AI is moving fast and most people are falling behind. 

The Rundown AI keeps you ahead of the curve. 

It's a free AI newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest AI news, and teaches you how to apply it in just 5 minutes a day.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses — tailored to your needs.

Sign up to start learning.

Hi {{first_name | there,}}

Welcome to the Thursday edition of the Kent Business Newsletter…

This week we look at the pressures shaping business confidence in the latest Azets research; Birketts’ role in a healthcare education merger and its new B Corp certification; Dev Partners’ advice on making established software work harder; Furley Page’s newest solicitors; and the University of Kent’s call for more workplace experience for graduates. Read on for the full stories, along with our regular business community, networking and local updates.

➡️ 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.

The University of Kent is calling for closer ties between universities and employers after new research found that 70% of surveyed employers would be more likely to recruit graduates if workplace experience were mandatory. Only 35% felt graduates had all the skills they expected, while almost half of employers with vacancies said they struggled to recruit consistently for entry-level roles.

Kent took part in the national Future Jobs Roadmap alongside businesses including HR GO Recruitment, Holiday Extras, HatHats Coffee Company and Macknade. The University has launched a guaranteed internship programme and will explore regional skills needs at the Kent and Medway Business Summit on 17 September.

➡ Kent employers help shape national drive to close graduate skills gap

New Azets research shows that economic uncertainty is the biggest concern for 69% of UK business leaders over the coming year. The survey of 442 senior decision-makers also found that many firms are wrestling with higher labour costs, reduced margins and pressure on cashflow, while a large majority expect to freeze or cut headcount and maintain or increase borrowing.

Despite the difficult outlook, the findings underline how businesses are leaning on people, agility and leadership to build resilience. Peter Gallanagh, Azets’ UK Chief Executive, says the policy environment needs to help firms invest and grow, while noting that SMEs have repeatedly shown their ability to adapt through periods of economic upheaval.

➡ Seventy per cent of UK businesses fear economic uncertainty most as climate hits profits, hiring and costs, Azets research finds

Rather than replacing every system, the Gravesend-based team at Dev Partners says many businesses can benefit by connecting existing tools such as Shopify, Xero or FreeAgent so information flows automatically.

The starting point is not technology for its own sake, but the repetitive tasks, duplicated data and manual processes that are slowing people down.

➡ Is Your Old Software Costing Your Business Money?

Sophie joins the firm’s Disputes Team after completing the Legal Practice Course with Distinction, while Charlotte, also Distinction-qualified, joins its Corporate and Commercial team.

Furley Page says its programme helps build the skills and practical foundations that support long-term careers in law.

➡ Furley Page Appoints Two Newly Qualified Solicitors From Its Trainee Programme

The firm says the assessment has strengthened its Responsible Business approach and provides a platform for its 2030 Strategy. Birketts joins a global B Corp community of more than 10,700 businesses, including more than 2,700 in the UK.

Birketts’ corporate, intellectual property, real estate, immigration and employment teams supported the transaction. CICM principal Jo Rochford said the merger would create opportunities for students, staff and the wider community while preserving the College’s values and educational strengths; the firm said it gives both institutions a platform for future growth in integrated healthcare education.

➡ Birketts LLP becomes a Certified B CorporationTM

Several new opportunities have appeared on the Kent Business Portal. These include repair and maintenance work in Canterbury, refurbishment and roof-covering contracts in Maidstone, funeral-related services in Sittingbourne and an IT services tender in West Malling. The notices were published between 2 and 9 September, giving Kent contractors and service businesses a fresh batch of public-sector opportunities to review. Read more.

Dadd’s Family Butchers in Westgate has reopened following the death of owner Justin Marsh. His wife Diane Marsh has taken over the business, having previously managed its catering operation, and is continuing the shop in line with her husband’s wishes. The move makes the business the only female-led butcher’s shop in Thanet. Read more.

The Kent and Medway Business Summit will take place at the University of Kent in Canterbury on 17 September. This year’s programme includes a Bank of England economic update alongside discussions around skills, investment, innovation and Kent’s economic future. The event is being delivered with organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Read more.

On the show this week Paul and Jules was Joanna Birch-Jones from Goddess Aesthetics, an Aesthetic Practitioner providing face fillers for fine lines and wrinkles, lips, mesotherapy, chemical peels, Aqualyx fat dissolving injections,

To listen to this week’s show in full visit Kent Business Radio

{{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 this local business article, please pass it on to another Kent business owner who might also like it! Thanks.