National towns conference brings £100.000 boost to Kendal economy

Reported by Karen Morley 16/02/2012

Action for Market Towns (AMT) has announced that their National Convention in 2012 will be held in the South Lakeland town of Kendal.  The event will attract over 200 delegates to the two day event on 18th and 19th October, bringing an estimated spending power of over £100,000 to the town’s hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and shops.

Kendal Futures worked closely with Kendal Town Council, South Lakeland District Council and Kendal College to secure the event.  Kendal beat off strong competition from other areas to be awarded the event after AMT Chief Executive, Chris Wade, visited the town in early December.  

Chris Wade, AMT’s Chief Executive, said:  “Our national convention is a key date for representatives from towns all over the UK – they come along to learn about new, practical solutions to challenges, to debate, to share ideas, and to network. And if they can’t attend they follow the action through AMT’s online coverage and news coverage – 2011’s event attracted widespread radio, TV and newspaper attention.

“It’s critical therefore that AMT chooses a host town that is itself exemplary and we are delighted to announce that Kendal is the host for the 2012 convention. Kendal matches AMT’s vision of a ‘Town Alive’ and put in an incredibly impressive bid to stage the event. We look forward to working with Kendal Futures, the Town Council and South Lakeland District Council to make this year’s event the biggest and best ever.”

Council Leader Brendan Jameson said “SLDC is delighted to support this event.  Kendal has a mix of heritage, culture and festivals, a diverse shopping experience and a strong education offer with Kendal College, making it an ideal place for other town leaders to explore and engage with.”

Town Councillor Austen Robinson, who sits on the Kendal Futures Board, said “Kendal Town Council is looking forward to welcoming AMT to Kendal.  We may be well known for our Mint Cake, but this is a great opportunity to put us on the national map and show that there’s much more to this thriving market town.  Our approach to partnership working is helping to address successfully the challenges facing us today.”  

The convention will mainly be held in Kendal Town Hall and will feature study tours around the town to showcase projects, developments and share best practice.  Workshops and case studies will discuss key topics affecting towns nationally and the programme will involve key national speakers and government leaders.

During the convention, a gala dinner will be held at Kendal College featuring  the annual AMT Awards ceremony which recognises key town projects from across England, Scotland and Wales.

Peter Hensman, Chair of the Kendal Futures Board, said “Kendal Futures is delighted Kendal has been chosen to host this national event.  Staging such events strengthens our claim to be a great place to visit, work and live.  This is just one of several examples in the town where partnership working directly supports the local economy, and we look forward to showcasing some of Kendal’s key initiatives and successes to a national audience.”