Kent Business Newsletter - Issue 11

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Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to Issue 11 of the Kent Business Newsletter!
In this week’s Kent Business Newsletter we celebrate Furley Page’s 300th anniversary with a spectacular ‘Furley Fest’ in Faversham, and look ahead as MattressNextDay chases a historic third win at the National Bed Federation Awards. Team Tactics is gearing up for growth with a new appointment and bold CSR plans, while Acrisure strengthens its UK presence through fresh rebrands. Cortec IT Solutions is shortlisted for two honours at the Maidstone Business Awards, and entries have opened for the South East’s first-ever Plumber Awards. We also preview Christmas at Bedgebury, which returns this year with dazzling new installations to mark its centenary.

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

Kent Business News Updates…

Kent law firm Furley Page turned its 300th anniversary into a night to remember with Furley Fest at Macknade, Faversham. Hundreds of clients, staff and families gathered to enjoy local food and drink, live music and a firework finale that wowed the crowd.

Partner Susan Jennings called it “a fantastic evening” and praised Macknade’s authentic Kent setting for bringing the community together. The event not only celebrated a huge milestone for the firm but also raised funds for Pilgrims Hospices through the Furley Page Foundation.

With a history stretching back three centuries, Furley Page continues to strengthen its ties with the local community - and Furley Fest proved a perfect blend of tradition, celebration and Kentish spirit. Read in full here. 

Kent-based MattressNextDay is aiming for a hat-trick as it goes for its third consecutive Online Bed Retailer of the Year title at the prestigious National Bed Federation Awards this September. Already crowned in 2023 and 2024, the retailer has outperformed rivals like Simba and MattressOnline with its rapid growth, 28,000+ five-star Trustpilot reviews, eco-friendly initiatives, and slick digital experience.

With TV presenter Vernon Kay set to host the ceremony, all eyes will be on whether the Ashford-headquartered business can cement its reputation as the UK’s standout online bed retailer. CEO Martin Seeley says the bid is about more than sales - it’s about trust, sustainability, and raising standards across the industry.

Will MattressNextDay make it three in a row? Read in full here. 

Faversham-based corporate events specialist Team Tactics has welcomed Louise Bourne as its new client development executive, bringing with her global event management expertise and a passion for purpose-led projects. Louise will play a key role in designing bespoke team building experiences and expanding the company’s growing focus on CSR initiatives that deliver real impact for both businesses and communities.

With household-name clients such as Ford, Unilever, Barclays and KPMG already on its books, Team Tactics is preparing for an exciting year ahead - including a major charity cooking challenge at Borough Market, where teams will come together to cook 500 meals for London’s homeless in just four hours. Louise’s appointment signals the next step in the company’s growth journey as it nears its 30th anniversary.

Read the full story to discover how Team Tactics is blending fun, innovation and social impact to shape the future of corporate events. Read in full here. 

Acrisure has taken another big step in its UK expansion, as Sevenoaks-based FinCred and Leicestershire’s Building & Land Guarantees officially adopt the Acrisure brand. The rebrand brings together specialist expertise in trade credit, surety bonds and construction insurance under one trusted identity, while retaining the strong local presence and personal service their clients rely on.

The move follows a wave of acquisitions and rebrands across Acrisure’s UK platform, which now includes 16 businesses and more than 700 staff nationwide. With a clear focus on connecting specialist knowledge, technology and client relationships, Acrisure is quickly shaping itself into a major force in the UK insurance market. Read in full here. 

Cortec IT Solutions has been named a finalist in two categories at this year’s Maidstone Business Awards, highlighting its reputation as one of Kent’s most innovative and client-focused tech firms. The Dartford company is up for the Small Business Award and the Creative, Digital and Innovation Award, recognising its growth, customer service and forward-thinking IT solutions.

Since 2003, Cortec has built a loyal client base with flexible, contract-free IT support tailored to businesses of all sizes. With a focus on efficiency, security and innovation, it helps local organisations thrive in a digital world.

Winners will be revealed at the gala ceremony later this year, where Cortec will join some of Kent’s most dynamic businesses. Read in full here. 

The hunt is officially on to find the South East’s top plumber, as a brand-new national awards scheme has launched to recognise the very best in the trade. The Plumber Awards, backed by major industry names including Polypipe Building Products, CT1, and Powered Now, opened for entries on 1st September and is inviting plumbers from across the region to showcase their skills.

For the first time ever, plumbers have the chance to compete for 11 regional titles, with winners gaining not only prestige but also a major boost to their reputation and business. Those who make the shortlist will join a new community of elite plumbers, united by their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer care.

Entrants will need to demonstrate their training, experience, and dedication to going the extra mile, as well as provide examples of their best work. The competition is open to all projects involving domestic properties, with judges welcoming photos and supporting evidence. Read in full here. 

Christmas at Bedgebury is back for 2025 - bigger, brighter and celebrating 100 years of the world-famous National Pinetum. Expect new showstoppers like 20 towering illuminated tree stars, UV-lit feathers floating overhead, and Light Lines guiding you through 200 glowing battens. Look out for intricate dragonfly lanterns, a soaring 42-metre Christmas Cathedral, and 150 “hovering” candles - plus the much-loved fountain show and Bubble Walk.

This centenary edition also spotlights Bedgebury’s living history, with rare 1925 trees lit and labelled for you to discover as you wander. It’s all set in a relaxed, dog-friendly, outdoor setting with festive food and drink along the way. Running from 21 November to 31 December 2025 with timed entry and limited capacity, tickets are on sale now. Read more here. 

Kent Expert Insights…

Business Adviser Warns That Regulatory Reform Must Translate Into Tangible Everyday Change For SMEs

Kent SMEs will judge red tape cuts on delivery, says Azets 

The Government has pledged to cut administrative regulatory costs for Kent SMEs by 25%, simplify licensing, and modernise corporate reporting requirements.

But UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets says SMEs (small to medium enterprises) have heard similar promises before – and are still waiting to feel the benefits. 

Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, has Kent offices in Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury, Sandwich and Orpington.

From duplicative forms to delays in licensing decisions, regulation continues to eat into SME productivity. Azets says reforms must be felt on the ground, not just in policy documents, if the UK is to be the best place to start and grow a business.  

The “Backing Your Business” strategy includes regulatory streamlining measures designed to make life easier for SMEs. Azets says success should be measured by whether owners see a real reduction in time spent on compliance. 

Peter Gallanagh, UK CEO at Azets, said: “We’ve been here before - ‘cutting red tape’ sounds great, but SMEs will judge it on delivery. That means fewer duplicative forms, faster licensing, simpler tax processes, and regulation proportionate to business size. Until owners feel it in their everyday workload, it’s just words.

“The Government’s plans to cut regulatory reform for SMEs are well-intentioned and ambitious, and welcome in the current business climate, which has resulted in SMEs worrying about future rainy days rather than investing any funds they have built up in going for growth.

“However, we have heard countless pledges to lighten the administrative regulatory load on SMEs from successive administrations over the years, and the most recent from the Government need to translate into tangible outputs for businesses for ambition to become reality.

“Fewer duplicative forms, faster licensing, simpler tax processes, and regulation proportionate to business size will all be signs that the Government’s reforms have worked and their ambitions are being achieved – and will be reflected in business confidence and business and economic growth.”

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…

Really interesting show this week! Paul and Jules, had two great guests - Shane Foster from the Education People, and Cheryl Giles of The Department for Work and Pensions. Who knew all the support services they provided to both people looking for jobs as well as the potential employers! Highly recommended listening…

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… 
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