£1.5million investment for Thanet's business innovation

Thanet is to benefit from a £1.9 million cutting edge innovation centre at the Marlowe Academy for new businesses in Ramsgate.

'The Marlowe Innovation Centre' is the result of an exciting partnership between the East Kent Partnership, Kent County Council, the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, the European Regional Development Fund, and Thanet District Council, which have all contributed funding. The East Kent Partnership invested £20,000 to help develop the business centre.

Due for completion in April 2008, the centre in Stirling Way will offer 24 units ranging from small office spaces (eight to 60 square metres) to light industrial units, as well as an open plan hatchery area to support new business. Managed by specialists in innovation, the centre will provide the best possible environment for new businesses to grow and develop in the Thanet area.

The Marlowe Innovation Centre will offer companies the chance to partner with the academy, providing opportunities for students to gain 'real world' experience of developing new businesses and giving businesses the opportunity to access the resources of the school community.

New business will benefit from 'easy-in, easy-out' licence agreements and a range of support services to give them the best opportunity for success. The centre will also offer virtual business space, giving all the advantages of a high profile business address without leasing a space.

Cabinet Member for Education Operations, Resources and Skills, Mark Dance said: "May I sincerely thank all the partners involved in this exciting project. We all recognise the importance of developing opportunities for new business in the district.

"By locating the centre at the Marlowe Academy, students can benefit from essential work experience and develop the skills that business leaders are telling us they are looking for."

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