This document discusses Kent libraries' efforts to support local economic wellbeing and business growth. It outlines Kent County Council and South East Local Enterprise Partnership goals to grow the local economy. It describes the existing business services Kent libraries provide, including resources, research support, and events. An enhanced offer includes staff training, expanded resources, startup clinics, and workshops. Initial results show workshops had over 100 attendees and clinics helped startup ideas. Partners and patrons are more aware of these services and early feedback is positive. Moving forward, libraries will follow up with workshop attendees, continue promoting services, and potentially offer clinics by appointment only.

1. Kent libraries and economic
wellbeing

2. Kent context
• KCC – Bold Steps for Kent & Vision for Kent: „To help
the Kent economy grow‟
• South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) –
„Create an environment where new and existing firms
can grow, develop and flourish for the benefit of the local
economies and the prosperity of UK plc as a whole‟.
• SELEP priority areas: Dartford, Gravesham, Swale,
Canterbury, Dover, Shepway, Thanet, Maidstone,
Tonbridge.

3. Existing business service provision
• Free access to a large range of information
resources - print and online
• Free specialist information service via Ask a Kent
Librarian, including the provision of tailored
business listings and research to Kent start-ups
and SMEs
• Business information evenings
• Partner start-up sessions

4. Enhanced offer
• Staff training and awareness raising
• Widen range of resources
• Start-up clinics/ Chat sessions
• Programme of small workshops
• Re-branding and promotion

7. Results so far
• Workshops - 76 attendees (119 enrolled) across
14 sessions
• Clinics - 5 attendees across 9 sessions
• Early indications that enquiry levels are picking
up
• Internal colleagues more aware and inviting us to
events/ signposting
• Approaches from existing/ new partners

8. Results so far
• “Has given me more ideas about starting my own
business”
• “This workshop is very useful for both people
thinking and starting out in this sector.”
• “It has been bliss. Thank you.”
• “I am now up to speed with what I need to do to
take my idea forward.”
• “It was a good and very interesting workshop.
Lots to think about.”

9. Looking ahead
• Attendee follow up to judge of impact – did they
create a business?
• Sustained promotion
• More workshops – ideally at no cost to us
• Clinics to be cut or offered on appointment basis
only

10. Contact details
Christel Pobgee
Service Improvement Manager – Information,
Digital Inclusion & Active Citizenship
Christel.pobgee@kent.gov.uk