In partnership with
The best marketing ideas come from marketers who live it.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
The Marketing Millennials is a look inside what’s working right now for other marketers. No theory. No fluff. Just real insights and ideas you can actually use—from marketers who’ve been there, done that, and are sharing the playbook.
Every newsletter is written by Daniel Murray, a marketer obsessed with what goes into great marketing. Expect fresh takes, hot topics, and the kind of stuff you’ll want to steal for your next campaign.
Because marketing shouldn’t feel like guesswork. And you shouldn’t have to dig for the good stuff.
Hi {{first_name | there,}}
From grassroots sport and specialist care to changing digital habits and new tax deadlines, this week’s Kent business stories show how local organisations are investing, adapting and supporting their communities. We look at MKM Sidcup’s new football partnership, Hoama Group’s Staplehurst care development, Reflect Digital’s research into Gen Z and AI, and Azets’ warning after the first Making Tax Digital filing deadline.
➡️ 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 | Kent Business Events
This Week’s Kent Business News
➡️ MKM Sidcup strengthens community commitment through new AFC Greenwich Borough partnership
MKM Sidcup has become an Official Sponsor of AFC Greenwich Borough in a multi-season partnership that runs to the end of the 2027/28 football season. The builders’ merchant will support the club’s men’s and youth teams, with branding on kits and activity across digital, matchday and community channels.
The collaboration with AFC Greenwich Borough and GB10 Sports is designed to reach beyond football. Plans include at least two major community events each season, with school engagement, coaching days and grassroots initiatives intended to bring businesses, residents and supporters together while creating opportunities for young people. The branch says local investment is central to its independent approach.
➡️ Hoama Group secures £18.2 million funding for Meadow View Care & Living
Hoama Group has secured £18.2 million from Cynergy Bank for Meadow View Care & Living, a 70-bedroom care community planned beside Iden Manor Nursing Home in Staplehurst. The development will provide residential, nursing, dementia and complex care, including specialist provision for older Deaf people who use British Sign Language.
Designed around wellbeing, independence and connection, the project includes communal spaces, gardens, balconies and energy-saving technologies such as solar panels and air-source heat pumps. Planning permission is in place, construction is expected shortly, and Hoama says the development will create around 100 jobs while increasing specialist local care capacity.
➡️ Gen Z uses AI more than anyone else, but trusts it less than you’d think
New SearchPulse research from Kent performance marketing agency Reflect Digital finds that 45% of 18–24-year-olds actively click links to verify AI-provided product information. The report says Gen Z is embracing AI but remains highly sceptical, wanting evidence and reassurance before acting on what it is told.
YouTube is now Gen Z’s most-used search platform, with almost 60% of 18–24s regularly using it and Google use falling 15% from 2025 to 2026. Instagram and TikTok also feature strongly, while the research highlights wider consumer concern about allowing AI tools to complete online checkouts.
➡️ 428,000 miss Making Tax Digital’s first filing deadline
Azets says an estimated 428,000 people missed the first quarterly Making Tax Digital for Income Tax filing deadline, after HMRC figures showed 436,000 submitted on time. The accountancy group says the first phase has involved a steep learning curve for landlords, sole traders and self-employed taxpayers.
Fraser Campbell, Azets’ UK Head of Accountancy and Business Advisory Services, urged people in scope to prepare early for November’s deadline and check their software is compliant. Although HMRC has waived fines for the first year, Azets warns delayed submissions could leave taxpayers catching up with several filings at once in 2027.
Cyber Safety For Kent Businesses
Jason On Cyber
Your Bank Calls… But It’s Actually a Scammer
What would you do if your bank phoned and said someone was stealing your money?
Fraudsters know that panic makes people act without thinking. In this episode of Jason on Cyber, I explain one simple rule that can help protect you, your family and especially older relatives from one of the UK’s most common scams.
Find out more: @jasononcyber is currently on: Youtube, linkedin, Facebook, X, instagram
Other Kent Business News In Brief
➡️ Virgin clears major hurdle for cross-Channel services through Kent
The rail regulator has pre-approved Virgin Trains’ access to High Speed 1 for up to 20 daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam from October 2030. The trains would run through Kent, although stops at Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International are not guaranteed. Virgin told KMTV it would serve the stations if they reopen to international passengers, while further track access and safety approvals are still required. Read more.
➡️ O2 expands next-generation 5G network across major Kent towns
O2 has expanded its 5G Standalone network across Kent, bringing its faster 5G+ service to Maidstone, Canterbury, Dover, Ashford, Sevenoaks, Folkestone, Tonbridge and Whitstable. The network uses dedicated 5G infrastructure rather than relying partly on existing 4G technology, providing greater capacity, lower latency and improved reliability. O2 says customers with compatible devices and tariffs can access the upgraded service at no additional cost, with the Kent rollout forming part of a wider expansion now reaching more than 500 UK towns and cities. Read more.
➡️ Kent employers invited to upcoming county AI conference
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is holding its Kent AI Conference this week on 27 August, focusing on whether businesses in the county are prepared for the growing use of artificial intelligence. The online Invicta Insights event is aimed at the Kent business community and forms part of the Chamber's programme examining issues affecting local employers. It follows a Chamber roundtable held on 19 August examining proposed government reforms to zero-hours contracts, including guaranteed-hours thresholds, shift notice periods and compensation for late cancellations. Read more.
Looking for business networking events in Kent?
Find them all here:
www.KentBusinessEvents.co.uk
{{first_name | Hey}}, before you go…
➡️ Have you added your business to the Kent Business Directory yet? - https://kentbusinessdirectory.co.uk
➡️ 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]
If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, please subscribe and pass it on to another Kent business owner who might also like it! Thanks.
