Month: February 2025
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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. […]
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Are you considering new commercial premises?
Unless your business is run entirely from home, you will need commercial premises of some sort – be it an office or co-working space, industrial building or warehouse. Choosing the right commercial property is important to your company’s bottom line and to your staff, both attracting them and keeping them.
Read More
Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2025 now open for entries
The Kent Press & Broadcast Awards (KPBA), organised by Maxim, which celebrate excellence in local journalism, are now open for entries for the 2025 edition.
Read More
South East office investment sees signs of recovery
The South East office investment market showed clear signs of recovery in 2024, with total transaction volumes for the region reaching £1.51 billion, reflecting a 16% increase from 2023, according to new market analysis by commercial real estate advisor and service provider Newmark Group.
Read More
EB100 celebrates UK’s leading SME businesses
Elite Business has announced its annual Elite Business 100 ranking, highlighting the top 100 SMEs across the UK.
Read More
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