Introducing the
Kent Business Community
Only 2 weeks to go until the new Kent Business Community launches…
Founding Member places have now been filled, and we’re busy getting member profiles ready for the public launch at the end of April.
If you run a business in Kent, you can still join before launch and lock in the £25 per year pre-launch rate.
After launch, this package (that includes promotion of your business in the Kent Business Newsletter) will cost £97, so get listed before we go live and be part of Kent’s new trusted business community from day one and make the most of our pre-launch offer.
➡️ See how it works and get your business profile now:
www.KentBusinessCommunity.co.uk
Hi {{first_name | Kent Business Community}}
Welcome to this Thursday’s edition of the Kent Business Newsletter.
A lot is going on in Kent business this week. You’ve got a local manufacturer investing £140,000 to increase capacity in Dover, a new £400,000 fund opening in Medway for projects that could benefit communities and local organisations, and a tax change that will be unwelcome news for many people who work from home. There’s also a lighter story from Ashford, where young professionals are building connections on the padel court instead of in the usual networking room.
Put together, it’s a good mix of investment, opportunity, policy change and local business life 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 | In Brief (New!) | Kent Business Events | Kent Business Radio
This Week’s Kent Business News
➡️ Calldene Expands Capacity With £140k Investment
Calldene Structural Timber Solutions has installed a £140,000 MiTek Mark 8C A-Frame press at its Dover Trussed Roof Company site, boosting production capacity and efficiency. The new machine is now fully operational and supports the full process, from design to final assembly. It presses metal joint connectors into timber trusses, reducing manual handling and improving safety for staff. The investment follows a recent building expansion at the Kent site, making full use of the upgraded space and increasing flexibility on more complex projects.
The upgrade strengthens support for customers across Southern England, including those served by Triad Timber Components in Lancing. Managing director Les Fuller said the move will improve responsiveness and shorten turnaround times. It also follows the purchase of the firm’s first dedicated delivery vehicle, marking a wider push to improve service and capacity across its regional operations.
➡️ New Medway Together Fund Opens For Applications
More than £400,000 is now available for community projects across Medway through the new Medway Together Fund, which opened on 8 April. The scheme replaces the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which distributed over £1.8 million to more than 140 local projects over four years. The new fund offers three streams: grants up to £5,000 for early-stage ideas, up to £10,000 through the Medway Impact Fund, and up to £10,000 for large summer events expecting at least 500 attendees.
The funding is open to charities, businesses, education providers and public bodies, provided projects meet priorities such as improving infrastructure, boosting health and wellbeing, supporting local business or attracting visitors. Applications close between 1 and 22 May, and advice sessions will run throughout April and early May.
➡️ Home Working Relief Scrapped For 300,000
Around 300,000 UK homeworkers lost their £6 a week tax relief from April 6, ending a long-standing allowance for non-reimbursed household costs such as heating, electricity and work calls. HMRC expects the move, announced in last year’s Autumn Budget, to save £115 million over five years from April 2026. Basic rate taxpayers will pay up to £62 more each year, while higher rate taxpayers could lose £124. Claims remain open for the 2025 to 2026 tax year and up to four previous years, but the relief will not apply in the new tax year.
Azets warns the change could put pressure on employers to reimburse staff directly, especially where no physical workplace exists. With business tax at a 28 year high and income tax bands frozen, some staff may also edge into higher tax brackets, adding to the strain.
➡️ Young Professionals Swap Boardrooms For Padel Courts
Ashford’s young professionals traded business cards for padel rackets at the latest Ashford Developing Professionals event. Held at Square One Padel & Social Club on the Brookfield Industrial Estate, the evening brought together rising talent from firms including Azets, Barclays, Girlings Solicitors, Hallett & Co, Thanet Earth and Saga. Many stepped onto a padel court for the first time, guided by club specialists who quickly turned early nerves into confident rallies. What began as curiosity soon became a shared talking point and, for some, a new hobby.
Launched around 20 years ago with support from Azets’ Katie Hodson, the network supports professionals from trainee to manager level across Ashford and the Weald. Quarterly events, from bowling to escape rooms, aim to build early career connections in a relaxed setting while backing local businesses. Organisers say the group continues to grow with fresh energy and strong backing from established firms.
Cyber Safety For Kent Businesses
Jason On Cyber
Your Personal Email Could Get You Hacked at Work
Most cyber attacks don’t always start at work. They start at home.
Your personal email, reused passwords, and linked accounts can be the exact entry point attackers use to get into your business.
In this video, Jason breaks down:
• How personal breaches lead to business compromise
• The simple mistake most people are making
• A 5-minute fix that shuts the door
If you’ve ever used the same password twice… this matters.
👉 Take 5 minutes today. Secure your personal email.
Find out more: @jasononcyber is currently on: Youtube, linkedin, Facebook, X, instagram
Other Kent Business News In Brief
➡️ £25m in start-up loans fuels new Kent businesses
Over £25m in government-backed loans has been delivered to over 2,500 entrepreneurs across Kent. The funding is helping new firms launch and scale, with strong demand from coastal and rural areas. Read more.
➡️ Holland & Barrett to shut Sheerness store despite national investment
Holland & Barrett will close its Sheerness High Street branch in May as part of ongoing changes to its store network. Staff at the site are expected to be supported or redeployed where possible as the company continues a wider £70m transformation programme. Read more.
➡️ Apprenticeship drive continues to build momentum across East Kent
A campaign to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days is gaining backing from major employers. The initiative aims to strengthen local skills and help businesses fill vacancies with trained workers. Read more.
Below are several business events coming up this week in Kent.
You’ll find the full list at
www.KentBusinessEvents.co.uk
Be Your Brand
Lightbulb Moments To Grow Your Business
Maidstone
The Village Hotel, Maidstone
When: 10am - 3pm 16th April (TODAY!)
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
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
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
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
Krakin Networks
Canterbury
Polo Farm Sports Club, Canterbury
When: 6.30pm - 8.30pm on 20th April
Location: Polo Farm Sports Club, Canterbury
Details:
Welcome to Krakin Networks – Where business growth brings community strength.
Krakin Networks is a community-focused business networking group in Canterbury, designed to bring local businesses together while giving back to the community.
Our mission is simple: to create meaningful business connections that support local charities, Community Interest Companies (C.I.Cs), and grassroots sports clubs. We believe strong local economies are built when businesses network with purpose.
Website: Click here
Networking and Improving Business Efficiency with AI
Margate
EKC Broadstairs College Margate Digital Campus, Margate
When: 10am - 12pm on 21st April
Location: EKC Broadstairs College Margate Digital Campus, Margate
Details:
Learn how AI can improve efficiency, reduce admin, and help your business work smarter with real-world, practical examples.
Join us for a morning of networking with the Kent and Medway Growth Hub, Social Enterprise Kent and Thanet District Council (BOSS Networking). This event offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with local organisations, share experiences, and explore the support available to help your business grow.
The session will provide a relaxed and informal setting where you can meet other small businesses, encourage collaborative conversations and build valuable connections. You’ll also hear updates from Kent and Medway Growth Hub, Social Enterprise Kent, and Thanet District Council about upcoming events and opportunities.
Website: Click here
The Dockyard Business Club
Chatham
Dockyard Main Gate, Chatham
When: 10.30am - 12.30pm on 22nd April
Location: Dockyard Main Gate, 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
Romney Marsh Business Hub Workshop: Choosing AI Wisely A Guide for Small Business Owners
Romney Marsh Business Hub, New Romney
When: 11am - 12.30pm on 22nd April
Location: Romney Marsh Business Hub, New Romney
Details:
In person, funded workshop from the Romney Marsh Business Hub, how to choose AI tools that fit your business needs without adding unnecessary cost in time or money.
Learn how to choose AI tools that fit your business needs without adding unnecessary complexity in time or cost.
Key Takeaways:
• See past the hype and focus on AI tools that deliver real value
• Adopt a practical, strategic mindset when exploring AI for your business
• Identify real challenges AI can help solve—and avoid tools that waste time
Making AI work for you
Only 10 places, admission by prebooked ticket only, it is important to respond to emails from the organiser when requested in order to keep your place.
Website: Click here
Romney Marsh Business Hub Workshop: Protecting your brand – investigating IP, Copyright, Trademarks & Trade secrets
Romney Marsh Business Hub, New Romney
When: 1.30pm - 3.30pm on 22nd April
Location: Romney Marsh Business Hub, New Romney
Details:
You have worked hard to establish your business, so how do you protect your brand & the value of your business ? In person workshop from Romney Marsh Business Hub.
Open to any businessperson
Topics will include
What is IP and why every business has valuable , intangible IP.
Common pitfalls such as thinking patents are the only IP and are too expensive to obtain
Clear ,concise advice ,with frameworks to protect your trade secrets, copyright and trademarks.
Gain practical insight into securing your business and reducing risks from competitors.
Plenty of time for Q & A, with ongoing support after the event
In person funded workshop by Romney Marsh Business Hub, limited to 10 people, admission by prebooked tickets only. Kindly ensure you respond to any emails from the organiser. If we do not hear back, we will assume the ticket was booked in error and may release it to another participant
Website: Click here
IOD Coffee and Connect
Ashford
Ashford International Hotel, Ashford
When: 8.30am - 11am on 23rd April
Location: Ashford International Hotel, Ashford
Details:
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
Women In Business Network
Maidstone
The Spitfire, Maidstone
When: 11.45am to 2.15pm on 23rd April
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!
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
Kent Business Radio Show
On the show this week with Paul and Jules was Jack Neale of MyMny.
They are a family run business based in Canterbury who offer expert advice on a wide range of Mortgage, Protection and Equity Release services. Their service is available to all, including first time buyers, home movers, experienced and first time landlords and over 55s looking to borrow money in later life. If you have an existing mortgage that you would like to review, they can offer remortgage advice on switching lenders for the most competitive interest rate.
To listen to this week’s show in full visit Kent Business Radio
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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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