Thinking Business April 26

THINKING

BUSINESS • OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • APRIL - MAY 2026 •

From compliance to opportunity How Kent is turning environmental policy into economic success. Page 18 n The Big Interview with Nic Brown, NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield talks about the agency’s plans for growth. Page 16 n International Trade. Page 36 n Chamber Events. Page 40 n Chamber Business Awards. Page 42 n New Members. Page 48

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Welcome & Contents

Working together around a shared ambition for productivity and growth creative activities helps children and young people to explore their feelings when a loved one dies. We look forward to supporting the charity in any way we can.

Tudor Price Chief Executive Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business magazine!

We are proud to announce that Holding On Letting Go is the Chamber’s Charity of the Year.

The charity supports children across Kent who are affected by bereavement. Their therapeutic support using play therapy and

Contents

The MegaGrowth 50 awards unveiled Kent’s 50 fastestgrowing businesses at a special event in Maidstone. The prestigious league table is based on the average turnover growth of privately-owned businesses in Kent with a minimum turnover of £1 million. Congratulations to every organisation which made the top 50, topped by Kingsheath Construction Ltd, which has grown by an impressive 271.6%.

In the Big Interview, new partner, Nic Brown talks about his career history and working all over the world, and the plans to grow NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield to triple in size over the next 10 years. Nic speaks about the importance of

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having a strong relationship with the Chamber for support and increase customer reach.

works together around a shared ambition for skills, productivity and growth.

Across Kent, the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy is no longer theoretical – it is embedded in procurement frameworks, infrastructure projects and local growth strategies. We need to optimise our organisations for long-term value. Our environment cover feature explores how to do this.

This year’s Chamber Awards are opening for entries on 13th April (See page 42.) It is always the highlight of the annual calendar so don’t miss out on getting your entries in. This is our chance to celebrate all the incredible achievements of our businesses and talented individuals. A huge thank you to our sponsors and our hardworking Chamber team who always ensure the event is a success.

Geopolitical uncertainty amidst the conflict in the Middle East has led to a gloomy forecast for growth, however, the Chamber is here to provide expert advice and support with international trade.

In more positive news, Skills 26 brought together employers, educators, policy leaders and training providers from across Kent & Medway and was a brilliant example of what can be achieved when a region

Chamber Charity

26-27 Skills

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Members News

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Members News

30-31-33 Members News

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Mega Growth 50

34-35 Economy

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Chamber News

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Patron News

36-37 International Trade

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Chamber Facilities

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Business News

12-13 Members News 16-17 The Big Interview 18-23 Cover Feature – Environment

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Members News

48-49 New Members

40-41 Chamber Events

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Movers & Shakers

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Last Word

Chamber Awards

Tudor Price Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

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I look forward to seeing you all very soon at a Chamber event.

Editorial and General Enquiries

Publisher

Chief Executive: Tudor Price Tel: 01233 503 838 info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk

Advertising and Features

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Sevington, Ashford, Kent.

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Media No. 2173 Published April 2026 © Benham Publishing

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Disclaimer

Thinking Business is published for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in Thinking Business are not necessarily those of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2026. Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

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Chamber Charity

Holding On Letting Go

named Kent Invicta Chamber’s charity of the year

As a small charity, we were surprised to be named as the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce (KICC) Charity of the Year for 2026 – it still hasn’t sunk in!

About Holding On Letting Go (HOLG) We were founded in 1998 by a group of health professionals who realised there was no support for bereaved children in Kent. Our Clinical Lead Debbie McSwiney, was one of the original founders.

We provide bereavement support to children, young people, their families and carers, assisting them to move positively through the grieving process.

We help them to hold onto precious memories and let go of the sad ones before and/or after a bereavement.

Our services are free to children aged up to 18 and their families; anyone can make a referral to us, including friends, family, schools and professionals – with the family’s permission.

Sometimes, a death is expected, through illness or injury, for example, and at other times, it is more sudden, after an accident, suicide or traumatic death.

How we support children and their families

Every month, we hold a Bereavement Support Weekend – this is the main way we support the families we meet.

Children and young people come to a two-day, non-residential activity weekend, held at one of our Kent venues.

They can meet other bereaved children – often for the first time, reducing their feeling of isolation.

Therapy is based on creativity - they enjoy lots of arts, crafts and music sessions, which enable children to express how they feel without having to find words; something children find hard for a big emotion like grief.

Every child is invited to create a memory box to take into their future and fill with more memories of their loved one.

Future support is available to all families we meet.

Who we help

From April 2024 - March 2025, we supported 376 children and families through a range of interventions, including 171 children and

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85 parents/carers attending our specialist bereavement support weekends held in Sittingbourne, Wrotham, Sheppey, Bexley, and Thanet.

We provided pre-bereavement support to 24 families and post-bereavement one-to-one support to 15 children and young people.

We began partnerships with 25 new schools, offering both group and individual support.

We sent out 364 information resource packs and signposted 34 referrals to other appropriate services.

Our Bereavement Café supported 18 parents/ carers and 11 children and young people, while two large reconnection events (Summer Family Fun Day, and New Year Party) brought together 128 children and families in a supportive social environment, offering vitally important peer connection and support.

Training and Outreach

53 volunteers received safeguarding and specialist training, including sessions on traumatic death and baby loss. We also delivered 10 bespoke external training events to professionals in health, social services, fostering teams, and education providers, focusing on young people’s mental health and wellbeing following bereavement.

Jules Tobin, HOLG CEO, said: “This really is fantastic news for our small charity, and we are very grateful to have been chosen – especially

as we are working towards a very big target this year with our £350 for 300 campaign.

“Promoting our charity to such a diverse and wide-ranging community of businesses associated with the Chamber, provides us with so many opportunities to share what we do, ask for donations, inspire fundraising support and reach more families who need our help. There may also be businesses with skills to help us too – and we are looking forward to meeting them.

There are so many ways individual businesses can help us within their budgets and marketing plans – we are grateful for any support they can give us; big or small, it will make a difference.”

£350 for 300 campaign

One of our key fundraising priorities is our “£350 for 300” campaign — a year‑long fundraising drive to raise £105,000 to support the 300 children we expect to meet over the next 12 months.

Businesses can aim to fundraise for one child – setting their target at £350, support multiple children, or of course, part-fund a child’s support with us through a smaller donation that contributes – donations under the full £350 are very welcome too, and make a difference.

Our lottery has also been relaunched this year and for £5 a month, we are hoping to attract Chamber players to join us.

holg.org.uk

Read here (https://holg.org.uk/help-support/personal-stories/ ) to find out the difference HOLG makes to families – made possible because of generous donations and support.

Thinking Business

Legal Update

The Future of Net Zero?

How the Construction Industry is Adapting to Changes There has been mounting pressure for the construction industry to meet net zero targets over the past several years through various frameworks which have tightly embedded sustainability and energy performance in legislation and regulatory practice.

However, the changing political landscape increases the challenge for developers, contractors, and commercial landlords who must remain alert to changing obligations.

Compliance is no longer merely a reputational issue, but a legal and financial one that impacts value of assets, lettability and longterm visibility.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) This remains one of the most substantial regulatory drivers in the commercial property market. Since April 2023, it has been prohibited for landlords to let commercial properties with an EPC rating under E, which has forced many landlords to reassess and invest in energy upgrades due to the heavy fines that can be incurred for breaches. For many Kent-based construction firms, this has created a clear shift towards refurbishment and retrofit projects rather than focusing purely

on new builds given the extensive ‘stock’ of commercial property already held. Low carbon materials, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, insulation improvements and upgrading glazing are now standard requirements for properties.

In 2025, a landlord was issued a £4,000 penalty by the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, as the property had an EPC rating of F. The landlord claimed to not have a strong understanding of EPC requirements but the judge sided with the council and stated that notice had been served correctly and the penalty was upheld.

Future EPC Targets and Compliance Deadlines Looking ahead, proposed Government targets are expected to tighten EPC requirements significantly with current policy direction suggesting properties may need to reach C rating by 2027 and EPC B by 2030.

While these targets are still subject to final legislation, the industry is already preparing for stricter thresholds. Equally, landlords are considering whether leases should be amended so that the recovery of costs necessary to meet minimum standards can be passed on to tenants (although there is much objection). Expensive upgrades are in the near-term future of many owners given older commercial buildings risk becoming

“stranded assets” if there is a failure to meet obligations. Equally, this will have a direct impact on construction, design and build, project management, specifications and cost planning. Developers will need to prioritise energy modelling in the stages before pre-construction, in concept and feasibility, because a lack of future-proofing could impact saleability and demand.

Reform of Energy Performance Regulations For the time being (and for good environmental reasons!) everyone should work towards the potential that these tightened obligations will be implemented. The continuing reform of the Energy Performance of Buildings framework (EPB) is set to improve how energy data is measured, monitored and implemented which is likely to mean increased scrutiny and more ‘active’ enforcement.

For construction professionals, this means greater accountability for actual building performance, not just intent. There is an expectation that completed commercial developments will be able to demonstrate real efficiency, rather than achieving compliance on paper.

For landlords, planning should be put in place to ensure that work can be funded when it is required.

Simon Stempien

Partner - Commercial Property Department T: 01227 367355 E: simonstempien@girlings.com

girlings.com Thinking Business

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Celebrating over 35 years of trusted financial advice.

A proud milestone of over 3 decades of guiding individuals and businesses with expertise, integrity and long-term financial confidence.

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Advertising Feature

Corporate investments - keeping surplus funds productive Successful businesses often hold surplus funds which sit idle on business bank accounts.

Financial planning experts, FAS, look at corporate investment options that aim to keep company funds productive and highlight pitfalls to avoid.

For businesses that find themselves holding significant cash reserves, leaving funds idle in a business bank account, earning little or no interest, is rarely the most efficient strategy.

Whether the surplus cash has arisen from profitable trading, the sale of an asset, or simply disciplined cash management, company directors should consider the benefits of keeping surplus funds productive, whilst balancing prospective returns, access to capital and risk.

Most companies will aim to keep a safe operating balance held on immediately available cash. The amount that a company should hold as cash varies depending on a range of factors, including fixed operating costs, anticipated expenditure, Corporation Tax and other liabilities, together with any expected variance in forthcoming trading conditions.

We always recommend directors consult with their company’s accountant to help determine the most appropriate level to hold as immediate working capital.

Once immediate needs have been determined, it is important to look to keep additional funds productive, as not doing so presents a missed opportunity to generate additional returns on idle funds but also leaves company cash exposed to the eroding impact of inflation. It is sensible to identify the investment time horizon for any funds not held on immediate cash, to divide funds into a proportion that is easily accessible and separate funds that can be committed to longer-term investments.

Savings options Business savings accounts provide a straightforward option. Easy access savings accounts tend to offer lower rates of interest, but provide quick access to funds, which may

prove invaluable if the business needs to deploy funds at short notice. Beyond immediate access, banks and other financial institutions offer notice and fixed term deposit options, which offer higher rates of interest, but require cash to be locked away for a defined period. In the case of fixed term deposits, the bank will almost certainly not allow earlier access to funds during the fixed term, and therefore caution should be employed to make sure sufficient liquidity is maintained.

Corporate investments Businesses are not restricted to holding surplus company funds as cash. Investing surplus company funds can generate improved returns to those available on deposit; however, care is needed to select the right mix of asset classes, considering when funds may conceivably be needed, and the level of risk that the directors feel comfortable with.

The first option to consider are money market funds, which are pooled investments that invest in fixed and floating rate notes, high-quality debt instruments and short-dated gilts and corporate bonds. Despite the composition of a money market fund, the fund is not risk free, although returns offered are generally higher than cash deposits.

Companies seeking to employ company cash more effectively could consider investment grade corporate and government bonds, with the aim of generating better returns than those offered by money market funds. When investing in fixed income securities, inflation risk can effectively be reduced by selecting bonds with short dates to redemption.

consequences if not followed, including the potential loss of Business Asset Disposal Relief, which delivers a reduced Capital Gains Tax rate when directors sell shares in a “trading company”.

HMRC broadly define a “trading company” as one where the majority of the activities undertaken relate to a trade, rather than the investment activity itself. As a rule of thumb, if 20% or more of the company’s income is derived from investments, or 20% of the directors’ time is spent dealing with investments, or 20% of the company’s assets are held in investments, this could jeopardise a company’s trading status in the eyes of HMRC. These are, however, only guidelines, and we regularly liaise closely with company accountants to review the financial position of the company and the implications of any investments held.

Streamlined solutions At FAS, we often assist businesses with investing surplus cash effectively. We can construct bespoke investment portfolios aimed to match the time horizon and risk profile for the funds in question, or manage funds on a discretionary managed basis, thus ensuring the portfolio is regularly reviewed and rebalanced.

If you are a director of a company that holds surplus funds, speak to one of our independent advisers about the options available to deploy those funds more productively. © Financial Advice and Services Ltd 2026

For company funds that can be invested for a longer period, a diversified portfolio of equities (shares) could provide greater returns, albeit with higher levels of investment risk.

By constructing a portfolio across these asset classes, in combination with a sensible strategy for short term cash, businesses can look to build a portfolio designed to keep surplus funds productive, whilst meeting liquidity requirements.

HMRC investment company rules In our experience, directors are often unaware of HMRC rules when investing surplus funds held by a business, which can have significant

The content of this article is for information only and does not constitute financial advice. It is for general information only and should not be relied upon when making any financial planning decisions. You should always obtain professional independent advice based on your circumstances. Tax legislation is subject to change. Financial Advice & Services Limited, Independent Financial Advisers, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Members News

Child bereavement charity relaunches monthly lottery

West Kent serviced offices celebrates 100 per cent occupancy

Rochester-based charity Holding On Letting Go has re-launched its monthly lottery and is inviting businesses and individuals to take part.

The charity supports children across Kent who are facing an imminent bereavement or who are grieving. Sometimes, a death is expected, through illness or injury, for example, and at other times, it is more sudden, after an accident, suicide or traumatic death.

Their therapeutic support, based in play therapy and creative activities, helps them and their families to explore their thoughts, feelings and emotions. Their parents/carers are also supported, to help the whole family.

Support is given at bereavement support weekends, home visits, in phone calls and video calls, with art resource packs sent to children as part of the therapy.

All of the charity’s services are free to the children and families supported and referrals can be made by families themselves, or someone on their behalf with permission – a friend, relative or health professional. The charity also works in schools if a death has affected the children.

Tickets for the lottery are £5 each and the monthly prize is currently £100 – with plans to offer more as the lottery grows. Not only could players pocket a cash prize, but their support will create a regular donation to the charity. Tickets could be bought for staff or clients, gifted on special occasions, or given out at events.

Visit the Holding On Letting Go website to read more about what they do, the families they help and how to support them at events or through challenges. holg.org.uk/lotto

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Thinking Business

Churchill Square Business Centre has achieved full capacity this month for the first time in seven years, signalling robust demand for flexible workspace.

The milestone positions the Kings Hill site, which boasts 195 office suites, as one of the county’s most in-demand serviced office providers.

Consisting of eight buildings, including seven H-blocks which formerly housed airmen during World War II, the centre is home to a diverse variety of small and medium sized businesses. These include beauticians, therapists, recruitment consultants, architects, marketeers, graphic designers, printing specialists, dentists and much more.

Churchill Square’s Centre Manager Toni Wilkinson, who leads a six-strong team, said: “Reaching and maintaining 100 per cent occupancy at Churchill Square Business Centre, especially with our flexible onemonth rolling licence model, is an incredible achievement.

“It demonstrates the continued demand for agile, high-quality workspace and is a real testament to the hard work of our team and

the strength of the business community we’ve built here.

“What makes this milestone so special isn’t just that all eight buildings on site are full, but that it’s driven by relationships, trust and the flexibility we provide our customers. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”

The centre expanded from 166 serviced offices to 195 units in 2018 following the construction of a multi-million-pound reception area, meeting room facilities and new offices.

The lowest vacancy level previously recorded was three achieved for one week in October 2021, again for one week in September 2024, and on five occasions in late 2025 when economic uncertainty was at an all-time high.

Capital Space Chief Executive Lorraine Lee said: “With195 units, this is a very impressive achievement.”

As well as providing workspace, the centre offers business services such as parcel collection and telephone answering services, plus virtual office packages. www.capitalspace.co.uk/locations/kings-hill

Meet Jon Quinn ellenor’s new CEO Hospice charity ellenor has appointed a new CEO – who joined them in February.

Jon Quinn returns to the charity sector where much of his career has been spent, until his last role; seven years as a Director with Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Before joining the fire service, he was Chief Executive of a disability charity and previously worked at Shelter.

While fire and rescue may seem a world away from hospice care, Jon sees strong parallels. As he begins his role, he’s clear about one thing: leadership at this moment is not about arriving with all the answers, but about listening, understanding and earning trust.

He said: “Both are deeply people-facing, highly regulated environments where trust really matters. You’re working with colleagues who deliver critical services every day, often in emotionally demanding situations.

Governance, safeguarding and accountability shape day-to-day decisions and have real consequences for people.”

Outside of work, Jon has previously been a Trustee at Refugee Action, and most recently a coach and mentor to people on leadership schemes.

Jon grew up in Lewes, East Sussex, enjoys watching football (Spurs), rugby, walking, cycling and visiting galleries. He’s also learning Italian and loves the country. www.ellenor.org

Tips for improving your personal PR They say that first impressions count, but in business, it goes beyond the initial meeting or exposure.

Building reputation, credibility and positioning yourself as the go-to business when the time is right, takes time and conscious effort.

Here are some tips from Sarah Hawes at Izzy PR to think about to build and maintain your personal PR in your networks, industry or peer groups.

Be clear, not clever Be clear in saying what you do and who for. Waffle doesn’t work – if they can’t work out what you do, they can’t invite you to collaborate, advise, quote or tell others about you.

Try using this format: “I help [ideal clients] with [overview of service] so that [outcome to them]”

Lead with the problem you solve Use outcomes, not job titles. People connect to results – and will listen more to this than your job title – especially if it’s a long one!

Own your expertise – be confident Be confident in what you do – it’s what people are looking for to take a problem off their hands. Avoid phrases like: “I only…” and “I’m just a…”

Dress for the occasion Always be yourself, comfortable and authentic, but do ensure you know the dress code so that you are respectful of the event.

Members News

Introducing On Planning: Clear, Commercial Planning Advice In a planning system that’s becoming more complex, slower and increasingly risk averse, On Planning was created to offer something refreshingly different: a consultancy built on clarity, commercial awareness and a commitment to high standards in every project they take on.

Based in Kent and working nationwide, On Planning specialises in navigating the full spectrum of planning challenges – from strategic site promotion and residential development to commercial schemes, rural diversification, and lawful development matters.

Their approach is simple: combine deep technical expertise with a proactive, evidence driven mindset that anticipates objections before they arise.

Clients value their ability to translate policy into opportunity, to simplify complexity, and to produce submissions that are robust, original and persuasive.

Share the time you have – allow them to tell you what they do and for who, and make sure you also get the chance. Be aware of both letting someone else speak and also carving out time for you too.

They act for developers, landowners, architects and businesses. As the planning landscape continues to evolve, On Planning remains committed to providing clear advice, strong advocacy, and a service built on integrity and high standards.

www.Izzypr.co.uk

www.onplanning.co.uk

Make it a two-way conversation

Thinking Business

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MegaGrowth 50

Photography by Matthew Walker

MegaGrowth 50: Celebrating exceptional business growth in Kent In March, the MegaGrowth 50 awards unveiled Kent’s 50 fastest-growing businesses at a special event in Maidstone.

MegaGrowth 50 recognises companies that are driving growth across the county. The prestigious league table is based on the average turnover growth of privately-owned businesses in Kent with a minimum turnover of £1million, as recorded in their full accounts filed at Companies House over the last four years. High performing companies that did not file full accounts, but met the criteria and applied for consideration were also eligible for inclusion.

This year’s top 50 was announced at a special presentation breakfast held at Tudor Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Maidstone. Top of the table was Kingsheath Construction Ltd who had grown by an impressive 271.6% over the relevant period.

Established in 2018, the business is a leading groundworks, civil engineering, demolition and reinforced concrete frame contractor. It takes pride in exceeding expectations using the latest technology, solid construction principles, and outstanding health and safety standards.

Managing Director, Jamie Pike, was delighted at taking the top spot in this year’s MegaGrowth 50. He commented, “We are very proud of our achievements in an extremely challenging market. Finishing first this year, in a list of very well respected companies, provides us with great satisfaction and will no doubt motivate us to excel further. Our sustained growth is testament to our team and their constant hard work and dedication. We continue to evolve bringing innovation and expertise to our clients.”

Last year’s winner SCA.-Shipping Consultants Associated Ltd took the runner up position, with growth of 242.5%. Primech Building Services Ltd, the 2024 winner, took third place this year with 227.2% growth.

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MegaGrowth 50 is produced by leading law firm Brachers, alongside accountants and business advisers Kreston Reeves, and is staged in partnership with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

James Bullock, Head of Corporate and Commercial at Brachers, said: “MegaGrowth 50 continues to highlight the strength of Kent’s business community. It’s inspiring to see that more than half of the ranked companies are family-owned and run – a true reflection of the county’s entrepreneurial spirit. At the same time, every business featured deserves recognition for achieving rapid growth in a challenging economic climate. It takes bold leadership, strategic thinking and innovation to scale at pace, and we commend all those featured for their outstanding achievements.”

Andrew Griggs, Senior Partner at Kreston Reeves, commented: “Kent’s business community is showing incredible resilience and ambition in the face of change. Rising costs and regulatory pressures haven’t slowed progress, in fact, they’ve sparked innovation. From digital transformation to sustainability, local companies are not just adapting; they’re setting the pace for growth and shaping the future of our region.

MegaGrowth 50 is a testament to this spirit.

These businesses represent the very best of Kent: adaptable, forward-thinking and committed to creating opportunities. As we look ahead to emerging sectors like green technology, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation, it’s clear that Kent is not only ready for the future, it’s leading it.”

Tudor Price, Chief Executive at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: “Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is proud to continue its longstanding support of MegaGrowth 50, celebrating Kent’s business community and championing local growth.

It was a delight to meet some of the successful businesses at the awards presentation, which pleasingly included several of our members.

The MegaGrowth 50 businesses are a great success story for our county, demonstrating that Kent remains a prime hotspot for doing business in the UK. The Chamber is always here to support and advise local businesses through the opportunities and challenges that come with a fast-growth journey. We hope, consequently, that many more of our members will earn a place in this prestigious ranking in the years to come.”

Details of all those appearing in the MegaGrowth 50 can be found at www.megagrowth50.co.uk MegaGrowth 50 is licensed from the KM Media Group.

Patron News

MidKent College Celebrates Decade of Civil Engineering Excellence Patrons of the Chamber, MidKent College hosted a landmark “Celebrating Technicians” event (March 3), marking nearly a decade of partnership with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and highlighting the vital role technicians play in shaping the built environment.

The event featured speakers who have been instrumental in the college’s civil engineering success: •

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Malcolm Peake - Professional Development Manager and long-term MKC supporter, who presented his new book, Successful Professional Reviews for Civil Engineering Technicians, which features case studies of MKC students.

Susan Hawkes – Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) a lifelong advocate for technicians who achieved her EngTech MICE status at MidKent College in 2018.

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Becka Balch - an MidKent College alumna (HNC) who successfully passed her EngTech professional review in 2025.

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Charlotte Brown – MidKent College Lecturer of 17 years, who also celebrated achieving her EngTech status this year.

Malcolm Peake told them, “Today is a powerful reminder of the essential contribution technicians make to the industry. Bringing together voices like Sue, Charlotte, and Becka sparks inspiring conversations about building careers and succeeding in ICE Professional Reviews.”

Building on the connections between the college and ICE, MidKent College announced that the President of the ICE, David Porter, will visit the campus on 18th June 2026. This marks a historic third visit from an ICE President to the college, following appearances by Tim Broyd (2017) and Keith Howells (2023).

David Porter who took office in November 2025, will meet with students and staff to discuss the future of the profession, further cementing the college’s reputation as a premier hub for civil engineering education in the Southeast.

MidKent College’s Civil Engineering department has a long-standing reputation for industry partnership and professional development.

For more information: https://www.midkent.ac.uk/courses/subjects/construction/hnc-in-civil-engineering

Dover’s Electric Buses Drive Community Forward on Net Zero Journey

The buses themselves are designed with that community in mind. Carrying up to 83 passengers, they combine sustainability with accessibility and comfort, featuring low-floor access, dedicated wheelchair spaces and onboard charging. For growing areas such as Whitfield, they support cleaner, quieter and more connected journeys.

Just over a month since their introduction, Stagecoach’s five electric buses are already delivering tangible environmental benefits, while placing the local community at the centre of the journey towards sustainability and net zero.

Operating on the Dover Fastrack network since February, the five zero-emission buses are helping to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and create quieter streets. The shift to electric public transport offers a clear, practical example of how greener infrastructure can make an immediate difference to everyday life for residents and local businesses.

Community engagement has been a defining feature of the rollout. Ahead of full service, residents were invited to a public event on

Pencester Road, where families, commuters and local people stepped onboard the new vehicles for the first time. The event gave the community a chance to explore the buses, speak with the team behind the project and experience the benefits of zero-emission travel up close.

Delivered through a partnership between Stagecoach South East, Kent County Council and Dover District Council, the initiative shows how collaboration can translate environmental ambition into real-world impact. In Dover, the move towards net zero is becoming part of daily life, experienced through cleaner air, quieter roads and a more sustainable way to travel. www.stagecoachbus.com/about/south-east Thinking Business

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Members News

You can’t help falling in love with revamped Elvis House Home is where the heart is, as Elvis Presley once sang — and Canterbury’s well‑known Elvis House now has a new legacy.

Canterbury City Council has completed a major transformation of 31a St Peter’s Place, turning it into the council’s first net‑zero social home.

Once recognised for displaying a picture of Elvis in its window for over 40 years, the property is now a leading example of a high‑quality whole‑house retrofit.

It will shortly welcome its first new tenant and act as a blueprint for how the council could decarbonise its wider housing stock.

The year‑long project used Passivhaus principles to deliver exceptional comfort, air quality and energy efficiency.

Dramatically improved insulation, airtightness and triple glazing mean the home requires far less energy to stay warm.

Other upgrades include fire‑safe external wall insulation, a fully insulated loft and floor, thermal‑bridge reduction and a state‑of‑the‑art ventilation system that recovers more than 90% of heat while supplying fresh, filtered air.

The home now stays comfortable year‑round, with overheating risks significantly reduced.

Annual heating demand has fallen from nearly 25,000 kWh to just 2,216 kWh — a 91% reduction — made even more efficient with the installation of a heat pump.

Family members of the previous tenant, Dorothy Mills, praised the transformation and the continuation of the house’s legacy.

Eight solar panels now generate enough clean electricity to cover the home’s heating needs.

The £338,000 project was partly paid for by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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12 Thinking Business

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Why management accounts matter more than ever for growing businesses Office Assistants is an award-winning, family-run bookkeeping firm that has helped businesses across the South East gain financial clarity for more than 20 years.

Managing Director Lynn Watson believes one of the most valuable tools for staying in control of business finances is monthly management accounts.

Unlike year-end accounts which look backwards, management accounts provide real-time insight into how a business is performing, including: - Turnover trends - Gross and net profit margins - Forecasted tax liabilities - Cashflow outlook For construction firms in particular, this visibility can be critical. In May 2025, construction accounted for over 17 per cent of UK

insolvencies – the highest of any sector (BCIS Insolvency Report).

Many of those businesses were profitable on paper, but cashflow gaps, squeezed margins and delayed payments created pressures that could not be seen early enough.

Management accounts act as an early warning system. They help business owners identify risks before they become problems, make informed decisions about pricing and costs, and plan ahead with greater confidence.

Lynn explains that clients who regularly review their management accounts often experience a noticeable shift, moving from reactive decisionmaking to proactive leadership, with greater peace of mind and more time to focus on growth rather than day-to-day firefighting. www.officeassistants.org

SmartWatt Energy Consultants support businesses to achieve their sustainability goals Although based in Kent, the business works throughout the UK across various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, airports and property management companies, as well as larger, SMEs and charities.

They help organisations to reduce both energy usage and carbon emissions through a range of different services. This is often achieved following an in-depth look at their buildings and the activities taking place within them. They carry out

a visual survey and analyse energy consumption data, which leads to identifying opportunities for building fabric and/or equipment improvement (such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, hot water), as well as looking at employee behaviour (i.e. how equipment is controlled). Findings are highlighted in a report which is easy to understand, showing all possible measures which can be taken, with an overview of the likely associated costs and how quickly each recommendation will pay for itself. Other work can involve

business strategy to record and reduce total carbon footprint.

The firm also offers energy compliance services such as ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) and SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting), as well as advice on how buildings can achieve a higher EPC rating, with modelling different measures until the correct rating is achieved.

Chamber members receive a 15 per cent discount. www.thesmartwatt.com

Your customers are like the plants in your garden by Angela Hall, from Insight House What’s on your ‘to do’ list? The days are lighter – but it doesn’t mean they’re longer, with more hours in the day.

What method do you use to decide which job gets the prime slot at the top of your list?

What’s the criteria for others dropping off the bottom, never to be done?

Sticking with the gardening theme, do you focus on the new or the existing plants?

Does your time and expenditure swing heavier towards those bedding plants that we buy tonnes of every year, knowing that they will only last a season, most only a few short months in the summer?

Alternatively, do you pay more attention to the perennials in your garden – protecting through the winter months, feeding them and nurturing them when the sun warms the soil in the spring? Both bring you the same enjoyment but one has a longer-term benefit.

Now, apply this same thinking to your customer base. Is acquiring customers at the top of your ‘to do’ list, while nurturing existing ones is a bit further down?

How much return do you get from your acquisition spend?

How much more value could you find from your existing customers with just a few simple steps?

You definitely can find value – it’s there waiting to be found. www.insighthouse.co.uk

Members News

East Kent Colleges Group Governor praises powerful impact of Think Differently Programme

A Governor of East Kent Colleges Group has praised the powerful impact of the Think Differently youth education programme following a recent session delivered within the college.

The award-winning Think Differently programme, delivered by Kenward Trust, provides honest, evidence-based education to young people about the risks and consequences of drug and alcohol misuse. Through real-life testimony and lived experience, the programme supports students in making informed and safer life choices.

Speaking after attending the session, Ella Sandall said: “Some messages stay with you long after you’ve left the room.

Experiencing Think Differently firsthand was incredibly powerful. Andy immediately captures the attention of the room with his lived experience.

He doesn’t lecture; he connects. You can see students listening differently.

“Then Kim shares her story as a mum who lost her son to drugs. The room falls completely silent. You could hear a pin drop. It is raw, honest and deeply moving, not designed to shock, but to make young people truly think about the ripple effect of one decision.

“As a Governor and as a mum, I feel strongly that programmes like Think Differently should be welcomed into every college and every school.

Young people need real conversations delivered with compassion and credibility.”

The unique dynamic between speakers, combining personal recovery experience with the perspective of a bereaved parent, creates a powerful and reflective learning environment for students. The programme encourages open discussion while reinforcing the real-world consequences of substance misuse.

Penny Williams, CEO Kenward Trust, said: “I am so proud of our Think Differently programme which is delivered in schools and colleges throughout Kent and we are keen to continue to expand its reach, in response to the growing concerns around substance misuse.”

Schools, colleges and organisations interested in learning more about the programme can visit: https://kenwardtrust.org.uk/services/youth-work Thinking Business

13

Supporting communities in Kent since 1781.

With offices in Tenterden, Canterbury, Maidstone and Ramsgate, we provide specialist legal services for individuals and businesses in the South East. + Contracts & Transactions + Tax & Estate Planning + Conveyancing + Employment + Licensing + Property + Probate + Family + Wills To find out how we can help, call us on 01622 698000 or email enquiries@wmlaw.uk whitehead-monckton.co.uk

Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in England & Wales.

Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279.

Profile

‘Kent business remains vibrant’

Christopher Longden, Managing Director of Whitehead Monckton, talks to Sarah Dale about future-proofing the law firm by becoming an Employee Ownership Trust and its plans for growth

Whitehead Monckton has a 245-year history in Kent and is one of the largest law firms in the county.

With offices located in Canterbury, Maidstone, Ramsgate, Tenterden and London, the company provides a comprehensive range of services in a variety of sectors, from property development to education, healthcare to manufacturing, To ensure its continued longevity and to stay independent, the law firm became an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) on 28th October last year.

“It is a fantastic change that we have made to become an EOT,” said Christopher Longden, who joined the company nearly 21 years ago as a senior litigation solicitor and has been Managing Director since October 2020.

“It’s a structure that ensures independence, stability and continued commitment to our clients and our staff. Ownership is held on behalf of all employees, reflecting our long-standing belief that our success is built together.

“We have always been a progressive firm and we want to continue to build on that.

Private equity firms have started to take an interest in law firms in the past 18 months, and we didn’t want to go down that route because we want to stay independent.

“Being an EOT is our USP in the marketplace.

There are around 9,000 law firms in the UK and only 40 or so are EOTs, including us.

I believe we are the only EOT law firm in Kent.”

The firm now has a board of trustees which oversees the management, as well as an employee council to generate and share ideas with the team.

It also underwent a brand and website refresh to introduce a vibrant new colour palette for six specialist groups within the firm: Corporate, Disputes, Employment, Family, Real Estate, and Succession.

As part of their strategic plan, they are looking at how they can expand their service offering and their geographical spread. They opened their own HR consultancy, Eclipse HR, in November 2023, within their head office in Maidstone at Eclipse Park, and their focus for 2026 and beyond is growing that side of the business.

methods of thinking, but there will always be space for very good responsive lawyers.

Our clients are themselves human and prefer to deal with other humans.”

Whitehead Monckton has been a member of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce for many years.

“Being a Chamber member gives us access to SMEs which are the lifeblood of what we do,” he said.

Staff retention is high and the company has grown from 100 employees four years ago to 130. Seven people work from the newest office in Ramsgate, which opened in 2024.

“They are exactly the sort of clients we want and need. We are a regional firm in Kent and need access to the Kent market. More than 90 per cent of our work is in Kent. Not only do they provide us with commercial work but the individuals within the businesses need support too.

“We are always recruiting and have recently taken on a senior family lawyer and a new small team of residential conveyancers in our Canterbury office,” he said.

“Although the economic landscape isn’t very positive at the moment across the UK, in Kent, business remains vibrant and we’re very excited about our future.”

“Trying to get the best people in is hard work and a challenge across the sector and it’s taken some time to grow our team in Canterbury.

❛❛ We are seeing

“We are seeing terrific growth across the business which is really pleasing to see. Our levels of staff retention are high, which is both good for our staff and good for our clients.”

Whitehead Monckton has recently introduced AI technology from Orbital to support the property team using trusted data, mapping and purpose-built AI technology.

terrific growth across the business which

is really pleasing to

see. Our levels of staff retention are high,

“AI can be seen as a challenge in the sector, but it depends on how you integrate it into your work,” added Christopher.

which is both good for

“It can save time and we have also introduced Copilot to train it on our systems and our

for our clients.

our staff and good

❜❜

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Sponsored Feature

NFU Mutual’s fifth largest agency has its sights on further growth

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The Big Interview

Nic Brown joined NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield as a new partner six months ago following a 30-year career which took him all over the world.

He talks to Sarah Dale about the agency’s plans for growth.

Nic Brown loved touring the world working across the insurance markets of the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia, but in the past few years he decided although he loved his job, he wanted to continue to build his career closer to home.

“I spent 30 years in the insurance industry, always in the corporate sector of finance,” said Nic, who has held leadership roles with Bupa Global, Aetna International, Cigna International, AXA and most recently as the Divisional Director for Markel.

“I decided a couple of years ago that I wanted to do something different. I love doing what I do but I was doing a lot of travelling and was away from my kids and I just wasn’t enjoying it as much as I once did. I decided it was time for a new challenge and spoke to NFU Mutual.”

NFU Mutual is a UK-based mutual insurance company owned by its policyholders and provides a wide range of insurance and financial planning services, primarily for farmers and rural communities.

There are over 280 NFU Mutual agency offices across the UK. Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield is the fifth largest NFU Mutual agency in the UK. It has 50 staff across its three offices and 9,000 customers across the portfolio.

The father-of-three joined NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield as an Agent and partner last September.

“The new role is going really well; I love it,” said Nic, who leads on sales and marketing and business development.

“We are a very large agency in a very thriving community.”

Whilst rural communities are at the heart of NFU Mutual, they support a wide range of businesses, from micro businesses to SMEs to large corporations and individuals including high net worth individuals.

“Our portfolio is broadly split between agriculture, high net worth and commercial business insurance, but we also look after a large number of home and motor customers,” said Nic. “Our plan over the next ten years is to triple in size. That growth is going to come from us working with many more business customers and many more high net worth individuals.

“I love the flexibility of running my own business with two other partners, but with the backing of a very large financially stable organisation.”

They joined the Chamber around ten years ago.

“As we have grown, we have been able to engage a lot more with the Chamber,” he said. “They have a fantastic ability to work with a lot of other businesses, and they celebrate local businesses with their awards ceremonies, recognising a range of different areas such as new businesses and customer service.”

“The relationship we have with the Chamber is really important for us to engage with our current and future customers. We will continue to do that through sponsoring awards and attending events. We are massive supporters of the Chamber.”

Market conditions have been “very difficult” in the insurance sector, but Nic said, “whilst we run our own business, we are extremely fortunate to represent a large and sustainable organisation like NFU Mutual, which makes us very robust.”

“Alongside this, our agency model places us local to our customers and helps us to deliver a first-class, personal service.”

“We work really hard to be present in the local community. We are a local business ourselves and know what affects local businesses. We are committed 100 per cent to supporting our clients.”

As part of their plans for growth, they have recruited six or seven roles into the business.

“Our strategy plan is to continue to recruit locally and build our team so that in ten years’ time we have double the workforce,” he added. “We have a positive culture; we put our employees first just like we do with our customers. Our employee satisfaction surveys are very high”.

“It’s an exciting time at NFU Mutual Ashford Tenterden and Whitfield and I am loving being a part of it.”

❛❛

The relationship we have with the Chamber is really important for us to engage with our current and future customers. We will continue to do that through sponsoring awards and attending events.

We are massive supporters of the Chamber.

❜❜ Thinking Business

17

Cover Feature | Environment

From compliance to opportunity

How Kent is turning environmental policy into economic success Across Kent, the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy is no longer theoretical - it is embedded in procurement frameworks, infrastructure projects and local growth strategies.

Driven by national net zero legislation, anchored in the Climate Change Act 2008, which sets legally binding carbon reduction targets to reach net zero by 2050, businesses are increasingly required, not only to reduce emissions, but to rethink how they use resources entirely.

18 Thinking Business

From large-scale developments like Ebbsfleet Garden City to grassroots circular economy programmes such as BLUEPRINT, Kent is emerging as a testbed for how environmental policy translates into real economic change.

The drive to net zero underpins all local and business-facing policy, with local mayoral strategic authorities, county councils, and unitary authorities all required to follow a strategic development strategy in driving local growth.

However, the circular economy is not just about rules and regulation – it’s something that is moving regions like Kent from compliance to opportunity, creating jobs, new business models and supply chain innovation.

Ebbsfleet Garden City is just one example of the successes we are seeing here. The development is a working example of how circular economy principles can be embedded into placemaking, delivering not only environmental gains, but long-term economic value for local businesses and communities.

Cover Feature | Environment is reflected in Ebbsfleet’s emphasis on highquality, future-proofed housing and infrastructure.

Rather than short lifecycle development, the scheme prioritises the long-term usability of buildings, flexible community infrastructure and stewardship models that extend beyond initial construction.

❛❛ By embedding circular economy

principles into land

use, infrastructure, governance and

community design, the development

is creating a model

where sustainability drives investment,

job creation and longterm asset value.

❜❜

The creation of the Ebbsfleet Garden City Trust is particularly significant as it gives residents a role in managing community assets and green spaces, moving away from a “build and move on” model, toward ongoing asset management and regeneration.

This encourages local people and businesses to take ownership of their environment on an ongoing basis - a key circular principle - which not only reduces future waste and redevelopment costs, but also creates local economic resilience, supporting jobs in estate management, maintenance, and community services over decades.

Much of the Ebbsfleet development is being delivered on previously used land, including former quarries.

Instead of treating these sites as liabilities, they are being repurposed into ecological and community assets: wetlands, chalk streams, and recreational spaces.

This aligns directly with circular principles, such as ‘waste as a resource’, by reintegrating brownfield land into productive use, and ‘regenerating nature’ by actively restoring biodiversity and natural systems.

With over 40 per cent of the area dedicated to green and blue infrastructure, Ebbsfleet is not simply reducing environmental harm, it is contributing to net environmental gain - an increasing requirement for development across the UK. For businesses, this creates opportunities in environmental consultancy, landscape design and biodiversity management and green construction and materials supply.

Ebbsfleet’s investment in active travel infrastructure, including cycleways and pedestrian routes connecting to surrounding communities such as Swanscombe, Greenhithe and Gravesend, plays a crucial role in the development of the types of systems the circular economy encourages.

Championed by the UK Government and delivered through Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, the project reimagines the traditional garden city model for the 21st century.

Its ambition goes beyond sustainability in the conventional sense.

Instead, it is designed as a system where resources, infrastructure, and communities are intended to function in a more circular, regenerative way. One of the core tenets of the circular economy is design for durability, and this

By designing in reduced reliance on private vehicles, integrated transport links and access to local services and amenities, the development helps to lower overall resource consumption and emissions across its lifecycle; improving connectivity, supporting labour mobility, increasing footfall for local businesses and encouraging stronger integration between new and existing communities.

A circular economy is fundamentally about optimising systems for long-term value - and that includes human capital.

As an NHS-designated Healthy Town, Ebbsfleet places health and wellbeing at the centre of its design.

By investing in green space, walkable neighbourhoods and community infrastructure, Ebbsfleet is helping to reduce long-term pressures on public services while supporting a healthier, more productive workforce, with a knock-on positive impact for local businesses.

Beyond infrastructure, Ebbsfleet creates the conditions for new business models aligned with circular principles.

Its “Space in the Place” approach to community infrastructure enables, shared spaces, multi-use facilities and local service ecosystems, which are the foundations for sharing economies and co-working, repair and maintenance services and localised supply chains.

Meanwhile, its Match My Project initiative is providing businesses and community organisations with the opportunity to get involved with community projects and deliver something which goes beyond mere environment, social and governance (ESG) obligations.

In this sense, Ebbsfleet Garden City is not just applying circular economy ideas - it is enabling them to emerge organically within the local economy.

By embedding circular economy principles into land use, infrastructure, governance and community design, the development is creating a model where sustainability drives investment, job creation and long-term asset value.

For SMEs across Kent, this signals a clear direction of travel.

Future growth will increasingly depend on the ability to operate within circular systems, whether through sustainable construction, low-carbon services, or participation in greener supply chains.

Kent and Medway’s county, unitary, borough and district councils are actively supporting residents and businesses to benefit from clean growth and a competitive, innovative, and resilient economy.

The councils understand that reducing carbon emissions presents a significant resource related challenge, which is why there are several programmes in Kent aimed at supporting organisations with reducing carbon emissions, which can be found at https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/climate-change/ business-can Nationally, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) supports a business-led transition to net zero based on practical support, not just regulation for SMEs, as well as investment in green skills and infrastructure and the decarbonisation of supply chains and transport.

The BCC’s messaging consistently emphasises that net zero must be economically viable for SMEs, with clear, stable policy essential for investment.

Find out more at British Chambers of Commerce – sustainability & net zero policy. https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/climate-change/ business-can/2?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Cover Feature | Environment

Creating a Circular South East

By Rob Robinson, Sustainable Business & Circular Economy Programme Manager, KCC Whether you’re a fabricator making street furniture for public sector clients or a marketeer working with developers on private housing developments, many of the common themes covered in this issue will resonate strongly as you seek to find that sweet spot between delivering effective projects, turning enough profit and showcasing some good Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) whilst doing so.

What still often gets overlooked when seeking improvements to operations, designs or business models are the true value of the ‘surplus’ resources and materials you and your supply chains work with day in, day out.

This could be discarded packaging or growing medium, offcut timber or sheet metal, spent grain or out of date/damaged/ over-ordered stock.

It may be a bi-product of your process or even a contingency ‘just in case’ they’re needed but it still has a value…which is currently likely sitting in your ‘costs’ column (and also possibly your on-site skip or storage depot!) The South East England Hub 4 Circularity is specifically set up to address these very scenarios, at the right level and geography to realise the benefits for and with firms like you.

United Circles is a wide-reaching programme to enable the creation of a number of innovative business models making the very best use of key resources throughout each region.

Our South East England cluster acts as a local hub for activities, community training and facilitation of industrial symbiosis (essentially ‘resource matching’) opportunities across Kent and Sussex (and neighbouring areas) across a wide array of sectors.

20 Thinking Business

Representative working groups (in agri-food, built environment, textiles, electronics & biomaterials) will enable industries in the county to learn lessons across borders and collaborate on implementing solutions and challenges closer to home, namely transforming current waste streams into valuable resources.

We’re also looking to create and support collectives of businesses working in re-use and re-manufacture across the region.

As you can tell, we’re looking to make the

very best effort regionally and internationally to help realise important economic and environmental outcomes through the circular economy (not least reviving valuable repair and design skills and opportunities across our labour markets). To do this, we need stakeholders, examples and test cases!

Please do engage with us through your networks and flag relevant activities with us via lowcarbon@kent.gov.uk or hello@ttbcircular.co.uk

Cover Feature | Environment

Making impact in the communities we serve through social action projects

WH Skinner: The complete package for sustainable design Maidstone-based packaging manufacturer WH Skinner is demonstrating that sustainability is most effective when it is embedded in day-to-day operations, not reduced to a slogan.

For this family-owned business, founded in 2003, environmental responsibility has been built into the company from day one and remains central to how it designs, manufactures and delivers packaging solutions today.

Specialising in corrugated cardboard point-ofsale displays, boxes, trays, impact-resistant packaging and large-scale display pieces for launches and trade fairs, WH Skinner has long focused on creating products that are recyclable, biodegradable and fit for a lowerimpact future.

Across East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group), students and staff don’t just learn and work within their towns, they actively help shape them through social action projects.

From environmental restoration to heritage preservation, social action has become woven into the fabric of college life with almost 50,000 learners rolling their sleeves up over the past decade to do their bit.

Their efforts, which have totalled up to be almost 350,000 hours of dedicated social action work, support the Group’s wider mission to empower local communities to grow their economic and social prosperity in a rapidly changing world. And with colleges across East Kent opportunities to contribute are never far away.

A recent project kicked off at EKC Dover College, which saw students partner with Future Foundry, a local non-profit which helps young people step into the creative industries. Learners volunteered to enhance a woodland walk area – a key piece of an ongoing environmental project designed to enrich Dover’s natural landscape for years to come.

Meanwhile, EKC Ashford College students cleared brambles and overgrown vegetation from graves, including a Commonwealth war grave, at St Michael and All Angels Church.

Their work not only preserved an important part of local heritage but supported the community that maintains it.

Construction students at EKC Folkestone College have also collaborated with Folkestone and Hythe District Council on the restoration of Kingsnorth Gardens.

Learners repaired dry stone walls and paving allowing them to put the skills they’d learnt at college into practice.

These projects showcase the best of EKC Group and are a testament to its students’ commitment to support their local communities.

Lucy McLeod, CEO of EKC Group, said: “Many of our students are drawn from areas of high social deprivation, so re-engaging them with their local communities and building the bridge into it is a large part of our programme of social action.

“It not only develops their sense of being a stakeholder within the locality but also assists in raising their aspirations within the community. Rather than considering themselves an outsider, they become an active participant who has a vested interest in acting in the best interests of the community.

“We encourage our students to lead projects so that there is additional engagement from them in the process, and they can take on challenges which are personally meaningful to them.

By working primarily with cardboard and responsibly sourced Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified materials, the business has stayed ahead of both regulation and changing customer expectations without needing to overhaul its core model.

Its sustainability efforts extend across the entire operation. WH Skinner’s electricity comes from renewable sources, including on-site solar generation and externally sourced wind power, while heating is powered by a centralised wood boiler. At least 99% of factory waste is recycled, and efficient manufacturing methods help minimise offcuts and material waste.

For WH Skinner, sustainability is also closely linked to smart design. The company believes innovation is not just about lowering unit cost, but about delivering broader value through reduced assembly time, lower transit damage and more efficient storage. In many cases, a slightly higher upfront packaging cost can create significant long-term savings for customers.

Looking ahead, WH Skinner believes government pressure, rather than technology alone, will drive the next major shift in sustainable packaging, particularly around reducing packaging use. whskinner.co.uk

“I am very proud of the social action projects that our college community has taken part in and look forward to seeing the positive and impactful role they continue to play in the communities we serve.”

Thinking Thinking Business Business

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Advertising Feature

Canterbury Archaeological Trust (CAT) Archaeology and The Environment Archaeology is often regarded as finding nice things and interesting sites and there is certainly an element to that. At its heart, it is about understanding how people lived in the past. How they organised, interacted with other people and their environment and how their decisions affected the future. It is about understanding how we got to where we are. This knowledge is crucial to helping navigate the challenges ahead.

• East Wear Bay, Folkestone, Kent: Archaeologists, including volunteers as part of CAT’s Outreach & Engagement programme, excavating a Roman villa in advance of its destruction due to coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change.

There are two principal ways in which archaeology and heritage have contributed to environmental issues. The first is to understand the past. Archaeological data includes finds which are the cultural evidence of the past, but also environmental information evidence of how people affected, and were affected by, their environment. For example, using the data we gain from archaeological sites, we can examine past changes in climate

Connect with us: 01227 462062 Connect with us: admin@canterburytrust.co.uk admin@canterburytrust.co.uk www.canterburytrust.co.uk www.canterburytrust.co.uk

22 Thinking Business

Examples in archaeology include understanding how communities in the past responded to and developed resilience in the face of climate change. With our recent appreciation of the impact of biodiversity loss, archaeology plays a key role in understanding how past changes in agricultural practices affect the biodiversity of a place and how that can help in contemporary society.

The second is to use archaeological remains to inspire and educate. To illustrate how people encountered problems in the past and how they developed resilience to persevere. This can then form an important part of a story of change to our landscapes both urban and rural. Landscapes have always changed, driven by humans and nature as one unified process.

Developing a sense of place in new and existing communities that links people to their heritage and creating stronger connections, has long been recognised as crucial, whether this be existing communities or forging links in newly developed ones. Heritage and the environment can be harnessed to produce a more rounded sense of place.

Our disconnect with nature is an increasingly recognised modern phenomenon, well-established and detrimental to physical and mental health. Archaeology and heritage can forge links with the past and show how society coevolved with nature.

Both are important parts of who we are. These disciplines can provide inspiration to current and future generations to meet the challenges to come.

For evidence led heritage and archaeological consultancy that supports your environmental strategy, get in touch with us.

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and biodiversity, to name two critical modern issues, as well as how humans dealt with waste and pollution.

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Advertising Feature

UK’S FIRST NET ZERO PORT

NEXT STOP – the world’s first high-volume green shipping corridor It has done so an incredible five years ahead of any other UK port and 25 years ahead of the Government’s own maritime net zero target.

Since 2007, Dover’s carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 have fallen dramatically by a staggering 98.3%, with the residual 1.7% of emissions being offset through an approved local regenerative farming scheme.

Port of Dover has achieved its highly ambitious net zero Scope 1 and 2 target, ‘Target 2025’, positioning it as the first UK port to reach net zero.

24 Thinking Business

The Port’s announcement has come after emissions were independently verified against ISO 14064: 2018 and the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard to ensure accuracy.

Operating on one of the busiest shipping corridors in the world, the Port of Dover / Short Straits system accounts for eight percent of all UK international maritime

emissions, so this news is a major step forward for the future of maritime decarbonisation.

That importance, and the disproportionate benefits that the shortest sea crossing delivers for Britain and its single biggest trading partner, means that there is a fantastic opportunity for the Port, in partnership with government, to demonstrate significant global leadership in maritime decarbonisation and avoid future UK, European and global carbon levies.

Decarbonising the Short Straits is not, however, just about doing the right thing for the planet, as important as that is for the port. It will keep consumer and supply chain prices down at a time of ongoing pressure on energy prices and the wider cost of living, reflecting the crucial role that Dover plays for the whole nation.

❛❛

With 130 ferry movements a day

facilitating £144 billion of trade per annum – that’s a third of the UK’s trade in goods with the EU - ‘Target 2025’ represents a key milestone on Port of Dover’s mission to establish the Short Straits as the world’s first high-volume Green Shipping Corridor.

With 130 ferry movements a day facilitating £144 billion of trade per annum – that’s a third of the UK’s trade in goods with the EU - ‘Target 2025’ represents a key milestone on Port of Dover’s mission to establish the Short Straits as the world’s first high-volume Green Shipping Corridor.

environment team have implemented modern and forward-thinking assets, sustainable processes and progressive behaviours across all areas of the port to get here. This has given Dover the tools for its customers, partners and internal stakeholders to follow.

On its journey to leadership on the global stage, the port has already been recognised by the Ecoports Port Environmental Review System, the main environmental management standard of the European ports sector.

One such example is the Port’s SEA (Safety and Environment Awareness) Award, a Dover-created initiative which recognises cruise lines that minimise their environmental footprint whilst in port through emissions reduction and recycling.

“Dover’s leadership sets an inspiring example for all other ports across Europe and beyond.” (Tim Verhoeven, EcoPorts Coordinator) There is incredible pride at the port, particularly in the way its in-house

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The Port’s longer-term ambitions require strong partnerships with industry and government, and the Port is already working hard with both.

Its Scope 1 and 2 achievements have, nevertheless, all been accomplished through its own drive and determination to champion sustainable maritime trade and travel through a range of targeted measures.

These have included the use of alternative fuels, renewable energy generation and efficiency initiatives.

Dover’s committed sustainability drive is an essential part of its masterplan to 2050, helping to protect the UK’s competitiveness and drive economic growth, whilst futureproofing its operation and business on the UK’s key trade artery.

Thinking Business

25

Skills

Skills 26: Collaboration, Ambition and Action Power a Landmark Skills Event for Kent & Medway More than a conference, Skills 26 was a statement of intent.

Held on Wednesday 18 March 2026 at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone, the flagship skills event brought together employers, educators, policy leaders and training providers from across Kent & Medway in a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when a region works together around a shared ambition for skills, productivity and growth.

26 Thinking Business

The event opened with two keynote addresses that set the tone for the day, firmly positioning Kent & Medway’s skills ambitions within both a national and regional context.

Lauren Edwards MP, Member of Parliament for Rochester & Strood, outlined the importance of skills to economic opportunity, productivity and social mobility, while Nick Rashley, Deputy Director at Skills England, provided insight into the national skills landscape and the critical

role regions play in shaping future workforce priorities. From the moment delegates arrived, there was a palpable sense of energy and momentum. With strong attendance from a wide cross section of organisations spanning business, education, local government, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, professional services and the voluntary sector, Skills 26 created a rare space where strategy met real world experience, and national policy connected directly with local delivery.

The Business of Skills panel explored why skills, training and workforce development must be treated as core business priorities rather than optional extras. Drawing on perspectives from employers, policy leaders and regional partners, the session reinforced the direct link between skills investment, productivity, innovation and long term resilience.

Later in the programme, Emerging Talent: Bringing the Skills Agenda to Life put lived experience centre stage. Apprentices, early career professionals and employers shared honest insights into recruitment, development and progression; grounding the skills conversation in real stories and practical action.

Practical seminars, lasting impact Delegates took part in a series of focused seminars addressing productivity, apprenticeships, social value, green skills, innovation and leadership. These sessions offered practical takeaways for employers while reinforcing the message that collaboration between business and education is essential to closing skills gaps and unlocking future growth.

Collaboration sat at the heart of Skills 26.

Developed through the Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and delivered in partnership with employers, colleges, universities, training providers and public sector partners, the event reflected the collective ownership of the region’s skills agenda.

This collaborative approach was evident not only in the breadth of organisations represented, but in the structure of the day itself combining keynote addresses, high profile panel discussions and seminars that encouraged open dialogue, challenge and shared learning.

Insightful panels and real world perspectives The main stage panels anchored the day’s discussion, tackling some of the most pressing questions facing employers today.

Reflecting on the evolution of the event, Carol Ford, Sector Specialist for the Fresh Food & Horticulture Task Group and Executive Chair of Produced in Kent, added:

“Having attended both Skills 25 and Skills 26, I was genuinely struck by how much the event has grown; not only in scale, but in the quality of the networking and the depth of cross sector collaboration. This year’s theme, Collaborate, Innovate, Succeed, was truly brought to life, with a buzzing atmosphere, record numbers of passionate attendees, and incredibly meaningful conversations. It was inspiring to see ideas shared so openly across sectors and to learn about innovative pilots and initiatives directly from those leading the way.”

A buzz that carried beyond the room Perhaps the clearest marker of success was the atmosphere throughout the day. From networking over coffee to animated discussions between sessions, Skills 26 was characterised by energy, optimism and a shared determination to make progress.

The variety of voices in the breakout rooms, from SMEs to large employers, educators to policy specialists, ensured that discussions were both strategic and grounded in operational reality.

As delegates left, the conversation continued; proof that Skills 26 was not a one off event, but a catalyst for ongoing collaboration, stronger partnerships and a more responsive skills system for Kent & Medway.

A strong message from leadership and employers

What comes next

Opening the event, Tudor Price, Chief Executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility and long term commitment to skills.

A truly collaborative event

Skills

“Skills 26 demonstrated what’s possible when businesses, educators and policy leaders come together with a shared purpose. The scale of engagement and the quality of conversation shows that Kent & Medway is serious about putting skills at the heart of economic growth.”

That sense of progress and collaboration was echoed by employers from across multiple sectors. Jo Nolan, CEO of Screen South and Chair of Creative Kent, highlighted the importance of events like Skills 26 in shaping an inclusive, joined up skills system: “Events like Skills 26 are so important to the Skills development landscape in Kent as it helps focus the attention on an increasingly important area. The current needs of employers across all sectors are vital to match with new entrants and returners to work to ensure our strategies and training provision will work for all and bring about change where needed. I met very good people who get it and understand why cross sector collaboration is so important to the Creative Industries.”

Building on this momentum, the Kent & Medway LSIP will submit the first draft of its new Local Skills Improvement Plan at the end of March, with publication due in the summer. The plan will set out the region’s skills priorities for the next two years, shaped directly by employer insight and engagement.

The commitment to collaboration will also continue with the return of the region’s flagship skills event.

Skills 27 will take place at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel on Wednesday 17 March 2027 – save the date.

Keep the momentum going, share your reflections, photos and top takeaways on socials using #SKILLS26, and tag Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan. Let’s collaborate to keep the conversation moving.

To find out more about the Kent & Medway LSIP and how to get involved, visit www.kentemployerskillsplan.org or email lsip@kentinvictachamber.co.uk.

Thinking Business

27

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Members News

Green expectations are shaping which branding products are used Sustainability expectations are reshaping how businesses think about their branding.

For Maidstone-based RGVA, a vehicle graphics provider and 3M Platinum Select Partner, these shifting expectations are directly influencing how projects are planned and delivered.

How healthy is your organisational culture?

Here at Inspiring Cultures Ltd (ICL), we believe that a happy team leads to a healthy business. That is why we help HR and L&D teams across a range of mid-sized organisations to develop a thriving people-centric culture.

We cover areas such as leadership development, conflict resolution, DEI, coaching, mediation, workplace investigations and training. Companies, leaders and individuals come to us to improve their employee relations, upskill their people, and achieve harmony in their workplaces. We are an approved ILM provider, and we also offer CPD-accredited training.

We invest in our team to create a safe workplace where colleagues develop new skills, expand their expertise, and feel valued.

By modelling the culture that we help other organisations to create, we ensure that our people bring enthusiasm, integrity, and resilience to work, which clients respect and appreciate.

Our clients include premiership football clubs, an NHS Trust, and organisations across the hospitality and pharmaceutical sectors. They all have one thing in common – the desire to create the best teams, with the best people, to make their workplaces a productive and pleasant place to be.

Does that sound like the sort of culture, or provider relationship that your organisation currently enjoys? If you are not quite there, we are always happy to have a chat and give you some advice on how to make small changes that can have a big impact within your culture.

The first shift is in materials. PVC wraps, which have previously been the default choice, are now under scrutiny for their environmental impact. Non-PVC alternatives now offer comparable durability and finish, giving businesses a straightforward way to reduce their footprint without compromising on quality.

We value long-term partnerships over transactional relationships, embedding into our clients’ culture as a trusted learning and development function. As trusted partners, together we strive towards cultural transformation.

There is also growing interest in products that do more than carry a message.

Air-purifying banners and Clean Air coatings, for example, are products that are designed to help break down airborne pollutants - a modest but tangible contribution to the environments in which they are operating.

Neurodivergence at Work: The Risk Hiding in Plain Sight

Inside buildings, the shift is equally practical. Architectural surface films like Di-Noc allow interiors to be refreshed rather than refurbished, reducing both waste and disruption. It is an approach that RGVA’s Architectural side ‘InteriArt’ uses to suit businesses looking to update their spaces without the cost or downtime of major renovation.

“We’re working towards becoming more sustainable in the vehicle graphic industry day-by-day,” says Kieran McCabe, RGVA’s Managing Director.

“The environmental impact has become a part of daily conversation with clients now.

“The signage sector won’t transform overnight, but the direction of travel is clear – and businesses embracing it early are discovering that sustainability and standout branding can go hand in hand.”

For more information visit rgva.co.uk

30 Thinking Business

Around one in five people in your workforce processes the world differently. They are often your most committed, creative, and focused people, carrying an invisible weight that most businesses never see until it is too late.

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent employees, whether or not a formal diagnosis exists and whether or not the employee has disclosed. If you knew, or reasonably should have known, that a member of your team was struggling, the duty applies.

Failure to act is disability discrimination.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 adds further pressure. From April 2026, statutory sick pay is payable from day one. From January 2027, protection against unfair dismissal begins

www.inspiringculturesltd.com

at six months of service, with no cap on compensation. Neurodivergent employees are disproportionately likely to resign, go off sick, or raise a formal complaint without the right support. These are not risks that can be quietly managed. For a small business, a single upheld tribunal claim, with unlimited compensation, could be the thing that breaks you.

Diverse Perspectives Ltd founded by Melanie Carr, an accredited neurodiversity coach diagnosed with ADHD in 2020 works with businesses to understand what their teams actually need, through manager training, workplace and consulting. The work is grounded in lived experience and built around dignity, not just compliance.

For more information visit diverseperspectives.net.

Members News

Rebecca Hammett joins leadership team at Talis IFA Talis IFA has announced the appointment of Rebecca Hammett as a Director, marking an important milestone in the company’s growth and commitment to broadening its leadership team.

Rebecca, an experienced Independent Financial Adviser with a strong track record across London and the South East, brings extensive knowledge in retirement and estate planning, working with private clients, SMEs, and trusts. Her appointment strengthens Talis IFA’s ability to support clients with increasingly complex financial planning needs.

Known for her clear, jargon‑free approach and her ability to help clients truly understand their financial position, Rebecca has built a reputation for delivering holistic, long‑term planning that evolves with clients’ lives and goals.

Many of her clients are business owners and company directors whose personal finances and commercial interests are closely connected.

Rebecca said: “Financial planning can feel daunting, and my priority has always been to make it simple, transparent and empowering for clients. I’m excited to join the leadership team at Talis and help drive the business forward while continuing to support clients in achieving their long‑term goals. The client is always at the centre

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of everything we do, and we will continue to build an advisory practice that is truly relationship driven.”

Her appointment reflects Talis IFA’s ongoing commitment to building a leadership team that represents the clients and communities it serves.

James Cole, Talis IFA’s Managing Director, added: “Rebecca’s appointment marks an exciting moment for Talis IFA. She brings not only deep technical expertise but a genuine commitment to helping our clients make informed financial decisions in an increasingly complex world. Having worked together for more than six years, I’m delighted to add Rebecca’s perspective to the leadership team as she helps me grow the business and enhance the service we deliver to clients.”

As a Director, Rebecca will play a key role in shaping Talis IFA’s strategic direction, mentoring advisers, and helping the firm continue to deliver high‑quality, client‑centred financial planning. www.talisifa.com

Financial planning can

feel daunting, and my priority has always been to make it simple, transparent and empowering for clients.

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Conveyancing Built on Communication and Trust Property transactions often represent exciting new chapters, whether it’s a first home or the next step in someone’s journey. Even with previous experience, clients appreciate guidance that helps everything progress smoothly and with confidence. At Bridger’s Law, we understand that conveyancing is more than a legal process – it’s about supporting people through important life moments with clarity, professionalism and genuine care.

Clear communication is central to how we work.

Clients often tell us that what they value most is feeling informed, having straightforward explanations, and knowing there is always someone available who understands the details of their matter.

We believe no one should have to chase updates or feel unsure about what happens next, so our approach is built around accessibility, transparency and calm guidance.

Our team includes qualified Solicitors, Licensed Conveyancers, supervised trainees and experienced assistants, with every matter overseen by a regulated professional. As a Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accredited firm, we deliver recognised standards of quality across a broad range of work - from freehold and leasehold transactions to new-builds, shared ownership, first registrations, equity release and more.

We use modern digital tools that streamline onboarding, ID verification and flexible communication. This enables us to work efficiently with our clients no matter where they are based, while maintaining the friendly, personal service which is evident in the feedback we consistently receive.

Much of our work comes from returning clients and recommendations - something we’re very proud of.

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www.bridgerslaw.co.uk Thinking Thinking Business Business

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Members News

Making complex digital challenges clear for Kent businesses Across Kent and Medway, businesses are competing for attention and interaction.

For most businesses, their website is the most important marketing asset, shaping perception and trust almost instantly.

It’s where potential clients, partners or investors go to understand more and to establish credibility.

At Pillory Barn, we help businesses and public facing organisations turn complex digital challenges into clear, effective platforms that support growth. We work with local authorities on place, regeneration and inward investment projects and ambitious private sector businesses to create websites that are easy to use, easy to manage and built to perform.

We see the same challenges time and again.

Important information exists, but it is buried.

Different audiences are forced down the same paths, messages are diluted and websites struggle to support commercial or economic goals. Whether it’s presenting an investment proposition, promoting business services or converting enquiries, clarity is what builds confidence.

Our work focuses on getting the fundamentals right. We structure large, content heavy websites around real user journeys. We help organisations simplify complex messages without dumbing them down. And we build digital platforms that are fast, accessible and designed to evolve as priorities change over time.

Our ethos is about creating strong digital foundations that last. Better websites are often lighter, more sustainable and easier for teams to manage day to day. They save time, reduce frustration and work harder behind the scenes.

As the business environment continues to grow and compete, digital platforms must do more than look good. They need to support ambition, communicate clearly and reflect the quality of the people behind them.

Because when complexity is handled well, growth becomes easier. www. pillorybarn.co.uk

Opening a first physical store: A blueprint for retailers Opening a physical store is a significant step for any retailer, providing visibility, customer engagement and credibility that online channels alone cannot fully deliver.

The process is rarely simple and requires careful attention to commercial planning, financial modelling and legal compliance.

Laying the foundations The first priority is building the right advisory team. A commercial letting agent can identify suitable premises, reveal off market options and negotiate key lease terms. Their knowledge of availability, incentives and landlord expectations can save time and money. Solicitors, planning consultants and fitout specialists guide legal reviews, planning requirements and configuration feasibility.

Building the timeline Establishing a realistic timeline is vital. Securing a location and completing legal, planning and fitout stages often takes longer than anticipated.

Retailers targeting a seasonal opening typically

need to begin planning at least six months ahead. Allowances for contingencies are important, particularly in relation to wayleave negotiations and planning backlogs.

Defining the vision Retailers must clarify the strategic purpose of the store, whether it is to generate sales, extend an online brand or support an omnichannel model. This purpose influences decisions about location, size and layout.

The right location Choosing the right pitch requires understanding footfall, transport links, competition and local demographics. Prime space is limited and often competitive.

Budgeting and financial planning Financial planning should cover rent, business rates and fitout costs, along with incentives that may involve trade-offs. Surveys and compliance obligations, such as energy performance standards and fire safety, must also be factored in.

Structuring the lease Lease negotiations should focus on length, break clauses, entity structure and service charges.

Retailers must also secure operational rights for access, deliveries and signage, as well as commissioning a building survey to agree a detailed schedule of condition which will reduce later disagreement over repair liability and end-of-lease exposure.

Consents Additional approvals, including wayleaves, planning permissions and recruitment, influence timelines and should be anticipated early.

Opening a physical store is an exciting step but one that requires clarity of purpose, sound financial planning and the right professional support.

Stephanie Kingdon and Keith Andrews, Partners at Birketts LLP

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33

Economy

Gloomy outlook for growth due to geopolitical uncertainty Geopolitical uncertainty amidst conflict in the Middle East has led to growth forecasts from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) being revised down.

ongoing global uncertainty. The services sector will continue to drive the UK’s limited GDP growth, but even the pace of services growth is forecast to ease, to 1.2%.

The latest BCC economic forecast suggests slow growth in 2026, higher inflation and rising unemployment.

Construction and manufacturing are forecast to contract this year, by –1.3% and –0.3% respectively.

Key points in the forecast included GDP in 2026 being revised down to 1.0%, from 1.2% in the previous forecast, with a growth forecast of 1.3% in 2027, and 1.1% in 2028.

Meanwhile, business investment is expected to flatline this year (0%), a revision downwards from the previous forecast of 0.9%. It is expected to pick up again, to 1.3%, in 2027.

This reflects a landscape of weak productivity, business investment, consumer spending, and

The rapid adoption of AI that the BCC has seen from its own evidence could support

34 Thinking Business

productivity gains, but this is likely to begin beyond 2028.

The BCC forecast also predicts global uncertainty will push UK inflation higher than expected, to 2.7%, before it eases to 1.9% in 2027, with higher oil and gas prices linked to the current conflict in the Middle East largely to blame.

Unemployment is now expected to increase to 5.5% in 2026, up from 5.1% in the previous forecast, with the expectation it will stay at that rate through 2027, due to persistent high labour costs and hiring uncertainty.

Economy

❛❛The BCC forecast also predicts global uncertainty will push UK inflation higher than expected, to 2.7%, before it eases to 1.9% in 2027, with higher oil and gas prices linked to the current conflict in the Middle East largely to blame.

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The BCC also expects the interest rate to remain at 3.75% this year, before cuts to 3.25% by the end of 2027.

“Our forecast of just 1% growth in 2026 reflects weak productivity, subdued investment and cautious consumer spending,” he said.

Exports are projected to grow by just 0.7% in 2026, down from 1.8% in the last forecast, as global uncertainty due to the crisis in the Middle East and US tariff uncertainty hits UK trade.

“At the same time, it could offer an important opportunity to lift the UK’s persistently weak productivity growth over the longer term.”

“The recent escalation of conflict in Iran risks interrupting progress made on inflation.

Vicky Pryce, Chair of the BCC Economic Advisory Council, said businesses were already expecting to steer through choppy waters again in 2026, but global events have “just made that voyage even more turbulent”.

The forecast for imports in 2026 has also been downgraded to 0.6% (from 1.4% in the previous forecast), reflecting weaker consumer demand and the depreciation in sterling.

While exports are also expected to slow, the reduction in import growth means the overall contribution of net trade to GDP is expected to remain broadly stable, at around –2.4% in 2026 and at a similar level through the forecast period.

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said the UK economy remains “stuck in a low-growth pattern”.

“Higher energy prices linked to it could keep inflation firmly above the 2% target and lead the Bank of England to hold the interest rate longer than expected.”

He added much depends on the duration of the conflict, with Covid supply shutdowns having set a precedent for how sudden stops put long-term damage into the trading system.

Looking further ahead, BCC research shows firms are increasingly adopting AI tools.

“While the immediate impact on employment is likely to remain limited, deeper integration could reshape the labour market more fundamentally,” said Mr Bharier.

“As a result, any forecasts prepared in the current unsettled environment have an extra degree of uncertainty attached to them with many factors outside the control of UK policy makers,” she said.

“Things could of course bounce back quickly if a fast resolution is found.

“However, it will take time for some of the supply constraints to ease through the system, as we discovered in previous crises, such as after the invasion of Ukraine and following the unwinding of the early Covid restrictions.”

Thinking Business

35

International Trade

Further briefings from Diplomatic Advisory Hub likely, as Middle East crisis deepens The British Chambers of Commerce has stated further briefings on geopolitical challenges affecting international trade are likely to be held in the coming months, after the USA and Israel launched a series of air strikes on Iran at the end of February.

Hundreds of businesses gained unique geopolitical insight into the escalating Middle East crisis, thanks to a joint initiative by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), through an event organised by the new Diplomatic Advisory Hub. The Hub was announced by the Foreign Office in March last year at the BCC’s Driving International Trade Conference, and is now fully operational, with businesses able to receive personalised geopolitical advice via the BCC website and through events across the Chamber network.

It is the first time diplomats have been seconded into the British Chambers of Commerce, led by Richard Oppenheim, a former Ambassador with a wealth of diplomatic experience across some of the world’s most complex and strategically important markets in the Middle East and Japan, as well as multilateral experience at the UN, on EU issues and as a Commonwealth Envoy.

The recent webinar event on the Middle East conflict saw senior FCDO officials host a webinar giving updates on the unfolding situation, and its implications for costs, energy, logistics and risk.

Firms were also given crucial advice on stress-testing planning for trade with the Middle East.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said the first webinar on the situation in the Middle East was a “powerful signal of how vital the Diplomatic Advisory Hub is”.

“It will help more SMEs navigate the complex world of geopolitics, giving them the knowledge and certainty to expand into new markets,” she said.

Seema Malhotra MP, Foreign Office Minister, said the Diplomatic Advisory Hub had “hit the ground running”

briefing more than 600 businesses in the first week after the US and Israel air strikes on Iran.

“In an increasingly contested world, it’s more important than ever for Government and businesses to work together to navigate the intersections between geopolitics and commerce, respond to crises effectively and seize opportunities for growth overseas,” she said.

Richard Oppenheim, Director of the Diplomatic Advisory Hub, said it would act as “both a front door and a feedback loop”.

“It’s a front door for businesses to tap into geopolitical advice, and a feedback loop so that what businesses are seeing in supply chains and boardrooms flows back to our diplomats and policy makers,” he said.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said businesses were facing huge uncertainty, as the situation in Iran and the wider Gulf region continues to rapidly develop.

“Research by our Insights Unit, carried out in February, shows that 80 per cent of exporters currently feel exposed to geopolitical risks,” he said.

“Beyond the human cost, a key focus for firms, both in the UK and globally, will be the ongoing security of flows of oil and liquefied natural gas from the region.

“If significant disruption occurs through the Strait of Hormuz, it will destabilise supply chains of oil and liquid natural gas to India, China and South Korea.

Industrial Accelerator Act supports EU’s Made in Europe Agenda

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, has expressed businesses’ relief that the EU’s new Industrial Accelerator Act should not force UK businesses out of European supply chains, due to tough rules on investment and procurement.

Businesses were apprehensive about the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act, as it considered content rules that would have meant up to 70 per cent of the components in the goods it makes must be of EU origin.

It was also looking at new rules on sustainability, capping foreign direct investment and procurement.

But Mr Bain said legislators had listened to the concerns about these proposals, with the Act adopted by the European Commission giving UK parts and components an exemption from these aspects of the regulations.

“There is a clear route for our products to be included in the definition of ‘EU goods’ for both procurement and foreign direct investment purposes,” he said.

“This exempts them from the new controls which will apply to countries trading with the EU that do not have a free trade agreement.

“The Act is still a radical redrawing of the EU’s industrial policy on low carbon technologies and its resilience agenda to address vulnerabilities in supply chains.

“This could quickly impact upon energy security, energy costs, wider inflation and economic growth in the Gulf and Indo-Pacific regions, as well as here.”

“But the rules could have had considerably more impact upon cross-border trade and investment in automotives and climate change technologies.”

He added that in 2024, the BCC found that 50 per cent of UK businesses had been affected by conflict in the Middle East so firms will be “nervously watching these latest developments”.

Despite this, Mr Bain cautioned there is “still other legislation” connected to the Made in Europe agenda, including on automotives, and EU assembly requirements, which “presents risk to UK industry”.

“Disruption to global aviation and shipping markets, including availability and cost hikes, are also serious concerns if the crisis becomes a medium- or long-term risk factor,” he said.

“To prevent these continual battles the focus should now be on securing a formal economic security agreement between the UK and EU at the next Leaders’ Summit,” he said.

Three-sy doesn’t do it for small parcel exporters to EU

Why they need to prepare for July: €3 tariff duty is being applied to each small parcel sent to the EU with a value below €150 Businesses in Kent which export small parcels to the EU with a value below €150 per an item face a €3 duty for each one from July.

They are being urged by UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets to plan now for the changes - and model the impact on the bottom line.

Gordon Baird, Azets’ new customs and duty tax director for the UK, said: “For local exporters and supply chain managers, this development has strategic and operational implications.

“First, there are the cost pressures – the €3 duty per item type could erode margins, especially for businesses dealing in low-value, high-volume goods.

36 Thinking Business

Packages containing several item types may incur a separate duty charge for each item type.

of their tax obligations, along with the curve ball being thrown this July with the €3 duty per item.

Azets, suggests how to prepare for the regulatory change:

“Secondly, on pricing strategies, local companies must decide whether to absorb the cost, pass it on to customers or restructure product bundles to minimise item types per shipment package.

“The duties are being brought in to close a loophole that allowed non-EU sellers to undercut EU businesses.”

•

Conduct a full impact assessment

•

Audit EU export operations

•

Review pricing and logistics strategy

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Ensure compliance mechanisms (VAT, customs data, IOSS) are fully aligned

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Prepare customer-facing communications and internal protocols.

“Thirdly, they need to consider the customer experience – additional charges and potential delays could impact customer satisfaction if not managed proactively.”

Gordon has a key role in advising Azets’ growing client base on customs and duty tax issues that arise during cross-border trading.

He said: “Given the increasingly complicated customs and duty tax regime it is vital that SMEs and corporates adopt a strategic approach to the management

Exporters are also being urged to factor in compliance complexity from July customs declarations will require greater accuracy and local businesses using the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) must ensure systems are updated.

There are also duty reclaims to think about - customer returns will require companies to take additional steps to recover duties in EU countries.

Gordon said: “The countdown to this July has begun. Our advice is to act now.

Businesses that prepare early will avoid unexpected costs, compliance risks and customer dissatisfaction.”

Gordon added: “There is some good news – the interim measure will remain in place until 2028, when a full customs overhaul is expected to abolish the low-value exemption entirely and align duties with product classification.

“However, we also expect a Customs handling fee to be implemented in the last quarter of this year, which is in addition to these €3 duties.”

Make smarter financial moves

Impartial advice for business and private clients.

Talis Independent Financial Advisers operate throughout the UK supported by the head office team in Kent.

01233 722999 38 Thinking Business

talisifa.com

@TalisIFA

Kent employers get expert advice on the upcoming changes in employment law Employment law specialists from Furley Page kept Kent employers informed about imminent employment law changes at a successful seminar hosted by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Andrew Masters and Patrick Glencross addressed over 40 Kent employers and Chamber members about the major implications of the Employment Rights Act 2025, with many provisions coming into force from 6 April this year.

Andrew Masters, Partner and Head of Employment at Furley Page, said: “While there is general awareness regarding the changes coming into force, there is a lot of detail involved that some employers may have missed or are still getting to grips with.

“These changes, some coming into effect in a matter of weeks, have implications for any business that employs staff and may require updates to company policies, employee handbooks and employment contracts for businesses to keep ahead of the legislation and avoid issues in the future.”

Those attending the seminar were informed about the whole raft of changes coming into effect, including

changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from April, with employees entitled to SSP from day 1 of sickness absence.

Employees will also be entitled to day 1 statutory leave rights, including for paternity leave and parental leave, and bereaved partner’s paternity leave.

General bereavement leave is also coming into force in April 2027, replacing the current scheme of Parental Bereavement Leave.

Other forthcoming changes resulting from the Employment Rights Act include measures around: protection for employees from sexual harassment from third parties, such as customers and suppliers; enhanced trade union rights; enhanced compensation for failure to comply with collective redundancy consultation; fire and rehire dismissals; extension of tribunal time-limits; reduced qualifying period for unfair dismissal; flexible working and zero hours workers.

In addition to new regulations, there are also new opportunities for employers. At the end of last year, it was announced that there was new funding available for occupational health training, providing training for 5,000 eligible managers up to the end of March this year. The training is designed to help managers of small businesses to identify health issues early.

Andrew Masters continued: “Employment law changes regularly, but these changes are significant and employers need to fully understand the implications to ensure they remain operating within the law.”

For more information about Furley Page please visit www.furleypage.co.uk.

Glen Webb becomes a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association

CooperBurnett LLP Residential Property Partner, Glen Webb, has become a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association (ALA), the first lawyer at the firm to achieve this accolade.

This saw him attending a five-day residential course at Warwick University last autumn, followed by further studying and an examination in London at the end of the year.

Glen joined CooperBurnett’s Residential Property team in Tunbridge Wells at the beginning of 2019, becoming a Partner in 2024 and he regularly works on transactions that include high value rural property.

Glen considered the Fellowship a particularly worthwhile course to bolster his knowledge in all matters agricultural.

“I was keen to extend my reach and know-how in agricultural law and the ALA qualification was the obvious route,” explains Glen. “I can now further assist clients with an agricultural angle to their property or business, while my knowledge will be useful in other areas of the firm with legal matters that might arise in the agricultural sector. It truly extends our offering at CooperBurnett.”

Members News

The ALA is the UK’s largest inter-professional organisation devoted to the law and business of the countryside, providing resources and networking opportunities for professionals in agricultural law. Membership is open to professionals interested in agricultural law, including lawyers, surveyors, accountants and farm business consultants. It focuses on the law in a ‘non-partisan, apolitical way in order to promote its knowledge, understanding and development among those who advise rural businesses’.

Glen says the course was ‘robust’ and covered many subjects, including farm strategy, agricultural holdings, rural and agricultural property, estate and succession planning, taxation, business structures, town and country planning, and agricultural policy and natural capital.

As a Fellow, Glen will be able to access benefits including networking opportunities and educational resources, while the ALA engages with government and non-government agencies to influence agricultural policy and legislation.

Glen will officially receive his Fellowship certificate at a dinner in London this June.

‘Confusing ICS2 roll-out creating uncertainty for UK supply chains’ Zelir Logistics Tech-led customs and freight forwarding specialist Zelir Logistics has warned that confusion surrounding the EU’s new Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is creating uncertainty and risk for UK supply chains.

ICS2, which modernises the processing of Entry Summary Declarations, became mandatory on January 1, 2026, marking the end of the transition period and the beginning of enforcement for non-compliance.

Despite this, implementation and enforcement remain inconsistent across EU member states, creating mixed messages for transporters and logistics firms.

In practice, this fragmented approach is leaving many operators unclear about their obligations. Reports suggest that some carriers are crossing borders without the required ICS2 documentation and are not being stopped, while others remain unsure about the rules or are unaware of the system.

This lack of visible enforcement is encouraging some transporters to delay implementation.

According to Zelir Logistics Director Joe Jeffery, this approach is risky, particularly with further border changes expected.

The planned introduction of the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) for UK–EU movements via France will require ICS2 compliance, meaning businesses that delay action now could face disruption later.

Current industry compliance is estimated at around 60%.

Designed to strengthen EU cargo security, ICS2 requires detailed pre-arrival data on shipments, including commodity codes, routing information and details of all parties involved. To reduce enforcement risk and future supply chain disruption, firms are urged to embed ICS2 into their standard operating processes now, even if this involves additional cost. www.zelir.com Thinking Thinking Business Business

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Every month wewe bring networkingevents, events,and andtraining trainingsessions sessions with some of the Every month bringyou youaamix mixof ofinformation information sessions, sessions, networking with some of the toptop local business professionals from an array of different industries.

Each event is designed to offer invaluable local business professionals from an array of different industries. Each event is designed to offer invaluable up-to-date information and needs, needs,as aswell wellas asnetworking networkingopportunities opportunities help you up-to-date informationtailored tailoredtotoour ourattendees’ attendees’ wants wants and to to help you grow your business. grow your business.

With a mix eventsheld heldonline onlineand andface-to-face face-to-face across across Kent, forfor you.

With a mix ofof events Kent, you’re you’resure suretotofind findthe theright rightone one you.

Member’s Only– –Speed SpeedNetworking Networking Member’s Only

National NationalGrid GridOnline OnlineRoundtable Roundtable

Thursday April 2026 Thursday 9th9th April 2026 Tudor Park Marriott Hotel Maidstone Tudor Park Marriott Hotel Maidstone 10:30am - 12:30pm 10:30am - 12:30pm Members Only: Free to Attend Members Only: Free to Attend

Thursday 2026 Thursday9th 9thApril April 2026 Online via Zoom Online via Zoom 10:30am - 11:30am 10:30am - 11:30am Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: Free to Attend Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: Free to Attend

Are you prepared to meet more members in one morning than Are you prepared to meet more members in one morning than you typically would in a month? you typically would in a month?

Join us for the first Members-Only event for 2026 for a focused Join usengaging for the first Members-Only event for 2026 for a focused and networking experience. and engaging networking experience.

With International instability and the flourishing of high-energy With International instability and the flourishing of high-energy usage technologies such as AI, to the recent high cost of energy usage technologies such as AI, to the recent high cost of energy for businesses and the community, it’s vital to make sure we for businesses theacommunity, it’s vital to make sure we have capacity to and ensure reliable, low-cost source of power for have capacity to ensure a reliable, low-cost source of power for the country. the country.

During the session, you’ll rotate through short, structured During the session, you’ll rotate through structured conversations, giving every attendee theshort, opportunity to introduce conversations, giving every attendee the meaningful opportunitybusiness to introduce themselves, exchange ideas, and build themselves, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships with no awkward gaps and no missedbusiness relationships with no awkward gaps and no missed opportunities. opportunities.

In light of this, the National Grid are preparing the largest In light of thehistory National Gridinfrastructure are preparing the grid largest upgrade in this, recent for the of the itself. upgrade in recent history for the infrastructure of the grid itself.

As part of this programme, Chamber Patrons, the National Grid, As be part of this programme, Chamber Patrons, will presenting about Kent’s local aspect of thethe gridNational upgrade.Grid, will be presenting about Kent’s local aspect of the grid upgrade.

40 Thinking Business

Business Walks Business Walks Tuesday 21st April 2026, Kent WIldlife Trust, Sevenoaks Tuesday 21st April 2026, Kent WIldlife Trust, Sevenoaks Tuesday 19th May 2026, The HIstoric Dockyard, Chatham Tuesday 19th May 2026, The HIstoric Dockyard, Chatham 10:30am - 12:30pm | Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT 10:30am - 12:30pm | Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

It well is well known that walking nature can uplift your mental and physical It is known that walking in in nature can uplift your mental and physical well-being. well-being.

With this mind, why come and join Business Walks and ready With this in in mind, why notnot come and join usus forfor Business Walks and getget ready to Connect, Collaborate and Support other business owners, professionals, and to Connect, Collaborate and Support other business owners, professionals, and employees through walking and talking. employees through walking and talking.

This informal event give you opportunity promote your business and This informal event willwill give you anan opportunity to to promote your business and make invaluable connections with local businesses in Kent. make invaluable connections with local businesses in Kent.

Chamber Connections Chamber Connections

Join others very popular Chamber Connections networking event and Join others forfor ourour very popular Chamber Connections networking event and receive a warm welcome from your Chamber representative on arrival, who receive a warm welcome from your Chamber representative on arrival, who willwill hand help you meet new members business community. bebe onon hand to to help you meet new members of of thethe business community.

This informal event give you opportunity promote your business and This informal event willwill give you anan opportunity to to promote your business and make invaluable connections with local businesses in Kent. make invaluable connections with local businesses in Kent.

Tuesday 14th April 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone Tuesday 14th April 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone Tuesday 12th May 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone Tuesday 12th May 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone Tuesday 2nd June 2026, voco The Clifton Folkestone Tuesday 2nd June 2026, voco The Clifton Folkestone 7:30am - 9:30am | Members (Ignite Plus): £22.50 + VAT 7:30am - 9:30am | Members (Ignite Plus): £22.50 + VAT

National Grid Online Roundtable National Grid Online Roundtable Thursday 9th April 2026 | 10:30am - 11:30am Thursday 9th April 2026 | 10:30am - 11:30am Online via Zoom Online via Zoom Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) Tuesday 14th April 2026 | 7:30am - 9:30am Tuesday 14th April 2026 | 7:30am - 9:30am The Village Hotel, Maidstone The Village Hotel, Maidstone Business Talks: Afternoon Tea and Networking Business Talks: Afternoon Tea and Networking Thursday 16th April 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm Thursday 16th April 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm Brandshatch Place Hotel and Spa, Longfield Brandshatch Place Hotel and Spa, Longfield Business Walks Business Walks Tuesday 21st April 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Tuesday 21st April 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Kent Wildlife Trust, Sevenoaks Kent Wildlife Trust, Sevenoaks

Thursday 23rd April 2026, The Hamlet Maidstone, Larkfield Thursday 23rd April 2026, The Hamlet Maidstone, Larkfield Thursday 21st May 2026, Mercure Dartford Thursday 21st May 2026, Mercure Dartford Thursday 4th June 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone Thursday 4th June 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone 10:30am - 12:00pm | Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT 10:30am - 12:00pm | Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

Kent Construction Focus Group Kent Construction Focus Group

Member’s Only: Speed Networking Member’s Only: Speed Networking Thursday 9th April 2026 | 10:30am - 12:30pm Thursday 9th April 2026 | 10:30am - 12:30pm Tudor Park Marriott Hotel, Maidstone Tudor Park Marriott Hotel, Maidstone

Business Bites: Business Bites: Making Your Business More Innovative Making Your Business More Innovative Wednesday 22nd April 2026 | 10:30am - 11:00am Wednesday 22nd April 2026 | 10:30am - 11:00am Online via Zoom Online via Zoom Chamber Connections Chamber Connections Thursday 23rd April 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Thursday 23rd April 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm The Hamlet Maidstone, Larkfield The Hamlet Maidstone, Larkfield

Virtual Business Networking Virtual Business Networking Tuesday 28th April 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Tuesday 28th April 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom Online Zoom Every month we bringviayou a mix of information sessions, netw

Business Bites: Power of Plus Onefrom an array of d some of the top Business local business professionals Bites: Power of Plus One Wednesday 6th May tailored 2026 | 10:30am - 11:00am invaluable up-to-date information to -our attendee’s wa Wednesday 6th May 2026 | 10:30am 11:00am Online via Zoom Online via Zoom help you grow your business.

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)

Tuesday 12th May 2026 |face 7:30am -face 9:30am With a mix of events held and to across Kent, Tuesday 12thonline May 2026 | 7:30am - 9:30am The Village Hotel, Maidstone The Village Hotel, Maidstone

Business Talks: The KCFG group is made companies Kent area within Business Talks: Group The KCFG group is made upup of of companies in in thethe Kent area within thethe Kent Construction SpeedFocus Networking and Mixology Masterclass construction sector, including architects, contractors, suppliers, land agents, and Speed Networking and Mixology Masterclass construction sector, including architects, contractors, suppliers, land agents, and Thursday 14th May 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm more.

KCFG provides a one-stop shop for access to local knowledge, expertise, Thursday 14th May 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm more. KCFG provides a one-stop shop for access to local knowledge, expertise, Socialite Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Canterbury and contacts within land development and construction sector.

Tuesday 6th August 2024 | Tuesday 3rd September Socialite Rooftop Restaurant2024 & Bar, Canterbury and contacts within thethe land development and construction sector.

During morning, you enjoy a full English breakfast.

During thethe morning, you willwill enjoy a full English breakfast.

Virtual Business Networking Virtual Business Networking Tuesday 28th April 2026 | Tuesday 26th May 2026 Tuesday 28th April 2026 | Tuesday 26th May 2026 Online via Zoom | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom | 10:30am - 12:00pm Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

The Village Hotel, Maidstone | 7:30am - 9:30am Business Walks KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT Business Walks

Tuesday 19th May 2026 | 10:30am - 12:30pm Tuesday 19th May 2026 | 10:30am - 12:30pm The Historic Dockyard, Chatham The Historic Dockyard, Chatham

Hosted by members of the KCFG committee, Cheryl Chamber Connections Causebrook and Chamber Ella Brocklebank, we bring you KCFG. Connections

Thursday 21st May 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Thursday 21st May 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Mercure Dartford Mercure Dartford

The KCFG group consists of companies in the Kent area Virtualsuch Business Networking involved in construction, as architects, Virtual Business Networkingsurveyors, Tuesday 26th May 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Tuesday 26th May 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm contractors, construction suppliers, and| land agents etc.

Online via Zoom Online via Zoom

Each event eclectic mix conversation topics interview our provides a one-stop-shop Kent Construction Focus to Group (KCFG) KCFG forFocus access local knowledge, Each event willwill bebe anan eclectic mix of of conversation topics asas wewe interview our Kent Construction Group (KCFG) guest business and encourage questions from attendees, making sure we Tuesday 2nd June 2026 | 7:30am 9:30am guest business and encourage questions from thethe attendees, making sure we expertise, and contacts within the land development and Tuesday 2nd June 2026 | 7:30am 9:30am bring you networking event you want involved voco The Clifton Folkestone bring you thethe networking event you want to to bebe involved in.in. voco The Clifton Folkestone construction sector.

Chamber Connections Conversations with guest speaker followed three breakout room Chamber Connections Conversations with ourour guest speaker willwill bebe followed byby three breakout room Thursday 4th June 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm sessions where attendees can delve deeper into this discussion discuss theirthe morning, During you will a full Thursday 4thenjoy June 2026 |English 10:30ambreakfast, - 12:00pm sessions where attendees can delve deeper into this discussion or or discuss their The Village Hotel, Maidstone own topic in more depth.

The Village Hotel, Maidstone followed by a presentation from our guest speakers. own topic in more depth.

Thinking Business

41

Wave Community Bank: Strengthening the heart of our local economy If you were anywhere in Kent, Medway or Bexley in 2025, you likely met Jennifer, the dedicated Community Engagement Officer for Wave Community Bank (WCB). Supported by a pivotal year of funding from Fair4All Finance, WCB has brought ethical banking directly to the heart of the community.

At WCB, they believe that building financial resilience does more than just help the individual; it strengthens the entire local economy. When they help a member avoid high-cost “poverty premiums” and predatory lenders, the benefits ripple out across our region. It is a simple, vital cycle: a community that is better informed and more financially secure has the confidence to spend locally.

As a non-profit credit union, WCB is owned by its members, meaning every penny of surplus is reinvested into improving services or supporting the local community rather than lining the pockets of external shareholders. This structure ensures that their focus remains firmly on people over profit, allowing them to provide fair, affordable financial products to those who need them most and not resorting to payday lenders or loan sharks.

By keeping more disposable income in members’ pockets, they ensure they have the budget for a meal at a local restaurant or can afford to hire a local tradesperson for repairs. WCB acts as a bridge, keeping local money in local pockets and ensuring our high streets continue to thrive.

The results have been nothing short of extraordinary.

WCB didn’t just meet outreach goals; they absolutely smashed them. Jennifer attended 336 meetings and delivered 112 presentations, famously using digestive biscuits to demystify complex topics like APR and credit scores. This creative approach allowed WCB to humanise finance, acting as a trusted navigator for vulnerable residents and a vital pillar for the local VCSEF (Voluntary, Community, Social Enterprise and Faith) sector.

Wave Community Bank in numbers • Exceptional Growth: Achieved a staggering 59 per cent growth in 2024, showcasing the rising demand for ethical finance.

• Local Investment: Provided £5 million in loans, directly supporting the financial needs of residents.

• Active Presence: Attended 336 strategic meetings and delivered 112 educational presentations this year.

• Strategic Impact: Successfully integrated financial wellbeing into regional health and housing conversations. www.wavecb.org.uk

Members News

Enjoy a meal and stay at The Black Horse Inn The Black Horse Inn is an independent public house, restaurant, hotel and function venue nestled in the beautiful north down’s corridor along the historic pilgrim’s way in the hamlet of Thurnham, near Maidstone.

Whether you are travelling for leisure or looking for a change of scenery as a corporate guest, they offer a range of options and room types to suit everyone.

The inn has 34 ensuite rooms and is an ideal location for travellers looking for a base either before or after travelling

Kenward Trust Charity Ball raises over £23,000 for lifesaving youth programmes

between France and the UK via the

A spectacular charity ball hosted by Kenward Trust and celebrating 30 years of youth work in Kent has raised more than £23,000 to support vital youth intervention and prevention services delivered in schools across Kent and Medway.

As a free house, they highlight local

The Kenward Will Change Lives Ball, held on Saturday 7 March 2026, brought together supporters, businesses and community leaders for an evening of fundraising and celebration. Funds raised will support the charity’s Think Differently schools programme, which educates young people about the risks of drugs and alcohol and helps them make safer life choices.

On the same evening Head of Youth Services, John Shanley, was awarded the High Sheriff of Kent’s Award, in recognition of his outstanding service to the community by Jonathan Neame, current High Sheriff of Kent.

The success of this year’s event will also support the development of Think Differently Junior, a new programme created in response to the concerning rise in children under 12 becoming involved with drugs. The early-intervention initiative is designed to reach children sooner, equipping them with the knowledge and support they need to stay safe from substance misuse and long-term harm.

Penny Williams, CEO of Kenward Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud of the success of the Kenward Will Change Lives Ball. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, donated, sponsored and supported the event, we raised an amazing £23,000. This funding will allow us to expand our Think Differently programmes in schools, helping young people understand the risks of drugs and alcohol before they reach crisis point. Support like this truly is helping us save and change young lives.”

The charity extended heartfelt thanks to organisations that donated auction prizes and to headline sponsors KM Media Group and Lester Brunt Wealth Management for their generous support.

A special acknowledgement was also given to members of BNI Pioneer Maidstone, whose support on the night helped make the event a memorable success, and to the talented young performers from Leigh Academy Rainham who entertained guests during the evening.

Following the success of this year’s event, Kenward Trust is already looking forward to welcoming supporters back for the 2027 ball, with the date to be announced soon.

For more info & pictures please visit: KenwardTrust.org.uk/charityball

channel tunnel, due to its close proximity to the M20 and other major transport networks. producers with an extensive range of beers, wines and spirits. The restaurant serves some very high quality a la carte food and the menu includes a Sunday roast, along with a variety of popular pub classics and snack options.

It is a licensed wedding venue, catering for smaller bespoke weddings in the garden room while larger wedding parties and twilight gatherings opt to use the function suite. The stunning garden offers great views over the weald and beyond.

It hosts a variety of other events, parties and corporate bookings on site, which can be booked with exclusive use of the Pilgrim Suite, with bar and catering as required, or for smaller numbers there are other options available. www.blackhorsekent.co.uk

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The Kent AI Conference launches for June 2026 in association with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, with Microsoft and Select Technology confirmed as Headline Partners

Chamber News

A new, business-focused artificial intelligence conference is launching in Kent this summer.

The Kent AI Conference will take place on 24 June 2026 at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone, bringing together business leaders navigating AI adoption.

Designed to move beyond the hype surrounding AI, the Kent AI Conference will bring together leaders, decision-makers and technology experts for a one-day event focused on clarity, confidence and real-world application. The conference will explore how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly and effectively to support productivity, performance and long-term growth across organisations of all sizes.

The event is being delivered in association with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and launches with Microsoft and Select Technology confirmed as headline partners, bringing together global technology leadership and trusted regional delivery expertise.

The Kent AI Conference is not a technical or developer-led event. Instead, it has been created specifically for business leaders and leadership teams who want a clearer understanding of what AI means in practice and how to approach adoption in a practical, measured and informed way.

The programme will focus on demystifying AI, exploring its impact on leadership, operations and workforce skills and supporting leadership teams at different stages of their AI journey.

Content will be shaped around real-world challenges, with an emphasis on responsible use, readiness and building confidence across teams.

Microsoft and Select Technology will support the development of a high-quality, business-led programme. Microsoft brings global insight into AI platforms, strategy and governance, while Select Technology, a Kent-based managed IT provider and technology consultancy, contributes hands-on experience of supporting digital transformation, implementation and skills development. Together, they underline the conference’s commitment to combining strategic vision with practical delivery.

Nick Potter, Managing Director at Select Technology, said: “AI is no longer something businesses can afford to view as a future consideration - it’s already shaping how organisations operate, make decisions and support their teams. The Kent AI Conference provides a valuable opportunity for businesses to step back from the noise around AI and focus on what really matters: understanding where it can add value, how to approach it responsibly, and how to build confidence across their organisation. We’re proud to support the conference as headline sponsor and to help bring practical, business-focused insight to the Kent business community.”

The Kent AI Conference forms part of a longer-term commitment to supporting AI understanding and digital capability across the region. Alongside initiatives such as the Kent AI Academy, the conference aims to create practical entry points for leadership teams seeking clarity,

guidance and trusted expertise as they navigate technological change. The inaugural event is intended to establish a flagship annual forum for AI leadership and responsible innovation within Kent’s professional community.

Tudor Price, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, commented: “As AI becomes an increasingly important consideration for organisations of all sizes, there is a clear need for informed, business-led discussion that goes beyond the headlines. The Kent AI Conference creates a valuable opportunity for businesses across the county to engage with AI in a practical and responsible way, supported by trusted partners. We’re pleased to support the launch of this new conference and its role in strengthening Kent’s digital and innovation ecosystem.”

A limited number of sponsorship, exhibition and partnership opportunities are available for those looking to align their brand with the Kent AI Conference and engage directly with a strategic business-led audience.

The conference will welcome business owners, senior leaders, managers and professionals from across sectors who are responsible for performance, growth or operational efficiency.

Registration is now open, with early-bird tickets available for a limited time. With the opening keynote delivered by Ashley Jeggo, AI Workforce SMB Sales Lead at Microsoft UK&I, the day will offer practical insight you can start applying straight away. Visit kentaiconference.com to secure your ticket and view the latest programme updates.

For more information on attending, sponsoring or partnering, please visit KentAIConference.com

Chamber adds two business leaders to its Board Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the only countywide Chamber accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has strengthened its Board of Directors with two new appointments.

With its head office in Ashford, the Chamber has welcomed Karen Callander, who brings senior level experience in financial services and product led marketing, and Salim Somjee, Partner at Top 50 UK law firm Birketts, who has high level corporate law experience.

Karen has lived in Kent for over 25 years, with a career that has involved providing high-level strategic planning and business development roles for major companies such as Saga and

44 Thinking Business

EGG. She is currently Company Secretary for Comparison Tech, is a Chartered Marketeer and qualified financial planner.

Based at Birketts’ South East office in Sevenoaks, Salim is a corporate lawyer, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, and private equity.

He is highly ranked in the Legal 500 2026 directory and Chambers & Partners, and has advised many leading Kent businesses and supported their growth.

Andrew Metcalf, Chair of Kent Invicta and Managing Director of Maxim, the Tunbridge Wells-based PR and public affairs agency, said: “It’s great to be joined by Karen and Salim.

Having a board with a mix of gifted people with a proven track record of working for large successful

businesses, running their own, or advising others, is crucial.

“We are here to provide strategic advice and support to Chief Executive, Tudor Price and the team helping them to develop and deliver the services our members demand. The arrival of Karen and Salim will provide further impetus to the Chamber’s vital work to represent Kent business and help them overcome the challenging headwinds from events at home and abroad.”

Commenting on his appointment, Salim Somjee, said: “Having been born and bred in Kent, and graduated from the University of Kent, I’ve spent the last 25 years advising many fantastic businesses.

It’s great to be able to give

something back and help support the economic growth of Kent through the work of the Chamber. Through my international legal work I’m very keen to see how we can attract more foreign direct investment into the county.”

Karen Callandar said: “I’m looking forward to supporting the team from a marketing perspective and commercial viewpoint. Helping to focus on what the Chamber offers, and how it’s marketed and engages with the business community, will be vital when it comes to persuading businesses to join and remain as members.”

Businesses interested in finding out more about the Chamber should visit: www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk

Supporting Mental Wellbeing at Work in Kent and Medway In Kent and Medway, more fit notes are issued for mental health conditions than any other health issue, contributing to rising sickness absence and lost productivity At NHS Talking Therapies in Kent and Medway, we provide a free, confidential service offering evidence based support for people experiencing common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. We offer a range of flexible treatment options, including supported online therapy, webinars and one-to-one support, making it easier for people to access help in a way that suits them.

We also provide employment support, helping people stay in work, return after absence, and manage work related challenges. By working closely with individuals and employers, we promote improved wellbeing, increased confidence and better long term outcomes for both employees and organisations.

kmtalkingtherapies.co.uk

kmtalkingtherapies

To help local organisations better support their workforce, we are hosting a FREE Mental Wellbeing at Work event on 30th June 2026 at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

At the event, we will share practical ways to support staff wellbeing, alongside insights into how to reduce absences and improve retention. You’ll also find out how to work in partnership with us and access the services available for your employees.

Scan the QR code to find out more and sign up to the event.

Whether you are a small business or a larger organisation, supporting mental wellbeing at work is key to building a healthy, productive workforce.

NHS Kent and Medway Talking Therapies

Due to the emotions involved in a separation, it is unsurprising that so many divorces result in conflict.

At ThomasHaywood we recognise the negative impact that conflict has on the health of the parties and their children.

The ThomasHaywood One Couple - One Solicitor process allows us to see couples together and to advise you jointly, providing legal advice to help you to resolve financial matters or arrangements for your children.

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact: Sarah Haywood on 01892 765013, sarah@thomashaywoodsolicitors.com

46 Thinking Business

Business News

The High Sheriff of Kent hosts an employment forum, changing perspectives, creating opportunities Moving personal testimony demonstrating how employment can help ex-offenders get their lives back on track after completing their sentences was showcased at the High Sheriff of Kent’s Employment Forum last week.

The forum, entitled Changing Perspectives, Creating Opportunities, was hosted by the High Sheriff, Jonathan Neame, at the Shepherd Neame brewery in Faversham on Thursday, February 5.

Around 60 people representing Kent’s six prisons, employers, the Probation Service, and ex-offenders, gathered to hear stories of employing ex-offenders from both the point of view of former offenders themselves, firms, and Prison and Probation Service workers.

The aim was to share the benefits with others, inspire other employers to consider giving ex-offenders a chance, and to expand the opportunities that others already offer.

Chantal Chandler, Pub Projects & People Manager at Shepherd Neame, spoke about working with 10 pubs across the brewer’s estate, which have employed 30 both serving and ex-offenders over the last 18 months. “This isn’t about charity,” she said.

“It is investing in people with true loyalty and something to prove – often they become the most committed employees you have.”

Gary Price, Governor of HMP Elmley, which has just over 1,000 inmates, spoke of the benefits to offenders’ self esteem of having employment, and the benefits to society too.

He said: “They are doing something that is not just great for themselves but for society as a whole.”

“We need to get the message out there that that we believe in people; that people can change. That we believe people can lead a successful life. We have to treat every individual with the chance that we would want someone in our family to have.”

The forum heard that many ex-offenders faced stigma once their sentence was completed too, and some were apprehensive to share their criminal record, for fear of rejection for a job, or losing one they had.

But Harry Clark, Co-Head of Reducing Reoffending at HMP Elmley said it was crucial for society to give everyone the opportunity.

He said: “A job can really be the difference between rebuilding a life and falling back between the cracks. When someone has a job, a routine, they are significantly less likely to reoffend.”

Nick Hadriss, of COOK Trading Ltd, shared an honest account with the assembled guests of his struggles with his mental health, before spending time in prison and finally to working with the company. He said: “I don’t know where I’d be without COOK. I’d certainly be in a much worse place.

“If we are only going to look at what people have done in the past how as a society are we going to move forward?”

Jake Ervin, Director at Limebird Recruitment, spoke about working with employers, including Shepherd Neame, to recruit in the hospitality trade.

Among the ex-offenders sharing their stories was Mossy Sturgess of Porchlight, who talked of his 20 years in and out of prison before volunteering and eventually being given employment. “When someone comes and says ‘I believe in you – let me help you get through’ it’s amazing,” he said. “In my younger years I was told I was bad and naughty and you start believing it. You live up to that expectation. We have to break down barriers, break the mould and give somebody a chance. Let’s do that between us.”

After all 21 speakers had addressed the forum, Jonathan Neame, who is also Chief Executive of Shepherd Neame, said: “We have heard some extraordinary testimony, some incredible lived experiences.

I challenge everyone to go away a bit better informed and share this with your networks.

Kent can lead the way.”

Thinking Business

47

New Members

Welcome to our new members Ashford Printing.com

Kent 01233 640700 ashfordprinting.com Low cost print and beautiful design, from stationery to signage

Ashford United Football Club Ashford 01233 611838 ashfordunitedfc.com Football club

Baremoi Consults Ltd

Maidstone 07459 847428 Clarity and control for projects and people - for organisations focused on construction projects and digital transformation

Bay Branded Merch Ltd Herne Bay 01227 392922 baybrandedmerch.co.uk Branded merchandise

Bridger’s Law Ltd Sittingbourne 01795 505992 bridgerslaw.co.uk Law firm

Caring Altogether on Romney Marsh (CARM)

Romney Marsh 01233 758122 carmromneymarsh.org.uk A local charity reducing loneliness and isolation working across Romney Marsh, Tenterden and parts of rural Ashford

Cesura Coaching & Mentoring Tunbridge Wells 07707 680814 cesura.co.uk Leadership coaching and business mentoring for SMEs

CFE Fire Safety Ltd Manston 07803 336706 cfefiresafetyltd.co.uk Fire safety solutions

48 Thinking Business

Clear Voice Interpreting Services London 01304 796695 clearvoice.org.uk Language services provider

Deeprose Wealth Management

Giants Group Contract Ltd

Faversham 07707 150752 giantsgroupcontracts.co.uk Civil engineering, grab Hire, surfacing, concrete, aggregates and networks

East Sussex 07386 747224 deeprosewm.co.uk Wealth management business offering expert financial advice to individuals and businesses nationwide, offering a diverse range of services

Green Team Consulting Ltd

Diverse Perspectives Ltd

07904 956124 Coaching

Chatham 07810 295637 Working with businesses and managers to help them understand what neurodivergent employees actually need

Domaine Evremond

Canterbury 01227 696055 domaineevremond.com Winery

Doree Bonner International

Dartford 01322 552050 doreebonner.co.uk One of the UK’s leaders in removals and storage

Embracing Arts

Faversham 07927 022904 embracingarts.org.uk Theatre company that is dedicated to creating work for young people with special educational needs and/or life limiting conditions

West Malling 020 3882 6780 gtconsulting.co.uk Consultancy focused on commercial energy and sustainability

Insight Interim & Coaching Inspiring Cultures Ltd

Kent 020 8058 5582 inspiringculturesltd.com A cultural transformation organisation offering a broad spectrum of core competencies

Invicta Strategic Consultants Ltd London 07583 441643 Invictastrategic.co.uk Consultants

JG Legal Consulting Limited t/a B2B Debt Recovery Solutions Ashford 07428 129255 b2bdebtrecoverysolutions.co.uk Debt recovery solutions

John Planck Ltd

Fabisimo Ltd Faversham 0800 538 5089 fabisimo.com Fabric printing

Chatham 01634 823189 Johnplanck.co.uk Over 50 years working with leading architects, interior designers and professionals to specify, source and supply quality hardware and interior products for projects across Kent and the UK

GCR - Global Credit Recoveries

Kinetic Driving School Ltd

West Malling 020 3589 6655 globalcreditrecoveries.com Commercial credit management

Gravesend 0333 772 9603 kineticdrivingschool.co.uk Driving school

New Members

Enhance

Protect

Connect

matjeffery.com

Penganova Consulting

Tecnis Academy Ltd

Matthew Walker Photography

Phillips Notary

The Forge Partnership

Sheppey 07909 845101 matjeffery.com Business and Personal Coaching Southborough 07725 205081 matthewwalkerphotography.com Wedding and commercial events photography

MS Webb & Co Ltd

London & South East 0844 544 4804 mswebb.co.uk Enforcement security and property services

Native Ecology LLP

Faversham 01227 656757 native-ecology.co.uk Offering an extensive range of ecology services, suitable to inform planning applications from small to large scale residential and commercial developments, through to wider landscape scale ecology strategy

Oceans Green Dry Cleaners

Gillingham 01634 577066 oceansgreen.co.uk Premium eco-friendly dry cleaning

On Planning Ltd

Canterbury 01227 907500 onplanning.co.uk A dynamic planning consultancy dedicated to helping landowners, developers, businesses and local authorities unlock the potential of their sites

PCP - Pre Construction Project

Dover 01304 262341 pc-project.co.uk Pre-Construction Consultancy, working closely with our SiteBridge platform, where we can live-track carbon emissions, fleets, and workforce data

Canterbury 07786 914418 penganova.com HR transformation and Growth Consultant Sevenoaks 07767 646635 phillipsnotary.uk Providing comprehensive notarial certification services for both individuals and businesses

Real Money Guide Ltd

Canterbury 020 3633 9545 realmoneyguide.co.uk A financial guidance company with a dedicated division specialising in Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) services

Red & White Media Limited

Kent 07359 714726 redandwhitemedia.co.uk Strategic communications support to businesses across the UK

Redeem Partners

Ramsgate 07801 963188 redeempartners.co.uk Innovation funding specialists

RGVA Ltd

Maidstone 01622 673797 rgva.co.uk Commercial fleet graphics and vehicle wrapping

Step into the Past

Kent 01732 667077 stepintothepast.co.uk Guided tours involving exploring historic sites and experiences

Tech Medical Services Ltd

Maidstone 01622 962351 techmedicalservices.co.uk Providers of event medical services and training for any event or industry

Sittingbourne 07792 834542 tecnisacademy.com Online tutors and face to face tutoring Whitstable 01227 915005 theforgepartnership.com Specialist growth consultancy

The Oak Grove in Kent Ltd

Sittingbourne 01634 944297 theoakgrove.uk Woodland wedding and handfasting venue in Kent

TNB Skills Training (trading name of That Nail Place Ltd) Folkestone 01303 256305 tnbskillstraining.co.uk Apprenticeship Training

Tree Craft Ltd

Sevenoaks 01732 641492 treecraft.co.uk Tree care, arboricultural consultancy and training

Unearthed Geotechnical Associates Ltd

Maidstone 07474 480404 unearthedgeotechnical.co.uk Driving innovative geotechnical solutions to secure the resilience and durability of our environment and infrastructures

Victoria Island Smokehouse Northfleet 020 3924 8600 victoriaislandsmokehouse.com Smokehouse

Vortex Electrical Services Ltd

Ashford 01233 355155 vortex-electrical.co.uk Electrical compliance, installation and maintenance for businesses Thinking Business

49

Last Word

Movers and Shakers

Lisa-Jane Fraser Proprietor Frasers

My name is Lisa-Jane Fraser, along with my husband Adam we are custodians of an Eco-Estate in the idyllic Kent countryside. We operate a sustainable, holistic hospitality business in parallel with the Estate.

We offer weddings, private events, corporate hospitality, away days, training days, a wide variety of workshops, cookery courses and special events.

In 2026 we have obtained planning permission for a large natural burial ground. Additionally, we offer Natural Capital, BNG and Carbon Offsetting.

What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

From a very young age I was entrepreneurial.

I started my first livery yard at 15, employed a groom and offered full livery services. In 1981 we charged £60/horse/week!

What do you always carry with you to work?

My commute is across our lawn. I always carry my mobile phone, a waterproof and a pair of wellies, in case of animals escaping!

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

All businesses, notably hospitality are experiencing unprecedented trading conditions. Food inflation, VAT, employment costs, the decrease in customer numbers are resulting in extremely challenging conditions.

If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business?

A considerable reduction of VAT levy across all hospitality and tourism to ameliorate the impact of inflation and the cost of living crisis. A reduction to an 8% flat rate would bring the UK in line with Europe.

What can you see from your office window?

I consider myself to be extremely lucky. The view from my office window is uninterrupted, unspoilt countryside, my vegetable and cutting gardens and my horses gently grazing in the field.

If you could do another job what would it be?

I honestly don’t think I could do another job! We are however, undergoing further diversification at the moment to offer education to school children and charities, which is really important to me.

As a business person, what are your three main qualities?

I would consider my three greatest qualities to be entrepreneurial, empathetic and adaptability.

What was your biggest mistake in business?

I would consider my biggest mistake is to operate too much inside the business rather than on the business, delegation is not one of my strengths!

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

My advice would be to be determined, have faith in your own convictions, work extremely hard and surround yourself with like-minded people.

Who do you most admire in business?

Since the late 90’s I have followed Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall at River Cottage. His enthusiasm and commitment to the rural environment, education, health and farming has been exemplary. For my 60th Bday in April my lovely staff bought me a day cookery course at River Cottage with Hugh – it was perfect!

ThinkingBusiness Business 50 Thinking 50

Girlings Solicitors LLP announces appointment of New Managing Partners Girlings Solicitors LLP has announced a new leadership structure as the firm responds to a sustained period of growth and prepares for the retirement of its Managing Partner, Lesley Rushton in March 2026.

From 1 April 2026 Charlotte Nock and Chris Brightling will be joint Managing Partners of the firm.

The new structure reflects the firm’s continued growth and ambition and is designed to strengthen leadership capacity and support long-term strategic development.

Charlotte Nock will assume responsibility for people, compliance and standards and Chris Brightling will be responsible for strategy and performance. Both will work closely with the heads of the firm’s practice areas and management functions and shall report in to the firm’s Management Board.

Charlotte, who is also Head of the Wills, Tax and Estate Administration team and Chris, who is Head of the Corporate and Commercial team, will continue to lead their respective departments and continue to be involved in client work.

The new leadership structure strikes a balance between continuity and innovation and positions Girlings for an exciting and dynamic future.

Discussing their respective responsibilities, Charlotte Nock commented: “I’m proud to step into this role at a pivotal moment for Girlings.

This new structure is about growth, trust, and

empowerment, giving our legal heads and management leads the autonomy to lead decisively. With the talent we have today, I believe we are stronger than ever and well positioned for our future growth.”

Chris Brightling said: “As Managing Partner for Strategy and Performance, my focus is on driving sustainable growth, strengthening performance across our teams, and refining the processes that support our core business. This approach allows us to evolve with confidence while delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes for our clients.”

Chairman of the Firm, Carl Vincent said of the new appointments: “This is an exciting chapter for Girlings and the appointments of Charlotte and Chris reflect our confidence in the future and our commitment to continued growth and long-term success.”

Family Law Specialist Susi Gillespie joins Whitehead Monckton Solicitors in Maidstone, Kent as Family Consultant Susi Gillespie is a respected family lawyer, accredited mediator, one-couple-one-lawyer specialist and collaborative practitioner, known for her work supporting separating couples through pragmatic, non-confrontational processes. On 10 February 2026, Susi joined Whitehead Monckton Solicitors as part of its expanding family law team, and will be based at the firm’s Maidstone office.

Susi brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in family law. Having started her career at a Legal 500 firm in Canterbury, she moved to another Legal 500 firm based initially in London in 2017 to establish and grow their family law offering. Susi went on to build a strong multi-disciplinary team with offices across London, Kent and Surrey, with her base becoming Tunbridge Wells. The legal directories Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners praise Susi for having a calm and client-centred style whilst providing expertise and client care.

Susi specialises in divorce and separation, financial settlements, cohabitation disputes, child arrangements and nuptial agreements.

Her practice focuses on resolving matters

through mediation and collaborative methods rather than in court proceedings.

She is a Law Society-accredited family mediator, a Resolution-trained one-couple-one-lawyer specialist and a collaborative practitioner.

These additional qualifications reflect Susi’s unwavering commitment to focused and constructive out-of-court resolutions for her clients.

Susi has spent much of the past decade working in Tunbridge Wells, where she has built up strong professional relationships and supported many families across the local community.

At Whitehead Monckton, Susi will work alongside other experienced lawyers, mediators and collaborative specialists to further enhance the firm’s family law offering, with a particular focus on non-court dispute resolution.

“I am delighted to join Whitehead Monckton Solicitors, which has always been a firm I have held in the highest regard. I very much look forward to contributing to a firm that shares my values of empathetic and excellent client service coupled with a collaborative approach to family law,” says Susi. “Together, we will continue to support clients and families facing some of the most challenging circumstances in their lives with clarity, care and practical solutions.”

Copy Deadline: News items for the June - July issue to be submitted by 8th May

We pride ourselves on being a solicitor for you, your family and your business.

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Tel: 01795 505992 | Email: helpme@bridgerslaw.co.uk 1st Floor, 2nd Office, 3 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD SRA Number: 832950 Ground Floor Rear, Unit 10, Conqueror Court, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 5BB SRA Number: 656360

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