Welcome to InBrief Winter 2016

As one year has drawn to a close and a New Year begins, there is always such a great sense of optimism at this time of year. In the business community, we are seeing increased optimism and enthusiasm for new projects. These projects vary from individual and multiple franchises, clients looking to build up a chain of businesses and for some clients investing in both property and their business interests are equally as important.

Kent is certainly a county of business opportunity and the variety of those opportunities are as diverse as the county itself. Around North Kent and our Gravesend office there is Ebbsfleet Garden City and the promise of 5,000 new homes per year, plus all the infrastructure needed to service a growing population of this size.

In Maidstone, the new Business Terrace in the centre of town is an exciting project to help nurture a range of small businesses, including a vibrant creative sector and our team are on site to support them every step of the way.

Sport is increasingly attracting investment. Whilst Maidstone United has seen a terrific surge in popularity thanks to the new Gallagher Stadium, near neighbours Ebbsfleet are looking forward to a similar transformation thanks to their owner’s investment.

Finally, agriculture has always and will continue to play such an important role in the Kent Economy. Balancing the needs of a growing population with the desire for greater food chain security means land prices remain strong and supply in certain key locations will always attract a premium. We heard this and many other issues relating to the rural community discussed at the annual Rural Plc meeting at the end of November.

So if 2016 is going to be your year of new projects, then don’t forget to ensure you have a fantastic team on side to help guide you every step of the way.

Wishing you all a very prosperous 2016!

Blair Gulland
Chairman
Gullands Solicitors
b.gulland@gullands.com