Kent businessman and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Geoff Miles, has been presented with the prestigious Invicta Award for his fantastic contribution towards the Kent economy.
Presenting the award, Chairman of Kent County Council, David Brazier, thanked Mr Miles for working tirelessly for the county’s business community and providing a strong voice in attracting new investment to Kent, planning for the future and removing barriers to economic growth.
Geoff Miles has been in the entertainment industry for over 40 years, boasting a distinguished and varied background in producing and directing in all areas of television, cementing his firm reputation as an industry leader.
Presenting the 2018 Kent Invicta Award at County Hall, David Brazier told members of KCC “Since purchasing Maidstone Studios in 2002 with his business partner, Geoff has used his impeccable diplomatic and negotiation skills to ensure the studios are now known as a hub of creative talent, leading to the development of the excellent on-site HD studios.
“Geoff has always been keen to use him time to support businesses and projects that appeal to and reach a wider demographic of people across the County as can be seen from his work with Kent Music and the broadcast media students at the UCA.
“In his role as a Deputy Lieutenant and Kent Ambassador Geoff continues to work tirelessly with and on behalf of Kent businesses, highlighting their existence and encouraging businesses to both flourish within the County and to relocate to the area.”
Leader of Kent County Council, Paul Carter, added “Geoff has given so many hours of service to Kent, particularly in his role on the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.
“He goes about his business quietly, effectively and efficiently and really gets things done. On behalf of all the whole County Council, but more importantly on behalf of the business community in Kent, we owe you an enormous thank you for all of the time energy and effort you have put in to helping support our economy grow.”
Accepting the award, Geoff Miles said “I’ve had a great life as a TV producer – it has been terrific. But actually, over the last 14 or 15 years, since I was strong-armed into taking on the Channel Corridor Partnership with the one aim of making the channel corridor the place to be and the place to work, it has been a distinct learning curve.
“The Kent Economic partnership is about all of us working together to do the best we can for Kent business. It’s not because of me, it’s about ‘Team Kent’ – all of us working together to deliver a quality of thinking in Kent and Medway that is still growing and is working.
“Kent is a place I believe in. I think we can go from strength to strength. I thank you for this award.”
Along with the award Geoff also received two cheques for a total of £5,000 which will go towards his chosen charities, Kent Lung Awareness and The Blackthorn Trust.