Kent Business Newsletter - Issue 19

Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to this week’s Kent Business Newsletter

A Canterbury consultancy is calling on the Chancellor to tackle gender bias in investment, claiming £250 billion in lost growth. Maidstone’s Bedfont Scientific is expanding its asthma-testing tech into Mexico, while a Kent Garden Centre warns homeowners to protect their lawns before Bonfire Night.

Landlords face a major shake-up as new housing safety laws move closer, and Furley Page celebrates a rare national appointment for one of its partners. Plus, new data shows Kent SMEs are missing out on R&D tax relief worth thousands.

Finally, Tunbridge Wells adviser Louise Fitzgerald explains why small pension steps now could transform your future.

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

A Canterbury-based venture consultancy says Britain is sitting on £250 billion of untapped growth because of one persistent problem: gender bias in business investment. In an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Think Partners calls for urgent action to close the gender gap that still shuts women founders out of funding.

They’re demanding real policy change, from tax breaks for investors backing women-led firms to government co-investment funds. With women receiving less than 3% of UK equity investment, Think Partners argues this is no longer about fairness, but about economic sense. Could fixing the gender gap be the key to unlocking the UK’s next wave of growth?

➡️ Find out what Think Partners believes must change - and why now matters most. 

Kent based Bedfont® Scientific has joined forces with Aerosol Medical Systems to make advanced FeNO breath testing more widely available in Latin America. Their collaboration marks the registration of Bedfont’s NObreath® device in Mexico, giving doctors access to faster, non-invasive asthma diagnostics that can transform patient care.

With asthma still claiming hundreds of lives every year in Mexico, this partnership could change how respiratory conditions are detected and managed. How might this new technology reshape the future of asthma treatment across Latin America?

➡️ Discover how this breakthrough could redefine respiratory care today. 

As Bonfire Night excitement builds, a Kent gardening expert is warning homeowners to think beyond the fireworks. Morris Hankinson from Hopes Grove Nurseries is urging people to firework-proof their gardens to protect lawns, hedges, and wildlife from hidden damage.

From watering your lawn to dampen scorch risks, to shielding hedges from sparks and keeping wildlife safe from the noise and light, a few small steps could save your garden from lasting harm. But which common mistake could actually make the damage worse the next morning?

➡️ Find out the crucial do’s and don’ts before you light the first sparkler. 

Private landlords are being warned to get ready for a major overhaul in housing safety rules. Awaab’s Law, which forces social landlords to fix serious hazards like damp, mould, or fire risks within strict time limits, will soon extend to the private rental market too.

The new rules could hit smaller landlords hardest, bringing new costs, compliance challenges, and tough deadlines to meet. Some may even sell up or shift to higher-end properties. How will the sector cope when lives – and livelihoods – are both on the line?

➡️ Find out what landlords need to do now before these sweeping changes arrive. 

Furley Page Partner Nicola August has been reappointed by the Office of the Public Guardian as a Panel Deputy, one of only 52 across England and Wales, and the only one based in East Kent and Medway. The firm’s Trust Corporation has also been appointed, marking a first for Furley Page to have two panel deputies.

The role involves managing the affairs of people who lack mental capacity, a responsibility only given to those who meet strict professional standards. Nicola, a nationally recognised Lifetime Lawyer, says she is honoured to continue supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals in the South East. What makes this reappointment particularly significant for the region?

➡️ Find out more about Nicola’s work and the impact of this rare national recognition on Furley Page’s clients. 

Fewer Kent businesses are claiming valuable R&D tax relief, with new figures showing a drop of 465 claims in just one year. Experts warn that smaller firms could be missing out on vital funding that fuels innovation and regional growth.

Azets tax partner Heather Williams says many SMEs are being put off by tougher compliance checks and reduced benefits. Yet the relief can return up to £27 for every £100 spent on innovation. Could tighter rules be stifling the very progress they were meant to support?

➡️ Find out what this decline means for Kent’s innovators and how local firms can still benefit before it’s too late. 

🌟 Kent Expert Insights 🌟

Local IFA Urges Savers To Take Control Of Their Future: ‘Small Steps Now Can Transform Your Retirement’

Louise Fitzgerald from Sterling & Law Tunbridge Wells highlights why reviewing pension contributions today could mean greater financial freedom tomorrow.

Tunbridge Wells–based Independent Financial Adviser Louise Fitzgerald is calling on individuals and business owners to review how much they’re paying into their pensions. With the cost of living rising and State Pension age increasing, she says proactive retirement planning has never been more important. Her practical message is clear: consistent contributions - even modest amounts - can make a big difference over time.

Louise explains that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much to pay into a pension. It depends on age, income, affordability, and lifestyle goals.

A widely used rule of thumb is to contribute half your age as a percentage of your salary - so a 30-year-old might aim to contribute 15% of their gross income, while a 40-year-old might target 20%. This includes both personal and employer contributions.

She also highlights the power of compounding:

“The earlier you start, the less you have to put in each month to build the same pot. Waiting until your fifties can mean playing catch-up - and that can be expensive.”

Tax relief makes pension saving even more efficient. For every £80 paid in by an individual, the government adds £20 - and higher-rate taxpayers can claim even more via self-assessment. Business owners can also make employer contributions, which may be tax-deductible.

For those unsure where to start, Louise recommends setting clear retirement income goals and working backwards to calculate the required contributions. A financial adviser can model different scenarios to show how small changes now can significantly alter retirement outcomes later.

“Many people underestimate what they’ll need in retirement, and overestimate how much time they have,” says Louise.

“Pension saving doesn’t need to be overwhelming - the key is to get started, contribute regularly, and review your plan as life changes.”

Louise offers free initial consultations to help individuals understand their pension position, how much they may need, and the steps to get there. She also runs educational sessions for local businesses, helping employees make better long-term financial decisions.

Louise Fitzgerald is an Independent Financial Adviser with Sterling & Law Group, serving clients across Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and East Sussex. She helps individuals and families gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances - from pensions and investments to protection and estate planning. Her advice is fully regulated and tailored to each client’s unique situation.

Contact Details
Louise Fitzgerald
Business Name: Sterling & Law Tunbridge Wells
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07891 039 256
Website: www.sterlingandlaw.com/locations/financial-advice-tunbridge-wells
Instagram: www.instagram.com/louise.fitzgerald_ifa

🌟 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.

Start with purpose, not promotion - Arrive with a clear goal, such as finding a collaboration partner or learning something specific, rather than just handing out business cards.

🌟 Business Events & Shows In Kent 🌟

🌟 Kent Business Radio Show 🌟

Joining Jules and Paul on the business bunker this week were Susanne Bainton of Suzanne Bainton Photography who can help boost your presence online through her captivating photography, and Gav Pauze of Pauzewear talking about his love of music and his street clothing brand.

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

Kent Business Community, before you go… 
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