| District Focus © TDC Valerie Cameron KIC-Starting Innovation Kent Innovation Centre (KIC) is a £3.8m purpose-built facility designed to encourage the creation and growth in Thanet of technology and knowledge-based companies. Owned and operated by Thanet District Council, KIC has been operating successfully since 2002 and provides serviced office and incubation space alongside professional business support specifically tailored for high-tech and knowledge-based businesses. Westwood Cross shopping complex Development Opportunities There are plenty of development opportunities for businesses looking to locate in Thanet. The Eurokent Business Park, developed by SEEDA in partnership with Thanet District Council, offers quality state-of-the-art office and industrial units. The site is well located in the heart of the district, close to the leisure and rental centre of Westwood Cross. Manston Business Park is also an ideal location for businesses looking for a strategic location. Close to Kent International Airport, the park offers excellent links to the rest of Europe and is classified for B1, B2 and B8 uses. Employee development is also well catered for in Thanet. Strong partnerships between business and local further and higher education institutions provide businesses access to employee development, student placements and specialist research and development capabilities. Canterbury Christ Church UniversityÕs Broadstairs campus and Thanet College provide thousands of local Manston Business Park development opportunities students with access to high quality courses including A-Levels, Higher National Qualifications and vocational skills. The Kent Innovation Centre (see panel) provides a focus for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, forging links with industry and Canterbury Christ Church University to enhance the local economy. Located adjacent to Canterbury Christ Church UniversityÕs £7.8m Broadstairs Campus on Thanet Reach Business Park, the Centre is intended to play a key role in addressing ThanetÕs economic issues by satisfying the need for high-quality, managed workspace for start-ups, indigenous businesses and inward investors. Tel. 01843 609280 www.kentinnovation.com MargateÕs renewal Tourism is a major sector in Thanet, with some 500,000 visitors spending £2.3m in the borough according to latest (2006) statistics. These figures look set to rise if ambitious regeneration proposals go ahead for KIC-Starting Innovation Kent Innovation Centre (KIC) is a £3.8m purpose-built facility designed to encourage the creation and growth in Thanet of technology and knowledge-based companies. Owned and operated by Thanet District Council, KIC has been operating successfully since 2002 and provides serviced office and incubation space alongside professional business support specifically tailored for high-tech and knowledge-based businesses.