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Welcome to the Monday edition of the Kent Business Newsletter.

This week’s Kent business news takes in a specialist legal-team expansion in Tunbridge Wells, a new Suzuki dealership in Ramsgate and woodland ownership on the agenda in Faversham.

We also look at Emma Youell’s national-awards ambition and Azets’ assessment of June insolvency figures. From professional services and retail investment to entrepreneurship, finance and the countryside economy, these stories show the breadth of activity across the county.

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Family Law Partners has expanded its Tunbridge Wells team with the appointment of senior solicitor and accredited mediator Claire Tollefson. With more than 16 years in family law, she brings experience in complex financial, trust and business-related cases, as well as a strong focus on resolving disputes constructively. Her arrival broadens the firm’s specialist capacity in the west of the county.

The firm says the appointment strengthens its non-court dispute-resolution offer across Kent and the surrounding area. Claire joins a team focused on helping separating families find practical agreements through mediation and other collaborative routes. Director Alice Scambler says the move will give clients high-quality support at every stage of separation.

➡ Specialist Family Law and Mediation Team, Family Law Partners, Expands in Tunbridge Wells

Pierremonts has joined Suzuki’s UK dealer network, opening a new Ramsgate showroom after significant investment and welcoming customers from 17 August. The Canterbury Road East business will sell new Suzuki vehicles alongside its established used-car, servicing, MOT and repair operation, giving local customers another authorised option. Launch offers and product activity are planned for September.

The dealership has created two new jobs and secured the longer-term roles of its existing eight-person team. Suzuki says the partnership combines Pierremonts’ knowledge of the local market with manufacturer support, trained expertise and up-to-ten-year warranty cover. The new site will also provide servicing and aftersales support for Suzuki owners, including those in the surrounding area.

➡ Suzuki Strengthens UK dealer Network With Pierremonts Appointment In Ramsgate

Woodlands.co.uk will return to Belmont Woodfest and Country Fair in Faversham on 12 and 13 September, where its team will talk with visitors about buying and caring for small woodlands. The company will showcase sites in a range of sizes and budgets, while offering guidance to first-time buyers and experienced foresters. Recreation, conservation, tree planting and wildlife projects will all be part of the conversation.

South East agent Ruth Feltham and tree-planting-land specialist Anton Baskerville will be on hand throughout the weekend. The event brings together countryside businesses, craftspeople and woodland enthusiasts, putting rural skills and habitat creation in the spotlight. Visitors can also learn about practical support available before and after a woodland purchase.

➡ Woodlands.co.uk To Return to Belmont Woodfest and Country Fair

Dartford entrepreneur Emma Youell, Founder and CEO of Emma Youell Design Ltd, will represent the South East at the UK StartUp Awards national final after winning the regional Advertising Start Up of the Year title. Her business has built a reputation for creative branding and visual communications while supporting clients across the region. The recognition puts a growing Kent design company on a national stage.

The national final is due to take place in September, bringing together leading start-ups from across the UK. Emma’s regional win followed a competitive awards process and acknowledges the business’s progress since launch. It also highlights the county’s creative-sector talent and the role small specialist agencies play in supporting other local businesses.

➡ Dartford Business Owner, Emma Youell, Heads For National Awards After Winning South East Advertising Start up of The Year

Kent and Medway Growth Hub has opened bookings for a free two-day online start-up course on 3 and 4 November. Available to people across Kent and Medway, the sessions will cover business viability, customers, pricing, marketing, finance, funding and the practicalities of running a company. The programme is intended for aspiring entrepreneurs and recently launched businesses. Read more.

Broadstairs Food Festival, returning from 2 to 4 October, is introducing one-day community pitches to help local food and drink start-ups test products and reach new customers at a lower cost. The free-entry event will feature independent producers, hospitality businesses, live demonstrations and music. A new Festival Leaders programme will also provide younger people with practical event experience, references and transferable skills. Read more.

A third KFC has opened in Ashford at Waterbrook Park in Sevington, creating around 40 jobs. The development is continuing to expand its food and retail offering, with a Taco Bell also due to open at the site. The new restaurant opened on 26 August Read more.

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