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📍 Village Hotel, Maidstone
📅 16th April | 10am–3pm
Hi {{first_name | Kent Business Community}}
Welcome to Thursday’s edition of the Kent Business Newsletter.
Kent businesses are making moves this week, with national award shortlists, fresh investment, and partnerships driving real local impact.
From Laing O’Rourke competing for Family Business of the Year, to Bedfont Scientific’s CTO earning recognition for technology leadership, the county continues to show its strength across engineering, manufacturing and innovation.
There is also a £3.1 million funding boost set to help manufacturers adopt new tech, improve productivity and grow faster. At the same time, Furley Page is backing the Kent Neuro Therapy Centre to support hundreds of people living with neurological conditions.
In this issue, you will see where Kent businesses are gaining recognition, how new funding is creating opportunities, and the partnerships making a real difference across the county.
➡️ 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
➡️ Laing O’Rourke Shortlisted For British Business Awards
Kent-based engineering, manufacturing and construction firm Laing O’Rourke has been shortlisted for Family Business of the Year at the British Business Awards 2026. The company joins 150 organisations from across the UK competing at the ceremony in Edinburgh on 30 April, where award-winning actor George Clooney will appear as a special guest. Shortlisted firms will also form the inaugural British Business Leaders List, recognising those shaping the nation’s economic future.
This year’s awards attracted a record 400 entries, independently judged across performance, innovation, workforce culture, customer impact and social contribution. Global brands including AstraZeneca, Nando’s and Warburtons feature alongside leading SMEs and family firms. The event will also raise funds for Social Bite, supporting efforts to tackle homelessness across the UK.
➡️ Furley Page Backs Kent Neuro Therapy Centre
The Kent Neuro Therapy Centre in Canterbury has been named Furley Page’s Charity of the Year, following a staff vote at the law firm. The self-funded charity supports more than 600 people across Kent living with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and stroke, providing personalised physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, oxygen therapy and counselling. The Centre has recently expanded its services to include therapies for people with a wider range of neurological and long-term conditions.
Fundraising will be coordinated through the Furley Page Foundation, which oversees the firm’s social responsibility work across the county. Staff will take part in events throughout 2026 to raise funds and awareness, building on last year’s successful support for Pilgrims Hospices. Leaders from both organisations say the partnership will help extend specialist care and strengthen community ties across Kent.
➡️ Bedfont CTO Shortlisted for National Technology Leader Award
Scott Deamer-Smith, Chief Technology Officer at Bedfont® Scientific, has been shortlisted for Technology Leader of the Year at the National Technology Awards. The recognition highlights his 18-year contribution to innovation at the Kent-based med-tech company, a global specialist in medical breath analysis devices. The annual UK awards celebrate individuals and organisations advancing technological progress across industries.
Deamer-Smith leads Bedfont’s technical department, guiding product development and supporting staff growth through a strong culture of training and innovation. Having joined in 2007 as an IT and Technical Support Engineer, he has risen through the ranks to CTO. Winners will be announced on 14 May in London, with the shortlisting reinforcing Bedfont’s reputation for technology leadership and long-term investment in talent.
➡️ Made Smarter Funding Extends Digital Support Across Kent
Kent’s manufacturers will receive a £3.1 million boost as the Government extends the Made Smarter adoption programme from April 2026. The investment will help SME manufacturers access technology advice, leadership training, digital skills support and match-funded grants to improve productivity, create high-value jobs and cut carbon. Delivered by Surrey County Council with Kent County Council, the programme continues to expand across the South East.
Since launching in April 2025, Made Smarter South East has supported 273 manufacturers, delivered 137 diagnostic workshops and approved grants for 20 technology projects, unlocking over £1 million of investment. Firms such as Wye-based Art4site are using the support to automate workflows, reduce errors and strengthen long-term growth, with hundreds more businesses set to benefit.
Cyber Safety For Kent Businesses
Jason On Cyber
Cyber Security Isn’t Slowing You Down (Here’s The Truth)
Most people blame security. They shouldn’t.
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
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
Be Your Brand
Lightbulb Moments To Grow Your Business
Maidstone
The Village Hotel, Maidstone
When: 10am - 3pm 16th April
Location: The Village Hotel, Maidstone
Details:
Come and join us at the Village Hotel, Maidstone on 16th April for a high-impact interactive event designed to show business owners how to move from Mental Health to Mental Wealth by providing practical tools for “lightbulb moments” in leadership, resilience, and growth.
Our event is perfect for:
Business Owners, Leaders, Managers, Sole Traders, SME’s and Entrepreneurs!
If You Ever Feel…
Like an Invisible Expert
With a Success Cage
Stuck In Endless Hustle
Website: Click here
Property Powwow
Gillingham
Christine House, Gillingham
When: 6.30pm - 9pm on 13th April
Location: Christine House, Gillingham
Details:
Real conversations. Real property. Real opportunities.
A relaxed monthly networking evening for investors, developers, landlords and property professionals in the Medway area
Property Powwow has launched in the Medway area and we would love you to join us for the opening evening.
Come along, meet other local property people, and help shape a new networking community built around genuine conversation, shared experiences and opportunities.
Be part of the first gathering of the Property Powwow community.
A welcoming place to start - or grow - your property journey
Property Powwow is a welcoming space where people can connect, share experiences, and explore opportunities in property - even if they are starting with limited funds or experience.
Website: Click here
Property and Poppadoms
Ashford
When: 6.30pm - 10pm on 14th April
Location: Koyla, Ashford
Details:
Property & Poppadoms – Koyla Ashford, Kent
Join us every second Tuesday of the month for an engaging evening of property discussions and delightful dining. Our inclusive community welcomes all, whether you’re an experienced investor or just curious about real estate. Enjoy delicious food while exploring a range of property topics, from trends to tips. Mark your calendar for a well-rounded experience that caters to every level of expertise.
Website: Click here
Thanet Female Founders Speed Networking
Thanet
The Studio, Thanet
When: 7pm - 9pm on 14th April
Location: The Studio, Thanet
Details:
Meet fellow Thanet Businesswomen in a friendly environment to connect and collaborate.
Join us for our second Speed Networking event of the year!
Don’t be put off by the name – it’s simply a brilliant way to meet lots of local businesses in a short space of time.
You’ll have:
• 2 minutes to introduce yourself
• 2 minutes to hear from your connection
• Then it’s time to move on and meet someone new
No standing up in front of a crowd. No awkward pitching. Just relaxed, one-to-one conversations designed to help you build genuine connections.
Bring plenty of business cards, leaflets, and if relevant, samples or products to showcase.
Website: Click here
Cyber Security - Prevent and Protect
Canterbury
Canterbury Innovation Centre, Canterbury
When: 12pm - 2pm on 17th April
Location: Canterbury Innovation Centre, Canterbury
Details:
Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and even small oversights can leave businesses exposed.
Our Cyber Security: Prevent and Protect workshop is designed to give you practical, actionable steps to strengthen your digital defences and build long term resilience.
This session will be led by our Business Support Expert, Darrienne Price, who helps organisations understand risk, improve their security posture, and adopt safer digital practices.
Website: Click here
Kent Business Radio Show
On the show this week with Paul Andrews was Joe Perry of Facilidex.
Their services deliver accurate asset verification, condition reporting, and site issue assessments to support efficient facility management and cost planning. Each service provides your business with clear, structured data to simplify mobilisation, maintenance decisions, and future works forecasting.
To listen to this week’s show in full visit Kent Business Radio
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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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