Foreword
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council recognises the leading role it can play in helping to drive forward sustainable economic growth, and shape the borough into a place that offers a high quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
This is a responsibility that we take on with enthusiasm, but it is by no means a small undertaking in the current economic climate. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a considerable legacy, with the sizeable impact on economic and personal well-being resulting in changes in the way many people live their lives and how businesses continue to operate.
At the same time there is a growing imperative for action in mitigating the worst effects of climate change – making sure that the council leads by example, but also supporting the local business community to move towards carbon net zero.
These are challenging times, but it is vital that the council proactively uses the resources at its disposal to help steer our economy towards a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future. Our Economic Development Strategy 2023-2027 sets out how, with our partners, we aim to achieve this.