Year: 2025

Dandara helps ‘plug the skills gap’ through management training scheme
Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week (10 – 16 February), independent housebuilder Dandara is highlighting a range of trainee schemes for those interested in a career in the housebuilding industry.
Read More
Whitstable-based artisan ice cream maker launches wholesale range
Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium, a family-owned premium artisan ice cream maker based in Whitstable, Kent, is expanding by launching a brand-new wholesale range.
Read More
Work starts on EKC Sheppey College extension
Part of the £20 million government-funded Sheerness Revival project, put together by Swale Borough Council, the extension of EKC Sheppey College has taken one step closer to fruition.
Read More
Newhaven Fort to reopen following £7.5m restoration
Newhaven Fort in East Sussex will reopen its doors to the public on 15 February 2025, following a transformative £7.5m restoration of the historic landmark.
Read More
32 new affordable rented homes to go ahead in Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey
Chartway Partnerships Group, in collaboration with housing association Moat, has announced that Swale Borough Council has granted planning permission for the development of 32 much-needed new affordable rented homes in Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey.
Read More
Private Business Awards launch for 2025
The Private Business Awards 2025, sponsored by BDO, has officially launched, with nominations now open to private or PE-backed businesses with a turnover of £50m-£300m.
Read More
Kent misses out on fast-tracked devolution programme
Today (5 February) the government announced that Kent has not been selected for its Devolution Priority Programme (DPP).
Read More
FareShare calls for donations to combat seasonal ‘Hunger Gap’
Leading food redistribution charity FareShare Sussex & Surrey is urging food businesses to help tackle the annual ‘Hunger Gap’.
Read More
Kent drinks business toasts new partnership with Aldi
Family-owned drinks supplier Storefast Solutions Ltd, based near Gravesend in Kent, has agreed a partnership with Aldi to create an exciting new Spicy Margarita cocktail can, as well as continuing its Espresso Martini flavour.
Read More
Majority of businesses struggling to secure additional funding required to support their growth
New research from business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP finds that, while many businesses expect they will need to secure additional funding to support their growth this year, the majority are currently finding it difficult to access the funding required.
Read More
Brachers joins Lawfront
South East law firm Brachers, based in Maidstone and Canterbury, has joined fast-growing legal services group Lawfront.
Read More
Versatile East Kent property with vineyard for sale
Land and property company BTF Partnership is offering for sale a private and versatile property in the historic Alkham Valley designated Area of National Beauty, including an established vineyard, holiday cottages, ancient woodland and further potential for business development, with a guide price of £3,300,000.
Read More
Cala submits proposals for further new and affordable homes in North Horsham
Cala Homes (South Home Counties) has submitted a Reserved Matters application to Horsham District Council to bring new homes to North Horsham.
Read More
Selkent opens million-pound warehouse in Sittingbourne, Kent
With a large million-pound investment, Selkent – a leading UK supplier of construction fixings and tools – is increasing its customer fulfilment capacity by opening a brand-new warehouse in Sittingbourne, UK.
Read More
Kent employee-owned veterinary group wins trio of awards
Pennard Vets, a B-Corp certified veterinary group with eight practices in Kent that became the world’s largest employee-owned practice in 2021, has won three awards in quick succession.
Read More
Flude Secures letting of retail unit in Lancing, West Sussex
Flude Property Consultants, an independent firm of chartered surveyors in the South East, has successfully let a prime retail unit at 73-75 North Road, Lancing.
Read More
Demand for startup finance suggests a continued entrepreneurial drive in the UK
The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme saw a 9% rise in loan volumes in 2024 compared to the previous calendar year, suggesting a continued entrepreneurial drive in the UK.
Read More
Brighton’s sustainable restaurant initiative expands with new workshop
The University of Brighton and Restaurants Brighton have teamed up for a sustainability workshop to help local restaurants reduce their environmental impact and share sustainability success.
Read More
Development of new homes upgraded to net-zero carbon
Over 50 new houses, currently under construction in East Sussex, will now be fully net-zero carbon thanks to an increased sustainability specification.
Read More
Furley Page celebrates 300 years in Kent
South East law firm Furley Page is planning a year of celebratory and charitable events to commemorate its 300-year anniversary.
Read More
Kent businesses to boost sustainability with grants and expert training
Businesses in Kent and Medway can now apply for expert guidance and up to £7,000 in funding to reduce their carbon footprint with a new sustainability training programme called Growing Green.
Read More
New licensees sought for community pub in Wilmington
Shepherd Neame’s Orange Tree pub in Wilmington, a village on the outskirts of Dartford, Kent, is set to undergo a major refurbishment, and a unique opportunity is on offer to run it.
Read More
A vision for Kent
From Aylesford’s state-of-the-art park to Sittingbourne’s groundbreaking development, Panattoni is shaping the future of logistics in Kent
Read More
Folkestone’s Leas Lift appoints community engagement manager
As restoration work at Folkestone’s Leas Lift is set to begin, the charity has appointed a community engagement manager to ensure local people are kept informed and feel part of the efforts to reopen the iconic lift.
Read More
Thomson Snell & Passmore advises JR Pet Products on its sale to AlphaPet Ventures
AlphaPet Ventures, a European digital brand platform for premium pet food, has acquired UK-based JR Pet Products, a leading premium dog treat brand, with the shareholders of JR advised by Kent law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore on the transaction.
Read More
Employers in the South East ‘unprepared’ as real-time benefits-in-kind reporting looms
South East employers have less than 15 months to prepare for compulsory HMRC reporting on payroll expenses and benefits-in-kind. Joanna Gander, associate director at accountancy and advisory firm Azets, warns that it is going to cause a serious administrative headache as many are “unprepared”.
Read More
Assetz Capital expands London and South East focus
Scott Pamflett, relationship director at SME property finance lender Assetz Capital for London & South East, is extending his focus to development finance and residential refurbishment markets.
Read More
Wates Developments submits proposals for new homes in Ashtead, Surrey
Wates Developments and its Vistry Group partners have submitted outline plans to Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) for up to 270 new homes in Ashtead, Surrey.
Read More
ViFi Roadshow arrives in Brighton
The ViFi Business Finance Roadshow is set to begin in Brighton, offering an insightful workshop designed to help local business owners better understand their financials and improve profitability.
Read More
Seminar to offer Kent employers insights on important new rights for workers
In February, Kent employers will be offered valuable insights and practical guidance on navigating significant changes to employment law.
Read More
Trainees rise to partner status at Carpenter Box
Two accountants who began their careers as trainees at Carpenter Box will join as new partners in 2025 at the rapidly expanding South East and Sussex-based firm.
Read More
Haven Young Creatives receives £5k funding from Newhaven Enterprise Zone
An arts charity in Newhaven which provides free drama workshops for children and young people has received nearly £5,000 from Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s Community Fund to employ an early years artist.
Read More
Barratt David Wilson Kent reveals over £24m contribution to Kent
Barratt David Wilson Kent has published its 2024 Socio-Economic report, revealing that, in 2024, the housebuilder contributed a total of £24.4 million to benefit local communities across Kent.
Read More
Mayo Wynne Baxter sees significant growth
Sussex-based law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter (MWB) has announced a 7% increase in revenue for the past financial year, taking the firm’s turnover to more than £13.5 million for the first time, thanks to organic growth and team expansion.
Read More
The way forward
With its innovative solutions, SGS Energy is empowering businesses and homeowners to embrace a more sustainable and energy-independent future
Read More
Businesses’ profit growth to stall following rising employment costs
New research from business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP finds that following the increases announced in the Autumn Budget to employer NI Contributions and National Minimum Wage, UK businesses’ profit growth expectations remain low. Many are looking to review employee costs across the board, including implementing hiring freezes.
Read More
Sussex Emmaus calls for new trustees to help tackle homelessness
Homelessness charity Sussex Emmaus 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.
Read More
Ashford leaders demand Eurostar services return on 29th anniversary of their arrival
Campaigners are pushing to revive Eurostar services at Ashford International Station ahead of its 30th anniversary next year.
Read More
Surrey’s ELM Group celebrates winning five key industry awards
Surrey-based property management company ELM Group is celebrating a strong start to 2025 after collecting five key industry awards in November, recognising its significant contribution to the retirement property market as an ethical provider with transparent operations.
Read More
Preparation is pre-requisite for positive planning
The government is talking a lot about ‘growth’ and has at last recognised the shortcomings in the nation’s planning system. Much is made of how poorly our planning system works, but what can businesses do to tip the odds in their favour?
Read More
RBLI chief executive honoured by King Charles
The chief executive of Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), the national charity supporting Armed Forces veterans and people with disabilities, has been awarded the title Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in King Charles’ New Year’s Honours List.
Read More
Apogee Corporation raises £4,300 for Dementia UK
Kent-based managed workplace services provider Apogee Corporation has raised £4,300 for specialist dementia nursing charity Dementia UK through its 2024 Christmas Advent Calendar.
Read More
Local housebuilder invests over £800,000 in Deal community
Local housebuilder David Wilson Homes has recently confirmed its Section 106 agreement with Dover District Council (DDC), confirming that a total of £805,084 will be directly invested into the Sholden area.
Read More
Tassells Solicitors relocates from Faversham town centre
After 232 years at its historic premises on West Street, Faversham, Tassells LLP has moved to modern offices at Jubilee Way, a business park on the town’s outskirts.
Read More
A Budget for growth?
The rows over the government’s recent Budget continue to rumble on, and for businesses in the South East, the impact is still being assessed.
Read More
Who is sitting around your table?
Running a business has its ups and downs, as all business owners know, and sometimes all the planning in the world and the best ideas can have to be changed due to factors outside of your control.
Read More