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 look at a major new £21m retirement village opening in Herne Bay and what it means for local care provision and construction in the area. We also share a final reminder for plumbers, as entries for the first ever Plumber Awards close at the end of January.
You will also read about a Kent-based business giving back, as Woodlands partners with a leading youth charity to support vulnerable young people across the county. Finally, we spotlight a new eco-focused workspace in Canterbury that is being described as the most sustainable of its kind in East Kent, offering affordable, energy-efficient offices for small businesses and freelancers.
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
➡ Lord Mayor Opens £21m Retirement Village In Kent
A £21m retirement village in Herne Bay is now open after the Lord Mayor of Canterbury cut the ribbon on the new development. Built by the McGoff Group, the site brings together a 67-bed care home and 50 one and two-bed bungalows on Canterbury Road. The care home offers residential, nursing, dementia and respite support, led by an experienced team and supported by modern facilities including private en-suite rooms, shared lounges, spa bathrooms and outdoor spaces. More than a fifth of the bungalows are already reserved. The scheme aims to give older residents a comfortable place to stay close to home as their needs change.
➡ Plumber Awards Close On 31 January
You have only days left to enter the first Plumber Awards - a free national competition for domestic plumbers across the UK. Eleven regional winners will be chosen, with each moving on to the final round for the national title.
Sponsors include CT1, Kingsbridge, Polypipe Building Products, Powered Now, CIPHE, and Refresh. Judging mixes expert scoring, a public vote, and a technical challenge. Regional winners will be revealed in March, and the national winner will be announced at InstallerSHOW 2026 in Birmingham.
➡ Woodlands Partners With Kent Youth Charity
Woodlands.co.uk has chosen The Young Lives Foundation as its Charity of the Year for 2026. YLF supports vulnerable young people across Kent, including those in care and those facing trauma or mental health challenges. The charity has spent 18 years building programmes that give young people stability and support.
Many now take place outdoors, with activities such as camping, fishing, outdoor cooking, and woodland crafts. The new partnership will help YLF expand these sessions so more young people can build confidence and enjoy safe time in nature. Woodlands.co.uk says the work aligns with its mission to help people enjoy and care for UK woodlands.
➡ Canterbury’s Most Sustainable Office Units
A new set of compact, energy-smart workspaces is opening in St Dunstan’s this March, just a short walk from Westgate Towers. You get four self-contained units designed by Conker Conservation using natural materials, careful insulation and passive solar principles.
Each space offers large windows, a roof light, LED lighting, strong airtightness, triple glazing and a tiny 770W heating load. Power comes from on-site solar with battery storage and mains backup, a first in the UK. Cycle storage, super fast WiFi, an accessible WC and a shared garden make the site practical for small teams or freelancers. Units start at £550 a month with no VAT.
Cyber Safety For Kent Businesses
Jason On Cyber
You didn’t get hacked - you handed it over.
That “account locked” message feels urgent - and that’s exactly why it works. In this video, I explain how modern phishing really works and the two simple rules that stop it dead. Watch before you click anything.
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
Women In Business Networking
Maidstone
The Spitfire
When: 22nd January 2026 from 11.45am - 2.15pm
Location: The Spitfire, Maidstone
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
FSB Avoid The Fines
Online
Online
When: 23rd January 2026 - 11am - 12pm
Location: Online
Details:
The April 2026 deadline for MTD ITSA (Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment) is fast approaching. Are you compliant?
This essential online session is designed for sole traders, landlords, and tax professionals to cut through the complexity, focus on preparation, and avoid the fines for non-compliance. Learn the rules, set up compliant digital record-keeping, and confidently meet your new reporting duties.
So, join us for this interactive session with a panel of tax experts to walk you through MTD, top to bottom, and answer your questions!
Website: Click here
Kent County Council Supplier Day
Detling, Maidstone
Kent Event Centre
When: 27th January 2026 - 8.30am - 5pm
Location: Kent Event Centre
Details:
Welcome to Kent County Council Supplier Day!
Join us at the Clive Emson Hall, Kent Event Centre for a day of networking, collaboration, and opportunity. Connect with local suppliers, explore ways to support the community and economy, and learn how you can contribute to the Council’s vision of becoming a commercially focused organisation.
Don’t miss this chance to discover more about working with KCC and expanding your network. Register now and be part of Kent Supplier Day!
Website: Click here
FSB Hospitality Sector Networking
Online
Online
When: 27th January 2026 - 10am - 11.15am
Location: Online
Details:
Do you work in or supply the hospitality sector? If so, then why not come and join us for our networking group just for you!
This group will meet quarterly and discuss the topics important to you and your business. You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas, and your views will then be fed back to FSB’s Policy Team to help inform our national and local work to represent you. This will also be a great opportunity to make and cement relationships with other business owners in your sector.
This event is a great opportunity to gather views from those currently running small businesses in that sector so that they can be fed back to FSB’s Policy Team.
Website: Click here
Kent Invicta Chamber
Virtual Business Networking
Online
When: 27th January 2026 from 10.30am - 12pm
Location: Online
Details:
Join Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce for Virtual Business Networking.
Each session blends a short guest interview with open discussion from attendees. This month’s guests are Michael Laws from Realign Your Careers and Pip Lawrence from West Kent Mind.
Virtual Business Networking is lively and interactive. It sparks fresh conversations and brings like-minded people together. These events are popular with SMEs across Kent and open to all sectors.
Website: Click here
Synergy Networking Event
Whitstable
Riverside Conferencing
When: 27th January 2026 from 10.30am - 12.30pm
Location: Riverside Conferencing
Details:
Join us for a fantastic morning of Synergy Networking at the conveniently located Riverside Conferencing in Whitstable!
This event is perfect for all professions. Connect 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
Community & Business Eco Partnership Meet-Up
Folkestone
The Grand, Folkestone
When: 20th January 2026 from 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Location: The Grand, Folkestone
Details:
A social value exchange for non-for-profits and businesses interested in community led sustainable and environmental impact
Join local businesses, charities, and community groups for a relaxed, practical, free event all about working together to strengthen our town and support a more sustainable future.
This meet-up brings together people who want to build meaningful social value partnerships that support local people, benefit the local environment, and creates sustainable positive change – plus a delicious locally sourced lunch included!
Website: Click here
Women In Business Network
Canterbury
The Corner House Restaurant, Canterbury
When: 27th January 2026 from 12pm - 2pm
Location: The Corner House Restaurant, Canterbury
Details:
The Women In Business Networking Canterbury 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 Pippa Tanko of &Pip.
&Pip is an exclusive photography agency that serves creators, makers, solo business owners, and freelancers. Its objective is to create impactful brand photography that enhances the image of the business owners, employees, and their projects or products, helping them stand out in the market and attract high-end clients. &Pip works to establish a brand that mirrors the values of its clients and earns them the recognition and compensation they deserve.
To listen to this week’s show in full visit Kent Business Radio
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