Skanska has been working with scores of Kent firms as it prepares for a number of opportunities in the county, including a multi-million pound council property contract.

More than 150 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) attended two 'meet the buyer' events, supported by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, and the Thanet and East Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Kent County Council is looking for companies to supply numerous services for its 600 properties across the county from May 2014, including everything from repairs and maintenance, reception, security, catering and cleaning. Skanska's facilities management division carries out many extensive service-based contracts across the country covering healthcare, education, defence and municipal services, delivered through both private and public investment.

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In Kent, Skanska employs over 200 local suppliers and subcontractors and in 2012 spent over £23 million in the local economy. It wants to build on its existing relationships with the Kent business community, so that it can use the best local sub-contractors to deliver services for local people.

The turnout at the two events exceeded all expectations, with potential suppliers queuing out the door to attend the breakfast event at the Kent Invicta offices in Ashford. And all seats were taken for the lunch event at the BayPoint Club, the new sports, fitness, business and leisure venue, based at the site of the former Pfizer social club next to Discovery Park.

David Foley Chamber Chief Executive, Thanet and East Kent Chamber of Commerce said: "It is pleasing indeed to note Skanska's sustained interest in working with companies of all sizes in Kent. With the notable exception of wind farms, far too often large companies have come to Kent, completed their project, collected their profits and departed without further trace. Skanska has consistently demonstrated its long-term commitment to sharing the benefits of its sizeable operations here with medium and small companies. This is good news for the local economy and good news for Kent workers and residents alike."

(CD)