Expert Office Advice

Stats and information for businesses considering relocation to or setting up an office in Maidstone.

Maidstone is located at the heart of the so-called Garden of England. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and at the same time its town centre has the largest office centre in the county. The River Medway runs through the town centre which is known for its fine museums. It is currently going through a phase of regeneration and have major commercial, residential and retail developments taking place.

Population
138948 (Census 2001)

Migration, immigration, ethnic diversity, basic population demographics
• Majority of the population fall under the 30-44 age bracket
• Maidstone’s population is 97.3% white.
• The largest minority ethnic group is Indian (0.5%).

Unemployment/employment rate
• 66.3% are employed
• 2.2% are unemployed
• The rest of the population are either students, retired, homemakers or disabled.

Average income/salary
• £26,096 per annum (2002)

Location within the UK and closest major location
• Located in Kent, England
• London - 35 miles
• English Channel - 35 miles

Transport options to and within
• Maidstone has good public transport services. You can get around by bus, car, train, ferry and coach.
• Community transport schemes for rural areas available.
• Roads and highways are well maintained.

Closest airports with average distance from town/city centre
• London Southend Airport - 22.53 miles
• London City Airport - 26.69 miles
• Lydd (London Ashford) Airport - 27.27 miles

Dominating sectors / industries
• Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles - 17.89%
• Real estate; renting and business activities - 13.3%
• Manufacturing - 11.47%
• Health and social work - 9.66%
• Construction - 9.49%
Data from Census 2001 Key Statistics

Large companies that have headquarters or major branches in the location
• Whatman
• Marley
• Ace Insurance
• Scarab
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Karen Millen

Areas that are considered to be prime business locations
• Fremlin Walk
• Mall Chequers
• Week Street
• High Street
• King Street
• Lockmeadow Centre

Major or annual business-related events
• Tour de France - passes through here in June

Awards
• Maidstone Museum – at Tourism South East’s Awards for ExSEllence Maidstone Museum was chosen as runner-up in the ‘Best Small Visitor Attraction’ category.
• Kent Messenger Millenium Bridge - London/UK Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Excellence in Design Award (2003)

Other
• Recently qualified for Selective Finance for Investment (SFIE), a business grant scheme for Small & Medium Sized Enterprises.

Special business benefits/dispensations
• Empty Property Rating Exemptions
• Charitable Rate Relief
• Rural Rate Relief
• Discretionary Rate Relief (including Hardship & Part Occupied Relief)

3 best things about the location
• Known as the commercial heart of Kent.
• Strengths are finance, media, and professional service.
• Ranked in the top five shopping centres in the south east of England for shopping yields

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