CHAMBER chiefs are about to launch a survey to find out what workforce skills will be needed over the next 20 years.

Kent Invicta Chamber, which includes Ashford, Maidstone and Canterbury, believes that skills hold the key to the future prosperity of Kent and Medway.

Skills shortages and weaknesses have been highlighted in many economic reports, with the county consistently lagging behind most other parts of the South East.

The skills needs survey, announced at the official opening of the chamber’s Maidstone headquarters, will be sent to 5,000 addresses over the next two weeks.

Chris Capron, Kent Invicta chief executive, said skills was a key issue for the county and he hoped the survey’s findings would shape training strategy, and the courses offered by college and universities.

He said: "The results will be shared with both further and higher education establishments, the Learning and Skills Council Business Link Kent, education business partnerships, Kent and Medway Economic Board, and, of course, our members."

The new Maidstone HQ marks a revival in fortunes of the County Town’s 100-year old chamber movement.

The Maidstone and Mid Kent Chamber of Commerce went into voluntary liquidation with debts of more than £60,000. A new chamber was created by the former Ashford chamber under the new Kent Invicta banner.

Mr Capron said the 14th century Gatehouse HQ, formerly Maidstone Tourist Information Centre, in the grounds of the Archbishops’ Palace, was a prestigious address with high visibility.

"We are very proud to be based in a very historic building," he said. "In fact, the Gatehouse was built along with the palace in 1395 and was for many years the private residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury."