Ashford EDG August 2024 Minutes

Ashford Economic Development Group – August 2024 minutes

Nettie Buss (AB) – Chair
Dan Sherlock (DS)
James McComas (JM)
Peter Heritage (PH)
Richard Lavender (RL)
Richard Lloyd (RLL)
Richard Stafford (RS)
Steve Garnett SG)
Tim Sheppard (TS)
Tom Jenkins (TJ)
Tom Shaw-Dunn (TS-D)

ANY MATTERS ARISING/PREVIOUS MEETING

There were no matters to be discussed – any such matters are on the agenda for this meeting.

BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

EES

TP had sent to an email to AB prior to the meeting to advise that there are some updates regarding the EES and it was suggested by TP that we approach the East Kent EDG to join one of our meetings and invite the KRF – AB will contact Ray Johnson from East Kent EDG and suggest the October meeting.

The AEDG discussed their views on Brock from a business perspective and have a number of questions / challenges that they would like to put forward.

New MP’s

The new MP’s are still settling into their new roles and the Ashford Borough is now represented by 2 – it is not yet known how they will operate and whether it will be similar to the relationship we had with Damian Green – it was agreed that this could wait until the end of the year / beginning of 2025.

College Update

As it was exam result day, there was not a representative from the college – AB to ask SB & JB for an update in the September meeting.

Farming sector

TJ advised that there are now 14 vineyards in Kent – RL will ask the membership team for a couple of names of members who could give us a presentation with regards to their sector etc.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

RS expressed that we should still look to hold some meetings at other businesses in our areas – it was agreed we would look to do this and suggestions would be good to gather any possible takers. Also RS will invite Rollo Parsons to the next AEDG meeting as a representative of the Ag sector.