Year: 2025
South East output falls slightly amid subdued demand conditions
The April NatWest South East Growth Tracker saw business activity slip back from March’s recent improvement.
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Gender gap widens in South East as women in STEM roles drop
An analysis of the Annual Population Survey, which is produced by the Office for National Statistics, reveals the gender split in STEM roles within the South East of England.
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Applications open for NHBC 2025 business graduate programme
NHBC, the UK’s largest provider of new home warranty and insurance, will be opening applications for its 2025 business graduate programme for three weeks from 15 May 2025.
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Made Smarter South East off to a strong start as expert team assembled
A specialist delivery team and regional steering group have been appointed to lead Made Smarter South East and support manufacturing and engineering SMEs to adopt cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
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Listed companies in the South East issued 16 profit warnings in Q1
Listed companies in the South East of England issued 16 profit warnings in Q1 2025 – the same number as the previous quarter, according to the latest EY-Parthenon Profit Warnings report.
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Viewing days announced for commercial units at historic Surrey grain barn
Local artisans and businesses are invited to explore a historic grain barn at Pierrepont Farm, Surrey, where five commercial units will soon be available for rent as part of a thriving creative community.
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Landlords and sole traders urged to prepare for MTD
It may be almost a year away, but landlords and the self-employed are being urged by South East accountants Carpenter Box to prepare for April 2026 when the new Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax era kicks in.
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Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall) opens following major restoration
Following a multimillion-pound investment and two and a half years of upgrades and conservation work, Maison Dieu – Dover Town Hall – has officially reopened to the public.
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Recruitment activity falls at a sharper rate
Hiring conditions across the South of England continued to weaken at the start of the second quarter, according to the latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: South of England survey, compiled by S&P Global.
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Parker & Son named one of the best building companies in the region
Battle-based Parker & Son Construction is celebrating winning the ‘Best Contractor’ category in the South East Construction Awards 2025, which were presented during a gala dinner held at the Amex Stadium in Brighton and Hove.
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Royal British Legion Industries marks VE Day 80th anniversary
Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) has partnered with Transport for London (TfL) to pay tribute to servicemen and women on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day) on Thursday 8 May.
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Hospitality training programme for jobseekers to launch in Worthing
UKHospitality, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will be running the new hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) in Worthing to help people into jobs in the sector.
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Panattoni Park Aylesford welcomes HGV EV-charging station
Panattoni Park Aylesford in Kent is now fully let after planning permission was granted for the final plot to become an electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGV) EV-charging station, making it the UK’s first logistics park to offer such a facility.
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Businesses in the South East celebrated in The King’s Awards for Enterprise
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today (6 May), celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognising their vital role in growing our economy to improve lives.
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73% of hiring managers claim they can spot AI-enhanced CVs
73% of hiring managers claim they can spot when a candidate has used AI to create their CV or cover letter, mainly due to the impersonal language and perfect formatting, with 35% stating that the use of AI would negatively impact their opinion of the candidate, according to a survey from global talent solutions business Robert Walters.
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New venue for female entrepreneurs’ event
Make It Your Business Tunbridge Wells is moving to a bigger venue to accommodate a larger audience, with past events having a waiting list of women from across the South East eager to attend.
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UCA launches the Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Canterbury, Kent has launched the Creative & Cultural Industries Leaders Network to unite industry leaders in shaping the future of the rapidly evolving creative sector.
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South East business confidence falls in April
Business confidence in the South East fell 14 points during April to 36%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
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Ashford Town Centre business grants scheme launched
Ashford Borough Council is relaunching its business grants scheme for Ashford Town Centre, an initiative that provides businesses with the opportunity to bring vacant commercial properties back into active use. Following the recent approval of the new Empty Property Grants Scheme by Cabinet in March 2025, a budget of up to £90,000 has been allocated […]
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Vail Williams drives patient transport group to four new premises
Property consultancy Vail Williams has secured four major properties in Sussex, totalling 68,000 sq ft, for an expanding patient transport specialist.
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Brighton set for new heritage student accommodation scheme
Creative architecture practice Able Partners has been appointed by refurbishment and retrofit experts Bloom Construction to transform disused heritage office space into premium student accommodation on Brighton’s seafront.
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New STEM guide launches to support careers leaders
Careers leaders across the UK can now benefit from a new STEM careers guide to help drive passion and interest amongst young people for a future in engineering and technology – predicted to grow faster than any other sector between now and 2030.
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Kent schools and community groups benefit from South East Water’s Community Chest Fund
A diverse range of charitable good causes across Kent are sharing a £20,000 bounty thanks to South East Water’s Community Chest Fund. The projects chosen include two schools in Maidstone, a community centre based in Ashford and Tenterden, and a Maidstone-based charity. A grant of £2,000 each has been awarded to each of the four […]
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Bakkavor creates 60 local jobs at its Tilmanstone Salads business
Kent-based food manufacturing company Bakkavor is recruiting for 60 new jobs between now and the end of June to support a period of growth for the business, which is already one of the largest employers in the region with a 900-strong workforce.
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National roadshow kicks off to get businesses exporting and grow the economy
SMEs from across the UK will benefit from new government support to match them up with international buyers and markets to turbocharge UK exports and grow the economy as part of the government’s ‘Plan for Change’.
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Opus urges businesses to review R&D tax claims as HMRC crackdown intensifies
Businesses that have claimed R&D tax credits could soon face intense scrutiny from HMRC, warns Opus Restructuring & Insolvency, as the government accelerates efforts to recover fraudulent or erroneous claims.
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Carpenter Box invests in Chichester team and office
The Chichester office of Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box continues to go from strength to strength thanks to a successful recruitment drive and an office refurbishment that is providing further room to grow.
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Sussex SMEs to benefit from expanded business growth programme
SMEs across Sussex will receive continued practical business support from the University of Brighton’s Help to Grow: Management Course, thanks to renewed funding from the Department for Business & Trade.
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McBrides Chartered Accountants joins forces with DJH
McBrides Chartered Accountants has announced a significant milestone in its 52-year journey, having joined DJH, a UK Top 40 accountancy group.
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CWJ celebrates 150 years
2025 marks a significant milestone for Kent law firm Clarkson Wright & Jakes (CWJ) as the firm proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary.
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Kent chocolatier expands UK presence and eyes global growth ahead of Easter
Kent-based chocolatier Cocoba is expanding across the UK, rolling out its products through new international retail partnerships and launching its first franchise store in Maidenhead, just in time for Easter.
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Priory Direct brings its ESG initiatives back to Kent
Priory Direct, a sustainable packaging firm based in Aylesford, Kent, has moved its carbon offsetting scheme from South America to Kent to enable greater staff involvement and tangible impact.
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Family-run West Sussex store sold for first time in 20 years
Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced that Barnham Trading Post, a versatile local store and Post Office in Barnham near Bognor Regis, has been acquired by new owners.
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MP gets behind-the-scenes look at £150m Swale investment
Industrial developer Panattoni marked the completion of phase 1 of Panattoni Park Sittingbourne with a visit from local MP Kevin McKenna.
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Roebucks becomes official sparkling wine partner of Sussex Cricket
West Sussex premium vintage sparkling wine producer Roebuck Estates has announced a new partnership with Sussex Cricket.
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Improved business growth in some UK regions in March but economic uncertainty continues
March’s NatWest Regional Growth Tracker showed improved business growth in more regions of the UK at the end of Q1, but the majority are still being affected by wider economic uncertainty.
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Pair of Folkestone care homes with unusual history sold
Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of Wells House Nursing Home and Wells Lodge Nursing Home in Folkestone, Kent.
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Shepherd Neame chief executive appointed high sheriff of Kent
Jonathan Neame, chief executive of independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame, was officially appointed as High Sheriff of Kent on Saturday 5 April.
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Thomson Snell & Passmore further strengthens its Probate division
South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has welcomed Damien Jones as a partner in its well respected Probate division.
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Carpenter Box announces merger with Clark Brownscombe
South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box is extending its office network into East Sussex with news that it is to merge Lewes-based Clark Brownscombe into its South coast operations.
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Prestigious double award win for Sussex restaurant
TERRA Restaurant Sussex, launched just one year ago by the team behind Tottington Manor Hotel, has received its first AA Rosette following a recent visit from a nationally recognised AA Inspector.
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Chapel House Estate unveils new events space
Chapel House Estate, a private countryside events venue in the heart of Kent, has officially opened its new events space, The Glass Courtyard.
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Collinson Group acquires 9,000 sq ft office at Sheencroft House
Flude Property Consultants has announced that Collinson Group – a global leader in the provision of a range of travel-related services, including airport lounges, loyalty programmes and travel insurance – has acquired 9,000 sq ft of high-quality office space at Sheencroft House, Haywards Heath, West Sussex.
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Dover Marina Hotel celebrates 14th anniversary
Dover’s iconic Dover Marina Hotel, which has been restored to its Regency splendour and is delivering a major boost to the local economy, recently celebrated another birthday.
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Brachers announces three new partners as part of annual promotions
Brachers has recognised the achievements of its staff with 10 promotions this year, including three new female partners.
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Coworking space Ramsgate Works opens
Ramsgate Works, a new workspace for creatives, remote workers and entrepreneurs located on the first floor of the Old Wine Warehouse in Charlotte Court in the centre of Ramsgate, Kent, opened its doors for the first time today.
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South East business confidence rises to eight-month high
Business confidence in the South East rose to an eight-month high in March, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
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Sussex law firm launches attorney affairs team
Full-service Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter has launched a dedicated attorney affairs team to assist clients with managing their personal and financial affairs.
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Kent company wins place on Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea’s £75m Fire Safety Framework
Swanley-based fire safety and construction specialist Trail Group has been awarded a place on The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s (RBKC) new £75m fire safety framework for its property portfolio of multiple occupancy buildings and individual homes.
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RBLI submits plans for permission to build a new Kent factory
Royal British Legion Industries, the national charity supporting Armed Forces veterans and people with disabilities, has submitted a planning application for a new factory at Aylesford in Kent.
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Furley Page rolls out Trainee Solicitor Programme 2026
Graduates interested in a career in the law are encouraged to apply for South East law firm Furley Page’s new Trainee Solicitor Programme, and the deadline for applications is fast approaching.
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South East sees the biggest increase in Start Up Loans in post-pandemic era
Five years since the first Covid-19 lockdown, data from Start Up Loans shows there has been a surge in aspiring South East-based entrepreneurs taking out finance to bring their business plans to life.
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Penfold Church Hall in Steyning undergoes vital repairs
Penfold Hall in Steyning, West Sussex, owned by St Andrew & St Cuthman’s Church, is undergoing structural repairs and renovation by local contractors Pilbeam Construction.
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Kent Community Training launches new social enterprise
Kent Community Training (KCT), co-founded by Lee Webster and Emma Doyle, is a new social enterprise dedicated to helping people from all walks of life — including those facing mental health challenges, unemployment, rehabilitation and other life transitions — to gain practical skills, rebuild confidence and reintegrate into the community and workforce.
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Stonewater granted funding for retrofit works in Sussex
Housing provider Stonewater has been granted provisional allocation of over £18 million in government funding as part of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 3 scheme, with some of the work scheduled to take place in Sussex.
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Businesses face ‘wake up’ call about international indirect tax obligations
Top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets is warning Kent businesses that many companies do not fully understand the extent and complexity of international VAT and Customs Duty rules.
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Cleankill signs up to Armed Forces Covenant
After discussions with ex-services employees, Cleankill Pest Control has signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise to support the Armed Forces community.
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Insolvency-related activity increases across region
Insolvency-related activity increased by more than 23% in Surrey and the South East region last month, says R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body.
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Pupils’ art promotes recycling in Kent
10 budding young artists have won the chance to see their artwork promoting the importance of recycling out on the roads of Kent and Medway thanks to a drawing competition organised by local business Countryside Recycling.
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Land deal completed for 66-home development in Rainham
UK housebuilder Bellway has completed the acquisition of a parcel of land for the delivery of 66 new homes in Rainham, Kent.
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Newhaven Fort to open town’s first escape room
Newhaven Fort is set to unveil a new experience – and a first for the town – with the launch of a brand-new escape room on 5 April.
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Faversham law firm Tassells named as new Kent Cricket ‘Elite Partner’
Faversham law firm Tassells Solicitors has become an ‘Elite Partner’ of Kent Cricket until at least the end of the 2025 season.
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METALL discusses preparing for advanced artificial intelligence in manufacturing
Manufacturers need to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) or risk missing out on transformational business benefits, members of South East-based METALL (The Manufacturing Engineering and Technology Alliance) heard at their latest meeting.
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Furley Page announces Pilgrims Hospices as chosen charity for 300th anniversary year
Pilgrims Hospices has been chosen as Furley Page’s charity of the year for 2025 as part of the law firm’s celebrations to mark its 300-year anniversary.
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Kent business wins award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community’
Swanley-based construction and fire safety specialist Trail Group has won a major award for its contribution to the community, celebrating the company’s delivery of an expanded range of services to improve the quality and safety of social housing and its exceptional record of supporting local communities and charities across Kent and the South East.
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Surrey farming business starts carbon-rich material production thanks to HSBC UK funding
Brodie Biomass, a Surrey-based farming business, is further diversifying following a £1.3m Green Loan funding package from HSBC UK.
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Armatool selects Forterro’s Orderwise to drive UK-wide expansion
Surrey’s Armatool Distributors Limited has chosen Orderwise Cloud to power its nationwide expansion and enhance operational efficiency.
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The Kingdom Group acquires First People Recruitment Ltd
The Kingdom Group has completed the acquisition of South East-based company FPR Group, which specialises in providing temporary and permanent recruitment solutions across the industrial & manufacturing, food and horticultural, technical & engineering, and health & social care sectors.
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Birketts law firm expands in Sevenoaks
Property real estate advisory business SHW has advised law firm Birketts LLP on its expansion at One Suffolk Way in Sevenoaks, Kent, as part of the firm’s continued growth across the South East region.
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IWD: 1 in 7 female managers say their gender has made it harder to succeed at work
Female employees – particularly those working in management – are twice as likely to see their gender as a barrier to success than their male contemporaries, according to a survey of over 2,600 UK workers by HR software provider Ciphr.
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IWD: Female-founded Kent digital marketing community secures £250k investment
Skills of the Future Ltd, a Kent-based community-focused digital publisher and events company, has secured £250,000 in private investment funding to support future growth opportunities with the support of NatWest’s Entrepreneur Accelerator Hub in London.
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Flude lets prime commercial space in Brighton
Flude Property Consultants has announced the successful letting of the Ground Floor, Victoria House, 125 Queens Road in Brighton, a prime commercial space in the area.
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IWD: Europa’s celebrates women in logistics
Europa Worldwide Group, a Dartford-based logistics company, marks International Women’s Day 2025 by highlighting its above-average female workforce representation in the sector.
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University of Brighton hosts International Women’s Day Panel to tackle gender equality in leadership
With only 10% of FTSE 100 companies led by female chief executives, the University of Brighton is bringing together industry leaders for a powerful discussion on accelerating progress towards equity in leadership and business.
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Southeastern unveils £380k boost for good causes
Southeastern is providing a £380,000 boost to community projects as part of its Customer & Community Improvement Fund (CCIF), reinforcing its commitment to supporting the people and places it serves.
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Rise Up and OpenSesame join forces to offer ‘seamless learning access’
Rise Up, one of Europe’s leading all-in-one learning providers, has partnered with OpenSesame to offer more than 40,000 new courses in over 40 languages.
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2025 East Kent Apprenticeship Awards announces sponsors
The East Kent Apprenticeship Awards (EKAA) has announced Port of Dover as the headline sponsor for the prestigious 2025 awards, as well as Kimberly-Clark Corporation as the official dinner sponsor.
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Dandara backs National Careers Week to highlight opportunities in housebuilding
To support National Careers Week 2025 (3-8 March), independent housebuilder Dandara is highlighting key individuals within its business who have exceptional experience in the housebuilding industry.
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Knights acquires IBB Law LLP
South East legal services business Knights has further strengthened its regional presence with the acquisition of IBB Law LLP for an initial £21 million.
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South East business confidence rises in February
Business confidence in the South East rose 16 points during February to 33%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
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Dartford named among the top European cities and regions of the future
Dartford in North Kent has been listed as one of Europe’s destinations to watch in a flagship annual report from the Financial Times focusing on the best and brightest investment destinations in Europe.
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Number of companies in Kent hits record high
New figures just published by Inform Direct reveal that the number of companies in Kent in 2024 was the highest ever recorded.
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Brighton’s The Latest Music Bar joins the WaterBear family
Brighton-based music college WaterBear has acquired independent live music venue The Latest Music Bar, bringing it under its wing as a sister venue to the college’s popular Brighton seafront space, The WaterBear Venue.
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Sharp increase in ‘zombie companies’ in South East mid-market
The number of South East mid-sized businesses at risk of becoming a ‘zombie’ company has risen as rising costs and challenging economic conditions leave little breathing room for growth, according to new research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.
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10 common business waste myths debunked
When it comes to business waste management, there are many misconceptions that can lead to unnecessary costs, environmental harm, and non-compliance with regulations. We hear from leading waste management company Business Waste to debunk some of the most common business waste myths.
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Kent Housing Group Excellence Awards launch
The search is on for the stars of the housing sector in Kent and Medway with the opening of nominations for the Kent Housing Group Excellence Awards 2025. The annual awards – described as the Oscars for our regional housing sector – celebrate the very best projects, professionals and partnerships across housing in the county. […]
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Local law firm offers free advice to fight pregnancy and maternity discrimination at work
Brighton and Gatwick law firm Martin Searle Solicitors has launched its annual ‘Mind The Bump’ campaign, offering free legal advice to employers and employees throughout March.
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Panattoni delivers new logistics and distribution facility for Tesco in Kent
After completing its construction, Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has handed over a 621,000 sq ft facility for Tesco at Panattoni Park Aylesford.
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Peel Ports South East appointment advances construction sustainability
The Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second largest port operator, has appointed construction expert Gary Clements as its new South East sales director as it seeks to develop partnerships with those in the construction sector to improve sustainability practices across both industries.
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Brachers advises amplify5 on minority investment from Literacy Capital
The corporate team at Kent law firm Brachers has advised amplify5 on a significant investment by listed investment trust Literacy Capital plc.
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Vail Williams announces strategic promotions
Property consultancy Vail Williams has made two promotions in Surrey as part of strategic mid-year promotions as business demand continues to grow.
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Four Jays steps in to support Kent charity
Kent-based Four Jays, one of the South East’s largest family-owned toilet, welfare and commercial hire companies, responded to a call for help from Kenward Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals affected by addiction and homelessness.
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Boutique Modern unveils ‘solution to UK’s housing shortage’
Modular homes company Boutique Modern has revealed a new product called ModernHome, which has been developed to build homes quickly for people on the social housing waiting list and help local authorities save significant money at a crucial time.
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Chamber welcomes government’s decision to call-in Northfleet Harbourside
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the news that the Rt Hon Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for the Department of Communities, Homes & Local Government, has called in a decision by Gravesham Borough Council to allow the proposed Northfleet Harbourside development to go ahead.
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Planning applications submitted for ‘transformative’ mixed-use Tonbridge & Malling development
Plans to deliver two new developments have taken a significant step forward, with the submission of two planning applications that, if approved, are set to deliver transformational new leisure facilities and new homes in the Tonbridge & Malling borough.
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Emmaus Dover calls for new trustees to help tackle homelessness
Homelessness charity Emmaus Dover is seeking individuals to join its Board of Trustees and help play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of people who have experienced homelessness.
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The Procurement Act goes live on 24 February: How your small business can benefit
Rob Rees, divisional director of Markel Direct, explains what the new Procurement Act means for SMEs and shares advice on how to increase your chances of success when bidding for government contracts.
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Kent-based Must Have Ideas ranked in top 5 of the UK’s Top 100 SME list
Must Have Ideas, based in Snodland, Kent, is celebrating after being recognised as one of the top 5 SMEs in the UK.
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Azets promotes six across Kent offices
Specialist SME business advisor and accountancy firm Azets has made a series of mid-year promotions across its Kent offices, including a new director.
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More than half of South East businesses look to salary sacrifice schemes to mitigate Budget tax changes
More than half (53%) of South East mid-market businesses are looking at salary sacrifice schemes as a means of mitigating the impact of Budget tax changes coming into force from April, a new survey from BDO has found.
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