On Thursday 10 April, the University of Kent welcomed over 40 members of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce to its 300-acre Canterbury campus for a tour of a selection of the 150+ spaces and facilities open for community use.
The event was the first in the Chamber’s 2025 series of ‘netwalks’ and an opportunity for attendees to explore everything the University has to offer the local community. Those visiting the campus for the first time were pleasantly surprised by the range of conferencing and events spaces, catering outlets, sports and arts facilities available.
A stop outside Sibson, home of Kent Business School and the annual Kent and Medway Business Summit.
Throughout the tour, discussion turned to how businesses can tap into the skills, expertise and social initiatives that the University can help with. Opportunities range from attending careers fairs and offering work experience placements for students, to partnering with Kent researchers to develop products and services.
A highlight of the tour was a visit to the Kent Community Oasis Garden, which is managed in partnership with the mental health charity, East Kent Mind. A cornerstone of Kent’s Right to Food movement, this multi-use space for students and the local community is a hub of sustainability where fruit and vegetables are grown year-round. It’s just one of a number of outdoor spaces across the campus that will become part of The River, a new public walking route celebrating plant life set to launch as part of Kent’s 60th anniversary.
Learning about the Community Oasis Garden.
Businesses were joined on the walk by one of Kent’s Sanctuary Scholars who is supported through generous benefactors via the Sanctuary initiative – just one of a number of ways Kent is working with businesses and charitable organisations towards greater social justice and improved local outcomes.
Sandra Heyworth, Sales Manager for Conferencing and Events, said: ‘It was a pleasure for University of Kent Conferences and Events to host this well attended event for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. We had a lovely morning showing off our beautiful campus and some of the fantastic spaces for hire.’
Victoria Galvin, Membership Development Manager Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘A big thank you to our valued Patrons, the University of Kent, for hosting the first Business Walks of the year and giving us an insightful tour of their beautiful campus.’
As a Patron of the Chamber, Kent is committed to supporting the local business community and hosts a number of business events throughout the year. Businesses will have another opportunity to netwalk on Tuesday 13 May at the Kent and Medway Business Summit, the University’s annual premier business conference organised in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.