Businesses will have the chance to invest in their future when the Canterbury City Partnership launches on Wednesday.

For as little as £10 per month, firms will have access to a designated members-only website, free training, a free customer survey, free business support, a free city centre conference and regular updates on what’s happening across the city.

Chairman of the Canterbury City Partnership, Bob Jones, said: “Canterbury is an amazing city and we have some really successful businesses operating here.

“But even the most successful enterprise needs support at times, and the City Partnership is here to make that support happen.

“With the launch of the partnership we are laying the foundations for business prosperity in Canterbury for a generation.

“We want to forge true partnerships with the rest of the city’s business community, whatever their core activity. We will invest in them, if they invest in the partnership.”

City council leader Cllr John Gilbey said: “For the first time we are giving every business the opportunity to work in real partnership with the council and each other.

“Part of the offer will be to set up a 'community chest’ of funds that members can apply for to support additional events and marketing they want to make happen in their area, be it the Kings Mile, Castle Street, St Dunstan’s or anywhere else that members trade in the city. But they have to be a member to access the benefits.”

The launch on Wednesday is at the Barretts showroom in St Peter’s Street at 5.30pm. It is open to any city business. A presentation will be made outlining the details of the partnership and there will be an introductory offer of 15 months’ membership for the price of 12 for businesses that sign up on the night.

To register attendance, contact Paul Spree at paul.spree@canterbury.gov.uk or on 01227 862532.