Kent Business Newsletter - Issue 21

Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to this week’s Kent Business Newsletter - It’s a big one!

This week’s Kent Business Newsletter is packed with stories about ambition, change and community. From celebrating ten years of the B Corp movement to seeing how Kent firms like Pace Group and Trail Group are driving national growth, it’s clear business in the county is moving fast.

You’ll find new energy in the property market, debate over mega solar farms on Romney Marsh, and a fresh approach to pet care with a new hydrotherapy centre in Sevenoaks. Plus, meet two local carers recognised on the national stage and get expert advice on new dividend reporting rules for company directors.

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.

The UK B Corp movement has hit a major milestone - ten years of proving that business can be both profitable and purposeful. From just a handful of pioneers, it’s now a 2,600-strong community of companies that build impact into their DNA, measuring success by more than profit alone.

In Kent, local B Corps gathered last week to celebrate the moment - with reflections from founding members COOK and Elvis & Kresse, plus lively discussions about what the next decade of responsible business could look like. The message was clear: there’s still plenty to do, and plenty of optimism to do it.

➡️ Want to see how Kent’s changemakers are shaping the next chapter of business for good? 

The Pace Group, backed by private equity firm LDC, has bought two more lift maintenance specialists as it steps up its UK expansion. The West Midlands-based company has added Gateshead’s Exel Elevator and Kent’s The Lift Company & DJ Lifts to its growing network, strengthening its reach in the North East and South East.

The moves bring Pace’s total to ten acquisitions since LDC invested in mid-2024, taking its portfolio to around 13,000 lifts and 5,000 customers across the country. Director Scott Haywood said the latest deals move the firm closer to its goal of building a premier national maintenance business.

➡️ How big can Pace grow before it becomes the UK’s dominant lift specialist? Read the full story to see what’s next for the group. 

Kent’s latest property report points to strong activity in logistics, industrial sites and large office acquisitions. Major schemes in Aylesford, Sittingbourne and Lenham show sustained interest from developers, while Kings Hill has secured the biggest office deal in more than ten years. Retail has held firm too, with Bluewater outperforming national figures and Ashford Designer Outlet hitting record results.

Office demand is uneven, yet top grade sites still achieve premium rents. Science parks continue to grow and several town centres are reshaping their offer. The picture is more resilient than many expected, but the biggest shifts sit within the details the headline numbers do not explain. What is driving investors to double down on Kent now?

➡️ Read the full story to see the trends shaping the next year. 

A new assessment from CPRE Kent warns that more than 2,100 hectares of Romney Marsh face conversion into three large solar farms. The land involved sits in the highest grades for food production and includes rare habitats plus historic churches. The scale of the plan would reshape a well known part of Kent for decades.

The group argues for a shift toward rooftop schemes on homes, warehouses and car parks. Its research shows these sites are able to deliver well over 60 percent of the government target. The debate now turns to whether policy will shift before decisions lock in.

➡️ If you want the full picture, their report is worth a look. 

A new hydrotherapy suite at Pennard Vets in Sevenoaks is set to transform pet care across Kent this Christmas. The facility will offer a full programme of rehabilitation and wellness treatments, helping animals recover from surgery, manage weight, and stay active for longer.

Run by expert hydrotherapists and physiotherapists Caron Stone and Esme Zendel, the centre combines science and compassion in every session. Using a warm-water treadmill, each pet receives a tailored recovery plan to build strength, ease stiffness, and improve mobility.

With demand growing, the service is expanding from three to five days a week, and members of Pennard’s Pet Health Club can try an introductory session for free.

➡️ Want to see how hydrotherapy could help your pet move better and feel stronger? 

Trail Group has appointed Andrew Edwards as Operations Director for its Active Fire and Security Division, a move that signals the company’s focus on expanding its fire protection and security services across the South East.

With more than twenty years in the industry, Andrew brings deep expertise in integrated fire and security systems and a track record of leading large operational teams. He’ll oversee everything from system design and installation to maintenance and compliance under BAFE, NFCC and NSI standards. His appointment supports Trail Group’s wider growth plans across housing, healthcare, education and commercial sectors.

Trail Group’s Managing Director says the hire reflects their commitment to growth and high standards.

➡️ See how this leadership move could shape the firm’s next phase. 

Two carers from Caremark Dartford and Gravesham have reached the top tier of the company’s national awards, beating thousands across the country. Bobbie Lee Eveleigh earned her place through strong relationships with clients and meticulous attention to their daily needs. Rajwant Sandhu brought long experience in dementia support along with steady leadership in complex situations. Families describe her work as exceptional and full of trust.

Both will be honoured at a Fortnum and Mason event next November where the overall title will be revealed.

➡️ The full story shows how frontline care shapes lives. 

Kent has strong talent in science and maths but it lacks a place built to stretch it. Carbon 6 aims to fix this with a sixth form based inside Discovery Park in Sandwich. Students will work with advanced kit, meet researchers on site, and gain experience with global firms and local start ups. The goal is simple. Give bright young people world class STEM education without sending them away.

The story behind it is personal. Russell Sauntry saw how limited opportunity holds people back. He wants Kent’s next generation to grow and stay here. Carbon 6 promises high standards, strong industry links, and support for students who want to do something significant. The question is how far this new model will shift expectations in East Kent.

➡️ If you want to see it for yourself, book the open evening here. 

Retail brands in the South East are lifting sales across Europe thanks to a Dartford freight team that keeps toys and other goods moving without delay. The group handles tight customs checks, rising shipment volumes, and pressure points around the Golden Quarter. Their location near the Dartford Crossing helps them keep goods flowing into major EU markets.

Europa has built a sizeable customs operation in Dartford with more than 100 specialists. Their DDP services and Money Back Guarantee give exporters faster movement into Europe with less admin. New variants are rolling out ahead of French tax changes. The full story shows how they keep shelves stocked when pressure rises.

➡️ What extra steps are they taking behind the scenes? Read the full piece to see more. 

🌟 Kent Expert Insights 🌟

Taxing Time for Kent Company Directors Over Dividends Reporting Requirements

New mandatory Self-Assessment reporting requirements means onus on directors to ensure proper documentation

Company directors and shareholders in Kent face new mandatory reporting requirements for the first time when it comes to declaring dividends from profits for owner-managed and family-run ‘close’ companies.

Close companies are usually privately owned limited companies controlled by five or fewer participants, including shareholder directors.

The reporting for the compliance ruling by HMRC starts in the next financial year – 2025-26.

In their 25/26 Self-Assessment returns, and onwards, shareholders must report the following details for each company in which they hold shares:

• Name and company registration number

• Amount of dividend income received

• Percentage of share capital held

Tracy Underwood, a partner and private client tax specialist at Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm, said: “These changes are part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce the tax gap.

“Enhanced dividend reporting for privately owned companies will give HMRC better visibility over dividend income, helping them identify unpaid or underpaid tax more effectively.

“These new mandatory reporting requirements mean that company directors should ensure accuracy with documenting dividends, which are outside of PAYE, as HMRC may want to take a closer look.”

Tracy added: “To ensure compliance with the new requirements, we recommend that all dividends paid are properly documented in a contemporaneous manner, including board minutes voting the dividends and confirming adequate distributable reserves, followed by the issue of dividend vouchers.

“Directors should keep accurate records of board decisions, as meeting minutes are crucial evidence of compliance with their duties. It might also be wise to review the shareholding structure early, to avoid last-minute complications when completing the tax return.

“It is essential to maintain accurate and up-to-date shareholder records and dividend histories – some businesses will be lagging somewhat in this regard and may well require support from accountants to avoid falling foul of the new reporting landscape.”

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

Dividends are paid to shareholders if there are sufficient profits to warrant pay-outs – the first £500 in 2024-25 is tax-free, reduced from the tax-free allowance of £1,000 in 2023-24 and £2,000 in the 2022-23.

The current basic dividend rate above the allowance is 8.75%, with the higher rate at 33.75% and the additional rate at 39.35%.

Dividends are not business costs and are therefore deducted from the balance sheet [savings and liabilities], not the ‘dashboard’ profit & loss sheet which summarises a company’s in-and-out costs.

Example: A salaried company director of a small engineering firm earning £70,000 per annum and paid through PAYE (only income source), takes a dividend of £6,000 following a profitable financial year. The director would be taxed £1,856 on the dividends after tax calculations.

l https://www.azets.com/en-uk

🌟 Kent Business Radio Show 🌟

Joining Jules and Paul on the business bunker this week was Alice Chapman-Hatchett of Centre for Healthy Empowered Communities. The Centre for Healthy Empowered Communities acts as a hub for the health and social care sectors. Via collaborative research and development projects they provide an evidence base and solutions to support wellbeing, prevent ill-health and help address health inequalities.

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

Kent Business Community, before you go… 
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➡️ Would you like to advertise to an audience of decision makers in Kent?
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