Thinking Business July 26

THINKING BUSIN

Building Kent’s Future

Why Skills Hold the Key to Construction Growth. Page 20

n The Big Interview with Thomson Snell & Passmore. Page 14

n International Trade. Page 36

n Chamber Events. Page 40

n Chamber Awards. Page 42

n Kent Construction Expo. Page 43

n New Members. Page 48

Because the relationships we build with our customers are at the heart of everything we do.

We don’t just show up when something goes wrong. We’re with you every step of the way. Why do 9 out of 10 business customers renew with NFU Mutual every year?

We don’t just sell policies. We build partnerships.

We don’t just cover risks. We can help you avoid them.

That’s insurance for Trades and Professionals the NFU Mutual way.

Want to learn more? Get in touch with NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield Agency at: Tenterden_agency@nfumutual.co.uk

01233 500822

Unit 3, Invicta Business Centre

Ashford Market

Monument Way Ashford TN24 0HB

01580 766174

Pittlesden Barn

High Street

Tenterden TN30 6HT

Closer to you. Closer to your business. Closer to what

Tudor Price Chief Executive

Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business magazine!

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has always placed policy at the heart of its work to represent and support businesses locally and nationally. Historically, this has been led at Board and CEO level, but now we have introduced a new dedicated Policy Lead, Philip Galpin. Find out more about Philip on page 4.

Businesses are dealing with so many different pressures from rising costs to recruitment challenges, investment uncertainty to changing regulations, so having a dedicated lead to listen to members’ concerns

Resilience, independence and adaptability are key factors to future proof business

and issues affecting local businesses and present our evidence-based research to local authorities, MPs, Government departments, and other key stakeholders, is vital.

If you have any policy issues, email: policy@kentinvictachamber.co.uk

Resilience, independence and adaptability are three key prerequisites for running a business and Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP has it in spades. It holds the title as the oldest law firm still in operation anywhere in the world, earning it a place in the Guiness World Records, but it also has its sights firmly on the future. Read all about their vision in The Big Interview.

Construction is one of the key sectors integral to Kent’s economy. We have ambitious housing targets, major infrastructure projects, town centre regeneration projects and a growing demand for sustainable buildings – and more development to come over the coming years. However, skills continues to be a significant challenge. Recent figures from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) revealed that 78 per cent of businesses report challenges in finding suitable staff, while labour costs remain a significant pressure on businesses.

We are looking forward to the Kent Construction EXPO which returns to the Kent Event Centre on the 1st October. The event brings together

contractors, developers, consultants, local authorities, housing providers, manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals from across Kent and the South East. There will be more than 200 exhibitors, over 20 conference sessions and a range of networking opportunities including a networking breakfast and gala dinner. Find out more about it on page 19. Don’t forget to secure your place.

The new Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-2029 has now been published. The plan identifies six priority sectors where workforce challenges and opportunities are particularly significant. They include adult social care; construction and the built environment; creative industries; fresh food, horticulture, agriculture and viticulture; manufacturing and engineering; tourism and the visitor economy.

It is hard to believe that it is almost 10 years since Brexit. BCC research shows that over half of UK exporters (54 per cent) think the current trade deal with the EU is making it harder to export and the need for change is urgent. Only 16 per cent say the current deal is supporting them to grow. This has been consistently so since the BCC started to track the impact of the deal in 2021. There are several key issues for businesses that still need to be addressed, including customs red tape, VAT complexity, business mobility,

mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and increased cooperation on defence.

Let me extend a huge welcome to our new Chamber members, we look forward to getting to know more about you and your organisations over the coming months.

It isn’t long before we will be gathering again to celebrate the amazing achievements of our business community – from Most Promising New Business 2026 to the Business of the Year 2026. It is an event that is an integral part of the Chamber calendar, and we love to celebrate the talented individuals and organisations which make Kent such a great county to live and work. The deadline for applications is Friday 11 September 2026. Find out more on page 42.

I look forward to seeing you all at a Chamber event very soon. Remember to check our website regularly for event updates.

Thank you and enjoy reading!

Tudor Price Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Businesses

don’t get a Vote

The Chamber has always placed policy at the heart of its work to represent and support businesses locally and nationally. While much of this has historically been led at Board and CEO level, the Chamber now has a dedicated Policy Lead, Philip Galpin.

For readers who may not be familiar, what does your policy work involve?

The Chamber’s policy work is to make sure businesses across Kent and Medway have a strong, credible voice with decision-makers. That means listening to members, understanding the challenges they face, gathering evidence, and using that insight in conversations with local authorities, MPs, government departments and other key stakeholders. It is about building a clear picture of what is happening on the ground, so decisions are informed by real business experience.

Why is that role so important?

Businesses are dealing with pressures including rising costs, recruitment challenges, skills shortages, investment uncertainty and changing regulations. Many members may not have the time, access or confidence to raise these issues directly.

The Chamber can bring those voices together and present them constructively and in a way that is evidence-based and difficult to ignore. Our role is to make sure policy discussions do not happen in isolation from the businesses they affect.

The Chamber runs the Quarterly Economic Survey. What is it, and why does it matter?

The Quarterly Economic Survey is one of the most important tools we have for understanding business conditions in Kent and Medway. It is also the longest continuously running survey of its kind in the UK.

It asks businesses about domestic sales, exports, recruitment, cashflow, investment plans, confidence and price pressures. Together, those responses provide a regular snapshot of how the local economy is performing and how businesses are feeling compared with previous quarters.

What happens after a business completes the survey?

Once the survey closes, we analyse the results and identify the key trends: where businesses are under pressure, where confidence is changing, and whether certain issues are becoming more significant.

We share those findings with Chamber members, MPs and councillors, local authority partners, and through the wider British Chambers of Commerce network. That means the five minutes it takes to complete the survey is not just filling in a form. It contributes to evidence that helps shape local, regional and national conversations. Why is evidence so important in policy work?

Evidence gives policy work weight. It is one thing to say businesses are finding conditions difficult. It is much more powerful to show, through data and direct feedback, what those difficulties look like, how widespread they are, and what impact they are having.

Decision-makers are far more likely to listen when we can present a clear, balanced and evidenceled picture. That is why the QES is so important. It turns individual business experiences into collective intelligence.

How does the Chamber represent different types of businesses?

Kent and Medway has a diverse business community, from sole traders and small family firms to major employers and exporters. Good policy work needs to reflect that range. We do not only want to hear from one sector, one area or one business size. A small business facing cashflow pressures, a manufacturer dealing with export challenges, or a hospitality business struggling with recruitment all bring important perspectives. The more responses we receive, the stronger and more representative our evidence becomes.

Some businesses might think, “I am too busy to complete another survey.” What would you say to them?

I completely understand that. Businesses are busy, and there are many demands on people’s time. But if businesses want decision-makers to understand what is really happening, we need them to tell us. The QES is one of the simplest and best ways to do that.

Every response strengthens the evidence we use when speaking to MPs, councillors, local authorities and national bodies. The more businesses take part, the harder it is for their concerns to be overlooked.

Policy work is not only about identifying problems. It is also about highlighting what can benefit businesses, from skills and infrastructure to access to finance and export support.

Finally, what is your message to businesses who have not yet engaged with the QES or the Chamber’s policy work?

Please get involved. Whether your business is growing, struggling, investing, recruiting, exporting, or navigating uncertainty, your experience is valuable.

We spoke to Philip about what this means for members and how the Chamber turns business feedback into influence. If you have any policy issues you can contact the Chamber on policy@kentinvictachamber.co.uk

Completing the QES is a simple but meaningful way to contribute. It helps us tell a more accurate story about business conditions in Kent and ensures decision makers hear directly from the businesses affected by their decisions. Policy works best when it is informed by real people, real businesses and real evidence.

The Legal Journey of Buying a New Build Home

Buying a new build home is an exciting milestone, but the legal process differs in several ways from purchasing an existing property. Many buyers are surprised to discover that contracts are often exchanged while construction is still underway, or even before work has started.

That does not mean the process is more complicated. It simply means there are additional legal considerations that need to be addressed at different stages of the transaction. Understanding these from the outset can help the purchase progress more smoothly and give buyers greater confidence throughout the process.

Mortgage – Securing an Agreement in Principle (AIP)

Before making an offer on a new build property, unless you are a cash purchaser you will need to ensure that you have secured a Mortgage in Principle or an Agreement in Principle.

Making an Offer on a New Build Property

Once your offer has been accepted, you will usually be asked to enter into a reservation agreement. This secures the property for a

set period, allowing your conveyancer to investigate the legal aspects of the purchase before contracts are exchanged.

During this stage, your conveyancer will review the title to the property, planning and building regulation documentation, proposed estate arrangements and any rights or obligations affecting the development. They will also raise enquiries with the developer’s solicitors to clarify any points that require further explanation. Although the timeframe for exchange is often shorter than with an existing property, the aim remains the same: to ensure you fully understand the property and the legal commitments you are making before proceeding.

Buying Off-Plan

Many buyers reserve a new build home before construction has been completed. Purchasing off-plan has become an established part of the housing market and often allows buyers to secure their preferred plot at an early stage.

Once contracts have been exchanged, there may be several months before the property is ready for occupation. During this time, completion dates are usually indicative, as they depend on the progress of the build and the property receiving the necessary sign-off. Buyers should also keep an eye on the expiry date of any mortgage offer, as an extension may sometimes be needed if completion takes place later than originally anticipated.

Throughout this period, your conveyancer will remain involved, liaising with the developer’s solicitors and ensuring that any outstanding legal requirements have been satisfied before completion.

Preparing for Completion

As completion approaches, the focus turns to making sure everything is in place for a smooth handover. Buyers should familiarise themselves with the terms of their new build warranty, understand how snagging items will be reported after moving in and ensure they are aware of any ongoing arrangements relating to shared areas or estate management.

Once completion has taken place, your conveyancer will deal with the remaining legal formalities, including paying any Stamp Duty Land Tax due, registering your ownership with HM Land Registry and recording your lender’s legal charge where applicable.

New build homes offer many benefits, but the conveyancing process follows its own timetable and includes additional legal considerations. Understanding those differences from the outset, together with early legal advice, can help your purchase progress with confidence from reservation through to completion.

Shehaam Van Twest

Maidstone Office: 01622 238 230

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

Folkestone Office: 01303 273 273

Maidstone Office: 01622 238 230

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

Financial Planning for busy business owners

Business owners who ignore the importance of financial planning could be leaving themselves exposed to increased risks and missed opportunities. Financial Planning experts, FAS, look at the key areas that most business owners need to consider.

As anyone who runs a business will appreciate, time is a precious commodity. Making strategic decisions, effectively managing staff, and building relationships with customers and suppliers mean that business owners rarely have time to consider the important role financial planning can play in both the success of the business and the long-term financial security of key individuals.

Failing to consider financial planning can not only have financial implications but could jeopardise the long-term resilience of the business. Making the appropriate decisions can meaningfully improve the health of your business and protect the people within it. We look at three key financial planning considerations for business owners.

Protecting your interests

In our experience, many business owners, shareholders, and key personnel are running significant risks by not holding adequate protection should the worst happen. The death or serious illness of a business owner or key individual could have devastating consequences for the future success of the business and its employees; however, this potential risk is all too often overlooked.

A situation we commonly come across is where a shareholder in a small business leaves their shares to a spouse on death; however, the spouse may have no interest in becoming a shareholder and would prefer to sell those shares to the remaining shareholders. This creates an immediate problem as the surviving shareholders must raise the finance to purchase the shares, which can be prohibitive. By arranging shareholder protection in an appropriate manner, life assurance can be

structured in a tax-efficient way to provide the necessary funds for the surviving shareholders to buy the shares directly from the spouse, ensuring continuity for the business and a fair outcome for the family.

Another common risk that is often ignored is the potential impact of the death or serious illness of a director, owner, or key member of staff, whose expertise, relationships, or skills are central to the business’s day-to-day operation. Without appropriate cover, the business could face significant damage to its profitability at an already difficult time. Key person insurance can cover this eventuality by paying proceeds to the business should a key employee fall seriously ill or die. The claim proceeds can be used to help cover recruitment costs, lost revenue, and the operational disruption that inevitably follows.

Benefits to retain key staff

A crucial component of any successful business is the ability to recruit and retain key staff. Salary alone is rarely enough to attract the most suitable candidates, and a well-structured benefits programme can be the deciding factor in recruiting and keeping the people your business depends on.

Death in Service, essentially a group life policy, is a cost-effective way of providing meaningful life assurance cover for employees. It is valued highly by staff, and their families, yet remains relatively straightforward and affordable to arrange. Similarly, a Group Private Medical Insurance policy is an attractive benefit that serves both the employee and the employer, as employees gain faster access to diagnosis and treatment, while the business benefits from reduced absence and a quicker return to full productivity.

Another cost-effective, yet valuable benefit is to provide enhanced pension arrangements for key personnel. Many firms use a Master Trust arrangement such as NEST or People’s Pension to meet their auto-enrolment obligations, and whilst these schemes may be cheap to operate from the perspective of the company, they offer employees limited investment choice and can carry higher charges. By providing key staff with bespoke pension advice and setting up a Group Personal Pension or individual arrangements, employers can offer greater flexibility, more

competitive terms, and can demonstrate that they value their people’s long-term financial wellbeing.

Business owners’ retirement plans

Business owners are often so focused on the success of their business that they can neglect their personal finances, and in particular, their exit strategy and retirement plans. Business owners can save for retirement in a taxefficient manner by making regular pension contributions. Depending on how the business owners are remunerated will determine the most tax-efficient way that pension contributions are made. For limited company directors, employer pension contributions can be paid directly from the business and treated as an allowable business expense, reducing the corporation tax liability in the process. This route is particularly tax efficient.

How we can help busy business owners

As a Chartered, independent practice, we provide a comprehensive service that considers a company’s protection needs, the implementation of employee benefits packages, and a thorough review of business owners’ personal finances. Rather than requiring business owners to manage each of these elements separately, dealing with multiple advisers and providers, we can cover all areas, accessing the most appropriate products and solutions from across the marketplace.

© Financial Advice and Services Ltd 2026

Girlings Solicitors announces

Kent Neuro Therapy Centre as

new charity partner

Girlings Solicitors has announced a twoyear charity partnership with Kent Neuro Therapy Centre, a Canterbury based charity which provides specialist support for people living with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s or those who have had a stroke.

Kent Neuro Therapy Centre was chosen as Girlings Solicitors official charity partner for 2026–2028 following a firm-wide vote.

Kent Neuro Therapy Centre provides vital therapies, practical support and wellbeing services to individuals and families affected by neurological conditions. Its work includes aquatic physiotherapy, Pilates, standard physiotherapy and a range of holistic and wellbeing therapies which, the charity states: “are valuable in combatting the symptoms of MS and other long term health conditions.”

Over the next two years, Girlings will organise a full programme of events and staff will participate in a wide range of fundraising initiatives to support the centre’s work. The firm aims to build a lasting relationship that contributes to the charity’s work supporting members of its community and raising the profile of the many neurological conditions its members live with.

Charlotte Nock, Managing Partner at Girlings Solicitors, said: “It is a privilege for us to support Kent Neuro Therapy Centre as our charity partner for the next two years. Its dedication to improving lives of those living with neurological conditions is inspiring. Girlings is proud to champion the charity’s work and help extend the reach of its incredible services.”

Nancy Reed, Head of Income Generation at Kent Neuro Therapy Centre, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Girlings Solicitors for choosing us as its charity partner. Partnerships like this make a real difference, enabling us to continue delivering our support to those living with neurological conditions. We look forward to working together over the next two years.”

This partnership builds on Girlings’ longstanding tradition of charitable engagement and community support.

www.girlings.com

Lawyers take on Dragon Boat Challenge for charity

A team of Furley Page paddlers swapped legal briefs for buoyancy aids over the bank holiday weekend and braved the water to take part in the Medway Sunlight Rotary’s annual Charity Dragon Boat Challenge, alongside the Chatham Maritime Food and Drink Festival.

The annual event is one of the highlights of the festival and this year had 36 team entries. Teams paddle the forty-foot-long Chinese war canoes, encouraged by a drummer to speed across the 250-metre course in Basin No 2 in Chatham Maritime. Furley Page were Gold sponsors for the second year running.

The Dragon Boat Challenge is organised by Medway Sunlight Rotary Club and teams seek sponsorship for their efforts in aid of Rotary’s chosen charities. This year donations will be made to Marie Curie, We Are Beams,

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services, and Wetwheels South-East.

Rebecca Crane, a partner at Furley Page, said: “This is the second year that the firm has participated in this event and once again we all had a fantastic day at the festival. The dragon boat racing was quite different to our usual day at the office, and we managed to raise funds for some great local charities – so a win all round.”

Dragon Boat Racing’s origins go back over 2000 years and began on the rivers of Southern China where it was a fertility ritual believed to bring good luck to the coming crop season.

The race has been part of the Chatham Maritime Food and Drink Festival for the last ten years.

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

Why all businesses need to check their Legionella risk status

Every business that uses water has a risk of Legionella, but many people think it’s only an issue for swimming pools, hospitals or hotels. However, CDS Rose Ltd recommends that any business that uses water systems should be aware of its responsibilities and take steps to understand any risks to help maintain a safe environment for employees, visitors and customers.

Samantha Carter, Communications & Operations Director from Legionella compliance and water hygiene specialists CDS Rose explains what all businesses need to know:

Where the risk lies

Legionella bacteria can grow in poorly managed water systems and, when spread through fine droplets, can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia. The types of water systems include spa facilities, hot and cold-water systems, tanks, showers, condensers and cooling towers.

Who is responsible?

Responsibility usually sits with whoever has practical control of the water system, whether that’s the employer, landlord, tenant or managing agent. Having a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, alongside appropriate records of inspections, maintenance and risk assessments, helps demonstrate systems are being managed appropriately.

Why check now?

Even if you already have measures in place, it’s beneficial to review your Legionella risk status. If you’re unsure about when your site was last assessed, who the duty holder is and whether current controls are still appropriate, consulting a professional can help to reassure you that your business is compliant. They can help check your status, understand your obligations and carry out a Legionella risk assessment to help support the long-term safety and efficiency of your water systems.

For more information contact CDS Rose Limited, visit cdsroseltd.co.uk

The Kent-born engineering company with growth in its future

Thirteen years ago, Charlie Naismith took the opportunity to run a small CNC engineering firm. Today, he leads a multi site group that has grown through four further acquisitions.

With sites in Hampshire, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire working across aerospace, prototyping and high volume component sectors, the CTN Group is well positioned for long term, skills led growth.

The CTN Group began its operations as G&J CNC in a modest 800ft² facility in Medway.

With Charlie focusing on securing new customers and reinvesting in advanced machinery, the company quickly gained traction, enabling expansion into a second unit, marking the beginning of the company’s development in both capacity and capability.

The acquisition plan followed soon after; first in 2017 with RL Morris, a Hampshire-based company specialising in large volumes of small turned components.

In 2018, Aspec, a Cambridgeshirebased company specialising in

Supporting employees raising bereaved children

When a working parent experiences bereavement or is facing the expected death of a loved one, it can be extremely challenging to manage their own emotions while also supporting children through such a difficult time. This can place more demands on their time and wellbeing and impact their work performance. Employers can help by encouraging open communication, listening, and reminding staff about their legal rights to time off. Offering flexible working arrangements or compassionate leave (paid or unpaid) are practical ways to offer support. Colleagues can also provide emotional support and help share workload. Some businesses may provide counselling, but support for the wider family often falls outside their remit. Child bereavement charity Holding On Letting Go (HOLG) offers specialist help, as CEO Jules Tobin explains: “Bereavement can turn a child’s world upside down, causing

prototyping, was added to the group. In 2021, Ingenieur, an aerospace-focused supplier in Hampshire became part of CTN. The most recent acquisition, TML Precision Engineering, located near Norwich, joined the group shortly after.

The group has kept newly-acquired companies local to maintain strong UK based supply chains and keep experienced, strong teams together.

The group now operates more than 80 CNC machines across its five-

site portfolio, with two sites holding AS9100 aerospace accreditation; the rest hold ISO9001 as a minimum.

Now Charlie is turning his attention toward building the next generation of engineers through a structured apprenticeship programme. Around 40 per cent of the Kent company’s staff are under 25, with a new apprentice recruited every year, joining its 70 strong group-wide workforce.

www.gandjcnc.co.uk

anxiety and unexpected behaviours. Adults often don’t know how best to help. We hope employers learn to know who we are, so they can direct staff to us for therapeutic support that focuses on children as well as their families.

“We provide bereavement weekends, online or face-to-face support, phone calls, resource packs, and parent/ carer groups. We can help if a death is expected, or if it has already happened - recent or not.

“Helping children and their parents understand emotions supports healthier family grieving, better worklife balance, and enables stronger employer support.”

Clinical Lead Debbie McSwiney said:

“We’ve been pleased to hear from our families that some employers are already being very supportive - it makes such a difference to a grieving parent who is trying to cope and juggle things.” www.holg.org.uk

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Your customers are just like people who buy houses

Just like the construction industry creating buildings with the end user or customer in mind, most businesses will be providing products or services with their target audiences in mind too.

Everything the construction industry creates is for the person who is going to live, work or shop there, drive down that road, or go to school there.

But what about your customers? How well do you know them? Where are the pressure points in their needs and how can you mitigate them and achieve a stronger, more valuable long-term relationship?

Once you have spent time and effort on gaining a customer, the most efficient plan of action is to keep them, generate more frequent purchases from them, encourage them to shop your range and build a relationship that keeps them with you for longer, away from your competitors and their market share.

All that know-how is sitting in your business and it can be unlocked and turned into actionable insights that will deliver more of what customers want, less of what they don’t and enable you to grow the customer base and generate more sales from existing customers.

Most businesses hold a lot of useful data – and unless it’s brought together and analysed, the golden nuggets won’t shine through.

Angela Hall, Customer Centricity Director at The Insight House, said: “When you look at the customer behaviour, and really deep dive into what drives a purchase decision, repeat sale or walk away, you can make changes that have an impact. But you have to know what you’re looking for, looking at, and what to do with the information you have.”

insighthouse.co.uk

New Reporting Service launched by Izzy PR

Faversham-based marketing & PR agency Izzy PR has gone back to its journalism roots to launch a new service for businesses.

The new Professional Reporting Package will allow businesses, organisations or charities to book former reporter, Izzy PR’s founder Sarah Hawes (KM Group and BBC), along with photographer and career colleague Nick Johnson.

The pair have worked together for more than 25 years, having met at the KM Group in 2000, going out as a reporter/photographer team to events across Medway, bringing back stories and photos for publication.

Now, they will do this again, but for the business world.

Sarah said: “If a business is having an event, celebration, awards evening or something they want proper, professional news coverage for, then Nick and I can provide this service, bringing all of our past newsroom experience.

We’re hoping the package will support marketing teams, but we’re also looking to partner up with other agencies to offer this package as an addon to their own services.

“We will find out everything we need to know about the event before it happens, identify interview and photo opportunities, then ensure that on the day, we get everything that’s needed; shots, quotes and information.

“We’ll then turn it into a press package; media release and images, plus provide content for their audiences – a social media post, website news story and digital mailer content.

“I often advise clients to promote their events and achievements to their own audiences in addition to external media, and this package will mean they have everything they need, ready for both audiences. Professionally written, with high quality photographs - just like a news story.” izzypr.co.uk

Ergonomic seating in the workplace

Many people struggle with a range of musculoskeletal issues driven by the effects of poor posture. Some spend good money on visiting a chiropractor or osteopath and then return to their workplace or home office and repeat the poor posture practices that sent them there in the first place, says Office Furniture Consultancy.

When looking at the working environment and what constitutes a good task chair, it is not easy

knowing what to buy and the support it will offer and trying it for size can be even harder. The HSE regulations around DSE (Display, screen, equipment) are the same whether you work in an office or at home, so it is important to understand these legal regulations and how they apply to you whether you are an employee or the employer. Buying new chairs can be tricky online so the firm offers seating trials to help buyers make their choices.

Find out more at: www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/

Sarah interviewing Jools Holland when he opened the Wisdom Hospice Wellbeing Hub in March this year

Kent and Medway, it’s time for a reset

The Kent and Medway Business Summit returns on Thursday 17 September and you’re on the agenda.

In the face of economic uncertainty, political change and renewed debate about Kent’s future, the outlook for businesses can bring more questions than answers. How will the economy evolve? What does political change mean for growth? And will businesses be able to thrive in Kent and Medway in the future?

On Thursday 17 September, the University of Kent, part of the London and South East University Group, is inviting business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators and civic organisations back to their Canterbury campus to tackle these questions head on and start reshaping what comes next.

The Kent and Medway Business Summit 2026 won’t be another day of passive panels and predictable speeches. A new ‘unconference’style format will draw on expert insights from The Bank of England and political broadcaster, Iain Dale, amongst others, to drive participant-led discussions that put delegates front-and-centre.

Three themed sessions will see delegates voice their ideas and challenge assumptions on themes around economy, democracy and

identity amongst Kent’s leading changemakers. It will be a rare opportunity to hear about the latest regional developments and opportunities, tap into Kent’s broader business ecosystem and network across sectors. A delicious breakfast, Kentish lunch and campus netwalking will provide further opportunity to make connections throughout the day, topped off with an inspiring keynote talk and drinks reception at Sibson, the home of Kent Business School.

The Summit, now in its 9th year, is once again being delivered in partnership with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors.

It comes at pivotal moment both for Kent and Medway and for the University, which this August merged with the University of Greenwich under the London and South East University Group, becoming the largest higher education institution in the South East.

For small businesses looking to expand their network, growing companies seeking fresh ideas, or established organisations wanting to play a role in the region’s future, the Summit offers a unique opportunity to join the conversation about Kent’s future alongside those shaping policy, investment, innovation and skills development across the county.

The Summit takes place on the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus from 8am –3:30pm on Thursday 17 September. For more information and to book your place, visit https://www.kent.ac.uk/business-summit.

Double award for Kent construction company

We are delighted to be celebrating a fantastic achievement after being shortlisted in all three categories we entered at the Constructing Excellence London & South East Awards.

We were proud to take home the prestigious People & Culture and Project of the Year awards, with both winning entries now progressing to the national finals later this year.

People & Culture:

Investing in Our Greatest Strength

The People & Culture award is one that we hold particularly close to our hearts. At Baxall, we have always believed that our greatest strength is our people, and that our success is built on the passion, commitment and shared values of everyone across the business.

Investing in our people is fundamental to who we are. Through the Baxall Academy, we support our employees at every stage of their careers, from apprenticeships and graduate development through to professional qualifications such as MCIOB and FCIOB. Alongside this, more than 10 members of our team have completed the SECBE Innovative Future Leadership Programme, helping to develop the next generation of leaders with the confidence, self-awareness and skills to lead

successful teams and ensure a sustainable future for our business.

As Stuart Hardie Managing Director shares elsewhere in this magazine, “Growth should never come at the expense of our values.” That philosophy defines everything we do. We recruit people who share our values and strive to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.

Project of the Year:

The Helen Keen Building

Our Project of the Year award recognised the successful delivery of the Helen Keen Building at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls. The new three-storey building provides state-of-the-art music and science teaching spaces, alongside a welcoming visitor centre, creating an inspiring environment for generations of students to come.

The project brought with it significant engineering challenges, including constructing above delicate Second World War tunnels and alongside a live Network Rail line that required continuous monitoring throughout the build. Despite these complexities, maintaining a collaborative relationship with the school and our project partners remained at the heart of our approach, enabling us to deliver an outstanding result that has been widely praised.

Looking Ahead to the National Finals

Being shortlisted for SME of the Year, alongside winning two regional awards, is something we are incredibly proud of. Together, these achievements reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional projects, investing in our people and staying true to the values that have shaped Baxall for generations.

We are now looking forward to representing the South East at the Constructing Excellence National Awards later this year.

Benenden Hospital awarded highly prestigious international CHKS accreditation

Benenden Hospital has been awarded CHKS accreditation and ISO 9001:2015 certification which recognises healthcare organisations meeting the highest standards across patient and staff safety, clinical care, quality management, legal requirements, legislation and industry best practice.

One of the most respected certifications in the sector, the internationally recognised distinction was awarded to the private hospital following a two-day surveillance visit, which assessed the hospital’s various departments, from its recently updated advanced diagnostic imaging suites to its clinical records and pharmacy services.

The CHKS accreditation reinforces Benenden Hospital’s reputation as an outstanding healthcare centre with a commitment to patient centred care, ongoing innovation, and the continual enhancement of its services.

Hospital Director Claire Harley said: “Achieving CHKS and ISO 9001:2015 accreditation is a significant milestone for our hospital and a testament

to our culture of continuous improvement. These standards recognise not only the quality of care we provide today, but our ongoing commitment to learn, adapt and enhance our services. I am incredibly proud of our teams, whose dedication ensures we continue to strengthen patient safety, quality and experience every day.”

benenden.org.uk

Value-added boost for charities

A long-standing tax levied on businesses donating to charities has now been removed, a leading accountancy and advisory firm has said.

Azets, which has offices in Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury, Sandwich and Sidcup, wants to remind businesses that they can now give goods to registered charities without paying VAT.

The news comes at a time of falling charity donations; the Charities Aid Foundation (Caf) recently revealed that public donations to good causes plummeted by more than £1.4 billion last year.

Millions of people said they can no longer afford to donate and just half of people gave to charity last year, down from 61 per cent a decade earlier.

Until the recent change, if a VAT-registered business made a donation and had already claimed back the VAT it paid on those goods, the donation was normally treated as if the business had made a sale.

This meant the business usually had to pay VAT to HMRC based on the value of the goods it donated.

Siobhan Holmes, a Sidcup-based Azets partner who specialises in not-for-profit accounting, said: “This is excellent news for charities, which we know are receiving less in donations.

“Essentially, HMRC has confirmed that for VAT-registered companies, no VAT will be due when eligible goods are donated free of charge to registered charities, where those goods are used to support people in need or are to deliver charitable services.

“The changes remove the VAT that previously applied because the business had reclaimed the amount when it originally bought the goods. However, this relief does include a monetary cap per item, and charities cannot reclaim VAT on the donated goods.

“Many will be unaware that donations were liable for VAT, but there will also be companies who might have disposed of goods rather than donated them

because of the tax they would have to pay.

“We want to get the message out to businesses that they can now donate to charities with falling foul of HMRC.

“Office supplies and equipment, or surplus stock, is often welcomed by charities and there will be other goods that will be of great use to them.

“For their part, charities should make a record of donated goods - especially any expensive itemsand keep an audit trail.”

Azets has also warned charities and not-for-profit organisations to ensure all their procedures and records are watertight in the light of new and enhanced compliance activity.

HMRC has initiated a programme of Structured Risk Reviews (SRRs) across the charity and not-for-profit sectors, signalling a more intensive and data-driven approach to oversight.

www.azets.co.uk

Scaffolding firm reaches new heights

WBM Scaffolding Southeast is a trusted, fast growing scaffolding provider known for delivering safe, reliable, and cost effective access solutions across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and the wider Southeast region.

Built on a foundation of hands on industry experience, WBM combines traditional scaffolding expertise with modern safety standards and a customer first approach, making the company a preferred partner for contractors, developers, and private clients alike. The business specialises in all aspects of scaffolding, including residential builds,

commercial projects, refurbishments, temporary roofs, edge protection, and bespoke access structures. Every project is planned and executed by trained, CISRS qualified scaffolders who understand the importance of precision, stability, and compliance.

Whether supporting a small domestic renovation or a large scale construction programme, WBM ensures that every scaffold is erected to the highest standard, fully inspected, and tailored to the specific requirements of the site.

What sets WBM Scaffolding Southeast apart is its commitment to reliability and communication. Clients benefit from clear scheduling, rapid response times, and a team that takes pride in delivering work safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption. The company operates with full public liability insurance, rigorous risk assessments, and a strong focus on health and safety, giving customers complete confidence from start to finish.

wbmscaffolding.co.uk

How the world’s oldest law firm continues to modernise and grow

Karen McLauchlan talks to record-breaking law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore as it enters its next stage of development in an ever-changing world.

Resilience, independence and adaptability – three words that easily sum up Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP.

The Kent-based firm holds the enviable title as the oldest law firm still in operation anywhere in the world – an achievement that has earned it a place in the coveted book of Guiness World Records.

Established in 1570 by Nicholas Hooper, a curate of the Tonbridge Parish Church, that longevity reflects its dedication to working for its clients’ best interests and for the good of the local community. An ethos that holds fast today.

While its roots remain in Tunbridge Wells, the company’s reach is global with a team of more than 320 providing a comprehensive range of services to both businesses and individuals across a wide range of practice areas.

With more than 450 years of experience, the firm is entering a new phase. Richard Ellard was recently appointed Senior Partner. Having joined the firm in 2006 he was appointed Head of the Real Estate department in 2014. His appointment comes as Joanna Pratt, Senior Partner since 2020, reached the end of her final term.

Plus, Sarah Easton, who has been at the firm since 2010, has become head of the Real Estate department.

The key appointments come as Thomson Snell & Passmore continues to grow and thrive. It has celebrated its 13th consecutive year of growth, with fee income of £35.6 million for the year ending 5 June 2026 - a 53 per cent increase in fees billed over the past six years.

The secret of this success? Richard says remaining independent, investing in technology and maintaining a strong client base have been key.

“We know what we do well,” he said, “we’re an independent law firm and we continue to focus on our people, our clients, our services and the areas where we see potential for investment. We continue growing the use of technology to ensure we’re providing the best service

we can for our clients and our people are equipped for the future.”

Thomson Snell & Passmore is nationally renowned across a range of practice areas including corporate, dispute resolution, real estate, employment, family, residential property and conveyancing, estate planning, trust and tax management, wills, probate, Court of Protection, clinical negligence and personal injury.

As the UK prioritises property development, urban regeneration and the building of new towns to drive economic growth, real estate continues to be a key area for the team.

Sarah Easton, new Head of Real Estate, has been with the firm since 2010 previously leading the Land and Development team.

She is continuing to work with Kate Turnham leading the Land and Development team and alongside Joanne Wright who leads the Commercial Real Estate team and Matthew Grogan and Laura Keatley, who lead the Real Estate Finance team, helping to drive continued growth for the department.

“We have a really strong Real Estate team with some fantastic clients and a great reputation for the type of work that we do –we want to build on that. The Government really wants to see more houses built, it’s what’s wanted and needed.

“So there’s a lot of potential. We have five equity partners in the team which is 50 strong with a real mix of experience. That’s important to us, to have younger staff that we can train to be our future.”

Investing in its talent and creating teams with the depth and breadth of expertise required to guide clients through increasingly complex and shifting legal challenges, against a backdrop of

geopolitical uncertainty is reflected in 21 promotions and appointments made across the firm in recent months.

And while the firm’s work now reaches out globally, having a local heart embedded in the community continues to be as important as was at the start, back in the late 16th century.

“Our roots are in Kent,” added Richard, “and it’s important for us to be part of the local community. We are very active locally; we have lawyers who are governors of local schools or trustees of local charities. We take pride in being active locally but also being focused on our clients and what’s happening nationally or globally. We can do both.”

That sense of community comes to life in the way it supports charities – this year it is helping the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex and Baby Umbrella, a breastfeeding and early parenting support charity in West Kent.

Being part of the local business community matters too, and this includes being part of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve been members for more than a decade now,” said Richard, “it’s important to have those connections, to be able to attend meetings and events. To be part of that local community.”

The team is also supporting Kent Construction Expo, which this year takes place on 1 October.

Produced by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, it’s a key date for construction professionals across the South-East.

As well as being a sponsor, Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Caroline Watkins - a construction specialist in the Real Estate team - will be sharing her insight on the Building Safety Act in the session BSA Enforcement in 2026: Accountability, Risk & Organisational Exposure.

Looking ahead, the company’s plans are anchored in the same proud heritage, forward thinking ambition and fierce independence that define it.

Richard said: “The business of running a law firm is changing rapidly, with continued consolidation across the market.

“We see firms merging or being taken over and others selling to private equity funds. I feel strongly that as an independent law firm, our focus on recruiting and retaining the best people and delivering excellent client service, means we are well placed to continue to evolve and thrive.

“I am excited about what the future holds and look forward to leading the firm into the next phase of its growth.”

We’ve been members for more than a decade now, it’s important to have those connections, to be able to attend meetings and events. To be part of that local community.

Cover Feature | Construction

To build or not to build… that is the question?

Ella Sandall - Head of Communications for Jenner Group, Governor of EKC Group & Co-Chair of KCFG

Given the open brief of …”you can write about anything you like”...I cast my mind back to consider all the topics I have covered in recent years…the prominent concerns of mental (ill) health, the pressing skills agenda, readdressing the gender imbalance, the rising importance of social value and generally assessing the current state-of-play within the construction industry. This year my thoughts immediately turn to ‘The Perfect Storm’ and no, before you hurriedly turn back to the front cover to check you are reading the right publication, I am certainly not referring to meteorological conditions and the unpredictable great British weather, I’m here to talk about construction.

Our industry has always been hard-hit during times of political and economic uncertainty and never more so than in our post-COVID world (and apologies I was genuinely hoping not to mention the dreaded ‘C’ word) and despite glimmers of hope it doesn’t look like things will ease anytime soon. In fact, if you combine all my above themes from recent years, added to a strained, recessing economy and political indecision and the evermoving goalposts of industry standards and bureaucracy and it actually becomes THE topic;covering the multitude of factors pressing upon a fragile, failure-prone industry. It is a precarious situation and somewhat daunting but still, we march on, just as we have always done. Whilst there is a relative degree of restored optimism and most people you speak to are seemingly incredibly busy bringing a multitude of promised future opportunities to fruition, this is somehow tempered by the continuation of concerns

over rising costs, regulation change and complexity, technological advancements that are hard to keep pace with and undoubtedly the pressing skills gap we are facing. And yet, demand on a weakened and unsupported industry continues to rise.

The irony is, we are continuously told we must build quicker, cheaper, more sustainably and to a better quality and yet we have to do so with less resources available to us alongside shifting socio-economic conditions that weakens property markets and inflates material and labour costs, and that’s before I even touch upon utilities. Essentially, how can we build more houses when we cannot even get the basic needs of water to much existing stock. It is a complete convergence of pressures and demands neatly wrapped up in utopian expectation, analogically ‘The Perfect Storm’ ravaging us without reprieve whilst blue skies and sunshine loom tantalisingly on the distant horizon. The construction sector is charting the rough seas with the harbour in sight (or should that be site) but with no way of reaching it. Or to put it in construction terminology its like building a house, where the designs keep changing but the deadline doesn’t extend or pouring stronger foundations during an earthquake or even carrying bricks up a scaffold that is already being taken down. Any excitement for the future is understandably stalled by caution.

Called upon as an industry to innovate, diversify, grow and all whilst nurturing young people, conducting our operations more sustainably and giving back to our surrounding communities, there is a lot to contend with. It’s a little like paddling uphill in the rapids trying not to fall overboard – it’s almost impossible. And, with a contractor’s margin so modest (and yes for all those thinking we sit in plush offices making handsome profits I can assure you at 1-3% we certainly do not) there are limited buoyancy aids to save us. Add to that the fact that the vast majority of a contractor’s profit margin is retained until 12 months later when any defects are rectified you could say we are actually paying to build our projects. Think about that for a moment. Ultimately it is hardly surprising that construction accounts for the highest level of insolvencies in any industry at 18%, meaning that 1 in 6 of all corporate insolvencies are derived from our sector with a shocking estimation that approximately 21,000 construction firms that were trading pre-pandemic are sadly no longer in existence. It is startling.

The volatility surrounding construction is hugely apparent, but it should not be this way given the fundamental importance of what we do and the critical role that we as a sector play in society and overall economic development. With every government manifesto promising to get Britain back building and deliver essential and affordable new homes we are yet to see this truly happen. Which leads me back to my original enquiry; to build or not to build? The answer is certainly that it is not even a question. It is a necessity that shapes how we live, work, learn and play and is essential to society. We are ultimately faced with a complex balancing act –moving forward is non-negotiable, we must, but we

need to do so very, very carefully whilst managing a multitude of challenges, risks and ambiguity that continues to hamper desired progress.

And yet (…because there is always a positive and I’m not here to therapeutically rant ) all of these factors have combined to create a sector that is impressively resilient, almost beyond belief for many outside of our industry. In fact, yes, we are indeed building quicker, more cost-effectively and to an exemplar quality whilst doing everything else that is asked of us in terms of regard for our environment and going above and beyond to support our communities through social value. I personally believe it is our superpower and the reason we are able to push forward and continue to deliver even when things get exceptionally tough owing to many factors beyond our control. It would seem apparent that not all superheroes wear capes…many wear a hard hat and a Hi-Viz jacket and continue to be present amidst the storm! And as an industry we are openly addressing the many pressures our people face on a daily basis and fundamentally provide our workforce with the support they need. Whilst the mental health statistics remain alarming, a great deal of change has thankfully happened to improve awareness, training and support. As a Mental Health First Aider myself I see things differently – we are openly addressing the crisis, and we are proactively putting measures in place to combat it. We are breaking down the stigma, we are asking for help (and thankfully it is now readily available) and that is most certainly a strength and not a weakness.

I, like many, am incredibly passionate about our industry and when I stand in front of an expanse of expectant young faces whilst delivering a careers talk, looking willingly at me for inspiration and guidance, I actively promote our industry with enormous pride and enthusiasm that is abundant within me and an undeniable truth in my words that the construction sector is one designed for the brave and the bold and is certainly beautiful with opportunity a plenty. When I think about the impact of the built form on our society I cannot help but smile. It changes so much about everyday life and even more so, it helps so many people. The strength we have as a construction community is something to behold and we are undoubtedly united in our unrelenting determination to succeed and to give back.

In conclusion, the construction industry ultimately stands at a pivotal moment and the strength we have amassed in overcoming the many hurdles placed before us will serve us well but a little more support at a higher level certainly wouldn’t go amiss. Persistent skills and labour shortages, economic uncertainty, and sustainability demands are creating significant challenges, but they are also driving innovation and transformation and continuing to make us stronger and more efficient. Businesses that successfully embrace this change and continue to invest in their people and their surrounding communities and who adapt to changing market demands and technologies are likely to be best positioned for survival and hopefully growth too.

Cover Feature | Construction

Delivering projects with social purpose – supporting education, community and the environment

GVE Commercial Solutions is a quantity surveying and commercial consultancy with a professional, friendly team of civil engineering, building and programming consultants. We have supported contractors and subcontractors in the South East and beyond for over 20 years.

Quantity surveyors and programmers have an essential role across the project lifecycle. Our consultants work alongside our contractor clients’ commercial team at every stage, from outset to completion.

We deliver project-specific contract training and risk-review contracts at the initial stage of a project. We provide experienced quantity surveyors and programmers throughout to help the project run smoothly (on time and within budget) and help avoid, manage and resolve disputes, where the need arises.

Our commitment to social value

As part of the construction supply chain we recognise our responsibility to contribute beyond project delivery. Social value is embedded into our business. We are aligned with the ESG needs of our contractor clients, communities and industry. GVE’s employees lead and deliver sustainable initiatives every year. Our ESG activities demonstrate our commitment to delivering construction projects with social purpose - supporting education, community and the environment.

Developing the next generation

We support the next generation of construction professionals by strengthening the connection between education and industry. Through our partnerships with local further education providers, we support college students on their chosen career pathway, providing an overview of the role of quantity surveyors and programmers and sharing live project experience.

This year, we have delivered NEC vs JCT sessions at MidKent College in Maidstone to further students’ understanding of construction contracts and the key differences between NEC and JCT contracts. We attend regular events at the college to share knowledge and industry insights with construction students and young professionals.

Supporting local economic growth

For more than 20 years, GVE has remained committed to supporting the local economy as a Kent-based employer. Around half of our team live within a five-mile radius of

More information on our emissions reporting and carbon reduction plan can be found at www.gvecs.co.uk

our Maidstone office helping create local employment opportunities and retain skills within the community.

GVE has also been recognised in 2026 for the second consecutive year by MegaGrowth 50 as one of Kent’s fastest-growing businesses. This recognition highlights the important contribution regional businesses make to the local economy and community.

Impact in the community

We contribute to community projects on the ground through our volunteering and fundraising initiatives. Our team regularly supports fundraising initiatives across Kent and the wider construction industry.

We are committed to giving our time to volunteering projects. GVE volunteers took part in Maidstone Borough Council’s 2025 autumn/winter planting days which took place across the town, supporting local biodiversity. Our green-fingered team planted 100 hedging plants, a mix of native species, in a local community park.

Our team also volunteered with homeless charity, Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter (MCWS) in January 2026, serving food and drinks for overnight guests. We also donated much-appreciated food supplies.

Championing youth talent

GVE sponsors the annual CIOB Emerging Talent Award in Kent which recognises exceptional construction professionals with limited industry experience. The award celebrates passion, determination and achievement in their role while helping to promote the next generation of talent within the industry.

Reducing emissions, saving energy

As part of our long-term sustainability strategy, GVE has completed a full assessment of our Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions and implemented a carbon reduction plan aligned with government Net Zero targets and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) guidance.

We have also introduced energy-saving measures at our Maidstone office, increased recycling and waste separation facilities and installed EV charging.

Avoiding the pitfalls of pay now, argue later in adjudication

George Crofton-Martin, Head of

Dispute

Resolution at Furley Page, takes a look at the pitfalls in ‘smash and grab’ adjudications.

In the construction business, cash flow is king. But the industry is unpredictable, and construction contracts often lead to payment

disputes. The Office for National Statistics data shows that the construction had the highest number of company insolvencies every year between 2015 and 2025.

A shocking statistic that won’t come as a surprise to many.

The Construction Act 1996 changed the structure of construction contracts, giving parties a right to stage payments, banning some conditional payment terms, and introducing adjudication (a process that provides a binding decision within twenty-eight days).

Works longer than forty-five days are subject to staged payments, but if parties cannot agree when payments are due, or if there is a problem with the contract, the Construction Act and the Scheme for Construction Contracts apply.

Unfortunately, the Act’s payment rules are frequently misunderstood. If incorrect notices are served, the notice rules can give one party an automatic right to payment, even where the amount claimed is higher than the true value of

the work. These ‘smash-and-grab’ adjudications made up 63% of adjudication claims over the past year.

Payment notices

If the paying party does not provide a payment notice within five days of the due date, the amount applied for becomes the ‘notified sum’. This means it must be paid in full by the final date for payment, with no deduction or set-off. If the paying party wants to pay less than the notified sum, it must serve a pay less notice and provide an explanation of how that amount has been calculated.

Failure to meet these deadlines results in the full amount being payable immediately. It does not matter if the work is incomplete, defective, or overvalued.

By understanding the details in your contract, the adjudication procedure and outcomes, you can avoid significant financial consequences. If you or your company are involved in a dispute, seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

Kent Construction EXPO returns this October

Produced by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Kent Construction EXPO returns to the Kent Event Centre, Detling, on Thursday 1 October, bringing together professionals from across the construction, property and built environment sectors for a day of networking, learning and business development.

The event welcomes contractors, developers, consultants, local authorities, housing providers, manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals from across Kent and the South East. With more than 200 exhibitors, over 20 conference sessions and a range of networking opportunities, it provides a platform to explore the latest products, share knowledge and build new business relationships.

The day begins with the Kent Construction Focus Group Networking Breakfast, delivered in partnership with the South East Consortium and Kent LSIP as Headline Skills & Workforce Partners. Bringing together more than 200 construction professionals, this year’s breakfast will focus on the skills, workforce and training

initiatives needed to support the future of the industry, while offering delegates the opportunity to make new connections before the exhibition opens.

Running throughout the day, the conference programme features practical sessions covering many of the issues shaping construction today, including AI in project management, winning work through frameworks and bid strategy, biodiversity net gain, building safety, sustainability, digital innovation and workforce development.

Meet the Buyer also returns, giving suppliers the opportunity to take part in pre-arranged one-to-one meetings with leading contractors, developers and procurement organisations. Confirmed participants include Hill Group, Skanska (Lower Thames Crossing), South East Consortium, Riglift UK Ltd, BMJV (Lower Thames Crossing) and JT Mackley & Co Ltd, with further organisations to be announced.

The exhibition itself will feature more than 200 companies showcasing products, services and

innovations from across the construction supply chain, giving visitors the opportunity to discover new solutions and connect with organisations from every corner of the industry.

The day concludes with a drinks reception and Gala Dinner. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal accompanied by live music from Ebonie G, performing in an intimate trio version of the acclaimed Black Bird Entertainment Band, before comedian James Dowdeswell takes to the stage as the evening’s headline act.

Whether you’re looking to keep up to date with industry developments, discover new suppliers, meet potential clients or strengthen existing relationships, Kent Construction EXPO brings the industry together for a full day of insight, collaboration and opportunity.

Registration for the exhibition and conference and Meet the Buyer is free. To find out more and secure your place, visit the event website.

KentConstructionEXPO.com

Cover Feature | Construction

Building Kent’s Future: Why Skills Hold the Key to Construction Growth

Few sectors have a bigger role to play in Kent’s economic future than construction. With ambitious housing targets, major infrastructure projects, town centre regeneration schemes and the growing demand for sustainable buildings, the county is poised for significant development over the coming years. Yet while opportunities are abundant, one challenge continues to overshadow the sector: skills.

From housebuilders and developers to specialist contractors and SMEs across the supply chain, businesses are grappling with a shortage of skilled workers at a time when demand is accelerating. The construction industry is not simply facing a recruitment issue; it is facing a workforce challenge that could ultimately determine how quickly homes, infrastructure and commercial developments can be delivered. Recent figures from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) underline the scale of the issue. Construction remains the sector experiencing the greatest recruitment difficulties in the UK, with 78 per cent of firms reporting challenges in finding suitable staff. At the same time, labour costs remain a significant pressure on businesses, while many firms are struggling to increase investment in workforce training.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has echoed these concerns in its latest Industry Picture report, warning that demand for construction skills is outpacing supply. The report highlights several interconnected challenges: too few people entering the sector, an ageing workforce, skilled workers leaving the industry prematurely and productivity levels that are not increasing quickly enough to compensate for workforce shortages.

CITB estimates that the industry will require around 41,200 additional workers every year to meet forecast demand and ensure planned projects can proceed. Without intervention, skills shortages risk delaying much-needed housing and infrastructure developments while driving up costs across the sector.

For Kent, these national trends have local implications. The county continues to see substantial investment in housing, transport, logistics and regeneration projects, all of which depend on a steady pipeline of skilled labour. Today’s skills shortages extend far beyond traditional construction trades.

While employers are still seeking bricklayers, electricians, carpenters, groundworkers and plant operators, they are also increasingly looking for expertise in areas such as:

• Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

• Digital construction technologies

• Building Information Modelling (BIM)

• Energy-efficient retrofit projects

• Low-carbon construction techniques

• Sustainable building design

• Site management and project leadership

As the construction sector responds to environmental targets and advances in building technology, employers are placing greater emphasis on adaptability and digital competence alongside traditional trade skills.

This creates both a challenge and an opportunity. Businesses that invest in workforce development, embrace new technologies and support continuous learning are likely to be better positioned to win contracts and remain competitive.

Recognising that workforce shortages could threaten national housebuilding and infrastructure ambitions, the Government has introduced significant support measures aimed at expanding the talent pipeline.

In March 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £600 million package designed to train up to 60,000 additional construction workers by 2029 as part of efforts to support the delivery of 1.5 million homes and wider infrastructure investment.

The package includes:

• £165 million to expand construction courses in colleges.

• £100 million to establish new Technical Excellence Colleges focused on high-demand sectors including construction.

• £100 million to expand Skills Bootcamps, helping both new entrants and existing workers develop industry-relevant skills.

• Funding for more than 40,000 industry placements annually.

• New construction foundation apprenticeships designed to create faster routes into the sector.

The Government has also created a Construction Skills Mission Board to bring together industry leaders and policymakers to develop a coordinated workforce strategy for the sector.

For developers, contractors and SMEs, these initiatives represent a significant opportunity to access training support and strengthen workforce planning.

Skills investment has been closely linked to the Government’s broader ambition to accelerate housing delivery and economic growth.

Alongside construction training initiatives, ministers have continued to pursue planning reforms designed to increase housebuilding and unlock development opportunities. These reforms support the Government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes during this Parliament, creating a substantial future pipeline for the industry.

For Kent, where housing demand remains high and regeneration projects continue to emerge, this means the need for skilled workers is only likely to increase.

The challenge facing employers is clear: the sector must build the workforce capacity needed to deliver future projects before the skills gap becomes an even greater constraint on growth.

Closer to home, construction has been identified as a priority sector within the Kent and Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which brings employers, educators and training providers together to address workforce needs and improve alignment between training provision and industry demand.

Kent employers have access to a growing network of support through apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, college partnerships and employer-led training initiatives. The emphasis is increasingly on ensuring that training reflects real business needs while creating clear pathways into employment.

Many forward-thinking firms are also widening their recruitment efforts by engaging with schools,

Cover Feature | Construction

supporting work experience placements, promoting apprenticeships and encouraging career changers to enter the sector.

While recruitment remains a headline issue, productivity is becoming an equally important consideration.

CITB’s latest analysis notes that current productivity improvements are not sufficient to offset workforce shortages. As a result, businesses will increasingly need to combine skills development with innovation, technology adoption and more efficient ways of working.

Digital tools, off-site manufacturing, automation and modern construction methods all have the potential to help firms do more with limited resources while improving project delivery and profitability.

For SMEs, investing in productivity may become just as important as recruiting additional workers.

Despite the challenges, the long-term outlook for construction remains positive. CITB forecasts growth across key sectors including infrastructure, public housing and private housing development throughout the remainder of the decade.

For Kent businesses, the opportunities are significant. However, unlocking them will depend on developing a skilled, adaptable and resilient workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.

The message from industry bodies, government and employers is increasingly aligned: solving the construction skills challenge will require collaboration, investment and a long-term commitment to workforce development.

If Kent is to build the homes, workplaces and infrastructure needed for future prosperity, it must first invest in the people who will make those projects possible.

In construction, the foundations of future growth are not made of concrete and steel alone – they are built on skills.

Count What Counts - Social Value Tracking

Every construction site manager knows the routine. The apprentice who started 12 months ago and is now leading a team. The decision to source scaffolding from the family firm two miles down the road. The deliveries rescheduled because a school is across the street. These are the daily decisions that define how a project sits in its community, and almost none of them get recorded.

Construction has always been better at building things than at proving what it’s built. And for most of the industry’s history, that was fine Social value was a conversation, not a contractual obligation. Today it isn’t.

“We work with contractors who are genuinely excellent at community engagement,” says Charlotte Barwell, Managing Director of Pre-Construction Project.

“They hire locally, they invest in apprenticeships, they take considerate construction seriously. But when a framework or a client asks for evidence, the site team is suddenly spending a fortnight piecing things together from memory, emails, messages and the back of someone’s site diary. It’s exhausting, and worse, it underrepresents what was actually delivered.”

How to apply reasonable adjustments on a construction site

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers have a clear legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled and neurodivergent people and those experiencing mental health or long-term health challenges.

However, applying the legislation on a construction site, where physical capability and mental focus are equally important can be especially challenging.

Lucy Little, founder of Invicta Strategic Consultants, provides bespoke training, consultation and coaching to help businesses move beyond compliance. Here, she shares practical tips specifically for construction businesses looking to build confident, compliant and more inclusive site cultures:

Design roles around ability, not job titles - allocate less physically demanding tasks where needed (such as snagging, measurements, documentation), rotate highimpact tasks, introduce buddy systems, or assign plant operation instead of labouring for workers with mobility limitations.

The stakes are real. Since January 2021, the Government’s Procurement Policy Note 06/20 has required Central Government departments to give social value a minimum 10 percent weighting in contract award decisions. Local authorities, housing associations and major frameworks have broadly followed, many applying the same floor or going further. They’re looking for verified evidence, not declarations of intent. The contractors who can demonstrate impact with structured data are winning tenders over those who cannot.

The shift doesn’t require a reinvention of how sites operate, it just requires a mindset change. Most of the data already exists: workforce records, supplier invoices, induction logs, site visit notes. What is missing is a consistent way to capture it as it happens, tie it to recognised measures like the National TOMs framework, and turn it into something a bid writer can actually use. Starting is simpler than most teams expect. A structured digital log of activities (local hires, training hours, community engagements) captured as live updates rather than reconstructed quarterly, is enough to change the picture entirely. Over the course of a 12-month project, that habit produces the kind of evidence base that used to take weeks to compile, available in hours.

Engineer out physical strain - Use lifting aids, anti-vibration tools for workers with joint or nerve issues, adjustable height platforms to reduce bending, kneeling and overhead strain, and improved lighting for the visually impaired - to reduce disadvantage and protect everyone from injury.

Adjust sequencing and schedules - Earlier starts, quieter working periods, task rotation, and micro-breaks can support workers with fatigue, musculoskeletal conditions, autism, or ADHD without affecting delivery. Small changes, big impact on welfare.

Improve communication on site - PPE, noise and pace all make communication harder. Visual task boards, written followups,‘toolbox talks’, radio headsets, and predictable routines reduce confusion and cognitive overload in noisy environments.

Remove hidden access barriers - Step-free access to welfare units, drying rooms and canteens, nearby accessible toilets, reserved parking, quiet spaces, and ergonomic seating can significantly improve recruitment, reputation, retention and wellbeing.

invictastrategic.co.uk

Building on Strong Foundations

Reflecting on Baxall’s past, celebrating its present and looking ahead to its future with Chairman Malcolm Clarke and Managing Director Stuart Hardie.

Malcolm - looking back over the last 30+ years as Baxall’s MD, what decision had the greatest positive impact on the company, and why?

MTC: Without question, moving Baxall to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2021 was the most significant decision of my tenure. When brothers Nigel and Jonathan Exall (sons of original founders John and Audrey Exall) retired, we took the opportunity to secure the future of the business in a way that protected everything that made Baxall special. The EOT protects our legacy, makes it much harder for the business to be sold to outside buyers and means all employees share in the value created in the future. It was a decision that aligned perfectly with our values and our long-term vision for the company.

What excites you about Baxall’s future under its new leadership?

MTC: That Baxall is entering the fourth phase of its journey from an exceptionally strong position. Phase one was established by John and Audrey, who built the foundations of the business and its values. The second phase saw Nigel, Jonathan and myself take the business forward, growing its reputation and capabilities. The third phase was our transition to employee ownership, which secured the company’s future and protected its independence. And now we’re entering Phase 4 with Stuart taking on the role of MD and me moving into the role of Chairman. Stuart’s approach gives me great confidence because it recognises the strength of the foundations already in place while continuing to move the business forward. We have a clear Vision 2030, a talented leadership team

and exciting opportunities to further develop our people, capabilities and position within the market.

In terms of the culture and people you’ve helped shape, what are you proudest of?

MTC: Seeing colleagues join the business early in their careers and grow into leadership positions has been incredibly rewarding. Initiatives such as the Baxall Academy and achieving Investors in People Platinum reflect how seriously we take development. Buildings are delivered by teams, but successful businesses are built by peopleand helping people realise their potential has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.

Where do you see Baxall in the next 5-10 years?

MTC: I believe Baxall will continue to build on the momentum created across each phase of its development. As this latest phase unfolds under Stuart’s leadership, I see Baxall becoming an even stronger solutions provider, with enhanced in-house design expertise and a broader range of services for clients. Vision 2030 sets out ambitious financial targets alongside aspirations to grow our directly

employed workforce and further embed the Baxall Playbook throughout the business. I believe we’ll continue to demonstrate that being an SME Tier One contractor is a strength rather than a limitation. With good people, good processes and the intelligent use of technology and AI, we can scale and compete in ways that weren’t possible in the past.

“Moving Baxall to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2021 was the most significant decision of my tenure.”

When people look back 20 years from now, what would you most like them to remember about this period in the company’s history?

MTC: As the period when Baxall successfully transitioned from a founder-led business into an employee-owned company while remaining true to its values and culture. We set out to be the best of the best, and I believe we achieved that ambition through the people we developed, the relationships we built and the reputation we earned. Over the years, Baxall has become known as a positive disruptor within the industry, challenging established ways of thinking, embracing innovation and proving that an independent SME can compete with the very best. If people look back and feel we protected the company’s legacy, created opportunities for others and left the business stronger than we found it, then I’d be very proud.

Stuart: What does your appointment to MD of Baxall mean to you personally?

SH: It’s a tremendous privilege and responsibility. I don’t see this role as simply taking over a position; I see it as carrying forward a legacy that’s been built over decades by the Exall family and Malcolm. One of the reasons I joined Baxall from a national contractor was because of its strong regional identity, family values and peoplefocused culture. Becoming MD is a proud moment personally but also about being a custodian of the culture and values that have made Baxall what it is today.

“Growth should never come at the expense of our values.”

How will you ensure Baxall continues to evolve while preserving its values?

SH: Growth should never come at the expense of our values. We have a strong reputation for putting people first, delivering quality and building long-term relationships - and those principles are non-negotiable. My approach is very much one of evolution rather than revolution; we’ll continue to innovate and improve, but we will do so while protecting the culture and behaviours that have made Baxall successful.

What are your priorities for the next 12 months? And your broader future vision for Baxall?

SH: In the short term, my priority is to ensure the business successfully navigates the current leadership transition while continuing to deliver against our turnover and margin targets. Looking further ahead, Baxall’s Vision 2030 sets out an ambitious but achievable roadmap for £80m turnover while strengthening our in-house capabilities and continuing our evolution as a solutions provider. However, growth is not an objective in its own right: we measure our success by staying true to our culture, delivering client satisfaction, quality and profitability. If we continue to achieve these things while growing sustainably then we will have succeeded.

What challenges will UK construction firms face in the coming years, and how is Baxall preparing for them?

SH: One of the biggest challenges is the continued pressure on pricing across the industry. Too often, organisations focus solely on lowest cost rather than best value, creating a race to the bottom that is unsustainable for the sector. Alongside this, firms are facing increasing sustainability requirements, skills shortages and rapid technological change.

At Baxall, we’re preparing by investing in our people, strengthening succession planning, embracing innovation and maintaining a very strong financial position. We’re debt-free, financially resilient and focused on sectors where we can add real value, putting us in a strong position to navigate future challenges.

“We’re beginning the next chapter of Baxall’s story from a position of real strength.”

What roles do digital technology and innovation play in your strategy?

SH: They’ll play a major role in our future success. The construction sector is changing rapidly and businesses that fail to innovate will be left behind. That includes embracing digital tools, new ways of working and emerging technologies such as AI. Innovation has long been part of Baxall’s DNA because we’re willing to challenge traditional approaches and seek better ways of delivering value.

What excites you most about the future of Baxall?

SH: That we’re beginning the next chapter of Baxall’s story from a position of real strength. We have the benefit of strong foundations established during the first three phases of the company’s evolution and are now entering Phase 4 with a talented team, a clear vision and exceptionally strong financial position. Most importantly, we have outstanding people throughout the business. When I look at the talent we have alongside the next generation coming through, I’m genuinely excited about what Baxall can achieve over the next decade.

Image above: L to R: Chairman Malcolm Clarke, Director Andy Huggins, Managing Director Stuart Hardie, Director Chris Tompsett.

Remediology 2.0

As Remediology enters an exciting new chapter, we are proud to introduce Remediology 2.0 —building on the strong foundations established over recent years while positioning the business for sustained growth, innovation and even greater client success.

A key part of this evolution is the appointment of Alastair McDermid as Managing Director. Alastair brings extensive leadership experience, commercial expertise and a clear vision for the future, ensuring that Remediology continues to deliver the high standards of technical excellence, quality and customer service that have become synonymous with the business. His appointment represents a natural progression in the company’s development and reinforces our commitment to investing in long-term capability.

At the same time, Ricky Hemmings, who has led Remediology from its inception and established it as one of the South East’s leading soil

stabilisation specialists, is moving into a dedicated Business Development role. This transition allows Ricky to focus on what he does best—developing client relationships, identifying new opportunities and championing innovative engineering solutions that help clients reduce programme times, lower costs and improve sustainability.

Under Ricky’s leadership, Remediology has grown from a specialist contractor into a trusted delivery partner for developers, principal contractors, consultants and public sector organisations. The company has successfully delivered projects ranging from residential developments and commercial infrastructure to highways, industrial platforms and complex brownfield regeneration schemes.

Along the way, Remediology has earned a reputation for technical expertise in lime and cement stabilisation, engineered fill solutions and sustainable soil reuse, consistently helping clients divert material from landfill while reducing imported aggregate and embodied carbon.

Today, Remediology’s experienced delivery teams, investment in modern plant and equipment via parent Keaveney Group, and unwavering focus on quality assurance provide clients with confidence that projects will be delivered safely, efficiently and in full compliance with current industry standards.

Looking ahead, Remediology 2.0 will continue to invest in innovation, digital technology, drone surveying, quality management and sustainable construction techniques. The company is expanding its capabilities to provide increasingly integrated ground improvement solutions while maintaining the collaborative approach that has been central to its success.

Our vision remains simple: to be recognised as the contractor of choice for sustainable ground engineering solutions by combining technical excellence, commercial understanding and exceptional customer service.

With Alastair leading the business, Ricky driving strategic growth, and

an experienced team committed to delivering outstanding results, Remediology is perfectly positioned for its next phase of success. We look forward to working with existing and new clients as we continue to deliver innovative, compliant and cost-effective solutions for the construction industry across the South East and beyond. www.remediology.com

Funding development projects: choosing the right structure in a challenging market

By Marsha Marriner, Director in Commercial Real Estate Team

Funding a development project has always required careful thought, but in today’s climate the stakes feel higher than ever. Planning delays, rising build costs and increasing contractor and material prices mean looking beyond traditional funding routes.

While the market now offers a wide range of funding structures, the challenge is identifying which best suits your project, risk appetite and exit strategy.

So, what are the options? Let’s look at a typical mixed use redevelopment.

Imagine you’ve acquired a multi let commercial estate comprising several industrial units generating strong rental income. You later secure planning permission for a mixed use redevelopment including residential apartments and retail warehouse units.

It’s an attractive opportunity. Existing rental income provides holding income while planning is progressed, and the scheme offers significant development potential. With planning secured, the key question becomes: how should the development be funded?

There’s no single answer. The appropriate structure depends on factors such as experience, available equity, timescales, risk appetite and exit strategy.

The main funding options

Developers today have access to a broad mix of funding routes, including:

• Senior development finance

• Bridging finance

• Joint venture (JV) funding

• Mezzanine finance

• Stretch senior lending

• Private investor funding

• Forward funding or forward sale arrangements Many schemes use a blend of these rather than relying on a single source.

Senior Development Finance

Senior development finance is often the most cost effective option. A lender may fund acquisition costs (if applicable), development costs, professional fees and interest roll up.

For a mixed use scheme, lenders will assess planning consent, gross development value (GDV), construction costs, developer track record and proposed exit strategy.

In this case study, the existing rental income is a particular advantage.

It demonstrates asset performance and can give lenders confidence during the early stages.

Points to consider:

• A developer equity contribution is usually required.

• Detailed monitoring and reporting obligations apply.

• Drawdowns are typically staged against construction progress.

• Cost overruns remain a significant risk.

Bridging Finance

Bridging finance is useful when speed is essential, for example, acquiring the estate before planning is secured. Once consent is obtained, the bridge is typically refinanced with a development loan.

Points to consider:

• Bridging finance is more expensive.

• Clear exit strategy is vital.

• Planning risk remains with the developer.

• Delays can significantly increase costs. It can be a powerful tool, but is rarely a long term solution.

Mezzanine Finance

Mezzanine finance sits between senior debt and developer equity. It is often used when a developer has a strong scheme but insufficient cash to meet the equity contribution required by a senior lender.

Points to consider:

• More expensive than senior debt.

• Providers expect higher returns due to risk.

• Inter creditor agreements add complexity.

• Excessive reliance can erode profit margins.

Could a Joint Venture remove the need for borrowing?

Potentially, yes. In a JV, an investor provides capital while the developer contributes expertise and project management. This can unlock schemes where land values or build costs are high, or where developers want to preserve liquidity.

Points to consider:

• Profits are shared.

• Decision making authority must be defined.

• Exit provisions require careful drafting.

• Objectives must align.

Robust legal documentation is essential to avoid disputes.

Stretch Senior Finance

Stretch senior funding bridges the gap between senior debt and mezzanine finance. Instead of lending 60–65% of costs, a stretch senior lender may advance a higher percentage, reducing the need for mezzanine borrowing.

Points to consider:

• Pricing reflects increased risk.

• Lending criteria may be stricter.

• Scheme viability remains a key consideration.

• Developers should compare total costs across options.

Forward Funding

Forward funding is particularly relevant when part of the completed scheme will be retained as an investment. An institution or investor agrees to acquire the completed development and may fund construction costs during the build.

In our case study, the retail warehouse element may appeal to an income focused investor.

Points to consider:

• Specifications are fixed in advance.

• Flexibility during construction may be limited.

• Legal agreements are detailed.

• Investor requirements can influence design and programme.

Choosing The Right Structure

The cheapest option is not always the best. Developers should assess equity levels, planning status, construction risk, timescales, cashflow needs, exit strategy, market conditions and lender reporting obligations.

Securing the right funding package at the outset can be the difference between a successful development and a stalled scheme. Early engagement with advisers, funders and consultants is essential to ensure the chosen structure aligns with the project’s objectives and risk profile.

The Whitehead Monckton Real Estate team has extensive experience in advising on development projects of all sizes, from site acquisition and funding through to development, disposal and investment structuring. Whether you are exploring a mixed-use redevelopment, seeking funding solutions or bringing a complex scheme forward, our specialists provide practical, commercially focused advice at every stage.

Recruitment gave me an opportunity at

16 – I want

to do the same for others

Danielle Cassidy recently joined 24-7 Employment Services as the new Chief Executive Officer. She tells Sarah Dale about her career path, why she is passionate about supporting young people through apprenticeships, and her vision for the business under her leadership.

What has been your career path?

I often joke that I accidentally fell into recruitment. I joined the industry as a 16-year-old Youth Trainee (what we’d now call an apprentice) after deciding performing arts wasn’t the career for me. At the time I had no idea what recruitment involved, but within weeks I was coordinating around 60 temporary workers across multiple shifts, organising transport, client visits and keeping everything moving.

Within a year I’d built my own client portfolio through business development, supplying around 150 temporary workers each day across 20 businesses. That was when I realised recruitment isn’t really about filling jobs; it’s about solving problems.

Over the next 26 years I progressed through Branch Manager, Compliance Manager, Regional Director and eventually into the Senior Leadership Team of a £90 million recruitment business following its acquisition.

In January 2026 I made what many people saw as a brave move, leaving the only company I’d ever worked for to become CEO of 24-7 Employment Services.

Looking back, I don’t think I’ve simply built a career in recruitment. I’ve built a career helping businesses grow and helping people change their lives through work. That’s still the part of the job I enjoy most. Along the way I’ve gained industry qualifications, spoken at conferences, won awards and, most recently, was elected to the Association of Labour Providers Council, where I’m proud to contribute to conversations helping to shape the future of labour provision.

What does 24-7 Employment Services do?

24-7 Employment Services is an independent recruitment business based in Gravesend, supporting employers across Kent, Essex and parts of London.

We’ve built our reputation within industrial recruitment, specialising in manufacturing, FMCG, packaging, production, logistics and fresh produce. For many years our focus has been temporary recruitment, helping businesses respond to seasonal demand, skills shortages and changing production requirements.

This year we’re expanding our permanent recruitment division.

That isn’t because permanent recruitment is something new - it’s because the market has changed. Rising employment costs, new legislation and ongoing skills shortages mean businesses increasingly need specialist recruitment partners who understand their industry, not simply recruiters who advertise vacancies.

After more than two decades in this market, I know where the talent is, what encourages people to move and, just as importantly, what doesn’t.

We’re a team of six, each with our own specialist expertise, but because we’re a smaller business, we’re agile, collaborative and able to offer clients a genuinely personal service.

What would you like to implement at the company as the new CEO? What is your vision for 2026 and beyond?

Our biggest development this year is the launch of our permanent recruitment division, but we’re growing in a way that plays to our strengths rather than trying to become something we’re not.

When I joined, the business hadn’t secured a permanent placement for over six months. Within 10 weeks we’d taken on 11 permanent vacancies and achieved a 50 per cent fill rate before we’d even officially launched the service.

That tells me employers are looking for recruitment partners who genuinely understand their sector.

We’re not interested in becoming the biggest agency. We’d rather become the agency businesses trust to find the right person. Alongside that, we’ll continue investing in our temporary recruitment offering, which remains the backbone of our business.

One initiative I’m particularly proud of is launching our apprenticeship programme.

Recruitment gave me my own opportunity at 16, so it feels right to offer others that same chance.

Over the years I’ve trained dozens of people who have gone on to become recruiters, HR professionals, managers, business owners and successful professionals in completely different industries. Sometimes all someone needs is an opportunity.

As we grow, I also want 24-7 to remain a genuinely flexible employer. Great people don’t always fit into traditional working patterns, and employers who recognise that will always have access to a wider talent pool.

Tell us more about your expansion plans.

Growth isn’t about opening offices all over the country or trying to recruit for every industry. It’s about becoming the recruitment partner of choice for industrial employers across Kent and the South East.

We’ll continue strengthening our permanent recruitment division alongside our established

temporary business, invest in developing our people and embrace technology where it improves efficiency – without losing the personal service we’re known for.

I’d much rather grow sustainably than grow quickly.

What are the key challenges in both recruitment and the FMCG and industrial sectors?

If I had to describe the current employment market in one sentence, I’d say businesses are facing a perfect storm.

Employer confidence has fallen, operating costs continue to rise, legislation is changing and global uncertainty is affecting supply chains across almost every sector.

Annual increases to the National Minimum Wage are important for workers, but they also create real challenges for employers. Businesses are reviewing staffing structures, investing in automation and looking for more efficient ways of operating simply to remain competitive.

The Employment Rights Bill changes add another layer of complexity. My advice to employers is simple – don’t wait until the legislation arrives. Start understanding what it means now.

Many people also underestimate how global events affect local employers. Fuel prices, fertiliser, raw materials and transport costs all have a direct impact on manufacturing, food production and logistics here in Kent.

People often ask whether AI will replace recruiters. I don’t believe it will.

We already use AI to improve efficiency, but recruitment has always been – and will remain – a people business. Technology can support decision-making, but it can’t replace relationships, trust or experience.

One challenge I don’t think gets enough attention is pay compression. In many industrial businesses the gap between entry-level roles and supervisory positions has narrowed so much that employees understandably question whether the extra responsibility is worth it.

The positive news is that initiatives such as the new Youth Grant Scheme are beginning to

encourage employers to invest in recruitment and training, creating opportunities for both businesses and job seekers.

When and why did you become a Chamber member?

I’ve been a Chamber member previously, so joining again after moving to 24-7 felt like a natural decision.

People often assume recruitment is all about selling. For me, it’s much more about listening. The better I understand what’s happening in our local economy, the better I can advise clients, support candidates and make strategic decisions for our own business.

The Chamber gives me access to conversations I’d never have otherwise. Whether it’s manufacturing, hospitality, logistics or professional services, every sector offers valuable insight into what’s happening across the wider economy.

Some of my most useful conversations haven’t been with potential clients at all - they’ve simply been business owners sharing the challenges they’re facing. That’s incredibly valuable.

What are the key benefits of being a Chamber member?

For me, the biggest benefit is knowledge.

Of course, Chamber membership creates opportunities to network and generate business, but I think its greatest value is bringing together people who genuinely want to share ideas and support one another.

Every event gives you the chance to hear what other employers are experiencing, understand emerging trends and build relationships with people you might never otherwise meet.

Business can sometimes feel surprisingly small. More often than not, somebody in the room knows exactly the person you need to speak to.

The events themselves are also excellent. They’re held in some fascinating venues and give you the chance to see behind the scenes of businesses you might otherwise never visit.

We recently visited the Hornby site in Margate and, I’ll admit, the geek in me absolutely loved it.

Building high performance without paying the price

After 28 years as a lawyer, Jacqui Sansom launched her Kent-based business in 2026 with a simple mission: to help business owners, directors and professionals achieve high performance without sacrificing their health.

She combines neuroscience, executive coaching and trauma-informed approaches to help people recognise the hidden cost of chronic stress before it becomes burnout.

Construction is an industry built on resilience, problem-solving and getting the job done. Tight deadlines, rising costs, labour shortages and constant pressure mean many leaders spend years operating in survival mode without realising the impact it is having on their health, judgement and performance.

“I call this the Performance Tax, the hidden cost of sustained success,” she says.

“It doesn’t appear overnight. It accumulates through long hours, relentless responsibility and insufficient recovery, often revealing itself only when relationships suffer, health declines or burnout takes hold.

“The good news is that burnout is not inevitable. The earlier we recognise the warning signs, the easier it is to protect both people and performance.

“To support this, I developed the B.E.S.T. Performance Assessment, a neuroscience-informed assessment that helps individuals identify their unique stress patterns, understand how they perform under pressure and take practical steps to build sustainable resilience.

“In an industry where your people are your greatest asset, investing in wellbeing is no longer simply the right thing to do, it is a commercial advantage. Healthy leaders build healthier businesses.”

www.jacquisansom.com

Puretone celebrates 50th anniversary

Fifty years ago, a simple idea took shape, that hearing care could be delivered with greater care, integrity and purpose. What began in 1976, repairing hearing aids from home, has grown into something far greater than a business.

From the early days in Tonbridge, Kent, Puretone was built on family values and a belief that customers should never feel like customers but part of something more. That belief still guides the team today.

Over the past five decades, hearing care has evolved, technology has advanced, and expectations have changed. And through it all, Puretone has remained focused on supporting the people behind the profession, including the audiologists, specialists, clinicians and the patients whose lives are improved every day.

From hearing aids to protection, tinnitus solutions, IEM for musicians, aviation to communication systems, Puretone

has spent 50 years expanding in hearing care.

Baz Choudry said: “As Managing Director, I’m proud to see the third generation of our family becoming involved in the business, with my daughter, Layla Choudhry, and son, Dani Choudhry, helping to drive our vision and shape the company’s future.

“We’ve been honoured along the way. Recognised for export, for innovation, for service. But what matters most isn’t the awards. It’s the relationships we’ve built. The

trust we’ve earned. The people who have chosen to grow with us.

“Because progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through partnerships. Through trust. Through the shared belief that better hearing leads to better living.

“This anniversary isn’t just about looking back. It’s about recognising the journey and the people who made it possible. The team, past and present, the partners who believe in us, and the customers who trust us.”

puretone.net

Founding President of Nixon Hire honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Nixon Hire is celebrating a successful 2026 so far.

Founding President, John Nixon was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence at this year’s Hire Association Europe Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates John’s outstanding contribution to the hire and rental industry and marks an extraordinary journey that began in 1967 when he founded Nixon Hire.

The business has launched Pulse, Nixon Hire’s new customer portal, which brings together all account and site performance data in one simple, effortless, easyto-use view. Through this intuitive customer portal, users can monitor renewable energy performance, view products on hire, access key account information and more!

Nixon Hire has also won the Award for ‘Digital Solution for Rental’ at the 2026 European Rental Awards, in recognition of the Renewable Energy Hub which was introduced in 2025 and fundamentally changed how temporary site solutions are delivered and managed.

Nixon Hire was recently awarded RoSPA Gold in the Fleet Safety category for 2025, Gold Membership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and was named an Avetta 2025 ESG Innovator – all recognising Nixon Hire’s ongoing commitment to environmental, social and governance excellence. nixonhire.co.uk

Garden rooms boom triggers rising legal disputes

As garden rooms continue to surge in popularity, disputes over construction quality, delays and payment are increasingly ending up in court.

Thackray Williams’ construction litigation specialist, Mustafa Sidki, highlights the key issues for manufacturers and contractors –and explains how businesses can protect themselves.

The rise in garden room projects has created opportunities for suppliers, manufacturers and installers, but it has also increased exposure to legal risk. Many disputes stem from unclear paperwork, poor expectation management or uncertainty over who the customer is actually contracting with. Businesses should ensure contracts clearly identify the correct legal entity and confirm the customer has the right to install the structure on the property.

Most domestic garden room contracts will fall under the Consumer Rights Act 2015,

which requires goods and services to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, as described, and completed within a reasonable time. Defects such as inadequate foundations, poor workmanship or deviations from agreed specifications should be addressed promptly, with businesses usually given a reasonable opportunity to repair or replace.

Problems can be more complex where structures are bespoke or use natural materials. Minor movement, knotting or surface imperfections may not amount to defects, but customers should be told what tolerances to expect. Payment terms, access requirements, snagging processes and remedies should all be clearly documented.

In a fast-growing market, robust contracts, clear communication and adequate insurance remain the best protection against disputes escalating into costly claims.

thackraywilliams.com

Retainagroup launches online shop for theft-prevention vehicle marking solutions

Retainagroup has launched its PartMark brand, allowing businesses to purchase professional grade, multi-level protection, glass, metal and UV vehicle security marking products directly via its online shop.

Retainagroup’s vehicle marking solutions are easy to apply, requiring no specialist training or equipment and have globally protected millions of vehicles since 1982. They are designed to deter theft of vehicles and their parts, making them harder to sell on illegally and more likely to be recovered if stolen.

Every Retainagroup marking carries its own unique identification number, which is recorded on Retainagroup’s International Security Register (ISR), creating a permanent ownership record linked to the marked vehicle or component. It’s quick and simple to

Building Solid Foundations: Why Shareholder Agreements are Important

Starting a business is an exciting step, often built on trust, shared ambition and a clear vision for the future. As a company grows, so do the complexities, risks and decisions that shape it. Even the strongest business relationships can face unexpected challenges - from a shareholder wanting to exit, to disagreements over strategy, investment or ownership.

A shareholders’ agreement is a legally binding contract that sets out how a company is run and how key decisions are made. Far from signalling mistrust, it provides a practical framework ensuring everyone understands their rights and responsibilities. Think of it as a business prenup: nobody expects difficulties, but having clear rules in place prevents minor disagreements from escalating into costly disputes.

register and check a marked part – both can be completed via their website in real time. Should a marked asset be recovered, the unique identification code can be referenced against the ISR to help verify ownership.

Products available include self-etch UV marking for parts, metal marking for catalytic convertors and glass marking for vehicle’s windows.

The vehicle part marking products feature a sophisticated dual-layer system; the first layer provides an immediate and highly visible deterrent. Beneath the visible marking is a second, covert UV-identifiable layer. If someone attempts to damage or remove the visible marking, the hidden identification remains detectable using UV light, so proof of ownership and verification are still possible.

retainagroup.com

Without clear agreements, common situations can quickly become problematic - such as a shareholder wishing to sell their shares to someone the others have never met, disputes over reinvesting profits versus taking dividends, or a majority shareholder issuing new shares and diluting minority interests. A well-drafted agreement addresses these scenarios in advance.

Shareholder agreements also allow businesses to tailor governance structures, control share transfers, and protect both majority and minority interests through provisions such as pre-emption rights and drag-along and tag-along clauses. Importantly, unlike a company’s articles of association, a shareholders’ agreement is private - it doesn’t need to be filed at Companies House.

Ultimately, a shareholders’ agreement is an investment in stability. To find out how a tailored agreement can support your company, speak to Bridgers Law for expert legal guidance.

Future-Proof your Workforce through Modern Work Experience

As a Chamber of Commerce member, you understand that strong local economies depend on strong local talent.

But what if supporting future skills could also strengthen your business networks, raise your profile, and help develop the workforce of tomorrow?

Take Action Today

Transforming Work Experience for a Changing Economy

In today’s rapidly evolving economy, businesses face growing challenges including skills shortages, recruitment pressures, an ageing workforce and accelerating technological change. The Kent & Medway Careers Hub is helping address these challenges by connecting employers with schools and colleges, building meaningful partnerships that inspire young people and develop future talent pipelines.

This year, the Careers Hub has been working with education institutions and local employers to pilot an ambitious Modern Work Experience programme, reimagining how young people engage with the world of work.

Reaching over 650 learners from 14 institutions and engaging more than 85 employers, the pilot demonstrates how flexible, employer-led experiences can create meaningful opportunities for young people whilst delivering value for businesses.

Modern Work Experience: Designed for Every Business

A common misconception is that work experience requires a one or two-week placement and significant capacity. Modern Work Experience challenges this thinking. Whether you are a small business, large employer, rural organisation or town-centre enterprise, Modern Work Experience can be designed around your size, capacity and location.

The approach brings together multiple flexible and engaging activities, including:

• Employer-led projects

• Workplace skills workshops

• Work shadowing opportunities

• Half-day group site visits

• School-based employer encounters

• Hybrid and virtual experiences

• Longer-term placements where appropriate

This flexible model enables employers and educators to co-create experiences that are practical, sustainable and impactful, strengthening local collaboration between education and business communities.

Building Skills, Aspirations and Confidence

At the heart of the programme is a shift away from traditional one-size-fits-all placements towards a broader, skills-focused and inclusive approach.

Early engagement with young people has proven particularly effective. Through interactive employer-led sessions, students explored a range of industries while developing communication, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Feedback showed these experiences increased awareness of career pathways and helped learners connect classroom learning to future employment.

One North Kent school hosted an immersive careers event involving over 180 Year 7 students and nine employers. Through rotational workshops and handson activities, students engaged directly with employers, asked thoughtful questions and gained valuable insight into different sectors.

Creating Inclusive Opportunities

Inclusion has been central to the pilot’s success.

SEND-focused delivery and innovative activities, including reverse interviews with employers, enabled young people to participate fully while improving confidence, workplace understanding and awareness of career options.

Importantly, employers also reported increased confidence in creating inclusive opportunities, helping to build a stronger and more accessible local talent ecosystem.

Employers as Co-Creators

Employer engagement has been a defining feature of the programme. With a growing Employer Network Forum of nearly 100 members, businesses have played an active role in shaping and delivering experiences rather than simply hosting them. Many employers have committed to ongoing workshops, skills sessions, mentoring and work experience activities, demonstrating the long-term sustainability of this collaborative approach.

Join the Movement

The impact is clear. Modern Work Experience is expanding access, increasing learner confidence and creating stronger connections between employers and education.

Most importantly, it shows that meaningful employer engagement can be achieved by any organisation, regardless of size or resource, through creative and flexible approaches that benefit young people, businesses and local communities alike.

To find out more or join our Employer Network Forum, scan the QR code or email Charlie.Steggles@theeducationpeople.org Together, we can help shape the future workforce while strengthening local business partnerships today.

Kent & Medway LSIP 2026–2029 published: Building the Skills to Drive Growth

Businesses across Kent and Medway are facing a rapidly changing skills landscape. Recruitment challenges, workforce shortages, technological change and the transition to a greener economy are creating new pressures across many sectors. At the same time, employers need access to the talent and training required to remain productive, competitive and resilient.

To help address these challenges, the new Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029 has now been published. Developed by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce as the designated Employer Representative Body, funded by UK Government and supported by Skills England and the Department for Work & Pensions, the plan reflects the views of employers from across the region and sets out the skills priorities that will help shape the future workforce over the next three years. It provides a clear employer-led framework for aligning education and training provision with the needs of the local economy.

Building on Strong Foundations

The new LSIP builds on the progress made since the publication of the first Kent & Medway LSIP in 2023, and the Trailblazer in 2022. Over the past four years, employers, providers, local authorities and strategic partners have worked together to strengthen employer engagement, develop training opportunities and improve alignment between skills provision and labour market demand.

The 2026–2029 LSIP supersedes the previous plan, reflecting the changing needs of employers, advancements in technology and shifts in the wider economic landscape. While many of the challenges identified in 2023 remain relevant, the new plan builds on the positive progress already made and provides a renewed framework for action, ensuring Kent and Medway continues to develop the skills and talent needed to support future growth.

An Employer-Led Plan

At the heart of the LSIP is a simple principle: employers are best placed to identify the workforce challenges facing their sectors.

Through extensive engagement with businesses, employers highlighted concerns around recruitment difficulties, skills shortages, changing technology, leadership and management capability, an ageing workforce and increasing sustainability requirements. These challenges are impacting

organisations of all sizes and across a wide range of industries.

The plan identifies six priority sectors where workforce challenges and opportunities are particularly significant:

• Adult Social Care

• Construction and the Built Environment

• Creative Industries

• Fresh Food, Horticulture, Agriculture and Viticulture

• Manufacturing and Engineering

• Tourism and the Visitor Economy

The LSIP also recognises the strategic importance of Ports, Transport and Logistics and Health and Life Sciences, which will continue to be monitored as emerging growth areas.

Skills Challenges Shared Across the Economy

While every sector has its own workforce needs, employers consistently highlighted several themes that cut across the economy.

These include the need for stronger employability and workplace skills, improved digital and AI capability, greater understanding of net zero and sustainability, increased capacity within the further education workforce and better engagement with SMEs, which make up the vast majority of businesses across Kent and Medway.

Addressing these challenges will be critical if the region is to build a workforce capable of supporting future economic growth.

Turning Priorities into Action

The LSIP is more than a statement of challenges. It sets out practical actions that employers, education providers, local authorities and strategic partners can take together to strengthen the local skills system.

These actions include improving entry routes into key sectors, increasing employer involvement in

Businesses interested in getting involved in future LSIP activity can contact the team at lsip@kentinvictachamber.co.uk View the new plan & annexes here

curriculum development, embedding employability skills, expanding opportunities for upskilling and progression, and ensuring digital and sustainability skills are integrated throughout education and training provision.

Partnership working remains central to delivery. The success of the LSIP will depend on continued collaboration between employers, education providers and wider stakeholders to ensure the skills system responds effectively to the needs of the economy.

A Shared Vision for Kent and Medway

The LSIP aligns closely with wider local and national priorities, supporting economic growth, productivity, workforce participation and opportunity. It provides a shared framework for organisations across Kent and Medway to work together towards a more responsive, agile and employer-led skills system.

Tudor Price, CEO of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our economy is changing rapidly, and employers need a skills system that can keep pace. This new LSIP provides a clear direction for Kent and Medway, helping to ensure businesses can access the talent they need to grow, innovate and compete. It builds on the strong progress already made since 2023 and sets out a shared vision for developing the workforce that will drive our region’s future success.”

The publication of the LSIP marks an important milestone and the start of the next phase of delivery. Building on the foundations established through the first LSIP, employers will continue to play a central role in shaping skills priorities, helping ensure training provision remains relevant, responsive and aligned to the needs of Kent and Medway’s economy.

Managing Risk, Building Confidence

In today’s construction market, success is no longer defined by winning contracts and delivering projects on time. The industry is navigating workforce pressures, supply chain disruption, contractual complexity, inflationary pressures, and increasing regulatory scrutiny. Against this backdrop, the focus must become one critical objective: resilience.

Resilience is not just limited to health and safety management or financial planning. It extends to understanding risk across every aspect of your business, and part of this means ensuring robust and effective insurance programmes. We see many contractors relying on generic insurance arrangements that don’t reflect the realities of their day to day. Standard policy wordings, outdated limits and onerous exclusions can create significant gaps in protection and leave your business exposed.

The question is not whether insurance is necessary - it is whether your current programme is actively supporting your business.

Beyond Site Safety

We have seen leading construction firms take a much broader view of risk than they did just a few years ago. Focus goes beyond site safety and into workforce retention, the adoption of new technology, data utilisation, and contractual risk management. There is more investment of time and resources to understand where exposure exists, before those exposures become claims.

Insurance should be viewed in the same way as project planning or health and safety management: a regular review process that evolves alongside your business. As your business grows, diversifies and takes on new responsibilities, your insurance programme must do the same. This approach is particularly important given the increasing transfer of liability throughout the construction supply chain.

Hidden Risks

A common risk facing construction businesses today stems from contract agreements. Before accepting contractual obligations, it is important to fully understand the insurance implications. Without full understanding, you are potentially assuming liabilities that extend beyond the intended scope of work.

Professional risks are also becoming increasingly significant. If your business is becoming more involved in design, project management, and consultancy-related activities, it can inadvertently create exposures that are not adequately addressed by insurance. Discussion and engagement with your broker to identify these risks and ensure adequacy of your cover can give a level of comfort when your responsibility on site increases.

Edward Hill

Ask The Experts

Dominic and Edward are Account Executives for Everywhen Kent, working with contractors of varying sizes across the UK. Between them they have decades of experience in tailoring programmes to suit each business, giving our clients comfort that they are protected and providing invaluable advice and support.

Q: How has the construction insurance market evolved?

Insurers are placing greater emphasis on risk quality and governance than ever before. While claims experience remains important, insurers now assess broader operational controls, management practices, and overall business resilience. Proactive engagement with your broker and the demonstration of strong controls can help in securing better outcomes.

Q: What can contractors expect from the insurance market over the next 12 months?

The market is generally more competitive than it has been in recent years. Businesses with strong risk management processes and favourable claims histories are often benefiting from increased insurer appetite. However, contractors operating in higher-risk sectors or those unable to clearly demonstrate their management controls may continue to face challenging renewal discussions.

Q: What separates businesses achieving favourable renewal terms from those that are not?

Preparation! Treat your renewal as a strategic exercise rather than just a transaction. Provide high-quality information and clearly demonstrate how you manage operational, contractual, and health and safety risks. This creates confidence among insurers and encourages competition, which ultimately leads to a better renewal outcome for your business.

Q: What information do insurers want to see?

Insurers increasingly seek evidence rather than promises. They want to understand the competency of your workforce, training records, risk management, business continuity planning, subcontractor controls, and the lessons learned from past incidents. Demonstrating measurable improvements and continuous development can significantly influence insurer perception.

Q: How can I get the best outcome for my business at renewal?

One of the most valuable actions you can take is to start early. The best outcomes are rarely achieved through last-minute negotiations.

Beginning the renewal process in advance creates time to review programme structure, address potential concerns, gather supporting information, and engage effectively with insurers. Regular discussions with your broker throughout the year around claims performance and business changes are also beneficial.

Your insurance is an asset

Construction remains one of the most dynamic industries in the UK, but it also faces a complex and evolving risk landscape. In this environment, insurance should not be treated as a compliance requirement or annual procurement exercise – it is a strategic tool that supports growth, protects capital, and strengthens resilience.

Does your current insurance programme truly reflect your risk? The Everywhen insurance health check is designed to identify strengths, uncover gaps, and explore opportunities to enhance protection.

With specialist construction expertise and strong insurer relationships, our focus is simple: helping you build with confidence today whilst protecting your future tomorrow. Contact us for a discreet, no obligation review.

For further information visit: https://www.everywhen.co.uk/locations/ tonbridge

Dominic Bonynge

Professional risks are also becoming increasingly significant. If your business is becoming more involved in design, project management, and consultancyrelated activities, it can inadvertently create exposures that are not adequately addressed by insurance. ❜❜

New era as UK-India trade deal begins

Consumers can now enjoy cheaper, quicker and easier access to the best of British and Indian products and services across both countries now the UK-India trade deal has now entered into force.

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) –formally known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) – is one of the biggest trade deals of modern times.

UK and India total trade – worth £48 billion in 2025

– is set for an immediate boost since the UK-India trade deal entered into force on 15 July 2026.

From now on, 99 per cent of Indian goods entering the UK and 90 per cent of UK goods entering India will either be duty free or reduced in tariffs. It will benefit a wide range of sectors on both sides including automotive, manufacturing, consumer goods, creative industries, and medical technology.

Long-term, the deal is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, Indian GDP by £5.1 billion, and UK GDP by £4.8 billion every year.

Alongside the CETA, the UK and India have negotiated a reciprocal Double Contributions Convention (DCC), which will support business and trade by ensuring that employees moving between the UK and India, and their employers, only pay social security contributions in one country at a time for up to five years. These arrangements are standard internationally and the UK already has agreements with a range of other partners, including Japan, South Korea and the US.

Steve Lynch MBE, Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It has been a tough few years for UK traders but there is a real buzz among businesses about this deal entering into force. It is a genuinely exciting milestone.

“Trade between our countries is already substantial, and we now have a real opportunity to build further momentum. It is an important new chapter that can bring many more businesses into the relationship and unlock the next wave of trade, investments and partnerships.

“India has shot up the agenda for British businesses, but there is still a significant gap between many SMEs’ interest in the market and their actual exports.

“No free trade agreement is a silver bullet. It will only deliver growth if businesses understand it, use it and have the confidence, capability and connections to turn it into real sales.

“Chambers across the UK and our in-country affiliate, the UK India Business Council, are now starting the real work of turning this policy into practical delivery.

“We are working closely with the Indian High Commission and partners in both countries to develop a UK–India Trade Accelerator. Once established, this will give ambitious firms the market insight, regulatory guidance, trusted relationships and in-market support they need to succeed.

“The real prize sits on top of the 2,000 plus pages in the trade agreement. It is more British businesses exporting to India, building lasting partnerships and converting the enormous potential of the deal into real jobs, investment and growth.”

Brexit burden must be cut – BCC

As Brexit approaches its 10th anniversary, the British Chambers of Commerce says the Government must set out a clear plan to ease the burdens it has placed on business.

BCC research shows over half of UK exporters (54 per cent) think the current trade deal with the EU is making it harder to export and the need for change is urgent. Only 16 per cet say the current deal is supporting them to grow.

This has been a consistent picture since BCC started to track the impact of the deal in 2021.

The latest data also shows that three times as many exporters favour aligning with EU rules on products as don’t:

• 55 per cent of UK exporters say this would help their business

• 18 per cent believe it would hinder growth.

There is also increasing concern among UK firms involved in European supply chains about the EU’s Made in Europe agenda.

There are competing visions within the EU on its exact format, but a more extreme version could have a chilling effect on cross-border trade.

New content rules on sourcing from within the EU could squeeze British firms out of supply chains as the United Kingdom is now a thirdparty country.

Other key issues for business that still need to be addressed include customs red tape, VAT complexity, business mobility, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and increased cooperation on defence.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Businesses have been put through

the wringer since Brexit, as the costs and complexity of trading with the EU have soared.

“There is insufficient recognition and debate over the damaging effect on trade and growth this has caused. The Office for Budget Responsibility puts the long term hit to the UK’s economic growth at four per cent.

“Businesses have become increasingly frustrated because UK-EU relations don’t have to be this way. There are many steps that can be taken to simplify trade and benefit both our economies.

“But more urgency must be injected into the negotiations at the Leaders’ Summit in July and it is vital that political instability is not allowed to waste this opportunity.

“Top of the list must be finalising what has already been agreed. The bigger prize must be an economic security deal that confirms the UK’s involvement in EU supply chains and provides for closer defence cooperation.

“These are the practical steps that can make a difference and ease the Brexit burden that firms have had to endure.

“But debates about rejoining the EU or a customs union are not currently helpful. Firms tell us they want more trade with the Europe, the US and Asia.

“Businesses tell us they do not want to keep retreading old ground but look forward instead. Rejoining would compromise the trade deals we have made since leaving and cut our advantages in areas such as AI where our regulatory approach differs.”

How employers are collaborating with East Kent Colleges Group

Employers across Kent are working with East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group) every day.

Whether it’s by hiring an apprentice, offering a T Level student work experience or attending one of the Group’s careers fairs, there are countless ways local businesses can make an impact on the next generation and play a key role in shaping the county’s future workforce.

One employer who has been supporting those looking to get into the world of work is Dave Ashworth, who is the Director of Kent construction company, Dumpton Park Projects.

After leaving school 23 years ago, Dave was keen to find an apprenticeship role, but the only two major companies in the local area had already recruited their maximum number of apprentices.

Despite this, Dave pursued his passion and more than two decades later, is

proudly leading Dumpton Park Projects and has been taking on apprentices for the past 12 years.

“As soon as I had enough experience, and felt able to do so, I wanted to give back to my industry,” he said.

“About 12 years ago, I started taking on apprentices of my own. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

“The built environment is the biggest industry in the world, and we’ve got to keep it moving, but a lot of people don’t take on apprentices because of the funding.

“Small employers get stressed because they think they haven’t got the time, or the money – but these young people just want to learn, and be part of the team.

“Some people will offer to come in for free to learn and pick up the tools. When they start getting better, you start paying them more, but you’ve just got to give them a chance. We’ve all got to start somewhere.”

It comes as Dumpton Park Projects welcomed its two most recent apprentices, Jake and Brynley.

Both studying a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeship with EKC Training, the duo has found their experience invaluable.

Jake said: “I wanted to take an apprenticeship because I had a few mates who had done one, and they said it was one of the best things they had ever done in their lives - I haven’t looked back since I started.

“It’s been so beneficial to me, waking up every morning, going to work and learning based on what we’re doing that day. It’s always varied, and I’ve learnt lots of different skills.”

It’s a great feeling to see my guys get over their hurdles, progress, and develop. You get to take them from a place where they don’t really get it to see them now understand everything. I tell the guys a lot that to see where they came from to where they are now is amazing.

Dave Ashworth

Shape your future workforce with us

Finding and developing the right talent doesn’t have to be complex. At EKC Group, we work in partnership with employers to build the skills your business needs to grow.

From apprenticeships and industry placements to upskilling your existing workforce, we make collaboration simple.

With colleges in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey, plus nine adult training centres, we’re perfectly placed to support your business, locally and at scale.

Let’s work together. Visit ekcgroup.ac.uk/employers to get started.

Building on 50 Years of trusted Civil Engineering Expertise

Founded in 1973 by Barry Gray, Gray Plant Hire Ltd is a civil engineering and plant company based near Canterbury, Kent. With over 50 years of experience, the business has earned a reputation for reliability, versatility, and personalised service across the South East.

Now part of the Ovenden Group, Gray Plant Hire combines its long-standing heritage with the strength and resources of one of the region’s leading infrastructure businesses.

Serving several hundred customers each year, the company delivers contract civil engineering, surfacing, and associated services for local authorities, contractors,

construction companies, landscapers, builders, and private homeowners. Originally established as a plant hire business, it has successfully returned to its roots in contract civil engineering while continuing to provide a comprehensive range of support services.

Gray Plant Hire is committed to the highest standards of health, safety, quality, and environmental responsibility. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations, Constructionline Gold Certification, and is working towards ISO 45001 accreditation. Sustainability remains central to its operations through recycling, reduced energy consumption, a modern fuel-efficient fleet, and responsible waste management.

As a member of the Kent Invicta Chamber and Kent Construction Focus Group, Gray Plant Hire continues to invest in growth, expanding into new sectors while maintaining the high standards of service its customers have relied on for more than five decades.

grayplanthire.co.uk

Glazing clear on window solutions

ARC Glazing Ltd believes that windows and doors should do more than simply provide security and insulation, they should enhance the character, comfort and value of every property.

They specialise in premium aluminium glazing products which are carefully selected for their durability, energy efficiency and sleek appearance to enhance a contemporary new build, renovate a period property or improve an existing home.

Alongside residential projects, they also undertake commercial installations for schools, offices, retail premises and other commercial buildings.

From the initial consultation through to installation, the experienced team provides clear advice, attention to detail and a reliable, professional approach. arcglazing.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.

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.

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.

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

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

Member’s Only – Speed Networking

Holding On Letting Go, Chamber Charity of the Year, Showcase and Networking

Holding On Letting Go, Chamber Charity of the Year, Showcase and Networking

Thursday 9th April 2026

Tuesday 18th August 2026

Tuesday 18th August 2026

Tudor Park Marriott Hotel Maidstone

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford

10:30am - 12:30pm

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford

10:30am - 1:00pm

10:30am - 1:00pm

Members Only: Free to Attend

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

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

We’re proud to be supporting Holding On Letting Go as our Chamber Charity of the Year.

We’re proud to be supporting Holding On Letting Go as our Chamber Charity of the Year.

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

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

Join others for a special showcase networking event celebrating this partnership and hear first-hand about the incredible work the charity does to support bereaved children, young people, and their families and connect with fellow members making a difference across Kent.

Join others for a special showcase networking event celebrating this partnership and hear first-hand about the incredible work the charity does to support bereaved children, young people, and their families and connect with fellow members making a difference across Kent.

Following the session, there will be an opportunity to network with the charity and fellow Chamber members in attendance.

Following the session, there will be an opportunity to network with the charity and fellow Chamber members in attendance.

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

Invicta Insights: Kent AI Conference

Invicta Insights: Kent AI Conference The Conversation Continued...

National Grid Online Roundtable

The Conversation Continued...

Thursday 9th April 2026

Thursday 27th August 2026

Thursday 27th August 2026

Online via Zoom

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford

10:30am - 11:30am

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford

10:30am - 12:00pm

10:30am - 12:00pm

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

Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £15.00 + VAT

Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £15.00 + VAT

The Kent AI Conference sparked important conversations around the opportunities, challenges and practical applications of AI for businesses across Kent. Now we’re bringing those discussions back together.

The Kent AI Conference sparked important conversations around the opportunities, challenges and practical applications of AI for businesses across Kent. Now we’re bringing those discussions back together.

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

Join us for an engaging panel discussion as we reflect on the key learnings from the conference, share what has surprised us since, and explore how the AI landscape has continued to evolve. From new tools and developments to real-world business adoption, we’ll discuss what’s changed and what organisations should be paying attention to next.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion as we reflect on the key learnings from the conference, share what has surprised us since, and explore how the AI landscape has continued to evolve. From new tools and developments to real-world business adoption, we’ll discuss what’s changed and what organisations should be paying attention to next.

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

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

Business Walks

Business Walks

Tuesday 11th August 2026, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal 10:30am - 12:30pm | Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

Tuesday 11th August 2026, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal 10:30am - 12:30pm | Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

Join us at Betteshanger Country Park for Business Walks, an informal networking event designed to help you make valuable business connections while exploring one of Kent’s most unique outdoor spaces.

Join us at Betteshanger Country Park for Business Walks, an informal networking event designed to help you make valuable business connections while exploring one of Kent’s most unique outdoor spaces.

Set across 250 acres of stunning countryside, this special event combines relaxed networking with a guided walk through the park, giving guests the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals away from the usual boardroom setting.

Set across 250 acres of stunning countryside, this special event combines relaxed networking with a guided walk through the park, giving guests the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals away from the usual boardroom setting.

Chamber Connections

Chamber Connections

Thursday 6th August 2026, Brandhatch Place Hotel and Spa, Longfield

Thursday 6th August 2026, Brandhatch Place Hotel and Spa, Longfield

Thursday 20th August 2026, Goodnestone Park Gardens, Canterbury

Thursday 20th August 2026, Goodnestone Park Gardens, Canterbury

Thursday 3rd September 2026, The Caldecott Foundation, Ashford

Thursday 3rd September 2026, The Caldecott Foundation, Ashford

Tuesday 22nd September 2026, Churchill Square Business Centre, Kings Hill

Tuesday 22nd September 2026, Churchill Square Business Centre, Kings Hill

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kent Construction Focus Group

Kent Construction Focus Group

Tuesday 4th August 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone

Tuesday 4th August 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone

Tuesday 8th September 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone 7:30am - 9:30am | Members (Ignite Plus): £22.50 + VAT

Tuesday 8th September 2026, The Village Hotel, Maidstone 7:30am - 9:30am | Members (Ignite Plus): £22.50 + VAT

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)

Tuesday 4th August 2026 | 7:30am - 9:30am

The Village Hotel, Maidstone

Chamber Connections

(Sponsored by ITRM)

Thursday 6th August 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Brandshatch Place Hotel and Spa, Longfield

Business Walks

Tuesday 11th August 2026 | 10:30am - 12:30pm

Betteshanger Country Park, Deal

Invicta Insights: Local Government Reorganisation

Friday 14th August 2026 | 10:30am - 11:00am

Online via Zoom

Holding On Letting Go, Chamber Charity of the Year, Showcase and Networking

Tuesday 18th August 2026 | 10:30am - 1:00pm

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford

Invicta Insights: Zero Hour Contracts

Wednesday 19th August 2026 | 3:00pm - 4:30pm Online via Zoom

Chamber Connections (Sponsored by Business Computer Solutions)

Thursday 20th August 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Goodnestone Park Gardens, Canterbury

Virtual Business Networking

Tuesday 25th August 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom

Business Talks: Wine Tasting & Tour

Wednesday 26th August 2026 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm Gusbourne Estate, 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.

Invicta Insights:

Kent AI Conference – The Conversation Continued Thursday 27th August 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford

Chamber Connections

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

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

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

Thursday 3rd September 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Kent Construction Focus Group

The Caldecott Foundation, Ashford

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)

Tuesday 6th August 2024 | Tuesday 3rd September 2024

Tuesday 8th September 2026 | 7:30am - 9:30am

The Village Hotel, Maidstone

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

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

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

Invicta Connect

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

Tudor Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club, Maidstone

Virtual Business Networking

Virtual Business Networking

Tuesday 25th August 2026 | Tuesday 29th September 2026

Tuesday 25th August 2026 | Tuesday 29th September 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Chamber Connections

Tuesday 22nd September 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Churchill Square Business Centre, Kings Hill

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

Virtual Business Networking

Tuesday 29th September 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom

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

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

Kent Construction Expo 2026

Thursday 1st October 2026 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

Kent Event Centre, Detling

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

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

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

Chamber Connections (Sponsored by Impact Connect)

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

Thursday 8th October 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Mercure Maidstone Hotel, Maidstone

Thursday 1 October 2026

Kent Event Centre, Detling

Produced by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

200+ Exhibitors

20+Semnar sessions

Meet the Buyer Networking Breakfast Gala Dinner

On the Agenda

Kent Construction Focus Group Networking Breakfast

Construction Skills Briefing: Building the Workforce of the Future

Supported by Skills and Workforce Partners the Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and the South East Consortium.

This interactive breakfast briefing brings together industry, education and skills leaders to explore apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, student engagement and workforce development. Through a facilitated Q&A, delegates will gain practical insight into current skills challenges, future workforce trends and the support available to help build the next generation of construction professionals, before networking with more than 200 industry peers.

Conference Session Highlights

Winning Work in 2026: Frameworks & Bid Strategy

Women Shaping Construction

Biodiversity Net Gain: Lessons from Year One

Plus sessions covering building safety, sustainability, skills and digital innovation

Meet the Buyer

Meet the Buyer connects construction contractors, developers and procurement teams with pre-matched suppliers through a series of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings. Register for free to receive further information.

Headline Sponsor

2026 confirmed buyers include:

Skills and Workforce Partners

Select Technology launches

The AI Accelerator to support SMEs to integrate AI and automation with confidence

Select Technology, an award-winning managed IT provider and official Microsoft Partner based in Kent, has recently launched an exciting new AI and automation support programme dedicated to the needs and aspirations of small and medium sized businesses across the South East.

Research by the British Chambers of Commerce last autumn revealed over a third of SMEs (35%) are now actively using AI technology, up from 25% in 2024. Select’s new AI Accelerator programme is focused on keeping up the momentum by helping more businesses across the region to seize the opportunities that AI and automation can bring.

Nick Potter, Managing Director at Select Technology, said: “We want to help more businesses to not only understand the difference and impact AI and automation can make, but to help get them started quickly and securely.

“AI and automation are no longer a nice to have. This technology is here to stay. SMEs across the South East are increasingly seeing the potential but there’s still too many businesses either lacking the confidence to take even the first step or not being able to realise the productivity gains.

“That’s where The AI Accelerator programme comes in, offering practical steps and realworld advice to SMEs located in the nation’s economic engine room, helping them to boost productivity, drive efficiency and transform business performance.”

“We will help businesses to deliver a threeyear AI roadmap aligned to their business goals, a workflow improvement plan prioritised by impact, a clear AI operating model for day-to-day use, and a measurement report that will show the difference any changes have made. Capturing team input will be a key part of this.”

For more on this visit: https://www.select-technology.co.uk

Kent Community Foundation marks 25th anniversary of making a difference

Kent Community Foundation is a charitable grant making organisation that manages funds donated by companies, individuals and trusts and distributes them where they matter most.

For 25 years they have been a trusted partner to businesses, combining in-depth knowledge of what communities need with expert grant-making to support grassroots organisations to transform lives. In that time they have distributed more than £60 million to over 7,000 organisations in the county.

They work with companies to design and manage tailored funds that reflect their values, engage employees and deliver meaningful, local impact.

A fund with the Foundation offers a unique opportunity to support a range of causes in areas that are important to your organisation, deliver real social value and build deeper local connections.

They also work closely with fellow Kent Invicta Chamber members, including London Gatwick and Birketts LLP.

Vanda James, of Birketts LLP, says: “We are delighted to have established this relationship

with Kent Community Foundation to enable us to distribute grants to grassroots organisations who are doing such valuable work across the county.”

These partnerships support initiatives including Communigrow which uses horticulture to support young people in East Malling; employability programmes at Lily’s Social Kitchen in Canterbury; and events for older adults facing social isolation at Dandelion Cafe in Edenbridge. kentcf.org.uk

THB keeps Kent moving with joinedup highways delivery

As highways and infrastructure projects face increasing pressure to be delivered safely, efficiently and with less disruption, THB is focusing on a joined-up approach that brings planning, plant, labour and specialist services under one roof.

The Kent-based, family-run business works across highways, civils and surfacing, delivering services including road surfacing, surface preparation and planing, hydroblasting, drainage, minor civils, road sweeping, line marking and traffic management. Its self-delivery model is designed to reduce reliance on multiple subcontractors and help projects move from survey to completion with clearer communication on site.

That integrated approach is increasingly important for local authorities, principal contractors, utilities and commercial estates balancing safety, budgets, disruption and environmental targets. THB supports both one-off repairs and larger programmes, with specialist plant and trained operatives able to work around live highways, public spaces and operational commercial sites.

A THB spokesperson said: “Good highways work is about more than laying materials.

It starts with understanding the site, planning access and traffic management properly, choosing the right process and leaving a safe, durable finish. By keeping more capability in-house, we can coordinate work more effectively and respond quickly when programmes change.”

The company is also placing greater focus on sustainability, from sourcing materials respo nsibly to reducing carbon output through local suppliers and resources. Its water-based hydroblasting service, used for line removal and surface preparation, avoids chemicals and burning techniques.

With the three Whitmore brothers actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business, THB continues to combine familybusiness accountability with the systems, accreditations and specialist capability required for modern infrastructure work. thbuk.co.uk

Root and branch support for the construction sector

For more than two decades, Tree Craft has been delivering professional arboricultural services to commercial and domestic clients across Kent and the South East. Managed by Russell Coombs and Richard Arnold since 2005, the company combines practical expertise, technical knowledge, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.

Based in Knockholt, Kent, Tree Craft offers a comprehensive range of services including tree surveys, crown reduction, felling, stump grinding, hedge management, planting, and cable bracing. All work is completed to the highest industry standards in accordance with British Standard 3998.

What sets Tree Craft apart is its dedication to environmentally sensitive arboriculture. The company has extensive experience

on ecologically significant sites, helping clients protect habitats and comply with legislation covering protected species such as bats,

birds, dormice, and badgers. Working alongside ecologists, the team delivers solutions that balance safety, development, and conservation.

Tree Craft is also recognised for its expertise in managing veteran and ancient trees, using specialist techniques and informed conservation practices to preserve these valuable natural assets for future generations.

In addition to tree surgery and consultancy, Tree Craft provides planting and establishment services, ensuring newly planted trees and hedges thrive through expert aftercare.

www.treecraft.co.uk

Birketts Charitable Fund awards nearly £25,000 to support communities in Kent

UK Top 50 law firm, Birketts, has awarded £24,900 to support local communities in Kent through its Charitable Fund.

Managed by the Kent Community Foundation, the fund has been established to support charities and community groups working to improve lives across Kent and Medway, with a focus on strengthening local communities and addressing need where it matters most.

Four projects will be supported through this first funding round in the region, each making a difference through building skills, improving wellbeing and connecting communities:

• Communigrow: a community-led charity based in East Malling which uses horticulture to support wellbeing, skills development and social inclusion. The grant from Birketts will help the charity to deliver a targeted employability programme for young adults aged 18-25 who are neurodiverse or at risk of becoming not in education, employment or training.

• Lily’s Social Kitchen CIC: an organisation helping individuals to develop confidence, independence and employment skills. The funding will be used to expand its employability programmes for neurodiverse people and those with learning disabilities.

• Shorne Young Farmers Club: a group based in north Kent that provides opportunities for vulnerable young people to learn valuable life skills through caring for animals and experiencing farming activities. The grant will enable the group to create permanent animal enclosures and improve outdoor spaces.

• Spadework: a charity in West Peckham delivering practical, skills-based programmes for adults with learning and physical disabilities, as well as those experiencing mental health challenges or living with dementia. The funding will be used to support core running costs so that it can continue to make a difference in the local community.

Vanda James, Partner at Birketts, said: “We are pleased to have awarded the first grants from the Birketts Charitable Fund in Kent. At Birketts, we are dedicated to supporting the local communities in which we operate, and the Birketts Charitable Fund is a key feature of that support. We are delighted to have established this relationship with Kent Community Foundation to enable us to distribute grants to grassroots organisations who are doing such valuable work across the county and look forward to continuing to support other organisations in the years to come.”

Catherine Glover, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation, added: “The Birketts Charitable Fund is a powerful example of how partnership and purposeful giving can make a lasting difference. By supporting grassroots organisations, this funding is helping people to build confidence, develop skills and feel more connected in their communities. We are proud to work alongside the fund to ensure its philanthropy reaches where it is needed most.” birketts.co.uk

Manage your business energy with confidence

Running a small business has never been easy. Many are navigating fluctuating energy bills, higher operating costs, and inflation.

When it comes to managing bills, a smart meter can help track your energy use and identify where you might be able to save some money on energy costs. That can help you have a better idea of what you will be spending on utility costs.

Smart meters aren’t just for homes, they can benefit your business too. In fact, 9 out of 10 small business owners are happy with their smart meter.*

Make informed choices about your energy use

Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters being rolled out in homes and small businesses across Great Britain by energy suppliers.

Your energy supplier will provide you with access to free and regular information on your energy use, either via an app, an online platform, or other data tools.

Your business could also be eligible for a smart meter display, which lets you see and track your energy use in near real-time.

Esquire

Whether or not you are eligible for one, free data from your supplier can help with budgeting for future bills and help you to identify ways to reduce your energy use. One less thing on your list

A smart meter takes automatic readings of your gas and electricity use and sends them directly to your energy supplier. It means you no longer need to read a meter and send the figures yourself, giving you more time to focus on other jobs.

Say goodbye to estimated bills

Getting a smart meter installed also means the end of estimated bills. A smart meter records exactly how much energy you use so that your supplier can bill you accurately. This helps you to budget and gives you greater control over one of your most important expenses.

Installation normally takes about two hours and you can arrange it in advance to fit around your schedule so that your business isn’t disrupted.

Your energy supplier may even offer installations in the evening or on a Saturday.

*Research conducted by Yonder, November 2025

Developments to

support hospice charity ellenor for another three years

Find out if you are eligible

Whether you rent or own your business premises, you could still be eligible. Businesses with 10 employees or less could be eligible for a smart meter.

Click here www.britishchambers.org.uk/smartmeter to find out whether you are eligible.

ellenor’s partnership with award-winning Kent housebuilder Esquire Developments will continue for another three years, with the developer renewing its support for the hospice’s fundraising events and community initiatives.

The Longfield-based company proudly continues as the headline sponsor of ellenor’s iconic Twilight Walk. The event welcomes more than 1,500 people, who take to the streets of Gravesend in their orange neon glow to light up the town for a night to remember.

Last year’s event raised £115,000 – an amazing boost towards the

charity’s annual costs of £9.8 million. The Twilight Walk brings together families, friends and businesses – many with a connection to the hospice.

Esquire Developments is also supporting ellenor’s summer art trail fundraiser ‘Dartford, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ – with two sponsored large bear sculptures, which will join around 30 others being placed across Dartford and Bluewater, creating a trail for people to find them, whilst exploring what the borough has to offer.

Senior Marketing Executive Ellie Somers said: “Supporting ellenor has always been deeply important to us, not only because of our personal connections, but because of the incredible work they do within the community.

“As a developer, supporting the communities in which we build has always been a core value for us, and the dedication, compassion and commitment shown by the team at ellenor is truly inspiring, so we are really pleased to continue our support for another three years.”

Crash Festival in Canterbury is Kent’s two-day celebration of the screenarts, encompassing animation, games, comics, film and VFX, bringing creative industry professionals and emerging talent together for inspiring talks, panels and masterclasses.

With talks and showcases from Andy Lanning (Writer of Guardians of the Galaxy), Gary Napper (Lead Designer on the Bafta Award Winning Alien Isolation), Framestore (Spiderman Brand New Day - How to Train Your Dragon), Professionals from Industrial Light and Magic (VFX artists Star Wars, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu) prop makers from Dune 2 and Rings of Power and many more.

Welcome to our new members

9TFIVE Interiors Ltd

Rochester 01634 830500

9tfive.co.uk

Working across commercial, education, healthcare, industrial, and leisure sectors, collaborating closely with clients, architects, and contractors to bring each space to life, on time, on budget

C3 People Advisory

Kent and South East 07348 954165

c3peopleadvisory.com

Practical, commercially focused HR support for SMEs and growing businesses throughout Kent and the South East

CT1 Technology

Canterbury 01227 808050

ct1.tech

Kent’s trusted technology partner for businesses that can’t afford downtime: keeping companies across Canterbury and Kent secure, productive and fully operational

HK9 Security Services Ltd

Rochester 020 8133 9636

hk9security.com

UK-based, SIA-licensed security provider offering manned guarding, mobile patrols, keyholding, and integrated facilities management

Active Digital Communications Ltd

Five Oak Green 01892 835522

activedigital.co.uk

An independent, customer-centric telecoms provider, trusted by organisations across the UK for over 30 years

All Space Planning Ltd

Chatham 07983 701269

allspaceplanningltd.co.uk

An architectural practice specializing in town and country planning, property development, and spatial design

ARC Glazing Limited

Queenborough 01795 383028

arcglazing.co.uk

A specialist installer of high-quality aluminum windows, doors, and roof lights, based in Kent, UK, serving Surrey and London

B-Post Ltd

Paddock Wood 07722 335573

b-post.net

Shipping services between the UK and Iraq. Mail, parcels, commercial goods, machinery, equipment, and full truck loads. Customs clearance, timely and secure transportation

Barracks Group Ltd

Gravesend 07886 850756

barracksgroup.co.uk

Specialising in providing high-quality construction solutions across a diverse range of sectors, including utilities, heavy civil engineering, groundworks, highways, concrete, and project management

BIS Services

Maidstone 01622 584456

thebiss.co.uk

Leading provider of cognitive rehabilitation services. Raising the standard in cognitive rehabilitation and brain injury support

Burnout Prevention and Recovery Ltd

Ramsgate 07737 278158

jacquisansom.com

Helping high-functioning executives overcome burnout, exhaustion and stress and rebuild their energy, resilience and clarity

Cando Personnel Ltd

Gravesend 01474 491709

candopersonnely.co.uk

Recruitment company in Kent and South East England

Chavereys Ltd

Faversham 01795 594495

chavereys.co.uk

Chartered accountants and financial alchemists

Channel Changers Limited

Tenterden 07970 284547

channelchangers.co

Cinematic quality video content at a fraction of traditional costs. Bridging the gap between expensive production houses and cheap AI content mills

Claritex Accountants

Sittingbourne 07359 781382

claritex.co.uk

Accounting practice supporting individuals, freelancers and small to medium-sized businesses

Dawning Care Ltd

Tonbridge 07846 483819

dawningcare.co.uk

Providers of thoughtful, unhurried home care that puts people first in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas of Kent

DoubleTree by Hilton Dartford Bridge

Dartford 01322 284444

DoubleTreeDartfordBridge.com

Hotel next to the Queen Elizabeth Bridge over the River Thames. Within 15 minutes of Bluewater and Lakeside shopping and track days at Brands Hatch. Indoor pool, sauna and steam room, and afternoon tea

Dragonfly Vision

Sevenoaks 07984 794351

dragonflyvision.uk

Drone video and photographic imaging

Drainscapes

Rochester 01795 371069

drainscapes.co.uk

Drain unblocking and emergency plumbing

Dralbion Limited

Paddock Wood 07368 925870

dralbion.com

Offering comprehensive solutions across five core aviation areas: parts sourcing, AOG and inventory management, technical consultation, records review, and aircraft trading

Eclipse HR Ltd

Maidstone 01622 239412

eclipsehr.uk

HR Consultants Kent, London and the South East

Fuchsia Green

Whitstable 07522 554642 fuchsiagreen.com

Contemporary garden design in Kent and London for stylish outdoor spaces

Gray Plant Hire Ltd

Aylesham 01233 740800 grayplanthire.co

Specialists in both road planing and plant hire services

J. Mcleish Consultancy Ltd

Maidstone 07584 620580

mcleishconsultancy.co.uk

Management consultants and strategic business partners, bringing expertise in operational optimisation, health and safety, people strategy and organisational development

Enhance Protect Connect

KESS Recruitment

Canterbury 01227 720323

kess-recruit.co.uk

Insurance and financial services recruitment

Lorien Interiors Ltd

Ashford 01233 500793

lorieninteriors.co.uk

Fitted kitchen specialists. Supplying and installing quality kitchens to developers and housebuilders

MS Instruments Ltd

Orpington 01689 883020

msinstruments.co.uk

Providing world leading target and ballistic instrumentation systems for munition and scientific ballistic testing

MT Drains Ltd

Bexhill 01424 447788

mtdrains.com

UK market leader in the drainage and plumbing industry, focusing primarily on commercial and industrial facilities across London and the South East

New Line Learning Academy

Maidstone 01622 743286

newlinelearning.com

Secondary School - fostering a supportive and positive environment that encourages all students

Next Step Compliance

Aylesford 01732 711674

nextstepcompliance.co.uk

ISO and compliance consultancy

Nixon Hire Ltd

Grays 0333 005 0005 nixonhire.co.uk

Delivering sustainable, full-service site solutions for the utilities, infrastructure, construction and renewable energy sectors

Oakland Care Chigwell 01622 427490

oaklandcare.com

Residential, nursing, dementia and respite care

Onwave UK Ltd

West Malling 020 3434 2100

onwave.com

Kent-based provider of managed connectivity, networking services, and advanced geolocation solutions for business, specializing in sectors like rail, construction, and utilities

Opus Care Ltd

Ashford

01233 643555

opuscare.co.uk

Providers of specialized nursing, residential, and dementia care, primarily through care homes and “later living” communities in Kent

People Plus Ashford

Ashford 01233 227084

peopleplus.co.uk

Working to deliver a range of public services, including support to find employment, skills training, prison education, independent living and self-employment advice. We also help employers grow through socially responsible recruitment and wellbeing solutions

Phil Tilston Magic

Canterbury 07875 924191

philtilstonmagic.co.uk

Magician

Pingala Digital

Maidstone 01622 755855

pingaladigital.co.uk

A specialist agency providing bespoke software development, website design, and AI-driven solutions.

Pronto Productions

London 07386 015847

prontoproductions.co

Helping start ups and growing businesses that deserve to look as good as they are, with brand identity, web design, and motion video that finally does them justice

Savills UK Ltd

Sevenoaks 01732 789700

savills.co.uk

One of the world’s leading property advisors

SIDERF CONS Ltd

Ashford 07919 350087

siderfcons.com

Providing specialist expertise in workforce planning and education strategy

Steven Eagell Group Ashford

Ashford 01233 223440

steveneagell.co.uk

Award-winning company and a leading Toyota and Lexus dealer group

Temple and Green

Sandwich 01304 262349

temple-green.co.uk

UK business law and immigration advisors

The Ai Impact

Ebbsfleet Valley 07572 736090

theaiimpact.co

AI built into how your team actually workswe set it up so it understands your business, build shortcuts for the work your team does every day, and train everyone to use it well

The Ashford Cinema

Ashford 07818 376447

theashfordcinema.co.uk

Cinema, workspace, cafe, bar

The BarnYard

Sittingbourne 01634 235059 the-barnyard.com

Wedding venue and restaurant

The Light Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne 01795 293185

sittingbourne.thelight.co.uk

8-screen state-of-the-art cinema and bowling venue

The Rochester Corn Exchange

Rochester 01634 338112

therochestercornexchange.co.uk

Versatile venue in the heart of Rochester for weddings, live events, corporate functions, and private celebrations

The Sign and Safety Company

Margate 01843 225464 signandsafety.co.uk

An experienced manufacturer and supplier of customized signage and safety equipment

The Total Store Ltd

Maidstone 07795 420677

Crypto investment training for professionals and business owners

WBM Scaffolding Ltd

Canterbury 07464 637793

wbmscaffolding.co.uk

Professional family run scaffolding business

Yonda Ltd

Chatham 07950 114839 yondalimited.com

Helping service-based businesses, entrepreneurs and consultants streamline operations and implement smart systems to impower growth

Jugjit Sian Director

Sian Formwork Ltd

I began my career as a Health and Safety Advisor in my brother’s company, gaining invaluable experience before progressing to become a Director. I am passionate about leading the business and equally dedicated to managing my football club, both of which I find incredibly rewarding. Beyond work, I am proud to have a wonderful family of four and a loving partner whose unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have played a significant role in my journey and success.

Baxall builds for the future

Baxall’s long standing Managing Director Malcolm Clarke steps aside to become Chairman, with Contracts Director Stuart Hardie taking the helm as new MD Award winning construction SME Baxall has announced a planned leadership transition, with Managing Director Malcolm Clarke stepping aside from the role after over 35 years at the helm. Contracts Director Stuart Hardie took over as MD on 1 June 2026, ensuring continuity and stability for clients, employees and their supply chain.

refurbishments to decarbonisation projects for the Met Police.

Malcolm said: “Leading Baxall has been an absolute privilege. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together as a team and of the ‘right first time’ culture we have built. This is the right time to hand over to the next generation of leadership, and I have every confidence that Stuart will continue to drive the business forward while staying true to our values.”

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

The company’s first contract was with CTRL Link in Gravesend. This project established the business, providing its first major opportunity and generating the company’s first £100,000 in revenue.

What do you always carry with you to work?

I always carry my phone, an essential practical tool for communication. Equally important, I bring a calm, solution-focused mindset, enabling me to handle unexpected challenges professionally and maintain safe, effective decision-making.

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

The biggest challenges facing the business are sourcing qualified, experienced personnel and securing resources, alongside the continuous increase in material costs, which places ongoing pressure on project delivery and profitability.

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

If I were Prime Minister, I would reduce Corporation Tax to encourage business growth, create more employment opportunities and increase investment in the construction sector, recognising its vital role in driving national development.

What can you see from your office window?

From the office window, I see the materials that drive our business, including scaffold and formwork. They serve as a constant reminder of our industry, capabilities, and commitment to delivering construction projects.

If you could do another job what would it be?

If I could choose another career, I would manage football full-time. I already manage a football team, and turning that passion into my profession would be my dream job.

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

Others have described me as kind, patient, and understanding. I hope those qualities are genuinely reflected in how I lead the business, build relationships, and support clients and colleagues alike.

What was your biggest mistake in business?

One of my biggest lessons was recognising occasions where certain controls were not implemented effectively. I addressed this by introducing stronger control measures, improving processes, and preventing similar issues in future. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to ignore negativity, trust your instincts, and commit wholeheartedly to your goals. Give every opportunity your full effort, remain resilient, and keep learning from experience. Who do you most admire in business?

I admire people in business who embrace daily challenges with determination. From my perspective, I enjoy the uncertainty each new day brings, as it builds resilience, encourages growth, and strengthens my decision-making.

Malcolm has played a pivotal role in shaping Baxall from its humble beginnings over 60 years ago as a family-run building firm into the highly respected £50 million turnover company it is today. During his tenure, the business has grown sustainably, strengthened long term client relationships and delivered high profile projects across the London and the South East, from Net Zero in Operation new build schools and Grade II listed

With over 25 years’ industry experience, Stuart joined Baxall in 2022 following senior roles with national Tier 1 contractors. Widely respected throughout the business and supply chain, he brings to the role extensive operational and strategic insight, strengthening governance and embedding best practice across health and safety, quality and commercial performance.

Stuart said: “I am delighted to take on the role of MD and to build upon the extraordinary foundations

established by Malcolm. Baxall has an exceptional team, trusted clients and a clear strategic direction. My focus will be on maintaining our impeccable standards, supporting our people and continuing to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients and wider communities.”

The leadership change forms part of a carefully planned succession strategy and will not affect day to day operations or project delivery. Malcolm will remain with the business as Chairman, supporting the transition and continuing to contribute to Baxall’s long term strategy.

Digital Marketing specialist Sian Pattenden joins Whitehead Monckton Solicitors in Maidstone, Kent as Digital Marketing Manager

Sian Pattenden has joined Whitehead Monckton Solicitors as Digital Marketing Manager, strengthening the firm’s strategic marketing capability at a time of rapid evolution in the digital landscape. Sian joined the firm from Lawfront Group, a national group of regional law firms, and will be based at the firm’s Maidstone office.

The appointment comes as the firm continues to invest in its people, technology and purposeled approach, following its recent certification as a B Corporation and transition to employee ownership.

Sian brings over 20 years of marketing experience, with the past

decade focused on digital marketing strategy and delivery within the legal sector. She has developed a strong specialism in digital legal marketing during over 6 years at regional firm Brachers LLP, where she played a key role in leading and delivering digital campaigns, content strategy and online engagement initiatives. Her expertise spans multimedia content strategy, social media strategy, website and search engine optimisation and data-driven marketing, with a particular focus on aligning digital activity with wider business development goals. Sian is also passionate about the role of emerging technologies, including AI, in shaping the future of marketing and client engagement within the legal sector.

At Whitehead Monckton, Sian will be responsible for leading and developing the firm’s digital marketing, in collaboration with The Marketing Associates – an external agency that advises on the direction of its brand and marketing strategy.

Sian’s focus will be on enhancing the firm’s online presence and ensuring it

continues to connect effectively with clients in an increasingly digital-first environment.

Christopher Longden, Managing Partner at Whitehead Monckton, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Sian to the firm. This is a strategic hire for us as we continue to invest in our marketing capability. Sian’s depth of experience in digital legal marketing, combined with her forward-thinking approach, will help take our digital marketing to the next level in a fast-evolving landscape, including the opportunities presented by AI.”

Sian Pattenden adds: “I am delighted to have joined Whitehead Monckton at such an exciting time for the firm. The legal sector is evolving rapidly, particularly in how firms engage with clients digitally, and I am looking forward to helping shape and deliver a strategy that reflects this. Whitehead Monckton has a strong reputation and a clear commitment to innovation, and I am excited to be part of its continued growth.”

Kent Community Foundation grows Development Team for greater impact

At Kent Community Foundation, our vision is for every community to have the opportunity to thrive.

As a grant-maker that has been supporting charitable causes with funding and guidance for 25 years, its team has seen the county’s grassroots organisations create lasting change.

The current economic landscape is a particularly challenging one for small charities and community groups. As part of its commitment to strengthening the sector, the Foundation is growing its

Development Team in order to reach more companies, professionals and individuals who want to give back to their local community. The Foundation makes philanthropy simple and effective, offering bespoke options to ensure that donors can reach the causes that are important to them. With an unrivalled knowledge of community need in the county, the team ensures that funding gets to where it matters most.

Holly Broadley joins the team as Co-Head of Development, bringing with her experience of corporate giving from her previous role at Oasis Domestic Abuse Service. Coming from a legal background, Holly will work with professional advisers to support

their client conversations around philanthropy and the options available to them. She said: “As a volunteer for a number of organisations, I have experienced first-hand the importance of the Foundation in helping local communities to thrive. I’m looking forward to sharing the Foundation’s work with companies across the county and helping them to give to the causes that matter their organisation, staff and customers.”

Holly joins Sophie Hosking in the team, who has a decade of experience at the Foundation and specialises in helping individuals and families to create funds that leave a lasting legacy in Kent and Medway.

Law that moves with you

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