Thinking Business Feb 26 by Benham Publishing Limited

THINKING BUSIN E S S

Skills for the future

How Kent’s business community can tackle the talent gap and support the next generation. Page 18

n The Big Interview - Lucy McLeod of East Kent College shares her inspiring journey to CEO, bold plans for growth, and vision for shaping the future of learning and training. Page 16

n International Trade. Page 36

n Chamber Events. Page 40

n New Members. Page 48

Tudor Price Chief Executive

A year of new hope and optimism

Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business.

Firstly, let me wish you all the very best for the new year ahead. I hope 2026 is a very good year for you all. The past few years have been challenging for several reasons, but a new year brings new hope and optimism.

Digital transformation is reshaping every sector from logistics and manufacturing to professional services, healthcare and retail. It is vital that Kent’s business community tackles the talent gap and supports the next generation with their digital literacy skills. Research from the British Chambers of Commerce has revealed that the adoption of artificial intelligence is rising steadily amongst SMEs and may be one of the key levers to address the UK’s growth conundrum. We can all use AI to boost productivity, improve decision-making and give our businesses a competitive advantage – but we must ensure that we all have the right skills to do so.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows that November saw solid increases in goods sales to the EU but the rollercoaster effects of

changes in tariff policy with the US continues to take its toll. We need the Government to focus on lowering trade barriers with our key partners to boost business in the year ahead.

Kent is home to many exceptional businesses, and we would love to see them receive the national recognition they deserve so do please consider entering the King’s Award for Enterprise. The King’s Award aims to recognise and encourage outstanding achievement by UK businesses in innovation, international trade, sustainability and promoting opportunity. More details on how to enter are on page 4.

In our Big Interview, East Kent Colleges Group’s CEO Lucy McLeod shares her career journey and her vision for EKC Group detailed in their Strategic Plan. She also talks about why time spent travelling in her gap

year had such a positive impact on her own career and why she encourages young people to explore similar opportunities themselves.

Keep a close eye on our events programme as there is a great mix of networking events and training sessions available. On 6th March, we are hosting a special International Women’s Day event at Ashford International Hotel and don’t miss our sessions on employment law updates and using marketing to attract new business.

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

Tudor

Executive,

Price Chief

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

The King’s Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious national Award for business.

The Award is open to all businesses, large and small –last year over 88% of recipients were SMEs.

Recognising and encouraging outstanding achievement by UK businesses

The King’s Award aims to recognise and encourage outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the fields of:

- Innovation

- International Trade

- Sustainability

- Promoting Opportunity

Applications for the 2027 awards will open on 6 May this year.

The basic eligibility criteria are that the business must:

- Be based in the UK.

- Have a good, continuous compliance record with HMRC.

- Be a self-contained enterprise.

- Have at least two full-time employees or part-time equivalents.

- Demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance practices.

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Kent Lieutenancy to promote these prestigious Awards in Kent to recognise Kent based businesses. The Lord-Lieutenant is extremely keen to showcase exceptional businesses in the county. Past winners have noted significant benefits to their business from winning these awards.

These include:

- Use of The King’s Award emblem for five years. This Royal seal of approval helps businesses get noticed above and beyond the competition. Recipients regularly report increased sales and growth.

- Invited to a Royal reception.

- A significant boost to staff morale and engagement – the award is presented personally by the Lord Lieutenant where companies receive a Grant of Appointment and crystal trophy.

- Positive media coverage and promotion and greater recognition on the world stage.

We would encourage all Kent businesses to consider entering for The King’s Award for Enterprise. Advice and further assistance is available from the Kent Lieutenancy at www.kent-lieutenancy.org.uk and also from www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise/how-to-apply

We know Kent is home to many exceptional businesses and we would love to see them receive the recognition they deserve in 2027!

Why Strategic Learning & Development will define Workforce Performance in 2026

A

company’s workforce continues to be a critical asset, yet many organisations underestimate the commercial value of structured Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Without ongoing training and skills maintenance, employees risk falling behind the pace of evolving industry standards, regulatory requirements, and technological change. This article explores the key trends shaping Learning & Development (L&D) in 2026 and why progressive businesses are embedding skills investment into their broader operational strategy.

AI Driven Upskilling and Support for New Managers

As AI becomes more embedded in workplace systems, its role in L&D is shifting from optional enhancement to practical necessity. Using AI creates agile learning opportunities but can identify skill gaps easily, personalise development pathways and provide more structured guidance to employees beginning their training for management roles.

Tracey Myhill HR Manager

Rather than relying solely on formal courses, AI tools can act as a performance coach offering prompts, checklists, conflict resolution guidance, and feedback mechanisms that support real time learning.

Just In Time Learning: Training at the Point of Need

Traditional training models typically require employees to learn skills in advance and apply them later. In contrast, ‘just in time training’ focuses on delivering specific learning resources at the point at which they are required.

This interesting approach doesn’t rely on front-loading information before it’s relevant, instead, learners gain the knowledge or skills they need at the very moment they need to apply it.

Mentoring and Knowledge Transfer Enhanced by Artificial Intelligence

Mentoring remains one of the most effective methods for developing new managers building both confidence and experience with trusted established

Email: enquiries@girlings.com

Tel: 01227 367355

managers. It is also time consuming for managers, but in 2026, businesses are increasingly using AI to support the mentoring experience. For example, before a one-to-one meeting with a mentee a mentor can enlist the capability of a workplace assistant such as Slack, Microsoft Co Pilot or Google Gemini to create a short brief ahead of the meeting. They can also use it to draft feedback or set goals for the trainee.

A More Holistic View of Employee Experience

While L&D is fundamentally about skills, the broader employee experience, such as mentoring, plays a significant role in how effectively learning translates into workplace performance.

Creating environments where employees feel able to contribute, ask questions and report issues without concern directly influences engagement and performance outcomes. As workplace technology evolves, strategic investment in L&D is becoming a core operational requirement rather than a discretionary activity.

Maidstone Office: 01622 238 230

5 Tolherst Court East, Turkey Mill, Ashford Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5SF

Folkestone Office: 01303 273 273 Sterling House, Concept Court, Shearway Business Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 4RG

ifa@financial-advice.co.uk

www.financial-advice.co.uk

The drawbacks of default pension strategies

Most pension scheme members in the UK accept a default investment strategy. FAS Pension experts consider the drawbacks of this approach and highlight the benefits of taking greater control of your pension savings.

Most workplace pension accounts are invested in so-called “default” investment strategies. The Pension Provider Survey 2024/5, conducted by the Department for Work and Pensions, reported that around 86% of auto-enrolment pension scheme members are invested in the provider’s default investment approach.

Unless a decision is taken when joining a workplace pension scheme, individuals are automatically placed into a default investment strategy. This is a good idea, as many choose to take no interest in how their pension is invested, and accepting a default strategy ensures that the pension adopts a diversified approach, investing in a range of assets designed for growth over the longer term. This also avoids individuals choosing a very conservative investment approach in their early years, which could potentially lead to a poor outcome. For those in the early stages of pension saving, with decades before retirement, a default strategy may well be broadly appropriate, as it will provide a high degree of exposure to global equity markets; however, as pension values grow and retirement planning becomes a more important consideration, relying on a default strategy can create unintended risks, missed opportunities and increase the likelihood of underperformance.

Limitations of lifestyling

Most workplace pensions follow a lifestyling or target-date approach. In simple terms, this means investing more heavily in equities during the early years, then gradually switching into bonds and cash as retirement approaches.

The premise of such a strategy is to avoid a “cliff edge” scenario, which could occur if markets fall heavily around the time an individual reaches their normal retirement date. Whilst this is, indeed, sensible, such strategies are often too rigid and fail to consider the need to remain flexible when approaching retirement. Historically, lifestyle strategies were designed

around the purchase of an annuity at retirement. Today, many retirees plan to use income drawdown, keeping their pension invested beyond their normal retirement date. For these individuals, reducing growth assets too early can significantly lower long-term income potential. Worse still, automatic de-risking can coincide with market downturns, effectively locking in losses at precisely the wrong moment.

Another common concern raised is the target date set for the lifestyle strategy often coincides with the point at which an individual will begin to receive their State Pension. The default strategy is, therefore, misaligned if the individual chooses to draw their pension at an earlier date.

One size fits all

Default investment strategies are designed to appeal to the average pension saver; however, a single default strategy cannot cater to the diverse needs of pension scheme members, their individual preferences or wider financial circumstances. Some may hold other significant investments, property or business assets, which will provide an income in retirement. Others may have membership of defined benefit pensions, which provide guaranteed income. Holding assets external to the pension may allow a different risk profile to be adopted for the workplace pension.

Ethical preferences cannot easily be accommodated through a default investment approach. NEST, which has over 13 million members, allocates a proportion of their default strategies to climate aware funds. This may not, however, satisfy those who prefer to take a more socially responsible approach to investment. Conversely, given the underperformance of socially responsible investments - when compared to mainstream investment strategies over the last year - investors less concerned with ethical considerations may prefer greater allocations to sectors such as defence, oil and mining, which have outperformed.

Underwhelming performance

We undertake detailed analysis of hundreds of pension arrangements each year that are held by clients when they approach us for advice. An increasing consensus is emerging, which shows performance from default funds generally falling behind sector averages over the longer term. In the drive to keep costs low,

many default investment strategies are now exclusively invested in passive funds, which aim to track a particular index or benchmark. By their very nature, passive funds will only ever track the performance of an index, not beat it. Whilst they are a good way of gaining broad market exposure, focusing on passive investments alone misses out on the potential for outperformance that actively managed strategies can provide.

Further underperformance often becomes apparent as individuals begin to move towards their intended retirement date, where the lifestyle strategy begins to reduce equity exposure and introduce greater allocations to fixed interest securities.

The importance of advice and review

Pension investments are held for the longerterm, and those entering the workplace today may well be saving for almost 50 years before accessing their pension savings to provide an income in retirement. Over this time, additional performance that could be achieved from a tailored investment approach could lead to a significant difference in pension fund value when reaching retirement.

Keeping any strategy under regular review is as important as the initial advice and it is important to seek advice before considering any changes to your pension investment strategy. Our experienced advisers can analyse your existing arrangements to provide you with tailored, independent advice on an appropriate strategy that meets your goals in retirement.

Dry January is more than giving up alcohol –Kenward Trust encourages reflection, support and long-term change

As thousands of people across the UK take part in Dry January, Kent-based charity Kenward Trust is encouraging individuals to view the month not simply as a test of willpower, but as an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with alcohol, substances, and coping mechanisms.

Dry January has become a popular way for individuals to reset after the festive season. However, Kenward Trust, which has supported people affected by addiction and homelessness since 1968, says the month can also highlight deeper challenges for some participants.

“For many people, Dry January is the first time they pause and really notice how alcohol fits into their lives,” said Penny Williams, CEO of Kenward Trust.

“If stopping drinking feels harder than expected, that doesn’t mean someone has failed. It can be a sign that alcohol, or other substances, have been playing a bigger role than they realised.”

Kenward Trust works with individuals affected by alcohol and drug dependency, often alongside complex needs such as homelessness, trauma and poor mental health. The charity highlights that alcohol is the most socially accepted drug in the UK and is frequently linked with wider substance misuse.

“Dry January can be a starting point, a moment of awareness that opens the door to meaningful, long-term change,” Penny added.

Kenward Trust is working to help reduce stigma around addiction and encourages people to seek help early if concerns arise. The charity offers structured residential rehabilitation and ongoing support designed to help individuals rebuild their lives, develop stability, and create a positive future beyond addiction.

Anyone struggling during Dry January, or concerned about their own or a loved one’s substance use, is encouraged to seek advice and support.

To learn more, visit: kenwardtrust.org.uk

Driving excellence: Wellbeing focus pays off for garage as it scoops accolade

A focus on staff wellbeing saw independent garage D&D Autos crowned the best in the UK at a leading industry award ceremony.

The Ashford-based garage won the Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award in the Aftermarket Top Garage 2025 Awards, marking a hat trick of successes over the past three years of the high-profile competition.

D&D Autos won the overall Top Garage Award (10+ employees) last year and was a runner-up in 2023 and again this year, while Kevin Shilling narrowly missed out on the Service Adviser crown in both 2024 and 2025, receiving a Finalist Award two years running.

Fifteen employees attended the presentation evening in Coventry to collect this year’s three awards, with Operations Manager Lorraine Fuller coming away inspired to encourage one of the garage’s younger trainees to enter the newly introduced Top Apprentice category next year.

Lorraine and her brothers Matthew and Richard are the second generation of the family-run business set up by founder Derek Pestridge and his wife Margaret. Lorraine said the business had taken on a number of apprentices in recent years, with all of them staying on after qualifying.

“It’s another category I think we have a great chance of doing well in,” she said.

Staff wellbeing at D&D Autos, based in Moat Way, Ashford, is one of the responsibilities of Kimberley Pestridge, who also looks after HR and training. She is a trained mental health first aider and operates an ‘open door’ policy that encourages staff to talk about any issues that are bothering them.

“We understand that our employees are our most important resource and we have always set out to be a good local employer,” said Kimberley. “We organise team and family events and workplace challenges, and we make it clear that we are here to support our people if they need help. We are also well aware that staff retention is important, which is why we do our best for them.

“We are proud that our efforts have been reflected in winning the workplace health and wellbeing award.”

The awards were sponsored by Ben Support for Life, a charity that was set up 120 years ago to support the automotive industry.

ddautosashford.co.uk

Simon steps up to charity Chair position, bringing decades of experience to vital service

Kenward Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Webster as Chair of Trustees.

Simon brings a wealth of experience in finance, leadership, and property management, alongside a deep commitment to community and faith-based service.

Simon joined Kenward Trust in 2019 to support its finance team and has since chaired the Finance Committee. Earlier this year, he was appointed Deputy Chair of Trustees, and now steps into the role of Chair to help guide the charity’s strategic direction.

With a career spanning over four decades, Simon originally trained as an accountant and has worked as a financial adviser since 1983, largely running his own successful business, which today employs 35 people. Between 2000 and 2002, he took a sabbatical to lead one of the UK’s largest financial services businesses, gaining invaluable insight into large-scale operations.

Simon has served on the leadership team of his professional body at both local and national levels and spent several years as a Director of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, where he chaired its Finance Committee. His experience in property management – owning

several buy-to-let properties and an office building – aligns closely with Kenward’s own property portfolio.

A committed Christian, Simon has attended Saint Mary Bredin Church in Canterbury for more than 30 years, serving on its Parochial Church Council for two decades. His roles have included youth leader, worship leader, and treasurer for the past 11 years. In 2005/06, he project-managed the church’s £1.5 million building refurbishment, overseeing fundraising, communications, external financing, and construction.

Simon commented: “Kenward Trust plays a vital role in transforming

lives affected by addiction and homelessness. I am honoured to lead the Board of Trustees and support the team in delivering this life-changing work.”

CEO of Kenward Trust, Penny Williams, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Simon as Chair of Trustees. His extensive financial expertise and leadership experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow our services and support more people in need across Kent and beyond.”

Cotton Nursing Solutions: Raising the Standard for Workplace First Aid in 2026

Cotton Nursing Solutions has kicked off the new year with energy, delivering high-quality, bespoke first aid training across Kent and beyond. Our dedicated trainers—each with robust medical backgrounds in resuscitation, community health, and education—bring real-world expertise to every session, ensuring our courses are practical, relevant, and engaging.

Recently, we had the pleasure of working with a leading environmental services team, providing both EFAW and FAW courses. Our training was tailored to the unique challenges of their industry, using realistic scenarios to boost engagement and confidence. The result? Excellent feedback and empowered participants ready to respond in real-world emergencies.

Our instructors continue to support a variety of healthcare settings, from dental practices to ultrasound departments, reflecting the breadth and depth of our team.

We’re also proud to announce that Cotton Nursing Solutions is now Qualsafe accredited. This prestigious recognition reflects our commitment to meeting

industry standards and delivering reliable, high-quality training that local businesses can trust.

If you’re seeking first aid training that’s professional, practical, and tailored to your team, get in touch—we’d love to support your workplace safety goals this year.

www.cottonnursingsolutions.co.uk

Making digital learning accessible

Small and medium-sized organisations are often expected to deliver the same standard of staff training as much larger businesses, but without the time, budget, or internal learning teams to support it. That challenge is becoming ever more pressing as expectations around digital access, consistency, and evidence of learning continue to grow.

Established in 2025 and based in Kent, Emblem Training Solutions works with small and medium-sized organisations across the UK to make

digital learning practical, accessible, and effective. It specialises in supporting organisations that want high-quality learning design but don’t have the time, budget, or internal learning resource to build it themselves.

The company designs bespoke, brand-aligned digital learning resources that help organisations onboard, train, and support their people in a practical and realistic way. Emblem’s work is rooted in learning design, not generic training content, and every resource is built to reflect how each organisation

actually operates, says Emma Gillam of the company.

A key part of Emblem’s work is partnering with HR consultants to develop and productise digital induction resources for clients. It also works with charities to create clear, accessible digital resources that support staff, volunteers, and service users. In addition, the company collaborates with small training providers who want to future-proof their offer by adding high-quality digital learning that complements their existing face-to-face provision.

All learning is designed to be mobilefirst and to support, not replace, in-person training. Digital modules provide essential knowledge upfront, allowing valuable face-to-face time to be used for discussion, coaching and practice.

The goal, says Emblem, is to make well-designed digital learning accessible to organisations that care about quality, but need solutions that are affordable, flexible, and built around their reality.

For more information, see www.emblemtraining.co.uk

Why good-looking branded imagery wins hearts (and clients)

We all know that first impressions matter, but in today’s digital-first world, they happen faster than ever. Before a word is read or a product is explored, audiences are already making judgements about a brand based purely on looks! Studies show people form an opinion of a website in a fraction of a second and that split-second response can be the difference between engagement and abandonment.

Humans are highly visual creatures and over 90% of the information our brains process is visual, which means imagery plays a defining role in how brands are perceived. When this imagery is purposeful, polished and skilfully aligned with a brand’s identity it instantly communicates credibility and this psychological shortcut, often referred to as the ‘halo effect’, means that good design doesn’t just look nice, but it actively builds credibility and trust in a brand.

Great branded imagery goes beyond aesthetics – the most effective are purposeful and convey personality, values, and intent faster and more emotionally than text ever could. Research suggests people remember around 80% of what they see, compared to just 20% of what they read, making imagery one of the most powerful tools a brand has to connect, persuade and be remembered.

The key lies in its relevance. Generic, overused stock photography rarely creates impact because it lacks authenticity and differentiation, so audiences can spot it instantly and often scroll past just as quickly. But brands that invest in tailored imagery, whether through bespoke photography, illustration, or carefully adapted stock, stand out by feeling considered and intentional.

Strong imagery should also reflect the brand’s story. An artisanal food company might lean towards warm tones, textures and hand-drawn elements to express traditional methods and care, whereas a performance-driven sports brand might use bold contrasts and dynamic photography to evoke energy, ambition and strength. Aligning this imagery with the message and audience reinforces the brand’s identity and emotional connection.

Ultimately, smart well-considered branded imagery signals effort, and effort builds confidence, telling people that a brand cares about the detail, quality and experience of a product or service. Just like meeting someone well-presented leaves a lasting impression, encountering a visually compelling brand invites curiosity, authenticity and trust.

So, in a crowded marketplace where it’s hard to stand out, imagery mustn’t be seen as just decoration but should instead be used as an opportunity to capture attention and turn first impressions into lasting relationships.

In the world of brands, not a single one was born charming or successful, only ever created to be.

If you’d like to know more, visit brandspacemedia.co.uk/good-lookingbranded-imagery

We create clear, distinctive and consistent design for all your marketing communications, so you can fly above the clouds.

MidKent College’s month of awards

Patrons of the Chamber, MidKent College’s pioneering decarbonisation project ‘ZERO’ at its Gillingham and Maidstone campuses has won a collection of prestigious awards in the past month.

On November 20, at Westenhanger Castle, MidKent College won the Sustainability and Decarbonisation Business of the Year at the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards for ZERO.

The annual awards, organised by Kent Invicta Chamber in conjunction with Kent County Council, celebrate the exceptional achievements of the local business community.

On November 28, in the Kent Green Schools Awards event at the Ashford International Hotel, organised by Social Enterprise Kent, ZERO won the prize for Further Education Trailblazers.

MidKent College Executive Director of Finance & Estates, Martin Peat, said: “Our students have been clear that they want to see their College taking action

on the environmental issues that will shape their future. ZERO shows that large scale change is possible, and that sustainability can sit at the heart of an educational organisation. These awards are a real testament to what can be achieved when we listen to our students and work together with committed partners.”

Earlier in November, MidKent College won the national Green Gown award and was commended in the

AoC (Association of Colleges) Beacon awards for the ZERO project which embeds sustainability as a core value across every aspect of the college.

In the Ashford & Canterbury Business Awards at the Ashford International hotel on December 4, the ZERO project was also a finalist in the category “Sustainability & Decarbonisation Business of the Year 2025”.

MidKent College is equipping learners with green skills for the future through sustainability-rich subjects, staff training, and specialist hubs that support industry with low-carbon training and events. The College’s £10.6 million contribution will also deliver major operational benefits - including an 80–90% cut in energy costs, increasing resilience to fuel price volatility and enabling surplus energy to be stored or sold back to the grid.

The college’s sustainability journey began in late 2021 with a carbon footprint assessment, followed by a detailed reduction plan and governance approvals in 2022. Installation works commenced in mid-2023, with completion in September 2025. Across both Medway and Maidstone campuses, MidKent College has eliminated gas entirely and is generating renewable electricity on site. At the Maidstone campus, the solar carport is one of the largest in the UK.

www.midkent.ac.uk

Understanding how AI tools actually work in practice

Before we can expect people to engage with AI training, we need to give them a reason to care, says Dr Phil Anthony, Head of AI at the University of Kent.

AI literacy is one of those phrases we hear everywhere in higher education. Students are told to develop it, staff are encouraged to model it, and whole strategies are being written around it. But what does it actually mean, and why does it matter?

When I talk about AI literacy, I’m not talking about becoming an expert in the technology behind it. You don’t need to know how to build an AI system to use one well. For me, AI literacy is about three things: awareness, judgement, and confidence.

Awareness is about understanding how AI tools actually work in practice, what they’re good at, where they’re unreliable, and why they sometimes produce convincing but inaccurate results.

Judgement is about deciding how and when to use AI: asking the right questions, checking the answers carefully, and knowing when it’s better not to use the tool at all.

Confidence comes from building those first two, so that you can use AI in ways that are purposeful, safe, and genuinely useful.

In other words, AI literacy, at least as I see it, is about navigating this new landscape with critical confidence. Our graduates are entering workplaces where AI is already part of everyday practice where employers will expect them to use AI tools confidently, responsibly, and in ways that add value, without exposing the organisation to risk.

AI literacy is what makes the difference between using AI to cut corners and using it to contribute effectively in a professional environment.

It’s why, at the University of Kent, we’re embedding AI literacy into our curriculum. We’ve created e-learning modules that encourage students to consider the ethics and environmental implications of AI alongside the possibilities, whilst our AI in Business Accelerator programme is enabling them to explore innovative AI-driven start-up ideas.

By giving students access to AI tools and tech-driven learning experiences, we’re equipping with them with the skills they need to help businesses succeed in a digital future.

www.kent.ac.uk

From Left: Jo Allatt, Head of Sustainability (Policy and Engagement), UKRI, Martin Peat, Executive Director of Finance & Estates Warda Ahmed, Sustainability Officer, Steve Hyland, Director of Comms & Marketing and Adam Clarke, Managing Director, The Energy Consortium.

Why Profit doesn’t always mean Cash

in Construction

Office Assistants has been supporting ambitious business owners across the South East for over 20 years. Accredited by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and Investors in People, the Essex-based firm works with many construction companies across the South East, helping them overcome one of the biggest challenges in the industry: cashflow.

In construction, even profitable companies can face crippling cashflow problems. Why? It’s all about timing.

Profit is income minus costs on paper. Cashflow is the real money moving in and out of your bank account. And in construction, timing differences can be huge:

- Subcontractors and suppliers are often paid before the client pays you.

- Materials are bought up front, but projects get delayed.

- Work is completed, but clients pay on 30, 45 or even 60-day terms. This makes it easy to run out of cash, even when your accounts look healthy. And if cashflow grinds to a halt, so does your business.

The good news is that there are ways to ease the pressure:

- Negotiate better payment terms or stage payments with clients.

- Extend credit terms with key suppliers.

- Use funding tools such as business credit cards to bridge timing gaps.

- Forecast cashflow regularly so you can plan ahead.

Office Assistants offers a free Discovery Call for construction businesses who want to improve cashflow clarity and plan ahead with confidence.

For more information, visit www.officeassistants.org

Are your marketing images representing your brand?

Imagery has a unique ability to communicate what words alone cannot. The eye is taken to an image very quickly and an image can transform how marketing is received and remembered.

Communications specialist Sarah Hawes, from izzy PR, says one of the most effective ways to do this is through lifestyle photography, either captured by a professional photographer, or by the business –but only if the quality is good enough.

Images allow businesses to tell their story visually, showing the people behind the brand, the environment they work in and the experience they offer. Including customers or clients within these images is particularly powerful, as it helps prospective

audiences imagine themselves engaging with the business, building familiarity and trust.

Stock photography, such as photos bought from the Shutterstock or Adobe libraries, also has an important place in marketing, but be careful with your selection, take notice of copyright and choose relevant rather than generic images.

Images should complement the message they sit alongside. When visuals and content are aligned, they reinforce one another, creating clearer, more engaging communication.

When they’re mis-matched, the message loses clarity and confusion can begin.

The bookkeepers who educate not berate!

“The only time we’ll tell you off is if you’ve not sent us your receipts!”

Many business owners fear their numbers and shy away from keeping on top of their cashflow.

Some might worry about getting help, being judged, or looking silly, but Elevey founder Sally Brady knows that clarity and confidence-building is what’s needed.

The company’s focus is on education and keeping things simple. Their experienced team reviews a business to look at what’s going on and what can be changed to make a difference - quick wins. Then, what smaller steps are needed to reach a bigger goal of growth, investment, or just being more in control of their numbers.

Sally said: “We don’t expect people to know about bookkeeping, but

what we can support SMEs and sole traders with is making business decisions, improving cashflow, and advising on purchases and growth projections, based on their figures.

“We want them to feel empowered, not scared of looking at their bank statement.”

Sally’s advice includes: Ask for help: a review from a professional could make a real difference.

Lose the fear: most professionals are here to help, not judge you, so be honest with them.

Review subscriptions: check that they are needed, efficient and not duplicated.

Get on top of cashflow: know what’s coming in and going out.

Refreshing imagery as the year changes keeps marketing feeling current and relevant, reflecting how businesses evolve throughout the seasons. If you show ice creams and summer images in February and they’re not relevant, things will look a bit weird! Likewise, snow images in August for a UK brand will also be confusing – unless you’re selling a Christmas event early!

When used with intention, imagery becomes more than decoration – it becomes a strategic tool that brings marketing to life and helps businesses connect more meaningfully with their audiences.

Invoice on time: make sure invoices are issued promptly and paid on time Save: putting money away for tax, VAT, or even yearly bills such as accounting will help to avoid big cashflow dips.

Sally welcomes enquiries from businesses who need help to learn, overcome financial fear or to understand their finances to meet their business goals.

See elevey.co.uk

A new service for thoughtfully designed smaller projects

For more than 25 years, Vernacular Homes has been designing and building thoughtfully considered homes across Kent and the South East. As a second-generation, family-run company, the practice is well known for bespoke new homes, sensitive conversions and carefully detailed refurbishments Over the past year, the team has seen a noticeable shift in the type of enquiries coming through. Alongside larger residential projects, there has been growing demand for smaller, standalone schemes that sit within the wider setting of a home.

Large garages, home studios, workshops, garden offices and outbuilding conversions are increasingly being commissioned, sometimes as a follow-on to a main house project, and sometimes as a standalone project for clients looking to make better use of their land.

These spaces are often designed to support changing ways of living and working, to host guests separately, or simply to create somewhere to retreat to and enjoy.

Managing Director Oliver Burgess explains: “Many of the homes we design naturally include smaller

buildings within a wider brief. What’s changed is the number of enquiries where these spaces are the main focus. In response, we’ve formalised a dedicated service bringing the same care, design rigour and build quality to smaller projects as we do to our larger projects.

“For 2026, Vernacular Homes is pleased to introduce this new service, helping clients unlock the full potential of their homes and land, whatever the scale.”

Oliver Burgess vernacularhomes.com

Sarah Hawes izzy PR izzypr.co.uk

Tipping point for hospitality: Kent businesses urged to ensure compliance

A duo of experts have teamed up to warn hospitality and service industry employers in Kent to treat their staff fairly with regards to tipping – or risk consequences such as industrial tribunals or fines.

Chris Waterson, Director of Payroll South at accountancy firm Azets, and H-J Dobbie, Head of HR Consultancy, are urging employers to ensure they are fully compliant with the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023.

The so-called Tipping Act rules that employers must pass on all tips, gratuities and service charges to workers without deductions.

This Act impacts more than two million workers, including those who work in restaurants, bars, retail shops, hairdressers, taxi firms, beauty parlours, and many more.

The pair have issued their warning ahead of proposed changes due to come into force this year which will tighten legislation even further.

Chris Waterson, Director of Payroll South at Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, and H-J Dobbie, Kent-based Head of HR Consultancy, have combined to offer guidance to employers.

Chris said: “This Act has now been law for a year and employers are obliged to discharge their responsibilities fairly and pass on 100 per cent of all tips to hard-working staff who earned them.

“If not, staff can hold bosses fully accountable by bringing a claim to an employment tribunal, and this could lead the minority of businesses who continue unacceptable tipping practices being made to pay fines or compensation.”

Looking ahead, the Government has confirmed measures to enhance current tips laws will come into effect from October if the Employment Rights Bill becomes law. The proposed changes are:

• Employers will be required to consult with workers or their representatives before creating a tipping policy, which in reality means that most employers will have to revisit their current tipping policy.

• Employers will be required to update their tipping policy every three years.

H-J Dobbie said: “We know that the vast majority of employers are fully supportive of the Tipping Act, not least because it properly rewards dedicated, deserving and often low paid staff, but also because it builds trust with customers who are more likely to tip if they can be sure of its ultimate destination.

“When it comes to the Tipping Act, employers should use a clear and objective set of factors to determine the allocation and distribution and ensure that they give due consideration to all workers involved in providing service to customers, including temporary, zero hour and agency workers to avoid discrimination, but not the genuinely self-employed.

“Record-keeping is also a requirement.”

The Government has produced a Code of Practice on the Act which is available as a free resource, at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ distributing-tips-fairly-statutory-code-of-practice/ code-of-practice-on-fair-and-transparentdistribution-of-tips-html-version

Visit www.azets.com/en-uk

Chapel House Estate elevates guest experience with new open-fire dining offering

Kent luxury venue Chapel House Estate now has even more to for visitors to enjoy as it launches The Courtyard Kitchen, an exciting new addition to the estate’s Glass Courtyard and on-site restaurant, number nine.

Located on the outdoor terrace beside the Glass Courtyard, The Courtyard Kitchen has been thoughtfully designed as a warm, social space that brings people together around live fire cooking, seasonal produce and shared experiences. The new space enhances the estate’s existing dining and event offering, while remaining true to its relaxed, countryside setting.

A defining feature of The Courtyard Kitchen is its open kitchen, set beneath exposed timber beams and softly lit by hanging lights. Guests will be able to watch Chapel House Estate’s chefs at work across a bespoke barbecue grill with a fire brick base, alongside a traditional spit roast where slow-turning meats and vegetables are cooked over open flames, filling the courtyard with rich, smoky aromas.

The experience is further elevated by the use of a Big Green Egg – a ceramic barbecue – for hot smoking, delivering deep, wood-fired flavours to fish, vegetables and speciality cuts. This comes alongside a wood-fired pizza oven, producing rustic, beautifully charred pizzas straight from the flames.

The courtyard itself has been designed to feel relaxed and atmospheric. Brick walls, climbing

Designing Growth: A Culture of Skills, Learning and Growth

At Oak Creative, we don’t just deliver thoughtful design and strategic marketing, we invest in people. Skills, training and education shape the Oak culture of continuous learning, allowing our team to grow, adapt and thrive in an everevolving creative industry.

Team members are encouraged to look beyond their core roles and explore new disciplines to build confidence in unfamiliar areas. Through handson experience and guidance from experienced colleagues, curiosity and learning are actively supported and nurtured.

A clear example of this approach has been the investment in sector-specific learning within the wine industry. As work in this space developed, time was spent building a deeper understanding of wine production, terminology and the language used by both producers and consumers. This learning directly informed brand positioning, tone of voice and creative decisions across live projects.

greenery and herb, vegetable and fruit planters create a garden-inspired setting, while long banqueting tables and more intimate seating encourage conversation and connection. A retractable awning allows the space to be enjoyed in both sunshine and light showers. By day, the courtyard is light and vibrant; by evening, it transforms into a cosy, candlelit space.

For couples celebrating their wedding at Chapel House Estate, the introduction of The Courtyard Kitchen does not alter the way the outdoor courtyard is typically used or styled.

The launch of The Courtyard Kitchen reflects Chapel House Estate’s continued commitment to exceptional food, thoughtful design, and the creation of meaningful experiences across weddings, dining, and events.

For more information about Chapel House Estate and number nine, visit www.chapelhouseestate.co.uk

By understanding the nuances of the sector, teams were able to make more confident recommendations and create work that feels authentic and informed. The result means stronger alignment between brand, audience and product, supported by insight rather than assumption.

Alongside sector-led learning, we continue to invest in professional development that strengthens marketing, strategy and business fundamentals, ensuring individuals develop well-rounded skill sets that support both personal progression and stronger client outcomes.

By creating space for learning, experimentation and growth, Oak Creative builds confident, adaptable professionals. Investing in skills and education doesn’t just support individual development. It helps to strengthen our work, our partnerships and the future of our agency.

Oak Creative is Kent’s leading full service branding agency. We are a creative partner for ambitious brands and organisations in Kent and beyond. It is our goal to boost our clients’ brand awareness and help to drive their business growth.

www.oakcreative.co.uk

An insurance partner, not just an insurance policy.

At NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield, we believe in insurance built on relationships, not transactions. We take time to understand your business’ unique needs and our insurance solutions can be tailored to suit you. Plus, with Mutual Bonus, we reward your loyalty by giving you a saving on your renewal premium – maybe that’s why 9 out of 10 businesses stick with NFU Mutual year after year.

Want to learn more? Get in touch at: Tenterden agency@nfumutual.co.uk

Tenterden agency@nfumutual.co.uk

Want to learn more? Get in touch at:

Or pop by for a face-to-face chat. Want to learn more? Get in touch at:

Want to learn more? Get in touch at:

Or pop by for a face-to-face chat.

Tenterden agency@nfumutual.co.uk

01580 766174

Pittlesden Barn

01580 766174

Or pop by for a face-to-face chat.

01233 500822 Unit 3

Or pop by for a face-to-face chat.

Pittlesden Barn

High Street

01233 500822 Unit 3

Invicta Business Centre

High Street

01580 766174

Tenterden

Tenterden TN30 6HT

Pittlesden Barn

High Street

TN30 6HT

Tenterden

TN30 6HT

Ashford Market

Invicta Business Centre

01233 500822 Unit 3

CLOSER TO YOU.

Ashford Market

Monument Way

01233 500822 Unit 3

CLOSER TO YOU.

Invicta Business Centre

Ashford, TN24 0HB

Monument Way

CLOSER TO YOUR BUSINESS. CLOSER TO WHAT MATTERS.

Ashford Market

Invicta Business Centre

CLOSER TO YOU.

Ashford Market

Ashford, TN24 0HB

Monument Way

Ashford, TN24 0HB

CLOSER TO YOU.

CLOSER TO YOUR BUSINESS. CLOSER TO WHAT MATTERS.

CLOSER TO YOUR BUSINESS.

CLOSER TO YOUR BUSINESS. CLOSER TO WHAT MATTERS.

CLOSER TO WHAT MATTERS.

O L U S O L A M A K I N D E

Solicitor

Commercial & Residential

Property Department

smakinde@bussmurton.co.uk

COMMERCIAL LEASES: THE IMPORTANCE OF BREAK CLAUSES

A break clause is a provision in a lease that allows either the landlord, the tenant, or both to terminate the lease early on specified terms and dates. Its inclusion can have a substantial impact on the long-term viability and adaptability of a business. When entering into a long lease for commercial property, both landlords and tenants face significant financial and operational commitments. In such arrangements, break clauses play a crucial role in providing flexibility and mitigating longterm risks.

For tenants, a break clause is particularly valuable because it offers an escape route from a lease that may no longer serve their needs. Businesses evolve, markets shift, and operational requirements can change significantly over time. A retail tenant, for instance, might find their location no longer attracts the required customer, or an office-based company may outgrow its premises—or conversely, downsize due to remote working trends. Without a break clause, the tenant may be stuck paying rent for a space that no longer aligns with their needs, which can severely impact profitability.

Landlords, while often preferring stability through long leases, can also benefit from break clauses. They may wish to regain control of the property for redevelopment, to take advantage of rising market rents, or to re-let the premises to a more desirable tenant. A wellstructured mutual break clause can provide both parties with the ability to reassess their positions periodically and take action accordingly.

However, the utility of break clauses depends heavily on how they are drafted. A poorly worded clause can lead to disputes and even litigation.

If the clauses are too onerous or vague, a tenant might find their right to break the lease invalidated due to minor breaches of tenant covenants in its lease.

Notice periods and timing are also critical. Typically, a break clause will require the party seeking to end the lease to serve written notice several months in advance —commonly six to twelve months. Missing the deadline or failing to serve notice correctly can mean the lease continues, even if the party no longer wishes to be bound by it.

Furthermore, break clauses can influence the negotiation of rent reviews, lease renewals, and even the sale of a leasehold interest.

To conclude, break clauses are important provisions in commercial leases, especially for those seeking a long-term lease. They provide a safety net that allows parties to respond to change, reduce financial exposure, and maintain flexibility. Professional legal advice is vital to ensure these clauses are clear, fair, and enforceable.

info@bussmurton.co.uk www bussmurton co uk

New CEO eyes continued growth for college group

Discover how EKC Group has transformed education and skills across East Kent, and what’s next. Lucy McLeod shares her inspiring journey to CEO, bold plans for growth, and vision for shaping the future of learning and training.

Could you provide a brief overview of your education/career?

I started my journey in the FE sector in 1998 as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Lecturer after spending a few years teaching English in northern Thailand.

Inspired by my gap year experiences backpacking around the world after leaving school, my time in Thailand followed my undergraduate studies at Lincolnshire University, where I graduated with a 2:1 in Environmental Studies.

Back in the UK, I built my career in FE, becoming a Programme Leader and then Head of Curriculum, and later progressing to Director of Partnerships, where I was responsible for programmes for the unemployed, the management of subcontracting, and apprenticeships.

In 2015, I became Vice Principal for Widening Participation at what was then East Kent College. In this role, I steered the strategic direction of student support and was the Senior Safeguarding Lead.

I later progressed to become Principal of Broadstairs College, before joining Canterbury College in 2017, as their Principal. I then took on the role as the Group’s Chief Further and Higher Education Officer, before becoming Deputy CEO. In 2025 following the departure of our former CEO, Graham Razey, I was really proud to take up the post as the Group’s new CEO.

Besides my role at the Group, I also chair the Kent and Medway Care Leavers Progression Partnership, which is committed to improving the progression opportunities of care experienced young people.

Could you provide a brief overview of EKC Group, the different components (six colleges, adult training unit, hotel, MAT etc) and their individual strengths/specialisms?

EKC Group is a family of six further education colleges and nine training centres across East Kent. They are rooted in the communities they serve, and are each distinctive, reflecting the diverse nature of their area. At all our sites, we’re committed to empowering every learner to realise their full potential through high-quality, inclusive education.

Our colleges all specialise in technical, vocational qualifications that help to ensure our learners are able to progress to the destination they wish to when they leave us. We offer wraparound support for them, and using our significant employer engagement to deliver inspirational education. We deliver a huge number of courses across the Group, with a wide array of progression opportunities.

We also operate nine adult training centres, which are located throughout East Kent. EKC Training is steadfast in its ambition to be at the forefront of apprenticeship and adult education, distinguished by a forward-thinking approach that champions both innovation and inclusivity. Our award-winning EKC Training Eastchurch site prison education offers courses for those on release from temporary license.

When did you become CEO?

I became CEO of East Kent Colleges Group at the start of 2025. Our Group has had such a tremendous impact on me over the years, helping me to develop and grow and inspiring a genuine passion for education and our students, and the opportunities we afford them. I felt so incredibly privileged to have been chosen to lead the organisation as we have done some amazing things through the years, from delivering meaningful positive change in the communities we serve to achieving ‘Outstanding’ at our most recent Ofsted. I can’t wait to see what we can do together in the future.

What is your vision for EKC Group?

Our new Strategic Plan is about evolution rather than revolution and seeks to ensure we are positioned to respond to forthcoming changes such as the devolution agenda that remains high on the Government’s list of priorities.

The new Vision for the organisation is for ambitions in life and work to be achieved through outstanding education and skills.

Have you made any changes/plan to make any changes in the coming months?

I haven’t made any big changes since my appointment, as I was already part of the leadership that decided everything. However, once in post I did appoint a new Deputy CEO, and restructure our leadership team, adding to the remit for three Assistant CEOs to ensure there was capacity in our leadership structure to tackle big emerging subjects like the introduction of artificial intelligence into our ways of working and educating young people, and remaining at the forefront of influencing the government’s curriculum reform.

We have also launched our Strategic Plan which runs to 2029. Whilst much of this was developed over the previous year, it sets out some really ambitious ways of working that will drive our organisation on to even greater success for our students, stakeholders and the communities we proudly serve. We have recently also developed our local college and business unit ‘vision’ documents that will act as a clear pathway to delivering our wider strategic plan.

What are the key challenges affecting the education (and FE in particular) sector?

Across the board in the FE sector there are some constant challenges. The first of these is ensuring that colleges are well enough engaged with employers to be delivering the right provision, and getting the right inspirational student experiences. Whilst East Kent’s employer landscape comprises mainly small and medium sized employers, I’m really proud of the work we’ve done to ensure we collaborate with a tremendous number of them, delivering not only the skills our local economy needs to continue to grow, but also some truly exceptional work placements for our learners. However, with more and more of our students taking a T Level, it’s growing in importance to find enough employers to offer the longer work placements they require, so that will continue to be a challenge in the future.

Alongside ensuring we engage more with employers, we have also faced some staff recruitment challenges in key sectors. It is a national challenge that all colleges are facing, as when industry often pays better salaries than the education sector can afford to, it can be tricky to recruit. However, we are having success in getting some outstanding staff in from industry, as whilst our salary often doesn’t compare favourably, when you take into account the other benefits, like our pension scheme and holiday allowance, our roles can be incredibly attractive.

Could you highlight the key points of the Impact Report?

Over the past decade, EKC Group has grown exponentially, and whilst doing so has also managed to achieve Ofsted’s Outstanding rating in every category in 2023, whilst also winning multiple awards. There aren’t many organisations that have hit high notes like this, with a more than doubled turnover over the Impact Report’s time horizon. Key milestones include merging East Kent College and Canterbury College, expanding into six districts, and investing more than £20m in cutting-edge new facilities at Ashford, which has grown by 88 per cent since we took it on, and Folkestone.

The Group has seen significant growth in the past 10 years, what is in place to continue that growth trajectory?

Over the past year, two capital build projects, which aim to enhance the curriculum and meet local skills needs, have been taking shape. This includes the extension of EKC Sheppey College, which now has a new Junior College for 14 to 16-year-olds, and the development of EKC Broadstairs College Margate Digital Campus, which will act as an anchor for digital creative businesses to locate in the area, turbocharging its local economy. Both projects have been funded by the UK Government as part of the Levelling Up Fund. We’re also very excited to have secured space inside The Bench, a brand-new government funded community building currently under development in the heart of Dover.

It has also made substantial investment in direct capital projects – could you provide some details?

Over the past decade, the Group has made a £350 million contribution to East Kent’s gross value added through £80 million of direct capital investment in East Kent.

Similarly, from extensions at its Colleges in Ashford and Sheppey, to the opening of its Spring Lane campus in Canterbury, the Group has prospered within its sites, as well as through partnerships such as with The Marlowe Theatre, the Kent Refugee Action Network, and more which showcases its commitment to growth and supporting the community.

How important is social action and collaborating with the community? Could you provide some examples of community action projects and positive social action projects?

Social action is absolutely core to how we work. Ensuring our learners build a stake in their community, and that the community sees value

in our young people is what we are all about. In fact, it is so important that it’s built into our curriculum blueprint which sets out the number of hours each student has to do certain tasks. Many of our students come from areas of high social deprivation and fully engaging them with their communities is central to our social action programme. Over the past decade, nearly 50,000 learners have delivered 348,000 hours of community projects, supported by 1,319 staff. Standout initiatives include free winter car checks, pamper evenings for homeless charity Emmaus, and construction students helping in primary schools.

Personal development of students during their time at college is a key focus of yours. Why is it important and how does the college support that?

A college is not just a qualifications factory. We want to ensure that when they leave us, they do so with the work related and personal skills that they will need to continue to grow and flourish in their lives. Many of our students stay in their local communities, making their lives in east Kent after finishing with us, and it’s really important to our Mission that we help develop them holistically, to the benefit of the communities we serve. Whilst we are absolutely committed to ensuring they develop the technical skills they require, we also want them to develop the soft skills they’ll need in life. Things like resilience, communication, teamwork, which, as we all know, are vital in our personal and professional lives.

You spent some time travelling during a gap year and taught in Thailand – how did that experience benefit your career path and as an individual? Is this something you recommend to students now?

I think one of the most positive aspects to travelling to different countries is the immersion in, and experience of, different cultures that an individual takes on. Exploring the unfamiliar is really important, and I know that my time gave me a really good grounding in better understanding other people. Having had these experiences myself, I’m passionate about our own young people getting to have them also. Over the past few years, we have been able to send a number of our own students on trips as part of the Turing scheme, which helps them experience life and work in a different country. Last year we had learners who went to Lisbon, Seville and even Bali, and this year’s no exception. We even have some students off to Thailand this year, so in a way, they’ll be walking in my own footsteps!

How would you describe your leadership style?

I don’t think there are many leaders who wouldn’t say they are authentic, but I really do bring my true self to work every day. I’m naturally collaborative, and always want to find the best pathway forward, so work alongside colleagues to ensure this happens. I try to encourage discussion and debate to achieve this, naturally coaching colleagues to perform at a high level. As a Group we have some incredible, talented specialist staff, so I’m able to trust them to deliver against the organisation’s priorities, freeing me to prioritise our strategic direction.

Digital skills for the future: How Kent’s business community can tackle the talent gap and support the next generation

Kent’s economy is evolving at speed. Digital transformation is reshaping every sector, from logistics and manufacturing to professional services, healthcare and retail. For Kent’s business community, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity: the demand for digital skills is rising sharply, yet the supply of job ready talent is not keeping pace.

Across the county, employers are reporting difficulties recruiting for roles that require digital literacy, data capability, cybersecurity awareness, and technical competence. Apprenticeship vacancies in digital roles

continue to grow, with training providers in Kent offering programmes in areas such as digital marketing, information communications technology, and multi channel marketing. Yet many businesses still struggle to attract candidates with the right foundational skills.

At the same time, Kent continues to face the national challenge of supporting young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). For employers, this represents a significant untapped talent pool. For the county, it is a long term economic risk.

For members of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the question is clear: how can

the business community help close the digital skills gap, support NEET young people into meaningful careers, and build a workforce ready for the future?

Digital skills: The new currency of business growth

Digital capability is no longer a “nice to have”. It is a core driver of productivity, innovation and competitiveness. Businesses across Kent are adopting new technologies, for example, cloud systems, automation, AI powered tools, digital marketing platforms, and need employees who can use them effectively.

The demand is visible in the job market. Digital apprenticeship roles in Kent span everything from social media and marketing to IT support and engineering. Nationally, Skills England highlights that digital apprenticeships are evolving rapidly, with updated funding rules and streamlined requirements to make them more accessible.

For Kent businesses, this means two things:

• Digital skills are essential across all roles, not just in tech focused companies.

• The competition for digital talent is intensifying, especially given Kent’s proximity to London.

The NEET challenge: A risk and an opportunity

Young people who fall into the NEET category face barriers to employment that can persist for years. But for Kent’s employers, they also represent a potential pipeline of future talent –if the right support and training are in place.

Kent County Council and its partners continue to invest in NEET reduction strategies, but the business community plays a crucial role. Employers who engage with schools, colleges and training providers can help:

• Offer work experience and insight days

• Shape curriculum content

• Provide apprenticeship opportunities

• Support early careers programmes

For Chamber members, this is not just corporate responsibility, it is strategic workforce planning.

Skills shortages: Where Kent businesses feel the pressure

Across the county, employers consistently report shortages in several key digital areas:

1. Digital marketing & multi channel communication

With more businesses shifting online, demand for digital marketers continues to grow. Apprenticeships in this area, including multi channel marketing, are widely available in Kent.

2. IT support & Cloud infrastructure

Businesses need technicians who can manage networks, troubleshoot systems, and support cloud based operations.

3. Data analysis

Organisations increasingly rely on data to drive decisions yet lack employees with the skills to interpret it.

4. Cybersecurity

As cyber threats rise, businesses need staff who understand risk, compliance, and digital protection.

5. Software & technical roles

Engineering and tech driven companies in Kent continue to seek developers, testers and technical engineers, roles that are often hard to fill locally.

These shortages are not unique to Kent, but the county’s growing business hubs – Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Dartford – mean demand is rising faster than supply.

Apprenticeships: A practical solution for employers

Digital apprenticeships offer a powerful route to developing in house talent. Kent has a strong network of training providers offering programmes in information communications technology (ICT), multi channel marketing, digital marketing, and data and AI related roles.

For employers, apprenticeships offer:

• A cost effective recruitment pipeline

• Training aligned with business needs

• The ability to shape talent from day one

• Access to Government funding and incentives

The updated national apprenticeship rules, including reduced minimum durations and more flexible English and maths requirements for adult learners, make apprenticeships even more accessible for businesses.

What Kent businesses can do now

Members of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce are uniquely positioned to drive change. Here are practical steps businesses can take:

1. Invest in digital upskilling

Even small improvements in digital literacy can boost productivity. Consider short courses, bootcamps or in house training.

2. Engage with local training providers

Providers such as IPS International and NowSkills offer tailored digital apprenticeship programmes that can be shaped around employer needs.

3. Offer apprenticeships and early careers roles

Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to build a future ready workforce and they help reduce NEET numbers.

4. Partner with schools and colleges

Career talks, workplace visits and mentoring can inspire young people and build awareness of digital career pathways.

5. Support inclusive recruitment NEET young people often need additional support, but with the right guidance, they can become highly motivated, loyal employees.

The Future: A digitally confident Kent

Kent has the potential to become a powerhouse of digital innovation. The county’s business community is ambitious, diverse and forward thinking. But to unlock its full potential, employers must invest in the digital skills of their workforce and help the next generation gain the confidence and capability to thrive.

By embracing apprenticeships, supporting NEET young people, and working collaboratively with education providers, Kent’s businesses can build a talent pipeline that is resilient, adaptable and ready for the future.

The digital economy is here. The question for Kent’s business leaders is not whether to adapt –but how quickly they can seize the opportunity.

Kent’s economy is evolving at speed. Digital transformation is reshaping every sector, from logistics and manufacturing to professional services, healthcare and retail.

Apprenticeships 2026: Why now is the time for Kent & Medway Businesses to get involved

With National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9–15 February) on the horizon, the UK government has unveiled a series of significant reforms to the apprenticeship system. These changes are designed to boost youth employment, tackle critical skills shortages, and make training more responsive to employers’ needs.

For businesses in Kent and Medway, especially those in priority sectors identified by the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), the reforms present a timely opportunity to invest in workforce development and future-proof their operations. Camilla Maurice, LSIP Project Manager, breaks down what these policy changes mean for Kent & Medway employers and explains why now is the ideal time to get involved.

Key Government Reforms

The apprenticeship landscape is undergoing major transformation through 2025 and 2026. Key changes include:

• Faster training routes (from Aug 2025): The minimum duration for many apprenticeships will be reduced from 12 months to 8 months, enabling employers to train and deploy talent more quickly.

• Streamlined assessments: End-point assessments (EPAs) are being simplified with greater flexibility and options for remote assessment to cut down on bureaucracy.

• Reduced qualification barriers: Adult apprentices (aged 19+) will no longer be required to achieve Level 2 English and maths qualifications to complete their apprenticeship. This change removes a significant barrier for many learners, though some stakeholders worry it could dilute essential skill standards.

• Refocused funding (from Jan 2026): Public funding will be withdrawn for most Level 7 (master’s level) apprenticeships for over-22s. Instead, government investment shifts toward more entry-level and intermediate apprenticeships for under-22s, particularly in fields facing acute skills shortages such as construction, healthcare, and digital.

• New Growth and Skills Levy (from Apr 2026): The Apprenticeship Levy will be replaced by a new Growth and Skills Levy with several important adjustments:

o Use-it-or-lose-it funds: Levy funds will now expire after 12 months (down from 24 months previously), encouraging employers to utilise their training budgets faster.

o No government top-up: The 10% government top-up on levy contributions is being removed.

o Higher co-investment: Once levy funds are exhausted, the employer co-investment rate for additional apprenticeship training will rise from 5% to 25%.

o Modular training units: Employers will be able to spend levy funds on shorter, modular “apprenticeship units” focused on high-priority skills areas (e.g. artificial intelligence, digital, engineering) aligned with national initiatives.

o SME support: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will continue to receive full government funding for apprenticeship training for under-25s (eliminating the usual 5% employer contribution). This is intended to encourage more SMEs to hire apprentices, although evidence suggests that time, capacity, and support are often bigger barriers for SMEs than cost.

Why This Matters for Kent & Medway

These national policy changes dovetail with local needs. The Kent & Medway LSIP has identified several priority sectors where skills shortages are most acute, including:

• Construction

• Manufacturing & Engineering

• Fresh Food & Food Production

• Health & Social Care

• Education Crucially, the government’s reforms align closely with the needs of these sectors, offering tailored benefits:

• Construction: Shorter apprenticeships and modular courses allow construction firms to upskill workers quickly to meet project demand.

• Manufacturing & Engineering: New levy-funded training modules in digital skills and green technologies will help manufacturers remain competitive and adopt innovations.

• Health & Social Care: The expansion of fully funded apprenticeships for under-25s (especially for SMEs) provides a cost-effective way to tackle chronic staffing shortages in care roles.

• Education: Apprenticeships in teaching support and early years education enable schools and colleges to “grow their own” talent, helping to address local tutor and staff shortages.

Business Benefits of Apprenticeships

Engaging with apprenticeships isn’t just good for the community, it delivers tangible advantages to businesses themselves:

• Productivity gains: Employers report an average net gain of £2,500 to £18,000 per apprentice during the training period. In many cases, apprentices contribute more value than they cost, even before completing their programmes.

• Skills tailored to your needs: 86% of employers say apprenticeships help them develop skills directly relevant to their organisation.

• Better staff retention: 80% of companies report improved employee retention among staff who joined via apprenticeship routes.

• Workforce diversity: Apprenticeship programmes open the door to candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, helping businesses build more inclusive and diverse teams.

• Fresh perspectives: Young apprentices often bring new ideas, energy, and digital fluency, which can reinvigorate the workplace and spur innovation.

National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Get Involved

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026, with its theme of “Skills for Life,” is a prime opportunity to celebrate and promote the value of apprenticeships across Kent and Medway. During the week of 9–15 February 2026, local businesses are encouraged to:

• Learn about the new apprenticeship reforms and how to access available funding and support.

• Showcase your apprenticeship success stories –highlight how apprentices have made a difference in your organisation.

• Engage with potential apprentices by participating in community events, career fairs, or school outreach to inspire the next generation.

• Connect with local training providers, colleges, and support organisations to strengthen your talent pipeline and get guidance on apprenticeship programmes.

Taking the Next Step

Whether your organisation is new to apprenticeships or already runs a successful programme, now is the time to act. The convergence of fresh government support and local skills priorities makes this an ideal moment for Kent and Medway businesses to invest in apprenticeships. By embracing these reforms and opportunities, you won’t just address immediate skills gaps, you’ll also cultivate home-grown talent and build a resilient, future-ready workforce for your business.

Useful Links for Employers

• GOV.UK: Employing an Apprentice –https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice

• Apprenticeships.gov.uk: Employer Hub –https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers

• National Apprenticeship Week 2026 –https://naw.appawards.co.uk

• Kent & Medway LSIP (Local Skills Improvement Plan) – https://kentemployerskillsplan.org/

• Kent County Council: Hire an Apprentice –https://www.kent.gov.uk/business/start-or-growyour-business/hire-an-apprentice

• Skills England – https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/skills-england

The Skills Hub Romney Marsh Community Hub’s latest venturelaunching 2026

A primary local destination for learning and sharing practical skills supporting long-term improvements in the health, wellbeing, and independence of the local population.

RMCH, an established charity of 50 years, has a strong community-led focus. Besides day support 3-days a week and home support, it offers multiple activities for the physical and mental wellbeing of the over 50’s. In 2024, approached by a local Councillor to take over Community transport, RMCH launched the ‘Marsh Bee’. Recognising a need to support all ages who live on the coast, in 2024, RMCH opened The Hub on the Beach café in Greatstone.

Our Skills Hub resulted from a conversation with Human Resources at EDF’s Dungeness Power Station. EDF’s decommissioning process poses risks of redundancy and loss of purpose for its workers. Discussions identified a need for a local place where skilled retired individuals could volunteer, share their knowledge, and remain actively engaged in meaningful occupation.

Thanks to Greatstone Primary School allowing RMCH to rent their unused Nursery Building, the Skills Hub will provide a safe, creative environment for retired skilled workers - plumbers, electricians, carpenters, engineers and technicians, also skilled hobbyists and artisans. It will offer young people opportunities to develop hands-on skills not taught within the National Curriculum.

It will help reduce landfill waste by repairing, re-using and repurposing items, with some sold through RMCH’s charity shops.

With limited employment opportunities on the Romney Marsh, the Skills Hub offers a meaningful outlet that supports mental wellbeing, skills development, and multigenerational community cohesion.

Liz Taylor CEO

Romney Marsh Community Hub rmch.org.uk

Shaping Kent & Medway’s Future Workforce: Why Employer Engagement Matters

In today’s ever changing economy, businesses face growing challenges: skills gaps, an ageing workforce, and the need to adapt to technological change.

The Kent & Medway Careers Hub offers a powerful solution –connecting employers with schools and colleges to inspire the next generation and build the talent pipeline for your business needs.

Why Engage?

Partnering with the Careers Hub isn’t just about giving back; it’s a strategic investment. By engaging with young people early, businesses can influence career aspirations, showcase industry opportunities, and ensure future employees have the skills and knowledge your sector demands.

This proactive approach helps address local skills shortages and strengthens your workforce for the long term.

The Benefits for Your Business

• Build Future Talent: Shape the skills and attitudes of tomorrow’s workforce.

• Close Skills Gaps: Align education with industry needs to tackle shortages.

Take Action Today

• Develop Your Team: Staff gain leadership and mentoring experience through outreach.

• Enhance Your Brand: Demonstrate social value and raise your profile locally.

How You Can Get Involved

• Industry Champions: The Careers Hub can share termly requests from Education Institutes for you to Give an Hour or Two. This could be to offer careers talks, mock interviews, or workplace visits.

• Enterprise Advisers: Act as a critical friend to schools, colleges, and sixth forms, sharing real-world insights and shaping careers programmes.

• Employer Network Forums: Join like-minded businesses to collaborate, share best practice, and learn how to support initiatives

like the Modern Work Experience Guarantee – ensuring every student experiences meaningful work-related learning before leaving school.

• Employer Standards: Access to an online self-assessment tool and resources for businesses to improve engagement with young people and education. Designed to maximise impact, ensure mutual value, and support long-term business success.

The Bigger Picture

The Careers Hub works with 168 schools and colleges across Kent and Medway, supported by The Careers & Enterprise Company, The Education People, and Medway Council. Together, we are driving economic growth, improving social mobility, and preparing young people for success in the workplace.

Your involvement can make a lasting impact on young people, your business, and the local economy.

To find out more or join our Employer Network Forum please complete the form access through the QR code or email: Charlie.steggles@theeducationpeople.org

EMPOWERING KENT’S WORKFORCE

FREE* Adult Education Courses

Upskill employees

Gain essential qualifications

Tailored employer focused courses

Response

First-step work-related short courses.

Skills

Gain essential qualifications in English, Maths & Digital.

Bootcamps

Sector specific employer-led training.

kentadulteducation.co.uk

EMPOWERING KENT’S WORKFORCE with Courses from Kent Adult Education

In today’s fast changing economic landscape, a skilled, confident and adaptable workforce is more essential than ever. Kent Adult Education (KAE) offers opportunities to upskill and gain essential qualifications needed for the workplace.

KAE provides high quality, flexible and often free pathways to essential qualifications, workplace competencies and personal development - supporting both individuals and the organisations they work for.

Practical, Work Ready Training Through Response Courses

KAE’s Response Programme is a specialist initiative that provides first step and work related tailored short courses that are delivered in partnership with organisations across Kent . These are ideal for adults who are unemployed or on low incomes, offering a welcoming path back into learning and employment.

Response courses are highly practical and aligned with local employer needs, covering job relevant areas such as:

• Hospitality & Catering: Including food safety, barista skills, customer service and cocktail mixology.

Building a Strong Foundation with KAE Skills

The KAE Skills programme focuses on essential English, Maths and Digital Skills - core capabilities that underpin employee performance in nearly every sector. Courses range from Functional Skills to GCSE English and Maths, all designed to strengthen everyday literacy and numeracy, build confidence and enhance employability.

Digital literacy is another critical priority for today’s businesses. KAE’s Digital Functional Skills courses help learners navigate online communication, digital tools and basic IT - an invaluable asset whether you work in customer service, administration, retail, manufacturing or remote settings.

KAE Skills also supports employees who speak English as a second language through ESOL courses, helping them communicate more effectively in the workplace and community. These courses not only boost productivity but also enhance team cohesion and customer engagement.

Many of these courses are free for eligible learners, offering an affordable route to professional development while empowering individuals to unlock their potential.

Skills Bootcamps: Fast, Flexible Training for Local Workforce Growth

• Construction & Manual Work: CSCS card preparation, manual handling and health and safety.

• Care & Health: First aid, safeguarding and introductions to health and social care roles.

• Office & Digital Skills: Basic IT, social media, conflict management and starting a business.

• Education & Childcare: Working with children, healthy eating and supporting learning.

Many of these courses help learners gain essential certifications that employers require. The programme also places significant emphasis on personal wellbeing, offering training in confidence building, stress management and mental health awareness.

Kent Adult Education’s Skills Bootcamps offer local businesses a direct route to developing talent with sector specific, employer led training. These free, flexible programmes run for up to 16 weeks and are designed to help adults retrain, upskill or gain new responsibilities - ending with a guaranteed job interview, giving employers access to motivated, job ready candidates.

Bootcamps focus on skills that reflect real industry needs across sectors including construction, retail, care, early years and creative industries, helping employers strengthen recruitment pipelines and fill hard to recruit roles.

By engaging with Skills Bootcamps, employers support workforce resilience, access tailored training aligned to sector demand, and build stronger teams equipped for future growth.

To explore the full range of courses available at Kent Adult Education, visit kentadulteducation.co.uk

The Baxall Academy: Skills for all – Join us to shape your future

At Baxall we are proud to be an award-winning main contractor and solutions provider that focuses on collaboration, innovation and ‘Doing it Differently’. As an Investor in People Platinum accredited company, we are committed to delivering projects that make a difference, not just to our clients and communities, but to everyone in our team. Since 2016, the Baxall Academy drives our efforts to nurture learning and career growth for everyone in the business.

The Baxall Academy: Career Development for All

The Baxall Academy is more than a graduate or apprenticeship scheme, it’s our commitment to continuous professional development at every stage of your career. Whether you’re starting out, changing direction or simply looking to grow, we’ve got something for you.

Here’s how we support career development:

• Apprenticeships and Trade Programmes: We work with colleges, apprenticeship organisations and supply chains to create practical learning opportunities every year.

• Management Training Scheme: From part-time study sponsorship to an 8-week departmental placement programme, personal mentoring and regular reviews, we set up our trainees for success.

• Tailored Development: For our current team, we provide structured training plans, professional accreditation support and opportunities to return to college or university.

We’re also passionate about inspiring the next generation. Through school visits, live project engagement and workshops, we share the exciting opportunities in construction with young people.

We’re Recruiting: Join Our Team

We’re growing and looking for people to join us! Right now, we’re recruiting for:

• Site Management

• Design Management

• Finance Manager

• Architectural Technologists

• Strategic Business Manager

If you have experience with main contracting and delivering projects of up to £25m, we’d love to talk. Let’s shape the future of the built environment together. Visit www. baxallconstruction.co.uk/careers/vacancies for more information.

Save the Date: Baxall Open Day 2026

Join us on Wednesday 7th October for the Baxall Open Day, held at our Head Office in Paddock Wood, Kent. It’s a great opportunity for students, teachers and career advisers to learn more about the wide range of opportunities in the built environment. Visit www.baxallconstruction.co.uk/ careers/baxall-open-day to learn more.

SKILLS 26 – Our Annual Cross-Sector Skills Summit

Collaborate, Innovate,

Building on the success of last year’s event, SKILLS 26 will continue to serve as a dynamic platform for exploring and advancing the essential skills that will shape Kent and Medway’s future. This year’s summit will focus on identifying challenges and opportunities related to the skills needed for success across our evolving economic landscape.

Led by the Kent and Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and funded by UK Government, SKILLS 26 will act as a hub for knowledge exchange, offering actionable strategies to navigate the demands of the modern workforce.

Expect energising conversations, inspiring stories, and actionable insights from those who are driving change and making an impact. Attendees will benefit from thought-provoking discussions and practical solutions to address the pressing challenges facing regional employers in workforce development, productivity, and growth. A comprehensive programme of panel discussions and seminars will run throughout the day in dedicated breakout spaces, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration.

By bringing together industry and education, we aim to foster a lasting legacy of engagement and innovation within the regional skills system.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

Managing Directors, Business Owners, Senior Leaders, and Learning & Development teams from all sectors and industries across Kent & Medway can look forward to:

• Exploring challenges and opportunities within the regional skills landscape.

• Gaining practical insights from leading voices and adopting strategies that drive business success.

• Joining dynamic discussions, uncovering innovative solutions, and building meaningful connections.

• Strengthening collaboration between industry and education to power economic growth and future prosperity.

* Encouraging cross-sector collaboration and joint learning, addressing common themes that impact all industries.

The summit offers a unique chance to connect with like-minded professionals, local education and training providers, and key stakeholders.

Discover how working together can unlock long-term benefits, boost productivity, and shape a thriving future for Kent & Medway.

BOOKING IS NOW OPEN, and places are free to attend.

Please visit our website to secure your place and view the confirmed speakers so far, with more to follow shortly, here https://info.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/skills-26 or scan the QR code to secure your place.

YOUR VOICE, YOUR FUTURE: Shape the Skills Agenda for Kent & Medway

HAVE YOUR SAY:

Help Shape the Future Skills Plan for Kent & Medway

The Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is built on one principle: business voices lead the way. As we prepare the next LSIP report for publication in June 2026, there is still time for your organisation to influence the skills agenda that will drive growth across our region.

WHY YOUR INPUT MATTERS

The LSIP is designed to reflect the real needs of employers. By completing the survey, you help:

• Identify the skills gaps that are holding back your sector.

• Influence training and education provision so it meets your workforce needs.

• Ensure Kent & Medway remains competitive and future-ready.

Your feedback will directly inform the priorities and actions in the next LSIP report. This is your opportunity to make sure the plan works for your business and your sector.

ACT NOW, COMPLETE THE SURVEY

There is still time to have your say. The survey takes just a few minutes, but its impact will last for years. Your input will help shape the skills strategy that supports growth, innovation, and resilience across our region.

Who are we?

Grow 19 is a small, specialist college supporting young people aged 18–25 with EHCPs. We provide personalised, vocational and life-skillsfocused education for learners with learning disabilities, Autism, and SEND. Our approach is rooted in real-world experiences that build confidence, independence, and employability. Through meaningful work experience, community engagement, and strong partnerships with employers, we help learners develop the skills they need for adult life. At Grow 19, every learner is supported to grow at their own pace and achieve outcomes that matter to them.

Where are we based?

Grow 19 is based on three different sites. The East Malling Centre, Maidstone Community Centre and Kent House Ashford. At Grow 19 we understand that we need to be flexible and adapt to where the area need is for support. Using the local labour market index of each area we cover we can offer work and vocational learning that links to real purposeful outcomes.

Work Experience at Grow 19: Preparing Young People for Real Life and Real Work

At Grow 19, work experience is not an add-on — it is central to everything we do. We believe that meaningful employment, independence, and community participation are key outcomes for young people with learning disabilities. Our work experience programme is designed to bridge the gap between education and adulthood by giving learners genuine, supported exposure to the world of work.

Grow 19 supports learners aged 18–25 with EHCPs through a personalised, vocational, and life-skills-focused curriculum. Work experience is carefully matched to each learner’s interests, strengths, and support needs, ensuring placements are purposeful, achievable, and confidencebuilding. Whether a learner is working towards paid employment, supported internships, volunteering, or increased independence, our programme meets them where they are and helps them move forward.

Learners access a wide range of work experience opportunities across sectors such as retail, hospitality, catering, administration, childcare, grounds maintenance, and community services. Placements are built gradually, starting with supported, small-scale experiences and developing into more independent roles as confidence and skills grow. This stepped approach allows learners to succeed without feeling overwhelmed. This is expertly supported by our job coaches who strategically support our learners throughout their journey.

Work experience at Grow 19 focuses on far more than job tasks. Learners develop essential employability skills including time-keeping, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, following instructions, and workplace behaviour. These skills are explicitly taught, practised in real settings, and reinforced through reflection and coaching.

Our staff work closely with employers to ensure placements are inclusive, supportive, and well-structured. We provide guidance around reasonable adjustments, communication strategies, and learner support needs, enabling employers to feel confident and learners to thrive.

Work experience is also closely linked to life skills. Learners practise travel training, money management, self-advocacy, and personal responsibility alongside their placements. This holistic approach ensures that progress at work translates into greater independence in daily life. We are extremely proud of the learners that we have supported to gain sustained employment, currently 39% of our leavers have gone into employment, compared to a National Average of 5% with an additional need. Last year, 62% of learners who are leaving in July will be moving into employment, volunteering or a supported internship

How can Grow 19 support your business?

Organisations across all sectors are recognising the value of corporate responsibility and inclusive employment. Working with Grow 19 not only supports young people with SEND into meaningful opportunities but also strengthens your business. Our collaborative approach ensures that all partnerships are bespoke, purposeful and aligned with your business needs.

Employers who work with us often benefit from:

1. Enhanced reputation – 77% of the UK public think more highly of businesses that actively employ people with disabilities.

2. Improved staff morale and productivity –inclusive workplaces foster stronger, more supportive teams.

3. Higher employee retention – people with learning disabilities stay in job roles an average of three times longer.

4. Better understanding of customers –and increased customer loyalty, trust and satisfaction.

5. Access to a dedicated, reliable and motivated talent pool – our learners bring enthusiasm, loyalty and commitment to their roles.

FUTURE SKILLS CIC

Many people have barriers to learning which deprive them of their opportunity to achieve their aspirations and full potential. We have combined our knowledge and resources to develop workable solutions using our experience and expertise to make a real and sustained difference.

Centred on collaborative interventions, we believe our professional experience and mutually beneficial working relationships with funding partners, referrers, potential employers and participants have all the active ingredients required to ensure that Future Skills will offer opportunity, guidance and support to enable participants to develop and achieve their potential and employment objectives.

We provide a safe, nurturing and empowering environment for our beneficiaries. We offer training and support to those that have multiple barriers to learning, (language skills, mental health issues, physical disabilities, social exclusion, social anxiety, Neuro Divergence) which excludes them from mainstream education, employment and training.

We deliver City and Guilds Functional Skills in English, mathematics and Employability Skills and all candidates will have support to build confidence and self-esteem.

We liaise with local companies to provide opportunities of work experience, employment and apprenticeships.

Skills developed will include: -

• Succeeding at work –developing skills to sustainable employment, communication skills, leadership, motivation

• Community involvement – building volunteering skills

• Enterprise – developing entrepreneurial skills

• Problem solving – assessing situations and identifying solutions

• Presentation skills – CV writing, interviews skills, applying for jobs, presenting self and work to prospective employers

• Commitment – inspiration of pro social relationships and identify positive opportunities for the future

• Responsibility – empower people to establish goals and the commitment to achieve them

We continue to provide mentoring support when candidates leave us for employment or further training.

The aims of the project are to:-

• Increase employment amongst young people and long term unemployed

• Support home educated children and their parents or carers

• Provide training for people with physical and/or mental health impairment

• Support the integration of ethnic minorities

• Provide retraining opportunities for older citizens

The Getaway Garden, Dover

We are currently working with Dover District Council (DDC) and The Education People in Dover supporting young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment and Training). We provide them the opportunity to gain Functional Skills in maths and English and Employability Skills which are all accredited by City and Guilds.

Employability Skills include: -

• Personal Finance

• Conduct at Work

• Rights and Responsibilities at Work

• Personal Progression

• Searching for a Job

• Applying for a Job

• Interview Skills

• Lift and Handle Safely

• Workplace Safety and Emergency Procedures

• And many other options

City and Guilds Level 1 Health and Safety in Construction

We are accredited to deliver this course.

The Business Hub, Folkestone

We work with The Education People in Folkestone supporting their young people who are NEET offering the same programme as above.

DWP Dover and Folkestone

We receive referrals from both offices to provide courses for their beneficiaries.

Portal House School

We work with the school providing some of their young people with an alternative learning environment at The Getaway Garden.

Home education children and their families

We provide classes as support for those that are home educating their children. We offer this group the same programme as above We would like to set up a support hub at St Radigunds Community Centre and are currently actively trying to find funding for this project.

Gardening

At the Getaway Garden, local residents can have their own vegetable plot.

Kent Mental Wellbeing Award 2024

Awarded in recognition of outstanding commitment and dedication to supporting the wellbeing of others”.

Kent Housing Group Excellence Award

Community Project.

How cleaning affects staff morale and customer perception

As businesses across Kent continue to focus on staff wellbeing and customer experience, the role of cleaning is increasingly seen as more than just a routine operational task.

Clean, well-maintained environments play a direct part in how people feel at work and how organisations are perceived by visitors and customers.

First impressions count, and a clean, hygienic environment for work or pleasure should be guaranteed.

For customer-facing venues, cleanliness is often one of the first things people notice, influencing trust, reputation and the likelihood of return visits.

Calibre Cleaning MD Karen Thomas says: “Cleaning takes time, needs the right equipment and products, and in public places, should be carried out professionally.

“We listen carefully to use our experience to understand and then solve client problems.

“We’re not just ‘the cleaners’ - we solve your cleaning problems and the best cleaning is the cleaning that isn’t noticed.”

There’s more to Calibre than cleaning – the company is forward-thinking, with an eye on innovation, the environment and supply chain too.

ISO-accredited, which appeals to companies looking for a professional supplier, Karen plans to introduce robotic floor-cleaning equipment for large areas, alongside award-winning, innovative surface treatments that apply a discreet anti-bac coating to keep environments cleaner for longer, reducing maintenance.

The company’s vehicle fleet has started to move towards electric and they use carefully selected, environmentally friendly cleaning products, which businesses appreciate and welcome.

“So, it’s not just cleaning – it’s wellbeing, reputation, morale and productivity,” adds Karen.

www.calibrecleaning.co.uk

Professional headshots: Why bother?

A good headshot (a head-and-shoulders portrait image) helps people to recognise you. But a poor headshot can undermine your business.

Headshots enhance your LinkedIn profile, humanise your business website and support real-world activities. When that new contact from the Chamber networking event looks for you online, they should recognise you as easily as possible!

But why not make do with any old picture?

• First impressions count. A low-quality, amateurish or inappropriate picture affects how your business is perceived.

• A good headshot shows your personality and business strengths. Subtle visual cues can emphasise your trustworthiness, approachability, empathy or creativity.

• Get a great image and you’ll use it more: your blog, email signature, business card, speaker’s bio?

Ask yourself these questions to check if your headshot is working:

• Does it still look like me? Is it older than five years, have you changed weight or hairstyle?

• Does it look like the best me? Are you looking comfortable, confident, approachable?

• Does it look like a selfie? A casual selfie suggests you are casual about business.

• Did I crop myself out of a group? No! You want a clean, distraction-free background with all the attention on you.

• Business or pleasure? A holiday snap won’t represent your business self – unless you organise holidays?

• Does it say what I need? “Professional” means different things for different businesses. Your headshot needs to be right for your business.

Malcolm Hackett is a professional photographer specialising in business portraits and events. malcolmthephotographer.co.uk

How virtual tours are opening doors across Kent and beyond

Over the last year, there has been a shift in how people decide where to go, what to visit, and whether a space feels right for them. For many people, especially those with anxiety, autism, sensory sensitivities or mobility requirements, visiting somewhere new can feel overwhelming. That is where virtual tours have quietly become a powerful tool.

At Reputably, they create 360 virtual tours that allow people to explore a space online before they arrive. What started to help businesses stand out on Google Maps has grown into something far more meaningful.

One of the company’s biggest milestones recently has been becoming the Official Virtual Tour Partner of the Isthmian League. This project will see every ground across the league system captured with a full virtual tour. It means supporters can familiarise themselves with layouts, entrances, seating, facilities and accessibility before matchday. For many fans, that preparation can be the difference between attending a game or staying away. The impact goes beyond football. As part of this work, they have been engaging with local businesses, community venues and public spaces around the grounds they are visiting. Because Reputably is already in those towns, they can offer tours at a reduced rate, helping cafés, gyms, theatres, charities and hospitality venues improve

their accessibility without stretching budgets. They have seen firsthand how valuable this is. Parents supporting children with additional needs use tours to prepare them visually. People with anxiety use them to understand what to expect. Wheelchair users can check routes and layouts in advance. Even those without access needs often say they feel more confident visiting somewhere new after seeing it online.

For Kent businesses, this represents a real opportunity. Virtual tours are not just about marketing. They are about inclusion, clarity and trust. They show that a business understands its visitors and wants to make their experience as welcoming as possible.

As a Kent based company, it has been incredibly rewarding to see this work resonate locally and then grow into something with national reach,” said a spokesperson.

“The conversations we are having with clubs, councils, charities and community organisations all point to the same thing. Accessibility is not a tick box. It is something people genuinely care about.

“We are proud to be part of a project that puts people first and we are excited to see how virtual tours continue to help organisations across Kent open their doors wider, both online and in real life.”

www.reputably.uk

SGS Energy wins Sustainable & ESG Business of the Year at the Kent Business Awards

Local renewable energy company SGS Energy is celebrating a major achievement after being named Sustainable & ESG Business of the Year at the Kent Business Awards.

Held on 4th December at the Ashford International Hotel, the ceremony brought together leading organisations from across the county. It was against this backdrop that the Ramsgate-based business took its place

among the finalists in two categories, Best Family Business and Sustainable & ESG Business of the Year.

Securing the sustainability title marked an important moment for the team, reinforcing the direction the company has been building towards for years. As a family-run business with deep roots in Kent, SGS Energy has steadily pushed forward environmental responsibility and community-focused work that delivers visible, lasting benefits. Its core work in solar PV, air source heat pumps, EV charging installations, and MVHR systems has played a central role in that mission, supporting local households and organisations on their path to cleaner, more efficient energy use.

The award landed as a clear acknowledgement of that effort. The mood in the office the next morning was described as electric, with staff joking that the buzz “could have powered a small village”.

The team extends its thanks to the Kent Business Awards for a memorable evening and for championing organisations working hard to drive change across the region.

sgs-energy.co.uk

Why customer insight should shape your next financial year

As many businesses turn their attention to planning for the next financial year, the annual budgeting process is once again under the spotlight. Regardless of whether performance has exceeded expectations or fallen short, budget setting remains a moment of scrutiny, and trade-offs at board level.

Traditionally, this process begins with percentage uplifts, historic spend or top-down targets. Increasingly, however, forward-thinking businesses are asking a different question: What role do our customers play in shaping these decisions?

Angela Hall, Customer Centricity Director at The Insight House, has spent her career keeping a focus on the customer. She says: “A robust customer-led budget considers more than headline revenue. It examines which customers are likely to respond positively to investment, which drive volume at the expense of margin, and where untapped potential exists within existing relationships. It identifies those most at risk of attrition, highlights opportunities for reactivation among lapsed customers,

Are your Digital Skills fit for the future?

In today’s fast moving digital world, future proofing your team’s skills is no longer optionalit’s essential. For SMEs, the pace of change in technology, cybersecurity and compliance means that yesterday’s knowledge quickly becomes outdated. At imicro, we believe that investing in digital skills is the best way to protect your business, empower your people and stay competitive.

Future proofing starts with cyber security awareness. As threats evolve, every employee needs to understand the basics of safe online behaviour, data protection and how to spot risks such as phishing or ransomware. Building a culture of vigilance reduces exposure and strengthens resilience.

and clarifies how quickly acquisition costs are recovered.

“It brings the customer to the front of every decision, from stock to location, and underpins the marketing communications strategy.”

How many of your most valuable accounts are truly buying the full breadth of what you offer? Where are the opportunities for sustainable growth without disproportionate costs?

When customer insight informs budget planning, investment becomes more efficient, targeted, trackable and commercially aligned. It allows leadership teams to move beyond assumptions and into evidence-based decision-making.

The budget process moves from a financial exercise to a strategic one, led by those closest to customer behaviour, insight and value creation.

For organisations looking to translate customer understanding into measurable commercial impact, this approach can be transformative.

insighthouse.co.uk

Equally important is digital governance. Regulators like CQC/Ofsted are raising expectations around online safety and data management. SMEs must demonstrate not only compliance but also being proactive digitally. Training staff to document, monitor and evidence good governance ensures smoother inspections and stronger reputations.

Beyond compliance, future proofing means embracing new technologies. Cloud platforms, AI tools and automation can unlock efficiency - but only if teams are confident using them. Continuous learning, short training sessions and accessible support help employees adapt without feeling overwhelmed.

At imicro, we provide more than IT support - we partner with you to build digital confidence. From tailored training to proactive guidance, ensuring your systems are secure, your data is protected and your people are ready for the future.

Future proofing digital skills isn’t just about technology - it’s peace of mind, growth and resilience. Partner with us now to prepare your organisation for success in 2026. imicro.co.uk

The Employment Rights Act 2025 – the most significant overhaul in decades – introduces a programme of reforms leading to 2027 that reshape employer obligations and employee rights. Much of the burden for implementing change will fall on HR departments, but support is at hand.

Veronica Fox from Kent-based HR consultancy, Eclipse HR, sets out the key milestones and priorities for HR professionals.

April 2026

Day-One Family Friendly Rights

Employees will benefit from immediate access to paternity leave, unpaid parental leave, shared parental leave, parental bereavement leave and carers’ leave, increasing flexibility for working parents. Paternity leave will also be available after shared parental leave.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Reform

SSP will be payable from day one of sickness, the Lower Earnings Limit will be abolished, and the rate will increase. This extends eligibility to part-time and lower-paid workers, increasing employer costs.

Whistleblowing and Collective Redundancy

Among other reforms, those raising concerns about sexual harassment will obtain whistleblower protections, the protective award for failures to comply with collective redundancy consultation requirements will double and a new Fair Work Agency will be introduced to oversee enforcement of certain employment rights.

October 2026

Ban on Fire and Rehire

Employers’ ability to end employment on notice and immediately offer different terms of employment will be greatly restricted. Employers will need more robust consultation processes and alternative strategies for seeking to amend employment terms.

About Eclipse HR

The Biggest Shake Up in UK Employment Law in a Generation: What are the HR priorities?

Preventing Sexual Harassment

The existing requirement to protect employees through ‘reasonable steps’ becomes an obligation to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment. Compliance will, as a minimum, require clear policies, mandatory staff training, manager training and evidence of proactive prevention.

2027

Day-One Unfair Dismissal — Modified

Instead of true day one unfair dismissal rights, a six-month qualifying period will apply. This preserves a meaningful probationary period while significantly strengthening employee protection and placing an onus on employers to get recruitment processes and early management right.

Mandatory Action Plans

Employers will need to publish gender pay gap and menopause action plans, shifting reporting from transparency to accountability.

Stronger Rights for Pregnant Workers

Additional protections will apply, making it unlawful to dismiss an individual during pregnancy, throughout maternity leave and for a period after returning to work to reduce the risk to employees of discrimination or unfair dismissal. This will impact performance, conduct and redundancy processes involving relevant individuals and is likely to be extended to other family-friendly leave.

Zero-Hours Contract Protections

New rights are designed to ensure predictable working hours, minimum notice for shifts and compensation for late cancellations for those working on zero-hours contracts and the right to guaranteed hours after a certain time.

Priorities for HR Departments

Training: an important part of ensuring your workplace adapts, remains compliant and implements new employee protections effectively.

Eclipse HR is a professional HR consultancy providing businesses across the South East and London with practical HR advice and support tailored to their unique needs. From employee relations and recruitment to complex workplace issues, Eclipse HR helps organisations manage people with confidence—ensuring that professionalism and respect remain at the heart of every interaction.

With a shorter window of time for unfair dismissal rights, Eclipse HR provides essential management training to upskill managers in recruitment, onboarding, probation periods and dismissal, and new family-friendly rights and pregnancy protections.

Employers should also consider all-staff training to ensure their workforce understands the requirements not to engage in workplace harassment and discrimination.

All Eclipse HR training is tailored to the needs of your business.

Auditing handbooks, policies and contracts: including family-friendly policies, sickness procedures, dismissal processes, zero hours arrangements and harassment procedures.

Eclipse HR’s experienced team can help you to review and revise these essential documents to ensure they remain both compliant and tailored to your business, with support from the Employment team at Whitehead Monckton to update your employment contracts

Strengthening HR governance — ensuring accurate records, transparent processes and consistent decision making.

Budgeting for increased costs — particularly SSP and expanded leave rights.

Planning ahead

If your business relies on zero-hours contracts now is the time to start planning ahead to mitigate the impact when restrictions come into force in 2027.

Whitehead Monckton: The Kent Law Firm Changing How You See Lawyers

For many people, facing a legal issue — big or small — and finding the right law firm can feel daunting. The worry of how to deal with confusing jargon, faceless lawyers, or the fear of being treated like a case number rather than a person in real.

Life – personal and professional- would be much simpler if there were lawyers who not only offer legal expertise, but also speak your language.

Whitehead Monckton is changing that. The Kentbased law firm that has recently taken two major steps towards changing the way people see lawyers.

A Fresh Take on Legal Support

Already recognised as one of the South East’s leading law firms, Whitehead Monckton lawyers pride themselves on being different from the average law firm.

Whitehead Monckton has built its reputation on listening to clients and responding with clarity, warmth, and expertise. The firm has recently become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), placing majority ownership into a trust on behalf of their employees and reflecting its longstanding commitment to its staff and the community.

Managing Director Christopher Longden explains, “Becoming an EOT keeps our firm’s ownership, people and interests right here in the Kent community. We’re hugely proud of our reputation for exemplary client service as well as legal expertise, and want to continue that through the EOT. Putting ownership of the business into a Trust on behalf of all our employees means everyone has a vested interest in our success. For our clients, that means even better service and stronger relationships.”

Lawyers who speak your language

The firm has also undergone a team-led brand refresh designed to reflect each department’s true client value and their longstanding commitment to making legal advice easier to access and understand.

Christopher elaborates, “We know many people — especially those who haven’t needed legal help before — still worry about jargon, formalities, or simply not knowing who to contact. Our refreshed brand reflects who we really are: approachable and straight-talking, human first and lawyers second.”

The department rebrand focuses on clear signposting, practical, plain-English information, and a warm, welcoming tone, with each department clearly colour-coded.

It’s a world away from the traditional perception of the stuffy and overly formal law office. Instead, Whitehead Monckton aims to be your first call for life’s challenges and opportunities: someone in your corner, guiding you through what comes next.

One of the most striking features of the firm’s new identity is its vibrant colour palette. It’s bold, modern, and unapologetically different — helping clients easily find the team they need, whether for personal matters or business support.

Whitehead Monckton is organised around six specialist groups:

• Corporate: Expert M&A and corporate lawyers offering practical, proactive, and commercially focused advice.

• Disputes: A dedicated team working to resolve conflicts as swiftly and painlessly as possible.

• Employment: Partners committed to helping businesses manage their people effectively and legally.

• Family: Sensitive, empathetic guidance through everything from divorce to child arrangements.

• Real Estate: Experienced commercial and residential property teams focused on completing deals smoothly.

• Succession: Specialists supporting clients with estate planning and compassionate estate administration.

Focused on the Future

Despite their modern approach, Whitehead Monckton has deep roots. Founded in 1781, they have served generations of families, with many clients staying with them for decades. It’s a testament to trust, continuity, and genuine care.

With offices in Maidstone, Canterbury, Tenterden, and Ramsgate, the firm offers local expertise combined with the standards you’d expect from top London practices — without the London price tag. Clients can meet face-to-face or take advantage of secure digital options, giving them choice, flexibility, and convenience.

As Christopher notes, “We’re proud of our long heritage, but what’s important is our focus on the future. Our brand refresh takes us another step towards transforming the way people see lawyers — and giving them even more confidence in a firm that’s always there when they want them.”

When clear guidance matters more than ever, Whitehead Monckton is proving that law firms can be friendly, human, and genuinely helpful — and that tailored legal support doesn’t have to be complicated.

Hiring problems easing but cost pressures hit jobs market further

Despite hiring problems easing, fewer firms are expecting to grow their workforce in early 2026, according to the latest data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The BCC’s Quarterly Recruitment Outlook shows less than a quarter (23 per cent) of surveyed businesses are planning to increase the size of their workforce in the next three months, down slightly from 25 per cent in Q3 survey. Meanwhile 63 per cent expect their

staffing levels to remain the same, 14 per cent are expecting to reduce their workforce.

The research shows recruitment pressures eased at the end of last year. Of those businesses who attempted to recruit in Q4, 70 per cent said they experienced difficulties, compared with 75 per cent in the previous quarter.

The research for Q4 was carried out between 10 November and 8 December, with more

than 4,600 businesses across the UK (91 per cent of whom are SMEs) responding. The hiring picture is slightly different across sectors. The construction sector is the most vulnerable to recruitment difficulties, with 78 per cent of businesses reporting problems. Three -quarters (75 per cent) of manufacturing firms said they experienced hiring difficulties in Q4. Meanwhile, in the retail sector the figure was 63 per cent of businesses.

Only a fifth (21 per cent) of firms increased the size of their workforce in Q4, with more than half of businesses (62 per cent) saying their staffing levels remained the same, and 17 per cent of businesses said they would cut the size of their workforce.

Labour costs remain the biggest cost pressure for businesses, cited by 72 per cent of businesses, the same level as Q3. But again, there are big sectoral variations, with that pressure highest in hospitality (82 per cent) and lowest in retail (66 per cent).

Faced with those rising costs, firms are struggling to invest in staff training. Most businesses (57 per cent) reported that their investment in workforce development remained unchanged over the past three months. Only 21 per cent said they increased training investment in Q4, 22 per cent made cuts.

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “As more firms struggle under the weight of

Unsustainable cost increases mean firms also have less budget to invest in training. Our survey shows that more than a fifth have had to cut their training budget, at a time when the economy is being held back by pervasive skills shortages. ❜❜

AI adoption is rising steadily among SMEs

Technology adoption remains one of the most enduring structural trends of 2025 and may be one of the few levers to address the UK’s growth conundrum this new year.

Research from the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Intuit, has revealed that 35 per cent of UK SMEs are actively using artificial intelligence technology, up from 25 per cent in 2024, with a further 24 per cent planning to adopt AI in the near future. The proportion of firms with no plans to use AI has fallen sharply year-on-year, signalling growing engagement with digital tools across sectors.

rising cost pressures, we are beginning to see an adverse impact on the jobs market.

“Fewer businesses are taking on new staff, while others are having to let staff go. It’s reflected nationally in the rise in unemployment, particularly for young people.

“Unsustainable cost increases mean firms also have less budget to invest in training.

Our survey shows that more than a fifth have had to cut their training budget, at a time when the economy is being held back by pervasive skills shortages.

“High taxes and rising wage bills present huge barriers to investment and growth. On top of this, the cost burden of the Employment Rights Act – which the Government continues to underestimate – will create further problems.

“To stimulate the economy, the Government must now look for every opportunity to minimise business costs, support employers and provide a compelling blueprint for economic growth.”

This shift reflects broader strategic adaptation by firms seeking productivity gains, improved decision-making and competitiveness. While the pace and depth of adoption vary by sector – with professional service firms leading the way – the momentum is clear and could cause further major shifts in both business models and the wider employment picture in 2026.

Latest ONS data reveals UK goods exports up overall while imports down

The latest trade data from the Office for National Statistics has revealed that UK goods exports rose overall in November 2025 with notable upswings in EU volumes. However, these were partially offset by a 10 per cent drop in sales to the US – principally in chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Overall export volumes rose by 1.8 per cent in November, month on month, with a 2.7 per cent rise to the EU, and a 1 per cent rise to the rest of the world. Chemicals and pharmaceutical exports were the drivers of the stronger growth with the EU. In terms of the rest of the world, automotive exports to the US and China, and aircraft exports to Qatar were the standouts, but other manufactured goods exports declined.

However overall, exports to the US fell by 10.4 per cent in value terms, driven by declines in pharmaceutical and medical exports and chemicals. This was before a deal was reached on pharmaceutical tariffs with the US on 1 December 2025.

Goods imports fell by 0.5 per cent in volume terms in November. This was due to a 2.5 per cent fall in UK orders from the rest of the world, while imports from the EU rose by 1.4 per cent. Chemicals and pharmaceutical from the EU were the chief drivers.

UK services exports continued their recent disappointing run with a 0.45 per cent decline in volumes in November 2025. This was also matched by a downward move in services imports.

Reacting to the latest trade data, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Services exports have been the standout feature of UK trade over the past decade, and the prospect of further growth remains strong in the medium term.

“But there will be concern at the recent weakness in their performance, as volumes have been flat for the last three months. Although, this is very much reflective of slowing global demand and not just a UK issue.

“November did see further solid increases in goods sales to the EU, but the rollercoaster effects of changes in tariff policy with the US continued to be felt.

“Looking ahead, 2026 could also be tougher for UK exports, as the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts a sharp cooling of growth to only 0.3% for the year.

“UK businesses want long-term clarity on US trade policy around tariffs, faster action on the EU reset and deeper trading terms in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The Government should focus on lowering trade barriers with key partners, where possible, and work with the BCC on trade accelerators and trade digitalisation to turbocharge our exports.”

The full ONS data can be found at https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/ nationalaccounts/balanceofpayments/ bulletins/uktrade/november2025

10 smart financial moves to make before year-end

Running a business demands a broad skillset — leadership, strategy, people management, resilience, and the ability to adapt quickly. But one area that often gets overlooked in the rush of day-to-day operations is the business owner’s own financial education. Understanding your personal finances isn’t just a ‘nice to have’; it’s a core leadership skill that strengthens decision-making and protects long-term security for both you and your business. As the end of the tax year approaches, now is the ideal moment to sharpen those skills. A structured year-end review with an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) helps you make informed decisions, reduce your tax bill, and build financial resilience.

Here are ten practical steps to consider before 5 April.

1. Make full use of your ISA allowance

You can save up to £20,000 into an ISA each year. With dividend and capital gains allowances now significantly reduced, ISAs remain one of the most tax-efficient ways to grow your wealth. For business owners who rely on dividends or hold investments outside their company, understanding how ISAs work is essential to making your money work harder.

2. Maximise pension contributions

Pensions are one of the most powerful long-term planning tools available. Contributions attract income tax relief, and you may be able to carry forward unused allowances from the previous three tax years. For directors, employer pension contributions can also be a highly tax-efficient way to extract profit from the business.

3. Claim Marriage Allowance where eligible

If one partner earns below the personal allowance (£12,570) and the other is a basic-rate taxpayer, you may be able to transfer £1,260 of unused allowance — saving up to £252. It may seem small, but understanding these incremental allowances is part of building a well-rounded financial toolkit.

4. Review employee tax reliefs

Reliefs such as professional subscriptions, mileage, and working-from-home costs can reduce your tax bill. Knowing what you can claim — and what you can’t — is a practical financial skill that pays off year after year.

5. Use trading and property allowances

If you earn additional income outside your main business, the £1,000 trading allowance or £1,000 property allowance may apply. The Rent-a-Room scheme also allows up to £7,500 tax-free. These allowances are simple in principle, but using them effectively requires awareness and confidence.

6. Consider Junior ISAs for long-term family financial planning

You can contribute up to £9,000 per child into a Junior ISA. For business owners thinking about intergenerational wealth or future education costs, this could be a highly valuable tool.

7. Manage your Capital Gains Tax allowance

With the CGT annual exempt amount now just £3,000, timing matters. If you’ve sold shares, property, or business assets this year, or plan to do so before 6 April, make sure you understand what costs can be offset against CGT and consider whether gains can be shared with a spouse or civil partner.

8. Shrinking dividend allowance and higher tax rates incoming

The dividend allowance is now just £500, and higher tax rates apply from 6th April 2026, affecting many business owners who pay themselves through a mix of salary and dividends. Understanding how dividends are taxed — and how this interacts with your company structure — is a crucial leadership skill.

9. Make IHT-exempt gifts

Using your annual £3,000 gift exemption, combined with other gift allowances, can help to reduce future inheritance tax exposure. Business owners often have more complex estates, so understanding how to use the various allowances can make a meaningful difference to long-term planning.

10. Check your Personal Savings Allowance

Basic rate taxpayers can earn £1,000 in savings interest tax-free; higher rate taxpayers get £500. Understanding how interest is taxed — and how to structure savings efficiently — is a core financial skill that helps to protect your wealth.

Financial literacy: a leadership skill worth investing in

The more confident you are in your personal finances, the more confidently you can lead your business. Skills, training and education aren’t only for your team; they’re for you too.

This checklist is a great starting point, but every business owner’s circumstances are different. At Talis IFA, we provide independent financial advice to help you approach the financial world with greater confidence. Your Talis IFA can help you understand your current position, and offer tailored advice for you, your family, and your business finances.

Visit our website to find an adviser. www.talisifa.com/advisers/

Law firm Furley Page’s 300th anniversary celebrations culminate with a £30,000 charitable donation to Pilgrims Hospices

In a break from the January gloom Furley Page welcomed staff, clients and friends to attend the final event of its 300th anniversary celebrations, a film premiere held at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury.

Highlights of the evening included a screening of a short film entitled “Furley Page: 300 Years and Counting” and the presentation of a donation of £30,000 from the Furley Page Foundation to its charity of the year, Pilgrims Hospices.

Furley Page was founded in Canterbury in 1725, making it one of the oldest law firms in the world. The firm celebrated its milestone year by delivering a calendar of activities ranging from fundraising to sponsorship of sporting and community events across the county.

Staff competed in the Canterbury 10-mile race, the Whitstable 10K and the Chatham Maritime 10K. They also entered a team into Medway Sunlight Rotary’s signature event, the annual Dragon Boat Challenge in Chatham dockyard. Two lawyers braved the grueling National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Pilgrims Hospices, and in the summer the ‘Furley Fest’ celebration at Macknade in Faversham further contributed to the donation fund.

Throughout the anniversary year, Furley Page staff have engaged in community events, including volunteering with Demelza children’s hospice, Age UK and in the Pilgrims Hospices charity shop. Staff joined forces to undertake a beach clean near the Whitstable office, and cemented connections at social events in Eastwell Manor and at the 2025 East Kent Ploughing Match.

The firm were proud participants and sponsors of Pride Canterbury, match day sponsors of Kent Cricket Club and reinforced a commitment to supporting the arts with sponsorship of the University of Kent’s Lunchtime Concerts and part of the Canterbury Festival.

Furley Page Managing Partner, Jeremy Licence, said: “This has been an extraordinary year for Furley Page. We are so pleased to have shared our celebrations across the community and I’m very proud of our fundraising efforts for Pilgrims Hospices, an extremely worthy cause.

“This final event, held at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre, rounds off a wonderful year in our history. We are now equally excited as we look to the future and continue supporting our clients with their legal affairs.”

Why Outsource FM Services?

For many organisations, facilities management is often viewed purely as a cost line. In reality, how cleaning and security services are delivered has a direct impact on productivity, reputation, compliance, and sustainability outcomes.

Furley Page Partner and Head of Private Client, Aaron Spencer, Chairs the Furley Page Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Aaron said:

“To mark the firm’s 300th anniversary, the Trustees of the Foundation chose to support the fantastic work being done by Pilgrims Hospices, the largest local hospice charity.

“The charity relies on donations to fund its exceptional care to local people. I was delighted to hand over a cheque for £30,000, a staggering amount that will hopefully make a big difference.

A huge thank you to the Furley Page staff and all the donors who helped us achieve our fundraising target.”

Established over 40 years ago, Pilgrims Hospices provide vital end-of-life care and support for patients and their families.

Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, said: “It was fantastic to be chosen as Furley Page’s charity of the year on their special anniversary, and we enjoyed being part of their celebrations. To receive such a significant donation is amazing and we’d like to thank all the team at Furley Page for their commitment to supporting local hospice care in East Kent.”

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

Inconsistent cleaning standards, high staff turnover, rising employment costs, compliance risks, and the administrative burden of managing in-house teams all distract from core business priorities. For security, the risks are even greater when poorly trained or unlicensed personnel expose organisations to legal, operational, and reputational damage.

Outsourcing facilities management, when done properly, addresses these challenges while supporting wider business objectives. A professional FM partner brings best practice as standard, not as an optional extra. These approaches significantly reduce chemical use, waste, and environmental impact without compromising hygiene or safety.

Accreditation matters. Contractors aligned with the British Institute of Cleaning Science demonstrate trained operatives, efficient methodologies, and right-first-time delivery. This is particularly critical in regulated environments, where cleaning practices must align with the Care Quality Commission’s expectations on safety, infection control, and risk management.

Sustainability gains extend beyond materials. Outsourced providers optimise staffing models and travel routes, without adding internal complexity. Security services play an equally important role. Reputable providers ensure all personnel are fully trained and licensed through the Security Industry Authority, offering confidence in professionalism, compliance, and accountability with optimised patrol scheduling further reduces power usage while maintaining effective site protection.

Cost control remains a clear advantage. Fixed contract pricing replaces unpredictable labour costs, while supplier scale delivers efficiencies across recruitment, training, equipment, and management. The result is fewer disruptions, consistent standards, and reduced operational risk.

For businesses across Kent and the South East, outsourcing facilities management is no longer just about saving money. It is about creating safer, cleaner, and more sustainable environments delivered by accredited professionals who understand the regulatory landscape and get it right first time.

At CAT FM, we believe facilities management should quietly support your business, not compete for your attention.

www.catfm.co.uk

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

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

International Women’s Day

Friday 6th March 2026, Ashford International Hotel

10:00am - 12:00pm

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

We are excited to welcome you all to celebrate the successes of the inspirational women in our local business community. This is an important occasion to foster collaboration and demonstrate the camaraderie of our network.

Kent is home to a dynamic and thriving community of women driving change in various industries, with this in mind, we are excited to bring together a panel of empowering speakers who will discuss their journey, as well as how we can strengthen this community and showcase the fantastic work of our local businesswomen.

Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness of discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.

Business Talks

Tuesday 10th March 2026, West Kent Shooting School 10:30am - 12:30pm

Members: £15.00 + VAT | Non-Members: £25.00 + VAT

Come and network at our next Business Talks event, held at the West Kent Shooting School. Set in 20 acres of partially wooded and landscaped grounds, West Kent Shooting School offers a comprehensive English Sporting layout with over 100 different combinations of targets.

Discover the world-class shooting location, delve into the history of the school, and have a chance to test your aim with some clay pigeon shooting in a picturesque setting.

This event runs throughout the morning, giving you plenty of time to reconnect with existing contacts and make new ones.

Chamber Connections

Tuesday 17th February 2026, Riverside Conferencing, Whitstable (Sponsors: Business Computer Solutions)

Thursday 5th March 2026, Dover Marina Hotel and Spa, Dover

Thursday 12th March 2026, Holiday Inn, Maidstone/Sevenoaks (Sponsors: ITRM Ltd)

Thursday 2nd April 2026, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham

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

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

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

Employment Law Update

Wednesday 11th February 2026, Mercure Maidstone Hotel

Wednesday 11th February 2026, Mercure Maidstone Hotel (Sponsors: Furley Page Solicitors)

(Sponsors: Furley Page Solicitors)

8:30am - 12:00pm | Members: £40.00 + VAT | Non-Members: £50.00 + VAT

The Employment Rights Act 2025 is now a reality, having become law in December 2025. The changes have been described as ‘the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation’.

We now have far more detail with a roadmap and timetable for its implementation. This highly interactive and practical seminar will help employers to understand the changes and prepare for the significantly changing employment landscape.

Kent Construction Focus Group

Tuesday 3rd March 2026, University of Kent, Darwin College Canterbury

Tuesday 14th April 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone

7:30am - 9:30am | Members (Ignite Plus): £22.50 + VAT

Tuesday 14th April 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone 7:30am - 9:30am | Members (Ignite Plus): £22.50 + VAT

Employment Law Update (Employment Rights Act 2025)

Wednesday 11th February 2026 | 8:30am - 12:00pm

Mercure Maidstone Hotel, Maidstone

Business Bites

Unlocking Smarter Decision Making For Improved Profits

Thursday 12th February 2026 | 10:30am - 11:00am Online via Zoom

Chamber Connections

Tuesday 17th February 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Riverside Conferencing, Whitstable

Virtual Business Networking

Tuesday 24th February 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)

Tuesday 3rd March 2026 | 7:30am - 9:30am University of Kent, Darwin College, Canterbury

Chamber Connections

Thursday 5th March 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Dover Marina Hotel and Spa, Dover

International Women’s Day Networking Special 2026

Friday 6th March 2026 | 10:00am - 12:00pm

Ashford International Hotel, Ashford

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

Business Talks – West Kent Shooting School

Tuesday 10th March 2026 | 10:30am - 12:30pm West Kent Shooting School, Brenchley

Chamber Connections

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

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

Virtual Business Networking

Tuesday 24th February 2026 | Tuesday 31st March 2026

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

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

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

Kent Construction Focus Group

Thursday 12th March 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Holiday Inn, Maidstone / Sevenoaks

Tuesday 6th August 2024 | Tuesday 3rd September 2024

SKILLS 26 – Collaborate, Innovate, Succeed

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

Wednesday 18th March 2026 | 9:00am - 2:45pm Mercure Maidstone Hotel, Maidstone

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

Business Bites: Marketing to Attract New Business

Thursday 26th March 2026 | 10:30am - 11:00am Online via Zoom

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

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.

Virtual Business Networking

Tuesday 31st March 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom

Chamber Connections

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

Thursday 2nd April 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham

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

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)

Tuesday 14th April 2026 | 7:30am - 9:30am

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

The Village Hotel, Maidstone

From a world ‘turned upside down’ to successful business in just two years

years ago,

Initially, the unexpected diagnosis turned her world upside down, but out of those early dark days, Alex, now 41, decided to do something more productive with the news than feel sorry for herself and let it hold her back.

Her exceptional organisational skills and pragmatic approach – which had triggered a colleague to suggest she had an autism test, leading to the diagnosis – are now the ‘superpowers’ she uses to work a full time police

job as well as manage a growing, innovative business.

Clutter-b-gone was initially set up as a professional organising company working with private clients, including hoarders.

But an approach from a charity has since led the business in a commercial direction. Now their contracts are with housing associations, more charities, and councils whose tenants and service users need help.

Alex said: “There’s lots going on and we have some ambitious plans, including looking for collaborations in other industries such as pest control, but our focus will always be on client care – looking after people and helping them to live in a home that’s decluttered, clean, tidy and healthy. Innovation and environment drive Alex forward, and this year, she’s introduced more green initiatives into the company’s daily work.

They’ve also celebrated wins at several business awards, including two Kent Business Awards and runner-up at the 2025 Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce business awards in the Most Promising New Business category.

To find out more visit: clutter-b-gone.com

Putting communications to the top of the agenda

Communications business Red and White Media was founded in 2023 by CEO Vikkie Richmond, an award-winning copywriter and former marketing virtual assistant with over 10 years of experience.

Red and White Media works with B2B owners, internal comms managers, and marketing executives in the consulting and service sectors to plan their marketing and communications activities, helping local businesses to find their voice and communicate with clarity and intent.

SMEs are increasingly turning to communications strategists to strengthen their internal staff comms, as well as their external, customerfacing media.

If you employ large teams or have people working on a hybrid or remote basis, you should maintain regular communication with them,

Major brand refresh for Kent law firm

Whitehead Monckton — one of Kent’s longest established law firms — has today announced a major brand refresh alongside becoming an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

Founded in 1781, the firm has taken two significant steps to reshape public perceptions of legal services:

• Transition to EOT ownership – placing majority ownership into a trust on behalf of all employees, reinforcing its commitment to long term local investment, staff engagement, and client care.

says Vikkie. All communication, whether it’s a staff newsletter, emails or intranet, should be aligned with your business and marketing plans. Informed employees generally perform better than those who feel excluded.

And what about your clients and potential customers - are you keeping them up to date with company developments? Do they hear from you regularly? Are you standing out from your competitors on social media? Do you write and publish regular blogs and update your website copy?

If you can’t remember the last time you updated your staff about any changes, or sent a customer newsletter, or if your website copy hasn’t been updated in years, Red and White Media is waiting to hear from you.

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

• A bold, team led brand refresh –designed to make legal advice clearer, more accessible, and more human, with new colour coded practice groups, plain English communications, and a modern identity that breaks away from traditional legal stereotypes.

Managing Director Christopher Longden says: “Our brand refresh and EOT transition mark the next chapter in serving our community. This keeps ownership and decision making firmly in Kent and strengthens both our client service and our culture.”

With offices across Maidstone, Canterbury, Tenterden and Ramsgate, and a heritage spanning over 245 years, Whitehead Monckton is positioning itself as a human first law firm offering clarity, warmth, and genuinely accessible legal advice.

For further information visit: www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk

Two

Kent Police Chief Inspector Alex Tyler was diagnosed with autism.

National Volunteering Award for MidKent College lecturer

Patrons of the Chamber, MidKent College, have congratulated one of their lecturers who won the ‘Staff Volunteer of the Year’ award at the national ‘Good For Me Good for FE’ ceremony held in the Palace of Westminister, London.

The annual awards, now in their third year, recognise the exceptional contributions to volunteering and fundraising of eight people or organisations working in Further Education.

Lewis O’Callaghan from Chatham was presented with his award by Lesley Davies, CBE, executive director of the Chartered Institute for Further Education which runs the awards, at a formal afternoon tea in the Cholmondeley Room in the House of Lords. His mother Ann and father Mark joined him, and the principal of MidKent College, Simonn Cook for the occasion.

Lewis was nominated, without his knowledge, by MidKent College colleagues for his work with

Sheppey Sea Cadets and the South East Coast Ambulance Service for more than 17 years. “The first I knew that I was a finalist was when my phone started pinging with messages, and then at 2pm I got an email inviting me to the ceremony. To win is such an honour.”

The engineering tutor joined the Sea Cadets aged nine and then became an adult member at 19. He dedicates two evenings a week to the Cadets and then works at weekends supporting the ambulance service.

His nomination cited he is “actively involved with two charitable organisations that significantly impact the lives of young people, residents and communities in Kent. He is passionate about accessibility and plays a key role in fundraising to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent young people from participating fully.”

His commitment has been recognised beyond his unit,

with appointments as District Staff Officer (Boating) and Assistant Area Staff Officer (Rowing). Lewis has led a week-long Boatwork Course for the last three years, catering to around 50 cadets per day from across Kent the August school holidays. This initiative has delivered over 200 recognised qualifications and accumulated more than 2,000 cadet boating hours annually. Additionally, he has supported London Area Sea Cadets with training cadets and adults to become Rowing Instructors for Fixed and Sliding Seat. For his exceptional service, Lewis has been awarded His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service.

Lewis also volunteers with the Southeast Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) in two vital roles: as a Community First Responder (CFR) and Welfare Volunteer. As a CFR, he attends 999 and 111 calls, providing life-saving support during critical moments, often arriving before ambulance crews. In his welfare

Nuclear power powering the future through apprenticeships

Kent has been home to nuclear power generation since the 1960s.

“In that time our county has provided tens of thousands of staff for the two sites which helped power the nation,” said Gavin Lancaster, Station Director at Dungeness B Power Station.

“But those sites gave everyone who worked here something much more significant. Amazing training.

“We have a bewildering range of skilled staff at Dungeness B. From nuclear engineers to skilled maintenance professionals, from human resources experts to environmental scientists. Not to mention training teams, occupational health, security, communications, caterers and many, many more.

“Anyone joining the nuclear industry will find that it is both amazingly specialised work –there’s nothing like working in nuclear! Nuclear generation has a positive future in the UK; it also provides learning opportunities which equip individuals with transferable skills. As an industry we know this poses a massive risk as these

talented people can then take their amazing new skill sets to a range of other industries. But that risk will never outweigh the value of training our people.

“This risk of people leaving is precisely why our training programmes are so important to us. EDF understands that the best way to retain talented staff is to challenge them, is to give them the freedom they require to deliver the best job they can but also to ensure those people have access to on-the-job training which gets them where they want to be. Something we insist people keep up throughout their careers. We actively encourage a challenging and inquisitive attitude that is an essential skill within this amazing industry. These sorts of programmes are exactly why when staff join the nuclear industry then tend to stay.

“That’s certainly the case for many of our apprentices. Every year EDF recruits school leavers and degree level apprentices for a broad range of roles and we give them detailed long lasting training. And that approach has paid off because if you look at so many of the top people

capacity, he supports frontline paramedics at Kent hospitals by offering refreshments and a compassionate ear during their brief rest periods between emergency calls. His service has been formally recognised with a CEO Letter of Commendation, and he was personally thanked by the family of a teenage boy whom he supported during his first seizure, a moment that reflects the life-changing impact of his voluntary efforts.

Lewis is a uniformed instructor with the Sheppey Sea Cadets, where he serves as the unit’s Training Officer. Based on the Isle of Sheppey, he supports over 80 cadets aged 9 -18, overseeing the planning and delivery of all evening training sessions. Lewis also organises additional events during weekends and school holidays to enrich the cadet experience. These include opportunities to gain nationally recognised qualifications such as BTEC Level 1 and 2, ILM Level 3, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and RYA boating certifications.

in the nuclear industry, they are folks who started as various apprentices. And it is also why we emphasise the vitality of our training programmes – because those at the top know full well the potential life-long learning brings.” edfenergy.com

Ashford International at 30: A Milestone for Kent –and a Renewed Call for International Rail Services

On 8 January 2026, Ashford International marked 30 years since becoming the UK’s second Eurostar station — an investment that transformed Kent’s role as a gateway to Europe and reshaped the region’s business, tourism and skills landscape.

The anniversary was commemorated with a special event at the station, featuring local leaders, businesses and rail stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the station’s legacy and to call, once again, for the restoration of international rail services to Kent.

Despite its proud history, Ashford International has not seen an international train stop since March 2020, following service suspensions during the pandemic. Over the past six years, business networks, councils, MPs and campaign groups have consistently highlighted the economic stagnation caused by the loss of these connections — including longer travel times, declining tourism inflows, missed investment opportunities and reduced mobility for Kent’s workforce. Media coverage surrounding the anniversary again underscored these concerns, noting both the estimated £4m required to reactivate the station’s international capabilities and the emergence of new operator interest, such as Virgin Trains’ plans to run cross-Channel services by 2030.

A recent Early Day Motion in Parliament (EDM 2597) has reiterated Westminster’s support for restoring continental services to Ashford,

recognising the station’s historic role in attracting investment and fostering cross-Channel trade. Local business leaders, too, have been vocal — pointing to the visitor-economy uplift, export potential and strengthened regional competitiveness that would follow the reinstatement of direct links to Paris, Brussels and beyond.

Tudor Price, Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, who has been a vocal advocate of the return of international trains to Kent stated: “The 30th anniversary of Ashford International is more than a celebration of the past — it is a reminder of what Kent stands to regain. This station once connected our businesses, our talent and our tourism industry directly with Europe. For nearly three decades it acted as a catalyst for growth across the South East, and its impact is still felt today. International train services must return to Kent. Every additional hour that businesses spend

travelling via London is an hour of lost productivity, a missed meeting, or an opportunity diverted elsewhere. The evidence is clear: restoring international stops at Ashford — and Ebbsfleet — would boost trade, attract inward investment, support sustainable travel and strengthen our region’s competitiveness. The Chamber is committed to working with Government, operators and partners to make this happen. Kent’s businesses deserve international connectivity again — not in theory, but in service.”

With public petitions, cross-party political support and strong business advocacy, momentum is once again building. The 30th anniversary has served as both a celebration and a rallying cry: Kent is ready for the return of international rail services — the case is clear, the demand is strong, and the economic prize is substantial.

A Personal Reflection on 30 Years of Ashford International

By Lucy Druesne, Deputy CEO, Kent Invicta Chamber

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Ashford International — a milestone that holds both professional and deeply personal meaning for me. I grew up in France in a Franco-British family, moving naturally between two cultures, two languages, and two lenses through which to view the world. My studies at SKEMA Business School (then ESC Lille) strengthened this international outlook, and in the late 1990s it brought me to the UK at a moment of profound optimism and investment — especially in Ashford.

A Town Looking Outward

When I arrived, Ashford was buzzing. The new international station had put it firmly on the map, not just as a stop between London and Paris, but as a symbol of possibility. The town had become a meeting point between UK ambition and European opportunity. I still remember the energy surrounding entrepreneurs such as Olivier Cadic — now a French senator — who championed Kent as a place where French and British businesses could collaborate, innovate, and grow. Their message was simple: Ashford is open to Europe, and Europe is open to Ashford.

Building Bridges for Business

I was fortunate to play a part in this moment of connection. I worked on the Bureau for the Development of Trade in Europe (BDTE) — a Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce project designed to help Kent SMEs identify opportunities in European markets. With partners in France and Belgium, we helped businesses discover new customers, build partnerships, and gain a foothold across borders. Around the same time, Barclays appointed Anne Vigouroux to support companies looking to establish themselves in Ashford. Our paths crossed frequently as we worked with ambitious entrepreneurs eager to scale up and step confidently into Europe. There was a shared sense of momentum, and a belief that geography was no longer a barrier but an asset.

A Community Formed by Connectivity

The station didn’t just bring business; it brought people. Many young French professionals arrived in Ashford during that period — drawn by opportunity, language, or simply the adventure of building their lives and careers in the UK. We formed a vibrant Franco-British community, with deep friendships and professional networks that have endured.

Some of us made Kent our long-term home; others moved on but continued to promote the region as a dynamic place to live, work, and do business. In many ways, we became early ambassadors for the type of talent mobility that is now widely recognised as crucial to economic growth.

A Full-Circle Moment

Perhaps what makes Ashford International’s anniversary even more meaningful for me is the sense of coming full circle. Three years ago, I returned to Ashford and rejoined the Chamber — this time in a leadership role. Walking back into the organisation that first connected me to Kent’s business community felt both familiar and energising.

In many ways, I am now supporting the same mission I worked on in the late 1990s: helping businesses grow, fostering partnerships, and championing connectivity as a driver of prosperity. The tools and contexts have changed — but the fundamental belief in collaboration across borders remains the same.

More Than a Station

Looking back, what strikes me most is that the station has never simply been infrastructure. It has been a gateway to identity — positioning Ashford not at the edge of the UK, but at the centre of a much broader network of opportunity.

For me personally, it offered a sense of belonging: rooted in Kent, yet still connected to Europe and to my own background. That combination has shaped my career and continues to underpin the work I do today.

Thirty Years On

As Ashford International turns 30, the world looks very different from the one I encountered in the late 1990s.

Yet the fundamental idea that connectivity drives opportunity still holds true — perhaps even more so. For businesses, communities, and individuals like me — who live at the intersection of cultures — Ashford International has been more than a station. It has been a bridge. And as we celebrate its anniversary, I am reminded of the energy, optimism, and possibility that characterised those early years.

It is a history worth honouring — and a future worth building on.

ROMNEY MARSH COMMUNITY

HUB is a local charity based in the heart of the Romney Marsh.

Our mission is to support the physical and mental wellbeing of residents aged 50 and over, delivering a wide range of services to the local community.

Full details of our services can be found on our website: https://rmch.org.uk

In addition to supporting over50s living on the Romney Marsh, Romney Marsh Community Hub also offers venue hire at both of our Hub locations.

SUNFLOWER HUB , Rolfe Lane, New Romney features two large rooms ideal for evening and weekend hire, along with two clinic rooms and a small meeting room available on weekdays.

THE HUB ON THE BEACH , Coast Drive, Greatstone offers a spacious room next to the café, available for hire seven days a week, both daytime and evening.

Catering can be provided with all room bookings at an additional cost. Hourly rates start from just £14 per hour.

For more information or to make an enquiry, please contact the main Hub on 01797 363888 or email hello@rmch.org.uk

Due to the emotions involved in a separation, it is unsurprising that so many divorces result in conflict. At ThomasHaywood we recognise the negative impact that conflict has on the health of the parties and their children. The ThomasHaywood One Couple - One Solicitor process allows us to see couples together and to advise you jointly, providing legal advice to help you to resolve financial matters or arrangements for your children. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact: Sarah Haywood on 01892 765013, sarah@thomashaywoodsolicitors.com

Millbrook Garden Centre grows support for ellenor

Glorious Gardens season.

Glorious Gardens gives people the opportunity to showcase their beautiful gardens, sharing their creativity and passion, while raising funds and awareness for the hospice, through entrance fees, refreshments and raffles. By opening their garden for ellenor, they can also let people know about the hospice and its work across Gravesham, Dartford and Bexley.

The summer campaign encourages community involvement and highlights the positive role gardens can play in bringing people together. ellenor’s Corporate Partnerships Manager Jemma Kemp said: “By sponsoring the campaign for a second year, Millbrook Garden Centre is helping us to ensure Glorious Gardens can continue to grow and reach even more people across the area. This ongoing support reflects the garden centre’s strong ties to the local community and its commitment to backing initiatives that encourage participation and connection.”

Tammy Woodhouse, Managing Director at Millbrook Garden Centre, said: “We’re proud to continue supporting ellenor through the Glorious Gardens campaign for a second year. As a garden centre rooted in the local community, it’s important to us to support initiatives that make a meaningful difference close to home.”

Millbrook Garden Centre has supported ellenor for many years through a range of fundraising activities. Most recently, the garden centre donated the proceeds from its Festive Evening and raffle to the charity.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities with ellenor, contact Jemma Kemp or Leah Saunders at ellenor.org.uk

Cycle Ashford powers through 500th milestone

The Cycle Ashford Campaign breached a significant milestone last month as its bespoke route planner was used for the 500th time.

The campaign aims to encourage more cycling to work in the borough as well as promote cycling as a key mode of active travel and leisure activity in Ashford.

The route planner is embedded in the campaign website and enables users to plot the best available route between two (or more) specific locations. As well as providing details of the fastest route available, it also has options to show the quietest traffic route, the most balanced in terms of topography, the route most suitable for e-bikes and also a walking route.

The route planner is not confined to Ashford and can be used to plot routes across the county and further afield. Points of interest can also be included such as cafés, bike shops, restaurants, and cycle parking. Cyclists can also import their bespoke route into their existing map apps using a GPX file, and the planner also allows users to add multiple stops along their route, making it easy to plan more complex journeys or combine cycling with everyday errands.

Cllr Steve Campkin, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Sustainability at Ashford Borough Council, said: “It is fantastic that the Cycle Ashford route planner

is getting so much use and being recognised as the useful tool it is.

“Having the ability to plot your own bespoke route has so many benefits and it is great to see that local cyclists are using the planner and benefitting from it.”

For those people who have made New Year resolutions, as well as plotting the best route, the planner also confirms how many calories will be burnt on the ride and how much CO2 is saved in comparison with making the same journey by car.

Local cyclist Caroline Mortlock said: “I think the route planner is really great. I do have a pretty good knowledge of cycling around Ashford, but I use it if I need to get somewhere I don’t usually ride to and it’s a really useful tool.”

The Cycle Ashford campaign aims to promote cycling as a key mode of active travel and leisure activity in the borough and to increase participation from all sections of the community.

More details of the campaign can be found at: www.cycleashford.org.uk

Kent bereavement charity launches bereavement book guide for children and young people

When a child is grieving the death of a loved one, sharing stories or reading about other people their age who have gone through similar experiences can help them understand and process their emotions.

Rochester-based charity Holding on Letting Go (HOLG), which supports bereaved children across Kent and South-East London, has put together a Bereavement Book Guide – a list of recommended books, curated by Clinical Lead, Debbie McSwiney. Each book helps to explore and explain bereavement for a child or young person.

The guide includes a range of different titles with everything from bright, engaging picture books and gentle tales to factual guides and straight-talking advice. Each book takes a sensitive, age-appropriate approach and the guide is organised into age categories - from under-5s, all the way up to teenagers.

Subjects covered include:

• Before an expected death

• Baby loss

• Sudden and traumatic death

• Death of a parent

• Helping to understand death and what happens afterwards

Debbie comments, ‘Books are a fantastic way for children and young people to understand the many different feelings they might be having after someone they love has died.

“Whether a young child sharing a story with an adult, or a teen reading alone, seeing their experiences reflected on the pages can go a long way towards normalising their feelings and opening up conversations about grief.”

The Bereavement Book Guide is available as a download on the HOLG website.

Head to: holg.org.uk

Millbrook Garden Centre in Gravesend is continuing its support for the local community by once again sponsoring ellenor’s

Welcome to our new members

3R Consultants

Maidstone 07980 780335

3rconsultants.com

Financial expertise to companies that need flexible, tailored support

Advanced Hydro Ltd

Kent 01233 427057

advancedhyd.com

Water treatment systems

Approved Compliance Ltd

Kent 07706 922165

approvedcompliance.co.uk

Premier fire safety and electrical compliance partner

Birketts LLP

Sevenoaks 01732 904803

birketts.co.uk

Legal services

Canoports UK Ltd

Rochester 01622 427512

canoports.co.uk

Outdoor living solutions

Caremark Ashford & Shepway

Ashford 01233 423330

caremark.co.uk/location

Providing compassionate home care and live in care, tailored to you or someone you love

Carré Consultancy Ltd

Faversham 01227 314124

carre.co.uk

Translating a wealth of property experience into practical advice and insights for businesses and homeowners

Chash Tea

Hersden 020 8720 7494

chashtea.co.uk

Scouring the world to find the finest teas

Clarity Counselling & Life Coaching

Margate 07528 870108

claritycounsellingandlifecoaching.co.uk

Supporting families affected by addiction, love ones and friends, offering counselling and advice. Coaching is a part of what we do at ‘Clarity’ helping people get back on track

Dover Priory Dental Practice

Dover 01304 206558

doverpriorydental.com

Dental practice

Dynamix Technology Solutions Ltd

Ramsgate 01843 423221

dynamixtechsolutions.co.uk

Providing businesses in Kent with managed IT services along side unbeatable connectivity and VoIP Emblem Training Solutions

Canterbury 07542 112704

emblemtraining.co.uk

Design and deliver custom branded digital learning experiences (e-learning, induction packages) for businesses to train employees, making high-quality training accessible and enhancing face-to-face sessions

Goodnestone Park

Canterbury 01304 840107

goodnestone.com

Stately home, gardens, cafe and wedding venue

Grow 19

East Malling 01732 848289

grow19.com

College for learners aged 18-25 with SEND

Inspired To Change

Maidstone 07712 220880

inspiredtochange.biz

Hypnotherapists

IT Support (UK) Ltd

Orpington 01689 422522

itsupport.uk.com

Reliable, fast and dependable IT support

Jard Electrical

New Romney 07359 920500

jardelectrical.co.uk

Electrical electricians

Kent Community Energy

Kent 07767 230937

kentcommunityenergy.org

Championing sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives across Kent

Kent MSP Ltd

Ashford 01233 553010

kentmsp.co.uk

Managed service provider and managed IT services

Kizan Ltd

Gillingham 07507 858698

kizan.tech

A comprehensive range of expert cyber security services designed to protect businesses of all sizes, whether you’re just starting your cyber security journey or looking to strengthen existing defences

Maplewood Independent Living

Dartford 01322 470903

maplewood.org.uk

Specialist home care, support and case management

Matthew Wilkes Wealth

Management Ltd

Chatham 07540 649889

mwwealth.co.uk

Helping and advising clients to grow their personal wealth and provide future financial security for themselves and their loved ones

Enhance Protect Connect

Metro Bank PLC

Maidstone 07813 455335

metrobankonline.co.uk

Bank

Mid Kent Mind

Maidstone 01622 692383

maidstonemind.org/mid-k

Providing high quality mental health support to people in need

MJB Travel Ltd

Maidstone 07901 343588

mjbtravelltd.com

Premier luxury travel partner

Olympia Boxing CIC

Maidstone 01622 535315

olympiaboxing.co.uk

A group of England Boxing registered coaches who deliver the Olympic Legacy

Open InVoice Finance Ltd

Canterbury 020 3701 3806

openinvoicefinance.co.uk

Giving you fast access to funds tied up in unpaid invoices — so your cash flow grows with your business

Phase One Design Ltd

Tonbridge 07818 425649

phaseonedesign.co.uk

Helping SMEs build a brand that reflects their personality and values so they can communicate clearly with their target audience

Pie Factory Music

Ramsgate

01843 596777

piefactorymusic.com

Creative youth charity in East Kent

Push Exec

Canterbury 07494 592448

pushexec.co.uk

Bookkeeping and accounting services

Saga Truck & Van Ltd

Sittingbourne 01795 479571

rcm-saga.uk

Specialists in Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Commercial Vehicles

Sidekick Ltd

Sittingbourne 01795 502040

sidekickltd.com

Graphic design, web, print, office equipment and IT support

Smartex Consultancy

Chatham 07800 540129

smartexconsultancy.com

Executive Information System (EIS) and organisational improvement platform designed for modern leaders

SmartWatt Energy Consultants Ltd

Ramsgate 07516 375636

thesmartwatt.com

Energy efficient solutions for tomorrow

Stratos Commercial Finance Ltd 07852 778264

stratoscf.co.uk

Financial services

Stuart Weller Magic

Ashford 07834 922578

stuartweller.co.uk

Professional magician

Syncly Consulting Ltd

Herne Bay 01227 915205

syncly.cloud

An independent technology consultancy, guiding businesses through modernising communications, optimising connectivity, and adopting smarter, scalable solutions

TeamDynamicsUK Ltd

Canterbury 07412 063222

teamdynamicsuk.com

Creating bespoke team development workshops and experiential team

building sessions

The Marketing Associates

Ashford 01233 720379

themarketingassociates.co.uk

Freelance marketing consultant providing transformative marketing

Topbond PLC

Sittingbourne 01795 414050

topbond.co.uk

UK-based civil engineering and construction company that provides a wide range of structural repair, refurbishment, and marine services

UVEX SAFETY (UK) LTD

Surrey 01252 731200

uvex-safety.co.uk

Offering nationwide coverage, assisting PPE decision makers in both the selection of products and safety strategy implementation

(UYG) Social Enterprise

Maidstone 01622 943929

unleashyourselfwithgladnesscic.com

Personal development programmes

Vita Health Group (Kent and Medway Talking Therapies)

Faversham 0333 091 0414

kmtalkingtherapies.co.uk

A free and confidential NHS Talking Therapies service offering mental health support to anyone over 17.5 years old, living in the Kent and Medway area

voco The Clifton Folkestone

Folkestone 01303 851231

thecliftonhotel.com

Traditional Victorian hotel

Mark Andrews Deputy Executive Principal –Curriculum and Strategy North Kent College

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

A morning Newspaper delivery round –I recall it was about £4.20 a week, better than most because it was one of the longest.

What do you always carry with you to work?

My laptop and smartphone, and my reading specs.

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

Recruiting and retaining the skilled teachers and trainers we need to offer first class courses.

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

I would simplify the bureaucracy around apprenticeships, current regulations fail to rein-in the sharks and just make it harder for the good guys.

What can you see from your office window?

The Thames Estuary and the marshes at Gravesend, very evocative of Great Expectations.

If you could do another job what would it be?

I’ve been around motorsport most of my life as a competitor and organiser so my dream job would be a Team Principal in F1.

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

Attention to detail, an instinctive grasp of the numbers, and willingness to collaborate.

What was your biggest mistake in business?

Not trusting my gut instincts when a team of people seemed too good to be true. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Learn from failure, dare to believe in something worthwhile when others think it’s a long shot.

Who do you most admire in business?

Leaders who are calm, kind and who manage to suppress their egos – such as Satya Nadella – Microsoft CEO.

Additional promotions and appointments at Thomson Snell & Passmore

Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has made 13 promotions and appointments from across its departments.

These are in addition to the 14 promotions and appointments made in June 2025 and further demonstrate the firm’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing rewarding career opportunities. Those appointed as newly qualified Solicitors are currently Trainee Solicitors with the firm.

Joanna Pratt, Senior Partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore comments: “It is always rewarding to be able to celebrate the career development of our people. On behalf of everyone at Thomson Snell & Passmore, I offer my warmest congratulations to all on these well-deserved appointments and promotions.”

The promotions with effect from 1 January 2026 are:

Senior Associate

Rachel Mayston Estates, Tax & Succession –Wills, Estate & Tax Planning

Associate Harry Roffey Corporate & Commercial

Jack Pavey Corporate & Commercial

Rachel Macmillan Corporate & Commercial

Neha Iqbal Estates, Tax & Succession –Wills, Estate & Tax Planning

Olivia Grainge Real Estate

Grace Baker Residential Property & Conveyancing

The appointments are:

Paralegal (with effect from 1 January 2026)

Shannon Wyna Estates, Tax & SuccessionProbate

Newly Qualified Solicitor (with effect from 2 March 2026)

Millie Wood Dispute Resolution –Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

Athene Charlton Corporate & Commercial

Alex Smart Estates, Tax & Succession –Wills, Estate & Tax Planning

Priya Dhoot Real Estate

Phoebe Ellis Family

Azets in Ashford appoints new Managing Partner

Katie Hodson is the new Managing Partner at the Ashford office of UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets –20 years after starting her career there.

Katie began her working life at Azets in Ashford as an audit and accounts trainee in 2005 and completed her ACCA qualification in 2009, before becoming Director of Client Services in 2020, and a Partner in 2023.

She works with a range of SMEs, owner-managed businesses, sole traders and partnerships, and has particular expertise in the construction, property and viticulture sectors.

As Office Managing Partner, Katie will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Azets’ 40-strong team in Ashford, as well as leading on business development and client service.

She takes over from Rick Schofield, who has been appointed Head of Risk and Quality for the UK Tax team – a role he will carry out alongside his existing client commitments – after five years as the Office Managing Partner in Ashford.

Katie said: “I’m delighted to be taking over from Rick and to be building on the strong foundations he created within our close-knit team in Ashford.

“Kent is a fantastic place to do business. That’s evident from the fact the county is home

to everything from farms and vineyards to manufacturers and digital innovators, and everything in between.

“Firms in the region are forward-thinking and incredibly ambitious and I’m really looking forward to playing a bigger role supporting them, our team, and the wider business community in the months and years ahead.”

Nick Parrett, Southern Regional Managing Director at Azets, said: “Katie’s an excellent technician, committed to firstrate client service and looking after and developing our team, and is well-known and wellrespected across the local and regional business community.

“All of the team in Ashford and across the Azets Southern Region are looking forward to working with her in her new role – and wish her well as she takes the reins from Rick.”

For more information visit www.azets.co.uk

Shape the future with EKC Group

Invest in skills.

Invest in the future.

If you’re an employer who shares our vision for a skilled, future-ready workforce, we want to work with you.

By partnering with EKC Group, you’ll play a vital role in nurturing talent, closing skills gaps, and creating opportunities that benefit your business and the wider community.

Employers, let’s shape the future together.

Support EKC Group’s Mission to develop skilled, work-ready talent for your industry.

Get involved today: ekcgroup.ac.uk enquiries@ekcgroup.ac.uk