More than 100 Gravesham and Medway Companies joined forces at the historic Cobham Hall on the afternoon of the 20th July for a joint Gravesham and Medway business networking event . Arranged by both Gravesham and Medway Councils Economic Development Teams the event brought together companies from both districts to network and discuss business opportunities. The event was opened by Cllr Mike Snelling Leader of Gravesham Borough Council and Cllr Jane Chitty Portfolio Holder Strategic Development & Economic Growth at Medway Council.

Cllr Snelling stated ‘Gravesham and Medway have a lot in common with major regeneration projects going on in both areas, business opportunities around the 2012 Olympic Games and the arrival of the new High Speed Train services to London. This is something that should benefit local businesses and I was pleased to see the business interaction throughout the event’. ‘We hope to make this an annual event on the local business calendar to complement the Gravesham business networking events, although it will be hard to top Cobham Hall as a venue’.

North West Kent College Future Job Fund placements of young people who have been unemployed for at least six months based at Bluewaters Learning Shop assisted with the meeting and greeting of guests giving them an opportunity to engage with local businesses and gain valuable event management experience.

Attendees also had the opportunity to tour Cobham Hall and its Gardens which are regularly open to the public throughout the year and are available for Corporate and Civic events.

For more information on the Gravesham Business networking events and business support provided by Gravesham Borough Council contact Chris Inwood on 01474-337258 or at chris.inwood@gravesham.gov.uk or simply visit www.gravesham.gov.uk/business