News and Events

Membership of Canterbury4Business (C4B) has almost doubled during the last twelve months, bringing the number of associates to 235, and over 90 people are now involved with C4B's project group committees.

Speaking at C4B's fifth annual dinner, held at Birley's Pavilion in Canterbury, chairman Paul Barrett said: "More people mean more voices. And more voices and more dialogue mean we are better placed to identify the issues and problems that concern the business community and engage with those who can provide solutions, such as the city council, county council and other organisations. "

In his welcome speech, Mr Barrett outlined some of C4B's achievements over the last year. These included the launch of an online skills and training resource for local businesses, the Support4Business mentoring scheme, and a major 'Flying Start' event to encourage graduate entrepreneurship and retention in the Canterbury district which attracted over 100 students. Mr Barrett also outlined plans for C4B's next major event, an environment conference on the business benefits of 'green' best practice, which takes place on April 22 at Canterbury College.

Leaders of C4B's project groups spoke about their group's achievements over the last year and their aims for the future.

Guest speaker, Ian Wynne, a member of Britain's kyak team in both the Sydney and Athens Olympics, spoke of his experience of winning a bronze medal in the K1500 sprint event in Athens, despite a serious injury just before his final race.

Leader of Canterbury City Council, Councillor John Gilbey, gave the vote of thanks and paid tribute to Michael Head, chair of C4B's major projects groups, for his work in helping to achieve approval for the new A2 slip road at Wincheap.