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This week, we look at the people and decisions shaping Kent’s business scene, from smarter growth behind the scenes to local firms making an impact beyond the office.

Chartway Group is putting procurement at the centre of its growth plans, with Martin Sanwell leading a more connected approach across materials, supplies, drylining and timber frame. In a tough market, the story shows how better buying, stronger systems and closer teamwork can give a business a real edge.

There is also movement in Kent’s professional services sector, as Birketts strengthens its Sevenoaks office with senior employee incentives specialist Caroline Geater.

And away from the boardroom, Furley Page took to the water at Chatham Maritime for the Dragon Boat Challenge, raising money for local charities and showing Kent’s business community at its best.

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Chartway Group is putting more weight behind the parts of the business that often stay out of sight. Martin Sanwell, now Managing Director, Procurement & Divisions, is leading group material procurement while also overseeing Chartway Building Supplies, Chartway Drylining and OFP Timber Frame. Since joining in May 2024 as Group Procurement Director, his role has widened as the business looks to connect its divisions more closely and improve how they work together. That means tighter procurement controls, stronger operational links and a clearer focus on value across the group. In a market defined by inflation, delivery uncertainty and narrow margins, that work matters because better buying and better coordination can protect performance when conditions remain difficult.

Sanwell’s approach is rooted in long sector experience and a clear view of what drives results. He has already introduced more formal group deals and procurement processes, helping deliver material savings while improving consistency and visibility across the business. He has also strengthened supplier checks and pushed procurement closer to wider commercial goals. Just as important, he sees trusted relationships and strong internal teams as central to long-term success. As Chartway expands across the South East, its divisional businesses are set to play a bigger role in supporting sensible, sustainable growth.

➡️ Discover Why Procurement Is Now Central To Chartway’s Growth

UK Top 50 law firm Birketts has further strengthened its specialist employee incentives team with the appointment of Caroline Geater.

Caroline joins Birketts’ Sevenoaks office as a Legal Director. She brings over a decade of experience advising businesses on employee incentive arrangements, with a strong track record in succession planning and supporting organisations through periods of change. Caroline draws on expertise gained in her previous roles at Mishcon de Reya and PwC, where she advised a wide range of clients on incentive matters.

Lisa Hayward, Partner and Head of Employee Incentives at Birketts said: “We’re pleased to welcome Caroline Geater to our employee incentives team. Caroline brings a wealth of experience in employee incentives and share schemes, and her expertise will further strengthen our growing practice. Her arrival reflects our continued commitment to providing high-quality, strategic advice to our clients in this specialist area. We’re excited to have Caroline on board and look forward to the valuable contribution she will make.”

On her appointment, Caroline added: “I’m excited to be joining Birketts’ Sevenoaks office as the firm continues to grow its employee incentives offering and strengthen its capability. The team’s expansion offers a fantastic opportunity to build on an already strong platform.”

A team of Furley Page paddlers swapped legal briefs for buoyancy aids over the bank holiday weekend and braved the water to take part in the Medway Sunlight Rotary’s annual Charity Dragon Boat Challenge, alongside the Chatham Maritime Food and Drink Festival. 

The annual event is one of the highlights of the festival and this year had 36 team entries. Teams paddle the forty-foot-long Chinese war canoes, encouraged by a drummer to speed across the 250-metre course in Basin No 2 in Chatham Maritime. Furley Page were Gold sponsors for the second year running. 

The Dragon Boat Challenge is organised by Medway Sunlight Rotary Club and teams seek sponsorship for their efforts in aid of Rotary’s chosen charities. This year donations will be made to Marie Curie, We Are Beams, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services, and Wetwheels South-East. 

Rebecca Crane, a partner at Furley Page, said: “This is the second year that the firm has participated in this event and once again we all had a fantastic day at the festival. The dragon boat racing was quite different to our usual day at the office, and we managed to raise funds for some great local charities – so a win all round.” 

Dragon Boat Racing’s origins go back over 2000 years and began on the rivers of Southern China where it was a fertility ritual believed to bring good luck to the coming crop season. The race has been part of the Chatham Maritime Food and Drink Festival for the last ten years. 

For more information about Furley Page please visit www.furleypage.co.uk. You can also follow the firm on LinkedIn and Facebook. 

Kent fruit grower Mansfields, has won multiple categories at the National Fruit Show’s long-term farm-stored competition. The awards highlight the firm’s performance in fruit quality, storage technology and energy-efficient facilities across its Kent orchard operations. Read more.

Two defendants have been jailed following a major Kent Trading Standards prosecution linked to fraudulent trading under several company names. The case involved losses exceeding £1.3m, substandard building work and director disqualifications, underlining the commercial and consumer harm caused by rogue operators. Read more.

British Chambers of Commerce research showing 80% of surveyed firms report an existing or expected impact from the Iran conflict. Businesses cited energy price rises, shipping disruption and higher raw material costs, with manufacturers reporting the greatest exposure. Read more.

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