Office Assistants: Award-Winning Bookkeeping with a Personal Touch

Office Assistants, a family-run bookkeeping firm based in Essex not far from the Kent border, has plenty to celebrate as it marks a series of national recognitions for its commitment to client service. The business, founded by Lynn Watson in 2003, is proud to be one of the smallest UK companies to achieve the world-recognised Investors in People accreditation, consistently re-accredited since 2006. This achievement highlights the team’s focus on people management excellence, not just within their own company, but in how they support clients.

In the past year alone, Office Assistants has been named winner of the AVN Changing Lives Award 2024, shortlisted as a finalist for Team of the Year at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers LUCA Awards 2024, and announced as a finalist for Bookkeeper of the Year at the 2025 Accounting Excellence Awards. Most recently, the firm has also been shortlisted in the Bookkeeping Partner of the Year category at the Xero Awards UK 2025.

Director Lynn Watson said: “We don’t do what we do for awards — our focus has always been on supporting our clients, building great relationships, and helping ambitious business owners gain clarity and confidence with their numbers. But to be recognised alongside other outstanding bookkeeping firms from across the UK is truly an honour.”

As the company joins the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the team is looking forward to building new connections across the region and continuing to help ambitious business owners achieve clarity, control and peace of mind. For more information, visit www.officeassistants.org

Thank you to all of our clients who have worked with us over the last decade. So many people have supported us along the way – and we are so grateful to everyone.

Thank you to Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce for giving us the opportunity to meet many fantastic businesses.

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

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

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

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

Cyber Security Conference

Cyber Security Conference

Tuesday 7th October 2025

Tuesday 7th October 2025

Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford | 8:30am - 12:00pm

Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford | 8:30am - 12:00pm

Members: Free to Attend |

Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £10.00 + VAT

£10.00 + VAT

The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, with Nova IT Solutions and Towergate, is hosting a Cyber Security Conference bringing together experts, law enforcement, and business leaders to tackle today’s cyber challenges.

The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, with Nova IT Solutions and Towergate, is hosting a Cyber Security Conference bringing together experts, law enforcement, and business leaders to tackle today’s cyber challenges.

Speakers from the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre, Kent Police, Pillory Barn, Nova IT Solutions, and Everywhen will cover how cyber-attacks happen, protecting businesses, building resilience, crisis communication, and cyber insurance.

Speakers from the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre, Kent Police, Pillory Barn, Nova IT Solutions, and Everywhen will cover how cyber-attacks happen, protecting businesses, building resilience, crisis communication, and cyber insurance.

Supported by CityFibre, the event offers practical insights and real-world expertise to help organisations strengthen their cyber defences.

Supported by CityFibre, the event offers practical insights and real-world expertise to help organisations strengthen their cyber defences.

Growth of Ashford

Growth of Ashford

Friday 17th October 2025

Friday 17th October 2025

Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford | 1:30pm - 4:00pm

Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford | 1:30pm - 4:00pm

Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £10.00 + VAT

Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £10.00 + VAT

The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Azets, will host the Growth of Ashford Economic Development Seminar 2025, offering insights into Ashford Borough Council’s ambitious plans for the town’s future.

The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Azets, will host the Growth of Ashford Economic Development Seminar 2025, offering insights into Ashford Borough Council’s ambitious plans for the town’s future.

The event will provide updates on key local developments and new ventures, exploring their impact on commercial life and outlining opportunities for jobs, housing, retail, business, and cultural facilities.

The event will provide updates on key local developments and new ventures, exploring their impact on commercial life and outlining opportunities for jobs, housing, retail, business, and cultural facilities.

Speakers from Ashford Borough Council and EKC Group will share how the council intends to unlock growth, drive regeneration, and deliver on its vision for Ashford.

Speakers from Ashford Borough Council and EKC Group will share how the council intends to unlock growth, drive regeneration, and deliver on its vision for Ashford.

Employment Law Update

Employment Law Update

Wednesday 8th October 2025, Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford

8:30am - 12:00pm

Members: £40.00 + VAT | Non-Members: £50.00 + VAT

Wednesday 8th October 2025, Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford 8:30am - 12:00pm

Members: £40.00 + VAT | Non-Members: £50.00 + VAT

Join Furley Page Solicitors for an interactive seminar designed to help employers navigate the forthcoming changes under the Employment Rights Bill.

Join Furley Page Solicitors for an interactive seminar designed to help employers navigate the forthcoming changes under the Employment Rights Bill.

With a clear roadmap and timetable now in place, the session will explore key reforms including unfair dismissal law, zero hours contracts, flexible working, day-one rights, fire and rehire, and the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill 2024.

With a clear roadmap and timetable now in place, the session will explore key reforms including unfair dismissal law, zero hours contracts, flexible working, day-one rights, fire and rehire, and the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill 2024.

Described as the biggest upgrade to workplace rights in a generation, this practical event will guide employers through the next steps and support them in preparing for a rapidly evolving employment landscape.

Described as the biggest upgrade to workplace rights in a generation, this practical event will guide employers through the next steps and support them in preparing for a rapidly evolving employment landscape.

Chamber Connections

Chamber Connections

Thursday 9th October 2025, Brandshatch Place Hotel, Longfield (Sponsors Akita)

Thursday 9th October 2025, Brandshatch Place Hotel, Longfield (Sponsors Akita)

Thursday 23rd October 2025, Hampton By Hilton, Ashford*

Thursday 23rd October 2025, Hampton By Hilton, Ashford*

Thursday 6th November 2025, Chafford Park, Tunbridge Wells (Sponsors Knights)

Thursday 6th November 2025, Chafford Park, Tunbridge Wells (Sponsors Knights)

Wednesday 12th November 2025, Chapel House Estate, Ramsgate (Sponsors Thanet District Council)

10:30am - 12:00pm | 2:00pm - 3:30pm* | Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

Wednesday 12th November 2025, Chapel House Estate, Ramsgate (Sponsors Thanet District Council) 10:30am - 12:00pm | 2:00pm - 3:30pm* | Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT

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

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

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

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

Kent Construction Focus Group

Kent Construction Focus Group

Tuesday 4th November 2025, Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel

Tuesday 4th November 2025, Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel

Tuesday 2nd December 2025, The Village Hotel, Maidstone (Christmas Special)

Tuesday 2nd December 2025, The Village Hotel, Maidstone (Christmas Special)

7:30am - 9:30am | KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT

7:30am - 9:30am | KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT

Cyber Security Conference

Tuesday 7th October 2025 | 8:30am - 12:00pm

Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford, TN24 0LH

Employment Law Update

Wednesday 8th October 2025 | 8:30am - 12:00pm

Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford, TN24 0LH

Chamber Connections

Thursday 9th October 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Brandshatch Place Hotel, Longfield, DA3 8NQ

Growth of Ashford:

Economic Development Seminar 2025

Friday 17th October 2025 | 1:30pm - 4:00pm

Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford, TN24 0LH

Business Talks: Distillery Tour and Tasting at the Maidstone Distillery

Tuesday 21st October 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Maidstone Distillery, Maidstone, ME14 1HP

Chamber Connections – Afternoon Special

Thursday 23rd October 2025 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Hampton By Hilton, Ashford, TN23 7HJ

Virtual Business Networking

Tuesday 28th October 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom

Kent And Medway Manufacturing Focus Group RBLI (Site Visit)

Wednesday 29th October 2025 | 10:00am - 12:00pm

Royal British Legion Industries, Aylesford, ME20 7NL

Business Bites: Is Your Website Ready For AI Bots?

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

Thursday 30th October 2025 | 1:00pm - 1:30pm Online via Zoom

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)

Tuesday 4th November 2025 | 7:30am - 9:30am Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, Tunbridge Wells

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

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

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

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

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

Virtual Business Networking

Virtual Business Networking

Tuesday 28th October 2025 | Tuesday 25th November 2025

Tuesday 28th October 2025 | Tuesday 25th November 2025

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

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

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

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

Kent Construction Focus Group

Chamber Connections

Thursday 6th November 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Chafford Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9UR

Tuesday 6th August 2024 | Tuesday 3rd September 2024

The Village Hotel, Maidstone | 7:30am - 9:30am

Chamber Connections

KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT

Wednesday 12th November 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Chapel House Estate, Ramsgate, CT12 5DS

Effective Credit Control:

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

Legal Strategies To Futureproof Your Business Thursday 13th November 2025 | 1:00pm - 1:30pm Online via Zoom

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

Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards 2025 Thursday 20th November 2025 | 5:00pm - 11:00pm Westenhanger Castle, Hythe, CT21 4HX

Virtual Business Networking

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

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

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

Tuesday 25th November 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom

Christmas Special:

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

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

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)

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

Tuesday 2nd December 2025 | 7:30am - 9:30am The Village Hotel, Maidstone, ME14 3AQ