Kent Business Newsletter - Issue 10

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Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to Issue 10 of the Kent Business Newsletter!
This week we’ve got biotech breakthroughs at Discovery Park, a £300m care home investment, and Kent’s first CPD-certified SEO training. Add in a major payroll move at Azets, Hendy’s summer car deals, Next’s smooth Canterbury expansion, and Birketts celebrating with Team Kent Business Club at Chapel Down, and it’s clear our county’s business scene is thriving across every sector.

Got a business launch, win or story to share? Send it to [email protected] and we’ll help spread the word - for free!

If you missed previous editions you can catch-up here.

Kent Business News Updates…

Discovery Park in Sandwich has welcomed two pioneering biotech startups that could transform the future of health and nutrition. iLoF, a digital health company backed by Microsoft Ventures, is using advanced AI and proprietary optical technology to accelerate personalised drug development, starting with Alzheimer’s treatments. By building a vast library of optical fingerprints, they aim to make complex diseases easier to diagnose and treat. MilaK, meanwhile, is using precision fermentation to create next-generation, animal-free whey proteins. Initially focused on sports nutrition, the company also has its sights set on future applications in infant formula and medical nutrition.

Both teams say they were drawn to Discovery Park’s cutting-edge laboratory facilities, collaborative culture, and close links with universities and industry partners. With fresh funding, ambitious hiring plans, and ground-breaking science underway, the arrival of iLoF and MilaK highlights Kent’s growing role as a hub for biotech innovation and sustainability.

Want to see how Kent is powering the future of medicine and nutrition? Read in full here. 

Azets has named Chris Waterson as its new Southern Regional Director of Payroll, a role created to reflect the firm’s rapid growth and ambition for the future. Based across Kent offices in Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury, Sandwich and Orpington, Chris will lead payroll operations across the South and West, supporting businesses with increasingly complex needs.

Backed by nearly a decade in finance and full CIPP membership, Chris is one of three senior promotions as Azets expands its Payroll Services, alongside Claire Brown and Julie Gunnell. With a 160-strong payroll team and multiple award nominations, Azets says the move underlines its aim to stay the UK’s leading provider while raising standards in the profession.

Want to see how Azets is reshaping payroll and what this means for Kent businesses? Read in full here. 

Bottletop Creative has announced the launch of Kent’s very first CPD-accredited SEO training courses, opening the door for businesses, learners and communities to gain recognised digital skills that really make a difference. Aimed at beginners, the courses are designed to take the mystery out of search engine optimisation, offering clear, step-by-step guidance to help people boost online visibility, attract customers and build confidence.

With options to learn through in-person workshops, interactive online sessions or flexible self-guided study, the training is tailored to fit around busy lives. Participants will explore the four key pillars of SEO, discover practical “quick wins” for improving rankings, and come away with official CPD hours to add to their professional development records.

From small businesses and sole traders to students, jobseekers, schools and community groups, this is a unique chance to gain accessible, affordable skills that support career growth and success in the digital economy. Read in full here. 

UK Top 50 law firm Birketts has toasted its ongoing partnership with Kent Cricket by hosting a summer gathering for Team Kent Business Club members at Chapel Down’s award-winning vineyard in Tenterden. As the Club’s Legal Services Partner and a proud supporter of the local business community, Birketts welcomed guests to a day of vineyard tours, expert-led tastings, and Kentish food pairings in a stunning countryside setting.

The event was not just about fine wine and hospitality, but also about strengthening business relationships and reaffirming the spirit of “Together, we are Kent”. Attendees enjoyed informal networking while celebrating local excellence in both business and sport, with Birketts highlighting its commitment to supporting Kent’s thriving community. Read in full here. 

Hartford Care has taken a major step into Kent, acquiring five care homes from The Graham Care Group in a deal adding over 500 bedrooms to its UK portfolio. The £300m investment boosts Hartford’s reach to 29 homes and more than 1,800 bedrooms nationwide. The new homes in Pembury, Ashford, Folkestone and Hawkhurst are already at 95%+ occupancy, with all experienced staff staying on.

The purpose-built homes offer modern studio and one-bedroom suites, alongside specialist facilities such as rehabilitation and hospital discharge units, strengthening Hartford’s ability to deliver complex and integrated care. This acquisition marks Hartford’s debut in Kent and reinforces its ambition to be one of the UK’s leading full-service care providers.

See how this expansion will shape care in Kent. Read in full here. 

Drivers in Tonbridge can enjoy big savings as Hendy launches its two-week Summer Sale, giving buyers £500 off every new Vauxhall – from the sleek Corsa to the spacious Grandland SUV.

Running until 8 September at the brand-new £1m Tudeley Lane site, the event also includes 0% APR finance across the range and extra incentives for electric car buyers, including discounted home chargers or charging credit. With fresh facilities, expert staff, and limited-time deals, Hendy Tonbridge is making it easier than ever to drive away in a new Vauxhall this summer.

See the full details of Hendy’s Summer Sale. Read in full here. 

When Next set out to transform a former Mothercare site in Canterbury into a bigger and better store, unexpected ground engineering problems threatened to throw the £70K project off course. To keep the refurbishment on schedule, they turned to Mainmark UK, whose innovative Teretek® resin injection technology reinforced 50 foundation points in just one week - all while other contractors carried on their work without disruption.

The sustainable solution boosted the site’s load-bearing strength, avoided major delays, and ensured that the new mezzanine floor would be safe, durable, and ready for shoppers. By combining speed, adaptability, and precision, Mainmark not only kept the project on track but also laid the foundations for a first-class shopping experience in Canterbury.

Curious to see how cutting-edge ground engineering saved one of Britain’s best-loved retailers from costly setbacks? Read more here. 

Breaking News: As reported in the KM yesterday (Sept 3rd) - Visit Kent has sadly gone into liquidation. For more information please see their news item here.

Kent Expert Insights…

Kent Adviser Shares 8-step Plan To Cut Rising Household Debt

UK households are under strain, with unsecured debt averaging £8,300 and credit card rates nearing 36% APR. Kent financial adviser Louise Fitzgerald of Sterling & Law Tunbridge Wells has unveiled an 8-step plan to help people take back control. Her advice includes listing debts clearly, setting a realistic budget, trimming spending, switching providers, consolidating borrowing and cutting costly store cards. Crucially, she warns against taking on new debt while trying to pay off old balances.

To support local residents, Louise is also offering free 30-minute “financial health check” sessions this month. These sessions give households across Kent the chance to create a personalised strategy, reduce the burden of debt and move towards greater financial security. Read in full here. 

Kent Networking Events…

Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, potential partners, and customers is vital for business growth. Kent offers a variety of networking opportunities (you could literally go to a different one every day if you wanted!) to help you expand your professional circle and enhance your business prospects.

Prepare Questions That Impress
Avoid generic questions like “What’s the company culture like?” Instead, ask: “What’s the biggest challenge your team is trying to solve right now?”

Business Events & Shows In Kent…

Kent Business Radio Show…

Great show this week from Paul and Jules, and yet another great guest - Martyn Bayliss of Tenterden’s Made By Bayliss & Co. You can hear Martyn’s passion as he talks about all things made of wood!

To listen to this week’s show in full visit Kent Business Radio

Kent Job Board…

Explore the latest job postings from Kent businesses seeking talent. Are you looking to expand your team? Contact us today to have your local vacancy listed.

➡️ Quick Tip for Job Seekers…

Use the Hidden Job Market
Up to 70% of roles aren’t publicly advertised. Reach out to companies you admire with a polite speculative email offering your skills.

Kent Business Community, before you go… 
➡️ Do you have exciting news to share about your business?
➡️ Would you like to advertise to an audience of decision makers in Kent?
➡️ Would you like to feature in the Entrepreneurs Deep Dive section?
➡️ Do you have a job vacancy you’d like us to post?

Contact us today - [email protected]

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