Ashford EDG July 2024 Minutes

Ashford Economic Development Group – July 2024 minutes

Nettie Buss (AB) – Chair
Maria Callow (MC)
Steve Garnett SG)
Peter Heritage (PH)
Katie Hodson (KH)
Richard Lloyd (RLL)
Andrew Osborne (AO)
Jason Rainbird (JR)
Tim Sheppard (TS)
Richard Stafford (RS)
Tom Shaw-Dunn (TS-D)

MATTERS ARISING/PREVIOUS MEETING

Discussed that Freedom Leisure is in the process of joining Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. When SB is at the next meeting, follow up AEDG members to be invited to the next parent event in November 2024 showcasing ‘Pathways for all’ which helps to facilitate T Level placements across Ashford.

BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

Eurostar

AO mentioned a potential meeting with Ashford Borough Council and Eurostar scheduled for Autumn 2024. Eurostar is back to 95% patronage, similar to pre-Covid. The public petition to bring back services is at 57,000.

Eurostar are investing in 16 new trains for 2030. It has been announced there will be no intermediary services (Ashford and Ebbsfleet) in 2025. Their core business is to have point to point, capital to capital connectivity.

It was also discussed that the chamber is also taking a dual approach, by raising the issue of competition, with others looking to enter the market and regulation of operators.

Entry Exit System (EES)

AO mentioned currently the EES is a primary focus. It is unknown what the impact of EES will be to Ashford and surrounding area. There will be a need to engage with new MPs to start lobbying government.

There will be anticipated queuing challenges at St. Pancras, Eurotunnel and Port of Dover. Currently Ashford Borough Council embarking on contingency planning and modelling scenarios around Brock.

New Members of Parliament elected

In the process of contacting Sojan Joseph MP (Ashford) and Katie Lam MP (Weald of Kent).

Ashford College

Update to be scheduled for the next meeting.

Future guests

Suggestions were Deirdre Wells, Visit Kent and Lucy Mayor, Kent Resilience Forum to discuss business issues around Brock and the imminent introduction of the EES, as well as the 2 new MP’s – NB to discuss with TF