Staff from the KM Group at the Gravesend conference

by Alan Watkins

Hundreds of business leaders from across north Kent have been swapping
ideas in Gravesend.

They were at a day-long conference in the Civic Centre organised by the
Invicta Chamber of Commerce and supported by the KM Group.

It is the first time the chamber has organised such a gathering outside
Ashford.

There were more than 50 stands offering advice on everything from
accommodation and computer technology to security, marketing, print and
promotional activities.

Guests speakers also provided ideas to the visitors.

In the past the B2B promotion has been highly successful in mid-Kent.

After the former Thames Gateway chamber collapsed about two years ago,
Invicta took over.

The organisers thought it was worth trying a B2B conference in north
Kent and the view among delegates was that it was well worth the time.

Karen Burns from HM Revenue and customs said they were there because
they want new businesses to get their tax situation right from the
beginning.

"We are offering advice to new employers, the self-employed, and
individuals," she said.

"We are doing more of this sort of thing, because maybe we haven't done
it so often in the past."

Emma Harraden from solicitors Hatten Wyatt said they were offering a
wide range of mediation services.

"We are doing a lot of work with schools and charities at present," she
said

Also attending was Jonathan Shaw, the former Works Minister and
ex-Chatham MP.

He was on the Edinburgh house stand promoting their proposed development
of Gravesend's Heritage Quarter.

It is expected to create 900 jobs.

It will add to those at the expanding Bluewater and 27,000 expected to
be created at the proposed theme park at Swanscombe.