The latest business news from Ashford

Prime Minister and Ashford Leaders call for return of Eurostar to Ashford

On the 29th anniversary of Eurostar launching its international rail services from Ashford International station, leaders have renewed calls for its return.

Also, in response to a question from Ashford MP Sojan Joseph, the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said "the decision in question is ultimately for Eurostar, but we are keen to see international services reinstated to Ashford as soon as possible".

You can read more about the latest calls for Eurostar's return to Ashford here.

Brompton Bicycles global HQ secures outline Planning Permission

The new ￡100 million global headquarters and new factory for Brompton Bicycles located in Ashford has moved a step closer after councillors approved outline proposals. It will now be up to Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to decide whether to call in the outline application for further consideration.

Brompton "looked at Manchester, Birmingham and right across the UK, but Ashford stood head and shoulders above the rest" - Will Butler-Adams, CEO of Brompton Bicycles

The project, hailed as the ‘revolutionary bicycle factory of the future'?would house a world-class production facility and become Brompton’s global headquarters, supporting around 4,000 jobs locally, including the supply chain.

Read more about the latest news on Brompton's proposals here.

Promote your business by sponsoring events

Ashford Borough Council has approved the Festivals and Events Framework 2025-2028, which will ensure Carnival of the Baubles, Create Music Village and Ashford Food and Drink Festival, along with many other events, continue to enliven the borough.

Businesses can benefit directly from the Framework and these events with a brilliant sponsorship package on offer. It’s a great opportunity to get your brand in front of thousands of people throughout the year, demonstrating your support for the Ashford Borough community.

Speak to the team to discuss event sponsorship opportunities here.

0% interest loans still available

The Kent and Medway Business Fund can provide loans of up to ￡600,000 at 0% interest to businesses of any size looking to grow in Kent and Medway.

Read more and apply here.

Could you win a Business Award?

Does your organisation have great customer service??

Have you created an outstanding innovation? ?

Perhaps you are a great employer or you are a successful entrepreneur?

Nominate your business for the Best Business Events Business Awards Ashford to make sure everyone knows about it: Enter the Business Awards Ashford here.

Or you can nominate a startup for the UK StartUp Awards to boost their chances of success: Enter the UK StartUp Awards here.

The Ashford Business Newsletter

The latest edition of the Ashford Business Newsletter includes details about the Growing Kent & Medway Accelerator programme, the latest tourism figures for the borough from Visit Kent , 汇丰 's Go Greener loans and Lloyds Banking Group Clean Growth loans, information about the Department for Business and Trade 'Made in the UK, Sold to the World' awards, the Kent And Medway Growth Hub Accelerate programme with support for finance, mentoring, sales, marketing, events and resources, as well as the details of key upcoming business events.

Make sure you sign up to the Ashford Business Newsletter to get the latest news and details about grants, funding, support programmes, networking and events directly in your inbox for free. Sign up now.