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Find The Perfect Local Networking Event
For You And Your Kent Business…
Our new sister-site Kent Business Events is now live!
Below are just a few of this week’s networking events in Kent.
You’ll find the full list at www.KentBusinessEvents.co.uk
Hi {{first_name | Kent Business Community}}
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Kent Business Newsletter.
We have two strong examples of local businesses scaling up through leadership and ambition. We look at a West Malling PR agency expanding its reach across Europe, helping UK brands win attention in key international markets, and a Swanley-based construction and fire safety firm strengthening its senior leadership team to support continued growth. Together, these stories show how Kent businesses are investing in people, capability and expansion to compete at a higher level.
We have also partnered up with Jason Lydford, CEO of Munio IT to bring you a brand new regular feature - Cyber Safety For Kent Businesses. Each week Jason will bring you a short no-nonsense video full of practical cyber advice to help you and your business!
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.
In this issue: Kent Business News | Cyber Advice | Kent Business Events | Kent Business Radio
This Week’s Kent Business News
➡ West Malling Based SHC Expands European PR Reach
Suzanne Howe Communications (SHC) has kicked off its 30th year by extending its PR network across Europe. The Kent-based agency now offers representation in five countries: Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Spain. Each partner agency shares SHC’s focus on clear results and measurable impact for B2B clients in packaging, facilities management, and food and drink.
The expansion builds on SHC’s growing success across the continent, including campaigns for Sabert Corporation Europe and Kimberly-Clark Professional™ that reached millions across key European markets.
➡ Trail Group Appoints New Operations Director
Trail Group has named David Humphrey as its new Operations Director, strengthening its leadership team as the Swanley-based contractor continues to grow across construction and fire safety. Humphrey will oversee the Group’s Construction and Passive Fire Safety divisions, ensuring quality, compliance and strong commercial management.
With 25 years in senior roles for tier one contractors, Humphrey brings deep experience in cost planning, procurement and project delivery. His appointment supports Trail Group’s focus on sustainable expansion, operational excellence and high client standards across both public and private sectors.
Trail’s Managing Director, Jon Crosby, said Humphrey’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth.
**NEW REGULAR FEATURE**
Cyber Safety For Kent Businesses
Jason On Cyber
Scams Don’t Target Stupidity - They Target Behaviour
Most modern scams don’t rely on technical tricks.
They rely on timing, pressure, and normal human responses.
In this episode of Jason on Cyber, Jason explains why capable, sensible people still get caught - both at home and at work - and the simple behavioural rule that prevents most incidents.
Security today is about slowing moments down.
Find out more: @jasononcyber is currently on: Youtube, linkedin, Facebook, X, instagram
Below are several business events coming up this week in Kent.
You’ll find the full list at
www.KentBusinessEvents.co.uk
Kent Invicta Chamber Connections
Tunbridge Wells
Mercure, Tunbridge Wells
When: 15th January 2026 from 10.30am - 12pm
Location: Mercure, Tunbridge Wells
Details:
This friendly and informal event gives you the chance to promote your business, share ideas, and build valuable relationships. Chamber Connections Networking visits a different venue each month to make it accessible to businesses across the county. Whether you’re a small start-up or a large organisation, you’ll find opportunities to collaborate and grow within a supportive network.
Website: Click here
The Indian Dish Networking Event
Tunbridge Wells
Mecure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
When: 15th January 2026 - 5pm - 7.30pm
Location: Mecure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
Details:
Just £20 (plus ticket admin fee) for an evening of high-quality networking with the “The Indian Dish Networking event“, including welcome drink and delicious Indian street food from the award-winning The Indian Dish!
5pm – Complimentary Welcome drink, Arrival and networking
5.30pm-6pm – Welcome by Julia Hussain, Owner of The Indian Dish and Jade Hayman, Events and Sales at Mercure Tunbridge Wells. Followed by the opportunity to introduce your business around the room. We will then Learn the latest updates on AI and SEO for your business from the amazing Matthew Dorrington, Head of SEO & Strategic Growth at Tootle Works
6pm – Networking and delicious street food from The Indian Dish
Website: Click here
Synergy Networking Events
Maidstone Networking Walk
Mote Park
When: 16th January 2026 - 10.30am - 12pm
Location: Mote Park
Details:
Synergy Netwalking Maidstone is an excellent concept that became popular when it was difficult for business people to meet in person.
Synergy Netwalking will plan moves for the attendees, ensuring walkers do not get “stuck” with the same person or group of people for the entire walk. The walk will take one hour, and walkers will talk to at least 12 people while walking, plus those they meet during the pre-walk open-networking session.
Website: Click here
Synergy Networking Events
Maidstone
Orida Hotel
When: 19th January 2026 - 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Location: Orida Hotel
Details:
At Synergy Networking – Maidstone Business Networking you can expect an evening of sharing ideas, inspiration, learning and promoting your business with sponsors Orida Hotel, Maidstone.
This event is perfect for startups and professionals from all sectors. Perfect for introverts who have never experienced business networking and for seasoned business people looking for a refreshing change. Business networking with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, this is the place to be. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your network and grow your business!
Website: Click here
Simply Business Club
Canterbury
Abbots Barton Hotel
When: 20th January 2026 from 7.15am - 9.30am
Location: Abbots Barton Hotel
Details:
Enjoy the best conversational business networking in the world!
At every Simply Business Club meeting in Canterbury, attendees can expect a dynamic and welcoming environment that brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals from various industries. These gatherings are designed to foster meaningful connections, share valuable insights, and encourage collaboration among participants.
Whether you’re looking to make new connections, share your expertise, or find potential partners, the meetings offer something valuable for everyone.
Website: Click here
Women In Business Network
Ashford
Jasmin Vardimon Company
When: 20th January 2026 from 12pm - 2pm
Location: Jasmin Vardimon Company
Details:
The Women In Business Network Ashford group is a friendly meeting hosted by experienced networker, Katherine Vass. The group brings together businesswomen with a wide range of professional experience, so there is plenty of opportunity to gain support and share expertise and business contacts.
WIBN groups thrive when new businesses visit, so please join our next meeting and tell us about your business!
WIBN group members build strong business relationships through our regular monthly meetings. Members also receive access to the members area of the WIBN Platform.
Website: Click here
Spark Networking Event
Tunbridge Wells
OsteoStrong, Tunbridge Wells
When: 20th January 2026 from 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Location: OsteoStrong, Tunbridge Wells
Details:
Join us for a Spark Networking meeting at OsteoStrong in Tunbridge Wells.
A business networking event in Tunbridge Wells with Networking and Speakers.
Guest brochure and marketing for your business and brand are all included.
Website: Click here
Get Connected
Tunbridge Wells
MetroBank, Tunbridge Wells
When: 21st January 2026 from 9.30am - 11am
Location: MetroBank, Tunbridge Wells
Details:
Simple, relaxed, informal, social meet-up for local businesses. Everyone is welcome.
This is a FREE and welcoming B2B networking event for businesses local to Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas. It provides a relaxed environment to catch up with connections – and extend your network to include new ones.
This is not ‘networking’ as you know it.
Website: Click here
The Marketing Meet Up
Ashford
The Coachworks, Ashford
When: 21st January 2026 from 6pm - 8.30pm
Location: The Coachworks, Ashford
Details:
The Ashford Marketing Meetup is an informal friendly place to meet, learn, and share knowledge with one another. Come in ‘listen’ mode.
Think of this as a community event, where the focus is very much on you meeting other people in a chilled out friendly space. We’ll chat over food and drink, listen to an inspirational speaker or two, chat some more, and go home buzzing with new contacts and new ideas.
Let’s have a lovely night in the company of some amazin’ people.
Website: Click here
FORE Business Golf Networking
Maidstone
Tudor Park Golf Club, Maidstone
When: 22nd January 2026 from 7.20am - 9am
Location: Tudor Park Golf Club, Maidstone
Details:
“FORE” Business are delighted to welcome you to our Maidstone Group which is hosted at the Tudor Park Golf Club, Kent.
The business networking event in Maidstone has been established since Sept 2014 and business and friendship within the group is flourishing.
If you would like to attend a “FORE” Business golf event at our Maidstone group, please click on the below link. We have members eagerly waiting to pass referrals and at the same time enjoy an amazing round of golf at Tudor Park Golf Club.
Website: Click here
Women In Business Network
Maidstone
The Spitfire, Kings Hill
When: 22nd January 2026 from 10am - 12pm
Location: The Spitfire, Kings Hill
Details:
The Maidstone and Kings Hill Women in Business group is a friendly meeting hosted by experienced networker, Katherine Vass. The group brings together businesswomen with a wide range of professional experience, so there is plenty of opportunity to gain support and share expertise and business contacts.
WIBN groups thrive when new businesses visit, so please join our next meeting and tell us about your business!
Website: Click here
Kent Business Radio Show
This week Paul Andrew’s guest was Chris Henry from Chris Henry Photography.
Chris is a photographer from Folkestone who works with actors, creatives, founders, and businesses who want headshots and portraits with resonance.
‘In a world awash with generic images, most portraits are all surface: nice lighting, forced smile, no depth, but your image should present more: how you think, what you value, where you’re going.’
To listen to this week’s show in full visit Kent Business Radio
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{{first_name | Kent Business Community}}, before you go…
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