Developing the Economic Environment of the Ports and their Local Economies (DEEP)
Funding source: Interreg IIIA (European Regional Development Fund)
1st May 2005 - 31st October 2007
Project Leads:
• Business Link Kent (UK side)
• Calais Chamber of Commerce (French side)
Partners:
• Calais Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Boulogne Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• St Omer Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Main Objective
To produce an Intensive Profile of the current business support available within the port economies and identify areas of good / best practice which can help to enhance the design of future business support products and services. These products and services will assist in the optimisation of future market development potential, through the creation of new markets and new business opportunities.
The project will be designed and delivered within areas where a port and the marine sector is a major employer and is therefore a crucial economic driver within the local area. The areas identified are Boulogne, St Omer, and Calais, Medway (Thames Gateway) East Kent and the Channel Corridor.
Through this project the main business support providers in each area will exchange information and experience to develop leading edge products and services of enhanced value to their customers, namely SMEs.
The project will focus on the following sectors:
• Tourism
• Logistics (Transport and Distribution)
• Marine
