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Hi {{first_name | Kent Business Community}}
Welcome to the 50th edition of the Kent Business Newsletter. Thanks to all our subscribers who have supported us since we launched last year and made this possible!
This week there’s a real mix of growth, change and pressure across Kent’s businesses. Chapel House Estate and Team Tactics have both achieved B Corp status, showing how seriously some local firms are taking sustainability and purpose, while Countrystyle Recycling is making a major investment in East Kent with a new waste transfer centre near Folkestone.
There’s also a clear sense that trading conditions are getting tougher. Kent Invicta Chamber has brought in two experienced new board members as businesses face growing challenges, and the latest insolvency figures are a reminder that many firms are operating in a difficult environment right now.
➡️ 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
This Week’s Kent Business News
➡️ Chapel House Estate Earns B Corp Status
Chapel House Estate has become the first wedding and events venue in Thanet to achieve Certified B Corporation status. The luxury venue, set across 35 acres of Kent countryside, now joins a global network of businesses recognised for meeting strict standards on social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Certified by the non profit B Lab, the accreditation confirms the estate’s long stated focus on responsible hospitality and long term environmental care.
Sustainability has shaped the estate’s approach from the start. The team has prioritised habitat preservation, waste reduction, and the use of local and organic produce across its operations. Owner Darren Ellis said the certification reflects a commitment to creating exceptional events while delivering a positive impact on the environment and local community. The move strengthens Chapel House Estate’s standing in the South East wedding market and signals rising pressure on hospitality businesses to prove their environmental credentials.
➡️ Business Pressure Is Rising. Kent Invicta Chamber Just Made Its Move
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has added two senior figures to its Board of Directors, strengthening its capacity to support businesses facing real pressure at home and abroad. Karen Callander brings a background in financial services and strategic marketing, with senior roles at Saga and EGG behind her, and currently serves as Company Secretary at Comparison Tech. Joining her is Salim Somjee, a Partner at Top 50 UK law firm Birketts, who focuses on mergers and acquisitions and private equity, and holds rankings in both the Legal 500 2026 and Chambers and Partners directories.
Board Chair Andrew Metcalf described both as crucial additions, with the Chamber focused on helping Chief Executive Tudor Price and the team deliver what members need during a difficult period. Salim, born and raised in Kent and a University of Kent graduate, has spent 25 years advising businesses across the county and is now pushing to bring more foreign direct investment into the region. Karen wants to sharpen how the Chamber presents its offer and connects with businesses, putting member growth and retention at the heart of her role.
➡️ March Insolvency Spike Signals Rising Business Strain
Corporate insolvencies rose to 2,022 in March 2026, up 6.7 percent on February and 1.4 percent higher than a year earlier. The increase was driven mainly by a surge in administrations, including 100 connected companies entering the process at once. But behind the headline figure lies a wider strain. Azets says creditors remain quick to pursue debts through the courts, while more directors are seeking advice as they worry they cannot withstand the economic shockwaves from the war in Iran.
The conflict is pushing up costs, squeezing margins and tightening access to finance. At the same time, new business rates and national minimum wage changes have added further pressure. Retail and hospitality face fragile consumer demand, construction is battling rising costs and weak confidence, and parts of the automotive supply chain are being hit by the shift to electric vehicles. With households cutting back and taxes rising, the risk of further failures is growing.
➡️ Team Tactics Secures B Corp Status Amid Rising Demand
Kent based Team Tactics has achieved B Corp Certification, joining a global network of businesses that meet strict standards on social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. The move comes as demand grows for purpose led team building and workplace volunteering. A Royal Voluntary Service report shows 62 percent of UK businesses now offer volunteering time, while research from Pilotlight suggests wider access could generate billions in economic gains and cut up to 2.5 million sick days. For Team Tactics, the certification formalises a long standing focus on corporate social responsibility as it marks nearly 30 years in business.
Founded in 1996, the company works with major brands including Barclays, Visa, Nestle and Google. Its CSR events have delivered 558 donated bikes, 1,370 prosthetic hands, 163 canine wheelchairs and more than 2,000 essential items for people facing homelessness. Over two years, it also ran projects such as community litter picking and a mass charity cooking challenge that produced 500 meals for vulnerable Londoners.
➡️ Countrystyle Opens Otterpool Waste Transfer Centre
Companies in East Kent can now dispose of commercial waste closer to home after Countrystyle Recycling opened a new Waste Transfer Centre at Otterpool near Folkestone. The site can handle 75,000 tonnes of waste each year, sorting and segregating material before sending it to the firm’s Ridham Docks facility for reprocessing. The move reflects confidence in rising demand, particularly as construction firms face tighter rules on waste and growing pressure to reduce transport miles. Countrystyle made the decision to invest in 2023, aiming to give clients a more flexible and efficient local option.
The centre is designed to manage construction and residual waste linked to the 4,899 new homes required annually across East Kent, along with commercial and retail developments. It includes infrared fire monitoring, a 500,000 litre water tank with foam additive to tackle lithium battery fires, and will employ up to 12 staff. Serving Ashford, Dover, Folkestone and Thanet, the facility strengthens Countrystyle’s footprint across the region.
Cyber Safety For Kent Businesses
Jason On Cyber
The One Account That Can Unlock Everything
Most people link dozens of services to one personal email.
Shopping. Apps. Cloud storage. Even work tools.
That inbox quietly becomes the place where every password reset goes.
In this episode of Jason on Cyber, Jason explains why email is often the master key to your digital life - and why protecting it properly matters.
Simple cyber awareness. Real world advice.
Find out more: @jasononcyber is currently on: Youtube, linkedin, Facebook, X, instagram
Other Kent Business News In Brief
➡️ Water company chief drops bonus after Kent supply failures
The chief executive of South East Water has given up his annual bonus following widespread outages affecting homes and businesses. The disruption raised concerns about infrastructure reliability and the impact on local economic activity. Read more.
➡️ £865,000 funding secured to protect major Margate attraction
Turner Contemporary in Margate has secured £865,000 in funding to carry out essential building improvements. The investment will help maintain operations and support continued visitor numbers and local economic activity. Read more.
➡️ Medway and Kent councils step in after business support restructure
Local authorities have taken over key assets and services following the closure of previous business support organisations. The move ensures continuity of support for investment, tourism and business development across the region. Read more.
Below are several business events coming up this week in Kent.
You’ll find the full list at
www.KentBusinessEvents.co.uk
Krakin Networks
Canterbury
Polo Farm Sports Club, Canterbury
When: 6.30pm - 8.30pm on 20th April (TODAY!)
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
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
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
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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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