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Kelly Tolhurst

MP for Rochester and Strood
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Supporting Local Business and Apprenticeships

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Business

Since my election, it has been a pleasure to welcome so many engaged local businesses to Parliament, all of which face big challenges but have still secured success for themselves and the region.

Having ran a small business prior to my election I know very well the issues and opportunities that come with being in Kent so it is important we do all we can to unlock that greater potential and I will be continuing to work with Kent colleagues and ministers to achieve this.

In Parliament, as part of the Kent’s MP lobby group I regularly work with colleagues to raise with ministers the issues and opportunities across the region, such as infrastructure, with recommendations based on evidence provided by businesses, residents and the public sector.

Kent has long been neglected when it comes to strategic investment but there are now some steps being taken to rectify this, including the new Lower Thames Crossing and rail investment. However, it is important this investment continues and deals with the roads that suffer severe congestion on a daily basis and which in turn impacts small business.

Similarly, the universal access to broadband for businesses within Medway is something that needs addressing. Sadly, there are still a number of business units that are unable to access suitable internet connections, particularly around the Old Chatham Dockyard. This has been on my agenda for some time, having raised the issue in parliament and to ministerial colleagues, and I will be continuing forwards with this over the weeks to come.

It has also been with great pride to have seen the success of Rochester and Strood’s apprentices since my election. Since 2010 Rochester and Strood has created 8,800 apprenticeships which is a wonderful achievement and shows the exciting level of skills and industry we are seeing return to our towns. Apprenticeships are so important to those undertaking them – giving them the skills they need to succeed in life and in a role they want to progress in – and to employers, giving them the opportunity to mould and shape the workforce they need.

My priority is to ensure we maintain a positive business environment so our SMEs can continue to thrive, employ widely and drive our local and national economy forwards for years to come.

News

Kelly at Minden Day Commemorations, Rochester

Kelly Tolhurst MP Attends Commemorations at Army Reserves Centre

Thursday, 8 August, 2019

The MP for Rochester and Strood, Kelly Tolhurst MP, was honoured to attend a commemoration for the Battle of Minden, the Annual Minden Rose Awards with the 3rd Battalion The Princess of Wales Regiment, the “Tigers” based at the Army Reserves Centre in Rochester, welcomed by Major David Richmond,

A piggy bank

Rochester and Strood MP Pleased with New Tax Cuts for Constituents and Businesses

Tuesday, 9 April, 2019

Over the weekend, HM Treasury announced that more than 30 million people are set to benefit from the increase to the personal allowance and higher rate threshold this month.

Kelly visiting Google Digital Garage Bus

New Google initiative launched on Rochester High Street

Friday, 5 April, 2019

On the morning of Friday 22nd March 2019, Kelly Tolhurst MP formally visited Google’s Digital Garage bus in her capacity as Minister for Small Business.

Kelly visiting Hancock's Cash and Carry

Kelly Tolhurst MP Discusses Retail Challenges at Local Cash and Carry Business

Wednesday, 3 April, 2019

A couple of months ago, I was delighted to get a tour of the local Rochester depot for Hancock’s Cash and Carry and meet its staff, as well as the Chief Executive of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD), James Bielby.

Kelly meets young people at Princes Trust

Minister Kelly Tolhurst MP Launches Young Entrepreneurship Review

Wednesday, 6 March, 2019

Today, in connection with The Prince’s Trust, Kelly Tolhurst MP has launched a review to help support young people in making their business ideas become a reality.

Rochester Airport

Kelly Tolhurst MP Welcomes Parliamentary Group for General Aviation to Rochester Airport as Upgrade Plans Move Forwards

Tuesday, 29 January, 2019

In December, Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst was pleased to host a visit of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for General Aviation at Rochester Airport, along with local Rochester South & Horsted councillors and the airport’s management, Dick Searle, Kelvin Carr and Paul Britten

Dovetail Games

Kelly Tolhurst MP Welcomes Video Game Developer Expansion in Medway

Monday, 7 January, 2019

Local video game developer Dovetail Games, which is widely known for rail, flight and fishing simulators, has expanded and moved into the Fitted Rigging House at Chatham Historic Dockyard.

Apprenticeship Fair

Kelly Tolhurst MP to Host Local Apprenticeship Fair on 22 March 2019

Thursday, 20 December, 2018

After the huge success of Kelly Tolhurst MP’s 2018 Apprenticeship Fair at Medway UTC, it has been confirmed the second fair will take place on 22 March from 11am to 3pm at Strood Academy.

Business awards

Kelly Tolhurst MP Proud of Medway and National Business Awards Successes

Thursday, 6 December, 2018

November was a great month for business, both in Medway and nationally, as we have celebrated this year’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Chatham jobcentre

Kelly Tolhurst MP Welcomes Lower Out-of-Work Claimant Figures in Rochester and Strood

Friday, 17 August, 2018

Kelly Tolhurst MP has welcomed this month’s figures showing that local out of work claimants have fallen once again, meaning that more families across Rochester and Strood have the security of a regular pay packet.

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Kelly Tolhurst MP for Rochester and Strood

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ConservativesPromoted by Alex Hyne on behalf of Kelly Tolhurst, both at c/o Office, Bellerophon House, Doust Way, Rochester, ME1 1FG.
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