Thinking Business October 18

• OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • October - November 2018 •

Inside:

Showcasing Maidstone Kent's vibrant county town

Big Interview with Daniel Dobinson of Robins & Day

Corporate Hospitality Analysis predicts buoyant time for hospitality sector

Ask the Expert How can the humble biscuit help business?

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Welcome

Welcome & Contents

The time for talk is over, the time for action is here

Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business and I make no apology for returning to a familiar theme because, in a matter of months, the UK will have left the European Union and there is a very real danger that businesses will be plunged into a world of chaos.

Indeed, the British Chambers of Commerce recently downgraded its growth expectations for the UK economy, forecasting GDP growth for 2018 at just 1.1% (down from 1.3%). The BCC also downgraded its GDP growth forecast for 2019 from 1.4% to 1.3%.

The latest forecast implies that by 2020 the UK economy will have experienced its second weakest decade of average annual GDP growth on record.

These are scary statistics for all of us and we simply cannot allow it to happen.

As a Chamber, we have been saying ever since the referendum in 2016 that our politicians need to get their act together.

Contents 4 5 6 7 9-10 11 12-14 15 16-18

Chamber News Legal Update Members News Focus on Finance Members News Patron News Members News Business News Spotlight on Maidstone

Our Patrons

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Jo James

Chief Executive

Previously, we were able to say that Brexit was still years or months away but not anymore – now is the crunch time and our politicians, and their counterparts in Europe, need to find a way to avoid us all going over the cliff.

The time for talk is over, the time for action is here if we are to bring about a Brexit that does not cause great damage to the UK economy.

Despite the uncertainty, businesses continue to trade and drive the economy and our cover feature on page 24 looks at the hospitality sector, which in areas like Kent continues to see buoyant activity. In fact, analysis of Office for National Statistics data published recently by hospitality recruitment platform Adia suggests that the total national turnover of all businesses providing ‘Accommodation and Food Services Activities’ alone will reach £100 billion this year.

Our area spotlight on page 16 tells a similarly upbeat story. Home to more than 7,000 businesses and 168,000 residents,

21 Economy 22-23 Big Interview 24-29 Cover feature Corporate Hospitality 30 24 Hours with ...

33 The Person behind the Business 35 Ask the Expert 36-37 Members News

22

Maidstone is entering a period of transformation, with numerous exciting investment and regeneration schemes across the borough.

Our big interview on page 22 takes a look at the motor trade. The sector is a fast-moving one as new technology brings about big changes and we explore the industry with Daniel Dobinson, Business and Fleet specialist at the Robins and Day Maidstone Peugeot Dealership, and Ashley Kane, who is New Car Sales Manager.

And finally, ever thought how the humble biscuit can help your business? No? Then turn to page 35 and allow Dina Melim, CEO of specialist Maidstone biscuit maker Biskilicious, to offer some food for thought!

39 40 41 42-43 45 46-47 48-49 50 50

International Trade Members Benefits Members News Chamber Events Chamber Exhibitions Business News New Members Movers & Shakers Last Word

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Editorial and General Enquiries

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

TN24 0LH Chief Executive: Jo James Tel: 01233 503 838 Fax: 01233 503 687 info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk

Published October 2018 © Benham Publishing

Disclaimer

Publisher

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

Advertising and Features

Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 karen@benhampublishing.com Media No.1543

Production Manager

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

Thinking Business is published for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in Thinking Business are not necessarily those of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2018. Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

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Kent B2B showcases Medway’s business success at The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Chamber News

Businesses from across the county gathered at the Historic Dockyard Chatham for Medway’s biggest B2B event with more than 500 people enjoying a packed day of networking and inspirational talks.

Organised by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce (KICC), Kent B2B Medway gave exhibitors the perfect platform to showcase their products and services, with this year’s venue, the iconic No. 3 Slip: The Big Space, providing an added wow factor.

Guest speakers shared invaluable advice, information, experience and expertise starting with Tim Jones, Project Director with Highways England at the Caxtons sponsored business breakfast launching Kent B2B Medway 2018.

He brought attendees up to date on the Lower Thames Crossing, urging businesses to make their voice heard in the next stage of consultation that will launch in the coming months.

2014 Rugby World Cup winner and Harlequins player Rachael Burford was this year’s headline speaker with an inspirational journey through her sporting career, with useful advice to delegates on achieving their business goals.

Carol Ford, Commercial Director with AC Goatham & Son had an equally compelling story to tell of how the Medway firm has blossomed into one of the country’s biggest fruit growers and the challenges faced – not least by the weather – in meeting UK demand.

She also set out the company’s ambitions to use the latest technology to reduce the reliance by supermarkets and other customers on imported goods, increasing UK production and supply.

Other talks came from Kent digital experts Sleeping Giant Media.

The main expo event hosted over 50 companies and organisations across a range of sectors from law and marketing to recruitment and hospitality – many of them from the local area.

They included headline sponsor Medway Council, celebrating its 20th year as a unitary authority, highlighting the area’s ongoing regeneration and plans for growth, including the launch of the Innovation Park at Rochester Airport.

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Simon Cook Principal at Mid Kent College added to this story in his capacity as chair of the Medway Place Board, informing guests attending KICC’s Chief Executive lunchtime reception aboard HMS Gannet of the opportunities ahead for Medway business.

New areas at this year’s Kent B2B Medway included a Stress-Free

Zone – and an Ask the Experts Zone, where delegates could pose their business questions on everything from remote working to upskilling staff to a panel of experts.

Jo James, Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: “This year we stripped back the event to leave more time for

Tim Jones & Jo James

what Kent B2B was always about – talking, networking and building connections. It was great to see so much of that taking place. People, after all, still buy from people.”

“We were delighted to welcome so many people and exhibitors to KentB2B Medway, with some fantastic speakers in a wonderful space that really made the day.”

Aquiring restaurant premises?

Legal Update

Food for thought…

Amrita Bartram, a partner in Commercial Property Law at Girlings specialising in the hospitality sector, examines the practicalities and hidden costs.

ood and drink is big business F in Kent and you just have to look around to see the increase in new restaurants, not just the chains but hungry new independents keen to get some of the action.

However, if you are a sole trader who dreams of realising your romantic notions of opening your very own boutique restaurant, beware. There are hidden issues and costs relating to the premises which you must consider before taking them on.

Once you have signed up with the agents, scoped out the area and found premises, your business plan should ensure that turnover will exceed the monthly rent, rates, utilities and staffing costs or, at least, that you break even at the beginning. Try to negotiate a three to six months’ rent-free period at the start of the lease to give yourself a breather. This is especially important if you are fitting-out the premises and are unable to trade initially as you will not have an income!

If you are fitting-out, be clear that your proposed design, décor and frontage are achievable in your chosen premises. For example, is the property listed or within a conservation area?

Check the planning use with the council and what venting/ducting needs to be installed to operate your business. If there are any meters or plant and machinery that you would like to access you may need to secure rights over the rest of the building.

You will need a premises licence if you want to offer alcohol and for selling food you will need to register with Environmental Health, so check at the outset that neither of these will present a problem.

If you want to increase your service area by placing tables outside your restaurant, you might need to apply to the council for a pavement licence.

It is advisable to instruct a surveyor to check the structural integrity of the building if you are to pay service charge and to check that you will not be responsible for repairing what is already in a bad condition.

Get a copy of the asbestos survey and fire risk assessment in advance as you want to be clear that you will not have to pay to obtain these in order to comply with regulations.

As to the lease itself, stamp duty, rent deposits and legal costs would need to be paid for upfront.

It is important to remember that when renting space for your restaurant, a lease is a legal and binding document and careful consideration must be given to the finer details of what you will be liable for.

If you are thinking of taking on new business premises and would like advice in this potentially complex area, ask the expert and contact Amrita.

“Once you have signed up with the agents, scoped out the area and found premises, your business plan should ensure that turnover will exceed the monthly rent, rates, utilities and staffing costs or, at least, that you break even at the beginning.”

girlings.com

Amrita Bartram Partner Commercial Property 01227 768374 amritabartram@girlings.com Thinking Business

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Cripps visited by French minister

Members News

A Minister from the French Embassy has visited Tunbridge Wells as part of a tour of Britain.

London. It was a very productive visit for both parties.”

Minister Counsellor for Economic and Financial Affairs at the French Embassy in the UK, Jean-Christophe Donnellier, visited law firm Cripps as part of a fact-finding tour.

a significant part of Cripps’ activities and we maintain close working relationships with our key overseas commercial partners. As we are the largest law firm in Kent, the Minister visited us to find out more about the business climate outside

During his visit, M Donnellier had talks with a number of partners in the Cripps team, as well as taking a tour of their offices in Mount Ephraim.

M Donnellier said: “As I am based in London I see a lot of the business community in the

Caxtons bucks the trend

Cripps partner Olivier Morel said: “International business is

Many property companies suffered a slowdown in 2016/17 due to uncertainty after the country voted to leave the EU.

Many property companies suffered a slowdown in 2016/17 due to uncertainty after the country voted to leave the EU. For Caxtons Chartered Surveyors, one of the largest independent firms of property consultants in Kent, Medway and across the South East, the situation it was no better and business was slower.

However, for Caxtons, 2017/18 proved to be an exceptionally good year – in fact their best year ever.

Caxtons is a company that embraces many aspects of

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the property sector and, as such, always factors in that some departments will outperform others. However, due to a pretty buoyant commercial market through 2017/18, most departments performed really well.

In particular, that performance included Commercial Agency, Insurance and Professional Services.

To illustrate this as a percentage of turnover, profit increased by more than 116% on the previous 12-months.

Evidence, if any was needed, of the hard work of the 95 plus staff members located in Caxtons’ offices across Kent.

But this Kent based firm has no doubt that 2018/19 will present them with new challenges.

Neil Chatterton, Managing Director said “Some of the ‘known’ issues that will impact us in the coming year include the impending tenant fee ban that will affect our residential lettings and management departments, DE (Depart Europe) Day on 31st March 2019 and another potential interest rate increase.

But we know that there will be other trials ahead.

“Property is repeatedly affected by economic uncertainty and change.

This often, if not always, presents externally as a downturn in activity and internally as a lack of professionals training and entering the sector at graduate level. Inevitably this impacts on businesses.

An extreme example of the shortage of talent is with building surveyors, where the industry in general is suffering greatly from a lack of experienced surveyors as well as new entrants to the property sector - and Caxtons is not exempt.

“So, in order to thrive we must continue to provide an excellent service to our clients, make ourselves even more attractive as an employer, and nurture our staff whilst paying attention to their personal development.”

Caxtons has won the EGi Deals winner in Kent Award for six of the past seven years for the most commercial property transaction. Caxtons is consistently in the top 40 of the Property Week ‘Top Agents in the UK’ listings. www.caxtons.com

Capital, which is why this tour is so important. Being able to visit different organisations and gain a wider understanding of the business community across the country gives me a greater understanding of the bigger picture for Britain, strengthening relationships and building valuable connections.”

Device is launched at show

Medical device manufacturer Bedfont, who have specialised in breath analysis for more than 40 years, have announced a new and improved second generation NObreath.

The FeNO monitor was launched exclusively at ERS, the world’s largest European Respiratory Society Congress, in September in Paris.

The second generation FeNO monitor was launched after the recent publication of the NICE guidance on asthma diagnosis, monitoring and management, to improve asthma care, which included the NObreath FeNO monitor from Bedfont as a recommended device.

Jason Smith, Managing Director, said: “As a breath analysis medical device manufacturer who exports globally, ERS is a key congress for us to reconnect with our customers from around the world.

“We were thrilled to be launching the second generation NObreath exclusively at ERS this year as we felt it would be quite symbolic; this launch brings the product full circle as the very first NObreath was launched at an ERS Congress 11 years ago.”

IHT planning:

Focus on Finance

Handing over the family business Alison Turner

Tax Director, Southern Region

01622 690666

alison.turner@wilkinskennedy.com www.wilkinskennedy.com

Many businesses are handed down the generations and can act as a great legacy, as well as job security, for families past, present and future. However, in order to make the most of your succession planning, it is also worth giving some thought to inheritance tax (IHT) – and avoid looking at your options at the last minute.

Plan ahead

IHT could be significantly reduced through planning ahead, especially as some options require action at least two, or even seven, years prior to death. Not only does this help with clarity, it can also lead to significant cost savings. Business Property Relief, for example, can extinguish the full IHT rate of 40% in some circumstances.

Perhaps more importantly, planning ahead can help mitigate any hard feelings among family and avoid any emotive or complex issues that may arise out of making last-minute decisions.

Remember that navigating the tax minefield, and understanding different tax implications themselves, can take time. It is important that you and your family can take time to consider any big decisions.

Family values

If you are considering handing over your family business, you may want to first get an idea of how much it is worth – this is something our specialist business valuation team at Wilkins Kennedy can help out with. There can be a number of complexities associated with valuing a business – so seek advice from those in the know. Make sure you find someone who understands your business and has detailed knowledge of the market.

To your relief

If you have physical premises, such as a B&B for example, this is categorised as a business asset along with the trade and can therefore attract Business Property Relief– but only if certain conditions apply. However, the ownership structure is important.

For example, if HMRC consider that the trade is carried on by a ‘partnership’ (as compared to ‘sole trader’ status for tax purposes), the premises may only qualify as to 50%. This distinction is complex. In contrast, if the B&B is held via an unquoted limited trading company and shares have been held for two years then 100% Business Property Relief should be due, i.e. there will be no IHT payable on the business.

It is important to note that IHT relief should be due if assets are gifted before death, as long as the donor has held

the assets for two years before the point of gifting. Relief will only be due if the beneficiary is holding the assets as a going concern at the donor’s date of death. Any assets or shares gifted more than seven years prior to death should be completely exempt from IHT (and the effective rate of IHT begins to taper down after just three years).

Every situation is different and I would strongly recommend that you seek professional advice before acting. Contact the tax team at Wilkins Kennedy to see how we can help.

“If you are considering handing over your family business, you may want to first get an idea of how much it is worth – this is something our specialist business valuation team at Wilkins Kennedy can help out with.”

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Accountancy firm opens new office

McCabe Ford Williams has acquired a new office in the market town of Lenham near Maidstone as part of growth and development plans.

The office will be managed by Emma Andrews, FCA, who has been with the firm since 2013 and who is also the managing partner of its Maidstone office.

Established in 1936, the business is one of the leading accountancy, auditors, taxation, business services and insolvency firms in Kent and has seven offices across the county.

Emma said: “I am delighted to be able to extend our services, skills and experience to a wider

part of rural Maidstone.

As an office whose original specialisms centered on the agricultural market, we view the new Lenham office as an ideal additional base to offer the same services, skills and experience that our Maidstone clients have enjoyed since the firm was first established.

“Nowadays, of course, we work with clients from a wide range of sectors and industries and work on behalf of a wide range of clients from sole traders through to partnerships

and limited companies.

Businesses range from small to large and with varying turnovers.”

Ian Pascall, Senior Partner, said: “It is many years since we last opened a new office so we are very excited by this expansion, which reflects our intention to remain one of the largest firms based in Kent. Whilst we are proud of our strong heritage and history, we also believe in looking forward and never resting on our laurels.”

Solicitors create lasting legacy in memory of Kent businessman

The Albert Burns Children’s Trust Fund has distributed more than £100,000 to local charities in Kent since the Endowment Fund was set up in 2014.

Managed by Kent Community Foundation, the fund was created in memory of Thanet businessman Albert Burns, who left instructions in his Will for his legal advisors Boys & Maughan Solicitors to create a lasting legacy for children.

He particularly wanted to support smaller, local charities that don’t have the resources of the larger children’s charities.

Kent Community Foundation manages the grant-making on behalf of Boys & Maughan Solicitors and directs funding to local children’s groups and charities.

Ian Priston of Boys & Maughan Solicitors said: “We are delighted to be working with

Kent Community Foundation.

They have enabled us to establish a significant legacy fund that will continue to benefit local communities for years to come, and reach out to many more Kent children’s charities than would have been possible if we had attempted to manage the trust independently.”

Since 2014, the fund has supported 28 projects benefitting an expected 5,200 children and families in the county. Charities, community groups and voluntary organisations supported include Pegasus PlayScheme, Louie’s Helping Hands, Demelza Hospice Care for Children, It’s My Life Fund, The Folkestone Youth Project, Thanet Disabled

Riding Centre, Church Street Community Project, Oasis Domestic Abuse Service, Stagecatz, Thanet Community Forest School and more.

Josephine McCartney, Foundation Chief Executive, said: “We are experts in local community need in Kent, having given out more than £31million in grants to thousands of organisations across Kent and Medway since 2001.

Setting up a named donor advised fund is a fantastic alternative to establishing a private Trust. ” If you would like to discuss how the Foundation can help you to help your clients, please contact Josephine via josephine@kentcf.org.uk or 01303 814 500.

Double award for Kent restaurant

Cinnamon Spice in Ashford has been awarded with Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the fifth consecutive year.

Not only did they receive the Certificate of Excellence, but they have also been awarded with the Hall of Fame Certificate for their success over the past five years.

The Hall of Fame designation is awarded only to restaurants that

have earned a 4.5 star and above average for five years in a row.

Ash Miah, General Manager of Cinnamon Spice, said: “I am truly honoured and delighted to achieve such tremendous

recognition from Trip Advisor.

This is a clear indication of our mission to provide a world classdining experience to whoever walks through our doors. We are all immensely proud to have received both of these awards.”

Members News

Doing business overseas?

Political uncertainty and economic challenges have fuelled unprecedented levels of currency market volatility, significantly impacting the profits of companies doing business overseas.

Demand for the services of experienced international currency transfer experts, Hawk FX, has grown exponentially as businesses seek protection.

With offices in Sevenoaks, North London and Central London (HQ), Greg Smith (Founder) and the Hawk FX team have many years’ experience helping multinational clients neutralise their international FX exposures and get the most from their currency transfers. Their expertise and experience combined with industry-leading technology are now available to individuals and SMEs. Hawk FX is very different. They operate a transparent pricing model. Online or over the phone, they guarantee that you are getting their best rates on every transaction.

Furthermore, client support goes beyond excellent rates, they also deliver tailored solutions that proactively manage currency market exposure for every client.

Their service is not a one-off activity, but an ongoing commitment to their clients.

Starting with a detailed Business Exposure Report that helps a business identify its currency risks and how to manage them.

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Making Tax Digital for VAT- finally we know more

Members News

With Making Tax Digital (MTDfB) commencing for all incorporated and unincorporated businesses above the VAT threshold (currently £85,000) in less than six months, H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have outlined the way it should work.

From April 2019 VAT Returns can no longer be filed through HMRC’s website and MTD compatible software will be required.

However, there is some light relief, in that HMRC have stated that a digital link between software programs will not be required in the first year. This means that those currently using Excel spreadsheets will be able to ‘cut and paste’ into appropriate software. HMRC are working with over 150 suppliers to provide the software needed, as the actual submission must be through MTD enabled software.

This is where being proactive is important, as preparation is the key to success when it comes to MTDfB in our opinion.

Penalties Fortunately, HMRC have listened (to an extent anyway) to the professional bodies and to businesses and see the challenges and strains the new digital system may pose. Therefore, they have agreed a ‘soft landing’ approach, with an initial grace period of 12 months for filing of late Returns.

This compromise may not go far enough though and we may still see businesses struggling to come to terms with dealing with such enormous change.

The proposed penalties themselves will be calculated on tax still owed after 15 days from its original payment due date, and will be calculated as follows:-

Days late

Penalty

16-30 days

50%

0-15 days

0%

100% plus daily Over 30 days penalties

However, HMRC hope to move to a points-based regime which is proposed to be implemented from April 2020, this is currently included in the draft legislation and therefore we will know more in time.

What should you be doing?

Substantial penalties for noncompliance of MTDfB are a potential risk which means businesses must embrace MTDfB and put procedures into place as soon as possible.

Specifically if you haven’t already, a review of your current software and record keeping should be completed to identify any changes that need to be implemented.

Your local MHA MacIntyre Hudson office will be happy to assist with meeting your obligations under MTDfB and point you in the direction that works best for you and your business.

Canterbury 03330 100 220 Maidstone 0330 100 221 Hayley Benn Tax and Business Services Assistant Manager hayley.benn@mhllp.co.uk

Ceremony marks start of work Farrow Court on new Ashford International Truckstop secures nomination The start of work on a new, larger Ashford International Truckstop has

Ashford Borough Council has been nominated for an annual award.

The Inside Housing Development Awards are an opportunity for local authority housing departments, landlords, developers and architects to enter their best schemes and teams to be recognised in the UK. Ashford is one of nine entrants shortlisted for Best Older People’s Housing Development (more than 71 homes) at the awards, to be decided in London on 29 November.

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Judges were looking for ‘a completed or planned development that creates homes for older people that are desirable and are well designed to meet current and future care and support needs’.

Farrow Court is a councilbuilt, council owned and council run care-ready sheltered housing scheme in south Ashford. It is fullydementia friendly and is the authority’s flagship scheme. It was built over two phases, with the second phase being completed and occupied in November 2017.

Cllr Gerald White, Ashford Borough Council’s portfolio holder for housing, said the nomination reflects the authority’s vision to deliver quality housing and homes for all at a time when local government finances are under pressure as never before.

been formally marked with a groundbreaking ceremony.

Local MP Damian Green joined Darrell Healey, Chairman of site owners GSE Group, to perform the ceremony.

The new 600 HGV capacity truckstop is the first stage of the development of the wider 140 acre Waterbrook site, which will include 400 new homes, new commercial property creating nearly 1,000 jobs, shops, restaurants and parkland.

Darrell said: “The Waterbrook development has been many years in the planning.

We have worked closely with the Borough Council throughout to ensure what is built here will make a significant and positive contribution to the future of the town as a place where people want to live and work.

“When it opens next year, the truckstop will have double the capacity of the existing site and will help tackle the long-standing issue of illegally parked HGVs on the roads, many of them residential, around the borough.”

Ashford MP Damian Green visited the current truckstop last year for a briefing on the Waterbrook proposals and returned for the groundbreaking ceremony.

He said: “Not only does this development provide muchneeded extra lorry parking, which residents will welcome, but signals the continued improvement in opportunities for business in the area.

It is a big step forward.”

Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously voted to approve the detailed plans for the new truckstop and outline plans for the rest of the site.

Council Leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson said: “We are pleased to see this development come forward, which will go some way to alleviating the issue of illegal lorry parking in the borough, which has been a blight for our residents for many years.

“By providing improved facilities for lorry drivers this will mean they can have somewhere pleasant to stop and hopefully will ensure our

roads, laybys and business parks are kept clear, clean and lorry free in the future.

“This is an issue which won’t go away overnight, however.

Ashford is doing our bit, but we need a concerted effort from other stakeholders and we hope other local authorities will follow suit to tackle this regional issue.”

Other attendees at the ceremony included representatives from the Maidstone office of DHA Planning, who took the lead on the planning application, and Canterbury-based Clague Architects who worked on the detailed designs for the truckstop and commercial buildings.

Darrell Healey of GSE Group and Damian Green MP perform the groundbreaking ceremony

Sleeping Giant Media celebrates ten years of business

Patron News

Award winning agency, Sleeping Giant Media, based in Folkestone and led by CEO Luke Quilter and Managing Director Anthony Klokkou, celebrates its 10th anniversary this month.

The digital marketing agency, started during the 2008 credit crunch, has managed to grow to almost 50 members of staff during the last decade with an extensive client base and GIANT reputation despite being based outside of the sectors normal stomping ground of London.

During this time, the company has grown exponentially not just in staff, but within the Kent community. Their culture is recognised county-wide, from the ball pit meeting room to their all-company trips abroad - they’re anything but your average company.

Since forming a training arm to the business two years ago called Giant Campus, they’ve been working with Google on their Digital Garage elearning platform, writing free digital skills learning content for millions across Europe.

Luke Quilter speaks about what it means to have got to ten years; “We all know the horrible statistics when it comes to business survival, coupled with how difficult things have been with the uncertainty surrounding us in the world.

To have made it to 10 years is a massive milestone for any business, and we are really proud to have got this far and for the most part have enjoyed the journey so far!”

With Ant Klokkou, Managing Director, saying; “On one hand reaching 10 years feels like an incredible achievement, however on the other, it's felt like an exhilarating journey that has been immensely challenging, but also hugely rewarding and as such it has flown by! The anniversary is a great opportunity to take a moment to look back and recognise the successes as well as get excited about the next 10!”

With the intention of helping make your business visible online, and its strong desire to support local business, the search and social marketing agency offers special rates for Kent-based businesses.

KIMS Hospital Update

Offering their clients a superior service whilst leading in the application of digital marketing, Sleeping Giant Media strive to achieve the very best for their clients, owing their success to that of their clients.

If you’d like to know how Sleeping Giant Media can help your business online, give us a call on 01303 240715 or email hello@sleepinggiantmedia.co.uk A GIANT thank you to all of those who have helped us reach ten years!

It is not a new notion that a happy and healthy workforce promotes increased productivity and at KIMS Hospital, we understand just how important the health and wellbeing of our team is to delivering a first class service to our customers.

Over the past four years, we have developed and initiated a robust health and wellbeing strategy to support the physical and mental needs of our team, which was recognised at the recent Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA) when we were awarded Employer of the Year 2018.

As the largest independent hospital in Kent, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure we help local businesses support the health and wellbeing of their teams by providing services that allow fast access to healthcare specialists, scans and diagnostic tests. Fast access to these healthcare services ensures your staff are back on the road to recovery promptly.

Private MRI scans As a Bupa approved specialist MRI centre, we offer private MRI diagnostic scans 7-days a week, including early morning and late

evening appointments. Our stateof-the-art equipment means we can provide all types of MRI examinations including specialist cardiac scans and those used for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. A dedicated team of radiographers work with highly experienced Radiologists to ensure we provide quality MRI scans with fast and accurate reporting.

Private GP You and your team can gain prompt access to friendly and experienced Private GPs at KIMS Hospital, benefiting from a wide range of services with longer appointments, at convenient times throughout the working day.

By using our private GPs you and your team will have fast access to imaging and diagnostics, quick referrals to KIMS Hospital Consultants and private prescriptions.

Breast Screening and Breast Clinic KIMS Hospital is a Bupa accredited Breast Care Centre and as part of our Breast Care Services we offer annual private Breast Screening checks to women aged over 40 years old, with no symptoms and who have not had screening within the last 12 months.

We also offer a Consultant led symptomatic Breast Clinic for anyone with a symptom that is new or different from what is normal

for them. For example, a nipple change, a swelling in the armpit or a rash across the breast tissue.

A GP referral is not necessary to access our Breast Care Services.

Easy access to healthcare services at KIMS Hospital

Please call a member of the KIMS Hospital team on 01622 237 727 or send an email to enquiries@kims.org.uk

You can either pay directly for your own or teams treatment or you may be able to use your Private Medical Insurance. Please check with your insurer.

No matter the size of your business, we are here, just off Junction 7 of the M20 near Maidstone, to meet the healthcare needs of you and your team.

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Kent Engineering Company taps into Eco Festival Market

Members News

Campers, glampers and motorhome visitors at Kent’s Vicar’s Picnic music festival in July were able to see in the dark, sleep in silence and enjoy an environmentallyfriendly weekend thanks to their engineering and inventive neighbours at Green Gate.

Green Gate and The Vicar’s Picnic, with their similar green credentials, got together to ensure that festivalgoers could see around the site after dark and had a good night’s sleep without being disturbed by generators – with the midday sun providing fuel for the lights at night.

Boughton Monchelsea’s Green Gate engineers aren’t known for lighting up the festival scene; their engineering inventions usually take them to construction and mining sites or to car parks, hospitals and schools.

Back in 2016, they invented the UK’s first solar-powered and mobile lighting rigs and barriers as part of their SOSEC range, initially for a construction client needing electricity-free barriers.

That original design has expanded to include three more barrier designs and two lighting rigs.

Outdoor events and festivals across the country are now hiring

Agreement – harmony, accord, consensus Doing business is all about agreement - the price, delivery date, quality, components. Get the agreements right - everybody wins - get them wrong, no one does.

Don’t hope for the best and perhaps have to deal with the worst - get expert advice at the right time regarding your contracts, terms and conditions and agency agreements.

Whitehead Monckton’s Commercial Team can provide you with expert advice and support so contact us today.

Tel: 01622 698047 E-mail enquiries@whitehead-monckton.co.uk www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in England & Wales. Registered office 72 King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1BL. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279.

TB /

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Thinking Business

Active at Work with Kent Sport

Kent Sport is the first point of contact for sport in the county, working with partners and networks in the sport, voluntary, educational, health and private sectors, to provide opportunities for everyone to get involved in sport and physical activity for enjoyment as well as wider health and social outcomes.

We work with businesses to encourage physical activity in the workplace because an active, healthy workforce means a happy, healthy business. It means increased productivity, lower rates of early retirement due to ill health, reduced absenteeism, fewer workplace injuries, greater staff retention, engaged employees, improvements in communications and a more positive corporate image.

Being active not only has many positive effects on work performance, it can also improve employee motivation, concentration, energy and stress levels.

them in for their next events, keen and under pressure to reduce their carbon footprints.

Green Gate’s Managing Director Neil Sampson said: “It’s a real pleasure to be involved with a rapidly-growing event such as the Vicar’s Picnic. Just like us, they grew from nothing and are now award-winning, still family-run and highly respected nationally. “It’s been a great opportunity for us to put a green slant on the festival, not just about saving the environment in terms of fuel but also noise pollution – the campers won’t have been disturbed by generators as solar is silent. “The mobile and solar barriers and lights are game-changers for outdoor events and festivals, solving power problems among others and we’ll be at many different events over the next year with them.�

On average, we spend 60% of our waking hours at work and most of this time is spent sitting.

Being inactive is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality with one in six deaths in the UK caused by inactivity.

However, just 150 minutes of moderate intense activity a week, or 20-30 minutes every day, is all that is needed to improve a person's overall health and wellbeing.

Kent Sport has a range of products and services to help get your staff more active from workplace challenges, a free online activity tracker, champion training courses to the ever- popular Kent & Medway Business Games.

Let Kent Sport help you and your business get active and start your journey towards a happy, healthy business.

Keeping you on the move

We operate with Peugeot UK to meet the growing demands of local Fleet and Business customers. We are able to provide premium service levels for the local market, where we are able to provide support to your business, through our dedicated Fleet & Business Specialists, Service Advisors, and fully trained Peugeot Technicians.

Business Centre Services Working with Free2Move Lease, you can use dealership finance options such as; Peugeot Contract Hire, Leasing Agreements and Outright Purchase.

For our Contract Hire agreements we can provide to you, Account Management for ALL types of Car and Commercial vehicles,

Robins & Day Maidstone is the appointed Peugeot Business Centre for the South East of England.

which includes our NEW for 2018 launch of our, Built for Business Vehicles; Drop Sides, Tippers, Lutons, Low Loader Lutons, Curtain Siders and Box Bodies.

Servicing Opt for a Maintenance Package with Contract Hire, or set up for servicing for your vehicles on an as required basis under our competitive Service Plan, that helps you spread the cost of servicing on a monthly basis.

We also offer a Free collection and delivery service.

Looking to book your vehicle in for Service with us??

Book in using Introduction Code: ’FLE2018’.

The Business Centre also provides solutions to keep Business and Fleet customers

mobile whilst their vehicle is being serviced or repaired New 508 Fastback The all-new Peugeot 508: the radical Fastback with a bold look that doesn’t compromise on design and offers advanced technological features for an outstanding driving experience.

With its low, dynamic shape, aggressive front end and steely, muscular style, the all-new Peugeot 508 Fastback heralds a new era of sportiness and elegance.

Thanks to the efficiency of its PureTech Euro 6.2 or BlueHDi engines and 8-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox, the all-new Peugeot 508 Fastback vehicle combines power with controlled CO2 emissions.

Consultants join organisations

Salubritas Consultants Ltd has joined Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and the Kent Construction Forum Group.

The company provides health, safety and wellbeing services for the workplace and can assist with management systems and see companies through ISO45001, ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications.

Salubritas also carry out Health and Safety inspections and audits and offer training tailored to individual business

demand. If you are, or will be, related to construction works, Salubritas are your point of contact for CDM2015 Regulations, risk management in design and construction and support services to the Principal Designer and CDM Client.

The Salubritas team's experience ranges from the Olympic venues and park development, Crossrail,

the Lower Thames Crossing and iconic London developments to smaller projects in the South East.

Salubritas is running a free consultation for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce members and members of the Construction Group.

See the Member 2 Member section on the Chamber website.

Lunch rounds off a time of fun

As part of their summer of fun, the Sporting Heroes Lunch in October is rounding off the fundraising events for Tree of Hope Children’s Charity.

The events have offered something for everyone to get involved in from the Dine and Donate Challenge, Golf Day, Funraisers Dragon Boat Festival and Hever Castle Triathlon, culminating in the Sporting Heroes Lunch on Friday 5th October at One Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells.

The Sporting Heroes Lunch is an opportunity to meet people who

Members News

have achieved great heights in their sport and have many entertaining stories to tell. This year rugby legend Willie John McBride is flying over from Ireland to give a speech.

Organisers also have a young paralympic sportsman supporting the lunch as part of his ongoing support for Tree of Hope. Ross Wilson is a GB Paralympic table tennis player

who won bronze medals in the 2012 Games in London and 2016 Games in Rio and has recently won gold in the Commonwealth Games in Australia. Chris Cowdrey, Kent and England cricket captain, will be the MC.

Full details are on the website www.sportingheroeslunch.com or call 01892 575677 or email info@sportingheroeslunch.com

Myth-busting accountancy in the Digital Age

Nigel Melia doesn’t do ties.

He’s not particularly fond of shoes either, preferring shorts and a pair of flip-flops.

In fact, Nigel Melia neither looks, nor sounds, like your typical accountant.

Where the large accountancy groups rely upon the bamboozling of phrases such as ‘amortisation’, ‘double-entry bookkeeping’, and ‘reconciliations’, Nigel, at his Kent-based firm Track Accountancy, is more likely to talk about ‘goals’, ‘success’, and strangely, ‘happiness’.

Nigel said: “It’s a different game altogether now. Previously, us accountants were viewed as practitoners of the dark arts of finance with a language and an attitude that set us apart from other mere mortals.

But with the massive online success of entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos at Amazon and Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook, it showed there was an entirely new way of starting and running a business.

“Even though we’ve been in the business for more than 30 years, we’re constantly adapting to changing trends and business models.”

As part of this, Track Accountancy looks at both marketing and HR as part of a holistic approach. It’s paid dividends, with one local engineering firm going from £70,000 to £400,000 turnover as a result of Nigel’s restructuring.

Nigel said: “Yes, we provide those essential bookkeeping services but at Track we see the bigger picture.

What are people’s goals? What will make them more successful or happier in business?

“People want honest and uncomplicated advice and we are happy to help wherever they are on their business journey, from a start-up to more established company.”

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Consultants to feature in countdown to big day Members News

Wilkinson Construction Consultants, based in Churchill Square, West Malling, has been named as one of the UK’s top ‘Small Biz 100’ by Small Business Saturday.

The company has been selected as a trailblazer in the official countdown to Small Business Saturday, which takes place across the UK on 1 December 2018.

The achievements and contribution to the local community of Wilkinson’s will be celebrated and spotlighted on one the 100 days running-up to Small Business Saturday. This is part of the campaign’s mission to celebrate small business success, and encourage the nation to 'shop local' and support British small businesses.

Wilkinson Construction Consultants are multi award winning Approved Inspectors providing Building Control services across London & South East England as an alternative to Local Authority Building Control.

Managing Director Geoff Wilkinson said: “It is great to have been picked because our business is niche and most people still don't realise that they can use our services rather than the Local Council for Building Control Approvals.

“People often think we are just a subcontractor to the Council and don't realise we are a complete alternative and are licensed to issue the Approval, making us the actual decision makers.

By using our services you still get the same plan and site checking offered by the local authority, but without the bureaucracy associated with the public sector.

“We also find that people mistakenly think that because they don't need Planning Permission they don't need Building Regs approval either and end up with problems when they come to sell. Even minor building work such as removing a chimney, installing a toilet under the stairs, or putting up or taking down walls in their homes or workplaces can need approval.

“So it's fantastic that Small Business Saturday have recognised our hard work and helped spread the word about what we do.”

Director of Small Business Saturday UK, Michelle Ovens said: “We are thrilled to highlight the dynamic, creative and inspiring small businesses from across the country, as part of our campaign to celebrate and champion the success of the UK’s small businesses.”

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Growth with a sense of togetherness

At Kuflink our premise is growing and succeeding together.

We help our borrowers to grow their property portfolios while our investors grow their money. Everybody wins, and that’s why we’re passionate about what we do!

Kuflink Bridging, our specialist finance division, provides short-term property loans to both businesses and individuals.

Kuflink Limited is an online P2P lending platform where you can invest in short-term loans secured against UK property, and earn up to 7.2% interest pa gross*. We don’t charge any fees and offer three fantastic products; Select-Invest, Auto-Invest and an Innovative Finance ISA. The cornerstones of our business, Kuflink Bridging

and Kuflink Ltd, work in harmony to deliver fast and flexible property finance, which feeds the investment opportunities we place on our platform. Since the launch of our P2P platform in August 2016, we have grown steadily each month and are now a buzzing team of 36 staff.

The Binning and Chattha families, who are founders of Kuflink, chose to set up the business in the place they grew up, Gravesend. They want to be able to offer job opportunities to locals and

give back to the community which is why they also set up The Kuflink Foundation.

The Foundation provides support to communities in Kent and Gravesham.

The charity has worked closely with Kent County Council and Gravesham Borough Council since 2001 to establish The Grand, located in the heart of Gravesend, which provides fantastic opportunities and amenities. www.kuflink.co.uk

Metro Bank to open store in Ashford

*Capital is at risk

Metro Bank has officially confirmed it is to open a store in Ashford, further boosting the town’s credentials as the best business location in Kent.

Metro Bank has officially confirmed it is to open a store in Ashford, further boosting the town’s credentials as the best business location in Kent.

It’s expected that around 25 jobs will be created when Metro Bank moves into the High Street, in a prominent location at the entrance to County Square shopping centre.

The challenger bank has ambitious plans to expand its branch network to 100 by 2020 – it currently has 57 in London and the South East.

Metro Bank arrives as Ashford’s town centre continues to thrive, with more than half a billion pounds worth of investment in new retail, leisure, residential and commercial property schemes as businesses and investors

show their faith in the town’s future prospects.

Iain Kirkpatrick, Managing Director – Retail Banking at Metro Bank, said: “We picked Ashford for its vibrant community, exciting future developments, commercial culture and efforts to create a civic heartbeat.”

Metro Bank has signed a deal to move into a 3,990 sq ft unit in County Square formerly occupied by Clinton Cards; in addition it has acquired an adjoining 1,190 sq ft unit used by jewellers Warren James, which is moving elsewhere in County Square. Metro Bank will combine the two units.

Cllr Graham Galpin, Ashford Borough Council’s portfolio holder for the town centre and business, said: “We are delighted that such a dynamic,

innovative and highly-regarded financial services company has recognised the many benefits of including Ashford in its expansion plans.

“Ashford has been identified by investment agency Locate in Kent as the best place to do business in the county and I’m sure Metro Bank will be a hugely welcome addition to our thriving local economy.”

County Square manager Frances Burt said: “To attract a high street brand of the calibre of Metro Bank is very pleasing for us. County Square has just celebrated its 10th anniversary and last year our visitor figures broke through the six million mark for the first time.

I’m thrilled that companies like Metro Bank have the confidence to include Ashford in their expansion plans.

Kent strawberry grows from strength to strength

Business News

Malling Centenary, a strawberry variety developed in Kent, is being seen as a game changer for the industry.

It’s been predicted that the 2018 strawberry season will have seen 59 million Malling Centenary plants cultivated – an increase of 15 million on last year. The variety was developed at NIAB EMR in East Malling.

First released in 2013, Malling Centenary is a product of the first tranche of the East Malling Strawberry Breeding Club, funded by a consortium including BerryGardens Growers Ltd, SoloBerry Ltd (formerly CPM Retail Ltd), Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (formerly HDC), East Malling Services Ltd, European

Strawberry Nurseries Association, Mack Ltd., Meiosis Ltd and DEFRA.

Mario Caccamo, Managing Director of NIAB EMR said: “Named to celebrate a century of fruit science and innovation at East Malling Research, Malling Centenary is a fabulous tasting strawberry and a very strong performer for the growers. The commercial success of the variety is now helping to retain world-class science here in Kent.”

Mark Coxeter, Chief Executive of Meiosis, based at Bradbourne House on the East Malling Estate, said:

“The success of Malling Centenary is the result of growers and supermarket buyers recognising it offers great taste, a regular conical shape, good skin, and firmness of the flesh, and strong shelf life. That can only be achieved through investment in breeding programmes.”

Listed by all UK supermarkets, Malling Centenary is a favourite with strawberry growers because it yields more than 95% class 1 fruit, which is significantly higher than the previous market leader Elsanta, which can be as low as 71%.

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Thinking Business

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Showcasing Kent’s vibrant county town and the powerhouse for growth and innovation in Kent Spotlight on Maidstone

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Thinking Business

Home to more than 7,000 businesses and 168,000 residents, Maidstone is the powerhouse for growth and innovation in Kent.

The town is entering a period of transformation, with Maidstone Borough Council backing numerous exciting investment and regeneration schemes across the borough.

Maidstone is well and truly ‘open for business’ and a comprehensive programme of infrastructure and investment schemes is now coming on stream to revolutionise the offer to businesses, residents and visitors.

Kent’s medical marvel

Situated just off Junction 7 of the M20, Kent Medical Campus (KMC) is designed to stimulate and drive growth in the medical technology, life sciences and health care sectors across the south east.

In 2017 KMC received ‘live’ Enterprise Zone status with business rate discounts for organisations locating on the site within the next five years.

A new Innovation Centre on the site will offer flexible serviced office accommodation and onsite business support.

Already home to its flagship KIMS Hospital, KMC is also the base for the new 65-bed Cygnet Hospital, which will provide services to patients suffering from mental health issues.

The new £18 million hospital will deliver a vital new service to Kent and the surrounding

areas and create hundreds of new jobs bringing with it considerable investment to Maidstone. Benefitting from a 10-year outline planning consent, KMC is actively seeking like-minded businesses and people to join this fully integrated centre of excellence for health and medical science.

Opportunity Areas

Maidstone Borough Council has so far identified five opportunity areas in the town centre considered to have residential or commercial redevelopment potential, but where the market has not yet shown an interest.

These sites include: • Len House in Mill Street

• The Granada Cinema and Gala Bingo sites

• Maidstone West and the Broadway

• Western riverside including Baltic Wharf

• Mote Road

The Council is promoting the potential development and investment into these areas by setting out clear planning information on what could be achieved on each site – and indicating what the council would welcome – to promote them more widely to potential developers and investors looking to be part of Maidstone’s regeneration.

Spotlight on Maidstone

A town of which to be proud

Maidstone attracts four million visits each year, providing a wealth of opportunities for businesses to benefit from this vast potential consumer base.

The Council recognises this and is committed to the regeneration of Maidstone town centre, taking a proactive approach to redevelopment.

Following Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Counci’s joint acquisition of Royal Mail’s former Sorting Office, the Councils are collaborating to drive forward ambitious plans for the comprehensive redevelopment of Maidstone East, including the adjacent commuter car park and Cantium House.

This seven-acre, multi-million pound regeneration project is key to transforming this gateway site to Kent’s County Town. Plans include a mixeduse development including retail space, over 400 homes, offices, commuter parking and improved interchange between buses and trains. The project will complement the demolition of the Old Vic public house, which will see in its place a new ticket office, landscaped ticket forecourt with new seating, lighting and public art developed.

Savills has been chosen to assist the Councils with this project and is in the process of creating detailed plans to ensure that the redevelopment scheme is as attractive as possible to the private sector, encouraging further investment in the scheme.

The complexion of Maidstone town centre is also changing with a £3.1 million investment into enhancing the public realm.

Work has started in Week Street and Gabriel’s Hill through to Lower Stone Street

Gareth Holland C&R, Sean Henry, MBC

and the junction with Palace Avenue. The developments will see the appearance of this area improved and a level surface created throughout, dramatically improving access for pedestrians.

Maidstone boasts the largest economy and the highest number of businesses in any borough in Kent. The borough has strong sector specialisms in engineering, manufacturing, medical services, professional services, retail and leisure.

The Council is committed to providing a dynamic, inspiring and supportive environment for businesses in the borough.

This support is delivered through the Council’s Growth Accelerator, The Business Terrace. The Business Terrace provides businesses with flexible office space, bringing together like-minded individuals, promoting collaboration and hosting networking opportunities.

Free business advice is also available to anyone who requires it.

Since it launched in 2015, the Terrace has expanded twice, and is currently in the process of being extended to house more offices – its third extension in three years!

Strategically located in central Kent, Maidstone boasts excellent transport links to local, regional, European and global markets. Indeed, two major commercial business parks are planned at Junction 6 and Junction 8 off the M20.

Indicative proposal for Maidstone East Thinking Business

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Spotlight on Maidstone

identified as a priority, including crime, anti-social behaviour, cleanliness and the need to improve the general perception of the town centre.

One Maidstone, the town centre management organisation, researched the scheme for more than a year before inviting businesses in the town centre to vote in the ballot that concluded on 12 July 2018.

And relax …

As well as a thriving business economy, Maidstone offers unrivalled leisure and lifestyle opportunities for visitors and residents alike. As the county town of Kent, Maidstone has a stong Kentish feel with historic villages, beautiful downland countryside and charming villages straddling the River Medway. Mote Park is also undergoing a makeover, with a new visitor centre, improved parking and adventure zone.

Anyone looking for a colourful night on the town will not be disappointed with Maidstone’s offer of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and its ever-popular Hazlitt Theatre. The town is also a shopper’s delight with Maidstone placed among the Top 5 locations for retail yields in the south east of England.

The Mall, Fremlin Walk and Royal Star Arcade offer fantastic shopping and parking, and the weekly market held in Jubilee Square provides fabulous food and drink crafted from local produce. Visitors spend more than £250 million in the local economy, which helps support jobs and services provided by local companies.

There are very few places in the south east with as much to do and see as Maidstone.

There has also been no better time to invest in Maidstone and

discover the commercial opportunities that this vibrant and thriving town has to offer.

New BID promises a bright future for Maidstone

By Ilsa Butler of One Maidstone

Maidstone has joined Canterbury as only the second Business Improvement District (or BID as they are known) in the county, although there are approximately 300 across the UK.

Many towns and cities are now adopting this model and enjoying the benefits that this collaborative approach can bring such as increased footfall, improvements to staff retention, reduction in business costs, specific marketing and a patina of care that marks them out as being great places for residents, visitors and businesses.

A BID is funded by a small levy on businesses, in Maidstone’s case it is set at 1.5% of rateable value on those businesses with an RV over £15k (and reduced to 1% for those in shopping centres and already subject to a service charge).

This will generate more than £2million of income over its five-year term and will see significant, tangible investment in the town centre, and on those specific things that Maidstone’s businesses themselves have

The Man from Arriva says ‘yes’ to Maidstone

When Oliver Monahan, 43, was appointed into his new role as Area Managing Director for Arriva, he knew he would have to relocate but had no idea where to base himself. He said: “The area I am responsible for covers everywhere between London City Airport and east Sussex, from Guildford through to Sheerness, and includes nine depots which I could have made my base. The possibilities were numerous.”

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Thinking Business

With a 77% majority voting yes this gives a clear mandate to move ahead with the plan that had been drawn up following extensive consultation with the business community.

The BID will also afford businesses the opportunity to have a strong, audible voice when it comes to identifying what they feel they and the town needs in terms of support and improvement and a say in the strategic direction that the town takes.

One Maidstone BID will be live from 1 October 2018 and delivery of the first portion of the business plan will commence on the same date.

Businesses are invited to contact the BID office with any questions or ideas that they may have concerning the project or the town centre and can do so by calling 01622 678777 or emailing Ilsa Butler on ilsa.butler@onemaidstone.com

Why Maidstone makes such a good base

Brachers has been established in Maidstone since 1895 and we still see the town as a prime location for the firm, more than 120 years on.

With transport links across and beyond the county and into London, Maidstone is ideally located to enable us to service our clients across a wide geographical area. There’s also such a diverse range of businesses based here working within various sectors, which

Oliver and his partner undertook a comprehensive sifting operation to identify the best place for them to move to, and selected Maidstone.

He said: “Because of the area I must cover for work, I needed great rail connections, somewhere easily commutable to London, the facilities of a thriving town, an exciting shopping offer and a property market that was not ridiculously over-priced.

“After lots of visits and research we got down to a shortlist of three areas; Sevenoaks, Ebbsfleet and Maidstone.

has enabled us to establish a varied client base and in turn organically grow our areas of specialism – from agriculture to healthcare and manufacturing.

As an employer, we’re seeing the positive impact of the economic development of the area first hand.

In the last few years we’ve benefited from an increased ability to recruit affordable talent, with many highly-skilled people who would usually see London as the best option for their professional development, now viewing Maidstone as an attractive place to work which offers high quality career opportunities – without the daily commute to the city. Our clients also say the same; that the talent pool is increasing all the time, fed by some of the best performing schools and Mid Kent College Campus, located in the heart of Maidstone and providing further and higher education.

From a business perspective, it’s encouraging to see the scale of investment that’s happening across Maidstone, particularly projects such as those planned for Junction 7 of the M20, as they reflect the commitment to long term enhancement of the area. There are some fantastic ‘local’ initiatives in place that also focus on the development of the town. For example, we were pleased to support One Maidstone in their successful BID proposal, as we recognised the wide ranging benefits that enhancing the town centre would have for business owners, residents and visitors.

Sarah Gaines is Head of Commercial Property at Brachers and a member of the Maidstone Economic Business Partnership

Having visited all the towns, the clear winner was Maidstone which ticked all the boxes.

“I’m loving it. I'm basically 30 minutes travel from anywhere in Kent and an hour from anywhere in the South East.

“Compared to London we’ve found a real sense of community and we’re amazed by the thriving nighttime economy in Maidstone. We had a friend visit from Brazil recently and they were blown away by the town and especially enjoyed a boat trip on the river.”

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Thinking Business

Economy Collaborate UK 2018, CitySprint’s sixth annual survey of more than 1,000 SME decision makers found that there has been a year on year increase in business confidence since 2016.

More than half (51%) of businesses feel more confident compared to 12 months ago, an increase from 46% last year, and just 29% in 2016.

Younger businesses are more confident than their bigger peers; 60% of those less than three years old are more confident about their future than 12 months ago compared to just 34% of businesses of 15-20 years.

Despite the optimism, Brexit is cited by 30% of small businesses as the number one obstacle to the success of their business over the next 12 months, up slightly from last year. Nearly half (46%) of SMEs have done nothing to prepare for Brexit, with smaller businesses having taken the least action.

SME confidence ‘remains strong despite Brexit fears’

New research has revealed that 77% of UK SMEs are as confident about the future compared to a year ago, while 89% are in the same or better financial shape compared to 12 months ago, despite increased fears over Brexit.

More than half (55%) of businesses with a turnover between £100,000 and £999,999 have done nothing to prepare for Brexit.

Patrick Gallagher, CitySprint Group CEO, said: “It’s encouraging to see that small and medium businesses have continued to maintain their optimism, with confidence actually growing year-on-year even in the face of uncertain economic times.

“But with Brexit just around the corner, it’s worrying that the smallest members of the SME community are the least prepared for it, with the large majority having no plans in place yet.

Although businesses are understandably focused on their day-to-day operations, it’s essential that small businesses consider how and where their business could be impacted by Brexit and prepare accordingly.”

Although concerns about Brexit are widespread, not all businesses think the impact has been wholly negative; 39% of SMEs said that it is having a positive impact on their business, potentially indicating that the issue may be creating work for the UK’s small and medium sized enterprises.

According to the research, concerns over Brexit also haven’t hampered business ambition, with 41% of respondents looking to grow their customer base and increase trade in Europe over the next 12 months.

A further 25% are looking to expand to North America, and 20% to Asia.

Patrick Gallagher said: “It’s no surprise that concerns around international trade are the second biggest factor impacting SMEs as a result of Brexit, but their ambition to significantly increase international trade over the next 12 months show that this hasn’t hampered appetite for international growth.”

The West Midlands comes out as the most confident region, with 65% of businesses more confident about the future compared with 12 months ago, followed by 60% of businesses in London. This coincides with two thirds (66%) of businesses in the West Midlands stating that they are in better financial shape than 12 months ago, followed by London at 53%.

“According to the research, concerns over Brexit also haven’t hampered business ambition, with 41% of respondents looking to grow their customer base and increase trade in Europe over the next 12 months.

A further 25% are looking to expand to North America, and 20% to Asia.”

Thinking Business

21

Big Interview

Exciting times ahead for the fast-moving auto trade

The motoring trade is a fast-moving one as 22

Thinking Business

new technology brings about big changes.

Big Interview

From left to right: Mike Best (Retired), Daniel Back, Ashley Kane (New Car Manager), Richard Garbutt (Sales Director), Steve Edwards (General Manager), Carole Bond Thinking Business explored the industry with Daniel Dobinson, Business and Fleet specialist at the Robins and Day Maidstone Peugeot Dealership, and Ashley Kane, who is New Car Sales Manager.

What are the big trends in business fleet vehicles?

Daniel: The move for more businesses to look at their finance structure across companies has started to show and demonstrate that more SMEs and larger enterprises are looking for a Contract Hire management of vehicles. This allows additional benefits to companies and business owners to free up cash that may be sitting on their books as assets.

We have found that, like most private users, businesses prefer not to have an ownership of vehicles and like to change more frequently, which keeps vehicles inside manufacturer warranty periods and keeps a fresh and professional-looking fleet of cars or commercials.

We have the provision to offer Contract Hire from 18-48 month cycles.

In addition to our Contract Hire Agreements, we have the opportunity for customers to opt in for an Account Management range of services, which includes proactive Maintenance Booking, Job Completion tracking and a dedicated team to assist with vehicle queries. Alongside our account management, we can offer Connected Services that can provide live data for mileage,

fuel and maintenance levels to allow Financial Directors (who are typically picking up from Fleet Managers) more time to concentrate on core activities.

What effect is the green revolution having – hybrids, electric etc?

Daniel: The industry has been affected by the Government talking about diesels being dirty, not economic and highly polluting but the fantastic news is that Peugeot traditionally has been a market leader in this industry and continues to make diesel engines that are comparable to the petrol equivalents.

Most new vehicles on the road that are running diesel engines will be built in line with the Ad-Blue technology that some may be aware of, BlueHDi and Blue Motion. This allows for a cleaner filtration through the engines exhaust and fuel system that can be demonstrated by Peugeot at https://www.peugeot.co.uk/bluehdi/ Ashley: We are going to start seeing more hybrid Petrol/Electric vehicles emerging in the industry in line with the Government’s requirements for a ‘cleaner’ UK. With technology improving its own boundaries both electrically and mechanically, we will start to see some decent longer-range electrics, but enhanced with the petrol engines.

I would like to point out that the CO2 emissions that are on our petrol and diesel engines are comparably similar, and equally the NOx levels in both are also comparable.

What are the big new sellers which will be available soon?

Daniel: Peugeot have a range of new vehicles that we have seen over the past couple years that have includeed the New 3008 and New 5008 SUVs, New 308, and the technology and comfort of driving is really raising the bar, having won the International Engine of the year award (PSA Peugeot Citroen 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo) for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, which sits amongst a great range of other awards our cars and commercials.

New vehicles that Peugeot have on the release for the end of 2018 include: • New 508 Fastback • New 508 SW • New Rifter (Leisure Activity Vehicle) • New Partner Van In particular, I am most excited for the New 508 Fastback and the New Partner Panel Van. These two vehicles I believe are going to be fundamental to businesses as we move into the last leg of 2018 and moving into 2019. They are available for personal and business use!

Companies looking for the new company car, will find better P11D values on the New 508 Fastback, over many of the other prestige and premium brands.

What does the next 12 months hold for the business?

Daniel: We will move into 2019 with a handful of brand new vehicles, pushing technology and comfortable experiences

and driving on the strong quality that Peugeot offer.

Robins & Day Maidstone will be moving to brand new premises in 2019 at a date to be confirmed, when we will be relocating up to the Parkwood (Maidstone) Motor City.

This move takes us away from the longstanding history of the Rootes of Maidstone Art Deco Building, where we are currently located at the bottom of Mill Street (the big white building).

With new products, new vehicles and new technologies, we are going to start seeing easier and more efficient ‘rootes’ to purchasing new and used vehicles for Personal and Business use.

Is Brexit having an effect?

Daniel: Overall, I personally don’t see that Brexit is having an affect on our day to day business.

However, we have seen some changes to prices over the past couple of years where suppliers and logistics are all under the challenge of European trading, but regardless of what the political agenda is with Brexit, Suppliers, Trade agreements and other Brexit/Engine related fallacies, our objective here at Robins & Day Maidstone Peugeot is to assist you with finding the right vehicle for your use, building on our customer relationships, building new relationships and continuing to provide a high quality of customer service.

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23

Cover Feature

corporate hospitality

Analysis predicts buoyant time for hospitality sector These are exciting times for the hospitality sector in areas like Kent as research shows that its economic activity is increasing dramatically.

Analysis of Office for National Statistics (ONS) data published recently by hospitality recruitment platform, Adia suggests that the total national turnover of all businesses providing ‘Accommodation and Food Services Activities’ will reach £100 billion this year.

In addition, over the past five years, the total turnover of all companies in the sector has steadily grown at around 6 per cent a year.

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Thinking Business

The total turnover of all businesses in the hospitality industry reached £98 billion in 2017, up from £92 billion in 2016 and £86 billion in 2015, with a significant proportion of it coming to Kent and the wider South East.

Based on this rate of growth, Adia expects this figure to comfortably reach £100 billion this year.

Adia’s analysis has also revealed that the amount of

people employed in the sector now exceeds 2.3 million, representing an increase of 21 per cent compared to 2013 - when the total amount of people working in the industry stood at 1.9 million.

The amount of firms providing accommodation and food services activities in the UK has grown by just under 20 per cent in the last five years, having reached 202,060 - up from 169,235 in 2013.

Adia CEO Ernesto Lamaina said: “The hospitality sector makes a significant and important contribution to British economic output, equally, the 202,000 businesses operating in the industry play a valuable role as employers and job creators.

“Our analysis indicates that the amount of people working in the sector has increased by over 409,000 in the last five years, which is testament to the health of the industry.”

corporate hospitality When being hospitable pays off

Kent is well positioned to take advantage of the growth of the sector with a wide range of venues from conference centres to hotels, all of which are attracting significant amounts of business.

That is because in an age where everyone seems to communicate online, where Twitter and Facebook seem sometimes to have taken over from actual talking, it can be easy to forget that we are basically sociable animals. We thrive on face-to-face contact.

In a fast-moving technological age, the personal touch remains highly valued because it is often when client and customer are together, and relaxed, that business is done, that relationships are forged and deals struck.

Creating that kind of environment takes many forms in Kent. For many companies, it often revolves around sporting events, a trip to the races, a day at the cricket or perhaps a meal followed by watching a football match.

However, there are other options for the more adventurous, daytrips, teambuilding events, extreme sports challenges, or for the more cultural, events such as trips to the theatre.

They may be diverse events in nature but the key to them all is that they represent time spent away from the office and a sense that the company staging the corporate hospitality truly values those whom it has invited.

Room with a view

There can’t be many meeting venues that offer a view of a Hurricane out of one window, or a glimpse of France from the balcony of the refreshment area.

Throw in the feelgood factor of knowing that your company is supporting the work of a charity dedicated to Churchill’s ‘Few’, and the attraction of booking space at The Battle of Britain Memorial becomes clear.

The site at Capel-le-Ferne, on the coast road near Folkestone, is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, which looks after the National Memorial to the Few, the men who kept this country free from invasion in 1940.

In recent years the Trust has expanded the facilities at the site, which now includes a modern visitor centre built in the shape of a Spitfire wing and a library and resource centre housing a collection of Battle of Britain-themed publications.

Both buildings provide airy, modern meeting venues suitable for board meetings, presentations and smaller conferences, and the competitive hire charges directly support the work of the charity, which receives no public funding.

Delegates or colleagues will also be able to enjoy the rest of the site, which features the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall, a replica Hurricane and Spitfire and superb views across the Channel, as well as the interactive Scramble Experience and the Memorial itself.

The Geoffrey Page Centre, housed in one half of the modern Wing building, is suitable for 32 people seated at round tables or 54 cinema style, while the new library and resource centre in Hunting Lodge can accommodate16 in a boardroom setting or 32 as a classroom.

There is plenty of car parking and refreshments can be provided. Audio-visual equipment is available in the Geoffrey Page Centre and similar facilities can be provided in Hunting Lodge.

Groups and companies can also hire The Wing for evening meetings, with guests able to tour The Scramble Experience and the site as part of a unique event at an inspirational venue.

For more information visit www.battleofbritainmemorial.org

Cover Feature

KULVW ULVWPD PD

t The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence

Celebrate in style

A large range of party options

A u n iq u e ve n u e

P l a n y o u r C h r i s t m a s p a r t y to d ay

To see what we have in store contact a member ember of our events team.

T: 01227 4 473 612 W: thespitfiregrou undstlawrence.co.uk E: saales-thespitfireground@cen nterplate.co.uk

Thinking Business

25

Cover Feature

corporate hospitality

Getting your conference right

Conferences are important as well, bringing people together in a manner which allows relaxed networking.

So what are you looking for if you are trying to organise an event? Well, one of the key factors is a good location, somewhere be it a hotel, specialist conference centre or other venue, that is easy to reach and that looks attractive for delegates.

When assessing the venue you are looking for a number of other important factors.

Can the venue cope with the numbers expected to attend, has it got a good meeting room, will it provide equipment like projectors and Internet access, are the staff friendly and flexible in helping you meet your needs? If the answers to those questions are yes then the event is likely to be a success.

The good venues are the ones that can tailor themselves to providing the exact needs of the event organisers. The first consideration is the nature of your event. Do you need a large hall or will something a little more intimate work?

Is it formal or informal? They are salient questions because atmosphere is important to the success of exhibitions and getting it right matters.

Whatever the choice, it is vital that visitors can easily understand the layout and find their way around with the minimum of fuss. Large conferences and exhibitions can be bewildering events so adding to visitors’ problems with poor layout can only detract from the success of the event.

In a world where business people feel more pressured than ever, wasting time getting lost is unlikely to foster much in the way of goodwill.

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Thinking Business

One of the other things that makes a conference or exhibition successful is a sense that something is happening so it is useful to have staged areas for demonstrations and performances, or for companies to show their products at work.

Kent is second to none in rising to the challenges because it combines great people with great venues.

Corporate Hospitality with the Hadlow Group

When it comes to finding a unique venue for your event or a range of memorable and inclusive activities for your team away day, The Hadlow Group can provide a huge variety of options.

Its West Kent College campus, situated in the heart of Tonbridge, is a modern, stylish and contemporary building with ample free parking, located closed to major transport links and the town centre. It offers a range of affordable meeting rooms, specialist dance and theatre facilities and TV recording studios.

Its professional meeting room facilities cater for up to 12 people in a comfortable, clean and relaxed environment, whilst for larger meetings and workshops, there are classroom facilities, catering from 20 to 40 people and equipped with data projectors and screens. PC and Mac suites are also available for group training sessions.

The college’s stunning 250-seat theatre is the perfect venue for conferences, product launches or stage productions and music rehearsal suites offer the perfect environment to work creatively.

The campus is home to a luxury restaurant, The Artisan, ideal for breakfast meetings, informal gatherings or parties, situated on the third floor and offering a panoramic view across the Weald.

The Hadlow Group’s Ashford College campus offers an equally extensive range of meeting rooms, classrooms and lecture theatres for hire in a bright and airy modern building a stone’s throw away from Ashford International Station. The campus also boasts a state-of-the art recording studio, available for external hire for large-scale commercial projects led by an in-house engineer or for smaller projects run by the trainee student engineers.

Hadlow College, with its stunning 1,000-acre estate just three miles from Tonbridge, can offer something completely different for your event, whatever it may be. As well as a large range of meeting spaces, Hadlow’s other facilities for hire include an Equestrian Centre with excellent indoor and outdoor riding facilities, an eight-acre sports ground ideal for holding outdoor events and a Garden Design Studio suitable for a large party, small trade event, product launch or function.

The college’s Broadview Tea Rooms, overlooking Broadview Gardens, offer a private function room, whilst Grove Farm, approximately two-and-ahalf miles from the main College campus, offers 55 modern en-suite rooms available for hire outside of term-time during the College holidays.

For a range of outdoor teambuilding activities to suit your entire staff or an individual team, look no further than the Group’s 250-acre Betteshanger Park, just a short distance from Deal. For a more relaxing but equally rewarding teambuilding day, why not consider Rosemary Shrager’s Cookery School in Royal Tunbridge Wells, offering a broad range of tailored cookery courses for your staff or customers.

The school offers the perfect venue for corporate events and entertainment, with an exclusive dining experience in the shape of its Chef’s Table events.

Whatever your type of business or event, The Hadlow Group has plenty of options available to meet your requirements and ensure your event is a success.

For more information, visit: www.hadlowgroup.ac.uk/ about-us/facilities-for-hire

The gift of giving this Christmas

With the summer firmly behind us many will be preparing for the annual Christmas office do and considering gifts for clients. The rules surrounding what can and can't be claimed as a business expense for tax and VAT can be somewhat confusing.

HMRC will allow you to give a gift to a customer up to the value of £50 and it be tax deductible. However, the sting in the tail here is that the £50 limit is an aggregate amount in any one year, not only that but any gift must contain a conspicuous advertisement for the trader.

Examples they give include diaries, pens and mouse mats. Unfortunately, gifts cannot be alcoholic drink, food, tobacco or even vouchers which can be exchanged for any of these. Any gifts valued over £50 will be completely disallowed, meaning that no tax or VAT can be claimed back.

There are tax exemptions available for social functions and parties. To be exempt, the event must be £150 or less per head, annual, and open to all your employees. The £150 includes any associated costs of transport, accommodation and, of course, VAT. It is not an ‘allowance’ and if your event exceeds £150 per head the entire amount becomes taxable and must be on each individual's Form P11D (Return of expenses and benefits). Class 1A National Insurance Contributions will also be payable by you, as the employer, on the benefit. It's also worth pointing out that the £150 is an annual limit and one not just for Christmas.

Finally, where any non-employees attend your event please remember that VAT cannot be claimed back on this portion of your bill as the expenditure on nonemployees is actually classed as business entertaining.

Not surprisingly, any Christmas gifts to staff are also classed as a taxable benefit, unless they are deemed 'trivial'.

Whilst HMRC give no extensive explanation of what 'trivial' might entail, their manuals do give examples; these include items such as a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. Sadly, upgrading staff to a case of wine or even a Christmas hamper will mean that staff will have to declare this andpay any tax on the gift.

It should also be remembered that monetary gifts are always taxable and must be taxed through your payroll.

Mark Greenwood, ACA Partner, MFW Ashford

HOTELS

Stunning Kent venues within easy reach of London and Europe ½ With direct trains from Central London and easy access to popular gateways to Europe you can choose one of our inspiring country house hotels as the venue for your next business meeting, conference or team-build event. All our packages include free parking, delicious dining options, Wi-Fi plus a host of other benefits and start from just £35 per day delegate.

Six meeting rooms

10 meeting rooms

Host up to 160 delegates

Host up to 150 delegates

38 bedrooms, 12 acres of grounds

53 bedrooms, 22 acres of grounds

Five miles from the M25/M20

Six miles from the M25/M20

Seven miles from Ebbsfleet International

12 miles from Ashford International

Easy Access to Gatwick and City airports

Ideal for travel via the Channel Tunnel

BRANDSHATCH PLACE

CHILSTON PARK

HOTEL & SPA FAWKHAM, KENT

HOTEL LENHAM, KENT

For a flexible approach and a seamless experience from start to finish, speak to our friendly sales team today.

01642 706600 enquiries@handpicked.co.uk handpickedhotels.co.uk

24 Hours with...

24 Hours with...

Nick Gauntlett

Hythe Imperial Hotel

Thinking like a guest is key for hotel boss

I go for an early morning run because it helps me clear my head for the day to come.

“I tend to be in my office by 7am and the first thing I do is walk round the hotel. I think it is important that I and my staff view the hotel as the guests see it when they emerge from their rooms in the morning.

Although he is Executive Director of a hotel, much of Nick Gauntlett’s day is taken up with viewing the world through the eyes of his guests.

Nick, who took up his post at the Hythe Imperial Hotel in November 2017, believes it is crucial that he and his staff view the hotel as customers do, an approach which he says allows for an ethos of constant improvement.

His is a long working day.

He said: “I am normally up by 5.30-6am and, if possible,

“I will check that nothing is missing, that everything is in order, that health and safety measures are in place, then I will pop in on the breakfast team and when it is light I will go around the outside of the building and the grounds.

“I do that because it’s important not just that the inside of the building is in order but also that the same can be said of the exterior.

“For example, you may have fast food boxes and things like that left in the car park and we need to make sure that they are removed, not just for the benefit of the guests but also

for our neighbours who expect the hotel to look attractive.

“During the day, I try to limit myself to three meetings and to have an open-door policy so that people can drop in if they wish to talk to me.

“At some point I will catch up on my emails but much of my time is spent round and about the building, but there are days I am deskbound.

“Mine is a very hands-on approach. I have a very good team, but I also need to see things for myself and I believe in constantly striving to improve.

vast majority of comments are positive means that if there is a negative one people will see that it is an isolated example, but it may be that there is something that we can do better.

“I work long days but enjoy it and usually finish at 7.30 or 8 in the evening and, if possible, I try to go for a run.

“I always say to people that it helps me clear my head, but it is also good for problem-solving.

Many a time that I have had a problem, when I start running it will have been solved by the time I finish.”

“We have a bedroom guest questionnaire that the guests fill in and, although it may sound odd, I look for the negative comments first rather than the positive ones because they may point out ways in which we can improve the experience for our guests.

“It is the same with Trip Advisor.

We hope that the fact that the

Hythe Imperial Hotel Tel : 01303 267 441 Website : www.hytheimperial.co.uk

30

Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment at One Ashford Hospital

More and more people are suffering with back, neck and muscular disorders in the UK today. The impact on our working life is increasing with more than 31 million working days lost at a cost of £14bn to the economy.

Most people will experience an episode of acute lower back pain at some point, with attacks often occurring from exasperating a previous condition. Today’s lifestyle plays a significant role in the increasing prevalence of back related disorders. This includes poor posture, commonly caused by sitting for long periods of time at a desk, along with living a more sedentary lifestyle. Most symptoms will resolve within 6-8 weeks with self-care for mild pain, but other symptoms may require care by a healthcare professional in order to live a fuller, more comfortable life.

Our specialist physio team offer a range of treatments for back pain, including: • Manual therapy • Electrotherapy • Acupuncture • Shockwave therapy • Pilates

• Sports massage • Sports injury management If the treatment you receive has not helped relieve your symptoms, or if you have had pain for a long period, our physios will recommend you see one of our Orthopaedic Consultants for further investigation. You may require an MRI scan which can be carried out at One Ashford in our specialist imaging suite. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a common procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body. It has revolutionised treatment for people with back pain and is considered the single best imaging study of the spine to help diagnosis and plan treatment for back pain.

Treatment with our Consultants could involve: • Nerve root blocks • Caudal epidurals

• Sacro iliac injections • Spinal surgery Mr Steven Lau, Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon at One Ashford Hospital states ‘Generally speaking, fusion operations have a guarded outcome when it comes to back pain. The mainstay of spinal surgery is to help trapped nerve pain and sciatica or spinal claudication. The mainstays of

helping back pain are with conservative measures such as activity modification, maintaining good core strength via exercises, analgesia and of course therapies such as Physiotherapy and Osteopathy.

Spinal injections often help nerve pain and sciatica greatly via selective nerve root blocks. Facet joint injections can provide excellent relief for back pain, but is seldom a long-term cure.

However, should a patient have a good but temporary response, then facet denervation treatment may well be an option. In certain instances, an intradiscal injection can cure back pain secondary to an inflamed disc, and one must not overlook sacroiliac joint pain as a cause for chronic back pain.

I myself perform minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusions but only for highly selected patients, with excellent results.’

On ne Ash hford Hosp pital pital A dable 1rivate Afford 1 e )ea althcarre One Ashford is a modern, purpose-built hospital providing independent care for the whole family. Conveniently located just off the M20 at junction 10, it is easily accessible to the local community.

With little to no waiting time to be seen by a specialist, you can rest assured that you and your family will receive the best possible care at a time convenient to you.

We are recognised by all major medical insurers and offer affordable self-pay packages with 0% finance options*

* Terms and d conditions apply.

Subject to availability.

Subject to status.

01233 423000 ww ww.oneashforrdhospital.co.uk uk ashford.info@onehealthcare.co.uk .co.uk Thinking Business

31

What can employers do to protect themselves from a harassment compla aint?

Harassment has been all over the headlines in What can employers do to protect themselves? recent months following #metoo and #timesup.

In a recent People Management poll, 17% of HR • Make sure that employees understand proffessionals essionals reported r an increase in employee how to make a report and to whom, and complaints and 20% had fired or disciplined that staffff understand how to handle a someone fo or harassment over the last six complaint and the relevant reporting lines. months.

• Investigate allegations promptly and What is harassment? consider whether to engage an independent investigator so that the Under the Equality Act 2010 harassment is employee has ffaith aith in the process. pr unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic which has the purpose or • Tak ake both sides of the story and talk to efffect of violating an employee’s dignity or other employees, invariably complaints creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, will involve a ‘he said’, she said scenario so humiliating or offfe fensive environment. An it is important for o other staffff to report r employer can be held responsible for for an unacceptable behaviour. employee’s conduct even if the harasser did not intend to harass, the emphasis is on the impact • Have in place a clear anti-bullying and that the conduct has on the victim. harassment policy backed up by regular Employers will have a defe ence if they can training for staffff so tha that they understand demonstrate that they took ‘all reasonable the rules and what is and is not steps’ to prevent the harassment taking place. acceptable. It is not enough just to have a policy in place, regularly review and follow Even if allegations do not end up in an policies, this will help employers to make a Employment Tribunal, at the least, they are ‘reasonable steps defence.’ damaging to morale and the work environment.

•

Netflix’ made the news recently ffollowing ollowing ng the leak of their on-set rules for for a avoiding g harassment which included such ‘helpful’ ful’ tips as “don’t flirt.”” Rather R than a list off “do’s and don’ts,”” foster f a culture where e employees understand the boundaries.

•

If a complaint is upheld, follow the disciplinary process and if a decision is taken to dismiss ensure that procedures are followed.

CWJ’s Employment Department are able to assist employers with grievances and workplace disputes. We can also review employment documentation including anti-bullying and harassment policies. For further information contact Laura Claridge on n

01689 887 873 or email laura.claridge@cwj. wj. co.uk.

Join businesses across Medw wa ay y to make positive,, lasting changes in your local community y..

The Medwaayy Corporate Giving Fund is a collectiv collective fund which pools donations from generous Medwaayy busines businesses sses and organisations to help their local communityy,, bby coming together as members to haavve a say on which local causes to suppor pport.

Corporate Social Responsibility is no longer an activityy just ffor large,, multinational corporations.. Businesses and individuals duals of any size can plaayy their par part in effective local giving and supporting their communityy..

JOIN THE MED DW WAY CORPORA ATE TE GIVING G FUND amy@kentcf.org.uk amy@kentcf org uk k 01303 814 500

www.kentcf.orrg.uk Charity No: 1084361 Company No o:: 4088589

/K KentComm entCommunity

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Thinking Business

@KentComm @K entCommunity

New scheme helps smaller businesses to support local good causes

The Person behind the Business

Are you a small business that is seeking to support a good cause in your local community but you’re not sure how to go about it?

“We support projects across all 13 districts in Kent and Medway so you can be rest assured that the pooled funding is supporting a local cause in your area.”

In which case, a new giving scheme operated by Kent Community Foundation could be what you are looking for.

It allows even the smallest of businesses to make a big difference to the communities in which they operate and live.

Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive, hopes that the new initiative will increase the amount of money that businesses donate through the Foundation, a figure which currently stands at just ten per cent of all money distributed by the Foundation to good causes in Kent and Medway.

The Foundation helps individuals, families, businesses, and other trusts and foundations, to establish and administer their own charitable funds to support the causes that mean the most to them in Kent and Medway.

Since 2001, Kent Community Foundation has distributed more than £30 million to local grassroots charities and voluntary organisations where a modest sum of money can make a significant impact.

Previously, the main way for businesses to donate has been through creating ‘named funds’ which require a £25,000 financial commitment. However, the Foundation realised that such an approach was beyond the pocket of most smaller businesses which might still wish to be involved.

The solution was to create a pooled fund which brings together smaller donations to support specific needs in the county.

Josephine said: “We realised that setting up individual named funds where you have to donate a minimum of £25,000 was beyond what smaller businesses can afford. “However, we know there is still an appetite to support local causes in Kent and Medway and the pooled fund allows small businesses to do just that.

“We would positively encourage smaller business to donate directly to charities that they know and have confidence in giving to, but if you aren’t sure who to support and you want to join a scheme which will collectively have a much bigger impact than your donation alone, then donating though Kent Community Foundation is definitely the right option for you.

“No matter what size of company you are, our pooled funds gives everyone the opportunity to get involved. We provide funding for mainly smaller grassroots charities, where a small grant can make a big difference.

“A business requests a particular cause from a selection of four themes that they would like their donation to go towards and we do the rest. We support projects across all 13 districts in Kent and Medway so you can be rest assured that the pooled funding is supporting a local cause in your area.

“We carry out the due diligence on each project to ensure the money is spent effectively and keep the donors updated on progress and the impact the funding is having on the beneficiaries.

“The pooled fund will allow smaller businesses to engage with their local communities and we hope that it will increase the amount of donations we receive from companies in Kent and Medway.

“Our message is that if you already know which charity you wish to support then please donate to them directly, you do not need us, but if you need help identifying the charities in your local area that could benefit from your donation, then our local knowledge and networks will allow you to reach the causes that mean the most to you.”

Josephine can be contacted on 01303 814500 Thinking Business

33

Ask the Expert

Ask the Expert

How can the humble biscuit help my business? in the modern technological world people value things that are authentic artisan products more and more.

By Dina Melim, CEO of specialist biscuit maker Biskilicious, based in Maidstone.

For years, biscuits have been a staple of business meetings.

Always there, rarely noticed, never appreciated. Nobody takes much notice of them.

Indeed, when did you last think about them?

However, it need not be like that. Used properly, biscuits can make a real statement about your business by showing that you value quality and appreciate the unique in life. That says a lot about your business. It hints at the service you provide to your clients.

What do I mean? Well, our biscuits are unique and handmade and I believe that

And because everyone unites around food, why not buy biscuits that are a bit different at meetings? If we discard the standard packet of digestives in favour of something unique at our meetings, they can act as talking points, fulfilling the function as icebreakers at corporate events.

To accentuate the unique quality of our products, we produce a range of special give-aways for clients, including a thank you for customers at special occasions like Christmas.

In addition, our biscuits can be themed with company logos to celebrate anniversary dates in business or other special occasions. It’s all about providing the human touch.

What’s more, our biscuits are inexpensive but appear exquisite when packaged correctly and can complement

a business’s ethic, because they are all natural no artificial ingredients. Also, they taste great and look amazing on display at an events table.

So next time you sit down at a meeting and reach for an underwhelming biscuit, think what you could be enjoying instead!

Biskilicious hand creates bespoke biscuits and cookies to celebrate your special event.

Using the finest Kentish ingredients, our delicious range includes handdecorated biscuits, party favours, wedding mementoes and delightful personalised event gifts that every foodie will love.

www.biskilicious.com biskilicious@gmail.com Tel: 07702095374

ThinkingBusiness Business Thinking

35

Members News

Good cleaning regime

The Decontaminator is a disinfecting business, designed to meet disinfection challenge in: property, hospitals, care homes, GP/dental practices, schools, nurseries, laboratories and our homes, effectively and speedily.

A total of 99.99% of all microorganisms are killed, as a preventative measure to getting infections. The constant Government figures show 300,000 UK patients will acquire an infection as a result of receiving healthcare and about 30,000 will die from these infections: MRSA, C dificile, Ecoli, and influenza are amongst a list of dreadful diseases and a growing number are resistant to antibiotics.

Many people rely on a good cleaning regime but if you take a nursery as an example, it would be impossible for the best cleaning operatives in the world to clean, let alone disinfect all the balls in a ball pit, the toys in plastic boxes or the content of the cupboards.

Alarmingly, the antibiotic solution is running out; within 30 years as many will die of infection as are currently dying of cancer now.

By using a combination of equipment, to disinfect everywhere as bacteria, virus, mould or yeast can colonise.

It may be airborne, on ceilings, walls windows, doors and their handles, blinds/curtains, furniture and the undersides, soft furnishing, carpets, equipment, figurines, so our methods need to be absolutely thorough.

Once a treatment has been completed, it takes just 30 minutes for the chemicals to settle, whereupon a certificate of treatment is issued which can be used for audit reporting.

The purpose is to safeguard weakened or immature immune systems, allowing them to recuperate.

36

Thinking Business

Cripps’ staff take to the skies for charity

Staff from law firm Cripps braved nerves and the elements to take to the skies and parachute 12,000ft to earth to raise money for charity.

Victoria Rowing, Marisa Lambkin, Natasha Holme and Kathryn Gurr took part in a tandem skydive at Headcorn Aerodrome, raising in excess of £2,000 for Rethink Mental Health.

Kathryn, who co-organised the event, said: “None of us had done a skydive before, so the rollercoaster of emotions we felt through the whole experience

was intense; from nauseating nerves, to adrenalin-fuelled excitement and the intense relief that you made it back to ground.

“We know that people who struggle with their mental health experience their own rollercoaster of emotions every day, which is why we are so incredibly proud to have raised more than £2,000 for such a worthy cause”.

Rethink Mental Illness directly supports thousands of people every year to get through crises and live independently.

For more information, and to donate, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/cripps-skydive

Charity Diagrama secures funding for training projects Cripps has offices in Tunbridge Wells, London and Kings Hill.

Multi-service charity Diagrama Foundation has been awarded two separate grants to fund new training projects.

The charity’s Chatham-based fostering service has been awarded £10,000 of Big Lottery funding to develop a new training programme to enhance the skills of foster carers throughout London and the south east.

The programme aims to reduce the number of placement breakdowns for foster children – which can potentially have a longterm impact on the child’s development – by upskilling foster carers to better cope with the complex challenges they may face.

The project, which the charity aims to launch early 2019, will include a

series of free seminars covering topics including: brain development, the impact of trauma, understanding behaviour, child and parent psychology and attachment and biological issues. The training aims to reach around 40 carers.

The charity, which supports vulnerable children and adults through a range of services including fostering, adoption and residential care, was also successful in its bid for a share of fellow Chamber member Golding Homes’ Community Chest fund after being awarded a grant to provide vital first-aid training for job seekers,

Bus firm offers cheaper fares for ‘Appy’ customers

volunteers and foster carers in the Medway and Maidstone area through Diagrama’s training service United Safe Care.

Shane Newcombe, Operations Manager for United Safe Care, said: “We are really pleased to have been awarded the grant to provide first aid training. These are vital life-saving skills which every member of the public should have. We’re hoping the training will help improve employability skills for job seekers as well as equipping volunteers and foster carers with the confidence to know how to respond if ever faced with a medical emergency.”

Passengers travelling on Stagecoach buses in Kent and East Sussex can save up to 40% on their bus ticket by using the firm’s Smartphone app.

The bus company is offering cheaper day, evening and week tickets in the hope it will encourage more passengers to switch to mobile ticketing which it says helps speed up the overall journey time for its customers.

Matthew Arnold, Stagecoach Commercial Director for the South East, said: “Eight out of ten people in the UK use a Smartphone and

more and more of our customers favour the ease and control that buying tickets on our app gives them. We know that at busy times when people are queuing at the bus stop, it’s much quicker to hop on board with a mobile ticket to show the driver.

“We hope that by offering mobile tickets at a reduced price, more people will choose to use them.”

The app offers bus users a digital solution for buying and using bus tickets alongside existing contactless and cash payments on the bus.

Day and week tickets can be purchased on the app in advance of travel, which saves time when boarding the bus.

Ashford Borough Council unveils first ever Civic Beacon

A new Civic Beacon has been unveiled by Ashford Borough Council.

As part of the ongoing commemorations throughout 2018 for the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice at the end of the First World War, the new Civic Beacon – the first of its kind for Ashford Town – has been installed in North Park (adjacent to the Civic Centre).

The beacon is inscribed with the poem ‘Lucasta. Going to the Warres’, by Richard Lovelace, which is where inspiration for the council’s motto ‘With Stronger Faith’ is taken from. Richard Lovelace (1617-1657) was a cavalier soldier, Oxford poet and lord of the manor at Lovelace Place, Bethersden, from 1629 until 1649.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said:

“After many months of hard work in designing, planning and the construction, it is extremely pleasing to see this Memorial Civic Beacon taking pride of place in North Park.

“The beacon will become a notable landmark, representing civic pride and the heartbeat of the community, a physical monument that can be used to unite people in times of celebration and on more sombre times of national commemoration.

“This is yet another part of us all putting the civic heartbeat back into Ashford and remembering our history and heritage in a more permanent and meaningful way.”

Security Design and Project Management

When the stakes are high, the best possible advice and support matters.

DPH Security Consultancy can assist with one of the most important aspects of security threat mitigation, which is the day-to-day security design placed around your business and home. From data loss prevention to access control and optimal CCTV camera placement, there’s an infinite number of challenges to address on an ongoing basis.

Our security design services provide a production-oriented, third-party perspective to objectively evaluate current systems and processes. Using our holistic methodology and comprehensive approach, we can assess vulnerabilities and suggest realistic need-based

solutions. DPH Security Consultancy is an independently owned Kent based business and is operated by Derek Horne, a former member of the UK Special Forces and who is recognised as one of the security industry’s leading specialist risk mitigation experts, having over 18 years of specialist knowledge and experience gained whilst operating at the very highest levels both nationally and internationally.

With our immense experience and the multiple bespoke approaches offered within our professional services, we provide the very highest possible level of security consulting advice.

The new Civic Beacon will officially be lit for the first time at 7pm on Sunday November 11, as part of the nationwide ‘Battle’s Over, A Nation’s Tribute’ event, which commemorates 100 years since the end of the First World War. Underneath the beacon will be Ashford’s own tribute; a beautiful poppy display in the style of the ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ poppy installation at the Tower of London in 2014.

Thereafter, the beacon will be used to commemorate and celebrate occasions of national significance and will form part of a wider network of beacons across the borough.

DPH Security Consultancy services INCLUDE: • Security Design & Project Management

• CCTV and Access Control Recommendations

• General Security Advice and Planning

• Threat, Risk & Vulnerability Prevention Tactics and Recommendations

• Suggestions for Improving Incident Management

For further information and a free quotation please visit: www.dph-consultancy.com

Members News

Homecoming for club

It’s been a busy summer at K Sports. One of Kent’s most exciting new venues has attracted some big names to eat, train and relax at the multi-sport facility.

Clubs like Dover Athletic, Maidstone United Ladies, Greenways and teams further afield from the Reunion Islands and the United States have all used K Sports who are growing bigger and bigger.

One of the summer’s biggest signings was a new deal with Ebbsfleet United. The National League side have penned a contract to make K Sports their new home.

Fleet first trained at what was Cobdown following the KEH Sports takeover in 2013 but the entire operation has undergone a transformation since then.

The 28-acre sports ground near Aylesford boasts floodlit stadia-style 4G playing surfaces, improved grass pitches, a renovated clubhouse and facilities with firstclass gym and changing blocks.

Ebbsfleet General Manager Dave Archer said: “The facilities and the investment in them has been nothing short of phenomenal.

The 4G synthetic surface is of the highest standard and the new gym facilities are fantastic. One or two of the senior players will remember the facility from before when the club used it as a base; however, the whole facility is now almost unrecognisable and I am sure it will provide the squad with the ideal venue to prepare for the season ahead.”

Alan Dennington, CEO of K Sports said, “We are delighted to welcome Ebbsfleet back to Cobdown, now better known as K Sports. The site has transformed into an awardwinning, multi-sport facility over the past two years and we are proud to offer the management and squad a training base to call home.

“It’s a testament to the investment and hard work that has taken place that we can attract clubs from the National League and support ambitious, elite teams like Ebbsfleet United. We wish them all the best this season and look forward to a new chapter working together.”

Thinking Business

37

THE SKILLS TO DO THE

JOB

ESP are a local training provider working with national high-profile organisations offering personalised training and delivery.

We specialise in the delivery of professional services apprenticeships including Project Management, Operations/Departmental Manager, HR, Telecoms, Rail, Retail Team Leading, Team Leading, Business Administration and Customer Service. Our clients include British Telecom, EstĂŠe Lauder, Greater Anglia, NHS, Boeing and Fujitsu.

ESP are an ILM, CMI, NCFE, City and Guilds and Pearson approved training provider, recognised for our ability to deliver the highest standards of training through effective course content, professional trainers and quality procedures.

Our courses can be modified to provide qualifications for each individual or for training that is particularly tailored to suit the needs of a business.

We deliver bespoke programmes designed with employers that have individualised delivery plans which consist of blended learning models

including formal workshops, support from highly skilled and motivated trainers and learning and skills coaches, and ongoing access to our online resources that support the learning process.

ESP also deliver tailored employability programmes that enable adults to gain qualifications designed to improve their chance of finding employment.

Our learners access bespoke construction courses that not only provide them with two qualifications and a good understanding of the industry but provides them with the opportunity to gain the recognised CSCS Card, a requirement of many employers in the construction industry.

A committed and inspirational training provider, we are dedicated to providing learning and development opportunities for both unemployed and employed individuals that will equip them with the skills for work whilst gaining nationally recognised qualifications and enhancing their progression opportunities into work.

For further information please contact Luis Bernardino Commercial Director on:

07951 270 342 or

01233 632 111

Education & Skills Partnership, Williamson House, Ashford, Kent, TN23 6LW

www.esp-ac.uk

Unpredictable exchange rates a concern for exporters

Volatile exchange rates are a growing concern for UK-based exporters, according to the recently-released Quarterly International Trade Outlook, published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with DHL.

The survey of more than 2,600 exporters found that confidence in future operations remains strong but that external economic and political factors are having an impact.

It showed that 60% of exporting manufacturers were more concerned about exchange rates in the second quarter of the year than in the previous three months.

There was also increased concern among 43% of service exporters, highlighting the broad impact of the weakness of the pound.

According to the BCC, the findings indicate that price pressures eased slightly on exporters during the second quarter of the year.

However, those manufacturers under pressure to raise prices report the cost of raw materials as the leading factor (81%).

Service firms believe the cost of raw materials (39%) and other overheads (51%) are the leading sources of cost pressure.

The escalating labour shortage in the UK is also having a serious impact on exporters, with 69% of recruiting manufacturers struggling to find staff.

In addition, the BCC/DHL Trade Confidence Index, which measures the volume of trade documents issued by accredited Chambers of Commerce for goods shipments, decreased slightly on the quarter (-1.34%), but still stands higher than at the same quarter in the previous year.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “These are unusual times, and the escalating political and economic turbulence doesn’t go unnoticed by business.

It’s been a summer of trade tensions and endless Brexit bickering and exporters are particularly exposed to the consequences of that turmoil.

“Companies will always find a way to trade with each other but messy negotiations and the threat of higher tariffs have implications, and can hit confidence and firms’ bottom lines. While many exporters are making the most of their competitive advantage in foreign markets, the fall of sterling also puts considerable pressure on the cost of imports and the volatility can make it difficult to plan.

“The UK government can’t control currency or the actions of trading partners but it can take steps to mitigate the level of uncertainty at home. Reaching a pragmatic and business-focused Brexit deal with the EU this autumn would go a long way to reassure markets and business communities.”

Customs Declaration Service

HMRC begins roll out of new Customs Declaration Service.

In August, HMRC launched the first release of its new Customs Declaration Service (CDS), which is replacing the 25 year old Customs Handing of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system.

CDS is a modern and flexible system that will allow importers and exporters who trade outside of the EU to include more items

with each declaration, potentially reducing how many declarations they need to make. For the first time, your Government Gateway account will include a record of all of your businesses’ imports and exports.

CDS is being introduced gradually and the timing of your move over to it will depend on when your

International Trade

Funded visit for Manufacturers and Engineers

Ian Wilson, CEO DHL Express UK and Ireland, said: “The resilience of UK exporters is highlighted with this quarter’s Trade Confidence Index. Despite being a slight decline on the previous quarter, the index remains up year on year and it is encouraging to see it stands at the fifth highest level on record.

“This strong performance also reflects what I hear from our customers and, at DHL Express, we continue to support an abundance of energetic, internationally-focused UK entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the world.

“The uncertain climate exporters are operating in and the challenges faced cannot be overlooked but with all uncertainty comes opportunity - and continuing to trade internationally and expanding your portfolio of markets and market segments still provides the best way to spread business risk and ensure long-term revenue and profitability growth.

“The growing labour shortage continues to be a very real hurdle that is impacting a vast number of sectors. Amidst challenging and unpredictable times, industry and government must work closely to ensure that we identify and develop UK talent in order to future-proof our businesses for what lies ahead.”

Visit www.iseproject.eu to register your interest

business, or your software developer or agent, are ready.

Developers should already be working with HMRC to update their software applications and, if they haven’t already, HMRC will contact you soon to explain if there’s anything else you need to do.

For most importers and exporters this will include confirming your company’s Government Gateway account details, registering for the CDS service through it and then authorising your software developer to make declarations on your behalf.

If your business trades outside of the EU, you should use this time to familiarise yourself with changes to the tariff which has been updated to meet the requirements of the Union Customs Code.

Guidance explaining the new changes to the tariff can be found on GOV.UK Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is working with HMRC to provide relevant information to businesses but encourages you to visit www.gov.uk/ customsdeclarationservice regularly for the latest updates.

Prototyping: Product Development & the Design Process 7th Nov 2018

Kortrijk Xpo, West Flanders, BE, Kortrijk

Join us on 7 & 8 November for a two day programme of activity built around the Prototyping Exhibition in Kortrijk, Belgium.

The event focuses on the tools and materials needed for industrial product-development and covers all aspects of how to take products from an initial idea to a production-ready design.

Companies will have the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of the ‘Howest Industrial Design Centre’ and to meet with companies from other ISE project regions in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK.

Thinking Business

39

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CXK is awarded National Careers Service contract

Members News

Charity CXK has been successful in securing the new National Careers Service delivery contract for the south-east region, one of nine contracts to have been awarded across the country.

The three-year contract with the Education and Skills Funding Agency will run from 1st October 2018.

The National Careers Service provides personalised careers information, advice, and guidance (IAG) services to all adults, via individual and group face-to-face sessions, over the telephone, and through digital and social media platforms.

The service places particular emphasis on priority groups who may need more help in

developing their career management skills and progressing in work or learning.

The news means that the charity will continue to deliver inspirational careers information and advice to adults in their communities via face-to-face support as well as online, widening its geographical reach to include Kent and Medway, East Sussex, West Berkshire, Slough, Reading, Bracknell Forest, Windsor & Maidenhead, Wokingham, Hampshire,

Surrey, Southampton, Portsmouth, West Sussex and Isle of Wight.

In the coming year, the National Careers Service expects to support approximately 44,000 adults with their career options across the southeast region.

Pauline Smith, responsible for delivering the National Careers Service in the south-east from 1st October, said: “We are delighted that we have been successful in being awarded the National

Careers Service contract.

This will ensure we can continue to deliver a high quality service to adults across the south-east.

The new contract will enable us to develop the strengths of our current contract whilst also creating innovative, modern and inspirational IAG services for our beneficiaries moving forward. The National Careers Service is entering an exciting period of innovation and growth, which we’re thrilled to be a part of.”

Assentive focuses on practical advice for business owners

It’s lonely at the top – we know, we’ve been there. Assentive is a Kent-based consulting business that provides practical help and advice to growing SMEs in the county who want to manage their growth without it becoming a headache.

Most business owners know about their customers’ needs, their competitors’ products, their own offerings but have found themselves thrust into management with little or no real help & guidance. That’s where Assentive comes in.

Chris Metalle, Managing Director of Assentive, has

been involved in management, corporate finance and company compliance for many years.

He said: “I have scars from the things I got wrong and trophies for the things I got right. Mostly what I have learned is that if you get the right processes in place you tend to get more trophies

than scars. And that’s what I’m trying to do for my clients.”

Often Assentive is called in by a client to chase overdue debt as Chris has had plenty of experience in this field.

However, in many instances the company then works with the client to establish more

Network of lorry parks

robust credit account opening and monitoring systems to prevent repeat instances of slow payers.

It is not unusual then for the client to ask for help sorting out its other processes and procedures including GDPR compliance, marketing plans and campaign management or finance raising.

Bowden PR announces two new clients

Bowden PR has announced that it will be working with two Kent businesses, The Singing Cabbie and Discover the Vine on their PR strategies.

Aiden Kent, The Singing Cabbie, has been a professional London cabbie for more than 20 years.

Based in Sidcup, he is a professional singer, cabaret performer and raconteur who loves performing and is currently in meetings to take his cab to Vegas for a season.

Rowena Hawtin, from Discover the Vine is known as #thewinelady An award winning speaker, Rowena set up Discover the Vine in 2017 to share her passion and love of wine through tasting events and experiences across the South East.

across Kent and Medway predicted

Kent could soon see a network of small truckstops after the Government published its revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), according to Canterbury-based Clague Architects.

The Government announcement gives stronger planning support for truckstops. The new policy came less than a week after Ashford Borough Council voted unanimously for GSE Group to double the size of the Ashford International Truckstop at Waterbrook, near Junction 10 of the M20.

Karl Elliott, Managing Partner at Clague, said: “The Department for

Transport has acknowledged there’s an under supply of secure parking for HGVs in Kent – a position also recognised by KCC and district councils.

“The decision by Ashford Borough Council shows it is ahead of the game in terms of its thinking on lorry parks, and we can expect to see developers working with other local authorities to bring forward new facilities.”

In the revised NPPF’s section on Promoting Sustainable Transport, the Government now requires that planning policies and decisions should recognise the importance of providing adequate overnight lorry parking facilities, taking into account any local shortages, to reduce the risk of parking in locations that lack proper facilities or could cause a nuisance.

As a result, it would suggest that any future new lorry parking capacity, especially if located close to a motorway junction in Kent and Medway, would be looked on favourably by planners.

Karl Elliott added: “There is a growing consensus that Kent needs a network of secure parking for HGVs, open 24 hours a day, to

meet the ever-increasing number of vehicles coming through the Channel ports.

“Offering capacity of 250 plus vehicles, these new lorry parks would be best located near to areas with high levels of HGV traffic, such as Dartford, Medway and Swale, keeping them away from Dover and Folkestone.”

Thinking Business

41

After Hours Club: Business Togetherness You don’t have to be on your own…

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

Come and join us for an evening of networking where you can familiarise yourself with exactly what you need to make your business fly.

Meet your local Chamber representative who will give you a brief overview of the Chamber

Events • 9th October 2018 Burlington Hotel, Folkestone

and hear from current members as to how they benefited from their membership with us.

FREE to attend 6.00pm – 7.30pm This event is open to member and non-members.

Complimentary tea and coffee will be served, a cash bar will also be available.

Please book to confirm your place(s).

• 11th October 2018 KIMS Hospital, Maidstone

• 17th October 2018 Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel, Canterbury

• 25th October 2018 Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Chatham/Medway

• 6th November 2018 The Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford

• 2nd October 2018 The Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce West Kent Roadshow Your business can benefit from over 30 FREE and discounted business services.

Be part of the Ultimate Business Support Network in Kent.

Accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce we give you the best of both worlds, local, county and national support & representation. Are you making the most of your Membership, or looking for the many reasons why you should join or whether or not to renew, then come along and meet our Service Partners to ensure you are aware of all the benefits available to you and your employees:-

• Westfield Health: Healthcare packages, up to 40% discount • AXA PPP: FREE access to 24 hour Healthcare • AA breakdown: Up to 63% discount • Cargo Insurance: Referral Service • QDOS: FREE – Tax, H&S, Legal & HR Assistance, up to £1 million in legal expenses • Export Documents: 50% discount on all documentation • Utilitywise: Chamber energy savings advice and free bill analysis

East Kent Lunch:

‘Your Employer Brand is just as Important as your Customer Brand’ hear from James Crawley Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to join us for a business networking lunch at the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. A fabulous 2 course sit down lunch will be served followed by tea and coffee.

• Grilled chicken breast served in a wild mushroom sauce, served with fresh seasonal vegetables and butter new potatoes.

• Sticky toffee pudding served with custard.

• (Vegetarian option: Blue cheese & walnut souffle with garlic bread & salad)

Hear from our guest speaker: James Crawley – Founder JCM Advisors, an international talent management and business consulting firm, working with the leadership teams of some of the

• Conference Facilities: Discounted Rates • Foreign Exchange: Reduced transfer fee – £5 per transfer compared to £30 for High Street banks • The Fuel Card People: Up to 5p a litre off pump prices

There are more ways your business can benefit, here are just a few: - Member to Member offers - Membership Directory - Blogs - Advertising Opportunities - Networking - Sector Specific Events - Annual Business Awards world’s top professional services firms, the core mission for JCM now is to help smaller faster growing companies learn from their predecessors’ mistakes. Earlier this year James also published a book: “Fuel Your Employer Brand” available on Amazon.

• Most companies invest in customer brand but few invest the same effort into their employer brand.

• What is employer brand, what does it mean?

• Why is employer brand important?

• People are the core of 99% of business.

-

Thinking Business Magazine Business Support Start Up Workshops Initiative & Local Funding Opportunities.

We really look forward to welcoming you to this exciting & informative Membership event, please register your attendance now to avoid disappointment.

Networking and a light breakfast from 8.00am followed by a short presentation and further networking.

9th October 2018 8.00am – 10.30am Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells

10th October 2018 12.00pm – 2.00pm Dover Marina Hotel, Dover Members: £20.00 + VAT Non members: £25.00 + VAT

For further information on all events please contact events@kentinvictachamber.co.uk or call 01233 503838 Thinking Business

43

VE TE SA DA E TH

Thursday 3rd Oct 2019 Kent Event Centre, Detling

Fresh Insights into Current Construction Industry Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations

The Kent Construction Expo is the largest gathering of construction industry professionals, contractors and suppliers in the south east.

Produced by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the Expo delivers a multi-track conference programme, a wide range of exhibitors and a unique opportunity for the construction sector to come together for an invaluable day of networking and innovation.

Visit the website for highlights from this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event: KentConstructionExpo.com V Contact Nick for 2019 exhibiting opportunities Nick Litton - nick@revolution-events.com | 01892 820930 Produced by

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Event Partner

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Event Partner

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Media partner

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Managed by

Marks & Spencer plans approved unanimously

Business News

The plans by Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Gallagher Properties will create a new store with 7,808m2 of floorspace selling clothing, household goods and food, plus a cafe.

Work is expected to get under way towards the end of 2018, with its doors expected to open in 2019. It will provide 300 full and part-time jobs.

Plans to create a new Marks & Spencer store at Eclipse Park, near junction 7 of the M20, has been given the go-ahead following a unanimous vote in favour by Maidstone Borough Council.

Nick Yandle, of Gallagher Properties, said: “Throughout the whole process we have had overwhelming support from the local community which has culminated in last night’s unanimous vote and reinforces Eclipse Park’s importance to the Maidstone economy.

Winners announced for the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2018

Awards have been presented in 15 categories to recognise the efforts of print, broadcast and digital journalists at this year’s Kent Press & Broadcast Awards (KPBA).

Best Use of Social Media The full results are:

Sponsored by Eurotunnel Winner: Kent Live – Kent Traffic & Travel Highly commended: Tom Darby, BBC South East Finalists: KM Charity Team Save Our Buses, Kent Live

Kent Broadcast Journalist of the Year

Sponsored by Barretts Winner: Leanne Rinne, BBC South East Today Highly commended: Lauren Moss, BBC South East Today Finalists: John Ryall, ITV News Meridian Louisa Britton, KMTV

Kent Columnist of the Year

Friday 13 July proved lucky for many when the ceremony to celebrate local journalism took place at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury.

The awards are organised by Kent PR agency Maxim and were this year hosted by the BBC’s Simon McCoy. Maxim’s Rachel Knight said: “Working in local media can be a challenging and often thankless task, which is why we feel it is so important to recognise the efforts of our county’s journalists. This year was our most popular ever with 148 entries, which we believe shows that the media finds these awards as important as we do.”

In memory of the only triple KPBA winner, the sports award was this year renamed

46

Thinking Business

as a tribute to BBC sports journalist Neil Bell, who died earlier this year.

The Kent Press & Broadcast Awards entries are judged by an expert panel consisting of: Susie Boniface, a national journalist known as Fleet Street Fox; PA photographer Gareth Fuller; digital consultant Patrick Fuller; Gillian Hargreaves, who spent 25 years with BBC news; journalist and lecturer Dr Sarah Lonsdale; sports journalist and lecturer Paul Majendie; Rebecca Smith, former senior editor for Kent Regional News and Media; and Leo Whitlock, a local newspaper journalist for more than 20 years, much of which was spent at the KM Media Group.

Sponsored by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Winner: Chris Hunter, Medway Messenger Highly commended: Stringer, Gravesend Messenger Finalists: Nikki White, Medway Messenger Seb Reilly, The Isle of Thanet News

Kent Designer of the Year

Sponsored by Westwood Cross Winner: Samantha Barton, Kent Life Highly commended: ‘cene magazine Finalists: Matthew Panting, KM Media Group Paul Acres, Kent Messenger/ Gravesend Messenger

Kent Feature Journalist of the Year

Sponsored by Saga Winner: Mike Gunnill, Bygone Kent Higly commended: Samuel Supple, BBC South East Today & Inside Out Finalists: Jo Burn, BBC Radio Kent Joe Walker, Kentish Gazette

“We have all seen the headlines of the issues facing retailers and this is a major vote of confidence in Kent’s county town from M&S.”

The plans for the two-storey building at Eclipse Park also received the recommendation for approval from the council’s planning officers.

Kent Front Page of the Year

Sponsored by Yoyo Design Winner: Ashley Austen, Kent Messenger Highly commended: Kent Life Finalists: Gravesend Messenger Kent & Sussex Courier

Kent Magazine of the Year

Sponsored by Shepherd Neame Winner: ‘cene magazine Highly commended: Isle Magazine Finalists: Bygone Kent Kent Life

Kent New Journalist of the Year

Sponsored by EKC Group Winner: Katie Boyden, Kent Live Highly commended: Keilan Webster, KMTV Finalists: Andy Robinson, Kent Live Harry Peet, KMTV

Kent News Website of the Year

Sponsored by LKM Recycling Winner: The Isle of Thanet News Highly commended: KentOnline Finalists: Kent Live The Canterbury Journal

Kent Newspaper of the Year Sponsored by Southeastern Winner: Kent Messenger Highly commended: Kentish Gazette Finalists: Dartford & Gravesend Messengers Medway Messenger

Kent Photographer of the Year

Sponsored by Clive Emson Auctioneers Winner: Matt Walker, Freelance/ KM Media Group Highly commended: Frank Leppard, Kent Live/Isle of Thanet Gazette Finalists: Andy Jones, Freelance/ KM Media Group Gary Browne, Kentish Gazette/Folkestone & Hythe Express/ Kent Messenger

Kent Print Journalist of the Year

Sponsored by Benenden Hospital Trust Winner: Guy Bell, Kent Messenger Highly commended: Marijke Hall, Kentish Gazette Series Finalists: Dan Wright, Kentish Express Ed McConnell, Gravesend & Dartford Messenger

Kent Programme of the Year

Sponsored by Digitom Video Content Agency Joint winner: ITV News Meridian Joint winner: kmfm Drivetime with Rob Wills ‘Make Someone’s Christmas’ Finalists: BBC South East Today Kent Non-League Podcast

The Neil Bell Kent Sports Journalist of the Year

Supported by Kent Cricket Winner: Keilan Webster, KMTV Highly commended: Benjamin Watts, BBC Radio Kent Finalists: Cameron Tucker, KMTV Stephen Page, Kent & Sussex Courier/ Folkestone Herald/ Sevenoaks Chronicle/ Isle of Thanet Gazette/ Dover Express

Kent Young Journalist of the Year

Sponsored by Port of Dover Winner: Sian Elvin, Kent Live Highly commended: Harry Peet, KMTV Finalists: Andy Robinson, Kent Live Luke May, Kent Messenger

SELEP and CITB work together to tackle construction skills challenges

The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) is taking action to help tackle the growing construction skills shortage in the region following a report by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Christian Brodie, Chairman of SELEP

The CITB has produced two reviews of the sector in the SELEP region, one covering Essex and one looking at the situation in Kent, Medway and East Sussex.

It found that there are significant risks which the industry faces in coming years, notably an ageing workforce, a need to improve the image of a career in the industry, the potential impacts on the migrant workforce resulting from Brexit which will be felt hardest in London and the South East, and the continuing draw for workers to service major projects in London.

Additionally, there is a shortage of experienced

and skilled staff willing to move into teaching the workers of tomorrow.

Christian Brodie, Chair of SELEP, said: ”The construction sector is the largest employer in the SELEP region, with 27,000 businesses employing more than 100,000 people directly and thousands more in related sectors.

“It is a sector that is seeing high employment growth and which is fundamental to the continued economic success of the area.

“We need a workforce in the construction sector that can meet the demands and expected levels of growth, with new large infrastructure projects like the Lower Thames Crossing and plans for 96,500 homes in Garden Communities across the SELEP area.”

The CITB found that in the short term, the occupations at most risk of demand outstripping current employment estimates are civil engineering, plasterers and dry liners, scaffolders and non-construction operatives. It is also likely that demand will outstrip supply for glaziers, floorers and painters and decorators.

HGV tracking system ‘could help ease M20 queues’

Truckstop owners in Kent are calling on Highways England to work with them to introduce a system that would help take HGVs off of the M20 in the event of the implementation of Operation Brock.

Concerns are mounting over the effect of possible delays caused by the introduction of border controls at the Channel ports in the event of a No Deal Brexit.

A National Audit Office report claimed time was running out to test and implement Operation Brock, the Government’s contingency plan to create a contra-flow on the M20 to allow non-port traffic to keep moving while HGVs bound for the continent are queued on the motorway.

Managers of Ashford International Truckstop, close to Junction 10 of the M20, have been involved in group discussions with local authorities, freight operators and other HGV park owners over the challenges ahead.

Overnight the truckstop, which has recently been granted planning permission to double in capacity to accommodate 600 HGVs, is operating at close to full capacity, but during the day there are spaces available

Further ahead, occupations most at risk of labour supply shortages include civil engineering operatives, plant operatives and construction project managers.

The report found there are occupations, such as roofers, specialist building operatives, other construction professional and technical staff, and floorers, where the levels of competence-based training appear to be lower than could be expected.

Graham Razey, Chair of SELEP’s Skills Advisory Group, said: “The skills shortage creates a vicious circle when it comes to our education providers recruiting lecturers.

Because of the shortages in the sector, those with the level of skills and experience required to teach are in demand and our colleges and other training establishments find it hard to compete on salaries and recruit.

“The LEP has plans in place to tackle this and the other challenges facing the construction sector. As well as working with the CITB, we have partnered with local businesses and training boards to develop our own Skills Strategy to support the

that could be used to get lorries off the motorway.

“It’s ironic that in the past when Operation Stack is in place we have been very quiet,” said Darren Smith, General Manager of Ashford International Truckstop.

“The main reason for that is that in those periods HGV drivers who pull off the M20 here in Ashford for any reason are directed back up the motorway to the rear of the queue at Maidstone when they come to rejoin.

“Understandably drivers, including those who have a reserved space here, would prefer to take their place in the queue rather than use the local truckstops and then have to head back several miles only to join the back of a long line of trucks.”

Darren and colleagues from other local sites have been in contact with the team that had been working up proposals for the once proposed lorry

Business News

SELEP welcomes findings of Government review

Graham Razey

Government’s Industrial Strategy and new National Careers Strategy.”

Christian Brodie said: “We have already invested significant funds in a number of projects across the area, including an extension at East Kent & Canterbury College at Folkestone, enabling more construction apprenticeships; Procat in Basildon providing advanced training methods across construction skills; and new digital training labs at Harlow College.

“A SELEP hosted workshop with industry leaders from the region and training providers is being arranged for later this year to develop an action plan specific to the construction sector in the area, while the LEP is also working to highlight to industry the importance of finding tutors to bring through the next generation of workers.

“Additionally, the CITB has launched the Construction Skills Fund to support the development of at least 20 on-site training hubs around the UK and we urge local organisations to apply for grants.” park at Stanford near Hythe.

They are developing new software that could link into the truckstop’s booking system and app which would see drivers with reservations being allowed to pass by the queue and into the site for their rest period.

HGVs would be parked up in controlled zones and filtered back into the port-bound traffic as appropriate.

Darren said: “This would benefit everyone. The drivers would get the proper rest a nd facilities they need, while up to 600 trucks would be taken off the M20, giving us safer roads.

“We are really keen to investigate this further and I know colleagues at other sites such as Stop24 at junction 11 are as well, but we need Highways England to give the go ahead for software to be tested and the system to be implemented.”

The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) has welcomed the findings of a Government review into the workings of LEPs nationwide.

Earlier this year, the Government announced it would look at the work of all of the 38 regional bodies, describing them as an essential part of its plan for driving local growth and the Industrial Strategy.

The South East LEP is business-led and was established to drive economic growth across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock, Key recommendations of the review include: • Government is to set out the role and responsibilities of LEPs, focussing them on enhancing productivity.

• Government will publish a revised National Assurance Framework clearly defining what is required of each LEP to be compliant and to receive future core and growth funding.

• LEPs to publish local strategies setting out the long term vision for the area and annual delivery plans, reporting progress through end of year reports assessing their performance in allocating funding and delivering successful local projects.

• Government will work with LEPs to improve the gender balance and representation on boards.

SELEP will work towards the aspiration that women make up at least one third of LEP boards by 2020, with equal representation by 2023, and maintain a strong business voice at board level.

• LEPs will develop a clear evidence base and understanding of what is needed to drive investment and growth in their area and approaches to best address those needs.

• Government will ask LEP Chairs and other stakeholders to come forward with considered proposals by the end of September on geographies

which best reflect real functional economic areas.

Commenting on the report, Christian Brodie, Chair of SELEP, said: “This is a clear statement from Government that LEPs are here to stay. The South East LEP has a strong track record in delivery and we are making a real difference through our current Local Growth Fund projects.”

A total of £570m of LGF funding has been secured by SELEP from Central Government through the three rounds of LGF to date, which was allocated through a six-year Growth Deal from 1st April 2015 to the 31st March 2021. So far, £561.6million has been allocated to 97 projects across the South East.

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47

Welcome to our new members New Members

Aimis Solutions Limited Herne Bay 07525 791391 www.aimis.co.uk Building Information Modelling (BIM) Consultancy

Browne Beck Flindall Maidstone 02074 935055 www.brownebeckflindall.com Chartered Surveyors

Assentive Ltd Maidstone 07922 044167 www.assentive.uk Debit Recovery, Compliance Consulting

Clear Vision Technologies Cranbrook 01580 212999 www.cv-tech.co.uk Transmission for Industrial & Commercial Networks

Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells 01892 554165 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Venue for Events

Basepoint - Dartford Dartford 01322 314700 www.basepoint.co.uk Business Centre

BDP International UK Ltd Dartford 01322 388876 www.bdpinternational.com Logistics and Freight Forwarding

BJF Connections Limited Maidstone 01622 266266 www.bjfconnections.co.uk Construction, M&E, Facilities Management

BM Steels Ltd Tatsfield 01959 572501 www.bmsteels.co.uk Construction of Steel Framed Portal Buildings Brandfunk Sevenoaks 07511 935736 www.brandfunk.com Graphic & Web Design, Brand Strategy

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Thinking Business

Carman and Associates Maidstone 01622 320202 www.carmanimmi.com.au Immigration & Global Mobility Consultancy

Coface UK Services Ltd London 01923 478100 www.cofaceuk.com Insurance Company (Trade Credit) CSL Power Systems Ltd Dartford 01474 823030 www.cslpower.co.uk Install and Maintain Industrial Generators and Loadbanks for the Public and Private Sectors

DayOne Design Studio Canterbury 01227 637116 www.dayonedesign.co.uk Graphic Design

Diversity House Sittingbourne 01795 420455 www.diversityhouse.org.uk Community & Prison Based Services for Diverse Communities Across Kent E.G.R Services Rochester 01634 270383 Under Construction Garden Maintenance

Education Skills Partnership Ashford 01233 632111 www.esp-ac.uk Workforce Development/Business Programmes/Apprenticeships Exclusive Care Services Gravesend 01474 550283 www.exclusivecareservices.co.uk Domicilary Care Provider Filtered Insights Ashford 07899 311803 www.filteredinsights.com Independent Consultant, Data Strategy, Analytics and Insights Griffin Law West Malling 01732 525923 www.griffinlaw.co.uk Niche Litigation Practice

Happy Onion Ltd Dymchurch 01303 870602 www.happyonionliving.com Mental Health & Well-being

Harley & Associates Ltd Dartford 07809 669655 www.harleyassociates.co.uk Accounting

Hazlitt Theatre (Parkwood Leisure) Maidstone 01622 753922 www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk Live Theatre & Arts Centre Home Car Charging Solutions Pembury 01892 823787 www.homecarcharging.org.uk Electrical Vehicle Charging Facilities

New Members

Hurstscape Building Contractors Ashford 01233 720652 www.hurstscape.co.uk Building Contractors

Not Just Travel - Greg Millener Maidstone 07478 600509 www.notjusttravel.com/gregorymillener Travel consultant

Tchibo Coffee International Ltd Epsom 01372 540376 www.tchibo-coffee.co.uk Coffee Distributors

Kayo Digital Ltd Sittingbourne 01795 255600 www.kayo.digital Websites, Business Software, Mobile Apps

Prospect Tree Mortgages Ltd Tenterden 0800 8620840 www.prospecttree.mortgage Mortgages and Protection Insurance

The Glass Wipe Board Company Hythe 01303 264169 www.theglasswipeboardcompany.com Manufacture & Selling of Glass Wipe Boards

JK Online Media Specialists Chatham 07568 558105 www.wearejk.co.uk Digital Marketing Agency Specialising in Small Business

KenEx Rainham 07890 215566 www.kenextram.co.uk Transforming the Environment and Economies of the Thames Gateway Kent Sport West Malling 03000 411936 www.kentsport.org Development & Promotion of Sport & Physical Activity in Kent

Lesco Products Ltd Canterbury 01227 864617 www.lesco.co.uk Distributor, Office Furniture, Accessories, Acoustic, Recycling Bins Liz Hobbs Group Ltd Newark 01636 555666 www.lizhobbsgroup.com Music/Events Promoters

Luxury Lawns AGS Ltd Sevenoaks 01474 812224 www.luxuryartificiallawnsags.co.uk Artificial Grass - Supply and Install

Project Focused Consulting West Malling 01732 897777 www.projectfocused.com Quantity Surveyors

Reflect Digital Ltd Maidstone 01622 728800 www.reflectdigital.co.uk Digital Marketing Agency

Renowned Resourcing Ltd Maidstone 01622 720091 www.renownedresourcing.co.uk Recruitment

Rise Communications Maidstone 01622 239303 www.risecommunications.co.uk Public Relations, Marketing, Event Management

Rotamac Energy Solutions Ltd Robertsbridge 01580 882005 www.rotamac.co.uk Power Generation Equipment Specac Ltd Orpington 01689 873134 www.specac.com Manufacturer of Spectroscopic Accessories

The Electrical Academy Ltd Maidstone 0800 5999063 www.theelectricalacademy.co.uk Electrical Training

The Project Mentor Dartford 07494 283111 www.theprojectmentor.co.uk Project Consultancy Twizler Ltd Sevenoaks 01959 532532 www.twizler.co.uk Greeting Card Publisher Visarc Ltd Ashford 01233 500222 www.visarc.uk Marketing Agency

Westgate Community Trust Canterbury 01227 634886 www.westgatehall.org Event, Meeting & Conference Space Wonderful Creative Agency Maidstone 01622 686228 www.bewonderful.co.uk Technology, Marketing, Digital

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The Last Word Furley Page strengthens Name: Abbie Gray

Company: Kent Cricket [Sodexo]

Job title: General Manager

Abbie Gray has been a part of the Hospitality Industry for over 20 years.

She began her career in the industry at a local hotel in Penkridge. Taking on increasing responsibility that lead to an assistant manager role with the hotel for the next five years. This then led to a role with Derbyshire Cricket as Catering and Bars Manager for just over 10 years, followed by a move to Kent Cricket as General Manager in September 2016.

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

Mollies Bakery age 14, £2 per hour.

What do you always carry with you to work?

A multi tool and a tape measure.

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

Diversity in our customer base and their associated requirements. For assorted events year round, with so many different folks with very varied expectations, keeping everyone happy can be a real challenge!

Real Estate team with two key appointments

The Real Estate team at leading south east law firm Furley Page has been strengthened with the appointment of commercial property specialist Rupert Cox, while Associate Anna Joiner has moved to the Canterbury office to provide support on residential property law.

Rupert brings experience in commercial property law. A graduate of the University of Leeds, Rupert qualified as a solicitor in 2016 and worked for another leading law firm in the south east prior to his

appointment. Rupert deals with a wide range of commercial property matters, working with a range of different clients from large developers to individuals and small businesses.

Meanwhile, Associate Anna Joiner has moved to Furley Page's Canterbury head office, having spent 12 years at its Whitstable branch.

Anna joined the firm in 2004 and has amassed a wealth of experience in all aspects of the residential property market.

Jeremy Licence, Managing Partner and Head of Real Estate at Furley Page, said: "I am delighted to welcome Rupert to Furley Page and to announce that Anna is joining the team here in Canterbury.

These strategic appointments have significantly bolstered our real estate team and strengthened our service offering to clients.

“Anna and Rupert are both excellent lawyers. Aside from their knowledge and experience they are

East Malling Trust, the Kent-based charity which focuses on the advancement of horticultural and plant-based science for public benefit, has a new Chairman. just as a prominent Kent grower of apples, pears and cherries, but importantly as a PhD research biologist.

He clearly understands the value of a strong science community and is passionate about the success of the industry.

“A huge thank you must also go to Professor Mumford for his six tireless years of service to the Trust.”

Prior to becoming a trustee, Oliver Doubleday was

What can you see from your office window?

Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence!

Surely one of the best office views in the county.

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

Flexible, focussed and empathetic.

After 13 successful years at the Gallagher Group, Nick Yandle has decided to step down from his Chief Executive role at the end of this year.

If you could do another job what would it be?

PE instructor for the Army. It is the job I wanted to do when I left school.

What was your biggest mistake in business?

Pushing the team too hard . . . perfect is the enemy of good!

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

When dealing with clients, get cash up front.

Who do you most admire in business?

Steve Jobs.

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both very practical lawyers who have a real sense of obtaining the best outcome for clients.

I am certain that they will make an important contribution towards our ambitious growth plans."

East Malling Trust appoints new Chairman research and development, in particular through the funding of the scientists at NIAB EMR at East Malling.

A trustee of the charity since 2012, Oliver Doubleday takes over as Chairman from Professor John Mumford of Imperial College.

Chairman Sally Dr Oliver Doubleday Flanagan, Executive has taken on the role Director of East Malling of the organisation Trust, said: “Oliver brings whose primary focus with him a wealth of is supporting horticultural industry knowledge not

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

Increase minimum wage to have one set rate, regardless of age.

Movers and Shakers

Gallagher Group CEO to step down

Gallagher Group Chairman, Pat Gallagher said: “Nick has made an invaluable contribution, alongside the members of the Group’s Management Team, in building the business into the very successful enterprise which exists today.

“Whilst he is stepping down from his full time executive duties with us at the end of this year, we are delighted that we

will be able to access his experience on an advisory basis beyond that time.

“On behalf of the Gallagher family and our wider business, I would like to extend our warmest thanks to Nick for his contribution and wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his successful career.”

Nick said: “My time with Gallagher has passed very quickly,

with many highlights.

This is testament to our varied activities and the fast moving and entrepreneurial approach we take to the opportunities we create.

“There is now another generation of ownership and management coming through in Gallagher and the time is right to hand on the baton. I’m looking forward to another chapter in my working

Chairman of East Malling Research, which recently became NIAB EMR. Oliver said: “Our support for the work here at East Malling ensures NIAB EMR retains the critical mass of research required to support the industry and individual growers.

“The commercial research undertaken

by NIAB EMR continues to bring forward major advances for its partners and the horticulture industry.”

life, continuing to help Pat and the Gallagher business along the way.”

The Gallagher Group has expanded from its Kent base to create a strong presence across the South East of England around its four principle areas of operation: building, civil engineering, aggregates and property development.

HUMAN RESOURCES CONFERENCE E/ HUMANS AND D RESOURCES Wednesday 14th Novemb ber 2018, 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm Canterbury Campus, Univ versity of Kent The University of Kentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 HR Conference promises to provide delegates with w interesting new perspectives on the multi-faceted multi faceted remit rem mit of the HR professional, onal, along with suggestions suggesstions for integrating these into the workplace.

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