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Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to Issue 5 of the Kent Business Newsletter!
It’s great to have you with us as we share the latest updates from Kent’s thriving business community. Read our inspiring local stories, latest business news, practical tips, and find new opportunities to help you build connections and grow your business.

Whether you’re launching your first venture, managing a growing team, or simply keen to stay informed about what’s happening across the county, you’re in the right place. Our mission is clear: to celebrate Kent businesses, increase their visibility, and create a network where success is shared.

Have you got something exciting to share about your business?
Send your news to [email protected] - we'll help you reach thousands of local readers who are eager to hear what's happening in Kent’s vibrant business scene. It’s easy, effective, and completely free.

If you missed last week’s edition you can catchup here.

Kent Business News Updates…

➡️ Rural Businesses In Maidstone Have a Golden Opportunity To Secure Up To £15,000 In Funding - But Time Is Short

Maidstone Borough Council has launched a brand-new Rural Investment Grant Scheme, designed to help local enterprises grow, diversify, and embrace innovation. Whether you’re a farm looking to branch into new income streams, a food producer ready to expand, or a green business keen to boost sustainability, this could be your chance to access capital support.

Grants start from £500 and go up to £15,000, with a minimum 20% match funding required. To guide applicants, MBC’s Economic Development Team is hosting an information session TONIGHT 31st July at Headcorn Village Hall. This is expected to be competitive, so businesses are urged to act fast.

👉 Want to know if your business is eligible and how to apply? Read the full article here. 

Kent-based interiors specialist DBSJ is celebrating after being named a finalist in not one, but two categories at the prestigious Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2025.

Recognised for its rapid growth and strong family values, DBSJ is in the running for both Vistage Growth Business of the Year and Family Business of the Year. CEO Darren Hill says the nominations reflect “years of dedication, smart growth and a culture we’ve worked hard to protect.” Winners will be revealed at a glittering London ceremony on 11 November – and DBSJ is hoping to bring home the double! Read in full here. 

Dartford’s Europa Road has launched DAP Flow, an industry-first service that clears goods in Calais, slashing the need for inland customs stops, removing T-forms, and eliminating upfront VAT. This breakthrough means no more detours, no more days lost waiting for clearance, and no more cash flow nightmares for EU buyers.

With exports from the South East worth billions to Europe, this innovation could be the boost British businesses desperately need to stay competitive post-Brexit. Faster delivery, lower costs, smoother trade – and it all starts here in Kent.

Discover how DAP Flow works and why it could revolutionise your European shipments. Read in full here. 

Two Kent-based firms, SHARPAK Aylesham and OSY Group, have joined forces to tackle one of the food industry’s biggest challenges: waste. Their new antimicrobial packaging tech works by creating microscopic pins on the surface that puncture and kill microbes - helping berries and grapes stay fresher for longer.

Following successful trials and regulatory approval, the coating is ready for rollout across SHARPAK’s massive UK supermarket network. Even a one-day shelf life extension could cut food waste by up to 50%, according to OSY.

This deal puts Kent at the forefront of food packaging innovation - and could change the way the UK shops for fresh produce.

Curious how it works? Read the full article here. 

Just six months after opening, South East Veterinary Referrals in Sevenoaks is already planning a major growth drive. The independent specialist hospital, renowned for its neurology expertise and advanced MRI capabilities, has treated over 140 cases and now aims to add services including orthopaedics, ophthalmology, oncology, and dermatology.

Led by world-class neurologist Dr Cappello, the team is also recruiting new specialists and offering a unique neurology internship. With demand far exceeding expectations, the centre is on a mission to become the South East’s premier referral hub for complex cases. Read the full article here. 

Quick Poll - just for fun…

👉️ Results from last week’s poll…

Q. Be honest... how often are you actually working when “working from home”?

76% - Head down, flat-out grafting
22% - 70% work, 30% snacks
2% - Only when I hear Teams ping

76% say they’re working flat-out from home. Translation: they’ve perfected the art of looking busy on Teams while ironing. 22% are running a side hustle as snack testers, and 2%… well, they’re basically on annual leave!

Kent Expert Insights…

Pension Scams Surge: How to Protect Your Retirement from Fraudsters

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - don’t miss these essential tips before you make any big decisions. Read the full article here. 

Kent Networking Events…

Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, potential partners, and customers is vital for business growth. Kent offers a variety of networking opportunities (you could literally go to a different one every day if you wanted!) to help you expand your professional circle and enhance your business prospects.

Research Attendees Beforehand!
If the event shares a guest list, review it and identify key people or businesses you’d like to connect with. This helps you create a focused approach rather than leaving it to chance.

Business Events & Shows In Kent…

Let your business shine and enter this year's Medway Business Awards.

Submissions are due by midnight on 8th August. The gala awards evening will take place on Friday, November 14th, at The Corn Exchange in Rochester. This spectacular event will feature a three-course dinner, a disco, and the presentation of certificates and awards. 

Kent Business Radio Show…

Paul and Jules were on great form again this week, bringing their usual mix of sharp business insight and local updates covering the latest news, upcoming events, and everything Kent’s business community needs to know.

On the show this week was Toby Ford who heads up the security and smart home technology operations at IQ Property Services.

Also as Paul mentioned, please check out Survive The Journey - Mike Thompsett’s new website that encourages all men to get PSA tested, and raises awarness of prostate cancer.

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

Kent Job Board…

Explore the latest job postings from Kent businesses seeking talent. Are you looking to expand your team? Contact us today to have your local vacancy listed.

➡️ Quick Tip for Job Seekers…

Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of simply saying you have skills, back them up with mini case studies in your CV or LinkedIn profile. Example: “Improved social engagement by 45% through targeted content campaigns.”

Kent Business Community, before you go… 
➡️ Do you have exciting news to share about your business?
➡️ Would you like to advertise to an audience of decision makers in Kent?
➡️ Would you like to feature in the Entrepreneurs Deep Dive section?
➡️ Do you have a job vacancy you’d like us to post?

Contact us today - [email protected]

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