Kent Business Newsletter - Issue 8

This weeks edition is sponsored by LoveKent

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Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to Issue 8 of the Kent Business Newsletter!
Kent’s full of businesses doing brilliant things right now - and this week we’ve pulled together some of the stories, tips, and updates that deserve your attention. It’s all about keeping you in the know and giving local businesses the spotlight they’ve earned.

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

Kent Business News Updates…

➡️ Thinking of Selling Your Business? This Kent Entrepreneur Has Built a Free Tool to Help You Decide

Kent-based entrepreneur Chris Maslin, founder of Go EO, has launched a free online tool that lets business owners instantly explore whether selling to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) could work for them. No sign-ups, no pressure – just clear answers based on your company’s finances and a few quick questions.

Chris knows the process inside out, having sold his own accountancy firm to an EOT in 2021 to protect and empower his team. His new “EOT Explorer” is designed to make that journey easier, faster, and more affordable for small businesses considering their next chapter.

Could this be your best exit strategy? Find out in minutes with the EOT Explorer. Click here to read in full. 

A Kent networking group has just launched a brand-new free training hub designed to give business owners and startup founders the skills and confidence they need to grow.

The Synergy Business Academy, created by Maidstone entrepreneurs Linda Cloke and Chris and Laura Endersby, is already attracting attention with live weekly sessions covering everything from mindset and motivation to outsourcing and social media.

With nearly 100 members signed up since its launch, the Academy promises a safe, supportive space where no question goes unanswered. The first session tackled impostor syndrome, with more expert-led talks lined up each week. Best of all, it’s completely free and open to entrepreneurs across the UK.

Find out how to join the new Academy and tap into practical knowledge from real business owners. Read n full here. 

Kent-based MattressNextDay has posted another year of standout results, with pre-tax profits jumping 20% to £3.6m and turnover soaring 47% to £36.6m. It marks the retailer’s fifth straight year of record growth, fuelled by tech innovation, a disciplined growth strategy, and a customer-first approach.

From AI-powered service to a new Brand Ambassador programme featuring big names like TEMPUR® and Silentnight, the company is proving that sustainable profitability is possible even in a tough retail climate. With five-star reviews from over 28,000 customers and national awards under its belt, MattressNextDay isn’t just selling beds - it’s redefining the sleep retail experience. Read in full here. 

Kent’s small and medium-sized businesses are hoarding cash instead of investing, with Azets UK CEO Peter Gallanagh warning they are “paralysed by fear” amid economic and political uncertainty.

The latest Azets Barometer survey reveals a perfect storm of concerns - from volatile tax policy and rising labour costs to global instability - leaving SMEs treating their reserves as a safety net, not growth capital. Gallanagh is calling on the Government to provide a clear, long-term economic roadmap, targeted incentives for innovation, and support for AI adoption, arguing it could unlock a nationwide business boom. Read in full here. 

Kent’s property market just gained a powerful new ally as Mortgage Brokers Near Me (MBNM) announces its expansion into the county. Known for its trusted, no-nonsense mortgage guidance, MBNM is now on hand to help Kent’s first-time buyers, homeowners, and investors secure the best deals in an increasingly competitive market. From navigating Maidstone’s fast-moving housing scene to unlocking buy-to-let potential in Folkestone, their local experts aim to make the process simpler, smarter, and more rewarding.

Alongside the launch, MBNM is busting common mortgage myths - from deposits and remortgages to self-employed applications - offering practical tips to help more people step onto or climb the property ladder.

This is more than just a business expansion - it’s a tailored service designed to meet the unique needs of Kent’s growing community of homebuyers and investors. Read in full here. 

Dartford’s Europa Warehouse is celebrating five years at the heart of a cutting-edge, £90m logistics network. Since opening its state-of-the-art facility in 2019, Europa has transformed the way it serves e-commerce, retail, and industrial customers across the UK and beyond.

With 25,000 pallet spaces, prime access to European and domestic trade routes, and a passionate team that thrives on “doing what’s right, not what’s easy”, the business has navigated industry challenges while pushing forward with bold investment and market-leading technology. From revitalising a former brownfield site to setting new standards in 3PL services, this is a success story driven by people, innovation, and ambition. Read in full here. 

A Maidstone vet practice is calling on local dog owners to step forward for its next dog blood donation day - a vital initiative that could help save pets in emergency situations.

Hosted by Pennard Vets in partnership with Pet Blood Bank UK, the event isn’t just for their clients, but open to all eligible dogs across Kent. With one donation able to save up to four dogs’ lives, the practice is urging owners to get involved. The appeal comes as the team celebrates a new emergency care qualification for one of their vets, underlining their commitment to being ready when every second counts.

Find out how your dog could become a hero and register for the donation day Read more here. 

Quick Poll - just for fun…

👉️ Results from last week’s poll…

Q. Would you rather have...

22% - Free coffee for a year - barista-quality, unlimited, and delivered to your desk.
24% - A four-day working week - same pay, but one extra day to yourself every week.
29% - An extra week’s holiday - all paid, of course.
6% - Free lunch every day - no meal prep, no microwave queues.
19% - A personal assistant - someone to handle your least favourite tasks.

The results are in:
The people of Kent have spoken: give us more time off! A bonus week of holiday just edged out a four-day week, proving rest beats routine. Coffee and assistants got some love too – but daily lunch? Not enough to tempt this crowd.

Kent Expert Insights…

Are Your Emotions Costing You Money? Kent IFA Reveals the 5 Biggest Investment Mistakes

Fear, greed, and overconfidence can quietly sabotage even the smartest investment plans – and most people don’t realise they’re doing it. Kent-based Independent Financial Adviser Louise Fitzgerald has seen it all, and in this straight-talking guide she shares the five emotional traps that can derail your financial future. From panic selling at the worst moment to chasing hype after a rally, Louise explains why these mistakes are so common, how they can cost you dearly, and the simple mindset shifts that can help you avoid them.

If you’ve ever second-guessed an investment decision, sold too soon, or held on too long hoping to “break even”, this is a must-read. Louise’s practical tips, real-world examples, and free “Investment Sanity Session” offer make this feature a rare chance to reset your approach and invest with confidence. Click here to read in full. 

Kent CEO Offers Expert Advice For Students Getting GCSE Results on Thursday

Becky Simms, Founder and CEO of Human First Collective (based here in Kent and home to Aspirational Digital, the UK’s biggest digital careers fair), is urging young people not to see their exam results as the “make or break” moment of their lives…

There is so much pressure placed on young people to have their futures and careers mapped out, and results day can feel like a make or break moment. It’s really important for young people to know that their results do not define them. In fact, so many successful business leaders didn’t do well in their exams, or in some cases didn’t even get their exams.

A lot of the skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur - including tenacity, drive, communication and a self-belief - cannot be tested in an exam and are not directly linked to subjects students will have been studying.

I always remember the story Richard Branson recounted that it wasn’t until he reached 50 that he properly understood the difference between gross profit and net profit. Now for one of the most well known, successful entrepreneurs to admit this, it just shows you don’t have to know everything.

Here are some top tips for students getting their GCSE results on Thursday:

• Don’t panic, press pause - when you get your results, take them in, celebrate if they are what you hoped for and more, but if they aren’t, don’t panic. It can be overwhelming getting results in front of family and friends - step away from the noise, take a walk in fresh air or confide in someone you trust. Remember you can only control what happens next.

• Take time to consider your options - explore all routes. What your peers may be doing next, may not be right for you. If you are keen to continue studying, sixth form or college could be a great option. Otherwise, work experience and apprenticeships are fantastic ways to learn a skill and start building a career. In fact nearly 1 in 4 people under 19 did an apprenticeship in 2023/2024.

• Play into your strengths - if you have brilliant soft skills, play into these. Your work ethic, eagerness to learn and how you communicate can take you further than grades alone.

• Seek advice - talk to your teachers, parents, peers or even a careers advisor to really understand your options and how you can get extra support.

• Remain curious and true to yourself - keep finding ways to learn about what excites you, delve into passion projects, volunteer and put yourself forward for opportunities that can grow you as a person and a professional. Set yourself up on LinkedIn, find some contacts a few steps ahead of you and if they might be willing to have a virtual coffee to share some advice.

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.

Prepare Questions That Impress
Avoid generic questions like “What’s the company culture like?” Instead, ask: “What’s the biggest challenge your team is trying to solve right now?”

Business Events & Shows In Kent…

Kent Business Radio Show…

Show host Paul Andrews was back in the driving seat today after he got married at the weekend, so from all of us here - Congratulation Paul!

Another great show this week from Paul and Jules, and yet another great guest - Rebecca Shannon of Complement Coaching. They help forward-thinkers step into leadership with authenticity, courage, and zero fluff.

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…

Use the Hidden Job Market
Up to 70% of roles aren’t publicly advertised. Reach out to companies you admire with a polite speculative email offering your skills.

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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