| Setting the economic scene 
Why 
Choose Kent?

For businesses looking to invest, expand or relocate, Kent makes an 
ideal location. 

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The county offers great quality of life and immediate access to the leading international financial centre of London 
Bluewater at dawn 

S

ince 1997, Locate in Kent, the investment promotion agency for Kent and Medway, has assisted 559 companies to create almost 23,800 jobs in the county. In 2008-9 alone, Locate in Kent helped a record 76 UK and international businesses expand or relocate to Kent. This created 2,891 jobs (a 23% increase on last year) contributing nearly £126m to the countyÕs economy. 
The companies ranged from small and innovative start-ups in environmental technologies, including Ecoffins, a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly coffins, to large blue chip companies like Morrisons, who created 1,020 new jobs in Sittingbourne. Some of the reasons why more and more businesses are choosing Kent include: 

Improved Transport Links 

Kent already benefits from fast rail services to the continent, contributing to high levels of interest from foreign investors. When fast domestic rail services to London from Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International launch in December 2009, the county will be better connected than ever before. Ebbsfleet International will be just 17 minutes away from St Pancras International,