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Hi {{first_name | Kent Business Community}}
Welcome to Thursday’s edition of the Kent Business Newsletter.
We lead with the MegaGrowth 50, where Kent’s fastest-growing companies have just been revealed, offering a snapshot of the firms driving serious momentum across the county. We also look at the launch of Discover Whitstable, a new platform aiming to turn more visitors into year-round customers for local businesses.
Elsewhere, there is a striking look at Britain’s growing posture problem and what it is really costing productivity, health and everyday working life. And in med-tech, Kent-based Bedfont has made a key board appointment as it prepares for its next phase of international growth.
➡️ 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
➡️ MegaGrowth 50 Reveals Kent’s Fastest-Rising Firms
Kent’s 50 fastest-growing businesses were revealed today at the MegaGrowth 50 awards in Maidstone. The annual league table ranks privately owned companies with at least £1 million turnover, based on average turnover growth over four years using Companies House accounts. This year again shows the depth of Kent’s economy. Construction and building services firms remain strong drivers, while farming and horticulture, especially fruit growers, are gaining pace and reinforcing the county’s rural strength. The awards were presented at a breakfast event at the Tudor Marriott Hotel & Country Club.
Kingsheath Construction Ltd topped the table with growth of 271.6 percent over the past year. The groundworks and civil engineering firm, founded in 2018, has expanded quickly in a tough market. Defence logistics supplier S.C.A. Shipping Consultants Associated Ltd ranked in the top three for the second year running, with 242.5 percent growth, followed by Primech Building Services Ltd at 227.2 percent. More than half of the ranked firms are family owned, reflecting Kent’s strong local business base.
➡️ Discover Whitstable Launches To Boost Year-Round Tourism
A new digital platform, DiscoverWhitstable.co.uk, has launched to help visitors explore more of the Kent coast town and support local businesses. Whitstable attracts between one and 1.6 million visitors each year, many from London and the South East, yet many see only a small part of what it offers. The site brings together practical travel information, curated guides and local stories in one place, covering where to eat, stay, shop and explore across the harbour, town centre and coastline.
Founded by Clotilde Chohan, a business consultant who moved to the town, the platform aims to help visitors stay longer and return throughout the year. Local businesses can join the site, with subscription options offering enhanced profiles and promotion through curated content and events listings. Future plans include a printed pocket guide and discovery trails to spread footfall beyond peak season.
➡️ Britain’s Silent Posture Crisis
Half of UK workers say muscle pain affects their productivity, losing an average of two hours each day. That adds up to a full working day every week, and almost a full week each month. Desk work is the biggest trigger, with 62% reporting neck pain and many aged 25 to 44 struggling after long hours at a computer. Household chores add another strain. More than half experience lower back pain from cleaning and hoovering, while two in five spend up to 20 hours a week on tasks that mirror low-level manual labour.
Despite 54% naming Pilates as the best way to improve posture, only one in ten practise weekly. Two-thirds of Brits do not realise slouching can affect breathing, energy and digestion. Many rely on stretching or pain relief instead of expert help, exposing a gap between awareness and action.
➡️ Bedfont Adds Michael Bencak To Drive Global Growth
Bedfont Scientific Ltd. has appointed Michael Bencak to its board as it looks to strengthen its global position in breath analysis. The Kent-based med-tech firm has designed and manufactured medical breath testing devices for almost 50 years and has grown steadily over the past decade. Bencak brings more than 20 years of experience in life sciences and healthcare, with a record of building companies, expanding internationally, and guiding long-term strategy.
The appointment follows Keensight’s majority investment in 2025 and marks a new phase for the business. Bedfont works with over 100 distributors worldwide and develops non-invasive devices that support diagnosis and patient care. The company says Bencak’s leadership will help expand its reach and advance respiratory diagnostics worldwide.
Kent Business Spotlight
From Corporate Banking to Culture Change: How Stephen Adams Built Inspiring Cultures Ltd
From a corporate banking career to building a values-led consultancy, Stephen Adams’ journey into entrepreneurship is anything but typical. After a pivotal experience working with a client whose culture didn’t align with his own, he made the decision to do things differently, and Inspiring Cultures Ltd was born.
Today, the Kent-based business is helping organisations across sectors, from NHS Trusts to Premier League football clubs, create stronger, more productive workplace cultures. With a clear focus on leadership, conflict resolution and people-first transformation, Stephen has built a company where 95 percent of work comes through recommendations, and client satisfaction speaks for itself.
Bootstrapped from day one, the business has grown rapidly, expanding its services, building a tight-knit team, and even launching additional ventures under the same umbrella. Along the way, there have been setbacks, including losing major clients and adapting through Covid, but each challenge has shaped the business into what it is today.
This is a story about resilience, values, and building a business that genuinely makes a difference.
Cyber Safety For Kent Businesses
Jason On Cyber
You Secured the New Device. What About the Old Ones?
New front door going in today. Solid. Secure. Lovely.
But the front door isn’t the problem. The old one is.
Phones and laptops work the same way. Old devices still matter.
Here’s how to shut them properly.
Find out more: @jasononcyber is currently on: Youtube, linkedin, Facebook, X, instagram
Did you miss this earlier?
We’re launching the Kent Business Community - a new platform helping people across Kent discover trusted local businesses, through enhanced business profiles and promotion in the Kent Business Newsletter.
Businesses joining before 31st March lock in the £25 per year pre-launch rate (normally £50).
➡️ See how it works: www.KentBusinessCommunity.co.uk
Below are several business events coming up this week in Kent.
You’ll find the full list at
www.KentBusinessEvents.co.uk
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
Simply Business Club
Various Locations Across Kent
Details:
Stepping Out and FSB have come together to create a relaxed, welcoming space for local businesses to connect.
This is your opportunity to make new connections, discover potential collaborators, and access support from the local business community.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain fresh perspectives, or simply meet like-minded professionals, this event gives you the chance to step out, get involved, and enjoy real conversations.
The event is free to attend and open to all businesses.
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
Wealden Business Group Networking
Tenterden
Brunch & Brew Tenterden
When: 7am - 8.30am Every Wednesday Morning
Location: Brunch & Brew Tenterden
Details:
Come join the Wealden Business Group every Wednesday morning in Tenterden for a hearty breakfast, an interesting presentation and the opportunity to meet local business owners across a range of professions who recognise the importance of making genuine connections.
Wealden Business Group (WBG) is built on trust, integrity, support and friendship, and is different to many other business networking groups in several respects
Website: Click here
Broadstairs Business Club
Broadstairs
The Pavilion Broadstairs
When: 7.30am - 12pm on 26th March
Location: The Pavilion Broadstairs
Details:
To mark 10 years of Broadstairs Business Club, we’re opening our doors for an Open House Breakfast at The Pavilion, Broadstairs.
This special morning invites local businesses to experience what the club is all about, how it’s grown over the last decade and why it’s become a respected part of the local business community.
It’s a relaxed, business-focused event designed for people who are curious about Broadstairs Business Club, whether you’re actively looking to grow your network or simply want to see how we operate without any commitments.
There’s no hard selling and no pressure to join, just good conversation, breakfast and insight into what makes the club different.
Website: Click here
Dartford Means Business
Dartford
Dartford Football Club
When: 10am - 12pm on 26th March
Location: Dartford Football Club
Details:
Ready to connect, collaborate, and be inspired? Join us for the Dartford Means Business showcase – a vibrant morning bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, and local organisations shaping the future of business in Dartford.
Meet and network with a wide range of local businesses, discover new opportunities, and build relationships that can help your organisation grow.
One of the highlights of the morning will be meeting the 10 finalists of the “Pitch Your New Business Idea” competition, all vying for the £2,000 top prize. It’s your chance to see fresh ideas, support emerging talent, and maybe even spot your next partnership.
You’ll also be able to learn more about The Kent Foundation and the support available for young entrepreneurs and growing businesses across the region.
Come along, share ideas, and be part of Dartford’s thriving business community.
Website: Click here
The Indian Dish Networking Event
Tunbridge Wells
Mecure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
When: 5pm - 7.30pm on 26th March
Location: Mecure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
Details:
An evening of high-quality networking with the “The Indian Dish Networking event“, includes a welcome drink and delicious Indian street food from the award-winning The Indian Dish!
What’s in store?
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. Keynote speaker TBA
6.45 – Networking and delicious street food from The Indian Dish
7.30pm – Event close
Important: Tickets are limited and must be purchased by Wednesday, 18th March so make sure you book ASAP!
Don’t miss out on an evening of great food, meaningful connections and inspiring conversations!
Website: Click here
Kent Business Radio Show
No guests this week with Paul Andrews on the business bunker show! Instead we got to hear Jules travel stories following her 3 or 4 month break going around Dubai and India!
Welcome back Jules!
To listen to this week’s show in full visit Kent Business Radio
Ready to Show Up Online with Confidence?
Join us in our Kent studio for a VIP day and leave with up to 3 months of powerful, done-for-you video content.
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{{first_name | Kent Business Community}}, before you go…
➡️ Don’t miss the latest networking events near you - https://www.kentbusinessevents.co.uk
➡️ Do you have news or announcements you’d like to share about your business?
Contact us today - [email protected]
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