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Welcome to the Thursday edition of the Kent Business Newsletter…

From a warning on insolvency pressures and proposed tougher late-payment rules to national recognition for a Tonbridge property agency, this issue tracks businesses responding to change.

There’s also a Rochester trade partnership shaping outdoor-living supply, and a finance award for Speedy Freight’s Kent operation.

➡️ 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.

September’s insolvency data gives Kent businesses a sobering read on the trading climate. Corporate insolvencies totalled 1,882, down on both August and the same month last year, but Azets says that single monthly fall does not remove the pressure facing many firms. The figures arrive as autumn trading begins in earnest.

The adviser points to rising costs, shrinking margins and persistently difficult conditions in retail, construction and property. With creditors resuming debt collection after summer and Christmas approaching, it says early advice matters when invoices or taxes begin to slip and cashflow tightens. Its practical warning is to act while there are still options for owners weighing difficult decisions.

➡ Azets responds to September 2026 insolvency statistics

Late payment rules could be heading for their biggest overhaul in a generation. Furley Page examines the Commercial Payments Bill, which has completed its final House of Lords reading and is due to be considered by the Commons. The changes aim to improve the flow of cash through supply chains.

The proposals would generally void commercial payment terms over 60 days, replace them with 30-day terms and apply statutory interest. The firm stresses that exemptions and contract wording will matter, so every business should understand who it is contracting with before the expected 2027 changes. For smaller firms, the detail could shape both purchasing and recovery of debt when negotiating future supply agreements.

➡ New Commercial Payments Bill means no excuses for late payment

Tonbridge-headquartered Addressed has been named Best Online Agent at the ESTAS 2026 Awards, a national recognition built on customer feedback. Co-owners Matthew Hawkins and Martin Logan say the award marks an important point in the agency’s development, celebrating the work of a team rooted in Kent today.

The business combines residential lettings and property management with a national reach, while keeping its Kent base. Its wider brands, Nightlee and Maximized, broaden the offer into short-term accommodation, furniture and interiors, as the team looks to grow without losing its customer-led approach. The story is a useful example of a local business using technology to compete nationally while retaining direct client relationships.

➡ Tonbridge Property Agency Addressed Celebrates National Success At The ESTAS 2026 Awards

Rochester-based Milwood Group has signed an exclusive trade partnership with Aluprof to bring a new aluminium pergola range to UK trade customers. The move accompanies the relaunch of Milwood’s own aluminium fencing and gate range, extending its proposition for outdoor-living specialists and their clients at a time when demand for adaptable external spaces is rising.

The company says the deal reflects growing interest in outdoor living solutions and gives trade partners access to Aluprof systems and accessories alongside Milwood’s established support. It is a notable expansion for the business, aimed at installers and suppliers looking to add premium pergola options to their portfolios. The partnership also connects a Kent manufacturer with a long-established European producer.

➡ Milwood Group signs exclusive UK trade partnership with Aluprof

Speedy Freight has won the Finance Transformation and Change award for businesses with turnover up to £100m at the 2026 Finance Awards. The Kent-based courier and logistics company, which has branches in Canterbury, Chatham and Tonbridge, was shortlisted in three categories. It is the company’s first finance award after a competitive judging process.

The award recognises several years of work inside its finance function, including new systems, stronger reporting, streamlined processes and clearer visibility across the business. Chief Finance Officer James Pugh credits colleagues who embraced change, while chief executive Mike Smith links the result to Speedy Freight’s Global Vision 2030 strategy and continued investment in people, technology and sustainable growth.

➡ Speedy Freight Celebrates Success at the 2026 Finance Awards

Canterbury City Council has approved technology-infrastructure company Era4’s proposed AI data centre near Shelford Landfill in Broad Oak. The business plans to reuse a former composting and storage site, connect to renewable energy generated on-site and operate a closed-loop cooling system, with water consumption expected to remain below South East Water’s advised limit. Read more.

Kent operator Square One Padel has received approval to convert the former KAP car showroom in Chartham into an indoor sports centre with four padel courts. The Canterbury-area venue is expected to open in 2027 and will become the company’s sixth Kent club, following Ashford, Sittingbourne and Maidstone and projects under development in New Romney and Hythe. Read more.

Privately owned Kent businesses can apply for the 2027 MegaGrowth 50 ranking, which recognises the county’s fastest-growing companies. Applicants must have recorded turnover of at least £1 million in each of the past four years and a pre-tax profit in their latest accounts; companies that filed full accounts at Companies House for all four years are assessed automatically Read more.

On the show this week Paul and Jules was Simon Millington of https://www.delamillwellbeingsolutions.com

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

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