Kent Business Newsletter - Issue 12

Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to this week’s Kent Business Newsletter

This week brings big moves and local wins. Human First Collective has acquired digital agency Freestyle, Hendy Foundation opened a £60,000 charity fund, and eight heart health startups joined Discovery Park’s growth programme.

You’ll also read about Countrystyle Recycling’s heroic team, a UK-first vineyard voucher scheme, and AliDeck securing international recognition. Plus: rising tribunal risks for hospitality, free support for Romney Marsh firms, and Big Motoring World’s latest award.

Our Entrepreneur Deep Dive spotlights Chris Maslin on employee ownership, while Azets shares an important payroll warning for 2026.

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…

Human First Collective has acquired UK-based digital transformation agency Freestyle, adding 14 team members and around 10 new clients to its growing group. The move is part of a wider strategy to build an ecosystem of agencies that use AI and technology to create more space for human creativity and expertise.

Freestyle, founded in 1995, is known for its digital products and services for brands including the Caravan and Motorhome Club, Swim England, and the University of Roehampton. The agency will initially keep its brand name, with a full merge planned for early 2026. Human First Collective, which already includes LAB, Reflect Digital, and Aspiration Digital, says the acquisition will boost its behavioural science approach and extend its skills across UX, service design, and digital product development. Co-founders Suzanne Linton and Alan Cooper will step away after nearly three decades. Read more here. 

Hendy Foundation is inviting charities across Kent and the wider south coast to apply for a share of more than £60,000 in grant funding for 2025. Applications close on Monday 29 September, and successful groups will receive funding before the end of the year. Last year, the foundation supported 27 charities with over £50,000 in donations.

The charity’s 2025 fundraising has already been boosted by Hendy Group ambassador Rosemary Shrager, who cycled almost 450 miles from Land’s End to Dover, raising £35,000 for food poverty and welfare causes. Local charities can apply online through the Hendy Foundation website, with a dedicated option for food poverty applications. Read in full here. 

Discovery Park in Kent has welcomed eight young companies tackling cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease into its latest business growth programme, Discovery Spark. Over six weeks, the startups will take part in expert-led workshops on investor readiness, intellectual property and branding, before pitching for up to £250,000 investment from Zinc VC on 16 October. They also stand to gain free lab or office space on campus.

The programme focuses on heart health, an area with huge unmet need. Cardiovascular disease causes one in four deaths in the UK, and women remain less likely to get the right tests and treatment. From automated CPR devices to AI biosensors and new drugs for heart conditions, the eight teams are working on breakthrough solutions. Discovery Park and its partners aim to give them the skills, networks and opportunities to turn their ideas into life-saving innovations. Read the full article here. 

Three waste operatives from Countrystyle Recycling have been praised after rushing to help a 75-year-old woman who fell in her garden in Bexley. The team, who were on their round in Halcot Avenue, found Angela Montelbano semi-conscious and bleeding. One of them, a trained first aider, kept her awake and safe until paramedics arrived, while the others called for help and assisted neighbours on the scene.

Angela’s neighbour described the men as “heroes” and said she could not have coped without them. The team has since been commended by both the company and the Leader of Bexley Council, with vouchers and letters of thanks. Countrystyle said they were proud of their staff for going above and beyond their duties, adding that Angela is now recovering at home. Read in full here. 

A group of Kent vineyards has become the first in the UK to launch a shared voucher, thanks to a partnership with loyalty and gift platform Steppr. Visitors can now buy a single voucher that can be redeemed at several local vineyards, including Chapel Down, Biddenden and Gusbourne. The idea is simple: more choice for customers, and a bigger boost for local producers. With most vouchers bought as gifts, the new model is already driving extra revenue and visitors.

The scheme was made possible by Steppr’s technology, which handles the challenge of different booking systems across vineyards. Payments go straight to the businesses rather than being held back, helping with cash flow. Steppr hopes to roll out similar schemes across the UK, working with other groups of businesses such as retail districts. Kent’s vineyards are the first to test it, putting the county at the front of a new way to shop local. Read full article here. 

A Rochester manufacturer has become the first in Britain to earn an international seal of approval for its powder-coating process. AliDeck, which makes non-combustible aluminium decking and balcony components, has been awarded the Qualicoat certification after a tough six-month assessment. The standard is recognised worldwide and confirms the company’s coatings meet strict tests for durability and quality.

Managing Director Richard Izzard said the award proves AliDeck’s unique position in the market. Unlike rivals, the firm carries out the accredited powder-coating entirely in-house, giving it full control over quality, costs, and delivery times. The certification follows extensive testing, including salt spray exposure lasting more than 1,000 hours. AliDeck’s products often exceeded 3,000 hours, showing performance well above minimum requirements. The firm, which employs 70 staff in Medway, is also shortlisted for national innovation and growth awards. Read in full here. 

The South East’s hospitality and leisure sector is facing a rise in employment tribunal claims. A new report from law firm Birketts highlights the impact of the Employment Rights Bill, which gives employees ‘day one’ rights to claim unfair dismissal. The sector’s reliance on casual staff, high turnover, and seasonal contracts adds to the challenge.

AI tools are also making it easier for employees to submit complex complaints, sometimes with errors, putting further pressure on employers. The most common claims are linked to harassment and discrimination. Birketts warns that without stronger workplace policies, training for managers, and effective grievance handling, businesses could face costly disputes. Employers are urged to act now to prepare for the changes and reduce their risk. Read in full here. 

Businesses across Romney Marsh can now access free support, thanks to a new programme from the Romney Marsh Business Hub in New Romney. Backed by local councils and industry partners, the scheme offers monthly workshops and unlimited one-to-one advice to help organisations at every stage of growth. Charities, CICs, voluntary groups, and established SMEs are all welcome to take part.

Workshops are small and practical, with just 10 places available per session. Topics range from health and safety and business law to starting a company and writing bids. More sessions are planned for the new year, covering areas such as cyber security and e-commerce. Feedback from past attendees has been highly positive, praising the practical guidance and supportive atmosphere. Read in full here. 

Big Motoring World has been awarded the 2025 CarGurus ‘Top Value Dealer’ title, placing it in the top 5% of UK dealerships. The award is given to just 100 dealerships each year that offer the highest share of ‘Good’ and ‘Great’ deals, backed by strong customer reviews. All 10 Big Motoring World sites received the award, with customers consistently rating them between 4 and 4.5 out of 5 stars.

With more than 8,250 cars across 30 brands, Big Motoring World offers one of the UK’s largest used car ranges, including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric models. An impressive 95% of stock is priced below market value, with prices updated daily for a hassle-free buying experience. Every vehicle comes with a 200-point check and a 90-day warranty as standard, underlining the company’s focus on value, quality, and trust. Read in full here. 

Kent Expert Insights…

Warning to Kent Businesses Over Umbrella Company Changes

Legal responsibility over PAYE and NIC payments changes from April 2026

International business and advisory group Azets is urging Kent businesses to prepare for changes in their legal responsibilities around employment tax following the Government’s increased regulation of umbrella companies.

Azets has Kent offices in Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury, Sandwich and Orpington.

From 6 April 2026, the responsibility for accounting for National Insurance contributions (NIC) and pay as you earn (PAYE) will be moved from the umbrella company to the recruitment agency, or to the end client if a recruitment agency is not involved.

As a result, recruitment agencies and end clients will be contacted by HMRC if an umbrella company fails to pay NIC and/or PAYE to HMRC.

“For some firms, umbrella companies are an established means of managing payroll for contractors, but they can also be used as a method of tax avoidance,” said Jez Howson, Tax Director at Azets.

“The Government’s new approach will reduce the risk of this happening, but it will also put businesses on the hook for these payments if the company they use doesn’t pay HMRC what its owed – even if this is a legitimate mistake.”

To minimise the risk of being caught out by the changes, Azets advises businesses to:

l Review their policies and procedures for ‘off-payroll’ workers to ensure that, in addition to addressing tax status and IR35, due diligence is undertaken on your supply chain.

l Obtain documentation from the supply chain to show there is tax compliance as part of this due diligence process.

l Ensure due diligence is carried out on any new umbrella providers.

l Regularly audit your supply chain to identify when any new issues arise.

Jez added: “April 2026 may feel like a long time away, but I’d urge businesses to start preparing for these changes now and minimise the risk of being investigated by HMRC.”

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…

This weeks radio show is worth the listen just to hear Paul Andrews at a loss for words when he interviews Lorraine Crookes – CEO Orgasmic Life! 😆 

Dan Grant is also in the studio with the team this week, talking about Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby and his security firm DM Security.

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]

If you enjoyed this edition of the Kent Business Newsletter, please share it! Here’s the link so others can subscribe https://kentbusinessnewsletter.co.uk/subscribe