Kent Business Newsletter - Issue 7

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Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to Issue 7 of the Kent Business Newsletter!
Kent’s business community is alive with new ideas, bold moves, and inspiring stories - and we’ve brought the best of them together for you this week. From local wins to practical tips and opportunities, every edition is designed to help you stay connected and ahead.

Whether you’re a founder, a manager, or simply passionate about our county’s success, you’ll find plenty here to spark ideas and build relationships. Together, we’re putting Kent businesses in the spotlight and creating a community where everyone can thrive.

Got a business launch, win or story to share? Send it to [email protected] and we’ll help spread the word - at no cost!

If you missed last week’s edition you can catch-up here.

Kent Business News Updates…

➡️ Stantons Solicitors Strengthens Kent Presence with New Ash Green Acquisition

Stantons Solicitors, a well-established Gravesend law firm known for its friendly, client-first approach, has expanded its local footprint by acquiring Sharpe & Perl Solicitors in New Ash Green.

The move combines Sharpe & Perl’s trusted local team with Stantons’ broader expertise and resources, meaning clients can now access an even wider range of legal services without losing the familiar faces they know. From conveyancing and family law to wills, probate, and notary services, the enhanced team promises the same personal touch – now backed by greater capacity and specialisms. Partner Claire Grylls says it’s about “deepening roots in the community” and ensuring people across Kent have reliable legal advice right on their doorstep.

This isn’t just a change of name - it’s a step toward stronger local support for individuals, families, and businesses. Read in full here. Read in full here. 

Ashford Borough Council has launched Cycle Ashford, a fresh campaign to get more residents swapping four wheels for two. At its heart is a brand-new website, featuring a bespoke route planner that helps cyclists find the safest, most scenic, and least hilly routes across the borough. It even highlights all available cycle parking and allows routes to be downloaded for live navigation.

Backed by Paralympian and para triathlon World Champion Henry Urand, the initiative aims to boost cycling for commuting, leisure, and wellbeing. Locals can explore inspiring case studies from regular Ashford cyclists, pick up handy tips, and discover upcoming cycling events. With summer in full swing, the council hopes more people will get pedalling - easing traffic, improving health, and making the most of Ashford’s cycle-friendly network. Read in full here. 

This September, Maidstone will host a powerful conversation on dementia, bringing together leading voices from research, law and lived experience. Actor and Alzheimer’s Research UK Ambassador Scott Mitchell - widower of Dame Barbara Windsor - will join experts at Edenwood Place on Tuesday 10 September for Let’s Talk Dementia: Research, Law and Real Life.

The panel will tackle everything from spotting early signs to the latest breakthroughs in treatment, alongside practical advice on legal planning and reducing risk. With dementia now the UK’s biggest killer, and over 26,000 people affected in Kent and Medway alone, this is a rare opportunity to hear first-hand insights, ask questions, and leave better informed. Tickets are just £10, with all proceeds supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK. Read in full here. 

After three months of decline, insolvency-related activity in Kent and the South East has risen again, with July seeing 185 cases compared to 163 in June. The figures, which include administrator appointments, liquidations, and creditors’ meetings, place the South East as the sixth-highest region in the UK for such activity. R3’s Neil Stewart warns the increase may be a short-term blip, but it underlines the ongoing economic volatility facing local firms.

Key pressures include falling retail sales, a struggling hospitality sector, and construction industry caution, all set against record-low business confidence - the IoD’s Economic Confidence Index plunged to -72 in July. While the Bank of England’s recent interest rate cut offers a glimmer of hope, Stewart urges business owners to act early if they see signs of trouble, stressing that free initial consultations are available through most R3 members. Despite the challenges, the South East also saw a small rise in start-ups and fewer overdue invoices, hinting at pockets of resilience.

This could be the moment for Kent businesses to decide whether to brace for tougher times or seize emerging opportunities. Read more here. 

Big Motoring World is making it easier - and safer - for drivers in West Malling and across the UK to make the switch to electric. Until 25 September, anyone purchasing a used EV on finance will receive a £500 deposit contribution, alongside access to low-rate finance from just 9.9% APR.

To tackle one of the biggest concerns for EV buyers, the dealership has launched its Big Assist Protect EV & Hybrid Warranty, covering battery repairs or replacements up to £10,000, with unlimited parts cover for the term. The package also includes 12 months of RAC breakdown cover and a courtesy car if roadside repairs aren’t possible. With over 8,000 vehicles available across 10 locations and a team of EV-trained advisers on hand, Big Motoring World aims to break down the barriers to electric driving and help more first-time EV buyers take the leap with confidence. Read more here. 

A leading Dover mental health charity is offering a unique opportunity to boost workplace wellbeing skills - completely free for the first 24 attendees.

Dover Counselling Centre (DCC), known for nearly 40 years of expert support, is kicking off a new series of training workshops this September with its debut session, Mental Health in the Workplace. Taking place on Friday 19 September at the Holiday Inn, Whitfield, this full-day course will help you recognise signs of poor mental health, respond effectively, and create a more supportive working environment.

Delivered by two highly experienced psychotherapists, the training covers everything from understanding common mental health conditions to building an accepting culture and developing practical helping skills. Spaces are limited and expected to go fast. Read in full here. 

Quick Poll - just for fun…

👉️ Results from last week’s poll…

Q. What’s your biggest business headache right now?

50% - Finding new customers
34% - Managing cashflow
14% - Hiring or keeping staff
2% - Personal branding

The results are in:
Half are chasing customers, a third are chasing cash, and the rest are chasing staff or a better profile. No wonder coffee sales are booming.

Kent Expert Insights…

5 Hidden Property Risks Every Kent Homebuyer Needs to Know This Summer

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.

Arrive Early for Strategic Advantage!
Early arrivals can engage in smaller, more relaxed conversations before the room gets busy. It’s easier to approach people when the event is just starting.

Business Events & Shows In Kent…

Kent Business Radio Show…

Paul and Jules were on top form this week, mixing smart business know-how with the latest news from across Kent. From fresh headlines to can’t-miss local events, they kept listeners in the loop and ready for what’s coming next in the county’s business scene.

On the show this week was Jason Lyford from multiple award winning Munio IT. Jason provides a ton of advice about cyber security. Well worth a listen!

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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