Another organisation which was trying to accelerate growth and the economy in Kent has folded.<\/p>\n
Chairman of the Thames Estuary Growth Board, Kate Willard, announced this afternoon (December 12) the business will close in the New Year.<\/p>\n
Chairman Kate Willard said it was a difficult decision. Picture: Joe Crossley<\/p>\n
In a statement, she said: \u201cAfter delivering a huge number of important and amazing things over these past six years, it is with a heavy heart that the directors of the Thames Estuary Growth Board have today commenced an orderly and solvent wind-up of our business.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are working with our clients, partners and team to ensure a smooth pathway to closure, which will be early in the New Year, and I confirm that all contractual obligations will be met.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was an incredibly difficult decision and a very sad one to have to make.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Thames Estuary remains one of the most significant growth opportunities for the country, and we know that many of you will keep helping to realise some of that amazing potential.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so proud of all that we have achieved over the past six years, and we would like to thank both the executive team and all of our estuarine family and partners, who have made this journey such an honour and such a joy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would particularly like to thank all those partners who have supported us over the last nine months as we have explored moving to a commercial model following the cessation of our central government funding in March.<\/p>\n
Kate Willard (right) on a group Thames Clipper trip from London to Gravesend. Picture: Gravesham Borough Council<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, lovely Estuary. After so much effort on everyone\u2019s part, the business just did not quite make it, but we look forward to seeing you again.\u201d<\/p>\n
The non-government organisation worked with industry experts, businesses and political leaders across north Kent, south Essex, east London and the City of London.<\/p>\n
It worked as a single voice to accelerate growth across the Thames Estuary, such as by improving the use of the river, backing infrastructure projects and cultural and creative projects.<\/p>\n
Its action plan, Green Blue, wanted to maximise benefits and opportunities for the land, communities and businesses along the waterway.<\/p>\n
The closure will see yet another firm, which was \u201cchampioning\u201d Kent, shut this year.<\/p>\n