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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 extra edition of the Kent Business Newsletter.
You’ll read how Paul Hendy, CEO of Hendy Group, has been named one of just eight global honourees in Ford’s Salute to Dealers awards, the only winner from the UK and Europe, with a $10,000 donation confirmed for the Hendy Foundation.
We also look at Stannah’s apprenticeship investment, a steadier start to 2026 for the housing market, and new payroll record rules taking effect from 6 April that every employer needs to understand.
➡️ Got a business launch, win or story to share? Send it to [email protected] and we’ll help spread the word - for free!
➡️ Would you like to feature your business in the new ‘Member Spotlight’ section of the Kent Business Newsletter (for free!) - click here
If you missed previous editions you can catch-up here.
In this issue: Kent Business News | Cyber Advice | Kent Business Events
This Week’s Kent Business News
➡️ Ford Recognises Paul Hendy For Community Leadership
Paul Hendy, CEO of Hendy Group, has been named one of only eight global honoree’s in Ford Motor Company’s Salute to Dealers awards. He is the sole recipient from the UK and Europe. Ford highlighted his long record of community support and confirmed a $10,000 donation to Hendy Foundation, which will distribute funds to charities near the Group’s eight Ford dealerships in 2026.
The recognition follows more than a century of partnership between Ford and Hendy Group, which first sold Fords in 1910. Hendy Foundation, created in 2018, has already given more than £400,000 to over 350 local causes and expects to pass £500,000 this year.
Hendy says the honour reflects the work of colleagues, trustees and volunteers who support communities across the south of England.
➡️ Stannah Marks National Apprenticeship Week 2026
Stannah highlights the apprentices who are building practical and technical skills that will shape their working lives. The company’s programme spans engineering, digital, finance and business support, giving you clear routes into a skilled career. A major part of the offer is Stannah’s own lift engineering training centre, where apprentices work with full-scale equipment in a controlled setting. This gives new starters a solid grounding from their first day.
This year’s cohort includes future lift engineers, technologists, accountants and electromechanics, each gaining experience that links directly to real roles across the business. Leaders say apprentices bring curiosity and fresh thinking while developing the confidence, communication and problem-solving skills needed to progress. Stannah frames this work as a long-term investment in people and in the specialist skills the industry depends on.
➡️ House Prices Hold Their Nerve In Early 2026
The latest Halifax figures show a housing market that has settled into a calmer rhythm. January’s 0.7% rise suggests you’re no longer watching an overheated market, but you’re not seeing a downturn either. Prices are moving in small steps as easing financial conditions meet the reality of tight affordability. Annual growth sits in low single digits, reflecting cautious buyers, higher borrowing costs and only gradual improvements in household incomes.
The picture shifts sharply by region. London and the South East remain subdued, held back by stretched affordability. The Midlands, the North, Scotland and Northern Ireland continue to outpace the rest, helped by lower prices and strong rental demand. Through 2026, interest rate cuts and rising real wages should support slow, steady growth, though expiring fixed-rate deals and chronic supply shortages will hold many buyers back.
➡️ Record Rules Tighten For Every Payroll Business
From 6 April, every business running payroll must keep clear records of holiday entitlement, holiday pay calculations and all leave processed through payroll for six years. The new duty applies to firms of every size. If records are incomplete, fragmented or hard to access, the Fair Work Agency can inspect premises, demand documents and issue unlimited fines or criminal sanctions.
Payroll specialists warn that many employers are not ready. HR and payroll teams will need one shared system so they can show exactly how holiday pay was calculated, including overtime and commission. Firms must audit current records, update systems and train staff on what the FWA can request. The legal risk is significant and the enforcement powers are real.
Cyber Safety For Kent Businesses
Jason On Cyber
Your Lock Screen Isn’t Protecting You - Here’s the Truth
Most people think their phone is safe because it has a lock screen. It isn’t. Give me 90 seconds with your unlocked phone and I can take your entire life - bank, email, socials, everything. These are the 4 mistakes almost every iPhone and Android owner still makes. Fix them today.
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 Network
Ashford
Jasmin Vardimon Company
When: 17th Feb 2026 - 12pm - 2pm
Location: Jasmin Vardimon Company
Details:
Grow your business through Women In Business Networking Ashford
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
Get Connected
Tunbridge Wells
MetroBank, Tunbridge Wells
When: 19th Feb 2026 - 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
Two Day Start Up Business Course
Online
Online
When: 18th -19th Feb 2026 - 10am - 3pm
Location: Online
Details:
Kent & Medway Growth Hub – Two Day Start Up Business Course
Free 2-day course! Turn your idea into reality with tools, knowledge & confidence. Perfect for aspiring & early-stage entrepreneurs.
Brought to you by the Kent & Medway Growth Hub , this interactive course is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners. Across two days, you’ll gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence to turn your ideas into a successful business.
Perfect if you’re just starting out or have recently launched your business in Kent.
Website: Click here
The Dockyard Business Club
Chatham
Chatham
When: 18th Feb 2026 - 10.30am - 12.30pm
Location: Chatham
Details:
Welcome to The Dockyard Business Club at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Join us for a morning of connections, coffee, and great conversations, plus speakers that will deliver the quick wins in mindset, strategy & business tools. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and expand your circle.
Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you there.
Website: Click here
FORE Business Golf Networking
Maidstone
Tudor Park Golf Club
When: 19th Feb 2026 - 7.20am - 9am
Location: Tudor Park Golf Club
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
Kent & Canterbury Networking Event
Canterbury
The Kent & Canterbury Club
When: 19th Feb 2026 - 8am - 10am
Location: The Kent & Canterbury Club
Details:
Kent & Canterbury Networking Event| Strategy & Growth with Paul McCartney
Connect, collaborate, and enjoy a morning of networking at the Kent & Canterbury Club.
Join us for the launch of KC Networking Group – Canterbury’s new business networking breakfast. Enjoy open networking, a fresh breakfast with tea and coffee, and hear from a handpicked guest speaker sharing insights to inspire your business journey.
Connect, collaborate, and grow with professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners from across the region.
Website: Click here
IOD Coffee and Connect
Ashford
Ashford International Hotel
When: 19th Feb 2026 - 8.30am - 11am
Location: Ashford International Hotel
Details:
Institute Of Directors Coffee and Connect Ashford, Kent
IOD Coffee & Connect is a peer-level networking forum for Directors across Kent to build strategic relationships, exchange insight and stay connected to the region’s business landscape.
Designed as a time-efficient space for meaningful dialogue, it enables senior leaders to expand their sphere of influence, identify opportunities and strengthen their local network in an informal yet intentional setting.
This session offers a time-efficient forum for peer-to-peer dialogue, business intelligence sharing and relationship-building without the formality of a structured agenda.
Website: Click here
Synergy Networking Events
Various Locations Across Kent
Various locations across Kent
Details:
Synergy Networking Events: Building Meaningful Business Connections Across Kent
Synergy helps businesses across Kent grow through structured, friendly, and effective networking events in Kent. Whether you’re new to networking or an experienced business owner looking for genuine connections, Synergy provides a relaxed environment that delivers real results. You can attend an event with no long-term commitment and experience it for yourself.
Networking Made Simple!
Synergy runs professional networking events across Kent, with every session carefully planned to ensure every attendee gets value. Seating is pre-arranged to help members connect with new people, exchange ideas, and build long-term relationships.
Website: Click here
BoB Connections Business Networking
Various Locations Across Kent
Various Locations
Details:
BoB Connections networking meetings span across Kent, providing an invaluable platform for local businesses to forge connections that are otherwise hard to achieve. Book your spot at a bi-weekly meeting in your town.
Joining BoB Connections opens the door to unparalleled opportunities for your business growth. As a member, you'll gain access to a powerful network of like-minded professionals who are committed to helping each other succeed. Through structured and supportive networking, you'll receive high-quality referrals, expert insights, and practical advice to enhance your business strategies. Our collaborative approach empowers you to elevate your business, making it more profitable, efficient, and successful than ever before.
Let's create connections that matter.
Website: Click here
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