SMEs in Kent with ambitions to do business across the Channel have the opportunity to take part in a special online conference next week.

It has been organised as part of the Innovative Sector Exchange (ISE) project which provides support to businesses based in Kent, Hauts-de-France, East Flanders, West Flanders and the South West of the Netherlands.

Staged against the backdrop of one of the most challenging economic landscapes in recent years, the conference will include several successful and well-known companies sharing their stories, insights into innovation and tips for growth.

A successful cross-border conference was held in Calais in December 2018. The second was planned for March 2020 in Bruges, Belgium, but this had to be postponed and is now being held virtually next Tuesday, November 10.

The ISE project, which supports businesses from industry sectors including agri-food, digital and creative, new materials and mechatronics, as well as other industry sectors, is part financed by the EU Interreg 5A 2 Seas Programme and European Regional Development Fund.

It is coming to an end at the end of December after four years in operation.

The final innovation conference, which is being organised by the seven ISE project partner organisations including Kent County Council and the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, is aimed at showcasing some of the SMEs who have participated in the project in the past.

Cllr Mike Whiting, KCC’s cabinet member for economic development, said: "This is very much the type of cross-border co-operation we are building on with our partners in the Straits Committee to build on and protect cross-Channel commerce following the UK’s exit from the European Union."

Presentations will be made by these international companies: DHL Express, ArcelorMittal, Beaulieu International Group, P&G, the Growcery and Workero, Philip Morris and Decathlon.

To register for the event, which runs from 1.30-3.30pm, and more details, click here. Or you can email natasha.white@kent.gov.uk or call 00300 0421 053

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