Kent recently joined local business leaders on its Canterbury campus to celebrate the start of another year as Patrons of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.
Having been a Patron of the Chamber since the inception of the scheme nine years ago, Kent was proud to once again host the Business Leaders Dinner, welcoming fellow Patrons and like-minded business leaders to exchange ideas and opportunities in Darwin Conference Suite.
Kerry Barber, Director of Research and Innovation Support at Kent, used the occasion to underscore the importance of collaboration, noting that real progress is achieved when universities, businesses, local government, and organisations like the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce unite around a shared purpose. She also extended her thanks to the Chamber for its pivotal role in building collaborative networks and providing spaces where peer support and mutual growth can thrive.
The Patron scheme gives 12 leading businesses the chance to represent their sector in supporting KICC members and the local area. Over the years, the scheme has enabled Kent to work more closely with the Chamber and its members to listen to industry needs and drive knowledge exchange between the academic community and local industry. This relationship saw Kent host a Chamber Netwalking event earlier this year, as well as KICC partner with the University on the upcoming Kent and Medway Business Summit taking place on Tuesday 13 May.
Kerry Barber said: ‘Renewing our patronage of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is a reflection of the University of Kent’s deep commitment to working with business and supporting prosperity within the region. By working hand-in-hand with the Chamber, we look forward to continuing to create new opportunities, nurture innovation, and contribute to the future success of our community.‘
Tudor Price, Chief Executive of KICC, said: ‘I would like to thank all our Patrons for their commitment to the Chamber for the coming year.’
Images courtesy of Matthew Walker.