Kent and Medway Economic Partnership
What is KMEP?
The Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP) is the economic partnership for Kent and Medway which aims to drive forward economic growth and prosperity throughout the region. It was set up in 2013. KMEP is governed by a Board and chaired by the private sector, with membership drawn from business, local government, further and higher education.
KMEP is made up of 33 members: 17 business representatives, 14 local authority leaders, 1 representative from higher education and 1 representative from further education. The board has sought to ensure that there is a balanced representation of businesses and local authorities, reflecting Kent and Medway’s geography and the diversity of its business base.
The role of the KMEP can be summarised as being to:-
- Act as the local growth board for Kent and Medway;
- Approve, drive forward, and monitor the local growth plan for Kent and Medway – and ensure it is responsive to the Government’s anticipated national industrial strategy;
- Embed a strong, independent, and diverse business voice into the decision-making processes at a functional economic area;
- Consider and develop responses to new economic opportunities and challenges in Kent and Medway;
- Ensure a strong voice for Kent and Medway at national and regional level;
- Consider strategic economic investment priorities through various investment funds and other public funding sources that may become available;
- Act as the commissioning body for funded projects and programmes in Kent and Medway.