| District Focus 


The qualification level of Tunbridge WellsÕ residents is high relative to Kent and South East figures. The overall result is an educated and skilled workforce with experience in a number of different industry sectors. 
Key objectives 
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has three key economic objectives for the borough: 
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To encourage the continued development of a wide range of enterprise 

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To enhance the attractiveness of towns and other centres as places to work, visit and shop 

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To support the sustainable development of rural areas 


To achieve these aims the Council works in partnership with Locate in Kent and SEEDA to attract investment. Locate in Kent provides free, confidential relocation services and can supply information about potential sites and properties, undertake location-specific research and provide knowledge about the local economy. The CouncilÕs Local Plan also outlines sites available for economic development. 
For businesses wishing to relocate to Tunbridge Wells, the borough hosts a variety of quality premises including North Farm and High Brooms industrial 
estates, Southborough Business Centre, Paddock Wood Transfesa and Eldon Way plus other quality rural business estates. These premises vary in size and include town centres, industrial estates and farms. Indeed, there is a very high demand for business premises in rural areas such as Cranbrook, Paddock Wood and Hawkhurst. 

Planning ahead 
The Council promotes economic development and enterprise by securing investment, such as the Leader Rural Development programme that brought £2m of SEEDA funding into West Kent. The Council is seeking to regenerate four town centres in an innovative approach with John Laing, creating the Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company which will secure new business and commercial space. The Council works closely with Kent County Council and SEEDA to secure improved public facilities for the rural community to ensure local villages, historic towns and rural areas adapt to the high demand for business space but still retaining their character and attractiveness. 

Tel. 01892 554128 www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk 

Big on small businesses Tunbridge Wells has attracted a number of prestigious companies including Cripps Harries Hall, BBC South East, EDF Energy, Baker Tilly, AXA PPP Healthcare, 3663 and others. The borough is also a favourite location for smaller businesses, both in the urban and rural areas. Over 80% of local businesses employ between 1-4 people, with a high level (12%) of working residents self-employed. Business Link are very active in Tunbridge Wells supplying business support workshops and clinic sessions. For entrepreneurs interested in starting their own business or being self-employed, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has teamed up with Enterprise First to provide free business start-up meetings. These are very popular and suit people currently in employment but wishing to start-up a local business.