Local economic profile

The economic structure of Shepway is evolving to capitalise upon the advantages of changes in communications technology, the reduced trade barriers of the European single market and the location benefits the district enjoys as home to the Channel Tunnel.

The district's key employment areas by order of the largest first are:

• Distribution, hotels and restaurants
• Public administration, eEducation and hHealth
• Banking, finance and insurance
• Transport and communication
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Primary industries

Key sectors include:

Financial and Customer Services

Shepway is already home to a variety of service companies, including Saga Group, Eurotunnel Customer Services, GE Frankona Reassurance Ltd., and Ins-sure Services Ltd., who enjoy the benefits of a location close to London and continental Europe combined with the convenience of modern communications technology.

Advances in telecommunications, such as fibre optic links, are allowing service companies to be more flexible in their choice of location. Such advances allow Shepway to display distinct cost advantages over more established business locations without prejudicing the requirements of communications and responsiveness to customer needs.

Distribution and Logistics

Shepway has a flourishing break-bulk distribution and logistics sector due to the removal of trade barriers within the European Union and the increased local choice of transport modes for crossing the cChannel.

The logistics and distribution companies operating within the district, such as Laser Transport, cite Shepway's location and accessibility to UK and European markets as major benefits for their operations. This accessibility is a pivotal location requirement for companies who are seeking to establish responsive yet unified operational frameworks within northern Europe to maximise the advantages of the single market.

Manufacturing

Local manufacturing companies cover a range of sectors, including health care products such as Church and Dwight and drink manufacturers such as the Silver Spring Mineral Water Company.

Construction

The local construction industry suffered a recession through over-capacity after the completion of the Channel Tunnel in the mid-1990s but new large scale projects, including the construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, have long since restored confidence.

Tourism

Shepway has retained a buoyant tourist industry attracting tourists from the UK and abroad, helped by its reputation as one of the sunniest locations in Britain. The district also has a long coastline with extensive sandy beaches, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and numerous short-stay visitor attractions. Approximately 12% of the workforce is engaged in tourism.

Primary Industries

The traditional primary industries continue to benefit from the natural attributes and geographical location of the district. The extensive rural and coastal area supports an array of diverse industries providing employment opportunities in agriculture, forestry and fishing.

Key Focus

The Council has adopted a focus on removing barriers to local business development, concentrating on indigenous business support and encouraging local growth by:

• Ensuring the availability of well located, serviced industrial and office sites
• Encouraging new and start- up businesses
• The promotion and easy access to investment grants
• The provision on a strong business support service
• Provision of socio-economic, demographic and property information to businesses