Locate in Kent is one of the first organisations to capitalise on the county’s new international links, after two staff from the investment promotion agency flew to Chicago from Manston Airport, via Schiphol in Amsterdam.
With the aim of targeting companies in the biotechnology and life-sciences sector, Locate in Kent has headed out to attend Bio International 2013 in Chicago.
Taking advantage of the new KLM twice-daily service, Paul Wookey, Chief Executive and Chris Broom, Business Development Manager, flew out on the first flight of the day (6.35am) to Schiphol, before transferring to their flight to Chicago.
With the opportunity to meet some of the 16,500 of the world’s most influential scientific business leaders, Locate in Kent has identified Bio International 2013 as a key part of its strategy to attract high-value science-based businesses to the county.
Speaking from the event, Paul Wookey said: “This is the second time we have attended and it’s an excellent opportunity for us to continue our discussions with prospective investors and US companies based in Kent, as well as new companies who have a relocation or expansion need that could be accommodated in Kent. It is also an opportunity for us to promote what Discovery Park and Kent Science Park have to offer. It is the largest single event for the biosciences sector in this part of the world.
“Previously we have flown out via Heathrow, and endured the M25. Travelling out of Manston was quick and easy, and our time at Schiphol was an experience in itself. In terms of international business travel, Manston makes great commercial sense thanks to KLM.”
Commenting on Locate in Kent’s use of the KLM service, Charles Buchanan, Chief Executive of Manston, said: “We’re obviously delighted that the new service is helping to promote Kent on a world stage and highlight what it has to offer international businesses, especially in such an important sector as biosciences.”
The team flew out on the 20th of April and will return on the 26th following their attendance at Bio International and other scheduled meetings in Chicago, including with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) with whom Locate in Kent is formally working after the signing of a memorandum of understanding.
For more information on what Locate in Kent is doing to promote the county as a business location visit www.locateinkent.com.