Maidstone shaping up as business services hub

More than 1,040 jobs were created and 45 were retained. The agency assisted a further nine companies to invest in the town, four of which were from the business services sector. A number of companies have relocated to offices at new development Eclipse Park, just off junction 7 of the M20. These include asb Law, dha Planning, Day Smith & Hunter, Software of Excellence and Towergate, which plans to move in Autumn 2008.

Other companies attracted by Locate in Kent were in the retail, wholesale, transport and logistics, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. The businesses occupied more than 19,600 sq ft of commercial space in both out-of-town business parks and town centre locations. Most of the successes were from the UK, but one was from Germany, confirming that the town is continuing to attract foreign direct investment.

Paul Wookey, Chief Executive of Locate in Kent, said: "Businesses are waking up to the fact that Maidstone has a lot to offer. With impressive facilities at Eclipse Park, Springfield Park and other individual office buildings and land coming forward, the town has a good supply of new commercial property and is well-placed to attract further investment."

Next step...
For more information, contact Lizzy Jerome, Locate in Kent on 01732 520724 or visit www.locateinkent.com