Year: 2023
Carpenter Box raises £82,000 for local charities in centenary year
Sussex-based Carpenter Box has raised £82,000 in the accountancy firm’s 100th year to support charities working with vulnerable people across the county.
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South East business confidence slips in December
Business confidence in the South East fell seven points during December to 29%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
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Mercury Power reaches 10-year milestone
Mercury Power, a leading provider of innovative data centre solutions headquartered in Redhill, Surrey, has marked its 10th year in business.
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Q Catering celebrates IVECO Daily Mission Awards win
Sittingbourne-based independent foodservice wholesaler Q Catering has been awarded the prestigious ‘Specialist Vehicle’ award at the IVECO Daily Mission Awards 2023.
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The English Soap Company triumphs in regional awards
The English Soap Company is celebrating after winning the ‘Export Manufacturer of the Year’ at Insider Media’s Made in the South East Awards 2023.
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London Gatwick delivers more than £87,000 to good causes in Kent, Surrey and Sussex
London Gatwick has delivered a fresh cash injection for 20 of the most deserving organisations and special causes throughout Kent, Sussex and Surrey, with more than £87,000 donated just in time for Christmas.
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Home-based workers set to spend £1,304 more on bills during the winter months
Researchers at TonerGiant have crunched the numbers to compare the average usage and costs of electricity and gas throughout the year to determine how much more Brits can expect to spend working from home in the winter months compared to the summer.
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South East second only to London on number of green jobs advertised in 2023
Ranking fourth in the latest iteration of PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer, the South East offered the largest number of green vacancies outside of London in 2023, at 33,917 roles.
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South East a high performer for building materials sales despite dip in sales
The South East was a top performer for building materials sales in Q3 2023, despite recording a drop in sales year-on-year, according to latest figures from the Builders Merchants Federation.
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Flude finalises letting of prominent Brighton commercial unit
Flude Property Consultants, an independent, regional firm of chartered surveyors, has concluded the letting of a self-contained prominent E-class corner unit in the Kemptown area of Brighton.
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FluidOne acquires CNC, adding Brighton office to its IT branch network
FluidOne, a provider of Connected Cloud solutions, has announced the acquisition of Brighton-based IT managed service provider Computer and Network Consultants Limited (CNC).
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WIBN raises £1,300 at Kent Christmas charity lunch
On 7 December, the Women in Business Network (WIBN) united members and guests for an all-Kent Christmas gathering at the Abode Hotel in Canterbury to raise funds for Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance, Royal British Legion Industries, Power of Women Thanet Pilgrims Hospice, and The Fire Fighters Charity.
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Laser Light selects Dover for its global network operation centre
Locate in Kent has announced that global optical services business Laser Light Companies has selected Dover in Kent for its new UK-based global network operation and development facility.
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Embridge Consulting founder named Growing Business Awards’ 2023 ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’
Emma O’Brien, founder of Gravesham-headquartered business transformation consultancy Embridge Consulting, has been named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at this year’s Growing Business Awards.
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IoD Surrey partners with Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS)
The Surrey branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) is partnering with Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) to help the organisation raise its profile and connect with more Surrey businesses.
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Half of professionals aren’t attending their work Christmas party this year
48% of professionals in the UK and Ireland are planning on missing their work’s Christmas party this year whilst 20% are going just to ‘show their face’, according to a new poll from Walters People.
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Community groups in Newhaven urged to apply for £40k funding pot
Newhaven Enterprise Zone is appealing for community groups in Newhaven to apply for £40,000 of funding to enrich residents’ lives during the cost-of-living crisis.
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Kent’s love affair with property predicted to continue in 2024
Lee Colmer, local property expert and owner of X-Press Legal Services Kent, predicts 2024 will see Kent continue to share its love of property ownership alongside the rest of the UK.
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Net zero research shows small businesses need support and finance to help UK hit targets
The National Enterprise Network (NEN), the country’s leading representative of enterprise support for startup, small and micro-businesses, has released the results of its 2023 Business Barometer – revealing that more than one in 10 businesses are looking for finance and guidance to help them meet the UK’s 2020 net zero carbon targets.
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BugBiome wins Discovery Spark life science programme
Biotech startup BugBiome was announced as the winner of the Discovery Spark life science business support programme at the GIANT Health Healthcare Investment Show on 5 December.
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Kent’s residential property market bucking the national trend
The performance of the county’s residential property market over the last 12 months appears to be bucking the national trend in places, but still faces challenges, according to the Kent Property Market Report.
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How can businesses create neurodivergent-friendly office spaces?
The interior office design experts at Studio Alliance have provided six invaluable tips that can help businesses create inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly spaces for workers to feel productive and comfortable in.
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Sussex manufacturer invests £550k in expansion
Grommets Ltd, a Sussex-based manufacturer and supplier of specialist rubber grommets, has invested in a new production and distribution centre with the support of £550,000 from Lloyds Bank.
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Discovery Park Ventures expands early-stage life science fund to £3m
Discovery Park Ventures (DPV) has announced the expansion of its early-stage life science fund from £1m to £3m to capitalise on exciting investment opportunities and support its existing portfolio.
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Brighton shoppers support local and sustainable traders at The Pop-Up Club this Christmas
Brighton’s shopping scene has welcomed back small and independent traders as The Pop-Up Club returns to Dukes Lane for the Christmas season.
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Cripps to merge with PDT Solicitors
Kent law firm Cripps has announced a merger with PDT Solicitors, a leading commercial law firm based in Horsham, West Sussex – a strategic move set to expand Cripps’ presence in the South East.
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Two in five UK employees mulling job change in 2024
Two in five UK employees are considering changing jobs before the end of 2024, with the demand for hybrid roles driving people’s decision to move, a new study from workspace company Beyond has revealed.
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Planning delays pose the biggest threat to SME housing delivery
More than half of SME builders reported the planning system as their biggest barrier to delivering new homes, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) annual survey.
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“Lead the scene to keep it green”
Post-Autumn Statement 2023 thoughts from Mark Lumsdon Taylor, partner at MHA…
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Value of venture capital investment in South East soared to £758m in Q3
The value of venture capital (VC) investment in South East businesses rose by more than half (52%) in Q3 of 2023, according to KPMG’s latest Venture Pulse report, compiled by PitchBook.
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Surrey-based RJ Advocacy launches to support those in need of adult social care
RJ Advocacy, based in Surrey, has launched with the aim of providing essential support to those who are struggling with the UK Care System.
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Buy local
Floortje Hoette, CEO of Produced in Kent, is passionate about supporting Kent’s independent food and drink sector and helping it thrive
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Winners of Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards announced
The county’s leading businesses have been recognised by the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards when the 2023 winners were announced at a gala dinner on 23 November attended by nearly 250 guests.
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Knights continues growth in the South East with new hires
One of the country’s leading real estate lawyers has joined Knights as the business continues its growth in Weybridge, Surrey with four new hires.
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Savills relocates to new Brighton office
Real estate services provider Savills Brighton has moved to a new office at Runway East, York & Elder Works, Brighton.
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Littlewood Group acquires Berry Systems
East Sussex-headquartered Littlewood Group has announced the successful acquisition of Berry Systems, a leader in car park barrier systems, in a move that strengthens its capabilities and market position.
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Sustainability at the seaside
South East Business catches up with Katy Lassen, owner of Harbour & Tide, Margate’s trendy new beach essentials store
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Autumn statement 2023: Reactions from the business community
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, presented his Autumn Statement to Parliament today (Wednesday 22 November), with an eye on unlocking business investment, rewarding effort and work, growing the economy and backing businesses. We’ve gathered some reactions from the business community…
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Guildford housebuilder welcomes new graduate to trainee scheme
Guildford-based housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties is helping to tackle the construction industry skills shortage, having recently recruited its latest graduate trainee.
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Half of all UK adults have experienced imposter syndrome
New research from training and apprenticeships provider Executive Development Network shows half of all UK adults have experienced imposter syndrome and reveals what factors make you more susceptible.
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Shoppers in the South East are less interested in this year’s Black Friday
According to PwC’s annual Black Friday survey, only 10% of shoppers in the South East are certain to participate in Black Friday shopping.
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Taking charge
Surrey Research Park-based Reserve & Charge is shaping the future of EV charging through its smart reservation platform
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Department for Transport announces £734 million boost to repair roads and back drivers in the South East
Millions of people will enjoy smoother, safer and faster road journeys thanks to the biggest ever road resurfacing programme to improve local roads in the South East.
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Charity Christmas tree lighting event to be hosted by Brighton seafront attractions
Brighton’s iconic seafront is set to glow brighter than ever this year as local businesses join forces for the first time on 25th November at 1pm for a festive Christmas light switch-on event in support of The Starr Trust charity.
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East Sussex villagers benefit from £825,000 network upgrade
UK Power Networks is completing an £825,000 upgrade to the electricity network that connects homes and businesses in Forest Row, East Sussex.
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Definition Health wins at ‘Oscars of the health industry’
Sussex-based Definition Health scooped its eighth national accolade last night (16 November) with a win at the HSJ Awards for introducing digital health technology to improve patient outcomes within the NHS.
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Fit for a King
The management of Kingsgate Castle in Broadstairs, a historic site now home to 32 private flats, has been acquired by Kent property consultants Caxtons With so many new builds being developed across the South East, properties with unique heritage and charm appear to be few and far between. However, if you look in the right […]
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15 new trainees embark on a ‘Platinum’ career path with Carpenter Box
Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box has recruited 15 new trainees onto its premium training programme.
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Stellarmann continues growth with first people manager appointment
London and Brighton-based technology and business transformation delivery partner Stellarmann has appointed Becky Mumford as people manager to support its ambitious growth plans.
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Q Catering and The Pollen Partnership to elevate school dining experiences
Sittingbourne-based independent foodservice wholesaler Q Catering has announced a strategic alliance to supply The Pollen Partnership with a range of products and ingredients for them to create high-quality nutritious meals for schools across the South East.
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IACS unveils training and education subsidiary
Westerham-based inspection, engineering and testing consultancy IACS Ltd, which specialises in pipeline construction, has announced a multi-million-pound investment in people and skills development with the launch of IACS Training and Education.
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Functional business: Legal support
Expert advice from the South East’s leading commercial law experts
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Peacehaven senior site manager wins national ‘Seal of Excellence’ award
Barratt David Wilson Homes’ Chalkers Rise senior site manager Dan Reed has received commendation for his contribution to the local property industry, being awarded with the prestigious ‘Seal of Excellence’ from the National House Building Council.
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Driving change: RIA London & South Group launches
The Railway Industry Association (RIA) London & South Group is launched to champion for rail investment in the South East
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Sussex-based Rubix VT expands team to fuel growth phase
Sussex-based business telecoms provider Rubix VT has welcomed five new employees, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth ambitions.
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Activity and new business decline solidly in the South East
A sustained weakening in the health of the South East region was signalled by the NatWest PMI data in October as companies reacted to subdued incoming new business by cutting their output levels.
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Free business advice offered to help farmers in the South East with financial planning
With a new cropping season underway, farmers and rural businesses are being urged to apply for free advice to help with budgeting and cashflow forecasting.
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Companies to spend 142% more on employees this Christmas
Remote workers are set for a very merry Christmas as employers gear up to spend a whopping 142% more on their festive celebrations, according to a study by Avva Experience.
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Business leaders back call from Locate in Kent for greater regional support
Business leaders have backed Locate in Kent’s work in highlighting the importance of Kent and Medway for the wider UK economy and supporting the need for investment that will fulfil the region’s potential over the next 25 years.
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Sharing growth is a popular way to incentivise employees
Share Incentive schemes are a popular and well-recognised way for employers to attract, motivate, incentivise and retain staff. A key advantage is that they can be set up with varying rights to incentivise growth, which is becoming increasingly popular with employers. However, the receipt of shares and/or share options are potentially subject to income tax […]
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Could PAYE Settlement Agreements stop your employees from experiencing unexpected tax bills?
Businesses are suffering increased costs and employers are looking for various ways to reward their employees and keep them engaged beyond pay rises and bonuses. The issue however is that a lot of these alternative methods can be caught by the benefit in kind (BIK) rules. BIK’s need to be reported on a form P11D […]
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The Good Divorce
For too long, the options available to couples who needed legal support to navigate their way through a separation was limited to litigation and costly drawn-out court proceedings. Over time though, the landscape for these couples has evolved and the legal support they require can now be tailored to match with their intentions to […]
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The telecoms industry is changing – what does it mean for your business?
The telecommunication industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the ISDN and PSTN networks, which have served us well for decades, are no longer capable of meeting the demands of today’s digital world. The need for faster, more versatile and cost-effective communication solutions has led to the decision to switch off ISDN and PSTN […]
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Ambitious action plan for skills
Creating a mechanism to deliver cultural and behavioural change in the local skills system is central to our Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), published in August following approval from the Secretary of State for Education. The report and accompanying action plan outlines key priorities for the local area to help reshape the technical skills system […]
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Achieving nutrient neutrality
Back in the summer of 2020, local planning authorities in the River Stour catchment were told that any new developments that included an overnight stay must not increase the level of nutrients and nitrogen in the River Stour as it was having a negative impact on the Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve. This mainly covered the […]
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Future Skills Sussex
The government’s Skills for Jobs white paper set out an ambitious employer-led approach aimed at making further education (FE) provision more responsive to local skills needs and, ultimately, local economic needs. As part of this approach, Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) were introduced as a key part of the government’s vision of an adult skills […]
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The local authority funding crisis is coming to the South East
With news that the largest local authority in Western Europe has declared bankruptcy, many councils in the South East will be nervously looking over their shoulder. It’s no great secret that local authority funding has been cut significantly since 2010, primarily as a result of a 17.5% real-terms cut in central government grants. However, what […]
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Constructing a case for development
As we can see in this edition of South East Business, the construction industry is important to the region’s economy. There are some fantastic companies, but too often before a spade can be put in the ground, there’s the need to navigate the court of public opinion, and that requires good communication from the start. […]
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The Oving Cow Shed opens in West Sussex
Woodhorn Farm, an organic farm in West Sussex, has launched its first milk vending venture – The Oving Cow Shed.
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London Gatwick announces over £93,000 in donations to regional causes
London Gatwick has donated more than £93,000 to deserving causes throughout the Kent, Sussex and Surrey regions through its Foundation Fund.
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Make a difference
Troy and Catherine Barratt, directors of Contracts Engineering and Furnitubes, have a track record of acquiring businesses and taking them to the next level
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Folkestone Harbour’s Folkestone Festive Marketplace returns
Folkestone Harbour is gearing up for the return of the Folkestone Festive Marketplace, promising to be its biggest and most magical year yet, with the addition of a new Harbour Grotto festive experience.
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Kent’s property market recovery reflects changing ways of working and living
The performance of Kent’s property industry reflects the recent changes to how the public lives, works and plays, according to this year’s Kent Property Market Report.
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Further expansion for Kent’s Pennard Vets
Kent-based veterinary group Pennard Vets has started work creating a new state-of-the-art practice in Sevenoaks, which will be one of the largest and most advanced in the South East, as part of a £3.5 million investment programme that will also create new jobs in the town.
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Brachers advises on the sale of Defluo Plumbing and Drainage to Kanalservice Group
Brachers’ Corporate team has advised the shareholders of London-based Defluo Plumbing and Drainage (Defluo) on its successful sale to Kanalservice Holding AG (Kanalservice Group).
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Evelyn Partners expands into Tunbridge Wells with the acquisition of Creaseys
Wealth management and professional services group Evelyn Partners has acquired Creaseys Group Limited, a firm of accountants and tax specialists based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
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Quinn Estates celebrates success at Housebuilder Awards 2023
Kent-based mixed-use developer Quinn Estates was recognised with another industry win at the Housebuilder Awards 2023, which took place on Thursday 2 November.
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Gen Z harder to motivate than previous generations, say employers
New research from business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP shows that many employers are finding it challenging to motivate their Gen Z workforce and are adapting their training methods to better meet the needs of the younger cohort.
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Business confidence slips in the South East
Business confidence in the South East fell three points during October to 30%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
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Tonbridge’s ‘immersive’ landscaping centre nominated for national award
Located on Priory Road in Tonbridge, Kent, Parker Building Supplies’ landscaping centre has been shortlisted for The Builders’ Merchants Awards 2023, which acknowledges the tremendous achievements from across the industry.
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Businesses urged to budget carefully when recruiting overseas employees
Businesses are being advised to prepare thoroughly – and budget accordingly – when considering hiring staff from overseas. The warning comes from Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, as costs associated with bringing in foreign workers continue to rise for both employer and employee.
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Reward secures additional £50m lending facility to bolster support for SMEs
Reward Finance Group, which provides SMEs with tailored business finance loans and asset-based solutions of up to £5m, has secured an additional £50m to its credit line from the alternative investment manager Foresight Group.
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Mayo Wynne Baxter sees double-digit growth
Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter has reported 12% revenue growth in the last financial year – six times the growth it had experienced in the four years previous – taking the firm’s turnover to more than £12.7 million.
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Influential Kent businesses commit their support for TOKA 2024
The opportunity to be associated with the best of Kent’s food and drink industry is now open to businesses and organisations from across the county, with planning for the Taste of Kent Awards (TOKA 2024) well underway.
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Sharp Thinking Marketing launches business support event to coincide with Small Business Saturday
Tunbridge Wells-based marketing consultancy Sharp Thinking Marketing – one of the chosen businesses for SmallBiz100 2023 – is launching an exciting event ahead of Small Business Saturday UK on December 2.
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Companies to be shortlisted for major Kent business awards
Judging is now under way after more than 100 companies from across the county entered the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2023.
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Impressive results for Charles Russell Speechlys in Legal 500 UK Solicitors 2024 rankings
Twenty-two lawyers from Charles Russell Speechlys’ Guildford office have been awarded accolades in The Legal 500 UK Solicitors 2024 rankings – a comprehensive and highly respected guide to the best lawyers and law firms in the UK.
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Kent businesses awarded £1.6 million for sustainable food and drink research
Growing Kent & Medway has awarded a share of over £1.6 million to 13 businesses in Kent & Medway to fund projects that will sustainably transform the horticultural and plant-based food and drink supply chain.
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Female entrepreneurs brainstorm solutions for success
Leading businesswomen from across Tunbridge Wells brainstormed solutions to current challenges at Make It Your Business: Continuing The Conversations at Salomon’s Estate on 18 October.
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West Sussex vet shortlisted for BVA Young Vet of the Year Award 2023
A West Sussex vet has been shortlisted for the British Veterinary Association’s Young Vet of the Year Award 2023.
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Sussex manufacturers look to AI for productivity gains
Around one in four local manufacturers expect to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in the next 12 months to improve business operations and productivity. At the same time, there is strong support across the sector to achieve net zero, with many actively pursuing measures to reduce their environmental impact.
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Digital marketing skills outpace professional development in the South East
New research published by training body Target Internet, in association with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), reveals that the core digital skills marketers rely on have improved but the growing demands of new and evolving technologies are contributing to a skills gap.
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The pause in international rail services: what is the impact on businesses?
Business and trade leaders are being asked for their views on how international rail services to Europe, which are not currently stopping in Kent, have affected firms.
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SMEs struggling to match multinationals when recruiting the best talent
New research from talent management platform Employment Hero lays bare the struggle SMEs face when attempting to hire.
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Brighton brokers win big at UK Health & Protection Awards 2023
Hooray Health & Protection and Engage Health Group, a Brighton-based employee benefits brokerage group, has won major industry accolades at the UK Health & Protection Awards 2023 at London Hilton Park Lane.
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Over a fifth of SMEs and freelancers have experienced an increase in late payments
Rob Rees, divisional director of Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of freelancers and small businesses, shares the effect late payments can have on SMEs and sole traders while providing expert advice on how they can protect their finances.
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Bognor Regis care home businesses sold
Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has completed the freehold sale of Chalcraft Hall and Normanton Lodge care homes in Bognor Regis, West Sussex.
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Leading developer opens Kent office in Kings Hill
A leading housebuilder and land promoter has chosen Kings Hill as the location for its first Kent office, allowing the company to expand its operations in the county.
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Surrey’s green businesses showcased at the CREST23 Business Awards Convention
The 2023 Green Business Exhibition is back for the CREST23 Business Awards Convention on 26 October.
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The Experts at MHA talk about the Autumn Statement
Duncan Cochrane Dyet PartnerAuditduncan.cochrane-dyet@mha.co.uk In 2022 China built around 2,500 km of railway of which half were high speed tracks. HS2 was originally 330 miles, now reduced to 175 miles, and has taken 14 years to get to this stage. This is sobering stuff and illustrates the necessity of a long-term consistent strategy that cuts […]
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