Kent CC has met with regional business to consult on regeneration plans for the next two decades. Despite the downturn, the council is drawing up its draft vision for the future of the county, to identify key opportunities and the challenges which must be addressed. Major issues include increasing the skills base, a growing and older population, the effects of climate change, transport and housing. The county's economy is predominantly made up of small and medium-sized enterprises which could be well-positioned to gain when the economic recovery starts. Council leader, Paul Carter, said: ‘The British and Kent economies have undergone massive changes in the past two decades. ‘And this provides far-reaching challenges and opportunities for Kent's residents and businesses.'