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- Kent Business Newsletter - Issue 9
Kent Business Newsletter - Issue 9
Your connection to Kent's business community
Kent Business Newsletter
August 28, 2025
This weeks edition is sponsored by LoveKent
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Hello Kent Business Community
Welcome to Issue 9 of the Kent Business Newsletter!
Kent’s business scene never stands still - and this week’s round-up shows just how much is happening across our county. From local success stories to fresh opportunities, practical advice, and a brilliant entrepreneur interview, we’ve packed this issue with the insights you need to stay ahead. It’s all about celebrating Kent businesses, sharing what works, and giving them the spotlight they deserve.
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.
In this issue: Kent Business News | Business Radio Show | Networking Events | Kent Expert Insights | Business Events | Kent Jobs | What’s On In Kent
Kent Business News Updates…
➡️ The Young Kent Team Using AI to Transform Logistics
Two Ashford entrepreneurs, Joe Jeffery (25) and Matt Dawson (23), launched Zelir Logistics from their bedrooms just two years ago. Since then, the business has grown 20-fold, built a team of eight, and moved into larger offices twice.
By taking a tech-first approach - embracing AI and even coding their own tools - they’ve cut processes that once took five hours down to just 10 minutes. This speed and efficiency has won them major industry accreditations, HMRC’s trust, and a steady flow of new clients through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Now Zelir is not only transforming how customs clearance and freight forwarding is done, but also showing how a new generation can breathe life into an ageing industry. With European expansion on the horizon, the journey is only just beginning. Read their story here.
➡️ Hendy Mazda Offers Kent Drivers Six Years of Worry-Free Motoring
Car buyers in Kent now have extra peace of mind as Mazda introduces a six-year, 100,000 mile warranty across its entire new car range from 1 September. Visitors to Hendy Mazda at Kingstanding Business Park can test drive the latest models, including the CX-60 and CX-80 plug-in hybrid SUVs, both now covered by the extended warranty.
With only a fifth of UK cars offering more than three years’ cover, Mazda says the move highlights its confidence in reliability and quality. Hendy’s Paul Murrells added that the warranty will give buyers even more confidence in hybrids and EVs, ahead of the much-anticipated Mazda6e launch next year. Read more here.
➡️ Kent Business Owners Warned: Capital Gains Tax Set to Bite Harder - Act Now
Kent entrepreneurs risk a much bigger Capital Gains Tax bill if they sell their company without reviewing their structure. Corporate tax expert Tina Harris of Azets is urging business owners to act now, as relief rates are climbing fast and will rise again next April.
Once a generous 10%, Business Asset Disposal Relief has already jumped to 14% – and will reach 18% next year. That means the tax due on a £2m gain has more than doubled in under a decade.
For anyone planning to sell within 1–5 years, or holding over £1m in shares, the message is clear: review your company structure and explore legitimate ways to cut the impact. Read in full.
➡️ Advo Acquires Pay-Nex to Strengthen HR and Payroll Leadership
Advo One Limited has acquired Surrey-based payroll bureau Pay-Nex Limited as part of its drive to become one of the UK’s leading HR and payroll providers. Founded in 2015, Pay-Nex has built a strong reputation for supporting SMEs, accountants, and sectors such as hospitality and care - areas where Advo already excels. The deal will see Pay-Nex’s staff retained, with Managing Director Dena Dixon staying on during the transition to ensure a smooth integration.
Clients will continue to enjoy Pay-Nex’s trusted service while gaining access to Advo’s wider HR and payroll solutions, including bespoke HMRC and BACS approved technology platforms. Advo CEO Larry Bulmer described the acquisition as a “strong addition” that enhances client care and expands service offerings, while Advo’s HR & Payroll Director Alison Gill praised the “fantastic synergy” between the two teams. Read in full here.
Quick Poll - just for fun…
Where do you spend most of your marketing budget?Select your choice. It will be recorded and the results shown next week. |
👉️ Results from last week’s poll…
Q. Have you ever used local council-run business support?
28% - Yes, and it was helpful
0% - Yes, but it was a waste of time
47% - No, but looking into it
25% - No, didn’t know it existed
The results are in:
Almost half of you are curious about council-run business support, while a quarter didn’t even know it existed. The good news: nobody thought it was a waste of time, so maybe it’s worth a closer look.
Kent Entrepreneur Deep Dive…
Meet the Tenterden Glass Artist Inspired by Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Coast
 | Heather Carpenter’s journey is anything but ordinary. Once a professional dancer and later a teacher, she’s now the founder of Mara Amore, a glass art business inspired by the raw beauty of Ireland’s Atlantic coast. From her shop in Tenterden High Street, Heather creates striking, one-of-a-kind pieces that capture wind, sea and mountain landscapes in glass - a style that sets her apart from more traditional designs. In this honest interview, Heather reveals why she swapped security for creativity, how her parents’ businesses shaped her entrepreneurial spirit, and what it really feels like to start over with a brand new venture. She talks about the highs and the lows and explains why passion and resilience are her greatest tools. With future plans to relocate Mara Amore to Connemara itself, Heather’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you follow your passion. |
Kent Expert Insights…
Tunbridge Wells financial adviser Louise Fitzgerald has revealed her top four tax-efficient investment strategies that could save Kent residents thousands. From pensions that give you an instant top-up, to ISAs that grow tax-free, and even government-backed bonuses for first-time buyers, her guide shows practical ways to build wealth without paying more tax than you need to.
Louise also highlights advanced options like Venture Capital Trusts for those looking to take bigger risks with potential big rewards. Whether you’re saving for retirement, buying your first home, or just building a safety net, this breakdown is designed to make smart money moves simple and accessible.
Discover how to make your savings work harder while keeping more in your pocket. Read the full guide here.
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.
✨ Upcoming Networking Events in Kent ✨
Synergy Networking
Medway
When: Tuesday 2nd September 2025 from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Location: Avenue Tennis - Gillingham Details: Join us for a fantastic evening of networking being held at and sponsored by Avenue Tennis for a pre-networking tasty buffet! Website: Click here |
The Rookie CEO Club
Chatham
When: Monday 1st September 2025 From 6pm - 8.30pm Where: Edenwood Place, Chatham Details: Come join us for an evening filled with networking, learning, and inspiration. We're building a collective of young business owners who want to learn and grow from each other! Website: Click here |
Kent Invicta Chamber Of Commerce
Chamber Connections - Donnington Manor
When: Thursday 4th September 2025. From 10.30am - 12pm Where: Donnington Manor, Sevenoaks Details: This informal event will give you an opportunity to promote your business and make invaluable connections with local businesses in Kent. Website: Click here |
Synergy Networking
Whitstable
When: Tuesday 2nd September 2025 from 9.45am - 12.45pm. Location: The Marine Hotel, Whitstable Details: This coastal Netwalking event is hosted by Bethany Nightingale who will meet and introduce all attendees as they arrive and then lead the walk for half an hour along the seafront then return to the Marine Hotel for tea or coffee. Website: Click here |
➡️ Quick Tip For Effective Networking…
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…
Great show this week from Paul and Jules, and yet another great guest - Emma Stone of ADHD Coaching. Emma’s inspirational story from diagnosis to business launch is well worth a listen.
To listen to this week’s show in full visit Kent Business Radio
Ready to Show Up Online with Confidence?
Join us in our Kent studio for a VIP day and leave with up to 3 months of powerful, done-for-you video content.
Curious? Let’s make it happen
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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.
✨Featured Job Openings
Position & Company | Details |
|---|---|
Canterbury Christ Church Uni | As part of the Business Insight team, you’ll help staff to use data more effectively to inform real improvements to the student experience and to support strategic planning, policy and operational efficiency across the university. See website for more info. |
Ashford School | You will play a central role in managing the school website, creating and delivering social media campaigns, as well as designing a range of publications and advertisements. See website for more info. |
Lift Interior Co | The Lift Interior Company is based in Paddock Wood and looking for a new Lift Interior Fitter to expand the team. This position is full time and will require you to work predominantly in London. See website for more info. |
➡️ Quick Tip for Job Seekers…
Work Hard, Play Hard…
After a long week of hard work, it's time to unwind and enjoy yourself and there’s no better place to do it than right here in Kent!
Kent’s summer events calendar is packed with brilliant festivals, live music, family fun and food galore. We’ve rounded up a few of our top picks to help you make the most of it.
Cheers!
ANNOUNCEMENT!
We’ve got something new & exciting for you!
In this section of the Kent Business Newsletter, we usually include local events in Kent. But, this non-business section of the Kent Business Newsletter has grown so popular, we’ve spun it off into its own thing - LOVEKENT - your entirely separate free regular What’s On guide packed with local events, gigs, festivals, family fun and a ton more!
To start with, we’re focusing just on Maidstone, and it’s already pulled in thousands of subscribers, but other Kent towns are on the way. Don’t miss out - it’s free, quick, and keeps you in the loop.
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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