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In today’s Kent Business Newsletter - An independent Dartford retailer has turned a career in technology into national recognition, while a Gravesham consultancy has put local people and growth at the centre of a second awards run. This edition also follows the EU customs change threatening Christmas margins for online retailers and a Kent manufacturer cutting direct emissions with a new electric fleet.

Together, these stories show local businesses building trust, planning for change and investing for the long term. Read on for the practical moves and personal stories behind this week’s Kent business news.

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

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Vrishkar Blinds has turned a Dartford-area start-up into a national award winner. Founder Venkateswara Rao Suragani has been named Bespoke Window Treatment Retailer of the Year 2026 at the SME News UK Enterprise Awards, recognising the independent retailer’s made-to-measure blinds and curtains.

After more than 14 years in technology leadership and digital transformation, Suragani built the business around a simpler online buying experience, free samples and clear customer support. The company now serves customers across the UK and continues to develop its platform, supplier relationships and communications as it earns trust in a crowded retail market. It is also pursuing four nominations in the Best British Business Awards this year.

➡ From Technology to Entrepreneurship: Kent-Based Vrishkar Blinds Wins National Retail Award

Embridge Consulting is back in contention at the Gravesham Business Awards after winning Best Professional Consultancy in 2025. The Kent-based business transformation consultancy has been shortlisted for the 2026 professional consultancy award, while founder and CEO Emma O’Brien is also a People’s Choice Award finalist.

Founded in Gravesham in 2009, Embridge now has more than 70 experts supporting over 350 organisations across public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Its work spans technology-enabled change and staff volunteering through the Embridge Giving programme, while recent investment has strengthened its Kent-based team and technology infrastructure ahead of the 6 November winners announcement. The shortlist celebrates local opportunity, innovation and resilience across the wider borough.

➡ Embridge Consulting recognised as innovative professional consultancy by leading business award

Kent online retailers are being warned that new EU customs charges could put pressure on Christmas margins. Azets customs and duty tax director Gordon Baird says a flat €3 charge on lower-value imports and a further €2 handling fee from November could make mixed-product orders significantly more expensive.

The accountancy and advisory firm says the impact may be particularly sharp for gift retailers, clothing brands, speciality food suppliers and other sellers working on tight margins. Azets, which has offices across Kent, is urging businesses to review their EU sales models, customs exposure and fulfilment arrangements before peak festive trading begins. Failure to adapt, it says, may mean refused deliveries and lost customers.

➡ Profits warning to Kent e-commerce traders as more EU customs charges in run-up to crucial Christmas

Saracen Horse Feeds has introduced eight electric forklifts at its Aylesford site, replacing LPG-powered trucks and cutting estimated propane consumption by 10,800 litres a year. The company expects the fleet to reduce direct carbon dioxide emissions by around 16 tonnes annually as it modernises daily operations.

The manufacturer says the investment is part of wider work on efficiency and sustainability, including renewable grid electricity, warehouse lighting and packaging. With 55 employees, more than 1,000 retailers supplied and operations across 145,000 square feet, Saracen is continuing to invest in equipment and infrastructure that support resilience, growth and a lower environmental impact. The new trucks also bring quieter handling indoors and outdoors.

➡ Saracen Horse Feeds Powers Ahead with New Electric Forklift Fleet

Countrystyle Recycling has secured Kent County Council’s five-year contract to process approximately 25,000 tonnes of wood waste annually from the county’s household waste recycling centres. The £10.5 million contract, awarded on 29 October, is due to begin on 15 November and will be delivered from the company’s Ridham Dock base near Sittingbourne. Read more.

Employers with at least 21 workers became subject to new workplace-access regulations on 30 October. Independent trade unions can now request physical or digital access for recruitment, organisation and collective-bargaining purposes; employers must respond within 15 working days and negotiate for up to 25 working days before unresolved cases can be referred to the Central Arbitration Committee. Read more.

Satori Intelligence founder Elizabeth Dubois has announced plans to recruit investigators and researchers and develop specialist partnerships following the firm’s recognition at the Best Business Women Awards. The Broadstairs company, established in 2025, undertakes asset and people tracing, due diligence, fraud and cryptocurrency investigations for clients including law firms, insolvency practitioners, lenders and corporations. Read more.

On the show this week Paul and Jules was Denise Norton of https://www.healinghealthjourney.com

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

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