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Welcome to the Thursday edition of the Kent Business Newsletter.

You’ll read how Hendy Group has secured national recognition for its long-term investment in apprentices, with every recent graduate moving straight into permanent roles. Furley Page heads to Farm Expo to support Kent’s farming community at a time of regulatory and financial pressure. Bedfont steps in to back UK schools through a practical sponsorship partnership that delivers real impact where budgets are tight. Stantons Solicitors earns major award shortlists, reflecting steady expansion and focused leadership.

There is also a timely warning for Kent exporters, as new EU parcel duties from July could quietly erode margins unless businesses adapt quickly.

Plus, in this week’s Kent Business Spotlight, Oliver Burt shares how he built a £1m niche insurance brokerage by serving travelling funfairs, proving that overlooked sectors can become powerful opportunities when approached with conviction and focus.

➡️ 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.

Hendy Group opens 2026 with a top 20 place in the Family Business Apprentice Employers Report, a national ranking that credits family firms investing heavily in apprenticeships. The business brought in 15 new apprentices last year, taking its total to 38 in training. Six graduates completed their programmes, two with distinctions, and all moved straight into full time technician roles at Hendy.

The company continues to recruit and offers structured training, one to one mentoring and manufacturer led college learning. Programmes run from one to three years, depending on the role. The growth follows a strong 2025 in which Hendy expanded its reach across the South and South West while representing 25 automotive brands. Leaders say the recognition reflects the effort colleagues put into helping apprentices progress.

➡️ See how this year’s intake could shift Hendy’s talent pipeline and future skills mix.

Corporate insolvencies rose slightly at the start of 2026, up 3.6 percent from December. Administrations saw the sharpest monthly jump and reached their highest level since mid-2024. The overall total was still lower than January last year, but Azets says the pressures behind the numbers are building.

Directors are tired after years of difficult trading and many are running out of options. Creditors, led by HMRC, are pushing harder on overdue debts. Rising costs continue to squeeze margins and the uncertain political and economic backdrop is slowing decisions and funding. Retail and hospitality missed the December lift they needed, construction remains under strain and parts of real estate are becoming uneasy. Azets warns that more businesses may reach a breaking point unless directors act early.

➡️ Want to know which warning signs matter most and why they’re appearing now?

Furley Page will join this year’s Farm Expo on 4 March to show its continued support for Kent’s farming community. The firm has a long history with farmers and rural landowners, and its specialist team helps clients deal with complex issues such as the family farm tax, the Renters’ Rights Act and current shifts in employment law.

The event is the region’s largest showcase of agricultural services and machinery, bringing together more than 100 exhibitors focused on the future of farming and rural business.
Partner Sarah Webster says the firm sees the show as a key moment to speak directly with farmers about the pressures they face. Visitors can meet the team at stand 44.

➡️ See what issues are shaping farm decisions this year

A new partnership between Bedfont Scientific and Rymindr aims to get essential exercise books into UK classrooms at a time when most schools are struggling with tight budgets. Rymindr, a social-tech app that shares its profits with schools, is running a sponsorship campaign to cover storage, handling, and distribution after losing its warehouse at the end of 2025.

Bedfont has stepped in to sponsor 20 boxes of exercise books, adding to Rymindr’s wider effort that has already sent 4,000 boxes to schools. Each sponsored box is matched by Rymindr, saving schools around £100 at a time when more than 70 percent report being underfunded. Leaders from both organisations say the support helps teachers focus on teaching instead of covering basic supplies.

➡️ See how this campaign works and why the next phase matters for schools under pressure.

Stantons Solicitors has earned a place on the shortlist for the 2026 Kent Women in Business Awards, recognised for clear growth, steady expansion, and a focused approach to client service. The firm has strengthened its reach across the county, expanded its teams, and invested in modern systems that support faster, more accessible legal work. Its growth reflects deliberate decisions on service development, people investment, and community engagement.

Partner Claire Grylls is also a finalist for Inspiring Leader of the Year. Her role in shaping strategy, mentoring colleagues, and championing professional development has made her a central figure in the firm’s progress. Her leadership style, grounded in clarity and support, stands out in a crowded field.

➡️ The awards ceremony takes place in March. Want to see what set Stantons apart from the rest?

From July, every small parcel you send to the EU worth under €150 will carry a €3 duty per item type. For Kent exporters sending high volumes of low-value goods, that adds up fast. Azets warns that the extra cost could squeeze margins, complicate pricing, and slow deliveries unless you prepare now.

You’ll need to decide whether to absorb the charge, pass it on, or rethink how you bundle products. You must also update systems for tighter customs rules, including IOSS accuracy and new steps for reclaiming duty on returns. A further handling fee is expected later this year, adding more pressure.

➡️ Are you ready for the new rules that could reshape your EU sales?

This week Paul Andrew’s guest was Jemma Fairclough-Haynes of Orchard Employment Law

From humble beginnings in 2015, Orchard Employment Law has blossomed from one Employment Law Specialist into a team of Employment Lawyers and HR Professionals.

The role of an employer can be very diverse and keeping on top of HR and Employment Law can be both confusing and stressful. By working with Orchard Employment Law you get peace of mind plus we offer fixed rate packages as well as hourly rates so that you don’t have to worry about unexpected costs. Just like an orchard, we nurture a culture of productivity and growth, fostering a supportive environment for both clients and our team.

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

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