Kent Business Newsletter - Issue 17

Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to this week’s Kent Business Newsletter

Kent businesses are on the move this week - from bold rebrands to major investments shaping the county’s future.

Calldene Structural Solutions strengthens its operations with a key new hire, while creative agency MODUS unveils a striking rebrand marking a decade of innovation. Tunbridge Wells earns national recognition as the UK’s top construction hotspot, and Dunham Care welcomes new leadership to drive its next phase of growth. Britannia Refined Metals opens a £41 million Northfleet plant pioneering mineral recovery, while experts warn Kent firms to brace for tougher Home Office audits.

Plus: a major horticulture conference tackling sustainability, a one-day workshop promising better communication, and fresh insight into rising insolvency trends across the South East.

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.

Calldene Structural Timber Solutions has appointed Alfred Langdon as Procurement and Operations Controller to help drive smoother, safer, and more efficient processes across the business. With a background in technical and customer-facing roles, Alfred brings fresh energy and practical problem-solving to both the factory floor and the office.

He’ll focus on improving procurement, strengthening supplier ties, and supporting Calldene’s growth plans. But what made him shift from medical consultancy to structural timber, and how will his unique skillset change the way Calldene operates?

👉 Want to see how Alfred plans to shake things up? Click through to read the full story. 

After ten years of creative storytelling, Kent-based agency MODUS has unveiled a bold new identity that marks a major milestone in its journey. The rebrand, led by co-founders Max Philo and Mark Castro, introduces a vibrant new look and the tagline “Your Brand in Focus,” reflecting the company’s mission to elevate businesses through powerful visuals and digital strategy.

Now expanding beyond videography and photography to include digital marketing, MODUS is setting its sights on the next decade of innovation. What does this fresh new chapter mean for the brands they partner with next?

👉 Discover the full story and explore the new MODUS brand here. 

A new report has revealed that Tunbridge Wells is the UK’s most thriving construction hub outside of London. The town scored highest in Monster-Mesh’s nationwide study, which analysed business numbers, job opportunities, investment, and sector growth across 84 locations.

With major regeneration projects underway and impressive levels of investment in branding and infrastructure, Tunbridge Wells is fast becoming a magnet for construction firms and skilled workers alike. But which other towns are climbing the ranks - and what’s driving this regional boom?

👉 Discover the full list and see where your town ranks here. 

Dunham Care has announced two major leadership appointments: Mike Wilson joins as Chief Operating Officer, and Trisha King takes the helm at the soon-to-open Herne Bay Manor in Kent. Together, they bring over six decades of combined experience in healthcare leadership.

Mike’s operational expertise and Trisha’s compassionate approach signal a bold new chapter for Dunham Care, focused on quality, innovation, and person-centred living. But what vision do they have for redefining luxury care across the UK?

👉 Discover how Dunham Care’s new leaders plan to reshape the future of elderly care - click to read the full story. 

A major new £41 million plant has opened in Northfleet, aiming to extract copper and other valuable minerals from recycled electronics like fridges, microwaves, and car parts. Run by Britannia Refined Metals (part of global giant Glencore), the facility is designed to handle up to 25,000 tonnes of copper-bearing waste each year.

This move helps fill a critical gap left since the UK's last copper refinery closed in 1999. Could this be the start of a new era for UK mineral recovery and recycling?

👉 See how this plant could shape the future of critical mineral supply in the UK. 

Businesses across Kent are being warned to check their compliance as the Home Office tightens its grip on sponsored worker regulations. New figures show nearly 2,000 sponsor licences were revoked in the past year - more than double the previous total.

Experts at Birketts in Sevenoaks say companies risk losing their licence with no right of appeal if they fail to meet HR and immigration standards. From record-keeping errors to salary slips, small mistakes can now trigger serious consequences. Could your business survive a surprise audit tomorrow?

👉 Click through to find out how to protect your licence before it’s too late. 

Some of the UK’s top experts in horticulture, research and policy will come together next month to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing the sector: sustainability. The ‘Resource Efficiency in Horticulture’ conference at The East Malling Trust will focus on how growers can cut waste, save energy and use resources more efficiently while still delivering high-quality produce.

With big names from the Food Foundation and British Growers Association on the agenda, delegates will also get exclusive insights into new research, funding opportunities and cutting-edge innovation in Kent. What new ideas could reshape the future of UK horticulture?

👉 Don’t miss your chance to join the conversation – register before 24 October to secure your place. 

Want to improve how you connect with people at work and in life? A one-day, in-person training session in Dover promises to boost your communication skills in practical, hands-on ways. You’ll learn how to really listen, understand emotions, express yourself clearly, and build stronger relationships.

Led by a highly experienced psychotherapist, this small group session on 21 November includes lunch, refreshments, and free parking. But what surprising technique could change how you communicate forever?

Click now to book your place and see what a single day could unlock. 

🌟 Kent Expert Insights 🌟

Insolvency-related Activity Increases By 10% Across Kent and the South East

The rise in the South East is at odds with most of the rest of the UK, with decreases in eight regions and the other increases only in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Neil Stewart, chairman of R3’s Southern and Thames Valley region, explained that while the monthly increase was disappointing, the fluctuations seen in recent months suggest that economic uncertainty remains entrenched.

He said: “While a 10% increase appears significant, it follows an 8.1% decline in August,  so it is difficult to draw any firm conclusions.

“I suspect that many business leaders will not be making any major decisions before the autumn budget on November 26.

“There is a hope that the Chancellor will introduce measures that encourage investment, recruitment and expansion rather than make changes to business taxation which could dampen confidence.

“Ongoing challenges such as higher energy and materials costs, cautious consumer demand and creditor pressure have combined with slower than anticipated reductions in the cost of borrowing to leave some businesses having to fight hard to stay afloat.”

R3’s Southern & Thames Valley region includes Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire and Berkshire.

Neil, a regional associate director at insolvency litigation financing company Manolete Partners Plc, urged business owners across the South and Thames Valley to remain vigilant.

He said: “Our message to businesses remains the same: seek advice from a regulated professional at the first signs of financial distress. Taking action early gives you more options and more time to make a considered decision about the best way forward.

“Most R3 members offer an initial consultation free of charge, giving business owners a chance to understand their options before matters become critical.”

The latest Creditsafe data shows that number of companies with invoices that had gone past their payment date dropped slightly from 57,935 in August to 57,558 in September.

There was a decrease in the number of invoices which had gone past their due date in the region – from 528,263 in August to 519,766 in September.

The number of start-ups in the South East increased from 5,657 in August to 6,406 in September and is 15.8% up on a year ago.

Creditsafe is a multinational business intelligence provider with services including company credit scores and credit report information.

🌟 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 🌟

Jules was out this week so Julie Edinburgh stepped in to help Paul Andrews run the show to bring you the latest business news and events from across Kent!

On the show this week was Penny Williams of the Kenward Trust. A great conversation about the life saving work they do, from their residential rehab treatment to the educational work in schools.

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

Kent Business Community, before you go… 
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