking a lot and we have been thinking a lot for a lot longer. Christine Lagarde did not disappoint and gave some sharp blasts from Aristotle and Victor Hugo calling for bravery and perseverance. Of course, it is a legitimate question to ask: “What on earth can this vegetarian French lawyer say which could possibly be relevant to a company trading in East Kent?” Surprisingly perhaps, the answer is “Quite a lot”.

10. Alright Then, What Did Christine Lagarde Say About East Kent?

Without mentioning East Kent by name, much of what Christine Lagarde said in Washington is directly pertinent to us. Lagarde insists that: “more public and private investment is essential to close infrastructure gaps” and of course we have a crying need for improvements in the railway line to Dover and a railway station at Manston to bring them both within the magic 60 minutes of travelling time to London St Pancras. Lagarde states that: “innovation and productivity that underpin the services sector are the drivers of a modern economy. Think technology, communications, or finance.” In East Kent we need to offer particular support to start-up companies investing in sunrise industries, research and development firms at Discovery Park and elsewhere and the supplier network to our East Kent ports and ferry companies. When the 7th most influential woman in the world [Forbes, The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, May 2013] demands: “Now is the time for brave action”, she was probably not thinking of boosting footfall in the High Streets of Dover, Folkestone, Ramsgate and Margate, but if a full range of retailers are to survive the threat posed by off-shore on-line retailers, brave action is undoubtedly required. Finally, we can perhaps forgive this formidable lady’s addiction to American spelling when we read in the text of her speech that: “In countries with high levels of youth unemployment or informality, labor market reforms can be critical in avoiding a lost generation.” Large falls in the jobless figures throughout East Kent mask unacceptable levels of unemployment among 18 to 24 year olds. Showing the way forward are initiatives such as East Kent College’s new recruitment agency and the efforts of the local offices of Adecco, Morgan Jones and Viking Recruitment. Also supporting our East Kent business community with their enlightened approach to bringing education and employers closer together are the Dover Grammar School for Boys, Dover College, Dover Federation for the Arts, Charles Dickens School, Cliftonville Primary School, Hartsdown Technology College, Marlowe Academy, Ripplevale School, Saint Lawrence College and St. George's C of E Secondary School.

11. Broadstairs Folk Festival

Broadstairs Food Festival has become an established feature of summer in the East Kent coastal business community. It is not only the happy visitors and stallholders that benefit. An authoritative survey has been received by the Dover Chamber which shows that the 14,843 visitors to the 2012 Broadstairs Folk Festival generated an economic impact of over £3 million which perhaps explains why it was listed and why it was the only event listed in the Top 21 Things Not to Miss in the 2013 Rough Guide to Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The 2014 celebration starts on Friday 8th August and gets into full swing the following day with around 70 events a day until the close on Friday 15th August. Full details are available on the website at www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk where you also find out about you can be a Friend of Broadstairs Folk Week and qualify for priority booking for headline acts. Regular visitors will know that many of the events are free to attend. Do not confuse Broadstairs Folk Week with Broadstairs Food Festival which takes place in October and will feature in our next edition.

12. A New Image

You do not have to be legendary rocker like Rod Stewart with 100 million record sales to know that Every Picture Tells a Story. Nor is it necessary to marry a succession of beautiful blonds to appreciate that the correct pictorial image can boost your business. Mark Proctor of Mark Proctor Photography could be just the person you need if your brochure is looking dated or your website needs a new image. Mark can be reached by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and by telephone to 07950 946 546.

13. Save Money for Free

David Robert of Sustrans is offering a free service to companies in East Kent looking to save money on their travel costs. In an email to the Chamber, David writes: “With almost half of SMEs spending more than 10% of their annual budget on business travel, the rising cost of transport and travel is having a significant impact on their bottom line.” He has been successful in securing funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Kent County Council and Thanet District Council, to support this service which is free of charge to local companies. Louise Skipton of Sustrans gives some hard evidence to interest decision-makers: “Evidence shows that for every 100 employees engaged, Sustrans projects generate a reduction in 24 sick days each year” and if that is not enough, she adds: “incorporating more active travel like walking and cycling into daily routines can lead to healthier, happier and more productive staff.” For a healthier, fitter and more productive staff, email David Robert at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or give him a call to 07768 034729.

14. Flood Relief

We are grateful to our good friends at Kent County Council for forwarding details of the latest Flood Support Schemes available from the government. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) makes the following stark assessment of the inundations that crippled many companies in East Kent: “The country has been battered by extreme weather conditions – from tidal surges affecting the east coast to prolonged and extensive flooding in what has been the wettest winter in over 250 years.” Claire Cooper, Head of the DCLG Recovery Team, has written to local authorities with details of the support available. It is listed under the headings of Bellwin Scheme, which covers financial assistance to local authorities, Severe Weather Recovery Scheme, Farming Recovery Scheme, Repair & Renew Grant, Business Rate Relief, Council Tax Relief, Business Support Scheme, Support for Tourism Industry, Time to Pay and Banking Sector Support. For a copy of the assistance available, chamber members are invited to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Flood Support Schemes” and we will send you the papers.

15. Business Rates

The Chamber receives many enquiries about Business Rates and we are always happy to respond to particular cases where Chamber members are concerned that they may be paying too much. In most cases, we find that the assessment is correct and that the Valuation Office Agency based at Palting House in Folkestone has made a correct assessment according to the current legislation and government guidance. However, occasionally we find that some Chamber members qualify for Small Business Rate Relief for which they have not applied. In brief, if you use just one business property and its rateable value is below £6,000, until 31 March 2015 you should qualify for 100% relief, not 50%. For premises with a rateable value from £6,001 to £12,000, the rate of relief decreases in stages from 100% to 0%. You can check this information for yourself on the government’s website at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-business-rate-relief/small-business-rate-relief

16. Confusing the Legislators

When Shakespeare wrote “She's neither fish nor flesh” in Henry IV, Part 1, he was probably not thinking of a hovercraft, but the problem Falstaff outlines in the Boars Head’s Tavern in Eastcheap in Act III could indeed be applied to the legislative difficulties associated with any past acts relating to hovercraft. Do they float or do they fly? Are they for the Navy or for the RAF? Russ and Emma Pullen should know because they are the brains behind Flying Fish of Sandwich, Europe's largest manufacturer of small hovercraft. In an email to the Chamber Russ explains: “Hovercraft have always confused nautical authorities. Right back to when Sir Christopher Cockrell pioneered the technology in the 1950's, neither the air force nor navy could quite decide who was to take hold of the new vehicle.” After lamenting the demise of the large cross channel SRN-4's, Russ adds “Small hovercraft have a modest, but growing role to play in recreational, utility, commercial and military operations. But they remain a thorn in the side of overstretched maritime authorities and have never had their own set of regulations for commercial operations.” Rather than just sit back and complain about the injustice of inadequate provisions, Russ and his team got together with Griffon Hoverworks of Southampton and others to form a manufacturers association and produce a 'Hovercraft Code of Practice' (HCoP) which is due to be adopted this year. The net effect of this initiative is that small hovercraft can soon be regarded as a practical proposition for many different uses in areas inaccessible to other vehicles such as mud flats, intertidal areas, estuaries, shallow rivers and flooded inland areas. Russ tells us that: “One golf course in Essex even uses a small craft to remove the dew from the greens early in the morning”. We know that one group of businessmen travelling from the Indian subcontinent to attend the East Kent Banking, Finance and Investment conference on 13th June 2014 has expressed a keen interest in the 8 – 12 person hovercraft for use in emergency relief operations. Hovercraft appeal on many levels. As Russ puts it: “They're extremely economical and cannot hurt sea animals as there's no propeller in the water.” Or as Falstaff said to Hostess Quickly: “What thing! Why, a thing to thank God on.”

17. All The Fives

One Chamber member with an abiding interest in numbers has written to the Chamber to point out a curious fact that may be of benefit if you want to tease your family or win your local pub quiz. He asks: “What will happen in August 2014 that happens just once in over 800 years?” If you are tempted to reply: “My marketing manager will buy me a drink” you may well be right, but that is not the answer that he is seeking. According to our resident East Kent numerologist, August 2014 contains five Fridays, five Saturdays and five Sundays, a statistical rarity that occurs just once every 823 years. So now you know.

18. Media Watch & Manston

The Chamber has had a high profile in the media recently, at times giving full voice to the East Kent coastal business community’s support for Manston Airport. This was apparent earlier this month when the Chamber was featured on both the ITV Meridian and BBC television news programmes to mark the anniversary of KLM’s first flight from Manston to Schiphol. Nashreen Issa’s report for ITV was more optimistic than some newspapers at the time, see http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/story/2014-04-02/manston-offer-withdrawn. BBC Radio Kent marked the end of scheduled KLM flights from Manston the following week with regular bulletins and interviews throughout the day. These provided an opportunity to promote the attractions of East Kent to potential inward investors and also gave the chance to restate the case for a Manston Parkway Station. At the time of writing, hope burns bright that Manston Airport may be saved as a functioning airport for East Kent and indeed for the nation. Leading the campaign to resist closure are Sir Roger Gale MP and Laura Sandys MP, supported by the leaders of all the main political parties in East Kent. At a public meeting at the Winter Gardens Margate last Saturday, Sir Roger was quick to point out that there was a steadfast unanimity regarding the need to keep Manston operational. On Monday 28th April, Sir Roger will take part in an adjournment debate at the House of Commons to be followed the next day by a meeting at the House of Commons with a "group of interested people". The overwhelming view expressed by Chamber members is that Manston should be supported as a passenger and cargo airport. Confidential papers seen by the Chamber last Friday indicate that there is a viable business proposition available to a new owner if all current revenue streams are included on the balance sheet.

19. Outstanding or Standing Out

At a time when our political leaders in all parties face accusations that they do not understand ordinary people, Dover Business News thinks it is about time we looked at this issue. It was not that long ago that friends of the late President of Kent County Cricket Club and long-time Sandwich resident. E W “Jim” Swanton were quick to dismiss claims that he was snobbish with the retort: “He was quite prepared to travel in the same car as his chauffeur”. One regular reader has contacted the Chamber with an account concerning Alec Douglas-Home from the time when this Prime Minister was facing a general election against the apparently working class Harold Wilson. In answer to a reporter’s remark that Sir Alec Douglas-Home, previously styled Lord Dunglas and later Baron Home of the Hirsel, may be too much of a remote aristocrat to understand the concerns of the average person, his daughter allegedly replied: “That’s not true. He understands ordinary people alright. He quite often talks to the estate workers.”

© David Foley 27th April 2014

Dover News

Your Business Bulletin from Dover District Chamber of Commerce

4th February 2014

1. New Plans For Port of Dover

Dover Harbour Board has announced plans to move its cargo operations to the Western Docks and build a new marina. The Dover District Chamber of Commerce welcomes developments that improve our infrastructure and boost employment in the East Kent coastal community. We have yet to see the detail of DHB’s proposals and must question the source of the finance required. In the absence of any details, our Chamber President, Charlie Elphicke MP, has expressed his concerns about the plan but is pleased that DHB has reacted to some of the recommendations of Dover Peoples Port Trust. Reactions locally have been mixed with many worries about the seafront traffic. Tony Thompson of Comfret is a regular user of the port for his daily freight service to Paris with 18 tonne and 26 tonne vehicles as well for his other haulage operations. In an email to the Chamber he states: “These plans by Dover Harbour Board are all very well and it would be foolish to reject prematurely any new jobs and employment opportunities that could result, but we are still waiting for a solution to problems we have suffered for twenty years. The traffic along Townwall Street cuts off Dover from the sea front. The severe congestion lorries suffer adds costs to transport companies which are inevitably reflected in prices in our shops. The quality of the road surface of the A20 gives us serious concern, especially when compared to the dual carriageways around the port of Calais. I would be even more worried if our vehicles are re-routed through the villages when any of these ‘improvements’ are being constructed. The Dover Chamber and local transport operators should have been much more involved in the planning. After all, we are the customers and we are the ones who make the most use of the roads.” In an exclusive interview with Dover Business News, Neil Wiggins, Chairman of Dover People’s Port Trust, said: “While Dover Harbour Board is right in principle, it has again failed to work with the community and stakeholders before announcing its proposals which may not meet the needs and interests of the town and port users. For example, the DHB plan does not solve the issue of traffic along Townwall Street, it loses the amenity of part of the Prince of Wales beach and it severely restricts access to the hotels on the sea front.“

2. Chamber Business Networking Breakfast

On 14th March 2014, the Dover District Chamber of Commerce will be joining with Kent County Council to offer a business networking breakfast in Sandwich targeted at companies with an interest in a healthy workplace. Entitled “Healthy Workplace, Healthy Profits”, the session will be introduced by Laura Sandys MP and will feature contributions from Andrew Scott-Clark, KCC Director of Public Health Improvement, Kaz Hardy, KCC Public Health Specialist, Lynn Marchant, known to many members for her work with Kent Mindful Employer, and a local company with direct experience of the benefits of a healthy workplace. As might be expected for such a meeting, a healthy breakfast will be provided. Places are limited to 100 delegates. Attendance is free of charge for Chamber members. There will be plenty of time for networking. Booking is essential. To reserve your place, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line: ‘Healthy Workplace Breakfast 14 March 2014”. Full details of the venue near Sandwich will follow with confirmation. The event will start at 0730 hrs and be finished just before 0900 hrs.

3. A Taster Event

Our sister Chamber in Thanet brings us news of a taster event to stimulate the palate of Chamber members. Broadstairs Food Festival unites producers from across East Kent who put food quality at the top of their menu. Festival Director Jo Scott invites Chamber members to a preview of next summer’s event. Interested parties will be welcome at The Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich on Thursday, 6th February 2014 from 1030 hrs to midday. Jo tells us that: “Local food and drink producers will be offering tastings of apple juice, beer, smoked meats, cheeses and salmon – with Discovery Park’s in-house baker, Paul, providing assorted breads.” Attendance is recommended by Barnes Marsland Solicitors who inform us that: “Community involvement is important to our business and we have been happy to work with the festival since it began”. For more details give Jo a call, tel: 01843 871102, or email her direct to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

4. Town Centre Revival Business Networking Breakfast of December 2013

The Chamber Business Networking Breakfast “Town Centre Revival” last December took place at the Walpole Bay Hotel. The main speaker was Chris West, Coastal Towns Manager for Whitstable and Herne Bay, who gave a detailed account of a series of initiatives to revitalise town centres and meet the challenge of Internet shopping and chain stores. Chris’s prescription for a healthy High Street drew on the measures taken to transform Whitstable from a moribund, backwater to the thriving retail centre it has become today. Chris talked of the importance of creating an experience rather than just a series of purchasing opportunities. He outlined how independent retailers can provide the specialist goods and services that chain stores tend to ignore. Rather than berate supermarket chains, Chris emphasised the benefits to nearby shops from the footfall generated by a quality supermarket. He described a possible solution to parking problems and suggested how carefully managed events can produce a significant boost in turnover for associated shops. A fan of loyalty cards, Chris delivered a potent argument in their favour and said that the support of a wide range of retailers was vital to the successful launch of contemporary schemes which embrace the Internet as their friend rather than reject it as their enemy. Chris pointed to the crucial role of good signage in attracting customers. In conclusion, he said that shopkeepers work best when they work together and he would welcome the opportunity to explain further how the example of Whitstable might inform other coastal towns like Dover and Deal in revitalising their retail offers. In thanking Chris for his invaluable insights, the Chamber Chief Executive also thanked the Walpole Bay Hotel for hosting the meeting and for providing magnificent full English breakfasts which were much enjoyed by all the Chamber members in attendance.

5. TransEuropa Ferries News

We are grateful to a senior figure in the ferry industry in for forwarding news about two vessels which belonged to the defunct TransEuropa Ferries. Chamber members will recall that TransEuropa operated cross-channel ferry services from Ramsgate until 18th April last year when it ceased sailings. One week later, the company filed for bankruptcy owing Thanet District Council £3.4 million. In an article emanating from the much respected publisher Shippax, described as “the leading provider of most extensive and comprehensive ro-ro, cruise and ferry shipping information”, we learn some curious facts about the sale of the Gardenia and Larkspur. “Former Transeuropa Ferries LARKSPUR has been acquired by the same company which bought the former GARDENIA. Bunker company Oilchart, one of the creditors of the bankrupt ferry company, acquired LARKSPUR for €840,000, which is below the estimated scrap value. GARDENIA was sold earlier for €750,000, also below scrap value. GARDENIA became ARDENIA. LARKSPUR might soon change name too, and become ARKSPUR.The future of the ship is being investigated.” Shipping and transport professionals in Dover will have their own views about the background to the transactions and the reasons for sale prices reported to be below scrap value. The Chamber could not possibly comment.

6. Loads Of Rubbish

We are grateful to John Prosser, Minerals & Waste Planning Policy Manager at Kent County Council, who has contacted the Chamber with a request for comments on the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2013-30. A consultation exercise began last Friday and will remain open until midnight on Sunday, 16th March 2014. Chamber members are invited to view the final draft version which can be found at http://kent.limehouse.co.uk/portal/mwcs/pre-submission and to send their comments on-line via http://consult.kent.gov.uk/portal, by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by post to Minerals and Waste Planning Policy Team, Planning and Environment, Kent County Council, Invicta House, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX. The completed plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State. John informs us that: “When adopted by the County Council, the Minerals and Waste Local Plan will become the development management policy framework against which planning applications for minerals and waste related developments will be determined by the County Council. It includes the criteria for assessing the suitability of new minerals and waste sites and it provides an assessment of the need for additional minerals resources and waste management infrastructure in Kent during the period up to 2030.” Chamber members in East Kent will note that all mineral import wharves and railheads as well as all current permanent mineral and waste sites are part of the review. Surveyors, estate agents, architects and anyone with a professional interest in property development may wish to contribute. We have received some pertinent comments from companies based at Lakesview Business Park near Hersden who feel strongly that their views were not taken into account when planning application No.: KCC/CA/0426/2012 for a waste processing facility was considered.

7. Big News

Our good friends at Visit Kent and Maxim PR Marketing agency inform us that the Kent Big Weekend 2014 website is now open for ticket applications tomorrow and will close on Monday, 24th February 2014. There will be 25,000 free tickets available relating to 115 visitor attractions in Kent. There is expected to be competition for tickets for many of the venues necessitating a ballot to find the winners from among Kent households. Visit Kent tell us that the Kent Big Weekend on 29th and 30th March 2014 is intended to celebrate with residents the success of our tourism and hospitality companies which now contribute “more than £3.4 billion a year to the Kent economy and support 64,600 jobs.” The chief executive at Visit Kent, Sandra Matthews-Marsh, who was recently elected to the prestigious position of Chair of the Tourism Society, states: “The Kent Big Weekend really highlights what a wide range of attractions and destinations our county has to offer its 57 million visitors each year.” To join in the fun, click on http://www.mykentbigweekend.co.uk and follow the links to register for your free tickets. Many of the attractions are featured in the Visit Kent image library which can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/visitkent.

8. How Are We Doing?

The latest unemployment figures reveal a continuing strengthening of the local economy with falls in the year-on-year claimant count of over 20% in every district of Kent except Swale and Thanet where the reductions are still a healthy 18.7% and 13.3% respectively. Across the county, the data gives evidence of over 5,800 fewer workers claiming unemployment benefit in December 2013 than twelve months previously. Tunbridge Wells leads the list with a reduction of 29.1%. Despite an increase of 44 on the unemployment register from the previous month, the Dover district can proudly claim that 527 more people now have a reason to get up in the morning that they did not have one year ago, which equates to a diminution of 20.0% in the claimant count. Every ward in the Dover area shows a gain from December 2012, including the troubled wards of Castle, St Radigunds and Tower Hamlets. In the past, some of the highest unemployment in the South East has been recorded in and around Margate and yet significant annual falls in the registered unemployed have been registered in Margate Central (-8.1%), Cliftonville West (-12.2%) and Newington (-8.2%). If the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) was correct in its World Economic League Table report of 26th December 2013 predicting that the UK economy would overtake that of Germany by the year 2030, then these are the sort of figures we should be seeing. This is good news for investment, good news for start-ups and good news for Chamber members trading in East Kent. A comforting thought is that the CEBR notes that at the time of the World Cup in June this year, the UK economy will remain well ahead of all South American countries which shows that “at least Britain will beat Brazil at something”.

9. Give Us The Facts

Unemployment based on Claimant Count data supplied by ONS for resident adults aged 16 – 64.

10. Media Watch

The Dover and Thanet Chambers of Commerce have featured prominently in the press and in radio broadcasts in the last fortnight. The Observer on Sunday devoted a full page to the East Kent economy on 26th January 2014, see http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jan/26/thanet-conflict-confusion-pfizer-recovery. The reporter from the Guardian Group had been much impressed on his visits to Chamber members Summit Aviation, Flambeau Europlast. Discovery Park and Turner Contemporary, but noted the confusion caused by a lack of planning certainty. He quoted the concerns of this Chamber about planning difficulties in Thanet. Regular readers of the Chamber bulletins will recall the case of plans for a Golf Academy at Manston which were rejected out of hand by Thanet District Council leading to the investor moving to the Dover District where a more business-friendly regime operates. Support for Discovery Park and the award by the government of over £6 million to refurbish premises were the lead story in last Wednesday’s business news for East Kent. The Dover Chamber was pleased to follow the housing minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government, Kris Hopkins MP, on BBC Radio Kent to record support for the award, click on http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01pw75h and fast forward to 02:05:10: available for the next three days. We understand that Dover District Council has never rejected a planning application by Pfizer for this site, although no doubt some spirited discussions must have taken place since the company first took up residence in Sandwich in 1954. Under its current owner Discovery Park Ltd, this magnificent facility is going from strength to strength and can fairly claim to be the most successful of the UK’s 24 Enterprise Zones. The BBC also invited the Dover Chamber to comment on the case before the High Court last week concerning the RSPB inspired judicial review of the planning permission given to Lydd Airport to expand its runway and develop its facilities. Mindful of the boost to East Kent that flourishing airports at Manston and Lydd could produce, the Chamber was pleased to respond, see attached voice files and below.

11. What Is All This About The RSPB?

Most workers and residents in Kent would probably agree that the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is a thoroughly worthwhile organisation, which diligently looks after the best interests of our native species of birds. It is also a powerful lobbying group with over a million members who are not short of a tweet or two. We read that the RSPB began life in 1889 as the Plumage League with a mission to protect all birds not killed for food – except for the ostrich. The Dover Chamber of Commerce which incidentally started in 1850, 39 years earlier, believes that the RSPB should make a similar exception for East Kent airports. We feel that mounting a hugely expensive action in the High Court against Lydd Airport is a sad misuse of its funds at a time when it should embrace the democratic will of local people and accept that it simply got it wrong over Lydd. The people who live in Shepway should be allowed to elect their own representatives, make their own decisions and look after their own lives without interference from the RSPB Bedfordshire base, magnificent though its HQ building in Sandy might be.

12. What Is The Problem?

After seven long years of democratic processes, last April the Secretary of State for Transport and Communities and Local Government gave the green light to Lydd Airport's plans for a 249 metre runway extension with a 150 metre starter extension and a new passenger terminal. In March 2010, Shepway District Council had voted overwhelmingly in favour. Now it seems that the RSPB does not accept what local people want, what local people need and what local people see as their future. Imposing RSPB Bedfordshire idealism on Romney Marsh priorities could impact severely on the employment prospects of Shepway residents. We understand that for every job on site at an airport, nine are created off-site. Southend has shown what a huge boost to the economy a flourishing airport can be. Manston near Ramsgate with its KLM flights to Amsterdam and onwards to 200 destinations has attracted inward investment and start-up companies. A resurgent Lydd Airport could nourish Romney Marsh with a similar effect.

13. What About The Environment, Then?

As for environmental credentials, measures to save the world are not enhanced by encouraging East Kent residents to drive to Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted to catch a flight rather than take the short journey to Lydd or Manston. The RSPB might be better advised to turn its attention to addressing the plans for an airport in the Thames Estuary, which offer a genuine threat to birdlife. In its latest submission to the Charities Commission, the RSPB stated that one its main objectives is to: “recreate and conserve natural habitats” The workers and families of Shepway deserve a place in that habitat and should be entitled to be conserved and their jobs recreated. In summer 1958, Silver City's Ferryfield base at Lydd recorded more aircraft movements than any other UK airport with around 250,000 passengers taking the short hop across the English Channel to France. With modern aircraft and today’s technology, flights from Lydd will undoubtedly be safer, quieter and more environmentally friendly than 56 years ago. As John Lennon might have put it: “All we are saying is give Lydd a chance.”

14. Expansion East Kent Update

On 21st January 2014, Kent County Council welcomed the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP to Canterbury Cricket Ground for a celebration of the Expansion East Kent funding programme which to date has seen £19.3 million distributed as interest-free loans to over 54 promising companies. The audience of senior public officials and business leaders was reminded that there is still over £15 million left in the fund to which companies in Dover, Thanet, Shepway and Canterbury may apply. After an introduction from John Gilby, Leader of Canterbury City Council, the newly honoured Leader of Kent County Council, Paul Carter CBE, outlined the objectives of Expansion East Kent and drew attention to the 1,538 jobs that have been created or sustained since 2012. Miranda Chapman of Pilllory Barn then took the microphone for a brief discussion with three of the companies that have benefited from the scheme. This was followed by the premiere of a short film which introduced the audience to some beneficiaries, including Chamber members The Sands Hotel and London Fancy Box, both of which exude quality in all aspects of their operations. The film is now available on the Internet at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPiYY-68zao and is well worth a viewing. Not all the recipients are as well-known as London Fancy Box, but Chamber members will be happy that fellow members Viking Recruitment received £1,300,000, BayPoint Club £400,000 and Flying Fish Hovercraft just over £150,000. The 4 jobs created at CupCake Café for £16,715 will be just as welcome to this ambitious outlet in Margate Old Town as the 72 new posts resulting from Viking Recruitment’s enterprising plans for a maritime college at Whitfield. The afternoon ended with a farewell address from Greg Clark who modestly refrained from speaking about the stages in his own rise to fame from humble beginnings at a comprehensive school in Middlesbrough. After a stellar academic career at the University of Cambridge and a doctorate at the London School of Economics, he worked for the Boston Consulting Group and for the BBC as Controller for Commercial Policy. He is currently Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Minister of State in the Cabinet Office. That is not a bad record for a lad whose father was a milkman and mother a shelf-filler at Sainsbury’s. If the recipients of Expansion East Kent funding fare as well, our East Kent economy should have no fears for the future.

15. Tough Banker

Established Chamber members will recall that the tribulations of Doncaster Rovers make occasional appearances in this bulletin, often as an underdog in contrast to the many successes of more fashionable teams. Our domestic banks have also suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous criticism in recent years, but are recovering their reputation as more finance is being released to local companies. Barclays is a well-known name in British banking. What is less well-known is that one of its founders is reported to have scored the first own goal in history. It was not a question of him failing to repay a loan, but an incident in a football match which has only recently come to light. Arthur Fitzgerald Kinnaird (1847 – 1923), who also captained Kent in 1868, was the leading footballer of his day. He appeared in nine FA Cup finals, a record unsurpassed today. Bereft of the new technology that now informs Premier League officials if a ball has crossed the goal line, in the 1887 FA Cup Final referee S H Wright bravely awarded a goal to the Oxford University team when the Wanderers goalkeeper Kinnaird inadvertently crossed his own goal line while holding the ball. Fortunately for the then Hon Arthur Kinnaird, his side scored two goals to win the match 2 - 1. Any disappointment at almost scuppering his team’s chances of cup glory did not hinder his banking career. In 1896, his family firm of Ransom, Bouverie & Co merged with others to form Barclays Bank. Bankers were expected to be tough and versatile in those days. As an outfield player, Kinnaird was of the Norman Hunter “Get your retaliation in first” school of footballer. When his wife expressed the fear that her husband might return home from a match with a broken leg, a team mate is reported to have replied, “Quite possibly madam. But if he does, it will not be his own.” Doncaster Rovers cannot claim any famous antecedents and certainly not anyone of the calibre of Lord Kinnaird who later served as President of the Football Association for 33 years with such success that he was given the FA Cup as a reward for his services. However, Doncaster did manage to draw 0 - 0 with Middlesbrough yesterday. One commentator noted drily: “Doncaster were lucky to get nil.”

© David Foley 4th February 2014

Dover News

Your Business Bulletin from Dover District Chamber of Commerce

17th November 2013

1. Town Centre Revival Business Breakfast 6thDecember 2013

The Thanet & East Kent Chamber is organising a Chamber Business networking breakfast on Friday, 6th December 2013. The subject will be the revival of our town centres in the East Kent coastal business community and will be of interest to anyone keen to see more visitors in our shops, more revenue through our tills and more life in our High Streets. There will be plenty of time for networking. Booking is essential. The price of £12 for Chamber members includes a full English breakfast with a vegetarian option. To reserve your place, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line: ‘Town Centre Revival 6 December 2013’. There is a limited number of places for non-members at £16 each. Full details of the venue near Margate will follow with confirmation.

2. Business Rates Supplements for Large Stores

The Dover District Chamber of Commerce has been monitoring the economy of the district since 1850. In agreement with its sister body, the Thanet & East Kent Chamber, the Dover Chamber very much welcomed the recent debate about supporting High Street shops in Dover, although the proposal put forward was counter-productive. Last month, Dover District Council quite rightly turned down a plan to oblige large out-of-town stores to pay an additional 8.5% in business rates. The idea behind the extra charge was to provide a fund to support small retailers. While backing a diversified High Street has an undoubted appeal, imposing additional statutory costs on large stores to subsidise smaller shops will invoke the law of unintended consequences. It is the Chambers’ contention that if an additional business rate levy is imposed on large supermarkets, this will accelerate a trend for the multiples to open more of their smaller convenience-style stores which will produce more competition for established shops in their immediate neighbourhood and not less. Furthermore, if a large store’s ability to attract customers is rewarded by a council imposing supplementary taxes, then it would serve to penalise success and by extension subsidise failure. If Britain is indeed a nation of shopkeepers, it requires a nation of shoppers to visit them. This is not achieved by subsidies and distorting market forces through creating artificial barriers to trade. Ambitious shopkeepers will learn from the big stores where they can with imitative initiatives such as ‘click and collect’. At the same time, they will provide what the big stores cannot, such as individual customer service and greater responsiveness to the needs of the local community.

3. What Is The Problem With a Business Rate Supplement?

The coastal towns of Dover, Folkestone, Deal, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Dover need to be welcoming to potential employers; otherwise inward investors as well as shoppers and tourists will simply divert their attention to areas where their cash is more welcome. The Dover district has been particularly successful in reducing unemployment with almost every sector except retailing in recovery. The Claimant Count for 16-64 adults resident in the Dover District has fallen by a remarkable 22.0% since October 2012. This equates to 560 fewer people claiming the dole. Of all the districts in Kent, just two other areas, Swale and Maidstone, can claim to have more people leaving the unemployment register in the last year. The challenge for Dover, as it is for all retailers in our coastal towns, is how to make our shops more attractive, not how to deter investment through increasing business rates. Of course, we need to respect the heritage and environmental assets with which we are blessed so wonderfully, but we want to make East Kent the investment destination of choice. The Dover and Thanet Chambers are working with a number of financial bodies both in the UK and overseas to encourage them to spend their money here. As US President Calvin Coolidge remarked: “The wise and correct course to follow in taxation and in all other economic legislation is not to destroy those who have already secured success but to create conditions under which everyone will have a better chance to be successful.” Now that’s what we call a cool President.

4. Media Watch

‘Flying the flag for East Kent’ is how the BBC’s Steve Ladner described the Chamber’s efforts last week, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01k6d5c and fast forward to 51:40; available for the next four days. The Chamber commented on the positive outlook for the East Kent economy, in broad agreement with the Governor of the Bank of England’s assessment of 13th November 2013 that; ‘For the first time in a long time, you don’t have to be an optimist to see the glass as half full.’ The Chamber welcomed the confirmation that the fast rail link to Sandwich will continue and noted the successes of companies in the East Kent coastal business community. Earlier, ITV Meridian had celebrated with the Chamber the exceptionally warm summer we all enjoyed this year. David Johns, ever the consummate television reporter, gave a seamless account of how improved weather this year has benefited Chamber members and Margate businesses. See http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/story/2013-09-09/summer-washout/ and fast forward to 1:35 This was a positive and welcome news story from the South East’s leading commercial television station. The only problem was that there was relentless drizzle throughout the broadcast. The warm smiles were genuine but so were the cold toes.

5. Golf Day at Royal St George’s Golf Club

There was some trepidation at the end of October that the Chamber’s Golf Day at Royal St George’s Golf Club would fall victim to severe weather conditions and the devastating high winds of the previous weekend. The course that has hosted 14 Open Championships is difficult enough without suffering the embarrassment of losing a ball on every hole. However, such fears proved groundless as the day dawned with still air and bright sunshine, perfect timing to warm the hearts of players, officials and those marketing directors who had sponsored what is now widely acknowledged to be East Kent’s premier corporate Golf Day. In many ways, the day shows our client companies at their competitive best, fighting any hostile natural elements with honest individual endeavour and an excellent team spirit. This year we again featured a Beat The Professional Contest with the proceeds donated to our 2013 Chamber Charity, Pilgrims Hospice. We repeated the Ray Haines Memorial Trophy competition, named after the late distinguished Chief Executive of the Dover District Chamber of Commerce. A total of 28 company teams of four players each competed for the prizes that included KLM flights from Manston for two to any destination in Europe, a new Nissan Note from Dumpton Park Garage, a weekend for two with dinner at a top hotel from Shepherd Neame, return cross-channel ferry tickets from DFDS Seaways and a wide variety of awards. Full details are in the attached Chamber Golf Day 2013 Roll of Honour.

6. Beating Henry Cotton

Although all but one of the competitions are based on the handicap system giving an even chance to players of all abilities, the Ray Haines Memorial Trophy, as in the four Grand Slam events for professionals, is simply awarded to the golfer with the lowest score. Included in the field were consummate golfers such as Max Orrin, a rising star who topped the 2013 Titleist & Footjoy Order of Merit and earlier in the year had bagged first place in the South East of England Links Championship and the Lagonda Trophy as well as being part of the winning England squad at the European Teams Challenge in Denmark. Max returned a score of 74 strokes; almost impossible to match on the difficult links course. The great Henry Cotton recorded a final round of 79 when he beat the world to win his first Open Championship in Sandwich. Jonathan Whorlow beat this score by one stroke in a consummate 73 which would have delighted Ray Haines, the late Chief Executive of the Dover Chamber, after whom the trophy is named. The Corporate Team Championship was won by Vattenfall, with MCS Energy Systems and Spencer Hospitals filling the next two places. The worthy winner of the Individual Event was Mark Donovan who received his handsome prize personally from the UK Head of KLM, Warner Rootlieb. In second place was Dan Dowley followed by Jonathan Whorlow, D Chappell and Charlie Almond. Denis Farlex and Martin Lunn won the two longest drive competitions. Triumphing in the nearest the pin events were Maureen Reid, Malcolm Lockwood, Mick Fisher and Chris Catford. The Chamber of Commerce Challenge Cup was presented to Alastair Narraway, captain of the winning Thanet team.

7. Teams, Sponsors and Helpers

The teams participating in the 10th annual Chamber Golf Day were AEI Compounds, Barnes Marsland Solicitors, BayPoint Club, Bradstowe Chartered Surveyors 1, Bradstowe Chartered Surveyors 2, Country Carpets & Furnishings, DFDS Seaways Drivers, DFDS Seaways Vikings, Discovery Park 1, Discovery Park 2, Drink Warehouse, East Kent College, Go Kart Electric, Hartman Marine, Kent Independent Security, KLM 1, KLM 2, McCabe Ford Williams, MCS Energy Systems, Morgan Jones Recruitment, NPS South East, OFP Timber Framed Homes 1, OFP Timber Framed Homes 2, Spencer Private Hospitals, St George's School, Vattenfall, Walpole Bay Hotel and WW Martin. Sponsoring the holes were KLM, Dumpton Park Garage, BayPoint Club, DFDS Seaways, Coastal Data Solutions, On-Line MBT and Sota Solutions. Other prizes were sponsored by KLM, DFDS Seaways, OFP Timber Framed Homes, Shepherd Neame, Royal St George’s Professional Shop, Puls Global, Anton Images and Masala Gate Restaurant. The minibus was kindly provided by Carol Peters Travel. In thanking, the players, sponsors and staff of Royal St George’s Golf Club at the end of the presentation ceremony, Chamber Chief Executive David Foley also gave fulsome praise to Justin Bishop of the Walpole Bay Hotel for his astute professional approach to the technical aspects of the tournament and to Roger Wildman, Nikki Curran and Jonathan Curran for assistance above and beyond the call of duty. The loudest cheer of the evening was reserved for the Chamber’s Graham Rayner who for the 10th year in succession had succeeded in recruiting the sponsors, teams and administrators to ensure that the Chamber Golf Day remained an elite event in the commercial calendar of East Kent that every Chamber member can enjoy. In recognition of Graham’s contribution to East Kent business life, from 2014 onwards the main team trophy will be named the Graham Rayner Chamber of Commerce Challenge Cup.

8. HSBC

We are grateful to our Chamber Co-President, Sir Roger Gale MP, for forwarding a letter from Barry Spicer, Area Commercial Director of HSBC, regarding finance to small and medium-sized businesses in the South East. HSBC acknowledges that along with other major banks HSBC has faced problems ‘which may have damaged public trust and confidence in banking’. Barry continued that: ‘We are taking a number of actions to ensure we carry out our business responsibly and to the highest ethical standards.’ He writes that in the first six months of 2013, HSBC ‘agreed in excess of £457 million gross new lending to over 13,300 small and medium sized businesses; agreed £1.18 billion in mortgages for 9,918 borrowers, which is equivalent to 54 every day; and agreed £212 million to help 1,814 first time buyers, which is equivalent to 70 first time buyers per week.’ We particularly welcome the release of funding to local businesses, but note that Chamber members continue to report difficulties in communications with their local branches. Anyone who has tried to telephone direct the HSBC branch in Dover or Ramsgate or any branch in East Kent will be aware of this type of problem which is not confined to HSBC alone.

9. Chamber Diary

The 2014 Chamber Diary will be delivered personally to Chamber members in the course of the next few weeks. Beautifully bound with hand-stitching and brass corners, this prestigious publication is increasingly regarded as the commercial directory for the East Kent coastal business community. It contains the names and addresses of many of East Kent’s most ambitious and successful companies which are listed in alphabetical order of company name as well as in a classified list by sector.

10. How Are We Doing?

The latest Claimant Count figures for East Kent give credence to the Governor of the Bank of England’s belief that the economy has turned the corner. As regular readers will know, the Chamber monitors carefully the monthly data from the Office for National Statistics. If our Chamber members are to make the most of the opportunities presented, then it is important that they are acquainted with the most recent evidence on which to base their decisions. The figures show sustained falls in unemployment. Of the 23 wards in Thanet, a mere 3 show any increases in unemployment and these amount to 15 people in total. The district as a whole has removed 511 from the unemployment benefit register, a 10.7% improvement since October last year. Cliftonville West and Margate Central wards, so often at the bottom of jobbless figures for Kent in the past, continue the gains of the previous two months and show an annual increase of 7.1% and 9.7% respectively. The Dover district records some stellar gains, reflecting perhaps the impact of the Discovery Park which now has 1,400 people employed on site and 61 companies in residence. There is only one ward in the entire Dover District which records an increase in jobseekers claimants and that is Whitfield. Dover members will appreciate the irony that Whitfield is the home ward of the Dover District Chamber of Commerce. How many more people are registered as unemployed there than at this time 12 months ago? The answer is one person. All the other Dover district wards show a gain which averages at a 22.0% improvement, a higher rate than Kent and a higher rate than in Great Britain as a whole.

11. Give Us The Facts

Unemployment based on Claimant Count data supplied by ONS for resident adults aged 16 – 64.

Data reproduced under the terms of the Click-use License no. C2010000980. All rights reserved.

12. What’s All This About The Bank of England?

Last Friday, the Chamber was invited to the Bank of England for a confidential briefing on the background and implications of the latest BoE Inflation report. Published on 13th November 2013, the UK’s central bank report provides the background data on which the Monetary Police Committee can decide key issues that affect our business lives, notably the Interest Rate. The report also provides evidence to the government on issues of vital national importance to us all such as the bank’s best judgments on the most likely forward paths for inflation, output and unemployment. We are free to quote from the published document.

13. What Did The Bank of England Ever Do For Us?

Despite the recession and severe shocks to our banking system, the UK has maintained its AAA Rating with Standard & Poor. This means that we can borrow money on international markets at low rates of interest. By contrast, France lost its triple A credit rating two years ago and earlier this month was downgraded further from AA+ to AA. This was described by the BBC’s Robert Preston as: “S&P is very publicly criticising France for not doing more to lift its economy out of the economic doldrums and cut persistently high unemployment”. The independent role of the Bank of England ensures that the UK government and our financial systems are well prepared to manage uncertainties with some of the nation’s best economic brains serving to benefit us all with lower mortgage payments, cheaper loans and well informed projections about our commercial prospects,

14. So, What Does The BoE Think Then?

In many respects, the BoE’s Inflation report reads like a weather forecast on our economy. It is full of meteorological terminology referring to ‘significant headwinds’ and ‘thawing of credit conditions’. Overall, the outlook is distinctly positive. CPI inflation has fallen from 2.9% in June 2013 to 2.2% in October. The bank has declared that it will not look at increasing the interest rate until the LFS unemployment rate falls to 7%. It currently stands at 7.7% in the three months to August 2013. The bank considers that there is a 3 in 5 chance of it reaching 7% by the end of 2015. This suggests that the interest rate will remain at 0.5% for well over a year. Even if unemployment falls more sharply, the bank will not necessarily increase the interest rate as many other factors need to be taken into consideration. LFS unemployment refers to the Labour Force Survey which the EU obliges the UK to submit to Eurostat every quarter. The Chamber prefers to measure our jobless figures by the monthly claimant count, described by the bank as ‘a more timely indicator’. The European Central Bank cut its interest rates to 0.25% on 7th November 2013, posing the question: ‘How low can you get?’ The answer is: ‘Not much more.’ Interest rates below 0% are not interesting. Chamber members who have followed the lamentations of our adopted Doncaster Rovers will understand the comments of one journalist who had seen this South Yorkshire team lose by five goals to nil and remarked afterwards, “Doncaster was lucky to get nil”.

15. What About Exports, Share Prices & Employment Issues?

We learn that in the last quarter: ‘Sterling appreciated by about 3%.’ This means that the UK is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign investors; but of course, it also means that our imports have become cheaper for us to buy and our exports more expensive for our foreign customers. The bank has registered a 2.4% rise in the FTSE All-Share Index in the last quarter which it ascribes to ‘increased investor optimism regarding the economic outlook’. Critics of the public sector will take comfort from the data showing a rise in hours worked. The bank states that: ’This in part reflects the shift from public to private sector employment’. This could be interpreted as indicating that workers in the private sector are more inclined to stay behind at the end of the working day to get the goods to market. The number of people working part-time who would like to work full-time has doubled in the last six years suggesting that although the average number of hours worked per week will continue to rise, the higher demand for labour will feed through to the unemployment statistics just gradually as the pent-up demand from current workers is absorbed. Labour costs are not expected to rise significantly in the near term as companies replenish their coffers and seek to recover delayed profits from their previous investments.

16. What Does This Mean For East Kent?

For the United Kingdom as a whole, the bank is unequivocal in its statement that: ’The recovery has finally taken hold’. It maintains that ‘The economy is growing robustly’ and that “The recent upswing in growth seems set to be sustained’. In the Chamber’s view, East Kent companies which retained their skilled staff during the recession through four-day week arrangements or simply plundering their reserves are now well placed to expand production facilities, increase their marketing budgets and look to acquire an increased market share while competitors in the UK get their act together and before any potential competitors overseas realise the opportunities available here. Unless there is a dramatic threat to our local economy, property prices will rise. The age-old wisdom in the fatherly dictum: ‘Put your money in land son, they ain’t making it anymore’ has perhaps never been more appropriate than now. Even if there is a sharp fall in land prices, it is unlikely to happen in the next nine months. In an expanding market, those who invest the soonest stand to receive the biggest gains. Registered Chamber members can receive the full Bank of England Inflation Report together with the BoE Governor’s personal commentary by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line ‘BoE Inflation Report Nov 2013’

17. Spitfire Museum

We are grateful to Melody Foreman, editor of the Manston Mirror Magazine, for sending the Chamber some interesting insights about the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum located next to Manston Airport. Apparently, this heritage centre began life as a home for the former gate guardian of RAF Manston, Spitfire TB752, which was restored in 1980. The great Bob Stanford-Tuck was one of the Battle of Britain pilots who gave his support to the venture. During its wartime service, Spitfire TB752 was flown by 15 pilots. Among them were Flying Officer ‘Dick’ Edwards, and Flying Officer Fred Town who returned to Manston to see their much loved Spitfire in its new home under cover. In 1988, Hawker Hurricane IIC LF751 was added to the collection, prompting visits from relatives of the Belgian pilots who flew the machine in World War Two. Dame Vera Lynn and Luftwaffe legend Adolf Galland are among those who have marvelled at the museum’s exhibits and brought with them their own recollections of wartime service. Chairman of the Museum Trust is Ken Wills, a keen pilot himself and head of Summit Aviation at Manston, as well as a host of aviation related companies. Ken has raised over £1 million for charities at home and overseas. Under his benign guidance, the trust is reaching out with important messages to new generations who may not have the collective memory or appreciation of the significance of “The Few” who flew from our East Kent airfields in 1940 and did so much to preserve the freedoms that we accept so casually today. Trustee and former Ramsgate Mayor Sid Farmer is among those who do fully recognise Manston’s role in the Battle of Britain and the crucial part played by the Spitfire and Hurricane in deciding the outcome. Sid said: ‘The Spitfire and the Hurricane are legendary and they are much loved. We know this from the incredible amount of their fans we meet and greet each year, and we believe our museum is tremendously fortunate to play host to these rare aircraft. We believe the museum reaches out to the whole of the Thanet community. Today, as we look to the future we hope to strengthen the museum’s presence even more by embracing our friends in the business and commercial world. We invite them all to be part of our anniversary events and of course to endorse our everlasting message to all to remember ‘The Few’ – those brave air crews who fought the enemies over our skies during the dark days of the 1939 – 1945 conflict.’

18. KCC Budget 2014

Kent County Council has opened a consultation on how it should reduce its spending by £273 million over the next three years. With an increasing demand for its services and a reduction in funding from central government. KCC would like your views on how to make the most of its annual spend of £1.43 billion. It takes a matter of a few minutes to state your views which will have a bearing on the KCC cabinet’s priorities. For instance, do you think that street lighting is more important than the care of the elderly? Should repairing potholes take precedence over looking after foster carers? Before 13th December 2013, click on www.kent.gov.uk/budget, answer the questions on the links to the right of the page and then you will be fully entitled to grumble in the bar to your heart’s content about the way the county spends your money.

19. TransEuropa Aftermath

We are grateful to Dover Chamber Director Laraine Soliman for an update on the fate of the Gardenia, a vessel of 22,152 gross register tonnes that belonged to the ill-fated TransEuropa Ferries. As Managing Director of Seaspeed and an international maritime marketing specialist of some renown, Laraine knows her onions and her ferries. Long-standing members of the Chamber will recall that TransEuropa began freight services from Ramsgate to Ostend in 1998, adding a car and passenger service a few years later. The company went into receivership in April this year owing Thanet District Council an estimated £3.4 million in uncollected harbour fees. Named European Enterprise at its launch in 1978, for Townsend Thorenson, the ship was renamed European Endeavour in 1987 when P&O European Ferries took over ownership. It was moved to the Irish Sea operation in 1996. After a short period laid up in Dunkirk, the ship underwent a refit following its purchase by TransEuropa Ferries before starting its maiden voyage on the Ramsgate to Ostend route on 15th January 2003 as the Gardenia. Laraine tells us that the bunkering company Oilchart International has bought the vessel. Any Chamber member wishing to know the purchase price, the conditions of sale and the likely future use of the vessel should contact the Chamber in confidence by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Gardenia”. We believe that its smaller sister ship, the 14,300 GRT Larkspur, is also being prepared for sale. This vessel was familiar to many locals as the Viking 2 when in the ownership of Sally Line and subsequently Eurotravellerr when plying its trade for Sally Direct.

20. London To Paris Twice A Day

Chamber member Comfret is happy to receive enquiries from companies seeking reliable express collections and deliveries throughout Europe. Specialising in ‘just in time’ deliveries for exhibitions and business shows, the company has a scheduled daily service from London to Paris in 18 tonne and 26 tonne vehicles; ideal for multi-drop destinations and point-to-point deliveries. In addition, a sister company services hotels in the Accor group throughout the UK and Ireland. Many chamber members will have stayed at an Accor hotel without realising that it is owned by the largest operator in Europe which has hotel properties in 92 countries worldwide. The brand names are perhaps more familiar to us: Sofitel, Pullman, Mgallery, Mercure, Novotel, Ibis, Thalassa, Adagio, Orbis and Sebel. The next time you stick out your hand in the hotel shower and find the soap is exactly where it should be, say a little ‘thank you’ to Tony Thomson and his team at Comfret and TTD Transport. Better still, give him a call on 01304 822673 to discuss your freight needs. Chamber members can expect a warm welcome and an understanding supplier of logistic services.

21. Design to Succeed

Angle Studios is one of many recent recruits to the Chamber. Distinguishing its design service from many of its competitors is a bespoke customer focus that offers “Big agency expertise. Small agency fees”. Managing Director Ryan Grist joined McCann Erickson at the age of 19 and progressed to the stage where he was handling big accounts for large enterprises such as Vauxhall, Harley Davidson, Mitchell & Butlers and Sizzling Pubs Company. This inspired him to establish Angle Studios in 2003 and rapidly acquire a client list that included Kent Police, Neighbourhood Watch, West Kent, Town & Country Housing Group and Greene King. Whether you seek wall-planners for a Formula One team or tea envelopes for the Savoy Hotel, Ryan and his team of design and marketing professionals promise: ’We are here to help your business grow’. To find out more, telephone Ryan on 01304 897330 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Anyone undaunted by the prospect of comparing their own website with that of a top design studio can find more information about Angle Studios in Sandwich and Tunbridge Wells on the website at http://www.anglestudios.co.uk.

22. Succession Planning

When Liam Byrne MP left a note for his successor as Chief Secretary to the Treasury stating: “Dear Chief Secretary, I’m afraid there is no money. Kind regards – and good luck! Liam.” He was following in a long tradition of departing bosses giving unsolicited advice. Geoffrey Fisher served as the 99th Archbishop of Canterbury from 1945 to 1961. In advising Prime Minister Harold Macmillan on his successor as the 100th, he is reputed to have spoken firmly against the candidature of Michael Ramsey. Fisher had been in charge of Ramsey’s school at Repton and allegedly advised Mcamillan that on no account should he allow Ramsey to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury saying: “I have known him all his life. I was his Headmaster at Repton.” Macmillan is reputed to have thanked Fisher kindly for his advice before declaring firmly: “You may have been Doctor Ramsey's headmaster, but you were not mine.” Michael Ramsey was duly appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury and is widely regarded today with warmth and affection In East Kent for his progressive views and occasional trips to the Olive Branch pub outside the Cathedral gates where he stood his round like a good ‘un. By contrast Nikita Khrushchev was from a different school in every sense of the word. Despite his later retraction, Khrushchev was a loyal henchman to Stalin and an enthusiastic supporter of widespread purges of dissident thinkers. We have no idea if the following story about him is true or not, but we leave it to our wise and good-looking Chamber members to decide for themselves. When he was ousted as Russian leader in 1964, Khrushchev is said to have left two letters in his desk at the Kremlin for his successor with instructions to open the first letter at a time of personal crisis and it would save his bacon. Only if there was a second severe peril should he open the second. When he was about to be overwhelmed by events, Brezhnev did open the first letter and read the words: ‘Blame everything on your predecessor’. The Soviet leader breathed a huge sigh of relief, followed the advice and survived with his full powers intact. Many years later, another major crisis developed and Brezhnev was at a complete loss what to do. Suddenly in desperation, he remembered the second letter in his desk. With trembling hands, he opened the ageing missive and read the words: “Sit down and prepare two letters”.

© David Foley 17th November 2013