Month: October 2024
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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Martin Searle Solicitors advises on new sexual harassment law
New legislation comes into force this week that increases penalties for employers who fail to prevent sexual harassment in the course of their workers’ employment. Martin Searle Solicitors recommends new steps in advance of the Christmas party season.
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JE Bennett Law recognised in Chambers and Partners UK Legal Guide 2025
Tunbridge Wells, Kent-based JE Bennett Law has been recognised in the Chambers and Partners UK Legal Guide 2025.
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South East businesses call for greater certainty to stimulate growth ahead of next week’s Budget
With one week to go until the Autumn Budget and the anticipated publication of the government’s business tax roadmap, companies in the South East are calling for more certainty on taxes to help stimulate growth within the region, according to the latest research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP.
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Confidence returning to Surrey commercial property market
Office market confidence is returning across the Thames Valley, Oxford and Surrey but a lack of new industrial supply remains a core issue for the commercial market, according to a report from property consultancy Vail Williams.
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Gateley Legal announces senior construction appointment
Gateley Legal has bolstered its construction offering in the South East with the appointment of legal director Maria Coker at its Guildford, Surrey office.
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Thanet in Kent named new business capital of South East
Thanet is the South East’s emerging new business capital, with 30% more enterprises registered in the past year compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to research carried out by UK packaging supplier Carrier Bag Shop.
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Solving the recruitment conundrum
There is no question that currently recruitment can be very challenging, with many vacancies difficult to fill. On the other hand, there are many people ready and willing to work but they find it difficult to navigate the recruitment process.
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Government weighs up LTC
The other week, my team, along with a huge gathering of stakeholders, attended a House of Commons reception to press home the message to the Government on the importance of giving the green light on 4 October to the new Lower Thames Crossing.
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UK Power Networks honoured at Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024
UK Power Networks’ apprenticeship scheme has been recognised among outstanding employers across the South East at the regional Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024.
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Group of Sussex businesswomen launch shopping emporium in Billingshurst
A group of local businesswomen have assumed ownership of Rocking Horse on Billingshurst High Street in Sussex, unveiling a shopping emporium designed to cater to individuals of all ages.
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South East records highest small business loan and overdraft approval in the UK
The British Business Bank’s fourth annual ‘Nations and Regions Tracker’ finds that the South East performed well in 2023 with regard to external finance usage, with it rising in the region by 12 percentage points.
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Work starts on new clubhouse and pitches for Sittingbourne Rugby Club
A ceremony has taken place to mark the start of work on a new future for Sittingbourne Rugby Club, with a two-storey clubhouse, improved sports facilities and state-of-the-art pitches on the way.
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Kreston Reeves celebrates another double award win at Accounting Excellence Awards
Accountants, business and wealth advisers firm Kreston Reeves is celebrating winning two awards at the Accounting Excellence Awards 2024 and being a finalist in two other categories.
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WIBN Kent to host second Christmas event
After the success of its 2023 gathering, which raised £1,300, the Women in Business Network (WIBN) Kent is hosting its second annual Christmas event and charity raffle.
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“Overwhelmed” SME leaders feel they should know more than they do
Significant numbers of small and medium-sized business leaders feel “overwhelmed” by their roles and “like they should know more than they do”, according to new research from the Small Business Charter.
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3,700 sq ft of high-quality office space now let in Brighton
Flude Property Consultants has announced the recent letting of the 2nd floor offices at 19A Portland Street in central Brighton to Run VT, an award-winning and highly successful TV post-production company.
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Kent legal assistant named ‘best in the country’ at British Wills and Probate Awards
Private client legal assistant Nicola Huseyin of Kent and London law firm Thackray Williams has been named ‘Legal Assistant of the Year’ at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2024.
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How new packaging laws will impact UK businesses
Many UK businesses will face changes to how they manage packaging waste, with new packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws being phased in for the UK. Waste experts from Business Waste detail what this will mean for companies…
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Southern Water relaunches Business Partnership Fund
Southern Water’s Business Partnership Fund is back for a third round. The regional water supplier is on the look-out for new and innovative ideas to help reduce water use in businesses across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent.
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Bedfont Scientific triumphs at 2024 Chamber Business Awards
Maidstone, Kent-based medtech company Bedfont Scientific Ltd has been named regional winner of the prestigious British Chamber of Commerce ‘Digital Revolution Award’.
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Book Brilliance Publishing makes an impact as a ‘Business For Good’
Book Brilliance Publishing, based in Epsom, Surrey, has announced its partnership with B1G1 (Buy1Give1), a global initiative dedicated to transforming everyday business activities into opportunities to create positive, lasting impacts on communities worldwide.
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Pilbeam urges government to address chronic skills gap
Sussex-based contractor Pilbeam Construction is urging the government to take immediate action to tackle the escalating skills gap and prioritise SMEs in the construction sector.
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Unveiling Bexhill Enterprise Park North
In the last edition, I reported that lettings in our High Weald House office building on the Bexhill Enterprise Park were going well: the business centre is two-thirds full, with half of the remaining offices under offer. I also outlined how sites surrounding the building – in an area we’re now calling Bexhill Enterprise Park South – are available on a fully-serviced freehold basis for companies to develop for a wide range of uses.
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An autumn update
As autumn begins, Discovery Park continues to thrive with activity. We’re welcoming new tenants, starting our latest growth programme and hosting events that highlight our dedication to driving innovation and progress in Kent.
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Allica Bank partners with the Federation of Small Businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has signed a partnership with business bank Allica Bank to give FSB members exclusive access to a market-leading rate of return on their savings.
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Growth of South East private sector sustained
The headline NatWest South East Growth Tracker Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – fell from 54.3 in August to 51.2 in September.
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Locate in Kent responds to delay for Lower Thames Crossing
Locate in Kent CEO Nick Fenton has commented on yesterday’s decision by the Secretary of State for Transport concerning the development consent order for the Lower Thames Crossing.
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Housing report predicts first-time buyer boom for Brighton
Demand for residential property is expected to boom in Brighton & Hove by 2040, according to Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, following a major report which predicts a surge in first-time buyers despite the challenges around affordability.
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Directors warned to avoid rogue unlicensed insolvency advisors
Company directors in Kent are being urged to avoid engaging rogue unlicensed insolvency advisors or risk severe financial penalties, being struck off as a director or at worst, a prison sentence, accountancy and advisory firm Azets is warning.
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Employers face imminent new duty to prevent sexual harassment at work
From 26 October 2024, employers will have a legal duty to prevent sexual harassment and will need to take active steps to comply with this duty, says Kent-based employment law specialist Furley Page.
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Panattoni secures major name for Sittingbourne
Panattoni, the largest logistics developer in the UK and Europe, has attracted leading parcel delivery company DPD to take a bespoke, built-to-suit facility at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne.
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Servo Private Wealth achieves CISI Chartered Firm status
Servo Private Wealth, a West Sussex-based specialist independent financial planning business, has been awarded the prestigious CISI Chartered Firm status by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).
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CEF’s TechTalks heads to Kent this October
UK multi-channel electrical distributor CEF is bringing the fourth series of its award-winning TechTalks to Kent Event Centre, Kent on Friday 18 October 2024.
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Kent Crisps secures partnership with Elite Pubs
Independent crisp manufacturer Kent Crisps has secured an ongoing partnership with Elite Pubs, a dynamic collection of 14 pubs, bars and restaurants across Kent and East Sussex.
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Wiltshire Farm Foods Eastbourne drives towards a greener future
Wiltshire Farm Foods Eastbourne has acquired a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment whilst its drivers carry out the important work of delivering meals to some of society’s most vulnerable.
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With the Devolution Agenda accelerating, will the South East be left behind?
The new Labour government has made devolution a cornerstone of its vision for Britain, introducing an English Devolution Bill as one of the centrepieces of its first King’s Speech with the aim of “moving power out of Westminster and back to those who know their areas best”.
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Midnight Communications joins Certified B Corp community
Brighton and Hove-based B2B PR agency Midnight Communications is now a Certified B Corporation (B Corp), joining a global community of for-profit businesses that have pledged to use business as a force for good.
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Opening date announced for The Ivy Canterbury Brasserie
The Ivy Collection has announced the opening of The Ivy Canterbury Brasserie on 29 October 2024, marked by a town crier parade through the heart of Canterbury.
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Are you meeting your legal obligations as an employer?
After years of working with business leaders to transform their workplaces into hubs of collaboration, productivity and innovation, the Dharma Centre for Workplace Wellbeing is launching its state-of-the-art virtual workplace wellbeing academy, designed to bolster your team’s workplace wellbeing efforts and fast-track your company’s journey towards legal compliance and beyond.
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