Securing Kent’s Construction Sites: Tackling the Rising Cost of Tool Theft

Tool and equipment theft continues to be one of the most persistent and costly challenges facing the construction sector. With major projects underway across Canterbury, Maidstone, and the Thames Gateway, the region’s building sites are increasingly vulnerable to opportunistic crime—especially as high-value tools and machinery are often left on-site overnight.

Nationally, tool theft costs the industry over £100 million annually. In Kent, local contractors are also feeling the pressure. Delays caused by theft can derail project timelines, inflate insurance premiums, and even lead to cancelled contracts. For smaller firms, the impact is particularly acute; losing a van’s worth of tools can mean weeks of lost income and reputational damage that’s hard to recover from.

However, the tide is turning. Across Kent, construction companies are investing in smarter, more proactive site security.

Motion-triggered CCTV, GPS-tagged equipment, and biometric access controls are becoming standard on many sites. These technologies not only deter theft but also provide critical evidence to support insurance claims when incidents occur. Insurers are responding in kind. Policies are increasingly tailored to reward firms that implement robust risk management strategies. As a local insurance broker and patron of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Tristan Lennox-Gentle of Towergate Insurance clarified that ‘ I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration between insurers, site managers, and local authorities is making a tangible difference. Premium reductions, faster claims processing, and bespoke coverage options are just some of the benefits available to firms that take security seriously.’ www.ardonagh.com

With the Kent Construction Expo on the horizon, there’s no better time to spotlight the importance of protecting what’s already built. Innovation in building methods is vital but so is safeguarding the tools and equipment that make construction possible.

Let’s keep building—but let’s also keep what we’ve built safe.

Every month we bring you a mix of information sessions, networking events, and training sessions with some of the top local business professionals from an array of different industries. Each event is designed to offer invaluable up-to-date information tailored to our attendee’s wants and needs, as well as networking opportunities to help you grow your business.

Every month we bring you a mix of information sessions, networking events, and training sessions with some of the top local business professionals from an array of different industries. Each event is designed to offer invaluable up-to-date information tailored to our attendee’s wants and needs, as well as networking opportunities to help you grow your business.

With a mix of events held online and face-to-face across Kent, you’re sure to find the right one for you.

With a mix of events held online and face-to-face across Kent, you’re sure to find the right one for you.

Business Bites

The Power of Integrity

Business Bites The Power of Integrity

Thursday 11th September 2025

Thursday 11th September 2025

Online via Zoom | 1:00pm - 1:30pm

Online via Zoom | 1:00pm - 1:30pm

Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: Free to Attend

Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: Free to Attend

Business Bites are a series of short, impactful webinars designed to deliver valuable insights on topics that matter, no matter your company’s size or industry.

Business Bites are a series of short, impactful webinars designed to deliver valuable insights on topics that matter, no matter your company’s size or industry.

In this session, we’re joined by guest speaker Kate Sneeuwjagt from Mark Kamin & Associates, who will guide us through a powerful shift in how we think about performance. You’ll discover how to consistently operate at a high level, even in the face of challenges, and walk away with practical tools to take sustainable high performance into your own hands.

In this session, we’re joined by guest speaker Kate Sneeuwjagt from Mark Kamin & Associates, who will guide us through a powerful shift in how we think about performance. You’ll discover how to consistently operate at a high level, even in the face of challenges, and walk away with practical tools to take sustainable high performance into your own hands.

UK – India Free Trade Agreement Webinar

UK – India Free Trade Agreement Webinar

Wednesday 17th September 2025

Wednesday 17th September 2025

Online via Zoom | 11:00am - 11:30am

Online via Zoom | 11:00am - 11:30am

Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: Free to Attend

Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: Free to Attend

Following the signing of the UK-India trade deal, join us for an exclusive webinar exploring the opportunities and implications of this landmark agreement.

Following the signing of the UK-India trade deal, join us for an exclusive webinar exploring the opportunities and implications of this landmark agreement.

Industry expert Chris Heyes will provide valuable insights into how the Free Trade Agreement is set to reshape UK–India trade relations, with a particular focus on the impact for businesses in Kent. This event is for companies looking to understand the benefits, navigate the changes, and position themselves for growth in this evolving trade landscape.

Industry expert Chris Heyes will provide valuable insights into how the Free Trade Agreement is set to reshape UK–India trade relations, with a particular focus on the impact for businesses in Kent. This event is for companies looking to understand the benefits, navigate the changes, and position themselves for growth in this evolving trade landscape.

Business Walks

Tuesday 19th August 2025, The Lost Gardens, Sevenoaks 10:30am - 12:00pm | Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

Tuesday 19th August 2025, The Lost Gardens, Sevenoaks 10:30am - 12:00pm | Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

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

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

Why not come and join us for Business Walks and get ready to Connect, Collaborate and Support other business owners, professionals and employees through walking and talking. For this event we will be foraging for wild leaves to make a Kentish Wild Leaf Salad. After this there will also be the opportunity to meet the alpacas on site.

Why not come and join us for Business Walks and get ready to Connect, Collaborate and Support other business owners, professionals and employees through walking and talking. For this event we will be foraging for wild leaves to make a Kentish Wild Leaf Salad. After this there will also be the opportunity to meet the alpacas on site.

Chamber Connections

Chamber Connections

Thursday 21st August 2025, Mercure Dartford, Dartford

Thursday 21st August 2025, Mercure Dartford, Dartford

Thursday 4th September 2025, Donnington Manor Hotel, Sevenoaks

Tuesday 23rd September 2025, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal

Thursday 4th September 2025, Donnington Manor Hotel, Sevenoaks

Tuesday 23rd September 2025, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal

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

Join others for our very popular Chamber Connections networking event and receive a warm welcome from your Chamber representative on arrival, who will be on hand to help you meet new members of the business community.

Join others for our very popular Chamber Connections networking event and receive a warm welcome from your Chamber representative on arrival, who will be on hand to help you meet new members of the business community.

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

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

Kent Construction Focus Group

Kent Construction Focus Group

Tuesday 5th August 2025, The Village Hotel, Maidstone

Tuesday 5th August 2025, The Village Hotel, Maidstone

Tuesday 2nd September 2025, The Village Hotel, Maidstone 7:30am - 9:30am | KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT

Tuesday 2nd September 2025, The Village Hotel, Maidstone 7:30am - 9:30am | KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) Tuesday 5th August 2025 | 7:30am - 9:30am

The Village Hotel, Maidstone, ME14 3AQ

Business Bites

Boosting Productivity in Your Workplace

Friday 8th August 2025 | 1:00pm - 1:30pm Online via Zoom

Business Talks - The Big Cat Sanctuary

Tuesday 12th August 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

The Big Cat Sanctuary, Ashford, TN27 8PJ

Business Walks

Tuesday 19th August 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

The Lost Gardens, Sevenoaks, TN15 0HB

Chamber Connections

Thursday 21st August 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Mercure Dartford, Dartford, DA3 8PE

Virtual Business Networking

Tuesday 26th August 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom

Kent And Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG)

Wednesday 27th Aug. 2025 | 12:00pm - 2:00pm PrepWorld, Gravesend, DA11 8HH

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)

Tuesday 2nd Sept. 2025 | 7:30am - 9:30am

The Village Hotel, Maidstone, ME14 3AQ

Chamber Connections

(Sponsored by Select Technology)

Every month we bring you a mix of information sessions, networking some of the top local business professionals from an array of invaluable up-to-date information tailored to our attendee’s wants help you grow your business.

Thursday 4th Sept. 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Donnington Manor Hotel, Sevenoaks, TN13 2TD

Business Bites – The Power Of Integrity

Thursday 11th Sept. 2025 | 1:00pm - 1:30pm Online via Zoom

With a mix of events held online and face to face across Kent,

The KCFG group is made up of companies in the Kent area within the construction sector, including architects, contractors, suppliers, land agents, and more. KCFG provides a one-stop shop for access to local knowledge, expertise, and contacts within the land development and construction sector.

The KCFG group is made up of companies in the Kent area within the construction sector, including architects, contractors, suppliers, land agents, and more. KCFG provides a one-stop shop for access to local knowledge, expertise, and contacts within the land development and construction sector.

Business Talks – Wine Tasting and Tour

Kent Construction Focus Group

Tuesday 16th Sept. 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm Balfour Winery, Staplehurst, TN12 0HT

Tuesday 6th August 2024 | Tuesday 3rd September 2024

UK – India Free Trade Agreement Webinar

During the morning, you will enjoy a full English breakfast at the Village Hotel.

During the morning, you will enjoy a full English breakfast at the Village Hotel.

Virtual Business Networking

Virtual Business Networking

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

Wednesday 17th Sept. 2025 | 11:00am - 11:30am Online via Zoom

Business Talks – Cyclopark

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

Thursday 18th Sept. 2025 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm Cyclopark, Gravesend, DA11 7NP

Chamber Connections

Tuesday 26th August 2025 | Tuesday 30th September 2025

Tuesday 26th August 2025 | Tuesday 30th September 2025

Online via Zoom | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

Online via Zoom | 10:30am - 12:00pm Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

The KCFG group consists of companies in the Kent area involved in construction, such as architects, surveyors, contractors, construction suppliers, and land agents etc.

(Sponsored by Business Computer Solutions)

Tuesday 23rd Sept. 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, CT14 0BF

Each event will be an eclectic mix of conversation topics as we interview our guest business and encourage questions from the attendees, making sure we bring you the networking event you want to be involved in.

Each event will be an eclectic mix of conversation topics as we interview our guest business and encourage questions from the attendees, making sure we bring you the networking event you want to be involved in.

Kent And Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG)

KCFG provides a one-stop-shop for access to local knowledge, expertise, and contacts within the land development and construction sector.

Wednesday 24th Sept. 2025 | 12:00pm - 2:00pm Frasers, Egerton, TN27 9DD

Conversations with our guest speaker will be followed by three breakout room sessions where attendees can delve deeper into this discussion or discuss their own topic in more depth.

Conversations with our guest speaker will be followed by three breakout room sessions where attendees can delve deeper into this discussion or discuss their own topic in more depth.

Virtual Business Networking

During the morning, you will enjoy a full English breakfast, followed by a presentation from our guest speakers.

Tuesday 30th Sept. 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom