For some years there has been publicity about the advantages of Ashford with its high speed rail connections and ease of access to the continent.
There have been developments and improvements, but nothing to catch the imagination. It would appear that is changing judging from the constant flow of new developments and property deals.
This has been accompanied by marked enthusiasm from occupiers and the Local Authority. The irony is the emphasis on nearness to the continent at a time when the UK’s future EU membership is uncertain.
In some ways there is a similar picture from Newhaven with the growth of cross-channel ferry and freight traffic.
Here it is benefiting from substantial improvements to the harbour.
What is impressive is the spread of economic wellbeing throughout the three counties, which has been underpinned by the government (at last) committing funds for road improvements. Long neglected Hastings now has a fine road linking it to Bexhill and the vital M27/A27 is to get substantial investment.
A noticeable point made by a number of occupiers is the ease of access to London, which is to be expected, but also Brighton with its thriving high tech and media scene.
Indeed there is powerful regional drive to expand the high tech and life sciences sector, which is where Kent is well placed with Discovery Park and Kent Science Park as well as the medical/life complex near Maidstone.