Year: 2025
Reward Funding backs acquisition with £4M facility for 4PL
Reward Funding has supported the growth aspirations of West Sussex business 4PL with a £4m revolving credit facility.
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South East lawyer recognised nationally for later life expertise
Tracy Rowden, private client partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter, has earned national recognition for her specialist work supporting older and vulnerable clients and their families and carers – becoming one of a select group in the UK to achieve accredited Lifetime Lawyer status.
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Shepherd Neame extends Charity of the Year Partnership
Kent-based independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame is extending its successful partnership with current Charity of the Year, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), into 2026.
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Autumn Budget 2025: Reactions from the business community
On Wednesday 26 November, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered the 2025 Autumn Budget. But what impact will the changes have on SMEs across the South East? We asked local business leaders, along with legal, financial and property experts, for their reactions.
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Budget 2025: Big changes ahead
South East law firm Thackray Williams reacts to the recently announced Autumn Budget, sharing insights from Elliot Lewis, partner and head of the Private Wealth team, Adrian Whichcord, partner and head of the Sevenoaks Conveyancing team, and Nick Gabay, partner and head of the Corporate & Commercial sector.
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Budget 2025: Manufacturers must invest or be squeezed
Paula Ireland, commercial & operations director at Felcon Limited, non-executive director at Sussex Chamber of Commerce and chair of Apprenticeships East Sussex, reacts to the Budget.
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Budget delivers small gains but leaves builders ‘underwhelmed’
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has said that many small construction firms are left feeling “underwhelmed” by the Chancellor’s Budget, despite a handful of welcome measures.
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Manufacturers weigh in on the Budget
Given the difficult economic circumstances the Chancellor faced, as well as the intense speculation, the Budget was a case of two steps forward and one step back for manufacturers, says MakeUK, the manufacturers’ organisation.
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A ‘mixed bag’ Budget for retail
Reacting to the Chancellor’s Budget, the British Retail Consortium said the measures amounted to a “mixed bag”, with welcome rate cuts offset by new levies and looming cost pressures.
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What does the Budget mean for the UK hospitality sector?
The Budget has ushered in a costly new reality for the UK hospitality sector, prompting trade body UKHospitality to warn of mounting pressures from rising taxes and rateable values.
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Autumn Budget 2025: The key takeaways
On 26 November, the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered the 2025 Autumn Budget to the House of Commons, setting the tone for taxation, spending and economic policy over the coming years.
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Dolphin Motorhomes expands into West Sussex
Family-run motorhome dealer Dolphin Motorhomes has announced that it will be adding a third location to its portfolio – Chichester, West Sussex – in early January 2026.
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Tunbridge Wells welcomes Mad Dog Brewery Co taproom
More than 300 years after starting life as the brewery for the first hotel in Tunbridge Wells, a historic venue has re-opened as the town’s newest taproom.
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Select Technology appoints new business development manager
Kent-based managed service provider Select Technology has welcomed Nick Brennan to the team as business development manager, marking the latest stage of the growth strategy for the company.
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Must Have Ideas named finalist in Retail Week Awards 2026
Kent-based homeware brand Must Have Ideas has been selected as a finalist in the ‘Digital Excellence Award’ category, sponsored by EV Cargo, at the Retail Week Awards 2026, one of the industry’s most respected celebrations of retail innovation and achievement.
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Reflect Digital celebrates double award win
Becky Simms, founder and CEO of Kent-based digital marketing agency Reflect Digital, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business in Kent’ honour, while Reflect Digital was simultaneously named ‘Employer of the Year’ at this year’s Kent Chamber of Commerce Awards.
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Historic Medway fort heads to auction with Savills
Real estate service provider Savills is set to auction Darnet Fort, a nineteenth-century military fort located on the River Medway in Kent, at its final sale of the year, taking place on 10 December.
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Gillingham-based JM Partnership joins enevo
JM Partnership (Surveyors) Ltd, established in 1997 and based in Gillingham, Kent, has been hand-picked to complement enevo, a national provider of built environment testing, inspection, certification and compliance services.
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Brighton studio launches interactive AR content platform
Brighton-based creative studio RamJam has launched PromotAR, a platform that allows brands to engage customers through interactive, shareable digital experiences.
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The Pace Group acquires Kent-based The Lift Company & DJ Lifts
LDC-backed The Pace Group, the lift maintenance and repair specialist, has strengthened its national footprint with the acquisition of Kent-based The Lift Company & DJ Lifts, alongside North East operator Exel Elevator.
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Volunteers urged to join biggest Tesco Food Collection yet
Volunteers are needed to help smash a 20-tonne food donation record this November as FareShare Sussex & Surrey launches its latest Tesco Food Collection to support those facing hunger.
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Kent rail upgrades scheduled for Christmas and New Year
Passengers are asked to plan ahead this Christmas and New Year as vital upgrades are delivered for a more reliable railway across Kent and South East London.
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Pennard Vets introduces new pet hydrotherapy centre
Pets across Kent will soon benefit from a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite at Pennard Vets in Sevenoaks, opening in time for Christmas.
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Roger Gough shortlisted for national Lifetime Legend Cllr Award
Roger Gough, former leader of Kent County Council, has been shortlisted for ‘Lifetime Legend’ at the 2025 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards.
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Brachers recognised in The Times ‘Best Law Firms 2026’ list
Brachers has once again been named in The Times ‘Best Law Firms 2026’ list, a prestigious annual ranking of the top 250 law firms in England and Wales.
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Whitbread launches refreshed network targets across the South East
Hotel and restaurant operator Whitbread has launched ambitious plans to expand its portfolio of Premier Inn hotels across the South East following a comprehensive review of its network requirements across Surrey, Kent and Sussex.
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South East signals strongest rise in new business since May 2023
Latest NatWest South East Growth Tracker data reveals renewed activity growth, fuelled by greater new order inflows and amid a notable improvement in confidence.
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Major leisure and housing plans for Hythe unveiled
A £120m privately funded scheme to transform Hythe golf course and deliver much-needed community leisure and sporting facilities, new homes and improvements to the Hythe Imperial Hotel has been unveiled.
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Small Business Britain and Starling join forces to boost female entrepreneurship
Starling bank has teamed up with Small Business Britain, the UK’s champion of small businesses, to roll out a campaign to empower women across the UK to start and grow their businesses.
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£6 million investment in apprenticeships to power future energy
UK Power Networks is investing £6 million in craft electricity apprenticeships this year, including fresh recruits from Kent set to play a key part in shaping Britain’s energy future.
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Local manufacturers invited to explore the ‘Factory of the Future’
Manufacturers across Surrey, Kent and Sussex are being invited to step into the factory of the future at a landmark event hosted by Made Smarter at Cranfield University in Bedford.
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Opus strengthens Kent presence with new partner appointment
Opus Restructuring and Insolvency has appointed Ben Stanyon as partner to strengthen its operations across Kent and the wider South East.
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Ciphr eLearning launches new microlearning suite for UK businesses
HR software and eLearning content provider Ciphr has introduced a new range of ‘micro’ employee training courses suitable for organisations across all industries.
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Family businesses in the South East need certainty now, says KPMG
Family businesses across the South East are standing at a crossroads, faced with the choice of waiting for clarity or forging ahead despite economic and political uncertainty, warns KPMG UK, as new research reveals that confidence among the region’s family firms has dipped compared to other privately owned businesses.
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Must Have Ideas welcomes first employee through Connect to Work scheme
Must Have Ideas, the fast-growing Kent-based homeware brand, has announced that 19-year-old Louis Turl – the company’s first employee to join through the Connect to Work scheme, supported by The Education People – has successfully transitioned into full-time employment with the business.
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Kent’s property market resilient against the headwinds
This year’s Kent Property Market Report, produced by Caxtons Property Consultants and Kent County Council, is forecasting positive growth in some property sectors and the economic headwinds calming.
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Draft business cases for new Kent and Medway councils unveiled
Councils from across Kent and Medway have published a series of draft business cases on the Kent Leaders website to help inform the next steps in the government’s “biggest shake up” of local councils in 50 years.
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Character Brighton office let at The Old Coach House
Brighton and Hove-based independent chartered surveyor Flude Property Consultants has completed the letting of The Old Coach House, 110 Old London Road, Brighton, acting on behalf of the landlord.
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Penshurst pub wins place in The Good Food Guide
The Leicester Arms in Penshurst, near Tonbridge, Kent, has been named in The Good Food Guide’s prestigious inaugural 100 Best Pubs.
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Whitehead Monckton transitions to Employee Ownership Trust structure
Kent law firm Whitehead Monckton has announced its transition to become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), making it one of the few law firms in the country to embrace this ownership model.
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Kent entrepreneur shortlisted for RICS UK Award
Kent businessman Alexander Galvin, director of London & Kent Surveyors, has been shortlisted for ‘Young Residential Surveyor of the Year’ at the RICS UK Awards – one of the most prestigious accolades in the built environment sector.
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South East business confidence dips in October, but more firms plan to hire
Business confidence in the South East fell eight points during October to 41%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
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Chartway partners with VIVID to deliver 149 new homes in Chertsey
Chartway Partnerships Group, working in partnership with MTP Developments Ltd and leading housing association VIVID, has entered into a contract to deliver 149 high-quality new homes at Green Lane, Chertsey, Surrey.
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Bidding war drives up price of Epsom lock-up garages at auction
A collection of 29 lock-up garages in Epsom, Surrey sparked a fierce bidding war at a Clive Emson auction this week, eventually selling for £333,000 – £58,000 above the lower guide price.
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Mayo Wynne Baxter announces promotions amid continued growth
South East law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter has announced six promotions, effective 1 November 2025.
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Croudace Homes build manager Matthew McCourt wins LABC award
Caterham-based Croudace Homes has secured a prestigious win at the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) South East Building Excellence Awards.
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Trust your staff and never stop learning, says Paul Bates
For Paul Bates, managing director of South East business Cleankill Pest Control, empowering employees and embracing continuous learning are key to effective leadership. After 44 years in the pest control industry, I’ve seen enormous changes – not just in the technology and legislation that shape our work, but in how businesses are built and led. […]
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Beach Street Restaurants acquires Whitstable bistro Samphire
Leisure property specialist Fleurets has completed the leasehold sale of award-winning Whitstable restaurant Samphire.
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Major truckstop proposed to serve cross-Channel ports
A major new lorry park to serve freight traffic passing through the Port of Dover could be on the horizon after a Kent-based developer unveiled its plans.
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Recruitment tops list of employers’ biggest challenges, says Ciphr
Recruiting enough qualified workers, retaining existing talent and managing rising costs are among the biggest challenges facing UK organisations right now, according to new research by HR and payroll software provider Ciphr.
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Kent housebuilder supports Canterbury school’s green learning
Barratt David Wilson Homes has formed a three-way partnership with Haven Nook, a Special Educational Needs School and part of the Tuition Extra Education Service, and Communigrow, a sustainable food education charity, to support green outdoor learning close by to its Saxon Fields and The Woodlands developments in Canterbury, Kent.
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Sussex private sector delivers strong growth
A new report from Grant Thornton UK highlights Sussex as a region of dynamic growth and diversity, with its leading privately owned businesses continuing to outperform expectations.
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Bellway starts work on new homes in Bexhill-on-Sea
Bellway Southern Counties has started construction work on a new development that will bring 89 new homes to Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex.
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Brighton Toy and Model Museum renovation project progresses
A project designed to boost visitor numbers at Brighton Toy and Model Museum is progressing well, says Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction.
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Kent cabaret production company to open new Ramsgate venue
This November, LGBTQ+ cabaret collective Screaming Alley is launching The Alley Bar, a new members-only underground venue tucked beneath a barbershop in Ramsgate, Kent.
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South East SMEs prioritise innovation amid economic pressures
SMEs in the South East are planning to invest more in product innovation over the next 12 months, according to new research from B2B e-commerce platform Alibaba.com.
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Newhaven Port secures £130K to power net zero vision
Funding from Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) is helping Newhaven Port explore the potential for a new site dedicated to renewable energy production, warehousing and lorry parking – creating new local employment opportunities.
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Partnership forms landmark Biodiversity Net Gain Scheme
Halnaker Hill Natural Capital (HHNC) and leading property consultancy Bidwells have joined forces to launch one of the UK’s largest ever Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) schemes at Halnaker Hill Farm in Sussex.
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Battle Brewery toasts success at Battle of Hastings Re-enactment
East Sussex’s Battle Brewery is celebrating a triumphant weekend at the Battle of Hastings Re-enactment event after hosting its own beer hall for the first time under new ownership.
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Sharp decline in R&D tax relief claims by Surrey SMEs
There has been a marked fall in the number of SMEs in Surrey making research & development tax relief (R&D) claims, according to research by UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets.
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Hyde and Chartway secure planning for new Sittingbourne homes
The Hyde Group, in partnership with Chartway Partnerships Group, has secured Reserved Matters planning permission at Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne to deliver 135 affordable new homes, helping to meet local housing needs.
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Brighton architecture students reimagine Newhaven and Dieppe for a changing climate
Architecture students from the University of Brighton are showcasing their innovative design proposals for Newhaven and Dieppe in a free exhibition exploring architecture’s role in tackling the climate crisis.
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Swanton House scheme set to begin in Ashford town centre
A building in Ashford town centre that has stood unoccupied for more than 20 years is about to be demolished to make way for high-quality apartments located a short walk from Ashford International Station.
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Mural marks £750k investment in Chatham
A huge hand-painted tiled mural has been erected at a pumping station in Chatham, Kent to mark a £750k investment in the site and to support regeneration of the local area.
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Insolvency-related activity increases by 10% across Kent and the South East
Insolvency-related activity rose in Kent and the South East last month, says R3, the UK’s restructuring, turnaround and insolvency trade body.
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Brighton Event unites South East architects, designers and craftspeople
An interior designer from Hove, East Sussex is inviting South East architects, designers and skilled craftspeople to join an exclusive collective with a special event taking place in December at Brighton Pier.
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Gatwick industrial market ‘ready for take-off’, says CoStar
Vacancies in the Gatwick industrial market look to have finally peaked after a prolonged period of growth, marking a turning point for one of the South East’s most strategically located logistics hubs, according to commercial real estate analytics firm CoStar.
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Keensight acquires majority stake in Bedfont Scientific Ltd
Private equity manager Keensight Capital has acquired a majority stake in Maidstone, Kent-based Bedfont Scientific Ltd, which designs and manufactures non-invasive breath analysis medical devices.
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B100 in Surrey wins ‘Commercial Development of the Year’ award
Workplace design and fit-out specialist Area is celebrating a landmark win at the 2025 Thames Valley Property Awards, where its redevelopment of B100 at Bourne Business Park in Surrey was named ‘Commercial Development of the Year’.
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Martin’s Properties acquires Bognor Regis Retail Park
Development and investment property company Martin’s Properties has acquired the freehold interest in Bognor Regis Retail Park to add to its regional investment portfolio.
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Jones Homes prepares to start work on 100 homes in Hoo St Werburgh
Independent housebuilder Jones Homes is preparing to start work on a development of 100 new homes in Hoo St Werburgh, which will generate £1.9 million of investment in infrastructure.
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Award success for Kent communications firm
Margate-based copywriting and communications agency Red and White Media has achieved recognition at both regional and national levels, earning two accolades in two months.
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New independent book and record shop to open in Forest Row
The Booksellers Association, the membership organisation for booksellers in the UK & Ireland, is welcoming Day’s Books and Records, a new independent book and record shop located in the heart of Forest Row village, East Sussex. The shop – offering a carefully curated selection of new and used books and vinyl records, celebrating literature and […]
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Panattoni makes major site acquisition in Kent
Maidstone looks set for a significant jobs boost following the purchase of a 70-acre site on the A20 between Lenham and Harrietsham by Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial logistics and distribution property developer. The Kent site was previously owned by Belgium-based Aliaxis, which announced in June last year that it was ceasing the […]
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Canterbury restaurant The Corner House seeks new owner
Leisure property specialist Fleurets has brought to market the freehold interest in The Corner House, a successful and long-established restaurant business in Canterbury, Kent.
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Azets’ warning over contracted-out construction R&D claims
Accountancy firm Azets has warned construction companies they need to be fully aware of updated legislation surrounding ‘contracted-out’ research and development (R&D) tax relief claims or find themselves in deep water.
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Thomson Snell & Passmore grows its Real Estate team
Thomson Snell & Passmore has added further depth and breadth to its Real Estate department with seven new appointments over recent months.
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Whitstable Library adopts new drainage approach
Whitstable Library in Kent has introduced new sustainable drainage features as part of a wider partnership project aimed at reducing pressure on the local sewer network and supporting environmental resilience.
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Surrey’s Zone3 honoured with King’s Award for Enterprise
Surrey-based triathlon and open-water swimming brand Zone3 has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
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Flude lets prime retail spot in Worthing
Flude Property Consultants has announced the successful letting of a prime retail unit at 49 Montague Street, Worthing to Evapo Limited, a leading national vaping retailer.
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Booming Guildford faces top-quality office space shortage, says Vail Williams
Guildford is booming thanks to town centre regeneration schemes, but a shortage of top-quality office space could become critical, says a sector specialist at property consultancy Vail Williams.
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Folkestone Harbour marks a decade of transformation
Folkestone Harbour is marking 10 years since the beginning of its regeneration, which has seen the former industrial site develop into a coastal leisure destination attracting visitors from across the UK.
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Kewell Converters celebrates community and national recognition
Kent-based Kewell Converters, one of the UK’s longest-established independent foam converters, marked National Manufacturing Day 2025 with a dual celebration of national recognition and local impact.
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Shepherd Neame launches coffee recycling scheme
Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has launched a new coffee grounds recycling scheme to reduce waste and offer customers a boost for their gardens.
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South East business confidence rises in September
Business confidence in the South East rose six points during September to 49%, bucking the national trend and rising above the UK average, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
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Kent Housing Group Excellence Awards 2025 winners announced
Teams and individuals working in the housing sector across the county have enjoyed success in the Kent Housing Group (KHG) Excellence Awards, which took place on 25 September.
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Two in five small businesses fear closure amid rising energy costs
New research from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, and Thinks Insight & Strategy has revealed that small businesses are being pushed to breaking point by rising energy costs.
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Carpenter Box announces record 27 new trainee appointments
Sussex and Hampshire accountancy firm Carpenter Box has welcomed a record 27 new trainee accountants, tax and business advisers over the past 12 months, with 12 joining in September.
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Diamonds Factory opens its doors in Brighton
SHW, on behalf of a private client, has secured a new five-year lease with Neve Jewels Limited trading as Diamonds Factory at 26b North Street in Brighton.
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Ramsgate East Cliff shelter renovation draws strong public response
Ramsgate not-for-profit Heritage Lab Ramsgate is looking for Expressions of Interest from individuals, community organisations and private operators to take on three of the shelters it is renovating at Ramsgate’s East Cliff.
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Six SME manufacturers unlock digital growth with Made Smarter
Six manufacturers across Surrey, Kent and Sussex are amongst the first to join Made Smarter, the government-backed initiative helping SMEs adopt new digital technologies to drive growth.
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South East lags behind in AI adoption, reveals new survey
Kent-based performance marketing agency Reflect Digital has revealed that the South East has the lowest adoption of AI search tools, with two-thirds (66%) of residents rarely or never using them.
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Midnight teams up with inclusion consultancy Edge of Difference
Brighton B Corp PR agency Midnight has joined forces with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) consultancy Edge of Difference to launch a new partnership built on “shared values and a passion for helping businesses do better”.
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Chess Dynamics welcomes new managing director
Horsham-based fire control, surveillance and positioning systems specialist Chess Dynamics, part of the Cohort plc Group, has appointed Andy Smith as its new managing director.
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Lord-Lieutenant tours Newhaven to see town’s growth and ambition
The Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex Andrew Blackman visited Newhaven for a special tour in September to learn more about the town’s role as a centre for growth in the county.
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Locate in Kent begins process of voluntary liquidation
Locate in Kent, the agency that has spearheaded inward investment and job creation across the county for more than 25 years, has announced it will enter voluntary liquidation amid rising costs and dwindling national funding.
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Waste-to-hydrogen facility gathers momentum in Kent
Hydrogen TE UK Ltd (HTE) has revealed ambitious new plans for a dedicated education and training hub alongside its proposed waste-to-hydrogen facility in Manston, Kent.
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Get Ahead welcomes new regional director for East Surrey
Outsourcing agency Get Ahead has appointed a new regional director to its growing team, with Natasha Doran now leading the East Surrey region.
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Latest developments in Renters’ Rights Bill: What landlords need to know
Andrew Gunner, regional lettings director at Brand Vaughan, recaps what Brighton and Hove-based landlords need to know after the government rejected most House of Lords amendments to the landmark housing legislation overhaul.
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Team Tactics gears up for growth with client services appointment
Corporate events specialist Team Tactics has appointed Louise Bourne as client development executive to support its growing roster of high-profile clients.
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