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Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to Issue 3 of the Kent Business Newsletter!
Thanks for joining us again as we bring you the latest from Kent’s vibrant business community. This week’s edition is packed with local success stories, helpful insights, and new opportunities to connect with others across the county.

Whether you’re running your own business, working behind the scenes at a growing company, or just love to see what’s happening on the local business scene, you’re in the right place. Our mission is simple: to help Kent businesses get seen, stay connected, and grow stronger together.

Have you got something exciting to share about your business?
Send your news to [email protected] - we'll help you reach thousands of local readers who are eager to hear what's happening in Kent’s vibrant business scene. It’s easy, effective, and completely free.

If you missed last week’s edition you can catchup here.

Kent Business News Updates…

➡️ Chapel House Estate Unveils The Glass Courtyard - A Stunning New Kent Event Space

Chapel House Estate has launched The Glass Courtyard, a modern, light-filled venue set in the heart of the Kent countryside. With its open-roof design, bi-fold doors, and flexible layout, it’s perfect for everything from private celebrations to team away days.

The space connects seamlessly to the estate’s award-winning restaurant, offering seasonal, locally sourced menus that elevate any event. Guests can even stay overnight, making it ideal for multi-day retreats or special family gatherings.

Whether you're planning an elegant dinner or a creative corporate session, this new space promises a backdrop that’s anything but ordinary. Read full article here. 

From April, all UK workers will get statutory sick pay from day one – and even the lowest earners will now qualify. While the government says it’s a win for workers, Kent accountancy firm Azets warns it could push some small businesses to breaking point.

Rising costs, from National Insurance to minimum wage hikes, are already squeezing local firms. Now, the added pressure of sick pay reform has some freezing hiring or cutting staff. Azets, which has offices across Kent, says many employers are already reaching out for help with cost-saving strategies.

With thousands of Kent businesses operating on tight margins, the changes could have real consequences. Read the full article here. 

The East Malling Trust is celebrating a century of supporting horticulture with the launch of its Science and Impact Strategy tomorrow (18 July) on LinkedIn. The plan sets out ambitious goals for the next five years, including stronger collaborations, faster innovation, and developing East Malling Campus into a leading horticulture hub.

With over £7.7m already invested and the sector worth £9bn to the UK economy, this is a pivotal moment. Find out what’s changing and why this matters to the future of horticulture. Read full article here. 

Maidstone just got a major creative upgrade. The brand new Arts Hub is now open in the heart of the town centre - offering studio space, workshops, retail opportunities, and event rooms for artists and small business owners alike.

Backed by Maidstone Borough Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this colourful new space isn’t just for creatives - it’s also a fresh venue for meetings, community events and showcasing local talent. Could this be your next business opportunity? Read full article here. 

Insolvency-related activity has fallen for the third month in a row across Kent and the South East, hitting its lowest point since August 2022. According to new data from R3, cases dropped from 223 in May to 163 in June - a promising trend for local businesses navigating an uncertain economy.

While the decline suggests growing financial stability, experts are warning not to get too comfortable. “It’s a reason to be hopeful,” said Neil Stewart of R3, “but businesses are still facing serious pressures - from rising national insurance costs to cautious consumer spending.”

Want to know what this means for business confidence in Kent and how it compares to the rest of the UK? Read the full article here. 

Big changes are underway at Heart of Kent Hospice as Ann-Marie Kelly steps up as Interim Chief Executive. With a decade of experience leading income generation and working closely with outgoing CEO Rachel Street, Ann-Marie is ready to tackle a crucial mix of challenges and opportunities.

From the ambitious plan to build a brand-new hospice to the ongoing need to fund vital end-of-life care for thousands of local patients and families, her leadership will shape the future of this much-loved Kent charity. Want to know what’s next for the hospice and how they plan to overcome funding hurdles? Read the full article here. 

Quick Poll - just for fun…

👉️ Results from last week’s poll…

Q. How many hours do you work in a typical week?

0% - Under 30 - Living the dream (or maybe just really efficient?)
33% - 30-40 hours - The classic full-time hustle
24% - 41-50 hours - Putting in the extra graft
43% - 51+ hours - Basically running on coffee

Work hard, sleep... later?
With 43% working 51+ hours, Kent’s business owners aren’t just hustling - they’re on beast mode. No one’s cruising under 30 either.

Kent Business Spotlight…

Supporting Start-Ups from the Ground Up: M&A Digital Solutions Builds Stronger Digital Foundations for Kent Companies Whilst Continuing to Grow

Offering affordable, down-to-earth website and branding support for small businesses across Kent. M & A Digital Solutions have now moved into a new office.

Medway-based M&A Digital Solutions is helping Kent’s small business owners take control of their online presence. Run by husband-and-wife duo Matt and Amy, the independent agency specialises in personalised website design, branding and SEO support, all tailored to the needs of sole traders, start-ups, and local service providers.

With combined experience of building two businesses off of the ground, making mistakes along the way which their clients can avoid themselves and use their skills of digital marketing, design and client services. Matt and Amy founded M&A to fill a gap they recognised: flexible, affordable support for passionate business owners who often feel overwhelmed by tech, trends, and time constraints.

Their clients range from tradespeople, healthcare specialists and children wellbeing services. All seeking a trusted partner to bring their ideas to life online. M&A’s approach is hands-on and personal, stripping away jargon and putting clarity and confidence back into business branding.

Whether it’s a simple landing page or a full rebrand, Matt handles the creative and technical execution while Amy focuses on project coordination, client support and social media, making sure no one feels lost in the process. With evening and weekend availability, M&A is designed to work around busy schedules without sacrificing quality or care, at a price which is reasonable and does not break the bank. 

“We started M&A because we genuinely enjoy helping small businesses grow,” said Amy. “There’s nothing better than seeing someone’s vision come to life and as small business owners ourselves we know the pitfalls to avoid”

Matt added, “Moving into our new office space in Dragon Co Working inside St George Hotel has been the spark to increase our business and make our customer experience more seamless to make sure that our focus is pushing our clients forward.”

M&A Digital Solutions was founded in October 2023 where Matt was employed full time whilst Amy continued working elsewhere, they took the leap to work together in April 2025 and now leap even further to the new office space.

Contact M & A Digital Solutions:
https://mandadigitalsolutions.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07880 316780
Instagram: @mandadigitalsolutions

Kent Networking Events…

Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, potential partners, and customers is vital for business growth. Kent offers a variety of networking opportunities to help you expand your professional circle and enhance your business prospects.

Quick Tip For Effective Networking…

Ask more than you talk!
People remember how you made them feel. Show genuine interest in others - ask questions, listen, and follow up on what they say.

Business Events & Shows In Kent…

Let your business shine and enter this year's Medway Business Awards.

Submissions are due by midnight on 8th August. The gala awards evening will take place on Friday, November 14th, at The Corn Exchange in Rochester. This spectacular event will feature a three-course dinner, a disco, and the presentation of certificates and awards. 

Kent Business Radio Show…

Paul Andrews was a no-show this week as he was doing some last minute shopping for his upcoming wedding, so Jules Serkin took the reigns and as well as providing entertaining discussions around current business news and upcoming events relevant to Kent's business community, she also interviewed these three brilliant guests!

Martin Richmond-Coggan of Green Farm

Julia Hayes of Little Pink Dog Collars

James Farley of Joe Box Coffee

To listen to this week’s show 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.

Tips for Job Seekers…

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter for Every Application!
Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Customise your CV and cover letter to highlight the specific experience and skills that match the job description. Use keywords from the job ad to increase your chances of passing through automated filters.

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]

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