Thinking Business December 2023

THINKING

BUSINESS • OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • December - January 2024 •

HEALTH & WELLBEING Maintaining the work/life balance n The Big Interview with Spenser Mills, Managing Director of Drakemoor Ltd p16 n International Trade: Exporters urged to seize new era of global trade p36 n Chamber Events p42 n Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards Winners and Finalists 2023 p44 n New Members p48

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Welcome & Contents

Taking time out is just as important as the time you put in Thank you to each and every one of you for your invaluable friendship and unwavering support throughout my time with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and a special thank you to my team, Directors and our Patrons. I can’t believe it has been an incredible 33 years since I joined as a part-time typist.

I am so proud of what we have achieved together.

Although I am looking forward to my retirement, I will miss the buzz of Chamber events and finding out more about local businesses – everyone knows how much I like asking questions and getting to know people!

Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business magazine – and my very last one as Chief Executive of the Chamber.

Contents 4

Chamber News

5

Legal Update

8-9

Members News

10

Patron’s Supper

11

Patron News

12-13

Members News

14-15

Profile

16-17

The Big Interview

Our Patrons

Everyone is so busy juggling busy lives and keen to find that sometimes elusive work/life balance, so it is important to sit down and read our cover feature with a cup of tea or coffee. Taking time out is just as important as the time you put in.

16 22 18 19

22-23 24-27 28

30-31 34 35

What an amazing host of awards winners and finalists at the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards. Your work is not going unnoticed. I feel immensely proud of our business community in Kent and it was a wonderful way to celebrate everyone’s achievements. I was very honoured to receive my own award in recognition of my 33 years’ service devoted to the Chamber. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists, you are all stars.

Find out more about how the colleges will use the funding in our special feature.

The award of £5 million of Government funding to develop innovative facilities and resources to help people looking for a career in green energy is a massive boost for the area. The funding, which is part of the £165 million Local Skills Improvement Fund targeted to address the specific skills needs of each region, will support three Kent colleges.

I will close with a huge thank you for all your kind messages regarding my retirement. Take care and keep connecting!

36-37

International Trade

Skills

42-43

Chamber Events

Cover Feature – Health & Wellbeing

39

44-45

Health & Wellbeing news

46

LSIF

50

Members News LSIP

Have a very merry Christmas and I wish you all the very best for 2024.

Jo James OBE, Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

34

Property Report

Members News

There are plenty of events to look forward to in 2024 from the ever-popular Kent and Medway Business Summit, which returns in January, to our regular webinars, talks and networking events.

Don’t forget to sign up and kickstart 2024 with a host of dates in your diaries.

48-49 50

Members News

Chamber Business Awards Members News

36 Editorial and General Enquiries Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Sevington, Ashford, Kent.

TN24 0LH

New Members

Chief Executive: Jo James OBE Tel: 01233 503 838 info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk

Movers & Shakers

Media No. 1934

Last Word

Published December 2023 © Benham Publishing

Publisher

Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 admin@benhampublishing.com www.benhampublishing.com

Advertising and Features

Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 karen@benhampublishing.com

Editor

Sarah Dale Tel: 0151 236 4141 Sarahdale@benhampublishing.com

Production Manager

Mark Etherington Tel: 0151 236 4141 mark@benhampublishing.com

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. © 2023. 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.

Thinking Business

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Chamber News

The house that Jo built

When Jo James answered an advert in the local paper to be a part-time typist back in 1990, little did she know it was the start of a 33-year long journey, which would culminate with her becoming Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Those of you who know Jo will not be surprised to discover that when she started working directly for the then Chief Executive, she was often found asking questions.

“I wasn’t slow in coming forward, and often found myself asking: Why do we do it like that?

Why don’t we do that?” said Jo. A year after joining, the Ashford Chamber and Ashford Enterprise Office bid to be one of six ‘One Stop Shops’ for business support in the County. While the bid wasn’t successful, it was to set in train Jo’s commitment to working in partnership. Having galvanised the support of Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council, the two organisations finally merged in 1994 with the decision taken to create a new head office.

Her 12 hours a week soon grew to 30, eventually becoming a full-time role when Jo was promoted to Sales and Marketing Manager, targeting new members and promoting the Chamber and building relations with stakeholders.

Jo’s role continued to evolve, and she describes it as having a lot in common with ‘Challenge Anneka’.

“While I didn’t arrive at work in a helicopter or a yellow jumpsuit, every day brought with it new things to do,” said Jo. Nowhere was that more evident than when she tasked herself with sourcing free building materials for what remains the Kent Invicta head office – it literally is the house that Jo built.

In 2008, with the economy in the grip of the banking crisis, the Chamber changed from representing its membership to becoming a business support organisation, supporting all companies in the County. By now Jo was the face of the Chamber, actively meeting businesses and stakeholders, and when the Chief Executive stepped down, she threw her hat into the ring. The board recognised her strengths and put their faith in her to navigate the economically choppy waters.

The next ‘Challenge Jo’ was how to make the transition from Manager to Leader.

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Thinking Business

Jo said: “It didn’t happen overnight, but with the support of my Board and the Chairman, I grew into it. In 2008, the County’s businesses faced many of the same issues encountered by today’s contemporaries, and never has there been more need for countywide business support.”

The next few years saw the emergence of a countywide Chamber, from previous serving organisations in Ashford, Canterbury and Maidstone to merge with the Chambers of Channel (east Kent) West Kent, North Kent and Thames Gateway.

The result was accreditation from the British Chambers of Commerce and creation of a single voice for business. Continuing to represent its members, the Chamber built on its business support services, including offering export documentation for Kent’s internationally trading businesses. Today, few would question that the Chamber has evolved and continues to deliver day-in day-out for Kent.

During her time at the Chamber, Jo saw the completion of the M20, the opening of the Channel Tunnel and Eurotunnel service, and transformation of Kent’s connections to London and Europe.

“We can’t be complacent, there’s still much more to do on the infrastructure front. The Chamber continues to push the government to bring back the Eurostar service on HS1, and to maintain its commitment to the Lower Thames Crossing”, said Jo, adding: “That baton will now be picked up by my successor Tudor Price and the Board.”

When you talk to Jo about change, the conversation will inevitably turn to how technology has accelerated the pace of business. While it brings with it improvements in how we do business, it also brings downsides when it comes to our individual wellbeing and downtime.

She recognises that switching off at 5pm is now a challenge for all of us and takes significant self-control.

“Now more than ever we need to find balance in our daily lives, and recognise that we work to live, rather than live to work,” said Jo. This might explain why Jo became the owner of a Border Collie dog to help her escape the home office.

Having helped businesses emerge from the 2008 downturn, Jo brought that experience to the table and worked closely with Kent County Council to develop the Covid-19 Helpline for all businesses in Kent and Medway. Thousands of local firms were helped with practical advice on how to navigate the pandemic, whether it was securing grants and loans, managing HR issues, and more.

As for the future, Jo is the first to accept it will be challenging: “We’ve got to remain optimistic that the combination of the diversity of business in Kent; the collective entrepreneurial spirit; and not being dependent upon a single town or city means we’ll emerge stronger and better.”

She recognises the country is facing significant financial stresses: “The need for partnership, between business and public sector and further and higher education, has never been more important. This is evident in the Kent & Medway Local Skills Partnership, led by the Chamber, in partnership with the county’s Further Education Colleges.”

Like many business leaders, Jo has given up hours of her life to meetings, in her myriad roles on the South East LEP, Kent & Medway Economic Partnership, Kent Employment Taskforce, to name but a few. Jo has always championed the business community and recognises that companies are driven by the search for commercial opportunities wherever they are to be found.

Jo’s commitment to supporting Kent companies has been beyond measure, and it was recognised in 2019 when she was awarded an OBE for ‘Services to the Kent economy’ by the now Prince of Wales, HRH Prince William.

As for an abiding memory, Jo will remind us of how fortunate she was to find a job in which she’s been able to grow, and work with some amazing people and organisations who believed in her, while still balancing work and home.

Jo might be retiring but there’s one thing for certain, without her years of dedication the Chamber wouldn’t have become the voice for business that it is today.

Legal Update

A Christmas that works for you and your family…

Whilst many look forward to the Christmas period with festive cheer, this can also be a daunting and difficult time for those involved in family separation. It may be that Christmas this year will look different than expected, or indeed it may still be unclear what the arrangements are going to be for you and your family. on the children’s needs, wherever possible this agreement should be upheld. This will provide stability for the children and help minimise parental conflict over the Christmas period. In the same vein, changeovers and timings should be adhered too by both sides.

By Megan Mahesan Girlings Solicitors As Family Lawyers, we are often approached by clients to provide advice on how to address the question of child arrangements during the Christmas and New Year period.

There are no set rules about the time which parents should spend with their children.

Below we set out some ideas to help you consider how to shape and deliver the Christmas which works for everyone in your family to try to mitigate parental conflict during this Christmas period. These are not legal points, but ideas we have learnt from our experience as family lawyers.

1. Start planning as early as possible – Wherever possible we urge parents to begin discussing arrangements for the Christmas period as early as possible.

Once a plan is agreed, whilst it is important to maintain flexibility based

Nonetheless, children should not be asked to choose between either parent and should not be dragged into parental dispute.

4. Quality Time - Once an agreement has been reached, try and focus efforts on making the most of this special time.

Parents should plan to see wider family and grandparents within their agreed time.

2. Communication – There is no legal requirement to record any agreement into a formal document or Court Order, however we would encourage parents, to communicate clearly regarding the Christmas period, again to avoid any misunderstanding or disputes. Some parents find resources such as parenting apps or shared calendars helpful. Such tools may also assist in agreeing joint or separate gifts. Furthermore, communicating plans to the children is essential, and creating a visual guide for them can often be helpful.

5. Legal Advice – If you are not able to reach an agreement with your ex-partner regarding arrangement for the children over Christmas, you should seek advice from a family lawyer. In most circumstances family lawyers will try and resolve matters through negotiation and/or mediation. If this is unsuccessful then, as a last resort, a court application can be made to determine the question of contact arrangements.

3. Child Focused - In all children matters the Court’s paramount consideration is the welfare of the children. Welfare is determined by applying various factors, specific to your child.

If you would like any further information or resources regarding parenting through separation, or legal advice regarding your specific circumstances, then contact one of the Family Team at Girlings Solicitors.

Megan Mahesan Associate Solicitor Family Law department Tel: 01233 664711 Email: meganmahesan@girlings.com

girlings.com Thinking Business

5

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Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority

Time for a FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECK?

Advertising Feature

Lee Wood APFS Chartered Financial Planner Taking the time to plan ahead for your financial future can have a positive impact in many ways. It can provide clarity of thought and set in motion a defined plan to organise your financial affairs, which can enable you to look ahead to the future with confidence. Whilst there are many aspects to a financial plan that are dependent on an individual’s circumstances, we look at some of the more common ways you can give your finances a health check.

Make a Will According to recent research carried out by Canada Life, half of the UK population has not made a Will. Whilst uptake in the older generations is understandably higher, one in three people aged over 55 do not have a Will in place. These statistics are alarming, as dying without a Will can place an additional burden on loved ones at a difficult time, and potentially lead to difficult decisions when it comes to guardianship of children or how assets are dealt with.

By writing a Will you can leave clear instructions on matters such as funeral arrangements, or how possessions are to be distributed, which can ease the burden on family members. Dying without a Will also leaves no named executor to deal with the estate, and family members or other individuals will need to decide amongst themselves who will be appointed as administrator. We recommend using a Solicitor to prepare a Will that is drafted to reflect your wishes, as they can also provide expert advice and guidance where needed.

Arranging Life Cover Another key area is the need to ensure that adequate protection is in place to provide a financial safety net in the event of the death of a family member.

The risks of not arranging suitable life cover are substantial, as this could potentially leave an outstanding mortgage for those left behind to deal with, or mean that the loss of an income could lead to financial hardship for surviving family members.

There are many options to consider when arranging life cover, in respect of whether the insurance would pay out a lump sum or regular payments in the event of a claim, the amount of sum assured, and the need to reach a decision about the policy term.

Speaking to an independent adviser can help consider which of these options are appropriate to your circumstances.

Pension health check Most people find retirement planning a daunting process. The options open at the point of retirement can be confusing and this is often compounded when individuals hold a number of different pensions built up through their working life. This is a common problem, as each employer provides a workplace pension through different schemes. In addition, those who are self-employed may well have paid into a personal pension too.

Holding multiple plans can not only make assessment of the value and performance of the accumulated pension funds more difficult, it can also lead to higher costs.

The performance of pension investments is likely to have the biggest impact on the level of income available in retirement.

All pension schemes need to provide a default investment option, into which pension savings will be invested, unless an alternative is selected by the individual.

Default investment strategies tend to produce an average investment performance over the longer term and constructing a bespoke portfolio of investments can often result in improved performance. We would, however, always recommend any decision to vary an investment strategy is taken in conjunction with an independent financial adviser and any actions taken be reviewed regularly.

pension savings. It can also make it easier to plan how income is drawn in retirement and allow tax-efficient decisions to be reached. However, this course of action isn’t right for everyone. Some schemes provide valuable benefits, such as guaranteed growth or annuity rates, which need to be carefully evaluated before any action is taken.

Make cash savings work for you Following the series of base interest rate hikes over the last 18 months, interest rates on cash deposit are now more attractive than they were a year ago. If you haven’t already, now would be a good time to review existing savings accounts and check the rate of interest you are receiving. If it is unattractive compared to other savings rates available on the market, then vote with your feet and look to alternatives offering more competitive rates.

The value of advice We appreciate that modern life is busy and taking time out to consider your financial future may not seem a priority; however, not planning ahead can have serious consequences for your future financial health.

Engaging with a holistic independent financial planner can help focus your planning, and help you make the most of your finances by establishing a comprehensive financial plan, from protecting loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances to building a retirement plan for the future. © Financial Advice and Services Ltd 2023

The decision to combine deferred pensions into a single plan can aid clarity and help establish a cohesive strategy across your

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. Financial Advice & Services Limited, Independent Financial Advisers, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Thinking Business

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Members News

Resolutions Rochester Scaffolding branches out – when to into construction recruitment change and how Business partner Ben, added: “We want to build a reputation for sending the right people to the right job, first time. We will know exactly which person and what skills are needed and will only send someone if we have that match – we won’t send people who can’t do the job which wastes time.”

Rochester Scaffolding has raised the bar – by adding a second company to their portfolio.

January is a great time for change, but rather than resolutions – which usually add more to your plate, think about exit…stopping something, quitting something, making a major change instead.

Do you want to exit and change a situation?

Why do you want to exit and change?

What do you want to achieve?

Dedicate some time to thinking about what you want to change and why, to really understand what you need to do. Don’t try to squeeze it in or around other work or life tasks!

Make some notes and get your thoughts out.

Work change – is it about your role, money, colleagues, company values, culture, ethos, working pattern? Do you want to work more, less, go self-employed, go employed again?

Work exit – are you leaving because you don’t like the job or people, you want more free time to travel, care, have a family?

Earn more, train, change your responsibility level?

Relationships change or exit – why do you want to make the change? What’s missing?

What do you want more of, less of? Is it you or someone else who is the problem?

Health - does it affect you at work and in your personal life?

What is the main issue?

What will be better after?

How will you feel when you’ve achieved it?

Nowadays, there is an overlap between home and work, so change will affect all aspects.

You can exit and change something without conflict or blame – but remember, you can only change yourself, not others.

Business and personal coaching can help you to organise your thoughts, get through the fog and confusion, and create a clear plan of action.

Rosemary Williams RW Coaching r.williams@rw-coaching.co.uk

8

Thinking Business

The 16-year-old company, run by Ben McMahon from Rochester, has launched Rochester Recruitment.

The new company specialises in recruiting candidates for positions within construction, civil engineering and logistics and will be headed up by new business partner Sonny Hammond.

Both have a background in scaffolding and construction, which gives them a better insight into who’s required by their clients.

Sonny said: “We’ve both worked on the tools and so we know who would make a good person to send in for a particular job – skills, attitude, abilities.

“Most recruiters haven’t worked in the trade, but with our combined experience, we have a better idea of what’s needed; rather than matching candidates just through CVs ‘on paper’, we can match them much better, knowing what skills they have against what’s required for the job.”

Rochester Scaffolding was founded in 2007 and has worked on large scale projects across London and major cities, plus on smaller projects across Kent and the South East.

Their motto of ‘Large enough to cope and small enough to care’ will be the focus for the new business. rochesterrecruitment.com info@rochesterrecruitment.com

Ashford Borough Council and Social Enterprise Kent join Forces to Invest in Charities and Social Enterprises in the Borough Ashford Borough Council and Social Enterprise Kent are excited to announce an initiative aimed at providing critical support to the thriving community of charities and social enterprises within the Ashford Borough.

With more than 160 charities and social enterprises already operating in the region, these organisations play a pivotal role in fostering social and economic growth. They rely on public donations and support from local authorities. Most will also have a ‘business enterprise’ where they sell their products or services to fund their ‘social purpose.’

These enterprises serve as both a source of income and a means of engaging the very individuals they assist. For instance, charity shops staffed by people with learning difficulties not only contribute to the community but also offer valuable life skills, such as teamwork, financial management, and interpersonal communication.

However, many leaders in the charity and social enterprise sector seek professional business expertise and guidance to enhance their operations effectively.

They are eager for private consultations with experienced advisors, as well as opportunities for peer learning and networking.

Often, they lack formal business training and struggle to find the time to invest in such education while balancing their social missions.

In response to these challenges, Ashford Borough Council has secured £50,000 of its Government funded UKSPF allocation and partnered with Social Enterprise Kent to secure the services of a seasoned Senior Business Advisor. With over thirty years of business experience as a social entrepreneur and a corporate executive, as well as a master’s degree in business administration and a postgraduate in sustainability, this advisor is well-equipped to guide these organisations toward success.

Additionally, he serves on the board of one of the county’s major charities.

Over the next eighteen months, Ashford Borough Council and Social Enterprise Kent will collaborate to support 40 existing and startup charities and social enterprises. The Senior Business Advisor will provide personalised,

one-on-one mentoring for these organisations and their teams.

The initiative will also include training and workshop courses, networking sessions, and a dedicated conference.

To learn more about this transformative initiative and how it will empower Ashford’s charities and social enterprises, please visit the Social Enterprise Kent website: [https://sekgroup.org.uk/businesssupport/ashford-business-support/] Social Enterprise Kent has a rich history of delivering successful business projects in the county.

This program will be connected to past and present initiatives to ensure that charities and social enterprises can be introduced to specific partners if necessary.

As Cllr Heather Hayward, Portfolio Holder for Performance and Direction, puts it, “Specific support for this sector needs to be delivered by professionals who have the network and experience to provide the tools, advice, and confidence our charities and social enterprises require to thrive.”

For media inquiries, please contact: Michael Roberts Social Enterprise Kent. m.roberts@sekgroup.org.uk www.sekgroup.org.uk

Members News

Act fast to claim tax rebate on French capital gains or income following change to post-Brexit law

Deborah Vaysse, a French Avocat specialising in French property with law firm Furley Page, said: “The good news for British citizens who have made a gain when selling a property in France or declared a French income during this period is that they may be entitled to a tax rebate.

British citizens who sold a property in France during 2021 or early 2022, or paid tax on a French income during the same period, may be entitled to a tax refund following a change of interpretation to the law in France.

Since 1 January 2019, individuals affiliated to a social security scheme in a European Economic Area country or Switzerland have been exempt from paying the CSG (General Social Security Contribution) and CRDS (Social Security Debt Repayment Contribution) in France.

However, following Brexit, from 1 January 2021 taxpayers affiliated to the UK social security system were subject to be taxed at the standard social rate of 17.2% on their Frenchsourced real estate income and any capital gains, rather than the lower rate of 7.5% they previously enjoyed.

“This is because the French tax authorities have updated their interpretation of the EU/ UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (30 December 2020) regarding the effects of Brexit and have decided that the reduced social charge rate of 7.5% should also be applied to UK taxpayers.

“The French tax office has also confirmed that the social rate was backdated to the start of 2021, which means that UK taxpayers who sold a French property and made a capital gain in 2021 or early 2022 may have overpaid social charges and are entitled to claim a tax refund.

The same may also be true for UK taxpayers who paid tax on their 2021 French income.

“To be entitled to this refund, UK taxpayers need to be affiliated to the UK National Insurance system.

The deadline to lodge a claim is 31 December 2023 for property sales completed during 2021, and 31 December 2024 if the French property was sold in 2022, so it is important to act swiftly to check if you are entitled to a tax rebate.”

For more information visit: www.furleypage.co.uk

Introducing Fabvisage Aesthetics, where beauty meets expertise Based at the Lombard House in Canterbury, Fabvisage Aesthetics is owned by Nadra Constance.

A dedicated and highly skilled Medical Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, Nadra has a passion for helping people with their aesthetic goals, while prioritising safety.

Nadra proudly leads with empathy, integrity, and commitment to ethical practices with her patient care.

“I prioritise patient education, ensuring that individuals have a thorough understanding of their treatment options, potential outcomes, and associated risks,” she says.

“I believe in creating a comfortable

and compassionate environment where patients can express their goals and concerns openly.”

With a strong background in nursing and a commitment to staying current with the latest advancements in aesthetic treatments, she is registered under the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), a member of the British Association of Cosmetic Nursing (BACN), and a member of the Aesthetics Complication Expert Group (ACE). The past four years has seen her work with a diverse clientele, where she tailors treatment plans according to their desires and needs.

We’ll turn an argument…

Not all businesses run smoothly – arguments and disputes inevitably occur.

Once harmonious partnerships can sour, impacting business performance and profit. So it’s essential to resolve disputes as effectively as possible before legal action comes into force.

…into a settlement.

Whether you decide to seek a settlement or to defend a claim; our experienced team will be with you every step of the way.

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.

www.fabvisage.co.uk Thinking Business

9

Patron’s Supper

Patrons meet at JV H.O.M.E

Head of Creative Learning at Jasmin Vardimon, and were treated to an outstanding dance performance in one of the studios.

The Kent Invicta Chamber Patrons, who represent key sectors in the county and organisations that support the local business community, met in November for an informal supper to foster and nurture closer relationships.

The event was held in the Café at JV H.O.M.E in Ashford which was one of Ashford Borough Council’s ‘Big 8’ projects. The ‘Big 8’ were major development projects, in and around Ashford, which illustrated how the Council delivers opportunities for new jobs, housing, retail and culture.

JV H.O.M.E provides a new state-of-the art base for the Jasmin Vardimon Dance Academy.

Situated in the newly built Creative Enterprise Quarter in Ashford, the building provides 3 dance studios, including one of the largest in the UK, along with meeting rooms, office space and a café. The critically acclaimed Jasmin Vardimon Dance Company tours nationally and internationally, performing at high profile venues across the world.

Guests were welcomed by Jo James OBE, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber, who is soon to retire. She thanked Patrons for their support of the Chamber during her tenure.

JV H.O.M.E is a creative hub for dancers and students and is dedicated to the company’s

During the evening, the Patrons were taken on a tour of the building by Megan Saunders,

creative research and future productions, educational residencies, and multi-disciplinary artistic study.

L-R Alison Tedbury (Jasmine Vardimon), Andrew Osborne, Tracey Kerly, (Both Ashford Borough Council) Jo James OBE (Kent Invicta Chamber), Megan Saunders (Jasmine Vardimon) and Tudor Price (Kent Invicta Chamber)

Patrons in conversation

Sharon Bowles, The Digital Lookout

Stuart Chipperfield, mha

Catherine Daw, Brachers

Matthew Arnold, Stagecoach South East

Chris Hare, MidKent College

Graham Mitchell, Caxtons Property Consultants

Tudor Price, Incoming Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber

Liz Gibney, Lee Evans Partnership

Jo James OBE, Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber

10 Thinking Business

After supper, incoming Chief Executive, Tudor Price, introduced Alison Tedbury, Executive Director at Jasmin Vardimon who spoke about what the new facilities meant to the dance company and how it will help to develop Ashford’s cultural base in the future.

She asked that attendees might consider taking part in the Academy’s bursary scheme which provides financial support to talented students who do not have the means to pursue a dancing career. She also highlighted that most of the spaces in the building were available to hire should businesses or organisations want to make use of them. Andrew Osborne, Head of Economic Development at Ashford Borough Council, itself a Patron, spoke about the Council’s pride in completing the Big 8 projects and how important JV H.O.M.E will be for inspiring and supporting young dancers, both locally and from across the world.

Photography – Ali Kittermaster

Megan Saunders, Jasmin Vardimon Company, conducting a tour of the facilities

Tracey Kerly, Ashford Borough Council

Kerry Barber, University of Kent

Catering by Macknade, Faversham

JV H.O.M.E Café, Ashford

Patron News

Employers and students take part in MidKent College ZERO and Green Careers Fair MidKent College, a Patron of Kent Invicta Chamber, held two outstanding events on their Maidstone and Medway campuses in November to celebrate and support Green Careers Week 2023 giving employers the chance to showcase their work in sustainability and decarbonisation, and highlight potential careers to students. Every workshop was fully attended as experts from a variety of sectors explained their green agenda and what skills they need from employees.

Chris Hare, Executive Director at MidKent College, said: “The number of students who signed up for the workshops during our Green Careers Week events shows the level of their enthusiasm for the environment and future careers working in that field.

It gave students an unrivalled opportunity to hear directly from employers who specialise in environmental careers about the opportunities available to them. And of course, it gave those employers the chance to meet students from all backgrounds with a view to future vacancies or apprenticeships.

“To also have the Education Secretary Gillian Keegan visit the Maidstone campus that week to see how we have spent previous government funding on green energy training was an unexpected boost for the College.”

One of the employers exhibiting, Steve McGregor, Group Managing Director, DMA group, said: ‘The built environment presents huge opportunities for young people, not only because it is a great sector to work in both nationally and internationally, but there is a huge skills shortage too. And as MD of a local business, and local employer celebrating our 220th anniversary this year, we are keen to share our experiences and opportunities to inspire the next generation.’

Mark Bidewell, Managing Director, BISON, said the print industry faces challenges due to a significant skills gap and taking part in events like the Green Careers Week helps them initiate conversations with ambitious, curious, and talented students who may be interested in joining their team. He said: ‘Parents are not encouraging their children to explore opportunities in the print/signage industry, aside from the popular choice of becoming a “Graphic Designer.” Seventy-five per cent of our team members have found outstanding and fulfilling roles in other areas of our business that they had never considered during their education.

BISON firmly believes that the individuals MidKent College educate, possess the potential to contribute to our ongoing success and grow alongside us.’

At the Maidstone campus the contributing employers were CBRE, BISON, CC Cousins, RD UK, MYA Consulting Services, with Maidstone Borough Council explaining the role of local authorities in reaching Net Zero. MYA who specialises in the role of physics in the design of new building and refurbishments hope to build an apprenticeship programme as an entry to the industry.

At the Medway campus the employers who took part were Oxbury Bank, DMA Maintenance, CC Cousins, RD UK, Vattenfall, and Actis Insulation. Students heard about the careers available in the financial services sector that support agriculture, energy saving and cutting carbon with Rye, Winchelsea & District Hospital, (the first carbon neutral community hospital in the UK), and the use of VR to see the day-to-day life of a wind turbine technician.

Visit www.midkent.ac.uk/zero for more information about MidKent College’s green agenda.

Kent and Medway Business Summit returns in 2024

The ever-popular Kent and Medway Business Summit returns in January in the University of Kent’s Sibson building on the Canterbury campus.

Now in its seventh year, the Summit, held on Friday 12th January from 8am to 2.30pm, will bring together businesses, policymakers and leading academics to discuss, share information and learn about key projects from across the county, as well as the latest developments, thinking and innovations.

This year’s speakers include Cllr Roger Gough, Leader Kent County Council; Adam Bryan, Director of Place Medway Council; Rupert Butler, Head of Legal Practice Leverets group; Paul Gannaway, Director Betteridge & Milsom; John Parkinson, Director HR GO Plc; Josh Pitman, Managing Director Priory Direct; Jon Mills, brewer, distiller and founder of The Foundry; Lucy Druesne, Local Skills Improvement Plan; and representatives from Xeinadin Business Advisory & Accountancy Group.

This year’s keynote speech offers a unique opportunity to hear from Dr Esther Fee Feichtner, pianist and artificial intelligence scientist, who has combined her passions for music and computer science to explore the link between AI and sound, and its role in the future of business.

The always lively panel debates and Q&As will enable delegates to learn more about how academia and business can work together, how to unlock Kent’s growth potential, ways and means of solving the skills shortage, and business finance options.

Delegates will also have opportunities to network over a buffet lunch of Kent produce.

Further details and booking information is available at https://thegulbenkian.co.uk/events/ the-kent-and-medway-business-summit-2024/ The Kent and Medway Business Summit is organised by Kent Business School and supported

by Leverets Barristers and Solicitors, and is partnered with the Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Business and the KM Group.

Thinking Business

11

Members News

Broomsticks offers an award winning finish on construction, refurb or fit-out projects “I love the name!” is the common reaction Director Claire Boulding receives when she introduces her business, Broomsticks, to other people.

polishing it to its original blemishfree finish. (Contaminants being paint, grout, plaster, glue, silicone, brick mortar etc where they shouldn’t be).

“But we really are way more than just sweeper-uppers!” says Claire, who established the premium housekeeping company in 2016.

Is detailing the same as cleaning?

No. Whilst a clean is meant to remove basic day-to-day dirt and debris from a property, detailing goes several steps further, helping to maintain and maximise the quality, finish and overall value of the property.

“Our reputation and determination to deliver unrivalled service and standards has modestly led us to where we are today – now led by our rigorously trained, fully employed and professional construction cleaning and property detailing team who sit within the heart of our company.”

Described as forensic in their approach to their work, they won the award for Best Cleaning Business in Kent at the England Business Awards 2023.

“We offer this as standard practice on all construction, refurb and fit-out projects,” adds Claire.

So what is property detailing?

“Detailing keeps a property in its best possible cosmetic condition,” explains Claire.

This is achieved by delicately and meticulously removing both visible and invisible contaminants from the property’s internal and external surfaces, fixtures and fittings, and

“We’d welcome the opportunity to show you what we could be delivering to your projects in 2024.” www.broomsticks-housekeeping.co.uk

Universal Wellbeing Contract plans to combat loneliness In a world where loneliness poses a substantial risk to health, the Universal Wellbeing Contract, managed by Social Enterprise Kent in collaboration with Kent County Council, is designed as a preventative proactive community health intervention.

Focusing on the communities of Thanet and the south Kent coast including Cliftonville, Dover, Folkestone, and Romney Marsh, this initiative addresses the pressing issue of deteriorating health in individuals aged 55 and above or those with complex needs.

The World Health Organisation underscores physical inactivity, linking it to prevalent noncommunicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, Brigham Young University draws a striking parallel, equating the health impact of social isolation and loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes daily.

As East Kent grapples with an ageing demographic, surpassing 30 per cent of the population, the Universal Wellbeing Contract endeavours to reverse the trend through an array of engaging activities designed to combat loneliness and redefine the perception of ageing.

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From the thrill of clip and climb to the cultural richness of Japanese drumming and Spanish lessons, the Contract not only offers a diverse range of activities but also fosters a sense of community and connection. Through firsthand accounts describing these experiences as not merely enjoyable but genuinely “life-changing”, the initiative stands as a testament to the power of tailored, community-based interventions.

In essence, the Universal Wellbeing Contract exemplifies a resounding commitment to enhancing the health and vitality of communities. https://sekgroup.org.uk

As East Kent grapples with an ageing demographic, surpassing 30 per cent of the population, the Universal Wellbeing Contract endeavours to reverse the trend through an array of engaging activities designed to combat loneliness and redefine the perception of ageing.

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Thinking Business

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Members News

Introduction to Bold Biz Coaching Bold Biz Coaching is delighted to become a member of Kent Invicta Chamber, which makes such a difference to businesses across Kent.

Bold Biz is providing coaching and one-toone mentoring to solopreneurs, start-ups and micro businesses, as well as advice and consultancy to small and mediumsized businesses with up to 250 staff.

David Smith, Managing Director, has nearly 40 years of experience in industry, so he knows how business really works and how people in businesses really work. He has worked in many industries, with specialisms in manufacturing and exporting.

As a self-declared ‘recovering accountant’, David understands the numbers very well, however, his real passion is helping businesses to get the best out of their staff through leaders that build great teams, leading to positive, engaged cultures.

There is no prescribed format to the way Bold Biz works. The answer is always bespoke to businesses, not least because the view is that the best answer lies within.

David’s approach is relaxed and friendly, making serious business fun. The focus is to help businesses grow their sales through bold commercial decision making, develop their staff by making their business a fun place to work, and improving businesses, making it more resilient and effective, by promoting constant improvement, a neverending drive.

As members, Bold Biz hopes to make a significant contribution to helping other businesses across Kent, especially but not exclusively in the west of the county. www.boldbizcoaching.co.uk

Four ways public relations will benefit your business What is PR? Have you ever told your family, friends, or colleagues that you’ve received exceptional service from a business and that you would highly recommend them? Or have you had a terrible customer service experience and made sure everybody knows about it?

Such instances are based on your experience and perception of a particular company and whether your business is large or small, your reputation is key to your success and ultimately your company’s longevity.

Great PR will help your business in the following ways: 1. Boosts your SEO If your company features on popular websites and has backlinks from these, Google will reward you with strengthened SEO which helps increase brand awareness.

2. Increases credibility PR helps build trust with your customers.

As PR is endorsed by third parties this

makes any information about your company unbiased increasing the credibility of your brand.

3. Positions you as an industry leader

PR helps to explain in a unique way why someone should use your product or services and helps build trust in your brand.

Tools to deliver this may include media articles, social media content, blogs etc.

Demonstrating your knowledge and sharing this with customers allows you to position yourself as an expert in your industry.

4. Increases your reach PR is a great tool for building brand awareness and if you get it right, your company may appear on TV, print or online media and radio reaching potentially thousands of customers.

• We believe that partne Sponsored most powerful way to • We champion Kent to local economies

• We value people and h network of clients and

• We deliver creative kno Employee brand building expertis Wellbeing: Insights from Oak Creative

The importance of employee wellbeing has never been more crucial. Oak Creative, part of the Holiday Extras group of businesses, shares first hand their experiences of how an employer brand can unite a workforce.

Recently, the Oak Creative team had the privilege of participating in the Holiday Extras’ ‘Connect’ week. This is a dedicated initiative designed to foster team cohesion and prioritise the holistic wellness of employees.

Laura Bevan, Oak Studio Director says ‘The week-long event proved to be a vibrant amalgamation of activities, orchestrated with the intention of bringing the team closer together. In a time when virtual interactions have become the norm, the opportunity to connect in person was truly invigorating.’

Marketing & From the engaging Crystal Maze game, where Oak CreativeAdvertising secured a commendable 9th position, to the series of inspirational talks and discussions centred on sharing the company’s direction, every aspect of the week was thoughtfully curated to promote a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Emphasising holistic wellbeing, the week also incorporated sessions dedicated to the physical and mental health of the employees. Providing access to wellness resources and promoting healthy practices, the week highlighted the company’s commitment to nurturing a supportive and thriving work environment.

Illustration & Animation

As a leading branding agency in Kent, Oak Creative explains the significance of a robust employer brand.

Jessica Banks, Marketing Manager says ‘Ultimately, a strong employer brand that prioritises workplace wellbeing contributes to the overall success and growth of the organisation. It serves as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent, fostering a positive work environment, and promoting employee engagement and satisfaction.

Cultivating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best efforts. This starts with the employer values and a communications strategy for your internal stakeholders.

Of course, PR needs to be carefully considered and, as with any form of marketing, must target the correct audience for your business to deliver your key messages at the right time.

For more information visit https://brandspacemedia.co.uk/ Thinking Business Business Thinking

13

Profile Profile

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Primarily, I’m targeting small and medium sized businesses going through periods of growth or turnaround that are possibly too small to have their own finance director and there are project elements to support.

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Daryl’s background as a CIMA qualified finance director and his passion for problem-solving and helping businesses with their growth strategies led to him founding ACE Finance Directors in September 2021.

Having an outsourced finance director could be your ACE card Daryl Gilley, Director of ACE Finance Directors, talks to Sarah Dale about why he set up his own business and how his 360-degree view of businesses helps them grow.

Two years ago, Daryl Gilley decided to “stop chasing promotions” in his corporate financial career and realise his dream to run his own business.

The catalyst was losing his parents to Covid just under three years ago, a huge shock that made him reassess his work/life balance.

“I had a very corporate career and had chased promotions since 1998, to the detriment of a

14 Thinking Business

work/life balance with my wife and kids,” said Daryl, who has a thirteen-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son.

“My parents always said to me that I was missing out on the kids growing up.

“When you have a shock like that you reassess. They died in the January and I started the business in the September. I have wanted to run my own business since I was a teenager.”

“Two years ago, I decided to do contracting and interim work; I thoroughly enjoy it and I’ve had great exposure to very different businesses,” said Daryl, who has been a member of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce for two years.

“They are usually nine-month contracts around acquisitions and growth strategies and turning around businesses that need turning around. You go in and fix a problem and then get them on an even keel and then move on to the next one.

“Now, I’m looking to change the focus of the business and become essentially an outsourced finance director or fractional finance director for businesses.

“Effectively, it focuses on scaling up a business. Clients can use me for a project or for a day a week throughout their growth strategy project.

“I’m a commercial accountant so where an accountant looks at transactions and compliance, I’m a strategising partner and provide guidance. I look at where they are and how they are going to move forward. I look at budgets and forecasting, their resources, where they need additional funding, business structure, equipment upgrades, and their one-year and three-year plans.”

Daryl’s target is to gain five new clients over the next 18 months.

“My role is to take a 360 degree look at a client’s business,” he explained.

“I’m looking at the business from the owner’s perspective but with a financial, problem-solving eye.

“This frees up the owner’s time to focus on delivery and attracting

clients so they can concentrate on what they do best.

“I can independently assess what’s improved and work holistically across the divisions, for example, some companies’ marketing strategy may not be aligned with their sales strategy so it’s taking that holistic approach to look at everything.

“A big part of that is becoming the keeper of data and analysing and critiquing performance going forward, looking at where there are over-spends, for example.”

Daryl loves the “Dragon’s Den aspect” of supporting businesses’ growth.

“I love the hands-on aspect to supporting the growth of a business,” he said.

“I thoroughly enjoy what I do.”

Increasing his attendance at networking events with the Chamber is one of his targets for the new year.

“Like many people in finance, networking isn’t my forte, but I do love meeting new people,” he said.

“Primarily, I’m targeting small and medium sized businesses going through periods of growth or turnaround that are possibly too small to have their own finance director and there are project elements to support.

“I can support them through a period of growth.

“I’m proud of the businesses that I have worked with and turned around, so they moved back into profit.

“By the end of next year I would like to have three of my five clients on board and embedded myself into these businesses and developed their growth strategy.

“I will also be looking at employing my first member of staff by the end of next year. That will free me up to focus on the next two to three clients.”

Advertising Feature

How can an Outsourced Finance Director support your Business?

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, achieving sustainable growth is a top priority for companies of all sizes. One strategic approach that has gained significant traction in recent years is outsourcing key roles, including that of a Finance Director.

The key question is, how can an outsourced Finance Director play a pivotal role in supporting and accelerating business growth?

1. Cost Efficiency

One of the most compelling reasons for outsourcing a Finance Director is cost efficiency. Hiring a full-time, in-house Finance Director can be expensive, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Outsourcing allows businesses to access top-notch financial expertise without the heavy financial burden of a full-time salary, benefits, and overhead costs.

2. Strategic Financial Planning

An outsourced Finance Director brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. They can work closely with the company’s leadership to develop and implement strategic financial plans.

This includes setting clear financial goals, creating budgets, and providing guidance on investment decisions.

By aligning financial strategies with the company’s growth objectives, an outsourced Finance Director can pave the way for sustainable expansion.

3. Risk Management

Financial risks are an inherent part of business operations. An outsourced Finance Director can assess and mitigate these risks effectively. They can develop risk management strategies, monitor financial health, and provide timely insights to avoid potential pitfalls. By minimising financial risks, the business can operate more confidently and allocate resources towards growth initiatives.

4. Improved Financial Reporting

Accurate and timely financial reporting is essential for informed decision-making.

An outsourced Finance Director can ensure that financial reports are not only compliant with regulatory requirements but also offer valuable insights into the company’s financial performance. These reports can help identify areas of strength and weakness, enabling management to make informed decisions to drive growth.

5. Access to Expertise

Outsourced Finance Directors often come with a diverse skill set and industry experience. They can offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to financial challenges. This external perspective can be invaluable for businesses looking to break new ground and explore growth opportunities.

6. Scalability

Businesses are dynamic, and their financial needs can change rapidly, especially during periods of growth.

An outsourced Finance Director can adapt to these changes seamlessly.

Whether it’s scaling up financial operations or streamlining processes for efficiency, they can provide the flexibility needed to support the evolving needs of the business.

7. Focus on Core Competencies

By outsourcing financial management, business leaders can free up their time and resources to concentrate on core competencies. This is especially important for startups and SMEs where every resource matters. Delegating financial responsibilities to an expert allows the leadership team to concentrate on innovation, product development, and customer acquisition.

8. Investor Relations

For companies seeking external funding or partnerships to fuel their growth, an outsourced Finance Director can be an asset in managing investor relations.

They can prepare compelling financial presentations, perform due diligence, and communicate effectively with potential investors or partners, increasing the likelihood of successful funding rounds.

9. Cost Transparency

Outsourcing financial management brings transparency to the cost structure. Businesses can better understand and control their financial commitments by choosing services tailored to their specific needs.

This transparency allows for efficient allocation of resources, which is crucial for growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an outsourced Finance Director can be a strategic partner in a company’s journey towards growth.

They bring cost-efficiency, expertise, and scalability to the table, allowing businesses to navigate the complexities of financial management effectively.

By leveraging their skills, companies can make informed decisions, manage risks, and optimise their financial strategies, ultimately accelerating their path to sustainable growth.

In today’s competitive business environment, outsourcing financial leadership can be a game-changer for companies aiming to thrive and expand.

Your business could benefit from an outsourced Finance Director.

Interested in finding out more?

It all starts with a chat. Get in touch.

Commercially savvy accountants Providing businesses finance leadership:

• through periods of substantial growth • periods of interim cover providing continuity and stability • with cashflow controls including fundraising • leading projects including pricing negotiation, cost & operational management • struggling businesses who require a commercial finance expert with business turnaround experience.

Outsourced Finance Directors provide: Financial leadership, Expertise, Flexible service, Cost-effective & Financial Control

Contact acefinancedirector@gmail.com or visit www.acefinancedirector.co.uk/contact Thinking Business

15

The Big Interview

A business is nothing without its people Spenser Mills, Managing Director of Drakemoor Ltd shares why he puts people at the centre of all he does.

Lots of heads of business talk about their core values but Spenser Mills lives and breathes them.

Founded in 2018, Drakemoor are a building and refurbishment contractor specialising in the commercial, education, healthcare and private residential sectors.

Based on the outskirts of Maidstone, Drakemoor‘s HQ is 4,000 square foot of office space in a Grade II listed oast house, which perfectly demonstrates what they do for clients. An upgraded refurbishment with striking juxtaposition of traditional oak beams and vibrant colours, The Oast is a perfectionist’s reality, that Spenser and his team are proud to showcase as what they can deliver.

16 Thinking Business

As well as quality in their delivery, respect, teamwork and integrity are the values that Spenser has ensured are integral to Drakemoor.

Drakemoor has a close-knit team of eight full-time and part-time employees.

Spenser describes his team as his friends and family – quite literally – with his brother and three nephews on board, as well as a childhood friend and people he’s worked with for 20 years.

You only need to spend five minutes with Spenser to appreciate his passion for creating a healthy working environment for those he’s chosen to work with him.

There is a strict no eating policy in the working space of their offices, encouraging everyone to pause from work and get away from their desks to eat, rest and chat to team members.

“Work is important, but it can’t take over your life – and if it ever does, I will shut the business down,” said Spenser.

“Scoffing a sandwich at your desk is not what we do here. It’s important to walk away from your desk and enjoy your lunch. Nothing is so urgent it can’t wait half an hour or an hour to fix. Welfare and wellbeing is more important.”

The Big Interview

“We put everything we had to it and

absolutely smashed it out of the park – and with no noise,” he said, proudly.

Another special project was working on

the infants’ school that he went to in the 1970s, which was a real labour of love, but something he simply had to do.

“We appreciate every piece of work we’re given; it doesn’t matter what

the cost of the project is to us. We will complete a high-end delivery on it.”

Drakemoor have recently been

recognised as the 17th fasted growing business in the South of England.

Though he describes himself as ‘old-fashioned,’ Spenser has a very modern approach to leadership.

Despite high turnovers in recent years, he doesn’t set goals, stating he doesn’t like to overstretch the staff when the focus should be on delivering high quality work.

“I must give a big shoutout to the Kent

“I am big on integrity; if I shake your hand and say I will do something, I will.

Our customers know our quality is as good as anyone else’s if not better, and they trust us to deliver.”

the more we spend locally.”

The company carries out work for a range of clients but one of Spenser’s favourite projects delivered to date was a high-dependency baby unit on a live ward for the NHS, which took two days at a cost of approximately £30,000 per room.

Drakemoor also like to reward their staff with events and celebrations,

treating them to a day at the races or

an evening of fine dining for example.

“The business is not about me; it’s

about my staff,” Spenser emphasised.

“It’s nice to share our success, and while we can afford to, we will.”

Invicta Chamber of Commerce. I think

they’re the most friendly and welcoming organisation. They facilitate Kent-based contractors and the whole local supply chain to collaborate, which I love;

ensuring local work goes into the local economy. The more we earn locally,

Future-wise, Drakemoor want to

continue working with local authorities and developers but are also looking

for some residential sites to buy and build on themselves.

“We want to generate our own work,” Spenser explained. “Development

is easy, it’s finding the right plots that’s harder.”

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I am big on integrity; if I shake your hand and say I will do something, I will.

Our customers know our quality is as good as anyone else’s if not better, and they trust us to deliver.

❜❜ Thinking Business

17

Property Report

Kent’s property market is

“capable of weathering the storm”

The latest Kent Property Market Report points to encouraging “key indicators”.

Indeed the county seems to buck the trend in some sectors of the market.

Commenting at the launch of the Kent Property Market Report, Mark Coxon said “Kent’s industrial property sector continues to blaze a trail for growth, with developers benefitting from rental growth that’s beyond the South East average.

While land values may have fallen from their peak, investment continues notably in Dartford, Medway, Sittingbourne, and Tonbridge and Malling.

Recognising that the country has experienced the economic shocks of the emergence from Covid; the war in Ukraine, and rises in inflation and interest rates, the report highlights that Kent’s property sector is showing early signs of recovery with investment coming forward, especially in the logistics and distribution, science park sectors, and the tourism and leisure industry.

Caxtons Property Consultants’ are authors of this comprehensive report, now in its the 32nd edition, which is produced annually alongside partners Kent County Council and Locate in Kent.

Across the UK, house sales and house building have taken a hit over the past year. However in Kent there is a “much more mixed picture”. House prices increased on average by 2% in the county over the year to the end of June, according to Land Registry figures.

L to R: Simon Ryan Locate in Kent, Liz Hamson BE News, Mark Coxon Caxtons Property Consultants, Roger Gough Kent County Council, Jane Kennedy Discovery Park

The High Street is still struggling with customers moving to online shopping. However, the report talks of “green shoots” as coffee shops, hospitality and independent traders open new outlets. Kent’s out of town retail sites such as Bluewater

Kent’s Science and Business Parks are continuing to attract inward investors. Discovery Park, in Sandwich, has seen “a surge in demand” and is estimated to be worth more than £324 million a year to the economy.

18 Thinking Business

and Ashford Designer Outlet are “flourishing” and some new supermarkets are opening across the county.

As the office market shows “signs of improvement”, the report finds evidence of “the flight to better quality offices”. Work is needed to reach energy performance ratings required by 2027.

In spite of a slowdown in the UK’s industrial and logistics market, Kent “continues to buck the trend” with significant increases in rents.

“The impact of how many of us have changed the way we work, especially those who are office-based, is now playing out with businesses and the public sector reviewing their property requirements. With hybrid working looking like it is here to stay, the biggest winners are the co-working space providers, with Kent increasingly well served at the moment.”

Overall, the outlook for the property market is “markedly different” to 2022. However, the report says: “Key indicators suggest that the Kent property market is capable of weathering the storm.”

Find out more about the changing face of Kent’s property market, head to www.caxtons.com/kpmr/ to download the 2023 report.

Members News

Celebrating Apprenticeship success at MidKent College For November 2023, the apprentice of the month award has gone to Dylan Hopper who is an apprentice on the engineering operative standard and works for metal fabrications company Blackburn Ltd.

For Mid Kent College, his tutor Mark Slight said: “Dylan likes to ask questions in both theory and practical sessions. He likes to be stretched in new techniques and listens to the advice given to him. In the workplace again he is very proactive when I see him on visits. He is a deserved candidate for this award as he has put a lot of time and effort into the course. It has been a pleasure to see him advance in his skills and knowledge, which has also seen him Pass his 1st Exam unit 218 in Manual Welding with a good grade. (80%).”

His manager, Mark Blackburn said: “We are thrilled with the progress Dylan is making and delighted he has been recognised as Apprentice of the Month. His dedication, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn have made him an integral part of our team already. We’re incredibly proud of him and can’t wait to see how he continues to grow and excel.”

Dylan said: “I’m very surprised but honoured at the same time for being acknowledged as apprentice of the month and I will continue to try my best and improve all my skills and knowledge as time goes on and I’ll continue to take others advice and learn. Working for my company is quite enjoyable due to the work environment that I’m in where

MidKent College, a Patron of Kent Invicta Chamber, specialises in apprenticeships where students get the chance to ‘earn while they learn’ at intermediate, advanced, and higher levels. The College always enjoys celebrating the achievements of its apprentices.

everyone tries to help each other out when and if they can.

We do a wide variety of jobs and with each, I learn something new. When I get something,

I’ve not done before it allows me to challenge myself and my colleagues come over and give me tips or a different method I could have used to help out in the future.”

Any employers who would like to learn more about how they could improve recruitment or enhance the skills of existing employees can get more information at www.midkent.ac.uk/apprenticeships.

Team

BUILDING

‘ WA K E U P A N D S H A K E U P ! ’

Get your team going with a day of activities within Betteshanger Country Park.

Packages offer a chance to participate in Instructor Led Mountain Biking, Battlezone Archery, Survival Skills, Archery, Fossil hunting and Geocaching / Orienteering.

Boonies – Tackle our grounds army style assault course with a Personal guide and plan for you.

Corporate

EVENTS

From £40

Wake up those morning meetings in a new, exciting venue in Kent

.

With plenty of natural daylight and space for those minds to kickstart new ideas , .

The Glass Room offers a great location for anything from an Away Day to a Training Morning Day Delegate Rate includes; Water, sweets, notepads Morning tea / coffee and pens on tables and pastries on arrival

Buffet Lunch

Afternoon tea / coffee service

Projector and screen hire

W W W. B E T T E S H A N G E R- PA R K .C O. U K @BETTESHANGERCP

@ B E T T E S H A N G E R PA R KS Thinking Business

19

Don’t let slow payers monopolise your profit The cost of slow payment is often greater than the losses from bad debt!

Reasons for late payment include: -

• Big companies delay payments and treat the money as an interest-free loan.

• Smaller companies tend to pay the suppliers they need the most and delay payment to those who tolerate late payment with the least complaint.

• Sometimes suppliers cannot dedicate the time to chase overdue accounts.

• Suppliers are often reluctant to push hard for payment because they are determined to preserve goodwill.

CPA has the Total Credit Management solution

• Credit Status Reports indicating safe credit limits, risk scores and CCJs. CPA clients can avoid dealing with companies who may struggle to pay.

• Automatic Alerts when a company you are dealing with has a change in creditworthiness Armed with the latest information you can take urgent action to avoid losses.

• Overdue Account Recovery Service When you become uncomfortable with the length of time an invoice has been overdue, simply upload details onto the CPA portal and sit back while CPA send a carefully crafted series of letters prompting payment directly to you. You receive payment and your trading relationship continues as before.

The average success rate is over 80% with the biggest impact in the first week!

To see how we may help please either email nsm@cpa.co.uk or call Peter Uwins on Freephone 0330 053 9623

Know someone looking for a head start?

Check out our award-winning programmes.

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20 Thinking Business

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90% Government funded This leadership course will help you learn how to take your business to Help to Grow: Management is a training course for business leaders. the next level, increasing profitability, innovation and growth.

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Help to Grow: is a training course business leaders.

As part of the course you will:

This leadership course will help you learn how to take your business to the next level, increasing profitability, innovation and growth.

As part of the course you will:

Become a better leader Become a better leader Grow your business Grow your business 90% Government funded 90% Government funded • Learn from experts at triple accredited Kent Business School.

• Get 10 hours of 1-to-1 mentoring support.

• Enhance management and strategic business capabilities.

• Develop a plan help your business grow.School.

• Learn from experts atto triple accredited Kent Business • Become leading your business Help to Grow: is training course for business • Get 10 hoursManagement ofmore 1-to-1confident mentoring Help to Grow: Management is a asupport. training course forSchool. business leaders. leaders.

• Learn from experts at triple accredited Kent Business through current and future challenges.

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This leadership course will help learn how to take your Help to Grow: is ayou training course business leaders.to This leadership course will help you learn how tofor take your business business to • Get 10 hoursManagement of 1-to-1 mentoring support.

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FUNDED BY of IN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BYfrom PARTNERSHIP ••FUNDED Get hours support.

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Thinking Business

21

Skills

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE…

the development of an East Kent Colleges Group ‘People Charter’ Let’s start with a little mathematics. There exists a simple equation, highlighted in a 2015 Harvard Business Review article, that has a significant impact on any organisation: A positive workplace

=

Increased positive emotions

+

Increased wellbeing

Improved

= professional + Amplification of abilities + relationships

Increased creativity

This equation, if done successfully, will result in increased efficiency, quality and productivity which all ultimately leads to a successful organisation. A positive workplace also sees a significant reduction in workplace stress, sickness, absence, and staff turnover.

So, it’s quite clear to see exactly why you would want to develop this type of employment environment. To create a positive workplace culture and ethos you first need to take a good long look at your people and consider what the important factors are in the creation of a positive workplace culture and ethos.

One organisation that recently explored this is the East Kent Colleges Group. With some 1,500 staff members across its six colleges and multiple local training sites, its people and their wellbeing have always been a core focus for the Group. As a result, it explored what colleagues across the Group wanted from an exemplar employer. Focus groups were conducted by an independent external people expert, with staff opinion collated and developed into a report which was shared with the Group’s Executive that highlighted key themes and recommendations.

As a direct consequence, it was decided to move forward with the development of an EKC Group ‘People Charter’.

It is important at this stage to say that a charter is not a contract, nor is it a policy or a process, but it is a clear commitment by an organisation and its people to adopt and maintain certain behaviours, attitudes, and ways of working that are conducive to achieving a positive workplace culture and ethos.

A People Charter developed for our People by our People It was important at EKC Group that its charter was developed by those committing to it; the staff. Led by an independent consultant, colleagues that represented staff from across the whole Group created a set of commitments that they felt were important for all staff, irrespective of position, role, length of service or location. From these commitments a shared document was drafted, edited and re-drafted, with staff feeding into every stage. This was then presented to the Group’s CEO and leadership team for agreement.

A joint endeavour Attaining and sustaining a positive ethos and culture is not always easy and is an ongoing joint endeavour between the organisation and its people. The EKC Group People Charter provides the framework for that allows this to happen.

The Group’s People Charter is divided into three core elements: •

Create a positive culture underpinned by organisational values

•

Provide appropriate support and develop trust through transparency, honesty, mutual respect and effective communication

•

Promote positive wellbeing and working practices

Each element contains a set of commitments, presented as:

The EKC Group will… and People should…

This style of presentation within the document invites colleagues to embed the charter into their everyday, practising the various behaviours, attitudes and ways of working, whilst enshrining what the Group itself will do to facilitate this. It has been fully adopted by staff working across the whole Group, ensuring colleagues are working in an environment that offers them everything they need to flourish and thrive every day.

Building a positive workplace culture and ethos is achievable for every business, and once it’s achieved it can be absolutely transformational for an organisation.

If you’d like to find out what it’s like to work at EKC Group and how the People Charter impacts on colleagues across the Group’s family of six colleges and regional business unit, why not take a look at ekcgroup.ac.uk

22 Thinking Business

Find your perfect role today East Kent Colleges Group has a range of opportunities for you to develop the next generation of skilled employees.

From teaching roles, through to curriculum support, our corporate services and beyond, we have a wide range of opportunities to take the next step in your career. Why not explore what’s on offer across our six sites and regional business unit today.

Simply search ‘EKC Group jobs’ or visit ekcgroup.ac.uk to find your next perfect role.

Cover Feature | Health & Wellbeing

The value of workplace wellbeing in your organisation Everyone is juggling busy lives and keen to find the sometimes-elusive work/life balance.

Not actively supporting or simply ignoring staff wellbeing can have detrimental effects on both people within the company and businesses.

Research shows that wellbeing support can have a huge impact on employee health while also increasing productivity and reducing sickness absence.

Have you been wondering how to demonstrate the value of workplace wellbeing in your organisation but don’t quite know where to start?

Research* shows that workplace wellbeing support can have a huge impact on employee health while also increasing productivity, reducing absences and delivering a real return on investment for your organisation.

You can learn how to demonstrate the value of workplace wellbeing in your organisation.

As with any business initiative, cost is a key consideration for companies before agreeing to commit to something new — with wellbeing no exception. So how can businesses advocate for wellbeing investment and secure senior buy-in from the beginning?

Westfield Health’s free CPD accredited Wellbeing Strategy Course can help you to make the case for investment in workplace wellbeing and demonstrate its value to your business.

24 Thinking Business

You’ll learn: •

How to demonstrate the value of workplace wellbeing in your organisation.

•

The importance of employee feedback in shaping your wellbeing programme.

•

How to advocate for wellbeing investment and get buy-in from senior leaders.

•

Key metrics and goal setting for your wellbeing programme.

For more information about Westfield Health’s wellbeing solutions or for a free health and wellbeing consultation for your business contact: businessenquiries@westfieldhealth.com

Aimed at HR teams, Heads of People and business owners, the course includes videos from their in-house experts, infographics, case studies and actionable templates for you to take away. The learning and quiz will take approximately 60 minutes and you’ll gain one CPD hour upon completion.

*Sources: CUSP Working Paper, 2020, LSE ‘Employee wellbeing, productivity and firm performance’, 2019.

When looking at staff wellbeing, it is important to ensure that that includes all employees including management.

Passe-Partout, using its exclusive whitepaper, The New Social Contract: How people management is changing in local authorities, carried out in-depth interviews with more than 151 local authority leaders.

Cover Feature | Health & Wellbeing the uptake and impact of these programmes are waning. It underscores the importance of continuous refreshing and effective communication to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.”

Evegate Business Park, located just off A20 is home to 60 plus businesses covering offices, retail, services, and industrial units – and its setting and facilities have wellbeing in mind.

The Business Retail and Artisan Village is set amongst the beautiful Kent countryside with an endless view of woodlands, lakes, and stunning walks for when you need that break from business to just enjoy a breath of fresh air.

As a well-established family run business, they have seen first hand the growth and flourish of many successful businesses, some of which have been located there for more than 29 years – and are now part of the Evegate family.

They understand the importance of work/life balance and recognise the need to remain adaptable to the ever-changing business environment.

In this era of heightened expectations, managers have become the unsung heroes of the workplace. They are expected to be more than just leaders; they are counsellors, carers, coaches, and problem-solvers, all rolled into one. The pressure they face in supporting their teams is immense, and it’s time we acknowledge their superhero status, says Passe-Partout.

One crucial question arises from this paradigm shift: Are managers receiving the support they need? While they hold their teams together, who is there to support them? This extends to the role of the HR function, which has undergone a dramatic transformation.

The traditional social contract has shifted, demanding a new set of skills and responsibilities from HR leaders.

The challenges of the modern workplace are evident in real-life stories the organisation uncovered. A local authority respondent shared a heart-wrenching example of an employee holding packets of pills, contemplating ending their life due to the pressures of daily life. In the same organisation, two staff members found themselves homeless, victims of the cost-of-living pressures.

These stories have prompted Passe-Partout to reflect on the evolving role and expertise of the traditional manager.

Managers, once responsible for overseeing tasks, now find themselves spending a significant portion of their week looking after the wellbeing of their teams. The emotional toll is real, as one manager lamented: “I spend so much of my week looking after people, I get home and I just sit there, I feel like crying”. This evolving landscape necessitates a critical examination of how we support and uplift our managers.

However, we must guard against complacency, says the organisation, with a spokesperson adding: “While there has been a surge in wellbeing initiatives post-pandemic,

❛❛

Additional to the wonderful walks, it is the setting to a host of services and retail including health, fitness and wellbeing studios, beauty therapy and hair care salons, delicatessen and micropub as well as fun outdoor forest activities located in the Park Wood and Falconry in the site’s lower fields.

All their tenants have access to fast fibre optic, free parking, 24/7 access with onsite security, external and internal alarm systems, new EV charging points, recycling collections, cycling and shower facilities, postage collections and delivery points and unlimited free usage of conference rooms on site.

It is managed by an all-year-round team of dedicated gardeners, security, administration, cleaning, maintenance, and management, together striving to ensure all tenants are content and left in peace to continue to create and run their successful businesses in a clean, modern, fun, and comfortable community.

For more information visit: www.evegate.co.uk

While there has been a surge in wellbeing initiatives post-pandemic, the uptake and impact of these

programmes are waning. It underscores the importance of continuous refreshing and effective communication to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.

❜❜

Thinking Business

25

Cover Feature | Health & Wellbeing

Better health

makes business sense Whatever your role, whatever your sector, uncertainty fuelled by international conflict, rising costs and frenetic tech change continues to test businesses’ collective wellbeing.

Mental wellbeing

Working long hours, and grappling

As hard as it might feel, it’s

with relentless disruption, it’s no

important to book off some time in

surprise research shows over

your day to step away from work,

half of UK small and medium-

have a daily walk or run, get some

sized business owners have

natural light and eat nutritious,

experienced poor mental health

right-sized portioned food away

Every Mind Matters website

over the past year.

from the keyboard. It will make a

(www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/)

huge difference because healthy

for information to help you take

For anyone caught in a cycle of stress, little sleep, poor diet and

changes start with little changes.

no exercise, it can feel impossible

Throughout your better

to break free and find a balance.

health journey local services,

But it’s a destructive pattern that

commissioned by Kent County

makes us less resilient and able to handle pressure, or take sound

Council (KCC) – such as

Live Well Kent (in partnership

No one should ignore unmanageable stress or anxiety. Visit the Better Health

self-care action.

On the kent.gov Every Mind Matters webpage (www.kent.gov. uk/EveryMindMatters) you can find online advice and signposting to

with the NHS) and One You Kent

local support, including community

– from cancers and heart disease

because a healthy body

Kent, delivered by Porchlight and

to strokes.

supports a well mind.

the Shaw Trust.

decisions. Unhealthy lifestyles also increase the risk of serious illness

26 Thinking Business

(OYK) – are on hand to support

mental health services Live Well

You can also get details here about the NHS Kent and

Medway’s Mental Wellbeing Information Hub

(www.kmhealthandcare.uk/mentalwellbeing-information-hub) and the Release the Pressure campaign which offers a text service to people who are struggling to cope and need immediate help. Text the word “Kent” or “Medway” to 85258 to start a conversation with one of the many trained and experienced volunteers who can give help at any time, wherever you are. Help is also available via the Release the Pressure 24/7 freephone helpline 0800 107 0160. Whatever you do, don’t suffer in silence.

Cover Feature | Health & Wellbeing kent/healthy weight) offers lots of free support online, including a

‘How are You?’ quiz and healthy

recipes to try at home. By teaming

Media company explores new digital health care innovation University and with expertise from Canterbury Christ Church University, Maidstone Studios and Screen South Folkestone, the project presented a golden opportunity to experiment and develop new skills.

up with NHS’ Better Health

campaign (www.nhs.uk/better-

health/lose-weight), OYK can also link you in to self-help tools such

The team at Square Stone Media are passionate about making strategic video content for STEM sector organisations. Their background in science and technology makes them uniquely qualified to communicate the activities and achievements of their clients that range from manufacturers to leading science institutes. Now they are not just capturing stories of innovation, they are innovating themselves.

As a result, the Hi3 programme has equipped the Square Stone team members with new knowledge in Virtual Reality design, 3D photogrammetry and 360 cinematography. The technology is so exciting that Square Stone director, Dr Dominic Rees-Roberts, was inspired to initiate a new research project. He drew on his research experience gained during his PhD at Imperial College London to develop a novel VR application aimed at helping young people who hear voices. VR is a rapidly growing field in the mental health sector. In collaboration with LSBU researcher Dr Preethi Premkumar, the team has identified a new therapeutic VR concept that they hope will benefit the many thousands of young people who hear voices across the UK.

In 2021 members of the team enrolled in the Hi3 Network, a government backed scheme to stimulate research collaborations between academics and creative businesses based in the South East. Led by London South Bank

The Square Stone team are also excited to offer new XR approaches for their clients. Immersive media such as VR, augmented reality and extended reality has the potential to engage audiences more deeply and leave a lasting impression.

as the NHS Weight Loss Plan

app, the NHS Food Scanner app, plus a referral form to speak to a

motivational One You Kent advisor.

Quit smoking

KCHFT provides stop smoking

services across the county through One You Kent, offering a range

of support to suit people at times convenient for you.

Call 0300 123 1220, or go to

www.kent.gov.uk/smokefree, to

Healthy weight

Around 3 in 5 adults in Kent

live with an increased risk of

start your journey to quit the habit – the key cause of preventable death in the UK today.

conditions such as heart disease

Cutting back on alcohol

more seriously ill with COVID-19,

help you address how much

down the laptop, getting active

and advice to cut back.

developing serious health

and chronic back pain, or being

Finally, One You Kent can also

because of excess weight. Putting

alcohol you are drinking with tips

and making healthier food choices can all help reduce these risks.

Delivered by Kent Community

Find local support services and

the online tool Know Your Score (www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-

Health NHS Foundation Trust

and-health/health/one-you-kent/

in east Kent, and the district and

which helps you identify how much

One You Kent Healthy Weight

health and relationships, as well as

care-and-health/health/one-you-

from health professionals.

(KCHFT) (www.kentcht.nhs.uk)

drink-less/know-your-score-quiz),

borough councils in west Kent,

drinking may be affecting your

Service (www.kent.gov.uk/social-

giving potentially life-saving advice

❛❛

Throughout your better health journey local services commissioned by Kent

County Council – such as Live Well Kent

(in partnership with the NHS) and One You Kent – are on hand to support because a healthy body supports a well mind.

❜❜

Thinking Business

27

Health & Wellbeing News

Tunbridge Wells: Kent’s Ultimate Work-Life Destination Did you know that Royal Tunbridge Wells is one of the UK’s Top Places to Live?

Citing its stunning restaurants, gorgeous gardens, moated castles and postcard appeal, lifestyle brand Muddy Stilettos dubbed the historic Kent town a “sure bet” for well-to-do families seeking a best-of-both-worlds commuter lifestyle.

Indeed, commuters can access the capital in just 45 minutes. But it’s not just a great place to live -- it’s a fantastic place to grow a business, too.

Tunbridge Wells is home to a growing cluster of creative, tech, and digital businesses. Among them, startups are thriving. According to the ONS, the rate of new businesses surpassing their first year is higher in Tunbridge Wells than anywhere else in Kent.

Here at Inigo Business Centres, we’re fortunate to experience this vibrant entrepreneurial spirit on a daily basis.

We accommodate a thriving hub of SMEs, startups, and independent professionals in our flexible office space at Pantiles Chambers on the High Street, and many more remote companies who use our business address as a virtual office.

What makes Tunbridge Wells such a big draw?

Top of the list is location and transport infrastructure. It’s within one hour of Gatwick and Heathrow, yet it has a beautiful High Weald AONB location for that all-important work-life balance.

It has high-performing schools, a growing visitor economy, and the highest skilled workforce in the county.

Why not take a closer look at this entrepreneurial corner of Kent?

If you’re looking for a supportive business community with a healthy work-life balance, Tunbridge Wells strikes the perfect balance. www.inigo.co.uk

28 Thinking Business

Is your desk and lifestyle causing your neck and back pain?

Laura Kennard at RevitaliseU-Kent is a corporate wellbeing practitioner whose aim is to help businesses look after their staff - keeping them happy and healthy at work, by reducing staff sickness absence due to muscular skeletal conditions and stress.

Laura provides a range of face to face and online services to suit business of all sizes across Kent and beyond.

She says: “Would you walk around with a bowling ball on your head?

“It’s a strange question to ask, but when you are looking down at your phone, or sitting at a poorly set up desk that’s too low, you are doing the equivalent.

“If you did walk about with a bowling ball on your head, you’d be guaranteed of two things – funny looks and pain in your neck and back.

“When your head is in its ‘neutral’ position i.e, directly over your spine, our head weighs around five kilogrammes.

However, when we look down to approximately 30 degrees to scroll through a phone, it goes up to 18 kilogrammes!

“How long do you look at your phone all day like this? How long do you sit at your desk where you look down at your monitor or laptop?

“Your neck and back are trying to manage 18 kilogrammes plus, when it’s only designed for five kilogrammes – so it will hurt.

“The good news is, a properly set up desk will mean that your head is in its neutral position all day. Posture advice and exercises to weave into your day will also help too.

“Neck and back pain don’t need to be a part of your day, but a comfy desk, stretching and even a treatment from our corporate list could be – for you or your staff, to keep everybody pain-free and at lower risk of health issues and costly sickness absence. www.revitaliseu-kent.co.uk

Why a 15-minute walk is so good for you Movement is not always something most of us think about doing, especially at this time of the year, when we can be tempted with the sense of hibernating and busy with festive fun.

Here are some reasons why a 15 minute walk a day can contribute to a better health for your mind and body: Get fresh air into your lungs and body

Our bodies need oxygen for daily living activities – even to create energy. Fresh air has plenty of oxygen, so breathe in - getting it into your lungs is the most natural way to nourish our bodies with oxygen.

Improves blood circulation and muscle health

The act of movement encourages our muscles to pump more blood though the particular muscles involved in the activity, as well as throughout the body. The blood nourishes the body with vital nutrients.

Helps state of mind and relieving stress

Activity helps to boost our mood when we’re not feeling at our best mentally, which could be for various reasons. By engaging our senses in a natural activity, we can change the state of mind and reduce stress.

Improves long-term heart and lung health The health of our hearts and lungs is vital to our overall health and a regular walk can help to keep them in good working order longer-term.

Enhance social connections Take someone with you - the social benefits of having a chat with others while walking can make the activity even more fun and enhance social connections.

Tips by Emmanuel Shija from Have a Pain Free Body. Find out more at haveapainfreebody.com

Members News

Hempstead House Hotel & Spa Make the most achieves 4-Star Accreditation from AA of your Christmas sales by asking for reviews Hempstead House, a 19th-century mansion in Hempstead, has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to Amanda (Mandy) Holdstock and her husband Henry.

What began as a family home in 1990 has evolved into a thriving luxury hotel with various offerings.

Before you part with your money, whether that be for a holiday, restaurant, car, clothes, nail varnish or something else, many people read a review first.

They want to know that other people had a good experience, rated the product or service and feel more confident before they buy – so they don’t waste their money.

What could be a more trusted source of information than the experience of a customer who has actually tried your product or service and has taken the time to review it?

Reviews are powerful – they really do instil buyer confidence…even though they have been written by complete strangers! It doesn’t matter – we believe what they say and it influences our decision to buy there too.

Christmas – or any other time of year when your sales peak – is a great time to ask your customers for a review.

Really make the most of this increased pool of purchasers – if you don’t ask, you won’t get!

Initially, Amanda and Henry purchased the property with the intention of using it as an extended family home. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when they hosted a garden party for a friend.

Amanda’s culinary skills shone as she cooked for the event, even using old crockery and cleaning up afterward. This event marked the beginning of Hempstead House’s hospitality venture.

The Lakes Restaurant, established in 1998, brought fine dining to the property, earning an AA Rosette for its exceptional cuisine. This venture highlighted the rich history of Hempstead House, dating back to the 1800s.

Between 1995 and 1998, 12 additional bedrooms were added to the hotel, bringing the total to 35, each meticulously designed by Mandy Holdstock.

In 2003, the addition of a substantial extension created the Heritage Suite, a wedding, conference, and events space with 14 bedrooms above.

It became a sought-after venue for special occasions.

The year 2023 marked the opening of a new reception area, enhancing the guest experience and underscoring Hempstead House’s commitment to excellence.

In 2008, despite the economic recession, Hempstead House unveiled the AquaManda Spa & Brasserie, offering affordable luxury to guests and earning accolades for its beauty spa.

Amanda Holdstock’s vision and dedication have transformed Hempstead House from a family home into a thriving and multifaceted luxury hotel, ensuring that it continues to provide unforgettable experiences for all who visit.

In 2021, the brasserie expanded, creating a stunning atrium dining area with an authentic Thai menu.

How Building Information Modelling is revolutionising build projects It’s invaluable for improving clients’ design and build experience.

Enhanced Design Accuracy

Follow-up after the sale by asking for a review on Google, Facebook, or TripAdvisor etc.

Pop the details in the postal package to find when they open it.

Clients can visualise their dream home and make changes in real time on screen, helping them understand time and cost implications before work begins.

Ask on your socials.

Improved Collaboration

Send them an email.

Give them a link and make it easy.

You could always offer an incentive – a little gift or discount code for their next purchase.

Once you have their review, it helps others who read them to make the decision to buy with you too.

You can also use them in marketing in the months after – to share all that positivity!

Sarah Hawes Izzy PR – marketing specialists izzypr.co.uk

30 Thinking Business

www.hempsteadhouse.co.uk

If you’re dreaming of building a new home in the New Year, Vernacular Homes Director Trevor Weeks explains how the software they use, Building Information Modelling (BIM), can help you visualise that dream. It creates a 3D model meaning you can virtually ‘walk through’ your future home.

Our experts can easily visualise a design but a client might not find it so easy. Referring to the same digital model helps to ensure everyone is ‘on the same page’.

Smoother Planning

The easier it is for a client to understand their design, the quicker we can reach the planning stage.

Higher quality design is likely to give planners greater confidence in the proposals, giving the best chance of approval.

Accurate Timeline

We can present a realistic timeline, incorporating every stage from preparing the site, through to the final touches.

Cost Efficiency

As a design is amended, BIM takes into account material and quantity changes. Costs are therefore easily updated and realistic estimates can be provided before work begins.

Effortless Modifications

Presenting a realistic model of a client’s future home which they can tweak at design stage means they are more likely to start the build with a final design that changes very little.

Data-Driven Decisions

BIM operates using facts and figures - invaluable for transparency and instilling confidence in clients. trevor.weeks@vernacularhomes.com vernacularhomes.com

BJF Group builds new safe space at Bovington Academy

The Bovington Academy ‘Listening Ear’ is a space where pupils can go to engage with an emotionally available adult, express themselves or simply relax and have some downtime during break times. It is crucial not only for the 70 per cent of children at Bovington Academy who are part of service families but also those whose parents are not in the military.

For the children of service personnel, it is commonplace to move schools many times, even during primary school years, meaning that they may find resettling difficult. This, combined with the impact of their parent or parents being away from home and potentially deployed for long periods of time, means that

an extra level of pastoral care is often needed.

This can also be hard for the friends of these children who have to cope with their friends leaving them when their families are relocated.

When BJF Group heard about this project from the Garrison Welfare team, it was delighted, along with its supply chain partner O’Neill Construction, to offer the team’s time to complete the construction of a new, much improved space.

Other contributors to the project provided monetary contributions as well as donations of materials and time and include Pinnacle Group, VIVO Defence Services, SSAFA, BFBS and Gavin Jones.

Lowry Stone, Head of Pastoral Care at Bovington Academy, said: “The new Listening Ear is an exciting project for us.

“We’ve always dreamed of a space which acts as a place of safety away from the noise of the playground that offers our children somewhere to go and be quiet, where they will be listened to and where they can express themselves.

“The Listening Ear allows us as a pastoral team to address the children’s worries because if we can do that, we can then help them learn.”

The new space will open in September when the academic year starts. www.bjfgroup.co.uk

How your Christmas customer data can boost your 2024 sales

“It doesn’t need to scare you though – it’s your data and you can use it to market to those customers again for repeat sales or upsells.

Your sales ramp up at Christmas.

You’re busy completing all your orders. You’re making sure all your customers are happy.

You’re asking for reviews and user-generated content.

“They’ve bought from you once, so they might again – and reminding them that you are there is a good idea in what’s a very busy time of year. They might forget you in amongst all the gifts they are buying.

By the time Christmas comes, you’re ready for a festive tipple or treat because it’s been manic.

But the work doesn’t end there, because now you have made all those wonderful sales, you need to make sure you get the value out of the customer data you have collected.

And it’s perfectly legal under GDPR – as privacy expert Judith Andrews explains: “Since GDPR came in, businesses I speak to have been worried about using customer data – how much they use it, when

they can use it and what they can say to their customers.

“Some clients have not used it at all, whilst one deleted everything – scared of the consequences of getting it wrong.

“As long as they have access to your privacy notice and it outlines what you will use their data for, then you are covered.”

Judith is available for help and advice to ensure you are confident in collecting, storing and using your data, email: hello@businesstamer.co.uk

Members News

Gusbourne Harvest 2023 Across its Kent and Sussex sites, Gusbourne completed harvest 2023 on 10th October – and it’s the winemaker’s biggest crop to date.

With phenomenal fruit – brought in under sunny skies – vintage 2023 is set to be superb, says Gusbourne.

Their analysis of the grape bunches enabled the team to determine the perfect moment to begin picking, which this year was on 22nd September.

Mary Bridges, Head Winemaker, says: “That spell of warm weather got the grapes into a great spot. We noticed amazing balance in the grapes when we tasted them off the vine: the sugar, the acid, the concentration of flavour, the structure and ripeness.”

Aiming to hit this sweet spot with every bunch, the vineyard team used Mary’s data to dictate where to pick. This meant harvesting parcel by parcel, not vineyard by vineyard. The logistics were eyewatering, but “the team are incredibly experienced,” says Mary.

Laura Rhys, Master Sommelier, has tasted both the fresh juice and some of the early ferments.

“I’m feeling very positive about what I’ve tasted so far,” Laura says.

“Across the different grape varieties, there’s already lovely expressiveness.

I’ve just tasted the early ferments and they are delicious. I’m looking forward to blending – we’re going to see some very exciting wines.”

They look forward to releasing this vintage in the years to come. In the meantime, you can visit their Kent vineyards to taste their current releases and to learn more about how they produce their award-winning, exclusively vintage wines.

For more information, or to purchase any wines, visit gusbourne.com Thinking Business

31

Advertising Feature

Adonis Blue Spreads its Wings to support Biodiversity Net Gain Vincent Ganley, Managing Director of Adonis Blue Environmental Consultancy, talks to Sarah Dale about how they’re supporting businesses to invest in nature.

The Adonis Blue butterfly is the rarest of the blue butterflies in the UK and the protected species is found in sunny, south-facing grassland in southern England.

“A massive focus of the consultancy is to share our deep understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain.

We then provide solutions from site survey to unit sale ensuring high integrity best practise throughout and maximising benefits for nature to align with the values of the wildlife trust,” he said.

The Adonis Blue is also the mascot of Kent Wildlife Trust Group and namesake of Adonis Blue Environmental Consultancy, a subsidiary of Kent Wildlife Trust. The ecological consultancy has been providing in depth ecological and land management advice since the 1990s.

They continue to return all profits – which have risen from £100,000 in its first year to more than £1 million this year – to nature conservation work in Kent.

“We continue to do our work – typical ecology work with species that are significantly important to protect – and have extended our services to include science-based research to underpin our BNG work.

It was rebranded in July from Kent Wildlife Trust Consultancy Services to acknowledge its services expanding beyond Kent. The organisation’s services include ecological and protected species surveys, Biodiversity Net Gain services, natural capital and nature-based solutions, marine and coastal services and strategic research.

Vincent Ganley, a graduate in geography and environmental management who previously worked at Kew Gardens, joined Kent Wildlife Trust 10 years ago and became Managing Director of its subsidiary consultancy services in 2018 nearly 20 years after its creation by team members Anne and Neil, who still work there today!

“Adonis shares the mission and values of the Trust and its primary focus is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG),” he said.

From January 2024, developers in England will be legally required to deliver at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on new housing, industrial or commercial developments. This means that each development must leave nature in a better state than it was found by creating or improving wildlife habitats and maintaining them for 30 years. This should be delivered on site where possible but if it isn’t, developers can offset their BNG by paying nearby landowners to deliver habitat creation on their land.

32 Thinking Business

“We are also one of the only consultancies to carry out marine and coastal work and can also conduct assessments of land for carbon.”

They hope that later this year, the organisation, which has a team of 20 consultants, will be promoting a register which lists all the land opportunities available for BNG. “All pieces of land available for offset from specific nature-friendly landowners will be on the register,” said Vincent.

“That register is a significant piece of work.

It’s not just about BNG, it’s also looking at all the ecological services in land holdings – water quality, carbon, nutrient neutrality.”

Adonis Blue Environmental is working hand in hand with Kent Wildlife Trust and RSPB. “We have access to significant amounts of data and tools to substantiate knowns in conservation,” he added.

“A massive positive for anyone taking up our service is they know we have strong conservation objectives.”

Everyone who works for the organisation has conservation ecology and land management skills and all the profits from the organisation are directed back into work that extends the local nature recovery strategy.

“The money is reinvested into areas that we work in to protect species and introduce species,” he added.

“We also have plans in place to introduce a lab on site in the next couple of years.

“Our team has expertise in every kind of habitat and species. They are experienced working with businesses, landowners and infrastructure and have completed quite a catalogue of work supporting organisations and businesses to develop BNG. “We have significant experience working with spatial tools, technological analysis using drones and we are going into AI with a programme to underpin this.”

Examples of their work include partnering with HS2 on its infrastructure biodiversity action plan and working with landowners to create coastal saltmarsh habitats that store carbon and support abundant wildlife.

Find out more at www.adonisblueenvironmental.org.uk

❛❛

A massive focus of the consultancy is to have a deep understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain. We then provide solutions from site survey to unit sale ensuring high integrity best practise throughout and maximising benefits for nature to align with the values of the wildlife trust.

❜❜

E N V I R O N M E N TA L C O N S U LTA N T S

Are you ready for Biodiversity Net Gain?

From January 10% BNG will be mandatory for most new developments If you’re a developer, landowner, or planning officer, our experts are on hand to support you through every step of the BNG process from initial site feasibility surveys, through to development of fully costed habitat management plans and offset brokerage.

A registry of high integrity offsets from quality assured partners across Kent.

Conservation sector-led advice on best practise principles and standards.

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Profits are reinvested into nature conservation in Kent.

We're ready when you're ready, get in touch today AdonisBlueEnvironmental.org.uk

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Thinking Business

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Together, we can make a difference...

33

LSIF

Camilla Maurice, Simon Cook, Richard Wilde, Will Mitchell and Chris Hare from MidKent College with the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, Education Secretary, and Lucy Druesne, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Innovative skills training wins £5m+ Government investment

Colleges are celebrating the award of £5 million government funding to continue to develop innovative facilities and resources to help people seeking careers in green energy, improve digital skills and Innovation in Health & Care and develop effective employer partnerships to address the skills gaps in education.

The funding is part of the £165 million Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), which is targeted to address the specific skills needs of each region after local businesses and employers identified their priorities through their Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

The funding announcement for the partnership of three Kent Colleges was made by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan following a visit to the Maidstone campus of MidKent College in November where she was shown around their current facilities which have been funded by the precursor to the LSIP. MidKent College will use the funding to create a new training facility providing hands-on experience in Retrofit energy efficiency measures to support renewable and sustainable energy solutions in existing buildings.

Simon Cook, Principal and Chief executive at MidKent College said: “We are thrilled that construction and building services businesses across Kent & Medway will benefit from this investment in retrofit technology and training.

We know from our conversations with employers that growing skills for sustainable construction practices and improving the energy efficiency of existing housing stock are priorities for the sector here in the Southeast.”

“We’re incredibly proud that this new facility will work seamlessly with our Home Energy Centre and

34 Thinking Business

Sustainable Construction Skills Factory at the heart of our Maidstone campus, and alongside our own efforts to make the campus carbon neutral by 2030.”

East Kent Colleges Group is leading a project for Digital Skills and Innovation in Health & Care on behalf of the college partnership. This project will improve recruitment and retention and improve digital skills and the use of technology in the health and care sector.

It will also improve promotion of the sector to new entrants, support the development of enhanced career pathways and enable the development of more efficient and tailored health and care solutions.

Graham Razey, Chief Executive of East Kent Colleges Group, said: “This funding is going to help us accelerate the skills development we know our healthcare employers need across the county. At present there is a clear need to grow the

At present there is a ❛❛ clear need to grow the skills

that healthcare providers will need in the future, and this LSIF funding will enable us to deliver against this agenda, developing the next generation of highly skilled employees.

❜❜

skills that healthcare providers will need in the future, and this LSIF funding will enable us to deliver against this agenda, developing the next generation of highly skilled employees.”

The key aim of the third project which will be led

by North Kent College is to increase the capacity and capability of the Region’s Further Education providers to support employers with the higher technical and digital skills needed by modern manufacturing businesses. It aims to establish the physical infrastructure needed to modernise the curriculum in factory automation skills, increase the total number of expert technical tutors available and develop lasting employer partnerships that will underpin ongoing future success.

David Gleed, Chief Executive and Executive Principal, North Kent College said “I am delighted that North Kent College will benefit from investment in the priority skills shortage sectors including Low Carbon Construction, and Healthcare.

We will lead on Engineering & Manufacturing, developing first class resources and an Industry Council to focus on collaborative delivery and exciting project-based learning, maximising the impact through our connected classrooms.

Through better collaborations between businesses and education, we aim to inspire the next generation that will grow Kent’s economy and help our communities prosper.”

Announcing the funding, Education Secretary, The Right Honourable Gillian Keegan MP said: “Local businesses have worked together with their chamber of commerce and their colleges and training providers to say, ‘in our area there are these skills that we are missing.’ Then we make sure we bring the businesses and the education system together, so the courses match the jobs that are there in the industry.”

Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan - the key points

LSIP

The plan sets out the priorities and actions for the identified key sectors, cross cutting themes, as well as watching briefs, helping stakeholders, and providers to work more closely together and support the local economy with the skills it requires.

In addition to these Key Sectors, the plan outlines sectors which are evolving and may have key skills needs in the coming years.

These are:

• Transport & Logistics - A sector that will face challenges relating to the net-zero and decarbonisation agenda. With two major transport links to the continent within the region, Port of Dover, and Eurotunnel and potentially the development of a freight focused airport at Manston, the needs of the sector are evolving and should remain under review for developments.

Construction:

• Perception of the industry and engagement - Employers believe that perceptions and understanding of the construction sector need to be improved, including ensuring that young people and their parents have a positive understanding of the construction sector. This includes highlighting the digital developments and the diversity of opportunities that are available.

• Modernising the training offer - The sector highlighted that the further education offer should place a greater emphasis on: o Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) o Digital skills o Engineering skills programmes o Future Built Environment o Retrofitting • Upskilling & reskilling - Training provision should not just focus on young people. There is also a need to provide opportunities for professional skills development and adult learning. This can be done through further employer engagement.

Manufacturing & Engineering:

• Image and perceptions - Employers in the region echo the nationwide skills shortage in manufacturing and engineering. As with other sectors, new entrants to the sector are essential, as is upskilling and retraining the existing workforce.

• Modernising the training offer - Employers considered that within the further education offer, there should be greater emphasis on: o Automation o Digital skills o Engineering skills • Understanding the skills landscape Businesses and SMEs in particular highlight their lack of understanding of the current skills landscape, there are fewer private providers covering this sector than for the construction sector, and the FE provision has changed greatly in the last few years, including the introduction of T-levels. More broadly businesses highlighted a need to understand better the provider specialisms that are available within the education offer.

Fresh food and food production:

• Better understanding of the sector – As with other sectors there is a recruitment and retention challenge, businesses highlighted perceptions as a major challenge. Employers noted that part of the issue is that work in agriculture is often seen as temporary, casual, or low-skilled, even though the knowledge and technology component of many jobs has increased, and career prospects are stronger.

• More Engineering - The growth of automation and robotics and the increasing importance of data science, means that engineering and technical skills will grow in importance for all levels of the organisation.

• Creative Industries - An important but fragmented sector within the region with good support structures through the Creative Estuary and the Thames Estuary Production Corridor, the creative industry has upcoming developments such as the Newtown works in Ashford that will impact the sector skills needs in the region.

Maintaining a watching brief will be essential to ensure that skills needs are met.

Cross Cutting themes

The skills needs identified are principally focused on employers’ short-to-medium term requirements.

However, social, technological and policy change will drive demand for new skills across the economy.

We have identified two main transformational changes: decarbonisation, digitalisation.

Additionally, we have identified that SME engagement is a key issue for the future skills agenda, with an economy largely based on very small (0-4) and small (5-9) businesses, one of the common factors in discussing skills is the difficulty in engaging with the agenda.

• Sector-specific leadership and management skills - Generic leadership and management programmes do not address the complexity and peculiarities of the sector, which tends, for example, to have a diverse and multi-lingual workforce and is subject to quite specific quality regimes, standards, and regulation.

Health & Social Care:

• Recruitment and retention challenge - The social care sector in Kent and Medway faces significant recruitment challenges. The sector has a perception problem, which is making it difficult to attract new entrants, particularly in direct care, where the vacancy rate is the highest. The main issue for the social care sector is the volume of staff needed over the coming years and is compounded by the fact that courses also lead to other professions with better perception.

• Digital skills - Providers in Kent and Medway highlighted the gap in digital skills in frontline staff, predominantly basic digital skills, and familiarity with digital technology this is especially important when considering electronic care planning and electronic medical administration records (MAR) charts.

Education:

• Tutor Shortages in construction and manufacturing & engineering - There is a shortage of tutors, which has been highlighted by education providers and employers in construction and manufacturing and engineering.

It is essential for Further Education and Independent Training providers to address this and face the challenges in conjunction with the sectors affected for the benefit of the region.

Next Steps

The plan sets out the priorities and actions we will be taking in the key sectors, cross cutting themes, as well as our watching briefs, giving us a roadmap to progress the skills provision and workforce needs for the future economic development of the region. These steps will be important to ensure Kent & Medway maintains a vibrant economy supported by an appropriately skilled workforce ready for the future.

Ensuring that the skills conversation remains embedded within employer forums and the open conversation with education providers maintains momentum, will be crucial to ensure a meaningful impact and legacy for Kent & Medway.

Would you be interested in getting involved in making a difference and influencing the skills agenda for your sector and region?

Thinking Business

35

International Trade

UK firms in the dark over regulatory avalanche for EU trade, says BCC research Most businesses are in the dark about the looming avalanche of changes to EU/UK regulations, according to a new report from the British Chambers of Commerce.

The BCC asked more than 700 firms about a number of fast-approaching regulations, with responses revealing the vast majority of businesses were both unaware and unprepared for the changes.

Research found that 87 per cent of exporters are either unaware or unprepared for new EU VAT requirements due in January 2025.

Plus 43 per cent of manufacturers are still unaware of the UK’s, now voluntary, alternative product safety marking system to the EU’s CE one.

The research, published in September, also found more than four in five manufacturers (84 per cent) did not know about new reporting requirements on exports of goods containing

36 Thinking Business

high-carbon steel, and selected other products, to the EU despite regulations starting in October.

The BCC said the lack of knowledge and preparation for the changes, means some traders with the EU could face a whole range of new delays and unexpected costs.

In some cases, exporters could also find their goods unable to be transited to EU customers.

While not all of the incoming changes to regulations will impact every firm, the wide range of new rules, and the complexity of their requirements, means many businesses will face new obstacles.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said it was a “serious worry” that more than

❛❛ This is a very c

guidance runs to mor

that export will hav resources just to four out of five manufacturers who export had no knowledge of the EU’s new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism just weeks from the start of its October roll-out.

“It is just the start of a series of changes, that will gradually ratchet up over the next three years, to deter the use of cheaper but highercarbon steel, and other goods with highly embedded climate damaging emissions, being imported into the EU,” he added.

“This first phase covers only a limited number of iron and steel products, fertilisers, hydrogen, cement, aluminium and electricity, but any UK company which then includes any of these items in their goods, for example in nuts and screws, will now have to declare them.

Photo: Pixabay

International Trade

Exporters urged to seize new era of global trade The British Chambers of Commerce is urging businesses that want to boost exports and reduce costs to quickly embrace a new era of digital trade.

The BCC made the call as the Government’s Electronic Trade Documents Act finally came into force.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Campaigners, including the BCC, have worked for years to have the Electronic Trade Documents Act passed, and its introduction is a huge milestone.

“This new era is starting in the UK, but we can also act as a beacon, leading towards further digitalisation of trade across the world.

complex set of rules, the EU’s published

re than 200 pages. It is likely manufacturers

ve to think about allocating dedicated staff deal with these reporting requirements.

“This is a very complex set of rules, the EU’s published guidance runs to more than 200 pages. It is likely manufacturers that export will have to think about allocating dedicated staff resources just to deal with these reporting requirements.”

With very few trusted sources of information, Mr Bain said the BCC and Chambers will be working hard to pull together as much guidance as possible to help businesses get to grips with the onslaught of changes.

“Our research shows Government must also look again at how it communicates with firms about regulatory changes, especially given the likelihood of further divergence from EU rules in the future,” he added.

❜❜

“EU and UK policy makers also need to look at ways of simplifying a system that is over-burdensome for traders on both sides of the Channel.

“This could include reducing the complexity of exporting food and exempting smaller firms from the requirement to have a fiscal representative for VAT in the EU. “If it’s done right the further embedding of digital trade through Single Trade Windows also has the potential to make exporting and importing much simpler.

“And there are other practical steps that should be considered like rejoining the Pan-Euro Mediterranean convention to ease rules of origin issues.”

“We now need to see other governments accelerating their work to digitalise border processes.”

He added: “In our Trade Manifesto, we called on the UK Government to work with business to ensure 60 per cent of the UK’s exports are carried out digitally by the end of the decade.

“The whole Chamber Network has already risen to this challenge and has switched to using Digital Certificates of Origin from the UK. “As more countries make the transition, we will be able to increasingly digitise our trade – making it much less bureaucratic and leading to big savings in both costs and time.”

The Electronic Trade Documents Act gives legal status to electronic Bills of Exchange and Bills of Lading and other commercial documents.

The new legislation gained Royal Assent on July 20th this year and came into force on September 20th.

It provides opportunities to digitalise international trade documents and reap efficiency benefits.

It also covers trade documents such as promissory notes, warehouse receipts, marine insurance policies and cargo insurance certificates.

Thinking ThinkingBusiness Business

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As use of Lasting Powers of Attorney increases dramatically, making best interests decisions poses challenges for more people bring the existing paper-based process online to make the system quicker, easier to access and more secure.

The number of registered Lasting Power of Attorneys has increased dramatically in recent years to more than six million, but for the appointed attorney, acting in another person’s best interests at all times can pose challenges.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are legal arrangements that enable a person to grant decision making powers about their health or financial affairs to another person if they lose mental or physical capacity.

Last month, the Powers of Attorney Act received Royal Assent and will soon usher in new reforms to simplify and streamline LPAs and

Lucie Glover, a Chartered Legal Executive, specialises in supporting elderly and vulnerable clients at law firm Furley Page.

She said: “The use of LPAs has risen dramatically in recent years, in part as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Government’s forthcoming reforms will make the process easier to navigate, helping even more people to take advantage of these valuable protections.

“In practice, making best interests decisions can be easier said than done, and appointed attorneys or court appointed deputies are faced with difficult decisions, such as whether the person should be cared for at home or in a nursing home setting, whether they should receive specific medication, or whether their house should be sold to pay for their care.

“Fortunately, the Mental Capacity Act provides guidance and sets out various factors that an attorney must consider when deciding what is in another person’s best interest. It is important to follow

what the Act says, and a solicitor can help attorneys to understand their obligations under the law.”

Lucie continued: “Ideally, if you are appointed as someone’s attorney, you should discuss with them in advance what they would like to happen in various situations. However, if this is not possible, there is useful guidance from previous cases in this area of law which can help the attorney to make decisions, such as what the person was like before they lost capacity, what was important to them, what did they like/dislike, and what are their religious, spiritual or ethical beliefs.

“If you are appointed under a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney, the final decision about care or financial matters lies with the attorney(s). This does not, however, prevent any person from contesting your decision if they believe it is not in the best interests of the person you are acting for. In the case of continuing disagreement, an application can be made to the Court of Protection to intervene and make a ruling.”

For more information, visit www.furleypage.co.uk.

Brachers advises

SK Underwriting on sale to iprism The Brachers’ team was led by Kieron Cummins (Corporate Solicitor) and Claire Williams (Corporate Partner) and included Lisa Rothon (Employment Senior Associate).

Leading law firm Brachers, a Patron of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, has advised SK Underwriting on its acquisition by managing general agent (MGA) iprism.

SK Underwriting Limited is a Kent-based firm offering niche underwriting solutions for agents in the commercial insurance sector. iprism is a specialist Construction, Property, Commercial and private client MGA. Using in-house technology, iprism delivers a suite of insurance products to UK brokers, including through its innovative proprietary brokerage platform.

Brachers has a wealth of experience in insurance sector M&A, advising Amicus Insurance Solutions on its sale to Global Risk Partners earlier this year.

Kieron Cummins, Brachers’ Corporate Solicitor, commented: “I am so pleased to have been a part of the next step for the previous owners of SK Underwriting. It has been fantastic to be a part of their success story and want to wish them many congratulations. Many thanks to all my colleagues for their support on this transaction.” iprism was advised by Cripps and Azets.

Members News

Customers aren’t just for Christmas!

Make it your New Year’s resolution to focus on your customers not just the sales this January.

A great deal of resource, budget and energy is spent building and executing marketing campaigns to urge customers to spend as much as possible over Christmas.

For some businesses, it’s a key time of the year for sales.

Get it right, and two brilliant things happen: • Customers who haven’t shopped with you for a while, some maybe not since last Christmas, shop again.

• You acquire new customers.

Don’t forget about them in January and beyond - especially as they’ve probably cost you a great deal to acquire.

Our evidence shows this to be a crucial time in your relationship. We can’t stress enough the need to create a regular buying habit rather than a oneoff purchase as early as possible.

The key to turning sporadic customers into regular ones is to open dialogue – and here’s how: • Engage with them from the start – get to know them, then get to know them better.

• Talk ‘to’ them, not ‘at’ them.

• Send targeted communications – firing off product-based emails to everyone isn’t effective.

• Dynamic communications - update what you talk to them about and when • Know who is a spender and who isn’t – focus your communications and resources accordingly • Upsell – let them know what else you sell and get the timing right. They bought chocolates at Xmas from you – they might like to buy again for a birthday gift later on.

• Measure – set the metrics and keep on top of them.

Turn this year’s valuable Christmas buyers into all year round customers. insighthouse.co.uk Thinking Business

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Money back, up to set limits, for services such as dental, optical and chiropody.

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24/7 telephone access to a practising UK GP. Discounts and special offers at hundreds of retailers, restaurants and destinations.

Specialist consultations and diagnostics.

Find out more by contacting Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce kentinvictachamber.co.uk/member-benefits/westfield-health

Westfield Contributory Health Scheme Ltd (company number 303523), Westfield Health & Wellbeing Ltd (company number 9871093) and Westfield Employment Services Ltd (company number 9870326) are collectively referred to as Westfield Health and are registered in England & Wales. Additionally Westfield Contributory Health Scheme Ltd is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Our financial services registration number is 202609.

Every month we bring you a of information sessions, networking events, workshops and training sessions Every month bring you a mix mix information sessions, networking events, workshops and training sessions Every month wewe bring you a mix ofof information sessions, networking events, workshops and training sessions with some of the top local business professionals from an array of different industries.

Each event is designed with some the top local business professionals from array different industries.

Each event designed with some ofof the top local business professionals from anan array ofof different industries.

Each event isis designed to offer invaluable up-to-date information tailored to our attendee’s wants and needs, as well as networking offer invaluable up-to-date information tailored our attendee’s wants and needs, well networking toto offer invaluable up-to-date information tailored toto our attendee’s wants and needs, asas well asas networking opportunities to help you grow your business. opportunities help you grow your business. opportunities toto help you grow your business.

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

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

With a mix ofof events held online and face toto face across Kent, you’re sure toto find the right one forfor you.

Jo James OBE Retirement Presentation JamesOBE OBERetirement RetirementPresentation Presentation JoJoJames

Employment Law Update led by Furley Page Solicitors EmploymentLaw LawUpdate Update Furley Page Solicitors Employment ledled byby Furley Page Solicitors

3:00pm - 5:00pm, Pre-booking Required 3:00pm - 5:00pm, Pre-booking Required 3:00pm - 5:00pm, Pre-booking Required Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Thursday 14th December 2023 Thursday 14th December 2023 Thursday 14th December 2023

10:00am - 11:00am, Online via Zoom 10:00am - 11:00am, Online Zoom 10:00am 11:00am, Online viavia Zoom Free to-Attend Free to Attend Free to Attend Thursday 25th January 2024 Thursday 25th January 2024 Thursday 25th January 2024

Join us for a special afternoon as we celebrate the career of Join us a special afternoon celebrate the career Join forfor a OBE special afternoon asas wewe celebrate the career of of Jous James at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

James OBE Kent Invicta Chamber Commerce.

JoJo James OBE at at thethe Kent Invicta Chamber of of Commerce.

Join others as we discuss what’s on the horizon in employment law Join others we discuss what’s the horizon employment Join others asas we discuss onon the horizon in in employment lawlaw and we take a look to thewhat’s important changes which will be introduced and we take a look to the important changes which will be introduced and we take a look to the important changes which will be introduced in 2024.

2024. in in 2024.

This Retirement Presentation is a tribute to Jo’s outstanding This Retirement Presentation is tribute a tribute to Jo’s outstanding This Retirement is community a to over Jo’s outstanding contributions toPresentation our business the years. contributions to our business community over the years. contributions to our business community over the years.

As Jo bids farewell to her role, we’ll reflect on her leadership, bids farewell role, we’ll reflect her leadership, AsAs JoJo bids farewell to to herher role, we’ll reflect onon leadership, dedication, and achievements in the world ofher business. dedication, and achievements in the world of business. dedication, and achievements in the world of business.

Speakers for this event will be: Speakers this event will Speakers forfor this event will be:be: Andrew Masters, Partner and Head of Employment Law Andrew Masters, Partner and Head Employment Law Andrew Partner andAssociate Head of of Employment Law PatrickMasters, Glencross, Senior Patrick Glencross, Senior Associate Patrick Glencross, Associate Eleanor Rogers, Senior Solicitor Eleanor Rogers, Solicitor Eleanor Rogers, Solicitor

This event will share some memorable moments, and an opportunity This event share some memorable moments, and opportunity This willwill share some memorable moments, and anan opportunity forevent attendees to express their appreciation for Jo’s impactful work. for attendees to express their appreciation for Jo’s impactful work. for attendees to express their appreciation for Jo’s impactful work.

Furley Page Solicitors are a leading firm of solicitors with offices Furley Page Solicitors are a leading firm solicitors with offices Furley Page Solicitors areChatham a leading firm of of solicitors with offices located in Canterbury, and Whitstable. located in Canterbury, Chatham and Whitstable. located in Canterbury, Chatham and Whitstable.

42 Thinking Business

Chamber Connections 10:30am - 12:00pm Members: Free to Attend, Non-Members: £10.00 + VAT The Orida Hotel, Maidstone, Thursday 7th December 2023 University of Kent, Canterbury, Thursday 4th January 2024 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.

Any business, any size, we know and understand the pressures and ambitions your business has. Imagine what you could achieve being part of a local business community.

Kent Construction Focus Group 7:30am - 9:30am KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT, Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT The Village Hotel, Maidstone, Tuesday 9th January 2024

Christmas Special Kent Construction Focus Group Tuesday 5th December 2023 | 7:30am - 9:30am The Village Hotel, Maidstone, ME14 3AQ Chamber Connections Networking Thursday 7th December 2023 | 10:30am - 12:00pm The Orida Hotel, Maidstone, ME14 5AA Virtual Business Networking Tuesday 12th December 2023 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom Jo James OBE Retirement Presentation Thursday 14th December 2023 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm

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

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford, TN24 0LH

The Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) is a one-stop-shop for local businesses to discuss the future of Kent development, giving companies access to local knowledge, expertise and contracts. During the morning you will enjoy a full English breakfast which will be followed by a presentation from our guest speakers.

Thursday 4th January 2024 | 10:30am - 12:30pm

Chamber Connections Networking University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NY Kent Construction Focus Group Tuesday 9th January 2024 | 7:30am - 9:30am

Kent And Medway Manufacturing Focus Group 12:00pm - 2:00pm Free to Attend Hempstead House Hotel & Spa, Wednesday 31st January 2024

The Village Hotel, Maidstone, ME14 3AQ Business Bites Thursday 11th January 2024 | 1:00pm - 1:30pm Online via Zoom

Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG) is a networking and business group for Manufacturing & Engineering organisations across Kent and Medway offering unique access to peers and colleagues, sector specific information, advice and support.

Virtual Business Networking

The group meets every last Wednesday of the month. KMFG is open to all organisations operating or directly supporting the Manufacturing and Engineering sector in Kent & Medway, whether they are Chamber Members or not.

Business Bites

Virtual Business Networking 10:30am - 12:00pm, Online via Zoom Free to Attend Tuesday 12th December 2023 Tuesday 16th January 2024 | Tuesday 30th January 2024 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.

Conversations with our guest speaker will be followed by 3 breakout room sessions where attendees can delve deeper into this discussion, or discuss their own topic in more depth.

Tuesday 16th January 2024 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom

Tuesday 23rd January 2024 | 1:00pm - 1:30pm Online via Zoom Employment Law Update Thursday 25th January 2024 | 10:00am - 11:00am Online via Zoom Virtual Business Networking Tuesday 30th January 2024 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom Kent And Medway Manufacturing Focus Group Wednesday 31st January 2024 | 12:00pm - 2:00pm Hempstead House Hotel And Spa, Sittingbourne, ME9 9PP

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Chamber Business Awards

Success of leading Kent companies rewarded The County’s leading businesses have been recognised by the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards when the winners were announced at a gala dinner attended by nearly 250 guests.

Two individual awards were made during the evening. The first was the Chamber Legacy Award presented to Jo James OBE, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her 33 years at the Chamber and ahead of her retirement at the end of the year. It was presented

by Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council, the Award’s partners.

The second award was presented to Miranda Chapman, Managing Director of Pillory Barn.

She received the Outstanding Contribution to Business in Kent Award for her years of working with many organisations, including the South East LEP, and as a Governor of EKC Group. The award, judged by a panel from Kent County Council and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, recognised Miranda for her impact on the business landscape and the communities she serves.

Chris Hare, Chairman of Kent Invicta Chamber, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists who continue to inspire us with their resilience and commitment towards the County.

Their collective achievements are testament to their hard work, and we look forward to seeing their continued success and growth.

“Special congratulations must also go to Jo and Miranda for their years of tireless support for the County that has helped make it a much stronger place and it was great to recognise and celebrate this.”

The winners and finalists of the 10 categories, included: Business of the Year 2023

Sponsored by Canterbury Christ Church University Winner: Brimstone Site Investigation Finalist: BJF Group

Finalist: Modus Construction Consultants

Construction Project of the Year 2023 Sponsored by JobMatcha

Winner: WW Martin Ltd Project: Poppy Fields

Finalist: Coniston Ltd Project: Maison Dieu, Dover

Family Business of the Year 2023 Sponsored by Stagecoach South East Winner: Lukehurst Finalist: Fallow Management Finalist: Kent Cricket Direct

Innovative Business of the Year 2023 Sponsored by Air IT

Winner: Bedfont Scientific Ltd Finalist: MPR IT Solutions Finalist: Safer Communities Alliance

Finalist: Hazle McCormack Young LLP Project: Mote Park Café and Visitor Centre

Most Promising New Business 2023

Employer of the Year 2023

Winner: Matches Sports Bar & Social

Sponsored by McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford

Sponsored by NFU Mutual - Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield

Finalist: Cheran’s Bakery (Cheran’s Ltd)

Winner: Horizonscan Ltd

Finalist: Foundations Child & Family Therapy

Finalist: Reflect Digital

Success in International Trade 2023

Finalist: Betteridge & Milsom Ltd (b&m)

Entrepreneur of the Year 2023

Sponsored by University of Greenwich

Winner: Liam Dibley - PICH Telecoms Ltd Finalist: Abi Ireland - Wine Tours of Kent Finalist: Tom Reveley - IT Manager Services Ltd

Sponsored by BAE Systems

Winner: Bedfont Scientific Ltd Finalist: Kemet International Limited Finalist: Tillett Ltd

The Awards, now in their 18th year, celebrated the winner’s outstanding achievements in the local business community at a gala ceremony held at Westenhanger Castle, near Folkestone, with the dinner sponsored by Evelyn Partners, the wealth, accountancy and business advisers.

Excellence in Customer Service 2023 Winner: Baxall Construction Ltd

Winner: Gallagher Aggregates

For more information about the gala dinner and the award ceremony, please visit: www.kentchamberawards.co.uk

Finalist: Dockside Property Services

Finalist: Frasers

Thinking Business Business 44 Thinking

Sponsored by Azets

Finalist: Advance Facilities Group Ltd

Sustainability & Decarbonisation Business of the Year 2023 Sponsored by Mid Kent College Finalist: BISON

Chamber Business Awards

Business of the Year 2023 Winner: Brimstone Site Investigation

Construction Project of the Year 2023 Winner: WW Martin Ltd – Project: Poppy Fields

Employer of the Year 2023 Winner: Horizonscan Ltd

Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 Winner: Liam Dibley - PICH Telecoms Ltd

Excellence in Customer Service 2023 Winner: Baxall Construction Ltd

Family Business of the Year 2023 Winner: Lukehurst

Innovative Business of the Year 2023 Winner: Bedfont Scientific Ltd

Most Promising New Business 2023 Winner: Matches Sports Bar & Social

Success in International Trade 2023 Winner: Bedfont Scientific Ltd

Sustainability & Decarbonisation Business of the Year 2023 Winner: Gallagher Aggregates

Chamber Legacy Award Winner: Jo James OBE Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Outstanding Contribution to Business in Kent Winner: Miranda Chapman - Pillory Barn

Thinking Thinking Business Business

45

Members News

Quinn Estates wins Housebuilder award for supporting local skills growth at the ‘Oscars of Housebuilding’ much to our organisation. To deliver this project, we had to overcome numerous obstacles including judicial reviews and nutrient neutrality issues between gaining consent and being able to commence the build. In that four-year period, costs doubled.

Quinn Estates was recognised with another industry win at the recent Housebuilder Awards 2023. The Kent-based mixed-use developer was presented with Best Community Initiative for addressing the local skills need with the first of its kind college building at the EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre (East Kent Colleges Group) in Hersden, one of the most deprived wards in Kent.

“Whilst the Section 106 compelled us to spend £600,000 but with costs increasing, we funded the entirety of the project totalling £1.5 million. Whilst we had no obligation to do this, for us it was about doing the right thing to deliver a community project we’re incredibly proud of, in an area we live and work in as a team.”

The winners were announced by host comedian Joel Dommett at a prestigious black-tie event at the InterContinental London – The O2, which also included a drinks reception and dinner. The awards recognise the best in the housebuilding industry from design and sustainabilityto community impact and regeneration. Considered to be the Oscars of housebuilding, the Housebuilder Awards is voted on by industry leaders.

“This centre will enable the builders of the future to learn how to deliver what we strive for in every project – a home to be proud of – and a home in which our customers feel safe and happy.”

Located in Hersden, Kent, The EKC Group Civil Engineering Training Centre is focused on construction and civil engineering. It was built in response to the national skills gap to ensure the development of the right skills locally to deliver economic growth.

A report by the Construction Skills Network in June 2022 found that more than a quarter of a million extra construction workers will be needed by 2026 to meet projected demands in the UK civil engineering sector, so this centre, a first of its kind, is a hugely positive and innovative step in addressing this.

The ground-breaking centre has been funded in its entirety by Quinn Estates and gifted to East Kent Colleges Group. Known as the EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre, it will cater for around 300 students at any time, studying courses ranging from construction certifications to full civil

engineering apprenticeships. The 3,000 sq. ft facility includes a series of outdoor ‘stations’ where students can develop skills, including drainage and bricklaying. Inside is a training centre, office and other facilities.

This award win recognises the impact the facility will have on local people, with judges praising the development.

Huw Evans, Managing Director of Quinn Estates, commented: “We are incredibly proud to win such an important award for something that means so

Graham Razey, Chief Executive Officer of EKC Group, added: “As a Group, we are committed to addressing skills gaps and ensuring businesses have the talented employees they need to thrive, so we’re incredibly proud of the training centre at Hersden. The centre will support employers in the civil engineering sector, enabling them to access the skilled staff they need to continue to flourish and grow.

“The project marks the culmination of a lot of hard work over several years, and we are very appreciative of everything that Quinn Estates has done in delivering our new centre despite the escalating costs. It is important to recognise the massive social impact that this will have, giving young people the opportunity to build great careers in a growing sector.”

For more information visit www.quinn-estates.com

Benchmark marks its 30th birthday Benchmark Financial Planning is a multiaward-winning Chartered firm, the gold standard in financial advice. With experts across the UK, they have been helping individuals, families, and small business owners meet their aspirations and achieve peace of mind for over 30 years. Whether just starting out or nearing retirement, building a sound financial plan can help you achieve your goals, and the firm’s solutions are tailored to meet your unique requirements.

The firm was founded in 1993, and recently celebrated its 30th birthday with a special day of celebrations at its head office in Horsham and across its eight regional offices, including Maidstone.

Many of you may have known the company in the local area originally as Invicta IFA, a

46 Thinking Business

local practice working with individuals and businesses.

Many of the original team are still with the firm, including Heidi Tresadern, Wealth Planning Director and Chartered Financial Planner, Samantha White, Chartered Financial Planner, and Laura Atkins, Mortgage, Protection and Equity Release specialist. And the team has continued to grow over the years, with Steve Kilfoyle and David Denne also joining the team.

In 2018, Benchmark partnered with Schroders, a FTSE100 firm with significant family ownership, providing security and stability for clients, staff, and support for the business to grow.

At its heart, financial planning is about making hopes real. About identifying what’s important to you and doing it.

Whether that’s growing your business, giving back to your community, or planning for a comfortable retirement. Benchmark has been listening to clients for 30 years, and with the business going from strength to strength they plan to be here for at least 30 more. www.benchmarkfp.co.uk

Kent Wellbeing Hub “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.”

This old saying resonated deeply with us as we embarked on our journey to create the Kent Wellbeing Hub. Drawing on our very different, but complementary skill sets, we took on the lease of our building in Rainham, with ambitious dreams. We planned to establish a space that went beyond the conventional, an umbrella of support and care covering a spectrum of needs, with a particular emphasis on mental health. Kent Wellbeing Hub launched February 2020, just as the world was about to face the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic.

As the pandemic and lockdowns gripped the world, we, like so many others, encountered our own setbacks, personal dramas, and family tragedies but, through the tough times that followed, we remained resilient, always confident that we were on the right path, offering something genuinely unique, special, and very much needed in our community.

What sets the Kent Wellbeing Hub apart from other businesses in the area is not just the services it provides but the passion and determination that fuel its existence. The focal point of our work is supporting mental health, facilitated by a team of therapists with diverse specialisms. This provides a beautiful workspace for counsellors, hypnotherapists, complementary and holistic therapists (reiki, reflexology, therapeutic massage … this list is long and varied!).

In addition, the Hub plays a pivotal role in shaping the therapists of the future, functioning as a CPCAB* approved training centre.

From introductory counselling courses to diploma programs, the Hub’s commitment to education is evident. Our first group of fully qualified, level four graduates is set to emerge in the summer of 2024, marking a significant milestone. Additionally, the hub hosts a series of short courses and CPD workshops, addressing various aspects like attachment, bereavement, grief, and understanding mental health. Most short courses are offered at weekends, catering to individuals balancing professional commitments with their training requirements.

Our next intake for CPCAB Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 Diploma courses is September 2024 and enrolment opens from 1st January.

Kent Wellbeing Hub also pays homage to the roots of its unusual building, tucked away behind the Moto Services just off the M2 between junctions 5 and 4.

Once a spiritual centre overseen by our dear friend Yvonne, the Hub continues the spiritual legacy with regular events such as meditation groups, sound baths, mediumship evenings, tarot workshops and much more.

The therapy rooms at the Hub are not just spaces for rent; they are places of calm and tranquility.

The workshop space and welcoming breakout area, delight visitors – “oh wow, this place feels amazing!” is a common reaction.

We love that our fabulous hub so often evokes an ‘aaaah’ feeling when visitors walk through our door, a sentiment that defines the essence of what we set out to achieve.

As a not-for-profit enterprise, affordability is important to us.

Therapy rooms are offered at competitive rates, and we encourage anyone with a passion for workshops, courses, or exercise classes to explore what the hub has to offer.

We extend an open invitation – the Hub has a way of drawing people in who need to be there! The kettle is always on, and a warm welcome awaits every visitor. Kent Wellbeing Hub is not just a physical space; it’s a living testament to our dreams that have not only survived adversity and tough times, but continue to thrive.

The latest addition to the Hub’s service is a particular source of pride for us as we have recently launched our low-cost counselling service.

The need for mental health support is growing and we recognised a very real need for an affordable service. By removing the financial barrier, we aim to ensure that everyone can access the vital care they need and deserve. We are thrilled to roll out this programme, commencing immediately.

At Kent Wellbeing Hub, we believe emotional wellbeing should be within reach for all.

Contact us now for more information on how we’re transforming lives and fostering a community where mental health is a priority.

Website: www.kentwellbeinghub.co.uk Phone: 01634 917110

Kent Wellbeing Hub, Farthing Corner, Rainham ME8 8PQ *CPCAB – Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body. We believe, there is no better, more robust and highly professional awarding body under which to qualify in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Life Coaching.

About us: Georgia Robinson-Steele is a Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor and Counselling Trainer, with over 20 years’ experience gained with the national charity Place2Be, and in private practice.

Specialising in working with children and young people, Georgia brings a wealth of knowledge and professional experience to the Hub both as a therapist and as Course Director for all our CPCAB Qualification courses.

She also oversees our Low Cost Counselling services, ensuring safe and professional standards are maintained.

Christine Fox brings to the Hub experience from her previous careers in the commercial world, and as a teacher of business studies and skills in schools and colleges.

Having decided on a completely different path seven years ago, she now combines her administrative skills with her passion for the healing power of complementary and talking therapies.

Christine is a qualified Counsellor, and also holds formal qualifications in Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Reiki.

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47

New Members

Welcome to our new members Abacus Training Solutions Limited

Broomsticks Housekeeping Services Limited

0800 043 2800 abacus-training.co.uk Professional Training Services

01622 752939 broomsticks-housekeeping.co.uk Construction (New Build) Detailing and Cleaning Experts, Interior and Exterior Services

Rochester

AMG Facilities Management Limited Rochester

01634 790445 amg-fm.co.uk Providing Professional Facilities Management Services to all Sectors

Ashford International Hotel Ashford

01233 219988 ashfordhotel.co.uk Hotel & Spa

AW Construction Services Limited Folkestone

01303 259266 awltd.co.uk Construction

Bemix

Canterbury

01227 374285 bemix.org Supporting people with learning difficulties and/or autism to speak up, make choices and become powerful and influential

Maidstone

Clarke Williams Limited Tonbridge

01732 252898 clarkewilliamsinsurancebrokers.co.uk Insurance Brokers

Clearwater Cleaning Services

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Maidstone

01622 674733 goedaycare.co.uk Personalised Homecare and Daycare Services for the Elderly and Disabled, who need Physical or Emotional Support

Gloss Enterprises

Maidstone

07909 312455 denburylegal.co.uk Legal Services

Diligence (PM) Services Limited Dartford

01322 838004 diligence-pm-services.co.uk Project Management Consultancy, Training Provider and Advisory Service for Infrastructure and Utilities Projects

01304 828111 priorityfreight.com Global Time-Critical Logistics Specialists

boldbizcoaching.co.uk Helping Entrepreneurs and SMEs realise their potential through Business Coaching

Garden of England Homecare

Denbury Legal

clearwaterkent.com Commercial and Domestic Cleaning and Facilities Company

01227 760341 abbotsbartonhotel Hotel

Tunbridge Wells 01892 529984

07554 319599 ecfulfilment.com Warehouse Fulfilment

Gateway Cargo Limited

Dover Truck Park and Customs Clearance

Bold Biz Coaching

Dover

Chatham 01634 681885

Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel Canterbury

ECF (UK) Limited

Whitfield

Strood

0330 175 9150 gateway-cargo.com Leading Logistics Service Provider

Whitstable

07899 037632 glossenterprises.co.uk Project Management and Renovation

Greenwood Technical Services Limited Dover

07793 202000 gts-x.ltd Specialist Machinery Movers and Installation Engineers

Have A Pain Free Body West Malling

07739 386155 haveapainfreebody.com Providing Well-Being Services

Dynamic Events

Imago Community

01797 223626 dynamic-events.co.uk End-to-end Event Agency delivering UK and International Events

01892 530330 vawk.org.uk Wellbing Support for Children and Young Adults Living In Kent

Rye

Tunbridge Wells

New Members

Enhance

Protect

Connect

Incynergy

Lukehurst & Son Limited

The Kent Foundation

01843 449274 incynergy.com Equipping Business Owners with the Knowledge and Strategies to significantly increase the Value of their Business

01795 428283 lukehurst.co.uk Furniture, Beds, Carpets and Curtain sales

0333 042 1163 kentfoundation.org A Unique Charity Providing essential support for Kent’s Young Entrepreneurs and Business Owners to start and grow Businesses in Kent

Monkton

Keaveney Plant Hire Limited Ashford

01233 621805 keaveneygroup.com Key suppliers of Contracting and Plant Hire services to the Construction Industry and Allied Services

Kent Fire & Rescue Service Building Safety Team Maidstone

07967 332084 kent.fire-uk.org Building Safety Team

Sittingbourne

Ovenden Plant Hire Limited Canterbury

01304 843055 ovendens.com Haulage, Plant Hire, Demolition and Aggregate Supply

Pantiles Chambers (Inigo Limited) Tunbridge Wells

01892 506960 inigo.co.uk Serviced Offices, Meeting Rooms and Virtual Office Services in the most Prestigious Locations

Kent Rag Consultancy Limited

Pds HR Solutions

07887 725795 kentragconsultancy.co.uk Providing Assistance and Support to the Road Haulage, Logistics and Waste Sectors

07727 171508 pdshr.co.uk Delivering Effective and Efficient HR Support

Ashford

Knights PLC West Malling

01622 656500 knightsplc.com A Legal and Professional Services Business, with Professionals Delivering Services to Business Clients across the UK

Krempelwood TV London

07802 201692 krempelwood.com Bringing New Money to TV enabling Broadcasters to Commission more Shows and to Commission above Tariff

Maidstone

Prime Traffic Management Limited London

01622 910180 primetm.co.uk Traffic Management Services Supplier

Rochester Recruitment Limited Rochester

01634 735300 rochesterrecruitment.com Specialist Recruitment for the Trades, by the Trades

Sideways Media Limited Ashford

01233 226519 sidewaysmedia.co.uk Graphic Designers

Maidstone

Tillett Limited Sittingbourne

01795 420312 tillett.co.uk Car Racing Seats and Accessories

Veraxis

Sandwich

07701 071784 Powering Potential with AI Training and Governance

Vital Parts Limited Maidstone

01233 713581 vital-parts.co.uk Manufacture and Distribute a vast range of Plastic, Rubber and Metal Components

West Kent Shooting School Brenchley

01892 834306 westkentshooting.co.uk Clay Pigeon Shooting Sporting Facilities and Corporate and Conference Facilities

WindowPlan Rochester

01634 711119 windowplan.co.uk Independent Window Suppliers and Installers of High Quality, Bespoke uPVC and Aluminium Replacement Windows, Doors and Conservatories

Xeed ESG Reading

07703 344139 xeedesg.co.uk Consultancy for a New Economic and Environmental Future Thinking Business

49

Last Word Laura Ash

Rock Solid Health Owner and Founder

Laura Ash, a former Police and Counter Terrorism Officer, transformed her crisis into a thriving career as a Burnout and Energy Management Coach. She co-owns Rock Solid Health with her husband Barry.

Founded after Laura’s medical retirement, Rock Solid has flourished over ten years, featuring on BodyPower Expo and Channel 5star’s “It’s Your Fault I’m Fat.” Laura’s resilience from a burnout in 2017 has shaped their mission. Besides authoring a children’s book and engaging in charity work, they extend their expertise to corporate wellness programs, empowering professionals to elevate their health and well-being.

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

I was a trainee Travel Agent for Going Places in Folkestone Kent. My wages per week back then was £50 per week from what I can remember.

What do you always carry with you to work?

I always carry with me a water bottle, being hydrated has been shown to boost your concentration and strength.

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

Helping people to see that self-care is not a luxury and that it should be part of your overall business plan and strategy.

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

I would give sick pay to self-employed people who run small businesses. Sometimes we need to be able to take time off and not being paid can cause a huge strain on people.

What can you see from your office window?

Our beautiful garden which is an escape and always offers something new to see as the seasons change.

If you could do another job, what would it be?

I would lean more into our charity work that we do with children’s hospitals and hospices.

Helping create smiles and magical memories.

As a businessperson, what are your three main qualities?

Compassion, Truth, Vulnerability.

What was your biggest mistake in business?

Looking at everyone else’s success and making that my measure, instead of creating my own measure of success. It is part of the reason I burned out in 2017.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Go for it, believe in yourself, set your own measure of success.

Who do you most admire in business?

Anyone who has the guts and determination to make a business and run it, it is not for everyone, and it can be a challenge, but the rewards are worth it!

ThinkingBusiness Business 50 50 Thinking

Avondale Environmental Services is thrilled to have appointed a new Managing Director Danny Patel brings a wealth of experience and passion for sustainability and service excellence that is at the core of Avondale Environmental Services’ values.

His previous background in facilities management and client engagement will underpin Danny’s challenge to grow the business whilst promoting the company values and engaging with local businesses.

Danny’s journey in facilities management began over a decade ago. He earned his reputation through unwavering commitment to business

Movers and Shakers

management and innovation and his extensive experience has positioned him as a trusted expert in the industry.

His approach is to treat each client as unique, with a personalised approach to address their specific business needs, challenges, and objectives. Under his leadership, Avondale will ensure that its clients receive tailored solutions that align with their values and goals.

Avondale Environmental Services offers comprehensive vegetation clearances, grounds maintenance, tree works, invasive weed control, sports pitches and much more that are tailored to specific needs by using technology, specialist

equipment and highly trained staff.

Avondale prides itself on putting the customer first by delivering excellent standards, great communication and competitive pricing. Their main areas of business are railways, highways, construction and local authority work, across the whole of the UK. Find out more at www.avondaleuk.com

Produced in Kent appoints fresh food expert Carol Ford as new Board Director Trade organisation Produced in Kent, the voice of the local independent food and drink sector in Kent and Medway, is thrilled to announce the appointment of fresh food specialist and all-round industry heavy-weight Carol Ford as a new Director on its Board.

Carol says: “I feel honoured to join Produced in Kent, especially at such a critical and important time for food. As we all know, Kent is a county with a proud heritage as the Garden of England and on the back of that we have a dynamic and modern food sector based here, be that in hospitality, growing, producing and innovating new food and drink products.

“We go from incubator projects to multi-million-pound food and drink businesses and everything

in between. Food is incredibly important in all aspects of life and supports our economy, health, culture and sense of identity in our place.

“The imaginative work and support that Produced in Kent provides in championing food and drink in Kent and Medway is second to none. I hope my passion and experience for fresh food, fresh produce, horticulture, agriculture and the wider sector will complement the amazing work already being undertaken

by Produced in Kent for our county, districts and critically our food and drink businesses.”

Carol has more than 20 years’ experience in the fresh food and fresh produce sectors and the wider southeast business and rural community. She started as a retail buyer at Sainsbury’s

and held various marketing and commercial management roles.

She has also held Director roles on the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP), Kent Business Advisory Board (KBAB) and South East Local Economic Partnership (SELEP).

She continues to advise Kent County Council and chairs the Fresh Food Production/Horticulture Task Force, a grower and producer network which tackles challenges faced in the sector.

Floortje Hoette, CEO of Produced in Kent, says: “We are incredibly lucky to have Carol as a new Director on our Board. She brings such a wealth of knowledge but is also a fantastic person to work with: passionate, no nonsense, results-driven and so positive about the opportunities for our sector.”

Nick Barker joins Avante Care & Support as Director of Quality Avante Care & Support is delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Barker as the organisation’s Director of Quality. In this crucial role, Nick will lead the company’s quality assurance initiatives, ensuring Avante Care & Support maintains its high-quality standards of care and service.

With a distinguished background in quality management, Nick brings a wealth of experience to Avante and his impressive

track record and commitment to excellence, will play a pivotal role in Avante’s ongoing vision to provide ‘Communities where everyone has a vibrant and fulfilling life’.

Nick will be responsible for overseeing quality control measures, implementing best practice, and driving process improvements across Avante.

He will work closely with colleagues in Care Operations to enhance the high-quality care for which Avante is known.

For more information on Avante Care & Support please visit www.avantecare.org

Copy Deadline: News items for the February - March issue to be submitted by 8th January 2024

Building Better Environments.

Working with commercial clients, on private residences and on local authority projects, our focus and experience is primarily in refurb, remodelling and fit out.