Month: January 2025

Construction News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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Commercial property

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.

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News

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.

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News

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. 

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Construction News

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.

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News

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.  

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News

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.

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News

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.

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Project Showcase

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

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Community News

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.

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Legal News

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.

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News

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”.

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News

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.

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Construction News

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.

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News

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.

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Legal News

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.

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News

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.

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Community News

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.

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Construction News

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.

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News

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.

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Expert Comment

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.

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View from the Top

The way forward

With its innovative solutions, SGS Energy is empowering businesses and homeowners to embrace a more sustainable and energy-independent future

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News

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.

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Community News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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Cover Stories

A gateway of innovation 

From green shipping corridors to digital transformation, the Port of Dover is steering a clear path toward the future. Chief executive Doug Bannister shares more 

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Expert Comment Maxim

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?

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News

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.

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Community News

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.

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Community Construction News

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.

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News

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.

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Expert Comment Inflect

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.

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