News

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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Brachers joins Lawfront
South East law firm Brachers, based in Maidstone and Canterbury, has joined fast-growing legal services group Lawfront.
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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South East businesses reveal 2025 ambitions
South East businesses will be targeting increased productivity and upskilling their staff in 2025, according to new research from Lloyds’ Business Barometer.
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Thackray Williams expands commercial team
London and Kent law firm Thackray Williams is looking to expand its commercial team further after four new hires across its commercial practices and unprecedented growth.
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Supporting charities ‘boosts customer loyalty by 250%’
Customers that engage with charity partnerships are more than three times as likely (250%) to stay loyal to the brand, the MD of sustainable packaging supplier Priory Direct told representatives from more than 40 businesses and charities at a Kent CSR event in November.
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Brighton hospitality scene ranks top for startup potential
As the hospitality industry braces for post-budget challenges in the new year, new research has revealed that Brighton-based businesses may have the best chance of weathering the storm.
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Eco-friendly restoration underway on historic grain barn at Surrey farm
Work is well underway to restore a historic grain barn at the Countryside Regeneration Trust’s (CTR) Pierrepont Farm in Surrey, thanks to a legacy donation to the charity.
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South East bucks national trend with rise in business confidence
Business confidence in the South East rose seven points during December to 34%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
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Moore Barlow corporate team celebrates successful 2024
After rounding up the final deals of 2024, regional top-100 law firm Moore Barlow has announced its supported deals with a total value of £350m.
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Kent community centres awarded share of £30,000 from Southern Water
Christmas has come early for 10 Kent community centres after they received a share of Southern Water’s £30,000 regional Community Fund.
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Shepherd Neame sponsors Rochester’s new Christmas lights
Kent independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame is among the sponsors of the new Christmas Lights in Rochester.
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One third of South East businesses have experienced fraud in the last five years
Almost one third (31%) of South East businesses have experienced fraud in the last five years, a new survey from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has found.
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‘Help to Grow’ hits 10,000 milestone with support from the South East
More than 10,000 business leaders across the UK, including over 1,500 in the South East, have enrolled on the Help to Grow: Management Course to provide them with the knowledge and confidence to boost their business performance.
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Ashford Borough Council steps up support for rough sleepers
Ashford Borough Council is opening an Outreach Centre in January as part of renewed steps to support rough sleepers this winter.
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EDP begins construction of stand-alone storage project in Sandwich, Kent
EDP, through EDP Renewables, has started the construction of its first stand-alone battery energy storage (BESS) project in Europe, located within Richborough Energy Park near Sandwich, Kent.
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Privately held London and South East firms optimistic about 2025 despite challenges
Almost nine in every 10 (88%) private business owners in London and the South East are confident of delivering growth in 2025, according to KPMG UK’s first-ever Private Enterprise Barometer.
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Eastbourne welcomes Lightning Fibre’s fully accessible ice rink
British Olympic figure-skating champion Robin Cousins MBE, along with special guests from Forward Facing, a charity supporting Sussex families whose children have long-term or life-limiting conditions, took to the ice at internet service provider Lightning Fibre’s accessible Ice Rink in Eastbourne to celebrate its accessibility for all.
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Milence to develop its second ever UK eHGV charging hub in Kent
Plans to build a charging hub designed for electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGV) at Panattoni Park Aylesford in Kent have been announced by Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP and Volvo Group.
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Clarkson Wright & Jakes announces two new hires
Kent law firm Clarkson Wright & Jakes (CWJ) is delighted to welcome back Carly Johnson (nee Sargeant) as partner and head of its Residential Property team. Carly started her conveyancing career at Clarkson Wright & Jakes in 2002 and worked for the firm until 2014. She continued to gain further valuable experience at another Kent […]
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South East remains UK’s “most distressed region”, says The IFT
The Institute for Turnaround (The IFT) has released its fifth Societal Impact report, surveying its members and highlighting that UK corporate distress shows no signs of easing, despite some increased economic stability.
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Amino Plus awarded ‘Discovery Spark’ prize package worth over £50,000
Following the immersive Discovery Spark (from Kent science park Discovery Park) programme and a competitive pitch process with nine fellow entrepreneurial life science and technology businesses, Amino Plus has secured the coveted first-place prize.
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Triodos Bank announces first BNG private sector loan to Nature Impact
Triodos Bank UK has announced its first private sector loan based on a biodiversity net gain (BNG) unit model, a landmark deal that could create a blueprint for financing nature-based solutions at scale.
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Kent foundry shares ‘Component of the Year’ at Best of British Casting awards
Maybrey Precision Casting, a Kent foundry that specialises in aluminium gravity die castings has jointly won the ‘Component of the Year’ prize at the recent UK Cast Metals Industry Awards.
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WIBN Kent raises over £2,000 for charity at 2024 Christmas event
On Thursday 5 December, the Women in Business Network (WIBN) Kent held its much-anticipated annual Christmas Lunch at the picturesque Chilston Park Hotel, raising an impressive £2,040, which will be equally distributed among six exceptional charities.
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FRP strengthens Brighton team with new restructuring partner
Specialist business advisory firm FRP has appointed Neville Side as a partner in its Brighton-based restructuring advisory team, strengthening its presence in the South East. With more than 20 years’ experience in business restructuring and formal insolvency, Neville joins from BDO, where he spent over two decades working across high-profile cases, including the administrations of […]
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Rising costs impacting the South East food and drink sector, survey finds
Businesses in the South East food and drink sector see rising costs and changing consumer spending patterns as the two biggest areas impacting them, according to the results of new research carried out by law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore.
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The Thompson family breathe new life into The White Horse in Boughton-under-Blean
Shepherd Neame’s 600-year-old country inn The White Horse, located in the village of Boughton-under-Blean, Kent, has officially reopened its doors under the new management of experienced licensees the Thompson family.
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Start Up Loans celebrates £50 million of loans to female entrepreneurs in the South East
Start Up Loans has provided female founders in the South East with £50 million in loans since the programme’s inception in 2012.
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Restoration begins at Victorian wine warehouse in Ramsgate
The Old Wine Warehouse in Charlotte Court, Ramsgate is being revitalised by not-for-profit Heritage Lab to create a landmark of enterprise, arts and entertainment in East Kent supporting local talent.
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South East second only to London on number of green jobs adverts in 2024
The South East continues to lead the way in terms of the number of green jobs advertised among the UK’s nations and regions outside of London, ranking fifth in the latest iteration of PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer.
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Pilbeam Construction completes essential upgrades at Rottingdean school
Youngsters at St Margaret’s CE Primary School in Rottingdean are enjoying two refurbished classrooms after South East building contractors Pilbeam Construction completed the essential project.
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South East employees are ditching the office Christmas party
New research from team building and corporate events company Team Tactics reveals that over a quarter (27%) of office workers in the South East are planning on ditching the office Christmas party this year.
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Lloyds Business Barometer: South East business confidence falls in November
Business confidence in the South East fell seven points during November to 27%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
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Phase two of LOC8 in Maidstone completed
Clearbell Property Partners III LP, a fund managed by Clearbell Capital, has announced the practical completion of phase two at LOC8, a multi-let industrial estate situated at Junction 8 of the M20 in Maidstone, Kent.
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British Business Bank to increase availability of funding to social impact sector lenders
The British Business Bank has launched its Community ENABLE Funding (CEF) programme, designed to increase the availability of funding to social impact sector lenders and the smaller businesses they serve in local communities across the UK.
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University of Brighton receives top award for excellence in supporting small businesses
The University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law has been awarded the Small Business Charter in recognition of its exceptional work supporting local business growth and student enterprise.
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Survey reveals one in four workers take time off due to stress
One in four (24%) UK employees have taken time off work in the past 12 months due to stress, new research from Avilio has found.
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2024 Medway Business Awards announces winners
Businesses from across Medway, Kent gathered on Friday 22 November at the prestigious Corn Exchange in Rochester to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Medway Business Awards.
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Brighton-based agency Whitespace joins The Creative Group
The Creative Group has announced its latest collaboration with Whitespace, a Brighton-based agency renowned for its expertise in brand, digital, design and strategy.
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Campaign calls on investors to ‘Choose Canterbury’
Canterbury is an amazing place to do business. That’s the message behind the Choose Canterbury campaign and website, which is being launched today (26 November), designed to bring businesses to the district and boost jobs.
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Ironmonger Yard given go-ahead following major design revision
A prominent derelict site at the end of Rochester High Street is to be given a new life after revised designs for a major residential scheme were approved by Medway Council’s Planning Committee.
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Peel Ports to invest £30m in new RoRo berth at Port of Sheerness
Peel Ports Group is investing £30 million into the development of a new RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) berth at the Port of Sheerness to meet growing demand from new and existing customers.
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Girlings Solicitors supports Holding On Letting Go
Kent law firm Girlings Solicitors has chosen child bereavement charity Holding On Letting Go (HOLG) as its ‘Charity of the Year’.
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Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards celebrate the best of the county’s business community
2024’s Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards winners were announced at a gala dinner on Thursday 21 November attended by more than 250of the county’s business leaders.
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FareShare appeals for support to fight hunger this Christmas
Food waste charity FareShare Sussex & Surrey has launched two ambitious campaigns to help feed those in need this winter.
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FCC Environment seeks new talent in Kent schools
Staff members from FCC Environment, which owns and operates the Allington Energy from Waste plant, took time out from their day jobs to attend an inspirational event at St Simon Stock Catholic School designed to promote careers education in Kent.
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Kent’s Must Have Ideas crowned winner at 2024 Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Kent-based e-commerce business Must Have Ideas has clinched a prestigious win at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
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Most people underestimate the scale of the UK’s gender pay gap
Research by HR and payroll software provider Ciphr shows that most people significantly underestimate how pervasive the gender pay gap is in most occupations and industries in the UK.
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Local businesses given ‘help to grow’ by Christ Church Business School
Canterbury Christ Church University is offering its Help to Grow: Management Course in January 2025, and applications are now open to local business owners.
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Pureprint Group acquires Ashford Colour Press from administration
Pureprint Group has acquired Ashford Colour Press from administration, strengthening the company’s position in the print and publishing sector by extending its capabilities into inkjet printing and enhancing its digital and on-demand print solutions.
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Lewes brewery to move into revamped Newhaven pub
Funding from Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) will enable the former Jolly Boatman pub building in Newhaven to reopen next year, with a Lewes brewery set to move in.
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Less than half of UK workers take regular breaks from their desk, survey finds
A survey by Surrey-based workplace product supplier AJ Products has revealed that only 41.5% of UK workers in desk-based roles take hourly breaks.
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Will the Budget stifle future innovation or boost growth in Sussex?
Changes to employer national insurance (NI) announced in the Budget will add over £900 in business costs annually to the average £33,000 wage in the Brighton and Hove area, according to South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box.
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International trade key to unlocking growth in the UK
Over half (52%) of UK businesses are prioritising international trade as a key growth driver, according to the Santander Trade Barometer.
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Work to begin on Folkestone’s Leas Lift restoration
The restoration of Folkestone Leas Lift has taken a major step forward with the appointment of a principal contractor for the construction work.
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Ashford charitable sector benefits from £500,000
The Frank Brake Community Fund, which was established through Kent Community Foundation in 2019, has awarded more than half a million pounds in funding to small charitable organisations across the district of Ashford.
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Brachers named ‘Top 10 Best Law Firm to Work For’ in UK
Brachers, a law firm based in Maidstone and Canterbury, Kent, has been ranked by Best Companies in its ‘Top 10 Best Law Firms to Work For’ in the UK.
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