Year: 2024
South East businesses reveal 2025 ambitions
South East businesses will be targeting increased productivity and upskilling their staff in 2025, according to new research from Lloyds’ Business Barometer.
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Thackray Williams expands commercial team
London and Kent law firm Thackray Williams is looking to expand its commercial team further after four new hires across its commercial practices and unprecedented growth.
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Supporting charities ‘boosts customer loyalty by 250%’
Customers that engage with charity partnerships are more than three times as likely (250%) to stay loyal to the brand, the MD of sustainable packaging supplier Priory Direct told representatives from more than 40 businesses and charities at a Kent CSR event in November.
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Brighton hospitality scene ranks top for startup potential
As the hospitality industry braces for post-budget challenges in the new year, new research has revealed that Brighton-based businesses may have the best chance of weathering the storm.
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Eco-friendly restoration underway on historic grain barn at Surrey farm
Work is well underway to restore a historic grain barn at the Countryside Regeneration Trust’s (CTR) Pierrepont Farm in Surrey, thanks to a legacy donation to the charity.
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South East bucks national trend with rise in business confidence
Business confidence in the South East rose seven points during December to 34%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
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Celebrating progress
As we reflect on the progress of the Sussex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), we’re excited to share the positive strides that have been made in shaping a more skilled, resilient workforce for our region.
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More challenges ahead for our businesses
Businesses were disappointed in the recent Budget announcements. Whilst there were no direct hits on personal taxation, some of the actions will certainly have a knock-on effect.
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The jury is still out on the new government
We’re a little more than four months into the new term, and already, business is being asked to shoulder the majority of the financial burden for failing public services.
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Moore Barlow corporate team celebrates successful 2024
After rounding up the final deals of 2024, regional top-100 law firm Moore Barlow has announced its supported deals with a total value of £350m.
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Kent community centres awarded share of £30,000 from Southern Water
Christmas has come early for 10 Kent community centres after they received a share of Southern Water’s £30,000 regional Community Fund.
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Shepherd Neame sponsors Rochester’s new Christmas lights
Kent independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame is among the sponsors of the new Christmas Lights in Rochester.
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One third of South East businesses have experienced fraud in the last five years
Almost one third (31%) of South East businesses have experienced fraud in the last five years, a new survey from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has found.
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‘Help to Grow’ hits 10,000 milestone with support from the South East
More than 10,000 business leaders across the UK, including over 1,500 in the South East, have enrolled on the Help to Grow: Management Course to provide them with the knowledge and confidence to boost their business performance.
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Ashford Borough Council steps up support for rough sleepers
Ashford Borough Council is opening an Outreach Centre in January as part of renewed steps to support rough sleepers this winter.
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EDP begins construction of stand-alone storage project in Sandwich, Kent
EDP, through EDP Renewables, has started the construction of its first stand-alone battery energy storage (BESS) project in Europe, located within Richborough Energy Park near Sandwich, Kent.
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Privately held London and South East firms optimistic about 2025 despite challenges
Almost nine in every 10 (88%) private business owners in London and the South East are confident of delivering growth in 2025, according to KPMG UK’s first-ever Private Enterprise Barometer.
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Eastbourne welcomes Lightning Fibre’s fully accessible ice rink
British Olympic figure-skating champion Robin Cousins MBE, along with special guests from Forward Facing, a charity supporting Sussex families whose children have long-term or life-limiting conditions, took to the ice at internet service provider Lightning Fibre’s accessible Ice Rink in Eastbourne to celebrate its accessibility for all.
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Milence to develop its second ever UK eHGV charging hub in Kent
Plans to build a charging hub designed for electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGV) at Panattoni Park Aylesford in Kent have been announced by Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP and Volvo Group.
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Clarkson Wright & Jakes announces two new hires
Kent law firm Clarkson Wright & Jakes (CWJ) is delighted to welcome back Carly Johnson (nee Sargeant) as partner and head of its Residential Property team. Carly started her conveyancing career at Clarkson Wright & Jakes in 2002 and worked for the firm until 2014. She continued to gain further valuable experience at another Kent […]
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South East remains UK’s “most distressed region”, says The IFT
The Institute for Turnaround (The IFT) has released its fifth Societal Impact report, surveying its members and highlighting that UK corporate distress shows no signs of easing, despite some increased economic stability.
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Amino Plus awarded ‘Discovery Spark’ prize package worth over £50,000
Following the immersive Discovery Spark (from Kent science park Discovery Park) programme and a competitive pitch process with nine fellow entrepreneurial life science and technology businesses, Amino Plus has secured the coveted first-place prize.
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Triodos Bank announces first BNG private sector loan to Nature Impact
Triodos Bank UK has announced its first private sector loan based on a biodiversity net gain (BNG) unit model, a landmark deal that could create a blueprint for financing nature-based solutions at scale.
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Kent foundry shares ‘Component of the Year’ at Best of British Casting awards
Maybrey Precision Casting, a Kent foundry that specialises in aluminium gravity die castings has jointly won the ‘Component of the Year’ prize at the recent UK Cast Metals Industry Awards.
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WIBN Kent raises over £2,000 for charity at 2024 Christmas event
On Thursday 5 December, the Women in Business Network (WIBN) Kent held its much-anticipated annual Christmas Lunch at the picturesque Chilston Park Hotel, raising an impressive £2,040, which will be equally distributed among six exceptional charities.
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FRP strengthens Brighton team with new restructuring partner
Specialist business advisory firm FRP has appointed Neville Side as a partner in its Brighton-based restructuring advisory team, strengthening its presence in the South East. With more than 20 years’ experience in business restructuring and formal insolvency, Neville joins from BDO, where he spent over two decades working across high-profile cases, including the administrations of […]
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Rising costs impacting the South East food and drink sector, survey finds
Businesses in the South East food and drink sector see rising costs and changing consumer spending patterns as the two biggest areas impacting them, according to the results of new research carried out by law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore.
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The Thompson family breathe new life into The White Horse in Boughton-under-Blean
Shepherd Neame’s 600-year-old country inn The White Horse, located in the village of Boughton-under-Blean, Kent, has officially reopened its doors under the new management of experienced licensees the Thompson family.
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Start Up Loans celebrates £50 million of loans to female entrepreneurs in the South East
Start Up Loans has provided female founders in the South East with £50 million in loans since the programme’s inception in 2012.
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Restoration begins at Victorian wine warehouse in Ramsgate
The Old Wine Warehouse in Charlotte Court, Ramsgate is being revitalised by not-for-profit Heritage Lab to create a landmark of enterprise, arts and entertainment in East Kent supporting local talent.
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South East second only to London on number of green jobs adverts in 2024
The South East continues to lead the way in terms of the number of green jobs advertised among the UK’s nations and regions outside of London, ranking fifth in the latest iteration of PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer.
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Pilbeam Construction completes essential upgrades at Rottingdean school
Youngsters at St Margaret’s CE Primary School in Rottingdean are enjoying two refurbished classrooms after South East building contractors Pilbeam Construction completed the essential project.
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South East employees are ditching the office Christmas party
New research from team building and corporate events company Team Tactics reveals that over a quarter (27%) of office workers in the South East are planning on ditching the office Christmas party this year.
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Lloyds Business Barometer: South East business confidence falls in November
Business confidence in the South East fell seven points during November to 27%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
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Phase two of LOC8 in Maidstone completed
Clearbell Property Partners III LP, a fund managed by Clearbell Capital, has announced the practical completion of phase two at LOC8, a multi-let industrial estate situated at Junction 8 of the M20 in Maidstone, Kent.
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British Business Bank to increase availability of funding to social impact sector lenders
The British Business Bank has launched its Community ENABLE Funding (CEF) programme, designed to increase the availability of funding to social impact sector lenders and the smaller businesses they serve in local communities across the UK.
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University of Brighton receives top award for excellence in supporting small businesses
The University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law has been awarded the Small Business Charter in recognition of its exceptional work supporting local business growth and student enterprise.
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Survey reveals one in four workers take time off due to stress
One in four (24%) UK employees have taken time off work in the past 12 months due to stress, new research from Avilio has found.
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2024 Medway Business Awards announces winners
Businesses from across Medway, Kent gathered on Friday 22 November at the prestigious Corn Exchange in Rochester to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Medway Business Awards.
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Brighton-based agency Whitespace joins The Creative Group
The Creative Group has announced its latest collaboration with Whitespace, a Brighton-based agency renowned for its expertise in brand, digital, design and strategy.
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Campaign calls on investors to ‘Choose Canterbury’
Canterbury is an amazing place to do business. That’s the message behind the Choose Canterbury campaign and website, which is being launched today (26 November), designed to bring businesses to the district and boost jobs.
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Ironmonger Yard given go-ahead following major design revision
A prominent derelict site at the end of Rochester High Street is to be given a new life after revised designs for a major residential scheme were approved by Medway Council’s Planning Committee.
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Peel Ports to invest £30m in new RoRo berth at Port of Sheerness
Peel Ports Group is investing £30 million into the development of a new RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) berth at the Port of Sheerness to meet growing demand from new and existing customers.
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Girlings Solicitors supports Holding On Letting Go
Kent law firm Girlings Solicitors has chosen child bereavement charity Holding On Letting Go (HOLG) as its ‘Charity of the Year’.
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Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards celebrate the best of the county’s business community
2024’s Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards winners were announced at a gala dinner on Thursday 21 November attended by more than 250of the county’s business leaders.
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FareShare appeals for support to fight hunger this Christmas
Food waste charity FareShare Sussex & Surrey has launched two ambitious campaigns to help feed those in need this winter.
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FCC Environment seeks new talent in Kent schools
Staff members from FCC Environment, which owns and operates the Allington Energy from Waste plant, took time out from their day jobs to attend an inspirational event at St Simon Stock Catholic School designed to promote careers education in Kent.
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Kent’s Must Have Ideas crowned winner at 2024 Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Kent-based e-commerce business Must Have Ideas has clinched a prestigious win at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
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Most people underestimate the scale of the UK’s gender pay gap
Research by HR and payroll software provider Ciphr shows that most people significantly underestimate how pervasive the gender pay gap is in most occupations and industries in the UK.
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Local businesses given ‘help to grow’ by Christ Church Business School
Canterbury Christ Church University is offering its Help to Grow: Management Course in January 2025, and applications are now open to local business owners.
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Pureprint Group acquires Ashford Colour Press from administration
Pureprint Group has acquired Ashford Colour Press from administration, strengthening the company’s position in the print and publishing sector by extending its capabilities into inkjet printing and enhancing its digital and on-demand print solutions.
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Functional business: Legal support
What does the future of commercial law hold for businesses, especially under a Labour government? We spoke with experts from CWJ, Mayo Wynne Baxter, Doswell Law and Thomson Snell & Passmore to find out
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Lewes brewery to move into revamped Newhaven pub
Funding from Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) will enable the former Jolly Boatman pub building in Newhaven to reopen next year, with a Lewes brewery set to move in.
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Less than half of UK workers take regular breaks from their desk, survey finds
A survey by Surrey-based workplace product supplier AJ Products has revealed that only 41.5% of UK workers in desk-based roles take hourly breaks.
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Will the Budget stifle future innovation or boost growth in Sussex?
Changes to employer national insurance (NI) announced in the Budget will add over £900 in business costs annually to the average £33,000 wage in the Brighton and Hove area, according to South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box.
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International trade key to unlocking growth in the UK
Over half (52%) of UK businesses are prioritising international trade as a key growth driver, according to the Santander Trade Barometer.
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Work to begin on Folkestone’s Leas Lift restoration
The restoration of Folkestone Leas Lift has taken a major step forward with the appointment of a principal contractor for the construction work.
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Ashford charitable sector benefits from £500,000
The Frank Brake Community Fund, which was established through Kent Community Foundation in 2019, has awarded more than half a million pounds in funding to small charitable organisations across the district of Ashford.
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Brachers named ‘Top 10 Best Law Firm to Work For’ in UK
Brachers, a law firm based in Maidstone and Canterbury, Kent, has been ranked by Best Companies in its ‘Top 10 Best Law Firms to Work For’ in the UK.
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Land of opportunity
Flude Property Consultants is empowering businesses throughout the South East with expert guidance and innovative property solutions
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Ashford’s month-long live music event draws record numbers
Create Music Village’s month of live music in Ashford has drawn to a close for 2024 after attracting record numbers of local people to its events and workshops.
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Brighton-based sustainable lighting business becomes B Corp accredited
Brighton-based bespoke lighting business Spark & Bell has grown from a kitchen table side hustle to a thriving B Corp accredited company with 10 employees and customers in over 20 countries across the world, thanks to support from the Help to Grow: Management Course.
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Flude announces new Brighton lettings
Flude Property Consultants, a Brighton and Hove-based independent chartered surveyor, has been busy this month, announcing a succession of new lettings.
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South East enjoys rise in new business in October
The headline South East Growth Tracker Business Activity Index – NatWest’s seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – fell from 51.2 in September to 49.8 in October, thereby marking the first below-neutral 50.0 reading for four months.
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Brighton’s Urban Forage helps to drive forward progress on UK net zero
Ahead of COP 29, Brighton-based Urban Forage has taken measures to ensure it is one of the small businesses helping to drive progress in the UK’s journey to net zero.
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Building relationships, not just wealth
Talis IFA, led by James Cole, is redefining financial advice with its people-first approach In a world where financial services are often seen as impersonal, overly complex and driven by profit margins rather than client needs, there’s a growing demand for businesses that place people at the heart of their operations. Talis IFA, a financial […]
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Surrey’s Vitrine Systems Limited enters administration
Surrey-based architectural and structural glazing specialist Vitrine Systems Limited has entered administration, with financial advisory firm Quantuma’s Nick Simmonds and Chris Newell appointed as joint administrators to oversee the process.
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British businesses ‘risking talent exodus’
UK employees plan on voting with their feet if changes to their role aren’t made by their current employers, research from e-gift provider Prezzee reveals.
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Uncorking Kent’s finest
Shepherd Neame has launched its first collection of English wines in collaboration with fellow Kent business Balfour Winery
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Buckmore Park in Kent invests in its future
The owners of Buckmore Park have unveiled plans to create The Paddock, a new motorsport-themed centre at the Kent karting circuit.
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South East shows impressive video games startup growth
The South East of England is one of the most important hubs for video games development startups in the UK, according to new research published by TIGA, the trade association representing the games industry.
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Berrisons Delicatessen opens in Hove to champion local producers
Berrisons, a new delicatessen in the heart of Hove, East Sussex, officially opened its doors on 1 November at 80 Church Road.
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Creating spaces that work
With a focus on people and innovative design, Rap Interiors is shaping the future of workspaces in the South East
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2024 Kent Property Market Report: Confidence returns to the county’s commercial property market
With business confidence higher than last year and the economy looking more positive, the outlook for the property industry is improving, according to the 33rd edition of the annual Kent Property Market Report.
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Oak Creative to exhibit at The Vineyard and Winery Show 2024
Kent-based branding agency Oak Creative Design will return to The Vineyard and Winery Show on 20 November at The Kent Showground in Detling.
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Kent’s No 9 Restaurant named finalist for ‘New Tourism Business of the Year’
Chapel House Estate’s No 9 Restaurant, located in Minster, Kent, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Beautiful South Tourism Awards, competing in the ‘New Tourism Business of the Year’ category.
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Advo acquires Kent-based Mustard Payroll
HR and Payroll consultancy Advo One Limited has completed a deal to buy Kent-based payroll bureau Mustard Payroll Limited for an undisclosed sum.
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Regional insolvency-related activity spikes sharply
Insolvency-related activity has spiked sharply in the South East, says R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body.
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Stylish office space in Brighton sells above asking price
Flude Property Consultants has announced the recent sale of 30-31 Devonshire Place, Brighton.
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Countrystyle Recycling uses AI to improve road safety
Kent-based waste management company Countrystyle Recycling has been recognised for its efforts to ensure its drivers are safe at the 2024 UK Fleet Champions Awards, administered by national road safety charity Brake.
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Are experts being listened to again?
Over recent years, experts have been widely dismissed by ministers, most notably by Michael Gove. However, it looks like that blinkered attitude is changing. Could it signal an opportunity for business?
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Dandara acquires three new South East sites in a week
Independent housebuilder Dandara will be bringing over 200 high-quality new homes to the South East of England after acquiring three important development sites.
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Construction begins on new retirement community in Dunston Green
Construction is well underway in Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, to create a new retirement living development from McCarthy Stone, with “independence and community at its heart”.
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East Sussex distribution specialist lands six-figure fleet investment
Hailsham-based Pallet-Track Sussex is investing over £250,000 per year in trucks and branded trailers to replace its entire fleet as it works on improving efficiency and growing its presence in the region.
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Brighton brokerage firm wins ‘industry Oscars’
Brighton-based brokerage firm Hooray Health & Protection bagged four awards at the UK Health & Protection Awards 2024, including the highly sought-after ‘Advice Firm of the Year’ accolade.
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Local partnership wins National Lottery funding for five-year employment support initiative
A local partnership of Raven Housing Trust, Saxon Weald, Rosebery, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council (RBBC), Surrey County Council, East Surrey College, and the charity Good Company, has won National Lottery funding for a visionary five-year employment support project called Work Smart Surrey & Sussex, which began last month.
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Autumn Budget 2024: Reactions from the business community
Earlier today (30 October), Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented the much-anticipated Autumn Budget, introducing significant changes to employers’ national insurance contributions, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and other areas. Let’s explore the reactions from the business community.
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The Sussex Exchange hospitality venue goes on the market
The Sussex Exchange mixed-use hospitality facility in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, has been put on the market and is available immediately to buy or let.
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Lower Thames Crossing Skills Hub pilot launches
A partnership designed to help overcome training and employment barriers and create a skills legacy linked to the Lower Thames Crossing has launched a training initiative.
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Lloyds’ Business Barometer: The South East’s Budget wish list revealed
South East businesses are calling on the Chancellor to prioritise tax when she delivers her first Budget, according to the latest data from Lloyds’ Business Barometer.
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Unlocking investment for improved road and rail services in Kent will be key to unlocking future UK growth
Locate in Kent, the inward investment agency for Kent and Medway, is calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to recognise the importance of the region when she delivers her first budget this Wednesday.
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Businesses’ profit expectations at three-year low as Autumn Budget approaches
New research from business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP finds that mid-market business confidence is faltering ahead of the Autumn Budget on 30 October as profit growth expectations sink to a three-year low and confidence in their funding position continues a downward trajectory since the beginning of the year.
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Company directors warned over increased liability risks
Directors of troubled companies must fulfil their duties to the letter of the law and be able to prove it or face personal liabilities, potential disqualification or even prosecution, warns insolvency specialist R3.
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New partner hire expands Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Sussex family team
Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter has further expanded its growing family team with the appointment of experienced partner Marie Stock.
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Work starts on 103,000 sq ft urban logistics development in Southwater
Developer Chancerygate has started construction on a new 103,000 sq ft Grade A urban logistics development in Southwater, near Horsham, West Sussex.
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METALL forum supports Sussex and Surrey manufacturers
Sussex and Surrey manufacturers looking to grow overseas benefited from advice from one of the UK’s leading international trade experts at the latest meeting of METALL, the forum for the region’s manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses.
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10 businesses embark on Discovery Park’s ‘Discovery Spark’ programme
In a bid to enable future success and growth, 10 entrepreneurial life science and technology businesses have begun the immersive Discovery Spark programme, with a prize package worth over £50,000 up for grabs.
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Bedfont Receives highly commended status at Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards
Medtech company Bedfont Scientific Ltd, based in Harrietsham, Kent, has received recognition for creating a supportive and inclusive workplace and commitment to mental wellbeing at the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards.
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Kent IT firm celebrates 30 years in business and announces leadership changes
Select Technology, based in Paddock Wood, Kent, has marked its 30th anniversary with a celebration event and the announcement of changes at the top as the company looks to the future.
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End-of-year reflections
As 2024 draws to a close, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on a year that began with significant challenges but has ended on a note of progress, resilience and growth.
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