Clive Stevens and Stephen Metcalf discuss Brexit and other issues on KMTV’s Chris & Co

Over the last month, two of our experts; Clive Stevens, Executive Chairman; and Stephen Metcalf, Senior Manager, Private Client Tax appeared on KMTV’s Chris & Co – KMTV’s business talk show.

The two shows included items on Brexit and all things Kent!

A description of each episode, and links to the full episodes, can be found below.

Clive Stevens’ episode

Clive discussed the property and construction sector, online banking and Brexit. The focus of the show was on the impact Brexit may have on the UK and internationally.

The show was split into two segments:

First Segment

• Property and Construction – where the segment focused on East Kent College opening new facilities in Folkestone to help with the demand of skills in construction over the next decade.
• Online Banking – NatWest, RBS and Ulster Bank face technical glitches locking Kent customers out of their accounts, is there local confidence in the sector.
• Brexit – are we heading towards a no deal Brexit? And how will this impact the UK and International businesses looking to trade with the UK?

To watch the full episode, please click here.

Second Segment

• Ashford International Truck Stop and Waterbrook Park – will and can these truck stops help with a no deal Brexit?
• East Kent local economy – focusing on a restaurant in Broadstairs and the summer’s success for Margate’s Turner Contemporary. But will the Bay Tree Hotel continue to thrive?

Stephen Metcalf’s episode

Stephen discussed the Lower Thames Crossing, manufacturing growth in the County, the South East Air Show and more on Brexit.

The show was split into two segments:

First segment

• The Lower Thames Crossing – how will this crossing impact business locally? The crossing is due to open in 2027 and is already facing significant local protests.
• Manufacturing – the Manufacturing Growth Programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund has had a positive impact on businesses in the county. Key questions being asked: how easy is it to get hold of investors in this sector; and are programmes interested in investing with Brexit around the corner?

Second Segment

• Agriculture – should we have a hard Brexit then there will be a huge lack of seasonal workers for fruit picking in the county and will it be difficult to find these people post Brexit?
• Brexit – what are investors and high net worth clients feeling? Is a ‘No deal’ realistically going to happen?
• Herne Bay Air Show – what has been cancelled for two years; volunteers cannot fund the 2 million pound event and have asked the council to help. A key question was should the council be helping?

To watch the full episode, please click here.

To discuss the topics covered please feel free to contact Stephen Metcalf or Clive Stevens.