Thinking Business Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Feb 2020 by Benham Publishing Limited

THINKING

BUSINESS • OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • February 2020 - March 2020 •

Train to Gain

Why it pays to recruit staff with the right skills and provide career development opportunities that allow their talents to shine

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Chamber Awards 2020 P6 Sector Focus: Finance for Business P16 International Trade P20 The Big Interview with Gullands Solicitors P22 Chamber Events P42-43

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Welcome

Welcome & Contents

Kent a great place to do business found new overseas markets for their products and services, and innovators who have tried, tested and commercialised new ideas.

Now that the UK has finally exited the EU, it’s time to get back to a sense of normality. Exactly what constitutes “normal” in this post-Brexit world is difficult to fathom and the next few months will be shrouded in uncertainty as the country tries to renegotiate and reshape its relationship with the EU. Meanwhile, however, life goes on and companies in Kent are getting on with the job of doing business. The county is home to many success stories; ambitious entrepreneurs who have started new ventures, established companies that have continued to invest, exporters who have

Contents 4 5 6-7 8-10 11 12-13 14-15 16-18

Chamber News Legal Update Chamber Awards Members News Patron News Business News Members News Sector Focus – Finance

Our Patrons

In my view, we should recognise and reward these people for making Kent such a great place to do business and that’s the reason why the Chamber hosts its annual Business Awards. This year the event will take place on March 19 at Westenhanger Castle and on pages four, six and seven we reveal the sponsors who are supporting us as we celebrate all that’s great about our local business community. One of the things that has struck me is just how committed businesses are to supporting the environment. In the drive to explore new markets and grow revenues, companies are still making time to reduce their carbon footprint. In our

20-21 22-23 24-30 33 34-36 37 40-41

International Trade The Big Interview Cover Feature – Education and Training The Economy & Us Members News Business News Health & Wellbeing

economy outlook on page 33, the Chamber’s director of policy, Nick Rowell, offers a useful template that individuals and businesses could follow to successfully tackle the global climate emergency.

Elsewhere in this edition, we track John Roberts’ unusual route into the legal industry (big interview, pages 22-23) and take an in-depth look at several organisations that are committed to promoting the importance of skills and workforce development (cover story, pages 24-30).

Despite understandable concerns about the fall-out from Brexit, there really is much to celebrate in our business community. Jo James OBE

42-43 Chamber Events 45

The Person Behind the

Business 46-47 Business News 48-49 New Members 50

Mover & Shakers

Last Word

Editorial and General Enquiries Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Sevington, Ashford, Kent. TN24 0LH Chief Executive: Jo James Tel: 01233 503 838 Fax: 01233 503 687 info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk Media No.1716 Published February 2020 © Benham Publishing

Publisher

Benham Publishing Limited, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Ian Fletcher Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 admin@benhampublishing.com www.benhampublishing.com

Advertising and Features

Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 karen@benhampublishing.com

Editor

Jez Davison Tel 0151 236 4141 Jez@benhampublishing.com

Production Manager

Peter Wilkinson Tel: 0151 236 4141 peter@benhampublishing.com

Disclaimer

Thinking Business is published for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in Thinking Business are not necessarily those of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2020. Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

Thinking Business

Chamber News

SUPPORTING THE FAMILY BUSINESS

Back in December, Cantium Business Solutions announced their sponsorship of the 2020 Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Business Awards; specifically, the ‘Family Business of the Year Award’. At that time, we quoted some impressive figures that reinforce the importance of family businesses.

Kent has an abundance of family businesses, and each plays a part in supporting the economy; however, it is often the larger nationals and multinationals that get the attention and perhaps any credit for a positive economic impact. That’s why Cantium are pleased to sponsor the family business category.

Family businesses are the cornerstone of the British economy, employing over 12 million people and generating over £520 billion in revenue. Surprisingly, 88% of UK businesses are family-owned, and they contribute over 21% of the government’s total annual revenue.

Speaking about the sponsorship, Cantium’s Chief Executive Mark Scott said: “Family businesses are entrepreneurial by nature, and as such, they are genuine wealth creators; not only contributing to the national economy but also playing a pivotal role in local

Thinking Business

communities. We are happy to be sponsoring a category that celebrates the enormous value that family businesses add to the Kent economy and the role they fulfil in the community”. Cantium’s range of business solutions makes us an ideal partner for family businesses. Our extensive IT support services can provide the resources to ensure maximum connectivity, enabling you to function remotely anywhere, and at any time. Something we know to be a trait of family businesses. In our Human Resources division, we can offer the distinct advantage

of expert, but impartial advice. We appreciate the challenges of family members working together and the benefits of remote HR services and support. Experience shows us such an independent approach often assists in delivering resolutions and solutions while maintaining harmony among family members. Our support of the ‘Family Business of the Year’ at this year’s Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Business Awards is not coincidental, we genuinely support family businesses, and we’re proud to support your awards category.

Feeling the pinch?

Legal Update

Ailsa Fairchild, Debt Recovery Manager at Girlings, looks at what you can do to help your cash flow.

With Christmas over for another year, businesses may well be tightening their belts and looking at how to improve their cash flow. FSB research has found that 17% of small businesses are paid more than 60 days after their invoice was submitted. In addition more than a third of smaller suppliers have had their payment terms increased over the last 2 years and this might not have been with their agreement.

Sound them out – are you being given the run around? Do they have cash flow issues? Do you believe what they are telling you? That conversation may result in payment or it may tell you all you need to know about your customer’s financial situation. If they do have cash flow issues you may be able to agree a repayment schedule – it is always better to get something rather than nothing.

What can you do to minimise the “lock out” time between submission of your invoice and receipt of payment? Firstly, check your terms of business. What are your payment terms? Many businesses let payment due dates slide which in turn leads to payment dates sliding too. If your customer is alive to this they may also be looking at ways to hold onto their cash for longer and before you know it payment to your business has been outstanding for considerably longer than it should.

If the likelihood of payment is not looking good, consider informing your customer that if payment is not forthcoming you will instruct a solicitor to pursue the debt if it remains unpaid.

When your invoice is properly due, send out a friendly reminder that payment appears to have been overlooked. Seven days later try to speak to your customer on the phone to ascertain why payment has not been made. There could be a genuine reason why or your customer could be waiting to be pushed for payment – which does not bode well for your future business relationship.

If you are owed money by another business you can also put them on notice that you will claim interest (at 8% over the Bank of England base rate), compensation and recovery costs under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. A Letter of Claim from a solicitor which can cost as little as £9.50 can often do the trick. Girlings also offer fixed fee debt recovery advice and assistance The key to successfully collecting your debt is to take control and act swiftly and firmly – no customer should expect not to pay for your services! For further advice on Debt Recovery ask the expert and contact Ailsa.

Ailsa Fairchild

Debt Recovery Manager

girlings.com

01233 664711

ailsafairchild@girlings.com Thinking Business

Chamber Awards

We would like to thank all of our sponsors for supporting this year's Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards. Business of the Year Sponsor: University of Kent

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Business of the Year Award in the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2020. The University is absolutely committed to supporting businesses, of all sizes and sectors, and have an experienced and professional business and innovation gateway team who support businesses in a variety of ways depending on the business’s needs. It is an honour to support this award and see what provisions businesses need to ensure their growth in the current economic climate. We look forward to hearing more about the participating companies, and to continue our partnership with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

with a number of inspirational and innovative companies. Sponsoring this category gives us further opportunity to interact with applicants armed with a can-do attitude and innovation at their heart, we’re really excited to see what this year’s awards have to offer!

Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsor: Golding Homes

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year category as part of the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards. At Golding Homes, we know the importance that people bring to the success of an organisation. These awards provide an opportunity to highlight the hard work that people contribute to local Kent businesses. We are looking forward to seeing some innovative and inspiring applicants, showcasing the difference their amazing achievements have made.

Construction Project of the Year Excellence in Sponsor: RIFT R&D Tax Credits Customer Service Sponsor: Wilkins We are delighted to be sponsoring the Construction Project of the Kennedy Year award. We’ve been an Invicta Chamber member for many years and have had the pleasure to work

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We are delighted to be sponsoring the 2020 Chamber Business “Excellence in Customer Service”

Award and look forward to meeting this year’s short-listed applicants. As accountants and business advisers, customer service plays a very important part in the delivery of our specialist offering and we are excited to see how the applicants achieve this. The standard of entries each year is extremely high, and it is always a pleasure to collaborate with Kent Invicta to help select a worthy winner. Winning a Chamber Business Award is a great accolade and we wish all of this year’s applicants every success!

Family Business of the Year Sponsor: Cantium Business Solutions

We are delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Family Business of the Year’ Award. Cantium are keen to work with businesses throughout Kent; therefore, supporting this event is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the local economy. Speaking about the sponsorship, Cantium’s Chief Executive Mark Scott says: “Family businesses are entrepreneurial by nature and are genuine wealth creators; not only contributing to the economy but also playing a pivotal role in local communities. We are happy to be sponsoring a category that

celebrates the value that family businesses add to the Kent economy and the role they fulfil in the community”.

Innovative Business of the Year Sponsor: Kent Innovation & Enterprise

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Innovative Business of the Year Award in the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2020. At Kent Innovation & Enterprise we believe that nurturing innovation is the best way to stimulate real growth. We achieve this through encouraging collaboration between our university and businesses. It is an honour to support this award and to see how businesses provide innovative and creative solutions to the problems which businesses face today. We look forward to hearing more about the participating companies, and to continue our partnership with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Awards

Most Promising New Business Sponsor: MidKent College

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Most Promising New Business award. We’ve been working with local businesses for decades, supporting staff training and development to make sure that Kent’s workforce has the skills and knowledge needed for companies to grow and thrive. In that time, we’ve seen fantastic energy and drive from small and medium-sized businesses who enter the market with great ideas, products and ambition. We’re excited by the prospect of meeting the best new businesses in the county, and looking forward to seeing the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Kent such a great place to do business.

Success in International Trade Sponsor: Coface

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Success in International Trade (Exporter of the Year) and we look forward to meeting this year’s applicants. Coface has been protecting and supporting businesses worldwide since 1946, so we understand the importance of really knowing the companies that you trade with. We can help protect your income, track your clients’ financial health and provide you with tailored solutions and unparalleled support. So, by sponsoring this Award it has given us the opportunity to further strengthen and build on this relationship.

Employer of the Year Sponsor: Office Angels We are delighted to be the

sponsors of the “Employer of the

Year” for the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards 2020. As a

Great Place to Work award winner, we understand how important it is for businesses to value their

employees. As sponsors of this award, we would love to offer

businesses consultative advice on their employee value proposition

and how to retain their best talent in this candidate driven market. We look forward to meeting the nominees for this prestigious award and celebrating with you all!

Gala Dinner Sponsor: Kreston Reeves

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Gala dinner at the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards 2020 for the first time this year. Kreston Reeves advise dynamic businesses, not for profit organisations, private individuals and families on all areas of business, tax and wealth. We work alongside many successful and growing businesses so understand the journey and challenges that they face. We see these awards as a great opportunity to celebrate businesses in Kent and wish all applicants the best with their entries.

Thinking Business

Members News

FUTURE PLANS TO INSPIRE MORE STUDENTS & INCREASE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES Over 200 local school pupils have taken part in unique hands-on scientific learning opportunities at Discovery Park since the relaunch of its Community Lab last year. As is clear from the recently published Community Lab January 2020 Impact Report, students and teachers alike have been inspired by the activities, established to encourage children to adopt scientific careers and grow the local STEM1 skills base. The Community Lab at Discovery Park, the thriving science park

for ambitious and growing life sciences companies, is a unique collaboration between academia and industry led by Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) and Pfizer. Also involving the STEM Hub and other tenant companies such as York Bioanalytical Solutions, over the past year the Community Lab has run 19 sessions for teachers and students, trained four groups and won an award from the UK Science Park Association. To

help local children develop their science capital2 further, plans to include new biology activities and to involve younger children are in development. Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park said: ‘The Community Lab is part of our commitment to help maintain and grow the local scientific skills base, and this first Impact Report shows the real progress being made. As the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy Update, launched last

week, says, “No life sciences sector can develop and thrive without the right high-quality skills.” We thank all our partners for their support and work towards building this workforce of the future.’ Sue Chandler, Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services at Kent County Council, said, 'The Impact Report published today shows just how well the Community Lab is succeeding in its objective to excite and inspire local students about science. It's great to see this partnership of schools, industry and academia working so effectively together to help build a skilled workforce.’

Ground-breaking at new Retirement Village Six future residents of Ledian Gardens were on site to see building start on the later living community they will move into in Spring 2021. The state-of-the-art village, in Leeds, near Maidstone, operated by Inspired Villages, will deliver 115 one- and twobedroom homes for over 65s, with a Village Centre, including a 17-metre swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant and shop, open to the public.

The residents joined Inspired Villages’ Chief Executive Jamie Bunce on site to see work get underway on the site, in Upper Street, Leeds. David Hoxey from Bearsted said: “My wife and I were planning the next stage of our lives when we heard about Ledian Gardens and are very excited to be among the first moving in next year. This community offers everything we are looking for in order to make the most of our later years, along with new friends and excellent facilities.”

Tech firm hits cyber standard A tech specialist has successfully demonstrated its commitment to cyber security by successfully gaining a nationally recognised accreditation. TenIntelligence, a powerful influence in the due diligence, fraud investigation, brand protection and cyber security community, met the Governmentendorsed Cyber Essentials Plus standard for 2020 and beyond. Led by the National Cyber Security Centre, Cyber Essentials is a UK

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Government assurance standard designed to improve the resilience of UK businesses to prevent most cyber-security threats. It is an advanced level of assurance and includes an additional internal scan and on-site assessment carried out independently by a certification body. The Cyber Essential Plus scheme required TenIntelligence to implement five key controls: secure configuration; boundary firewalls and internet gateways; access control and administrative

But as he took hold of the groundbreaking spade he joked: “I wasn’t expecting to be digging the foundations myself!” Maidstone’s Gallagher Group carried out preparatory works, including building the main access road, at Ledian Gardens last summer. Construction giant Kier are undertaking the first phase of build. Inspired Villages own and operate six other later living villages in England, but Ledian Gardens

privilege management; patch management and malware protection. As part of the certification process, a technical review and evaluation of the company’s security processes, policies and cloud platforms was completed by external certifying body, Crest. Richard Bell, chief operating officer at TenIntelligence, said: “Cyber Essentials Plus is an important certification for us. It clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to continually ensure that TenIntelligence is at the forefront of applying the best security standards. Security is crucial to everything that we do and achieving this certification along with our well established

is the first the company will have developed from concept to completion. The company, backed by Legal & General, aims to open up to 50 more similar villages by 2024. Inspired Villages are hosting a networking evening for local businesses at The Potting Shed, Horseshoes Lane, Langley, from 6.30-8.30pm on Monday March 9. To register, please visit www. inspiredvillages.co.uk/village/ ledian-gardens

ISO27001 certification, allows us and our clients to operate with confidence.” Neil Miller, CEO and founder, added: “Our continued mission is to help protect our clients, colleagues and their livelihoods from harm through effective due diligence, investigation and protection. We are really pleased to receive the accreditation and extend our cyber security services to our clients. As with our other ISO accreditation and processes, this was again a team effort and I congratulate them on this success.” For more information visit https:// www.tenintel.com/cyber-security/.

GUILDHALL QUARTER GETS THE GO-AHEAD The multi-million-pound Guildhall Quarter proposals to redevelop three retail sites in the heart of Canterbury – including two due to close imminently with the departure of Debenhams – have been given the go-ahead by Canterbury City Council. The £25m plans will make the Debenhams stores and former Cotswolds Outdoor store that front onto the High Street, Guildhall Street, Buttermarket and Mercery Lane, fit for modern retailing and living. The unanimously approved proposals, which will transform 93,000 sq ft of retail space, were

brought forward by property investment management company, 90 North Real Estate, and designed by Canterbury-based Clague Architects on behalf of Chaucer Property Investment. Work can now begin to create 12 shops better suited to today’s retailers, as 40 per cent of the Debenhams retail space had been empty for many years. The ground floor store on Guildhall Street, until recently trading as Cotswold Outdoors and also leased by Debenhams, will remain as a shop on the ground floor, and four apartments will be developed in the two floors above.

Members News The residential element of the Guildhall Quarter will bring forward 74 apartments on the upper floors of the current Debenhams buildings, with 14 of them designed for accessible living. Karl Elliott, managing partner at Clague Architects, said: “This is excellent news as it brings certainty to the future redevelopment and repurposing of these three significant sites, and minimize the time that they are vacant.

Shortly, you won’t be able to order any new digital telephone lines. BT is forging ahead with plans to shut its traditional telephone network in Britain, with the intention of shifting all customers over to IP telephony services by 2025. The closure of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) is part of plans by BT toward internetbased voice calls via a fibre network. As such, it will be looking to close a chunk of exchanges. Openreach recently wrote to its communications providers about

the move. The broadband division has held open consultations on the withdrawal of its Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products, which are reliant on the PSTN. What does it actually mean? Firstly, the existing telephone system in use may not be IP compatible and so won’t work. No more calls – in or out! Between now and 2025, there will be a huge change in the way the telephone systems will work and a rush of companies trying to play catch up. Future Proof really has to mean exactly that – a system that is capable of taking your business into the future.

For more information, visit www.GuildhallQuarterCanterbury.co.uk

“The council has demonstrated that it wants to see Canterbury’s city centre retain its position as Kent’s pre-eminent place to visit, live and do business. It’s a city built on heritage but it is also eager to look to the future, evolve, and meet the changing needs of retailers, residents and visitors.”

Getting ready for the big telecoms change Everyone has heard it from somewhere, and most people think that it might be true but it probably ‘won’t affect me’ – but it will.

Lisa Carlson, chief executive of Canterbury BID, added: “The Guildhall Quarter proposals send out the strong message that there is retail investment confidence in Canterbury and optimism about the city’s future.”

Good News – the advent of VoIP is actually a major benefit for most businesses : Costs - Call traffic is considerably cheaper and the funding process moves from a Cap ex to an Op Ex 2.

Responsibility – No need for chunky architecture in the corner of the room Flexibility – if it breaks, most of the time its fixed remotely as you only need the handsets Feature Rich – All the bits you always wanted but were just outside of your budget are now a shared cost – so can be yours Control – move where you like – your telephone number will travel

with you either on a mobile or to a new office Ikonix Telecoms has been installing telecoms in and around the UK for more than a decade and has a UK helpdesk to offer best advice and guidance on ensuring that the correct solution is deployed to avoid any stresses or strains on your day to day business. With its Kentbased offices, it offers a free ‘No obligation’ health check and visit to ensure you don’t get left behind in the digital switch off. If you would like to take advantage of this service or simply check you are not going to be left out in the cold, email: sales@Ikonixtelecoms.co.uk Thinking Business

Members News

GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE WITH BIM A professional engineering organisation has hailed Building Information Modelling (BIM) for fast-tracking a digital revolution in the construction industry by allowing collaboration throughout the supply chain.

BIM Outsourcing said BIM brings together all project information, creates a common platform, enables knowledge sharing and increases transparency between all of the parties involved in projects including main contractors, designers and specialists. This

modelling is commonly used to manage information throughout the lifecycle of a project from design to construction and operation.

BIM Outsourcing provides high-quality BIM services at an affordable rate for any organisation. The aim of the organisation is to use the latest technology to drive innovation so that clients obtain the benefits of more efficient projects that save time and money. Contractors, design engineers and specialists rely on BIM Outsourcing

to create precise BIM models for their projects or products. The company’s rich data models conform to the PAS 1192 framework and follow best industry practice. BIM Outsourcing works closely with clients in the development of their 3D models throughout the design, construction and handover phase, using the latest software to produce models from marked-up drawings, 2D AutoCAD drawings or PDF files. The company’s highly educated team has experience across a broad range of projects,

including government facilities, commercial establishments and product development. The firm’s global workforce and strong local knowledge enable it to deliver high-quality outcomes at much reduced costs. BIM Outsourcing was founded by a chartered engineer with a mission to bring cost-effective, cutting-edge technological solutions into the construction industry. For more information, visit www.bimoutsourcing.co.uk

BJF Group secures KIMS HOSPITAL ACQUIRES MoD contract SEVENOAKS extension BJF Group has landed a multi-million-pound contract extension with the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The company’s facilities management division secured the extension to its MoD facilities management contract within the South East for Amey Defence.

everyone working on the contract, including our supply chain, and I would like to thank them for everything they do. We look forward to continuing this strong long-term partnership for the foreseeable future.”

Scot Walsh, head of facilities management at BJF Group, said: “We are delighted to extend our Ministry of Defence contract with Amey. The MoD and Amey are valued clients for BJF’s facilities management division.

Led by managing director Barry Foster, BJF Group is a Maidstone-based building solutions business with four key divisions: construction, facilities management, mechanical & electrical and project services. This combination of services means that the company is able to offer a complete turnkey construction solution from initial inception and design through to building maintenance. The group has more than 150 employees and operates nationwide with clients including major government organisations such as the MoD, HM Prison Service, Kent County Council, the NHS and HMRC, as well as blue-chip corporate companies including BT, EE, Skanska and Pfizer.

“This extension is testament to the hard work and diligence of

For more information, visit www.bjfgroup.co.uk

The extension was awarded following a successful long-term partnership with Amey, a leading UK infrastructure support provider. For more than five years, BJF has provided a range of planned and reactive hard FM services as well as minor and major project works across a host of prestigious military sites including the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Woolwich Barracks and Alexander Barracks.

10 Thinking Business

MEDICAL CENTRE KIMS Hospital has bought Sevenoaks Medical Centre as part of its commitment to providing local people with fast access to safe, outstanding and affordable healthcare close to where they live. Patients visiting Sevenoaks Medical Centre will be able to access a wide range of services including MRI, CT, mammography, X-ray, private GP and physiotherapy. Specialities include orthopaedics, cardiology, breast care services, gynaecology and women’s health, general surgery, cosmetic and plastic surgery. CEO of the hospital, Simon James, said: “I am delighted that Sevenoaks Medical Centre, along with the great team who work there, are now part of KIMS Hospital. For people who live in Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas, this means they can choose to see a consultant and be diagnosed close to where they live. The centre is very accessible, opposite Sevenoaks railway station and with easy access from the A21, M20 and M25.

“If patients need further specialist treatment or surgery, there is a direct and straightforward clinical pathway into KIMS Hospital in Maidstone. This gives patients in West Kent the choice of accessing healthcare within the county as an alternative to having to travel into London. “It is no secret that across the country NHS hospitals remain under significant pressure. It therefore remains imperative that the state and independent healthcare sectors work in partnership to provide choice to patients and reduce pressure on NHS facilities.” Sevenoaks Medical Centre, when it opens in February 2020 following remedial building work and internal improvements, will have 16 consulting rooms. In the meantime, patients will be treated at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone. The hospital welcomes the eight existing team members working at the medical centre and a recruitment day for additional roles will be held in Sevenoaks in February.

Brachers chooses Canterbury for its legal expansion office in Maidstone, said: “The time is right for us to make this significant investment to support our growing client base. In today’s highly competitive legal world, firms need to be more aware of their clients’ needs, and to be agile to opportunities while remaining focused on delivering the best possible service.

South East law firm Brachers has demonstrated its commitment to serving the businesses and residents of East Kent by announcing it is to open a large office in the heart of Canterbury. The move, which coincides with the firm’s 125th anniversary, will see it expand into a 24,800ft2 office in Watling Street, with enough space for 22 private client and commercial lawyers, two meeting rooms and a large boardroom.

“Operating from Canterbury and Maidstone means we will be perfectly placed to serve our clients across the whole of Kent and Sussex, as well as in London.”

The office will be led by Lee May, a partner with more than 16 years’ experience advising businesses, developers, landowners and local authorities. Lee will be supported by James Bullock, a partner and head of corporate and commercial; Alexandra Gordon, a private client partner specialising in tax and estate planning; and Antonio Fletcher, an employment partner specialising in education and the SME sector.

Brachers’ decision to invest in Canterbury was supported by the city’s strong community of businesses, including accountants, architects, banks and property experts, many of which it already works with. The city’s high-speed rail connection to London was also a factor in the decision. As well as the increased level of work undertaken for its longstanding rural clients, the firm has seen a

Joanna Worby, Managing Partner at Brachers, which has its head

rise in demand for its private client advice, and the new offices will make it easier for individuals to arrange their legal affairs. Joanna added: “We started as a family-run business in 1895, and our ethos has always been to put clients at the heart of everything we do. Legal expertise, combined with significant investment in information technology, means we are able to offer a level of service that is efficient and of the highest quality, while retaining a personal touch, which we believe is paramount.

Patron News Lisa Carlson, Chief Executive of Canterbury BID, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming Brachers and their staff to Canterbury, and to helping them celebrate their 125th anniversary. We admire their community outlook and commitment to the area and wish them all the very best as they settle into this wonderful city.” Visit www.brachers.co.uk to find out more about Brachers’ services and long history serving the people and organisations of the South East.

“This is particularly significant because the Canterbury expansion will replace our smaller Discovery Park space but the investment in mobile technology will enable our solicitors to continue to visit and work with businesses on the site.” The Canterbury office will be located at 20-22 Watling Street, CT1 2AN. It is due to open in the spring.

Brachers Managing Partner Joanna Worby and Partner Lee May

The value of a diverse workforce By Steve Hyland, MidKent College It probably shouldn’t come as a massive surprise that even in this 13th annual National Apprenticeship Week (3-7 February), our focus is drawn to opportunities to recruit and train the next generation of talent into our organisations. As part of this year’s campaign we’ll be encouraged to ‘Look Beyond’, and no doubt be asked to consider the value that a diverse workforce underpinned by recruiting young people as apprentices will bring. We’ll be reminded of the benefits of injecting new talent with a fresh perspective, filling our skills gaps, increasing productivity, improving staff retention, minimising downtime through ‘on the job’ training, and of course some of the financial support and grants available for employers to help with recruitment and training. Those advantages are all legitimate and we’d encourage employers from every business sector to

explore offering an apprenticeship to bring new talent into the business.

This presents us with two, not insurmountable, challenges.

But maybe 2020 is the year we should seriously entertain using apprenticeships not just to recruit new talent, but to nurture and develop the talent we’ve already got.

Firstly, as apprentices need to spend 20% of their time ‘off-thejob’ focusing on their training, we’ll have concerns about taking an experienced member of staff out of the business. The solution? Stay focused on the long-term. By developing that person we're more likely to increase their productivity and retain their services for years to come.

That shouldn’t take us by surprise either. We’ve been told for years through employer forums, consultations, and business engagement events that the nature of apprenticeships is changing. We’ve had significant reform in the way that training is funded and designed, all with us as employers at the centre of the process because at the end of the day we want apprenticeships to benefit our bottom line. What’s emerged is new thinking that re-purposes ‘apprenticeship’ as an opportunity to gain a qualification through intensive and focused training. Surely something we want for all of our staff?

Secondly, because of historical connotations, skilled staff may think that it’s a step backwards in their career. This isn’t the case. Their job title, contract and terms and conditions all stay intact. The only change is the nature of the time you’re investing in their training. So this National Apprenticeship Week don’t forget to ‘Look Beyond’ the preconceptions and give some thought to your existing staff. Thinking Business

Business News

Developer promotes career opportunities to academy students An Ashford developer has given a group of students a unique insight into a career in the property and construction industry. Quinn Estates welcomed students from The John Wallis Academy in Ashford to its offices in Canterbury.

Disputes Conflicts, failure to agree Not all business runs smoothly – disputes inevitably occur. These can be costly, sour long term relationships and impact future profitability. So it’s important to resolve them as effectively as possible. Whitehead Monckton’s Dispute Resolution team can provide you with expert advice and strategies to resolve your business disputes. Ranked in Chambers and Legal 500, we have an enviable track record - achieving excellent agreements whilst preserving future relationships. Take the first important step before the gloves really come off – contact us today on

Tel: 01622 698047

E-mail enquiries@whitehead-monckton.co.uk www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk

Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in England & Wales. Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279. TB 05/19

12 Thinking Business

In addition to a talk from CEO and chairman, Mark Quinn, the Quinn Estates team delivered workshops explaining the different areas of the industry, including planning and construction. The group of 12 Year 13 students also discovered more about the skills and qualifications required for key roles within the sector. The event marks the continuation of a newly formed relationship with the school, which includes potential opportunities for students to complete apprenticeships with the mixed-use developer. The partnership began following the Ashford Snowdogs 2018 auction, in aid of Pilgrims Hospices, when Quinn Estates donated the John Wallis Infinity Dog to the school. Mark Quinn, CEO and chairman of Quinn Estates, said: “It was fantastic to have Year 13 students from The John Wallis Academy in our office to learn more about the different careers and education pathways within the construction industry. As a company we are passionate about delivering exceptional community gains and a big part of this is supporting the next generation.”

John McParland, principal of The John Wallis Academy, said: “I’m really grateful to the Quinn Estates team for the opportunity they have given to our students. They experienced a real buzz from being here today and will leave with ideas of what they want to do in the future. Who knows, that might be working at Quinn Estates!” The workshop received positive feedback from students, who left inspired to consider careers they had previously known nothing about. One student said: “It was such a great opportunity to go into a business that is having such a big impact locally and gain insight into how it operates.” For more information, visit: https://www.quinn-estates.com/

“It was fantastic to have Year 13 students from The John Wallis Academy in our office to learn more about the different careers and education pathways within the construction industry.”

Smart sensors tackle the nitty-gritty problem of winter roads This winter’s roads are prepared for whatever the weather throws at them thanks to a partnership project to maximise the efficiency of gritting across Kent. A total of 120 high-tech temperature sensors have been installed as part of Kent SmartWinter, a project developed by Kent County Council and Amey. As a result, winter planners can now more accurately identify the places that will need salt and schedule the fleet of gritting lorries.

Phase one of Kent SmartWinter is now in place, with 120 Road Surface Temperature (RST) sensors collecting real-time information to help monitor the roads and schedule gritting based on temperature

Business News differences. The sensors alert operators when the RST falls below 3°C, meaning gritters can be directed to those areas rather than being deployed across the county. Carol Valentine, winter service manager at Kent County Council, said: “By working in partnership with Amey, the Kent SmartWinter project enables us to further optimise the roads it currently treats. Targeting our gritters more accurately will improve the safety of our roads and benefit the people living, working and travelling through the county, and also help us save money.” The findings of the project were presented recently at the World

“The technology ensures gritting only takes place in areas where it is needed, saving time, money and resources, which can only be good news for Kent’s road users”

Whitehead Monckton wins contract for Canterbury Christ Church University Landlord and Tenant Portfolio Work Following a competitive process Whitehead Monckton are pleased to announce that they have been awarded a contract with Canterbury Christ Church University for the provision of Landlord and Tenant property legal services. The contract will involve the provision of specialist property legal services both within the non-contentious and contentious spheres tailored towards their profile as a higher education institution that has Estate in Canterbury, Medway and Tunbridge Wells. Dan Cowley, Director in our Commercial Property team in Canterbury and lead relationship liaison for the proposal commented “We are delighted to have the opportunity of working with Canterbury Christ Church University.”

Road Association in Abu Dhabi to an audience of leading transport experts. David Ogden, business director at Amey, explained: “This is the largest network of RST sensors in the UK, delivering real-time information to operational managers so they can direct their fleet of gritters and the 23,000 tonnes of salt they deliver each year more appropriately. “The technology ensures gritting only takes place in areas where it is needed, saving time, money and resources, which can only be good news for Kent’s road users. “It was very well received at the World Road Association, with organisations from across the globe interested in reviewing our success with a view to implementing the scheme across their own infrastructure networks.” To find out more about Amey, visit https://www.amey.co.uk/

Come along to our

Business Networking Event Monday 9th March, 6.30-8.30pm. At The Potting Shed, Horseshoes Lane, Langley, Maidstone, ME17 3LZ. Join us to network with like-minded business people from the local area and hear about Inspired Villages’ exciting new plans for Ledian Gardens later living community. Light refreshments will be provided.

Book your FREE place by calling:

01622 805 943

or visit: www.lediangardens.co.uk/networking

Want to gain an extra £1,000 for your business? Refer a friend to an Inspired Village and both you and your friend will receive £1,000 as a thank you!* Speak to one of our advisers when you attend our FREE Networking Event. *If your friend purchases a home from Inspired Villages Group, you will each be entitled to payment of £1,000 upon completion of the purchase.

Later living community coming soon near Leeds Castle, Maidstone

Thinking Business

F_INSP_1666_Ledian Gardens Networking Ad_v3.indd 1

27/01/2020 15:14

Members News

Construction specialist earns career promotion Construction firm Ash Contracting has announced the internal promotion of Peter Seex to joint managing director. Peter will share the joint MD role with Dean Cooper at the firm. Peter began his career in construction almost twenty years ago, starting as a land surveyor for a national developer. In 2002 he joined Dean as one of the founding members of Ash Contracting as a quantity surveyor. In 2008 Peter was promoted to health and safety director before securing a further promotion to contracts director in 2015. He will continue to assist Ash in its aim to deliver client-focused construction in the South East. Peter Seex said: “I’m excited for the new challenge. Ash is a great company and has all the skills and ability not only to compete but to be the best in any market.” Consistency and reliability have been the key to the growth of Ash and this will not change, with Peter keen to retain this ethos. He said: “As our team is the biggest asset, we are keen to invest in our people, providing them with opportunities to continually develop their skills.” Dean Cooper added: “I have to some degree stepped back from the day-to-day activities of the business, leaving space for someone to look at moving the company forward with me. Therefore, I am really pleased and proud to announce that Peter is going to join me as joint MD.” www.ashltd.biz

14 Thinking Business

Brachers celebrates 125 YEARS IN BUSINESS

South East law firm Brachers is celebrating its 125th anniversary. The firm, which started as a familyrun business in Maidstone in 1895, now employs more than 200 staff and services clients across much of Kent and East Sussex. Brachers kicked off celebrations with a launch party which was attended by deputy vice-president of the Law Society, Stephanie Boyce, as well as current and former staff. Joanna Worby, Brachers’ managing partner, said the firm’s longevity showed its commitment to the region. She said: “Clients have been at the heart of our business since the firm

began and this milestone proves that. From the very beginning, our ethos has always been to put clients at the heart of everything we do, which means we are able to offer a level of service that is efficient, commercial and of high quality while having a personal touch, which we believe is paramount.

“Our anniversary year gives us the opportunity to give back to the people of Kent who have been so loyal to us. During the year we will be sponsoring community initiatives including the Elmer Elephant art trail which will be held in Maidstone in the summer, and there are plans underway to plant 125 trees across the county.”

“Many law firms have had to adapt to the changing world to survive in these challenging times. To succeed for 125 years, we’ve moved on from being just experts in our field to being trusted advisors, and now we are fully embracing digital transformation by offering our legal services remotely.

As well as valuing its clients, Brachers has always valued having the right staff in place to deliver a high level of service. Today, 64% of Brachers staff have been with firm for more than five years – up from the national average which shows most people stay with the same employer for 4.5 years.

BENENDEN HOSPITAL HITS NATIONAL TV Benenden Hospital was featured on ITV’s Lorraine Kelly show as part of a campaign to get mobile phone users to “look up”. TV doctor Dr Hilary Jones interviewed lead physiotherapist Bridie O’Loughlin about a syndrome called “tech neck”, repetitive stress caused by constantly looking down at smartphones.

at them within just five minutes of waking up. Dr Hilary Jones said: “Technology is evolving so fast that in many ways it is outstripping the body’s ability to keep up with it. “The human head weighs around 1012lbs. However, when the neck bends forward the weight on the cervical spine can be as much as 60lbs. That’s the equivalent of a sack of potatoes, 57 pints of milk, 18 medium chickens or 126 avocados.”

and the Physiotherapy Suite. It was featured as part of the ITV Lorraine show on weekdays from 9am. He previously officially opened the new hospital building following a multi-million-pound redevelopment and also switched on the hospital’s Christmas lights.

It is estimated that 78% of people now own a smartphone compared with just 17% in 2008 – with 95% among 16-24-year-olds.

Bridie told Dr Hilary Jones: “Quite often we see aching around the neck and shoulders. People can start getting headaches, feeling a lot of tension and being unable to relax.”

Benenden Hospital provides physiotherapy for sports injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, extensive orthopaedic rehabilitation, joint pain, overuse injuries, rheumatic problems and respiratory problems such as bronchitis. It also offers one-to-one Pilates sessions, acupuncture, electrotherapy, manual therapy, sports massage and breathing exercises.

Figures also show that people spend about two-and-a-half hours a day on their phones with many looking

Dr Hilary Jones was filmed in one of the hospital’s three operating theatres, the award-winning Main Atrium

To find out more, visit https://www. benendenhospital.org.uk/about-us/ medical-facilities/physiotherapy/

The digital detox campaign comes after statistics revealed that people look at their mobile devices every 12 minutes.

BUSINESSES TO BENEFIT FROM EMPLOYMENT LAW SUPPORT

TCS Computer Services (TCS) has signed up to become the latest member of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, Employment Platinum includes additional ‘bolt-ons’ to tailor the support package, such as health and safety audits and insurance against breach of restrictive covenants, as well as an agreed number of half or full-day training sessions on topics including treatment of others, disciplinary investigations, and disciplinary and performance management.

Andrew Masters, partner and head of employment law at Furley Page, said: “We decided to launch this new service as a direct response to demand coming from our clients. Employment Gold and Employment Platinum are open to all the firm’s business clients, not just our existing employment law clients. We really see this new service as an extension of our existing employment law services, which will add value and give peace of mind to our clients.”

The Bexley-based firm will work with other members to offer business solutions that improve the effectiveness of clients’ business systems.

Both services are provided by experts from Furley Page’s

For further information visit: www.furleypage.co.uk

preparation of documents relating to grievance, disciplinary and capability procedures, employment data protection support and insurance-backed employment tribunal defence costs.

Provided by specialists from the firm’s highly regarded employment law team, the products – Employment Gold and Employment Platinum – will provide cost-certainty for employers when dealing with employment issues and planning for the future.

RESTAURANT FEASTS ON FUNDING BOOST A Michelin-starred restaurant is on the expansion trail after benefiting from a business support scheme.

Since then, Stark has become the only restaurant in Thanet and one of only three across Kent to be awarded a Michelin Star.

Stark Restaurant in Broadstairs, Kent, is one of many companies to secure loans from Let’s Do Business Group, which provides business advice and access to finance across the South East.

After using the start-up loan to establish the venture, Ben and Sophie got in touch with Let’s Do Business Group’s growth loans team for support to open a second restaurant, Stark Dos. Their business advisor helped them to draw down the funds needed for set-up and refurbishment costs as well as being on hand to give advice and support.

Stark received a start-up loan and growth loan to support the launch and expansion of its restaurant, which was launched in 2016 by MasterChef semi-finalist and founder, Ben Crittenden, and his partner Sophie Crittenden.

Chamber gains new member

employment team, which is recommended by the independent legal guides Chambers UK and The Legal 500.

Leading South East law firm Furley Page has launched two new dedicated fixed fee employment law support services for businesses and organisations.

Employment Gold is a comprehensive service that will suit all organisations and cover all typical employment needs, including advice from a designated employment law specialist,

Members News

Let’s Do Business Group has a wealth of experience working with

various industries including lifestyle businesses, food and drink firms and manufacturers. It helps aspiring entrepreneurs to launch a business and thriving firms to expand and grow the local economy by boosting job opportunities across the South East.

Founded in 1967, TCS has an experienced team of engineers specialising in Microsoft products and services. These services are designed to help companies solve problems and get more from their IT systems. With experience across different sectors including charity, local government, professional, legal, food and health, TCS is well placed to help organisations build robust, cost-effective and timesaving solutions. Specialising in IT support, managed services and business intelligence and information management systems, TCS provides a range of services including cloud computing solutions, infrastructure design, compliance tools and consulting, business continuity, printing services, domain registration, web hosting and training. It also offers support and maintenance to Apple and other open source systems.

To support growing demand, the group recently appointed a new business development manager to help Kent-based start-ups and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to access the advice and funding they need to start and grow.

Boasting a management team with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and on budget, TCS is well positioned to provide quick and effective localised support across the county and London. Holding ISO 9001, 27001 and Cyber Essentials accreditations, the company is very processfocused and has embedded the ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Framework into its working practices.

For more information visit https://www.letsstartup.co.uk/

For more details, visit www.tcscs.co.uk Thinking Business

Sector Focus - Finance

SME LENDING SLOWS Banks have reduced their lending to smaller firms amid concerns over a slowdown in the economy…

“SMEs are vital for the health of the economy. It’s therefore concerning that in many parts of the country, major banks aren’t serving small and microbusinesses with the funding required to help them thrive. That’s why at iwoca we’re focused on giving small businesses access to the finance they need to drive our economy forward.”

16 Thinking Business

Sector Focus -Finance Lending to SMEs fell 8% in the five years from 2014 to 2018, new research has revealed – a drop that equates to more than £33bn. The study by trade body UK Finance showed that North West businesses experienced the biggest fall of all UK regions, 16%, while the South East was not too far behind with a decrease of 10.9%. SMEs in London saw the smallest decline (3%). It was not all bad news, however, with some areas seeing substantial increases. Westminster enjoyed a 41.3% surge in lending, while Wokingham in Berkshire saw a rise of 18.2%. But the overall trend at a regional level was down, with poorer areas experiencing the biggest reduction. Business lender iwoca analysed the data alongside official government statistics and revealed that SMEs from local authorities in the top 10% of England’s deprivation index saw lending plunge by 17.4% between Q4 2014 and Q4 2018. In contrast, the least deprived 10% of areas saw SME finance decrease by just over 11%. In the 20 areas which saw the largest reductions in business lending, SME finance fell by an average of 36.8% over the five-year period. At opposite ends of the UK and opposite ends of the lending scale, Devon's Torbay witnessed the sharpest fall of 78.3%, while the Shetland Islands saw the largest rise, at 75.4%. Interestingly, the analysis highlighted a close correlation between bank lending and the number of bank branch closures within a particular location. Local authority areas that saw the biggest falls in SME lending also saw a sharper rise in the number of branch closures between 2014 and 2018. Of the 20 local authority areas with the biggest percentage drops in SME lending, six of them saw more than a quarter of their bank branches close during the period. Conversely, of the 20 areas where SME lending increased the most, only one saw more than 25% of its bank branches shut. Christoph Rieche, founder and CEO of iwoca, said: “SMEs are

vital for the health of the economy. It’s therefore concerning that in many parts of the country, major banks aren’t serving small and microbusinesses with the funding required to help them thrive. That’s why at iwoca we’re focused on giving small businesses access to the finance they need to drive our economy forward.” So why has the volume of bank lending fallen in recent years? Some SMEs have complained that affordable finance on the high street has become increasingly scarce. Banks, on the other hand, have argued that appetite for finance among SMEs has become increasingly subdued in a challenging economic climate. British Business Bank’s 2019 Small Business Finance Markets report has highlighted a shift in behaviour amongst smaller firms amid continuing uncertainty surrounding the fall-out from Brexit. Some were delaying longer-term investment and expansion decisions and reducing their demand for external finance, while others appeared to be using external finance to put in place shorter-term contingency plans.

The study recognised the declining demand for finance among small firms but said awareness and use of alternatives to traditional finance was on the rise. Just 36% of smaller businesses surveyed said they currently use external finance compared to 44% in 2012, with more than seven in ten firms saying they would rather forgo growth than take on external finance. However, awareness of alternatives to traditional finance has continued to grow, with 52% of small firms aware of peer-to-peer lending, 70% aware of crowdfunding platforms and 69% aware of venture capital – up from 47%, 60% and 62% respectively in previous years. These alternatives have provided much-needed competition for mainstream lenders who operate within the traditional financial services system. According to SmallBusiness.co.uk, which provides advice and guidance to UK sole traders and small firms, the advantages of alternative finance include faster access to funds, flexible repayment terms and less onerous application processes.

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04/09/2018 10:43:30 Thinking Business

Sector Focus - Finance

WHAT’S HAPPENED TO THE PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE MARKET? For a number of years the Professional Indemnity market had been operating at premium levels that were too low to sustain. Over the last 18 months that has begun to change with some dramatic reactions and unfortunately the constructions sector is bearing the brunt. Whilst preparing early for your insurance renewal has always been important, now is not the time for last minute rushes.

There is currently huge uncertainty, particularly in respect of construction related business, as to the correct pricing and cover considerations required to enable insurers to continue to support the PI market. It is no secret that PI insurance in general has been one of the underperforming business lines across the industry in recent years, and there is a drive throughout the market to make these lines profitable, long term. The disaster at the Grenfell Tower has led to criticisms of both building regulation and fire safety, leading to grave concerns about the competency of the construction industry in general. Couple that with high profile company failures, with a hint of more to come, it is understandable that some Insurers are carefully reviewing their position. We now find ourselves in a place where we must accept premiums are on the rise, along with limitations being imposed in cover. Some Insurers have withdrawn from underwriting PI insurance, others are considering their options. Certainly, less markets are around, particularly to underwrite business involved in the construction process. The effects of all of the above are that rates are rising, cover limits are being restricted, exclusions are being imposed and, in some cases, cover refused. Therefore, it is

essential for clients to be aware of the situation and act accordingly.

It isn’t just the constructions sector

Whilst the impact has been less dramatic for other trades, the professional Indemnity market is taking a stronger stance across the board and with one or two insurers having pulled out of the market, flexibility is harder to find. Businesses that traditionally found cover easy to find with few questions asked may now find insurers delving a little deeper into what they do.

And what of the rest of the insurance market

The PI market is by far and away the most volatile at the moment but other lines of insurance are still seeing insurers looking for rate increases, in most cases simply to keep pace with claim inflation. For example, there is no doubt that improvements in vehicle technology can lead to improvements in road safety. But consider the damaged bumper that could, in the past, be repaired at a low cost. Now that same damage can include replacing sensors and rewiring. There was also the much hoped for 2019 change to the Ogden rate, used when calculating personal injury awards. Whilst the rate changed from -0.75%

to -0.25%, most insurers had expected, or hoped, for a rate somewhere between 0% and 1%. As such the cost of claims will be higher than anticipated. It certainly isn’t all doom and gloom. Businesses can do things to mitigate the risk of rising or hard to buy insurance and there are indeed forms of insurance that are becoming even more competitive. A prime example of this is Cyber insurance, a cover and risk that a vast percentage of businesses continue to leave uninsured despite rising incident and attack rates. Insurers continue to improve their offering as they fight for this growing market, meaning that SMEs can obtain protection without breaking the bank.

It’s all about preparation

Businesses can give themselves a chance to get the right result from the insurance market but it’s about preparation. • Give yourselves plenty of time before renewal. Arrange a prerenewal meeting 3 months ahead of renewal with your broker. • Start collating information – positive risk management details. For example, for the construction sector, full details of contracts involving cladding, and all information on previous and current claims

Towergate Insurance Brokers is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited, registered in England with company number 4043759. Registered address: 1 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AA. VAT registration number: 447284724. Towergate Underwriting Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our register number is 313250. This can be checked by visiting the FCA website.

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• Complete the renewal proposal form and send to your broker along with the detailed information collated Your broker will review your renewal presentation and advise if they need any other information before they send it to insurers. Remember, the information you provide is a representation of your business and the more complete and thorough the better. David Armstrong, Towergate’s Area Managing Director in Kent, concludes “It is vital that a broker is experienced in dealing with the current scenarios facing the insurance market and has the depth of resource to help Kent’s businesses across all trade sectors. That is why we have recently bolstered our already strong client facing team with the arrival of Adam Chandler and we continue to seek new additions to the team that can demonstrate their ability to help customers."

For more information or for a full review of your needs, please speak to Towergate Insurance Brokers on 0344 892 1300 or visit https:// www.towergate.com/ specialisms/professionalindemnity-insurance

PROTECTING BUSINESS IN LONDON AND THE SOUTH EAST Business owners across the South East need to protect their businesses, their staff and their investments, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where our team of insurance experts in Sevenoaks come in. Providing peace of mind. With over 70 insurance professionals in our local team, and 1,700 across the UK, you can call upon a wide array of skills, knowledge and experience to help protect and develop your business. From starts ups to global groups. From small shops to large property developments. From sole traders to thousand strong workforces. Our experience, our knowledge and our power in the insurance market enable us to find solutions that fit each business ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique needs.

For more information or a full review of your insurance needs, please call 0344 892 1300 email: sevenoaks@towergate.co.uk or visit www.towergate.com/locations/Sevenoaks

Towergate Insurance Brokers is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England No.4043759. Registered Address: 1 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AA. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

International Trade

Could you help make the UK safer?

Among the thousands of individuals innovating across Kent and the South-East, there are doubtless many whose ideas could contribute towards the defence and security of the UK. Perhaps you’re one of them - or perhaps you’re not sure whether your idea could help. There is an organisation that can advise and guide you - the Defence and Security Accelerator, or DASA. With a network of Innovation Partners covering the entire UK and links across government, DASA is well placed to identify and support individuals and organisations and help them drive their innovations forward. In this article Peter Wilkins, DASA’s Innovation Partner for the South-East, answers some questions about DASA and explains how you can get involved.

What is the Defence and Security Accelerator and why was it created? The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is part of the Ministry of Defence. Our mission

20 Thinking Business

is to find and fund useful ideas to support UK defence and security quickly and effectively, and support UK prosperity - so that the UK can keep ahead, and stay safe, by taking advantage of the the best innovations across the UK and internationally. The proposal to have an accelerator was published in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, with the aims of helping ‘turn ideas into innovative equipment and services faster’. As a result, DASA was formed in December 2016.

What has DASA achieved since?

We’ve received over 2500 proposals from over 1000 organisations, and have invested over £80m funding over 500 projects. Over 50% of our proposals have come from small or medium sized enterprises and around a quarter from universities. We provide 100% funding for all funded proposals, and we take no equity or intellectual property.

How can individuals or organisations get involved?

DASA run competitions to find solutions to real-world problems faced by UK Armed Forces and/ or security services. You can find a list of current competitions on our website - search for DASA on the Government site at www.gov.uk. But we also accept proposals that fall outside of our current competitions through our “Open Call”. So, no matter who you are or where you work, if you have an idea that you think might contribute in any way to the defence or security of the UK, DASA is keen to hear from you. We work across all sectors - across chemistry, biology, engineering, training, human performance, social sciences and beyond. All proposals are assessed against three key criteria: desirability (is this a solution to a real-world problem?); feasibility (is this technically possible?); and viability (is this a

business we want to invest in, with a credible project proposal?). For Kent-based organisations the initial point of contact will be me; I’m always happy to discuss potential submissions over the phone or in person where needed. Like all of DASA’s Innovation Partners, I’m a Civil Servant who works for the government and who will protect your Intellectual Property, and your correspondence and any discussions will be in strict confidence. The best way to contact me is through our web portal - just search for “DASA Innovation Partners”. I’ll look forward to hearing your ideas.

International Trade

FIVE THINGS EXPORTERS

should do to be sure to get paid:

Check your customer thoroughly: corporate ID theft is on the increase and you have obligations under the Anti Money Laundering Regulations; Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rush the KYC stage. Obtain a quality credit report, from a local source if possible

Check that your T&Cs give you a choice of jurisdiction. Can you choose in which country you start legal action? Weigh up your options and make an informed decision: sometimes, suing in the country of your client will be a better option, sometimes not

Get a signed contract: many foreign jurisdictions are not as pragmatic as the UK and without a signed contract, the local Court might not admit your case

Payment terms: In many countries, payment terms are now regulated by Law; they may also be standardised. Make sure you use appropriate payment terms

Finally, check your customer is happy: have they received goods and documentation, and are they planning to pay your invoice on the due date? This is not only good customer service practice but also a great opportunity to obtain an early acknowledgement of liability for the debt, which may prove useful if debt recovery action is required: summary legal proceedings are always a cheaper and faster process

In reality, you will rarely need to sue your clients. But from time to time, even when you have done everything right, your client still wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay on time. At this stage, you may need to escalate collections and seek assistance from a well-connected third-party collection

agency, with a strong international presence. CLI, the Kent Award Winning Debt Collection Agency, UK Shareholder of TCM Group (Est. 1987), collects debts throughout the world (and in Kent!)

Thinking Business

The Big Interview

THE UNTYPICAL LAWYER

It took him a while but John Roberts finally found the career he was searching for in lawâ&#x20AC;¦

22 Thinking Business

The Big Interview John Roberts is anything but your typical lawyer. Instead of following the classical route of studying law at university, he opted for a management sciences degree instead, went travelling and worked in industry for three years before realising he needed a job that would be more “intellectually stimulating”. This lightbulb moment in the late 1980s was the catalyst for a radical career change that would see him eventually rise to the top of his profession. Since 2017 he has been Managing Partner of Gullands Solicitors, a multi-service law firm with a tradition spanning more than a century. With 75 staff based across two sites in Maidstone and Gravesend, the practice offers services for businesses in many areas including agricultural, charities, commercial disputes, commercial law, commercial property, construction law, corporate finance, health & safety as well as a full range of services for private clients from residential conveyancing, wills and probate, family law and more including John’s specialist area of criminal law. He has vast experience in representing defendants in a wide range of cases, from road traffic matters through to murders and white-collar crime. “As a criminal lawyer you never forget the murder cases you’ve been involved in”, says John, who joined Gullands in 2001. "I remember many notorious cases including a high profile murder involving three brothers and another where the defendant stabbed his victim 64 times. It’s pretty shocking but you just have to get on and deal with it. “You get to deal with so many interesting situations because every case has its own nuances. In another case I represented a client who had learning difficulties and was under the influence of [the drug] spice – now that was a challenge!” As well as defending cases brought by the Police and Crown Prosecution Service, John also defends clients in prosecutions brought by other agencies such as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Environment Agency (EA), Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and borough and city councils. He also regularly represents professionals – dentists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, counsellors and psychologists – called before their regulatory bodies in relation to complaints and misconduct allegations. When he’s not busy looking after clients in court, John is keen to maintain Gullands’ reputation as a caring, community-focused company. The firm is a sponsor of Maidstone United and Ebbsfleet

United football clubs and gets involved in many charitable and community projects including the Elmer the elephant trail which comes to Maidstone later this year helping to raise funds for Heart of Kent Hospice. John’s main focus now is simply to keep doing what the firm is renowned for: offering high-quality, affordable legal services with a personal, professional touch. There will be challenges ahead but John is philosophical about them; after all, any firm that has traded for more than a century has had to navigate some choppy waters. "Here at Gullands we have an incredibly experienced team with many different specialisms and we are working with a range of clients, helping to guide them, their businesses and

their families through whatever life brings. We are firmly rooted in and committed to our high street presence in Maidstone and Gravesend, providing a friendly and accessible service to all of our clients, whilst playing a key role in supporting the local business community. The success of initiatives such as One Maidstone Business Improvement District are testament to how businesses like ours can work with the local authority and other agencies to bring about real change for the benefit of everyone.” Overall, though, John is happy with the upward trajectory that Gullands is on. “I enjoy my job and am fortunate to work with some capable, decent people. We’re well-known and trusted and people know they’ll receive an excellent service when they come to us.”

“Here at Gullands we have an incredibly experienced team with many different specialisms and we are working with a range of clients, helping to guide them, their businesses and their families through whatever life brings. We are firmly rooted in and committed to our high street presence in Maidstone and Gravesend, providing a friendly and accessible service to all of our clients, whilst playing a key role in supporting the local business community."

The inside track John Roberts: Favourite food: Chilli – meat or vegetarian Favourite tipple: Red wine at home, lager in the pub Favourite holiday? Italy – for the food, wine and culture Describe your family life? I’ve been married for 23 years and have three daughters aged 22, 20 and 15, as well as a Labrador and a Springador

How do you spend your downtime? With friends and family. We also own a holiday home in Rye Harbour and regularly spend weekends there What are your key strengths as a manager? Inter-personal skills, honed by years of dealing with clients from all walks of life And your limitations? My specialist area of law means I’m less well-known by the wider business community here in Kent Best thing about doing business in Kent? Maintaining our long-established relationships in the community Famous person you’d most like to spend dinner with? Michael Palin for his wit, charm and knowledge of the world Most interesting fact about yourself? I spent my twenties in a variety of jobs outside of the law and travelling the world

Thinking Business

Cover Feature

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

TRAIN TO GAIN! A company is only as good as the people who work there. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why it pays to recruit staff with the right skills and provide career development opportunities that allow their talents to shine. Education providers, too, are keen to work with employers to ensure training programmes give people skills that businesses need. Thinking Business editor Jez Davison talks to several Kent-based organisations that are actively championing skills and workforce developmentâ&#x20AC;Ś 24 Thinking Business

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Cover Feature The implication of both statements seemed to be that colleges were being dishonest and misleading their students over job prospects, resulting in a tide of college leavers mismatched to local industry. However, tracing the fortunes of some of the students graduating from FE colleges across the county of Kent, a different story emerges.

opportunities, one other provider getting this right is Ashford College. It is training future engineers, set to take their place in Ashford’s long tradition of engineering, from the Railway Works in the post-war era to present-day Ashford International as a key hub on the HS1 route and Ashford maintenance depot for its Hitachi Javelin trains.

Maisie Martin studied a Level 3 Legal Secretary Diploma at West Kent College, keen to follow her dream of working in the legal industry. As part of the course, she undertook work experience with Cripps Pemberton Greenish.

Andrew Livesey, lecturer in engineering at the College, said: “Many of our students have progressed onto apprenticeships with Hitachi and the college has excellent links with employers such as UK Power Networks, Southern Water, EDF and Megger.

She said: “The course provided the opportunity to practise what I would actually be doing day-to-day in my role; it was very realistic. I completed the course in June 2019 and was employed by Cripps Pemberton Greenish the following month.” Maisie is a legal secretary for four different solicitors within the firm and is emphatic about the benefit of the work experience she gained on the course. “It led to my job offer,” she said, “and was so valuable to me, offering an important chance to understand what life as a legal secretary is like.”

The role of post-16 education in addressing widespread labour market shortages in certain sectors was cast into the spotlight recently with the publication of Ofsted’s Annual Report 2018-19. In a speech at the report’s launch, Ofsted’s chief inspector Amanda Spielman declared that the discussion of further education and skills had “taken on extra significance” with the UK exiting the European Union. She warned of the dangers of flooding a local job market with young people with qualifications that don’t reflect the growth in demand for that area, resulting in too many under-employed and dissatisfied college leavers. She told the assembled delegates there was a requirement for “a

clearer focus on matching skills to opportunities”, stating that the further education (FE) sector needed to work more in tandem with the government’s industrial strategy. Spielman had hammered home the same point at the Association of Colleges (AoC) annual conference in 2018, when she hit national headlines for saying that many FE colleges were giving students “false hope” by offering courses in fields where they have no prospect of employment. She accused many of them of prioritising student headcount over students’ needs. At the time, she urged FE colleges to work more closely with local businesses to create courses that would ensure young people gain the right workplace skills.

It’s a similar story for Yasmin Brindle, who studied a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agricultural Engineering at Hadlow College. She also landed her current job as a junior agricultural technician at Haynes, which supplies products to the agriculture and leisure sectors, by completing work experience as part of the course. She said: “Completing this course was a massive career step, as without this qualification I wouldn't have been able to gain the job I have. Since leaving Hadlow, I've spent a large amount of my time on training, learning about New Holland tractors and JCBs; this has been spread between being on training courses and within the workshop, shadowing experienced technicians on how to diagnose and repair machinery.” Returning to Amanda Spielman’s point around matching skills to local

“We see a lot of students complete their Level 3 qualification, move into apprenticeships, then return to us to study a Higher National Certificate (HNC), the benchmark qualification for the sector and the one that gives them that step towards registering with the Engineering Council as an incorporated engineer.” Andrew also sits on one of the employer-led panels that are developing T Levels, the centrepiece of the government’s technical education reforms. Due to be introduced from September 2020, they present an alternative qualification option for students after completing their GCSEs. Crucially, they’ve been developed in collaboration with employers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work.

“We see a lot of students complete their Level 3 qualification, move into apprenticeships, then return to us to study a Higher National Certificate (HNC)" CONTINUED Thinking Business

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Cover Feature

business. Research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows they generally stay in the job longer than others, in part because “they have a strong commitment to work, as well as good punctuality and low absentee rates”.

Invest in your people!

Getting people into employment is only part of the solution though. According to workforce development firm Kent Trainers, it’s also vital that companies ensure staff have opportunities to further their career once they’re in a job. Director Suzanne Shaw said: “Once you’ve added a stellar new recruit to your business, that’s not where your story together ends. Good employers should want to get the most out of their staff by keeping their star in the ascendency, with continuing development and support.” A study by BlessingWhite revealed that working people are increasingly valuing personal development over traditional career advancement. Making staff feel valued by investing in their progress and priming them for bigger and better things has been shown to boost retention rates.

Supported Employment

bemix, a social enterprise that supports people with learning difficulties and autism, believes that the best HR and recruitment professionals spot potential in everyone, even if it’s hidden. Mark Rose, Employer Engagement Lead said: “With high employment rates and challenges recruiting, there are talent pools that far too few businesses access. One such pool – people with learning difficulties or autism – is full of jobseekers as keen to work as anyone, but often overlooked. There are loyal workers waiting to contribute to your

In reality, the first step is to identify who could benefit from further development and how. This could mean training in practical skills to help expand a person’s role, enhance their promotion prospects or facilitate a move into a different area of the business. Alternatively, development in more personal skills – such as public speaking, resilience or management techniques – could unleash hidden potential to the benefit of both the individual and the company. For more information, visit www.kenttrainers.co.uk

26 Thinking Business

“Autistic people are often stereotyped and therefore limited in the jobs open to them. Businesses with an open mind discover the qualities they value when a match of person and vacancy is made with skill and care. Loyalty, reliability, focus and attention to detail often come to the fore once employer and employee get to know each other and working arrangements are adjusted to suit both.

“The key to success is taking time to get to know you and your business needs." “With the right support, businesses can make it happen for these people and it’s available at no cost. We’ve spent the last seven years

refining our approach to a wellestablished method called ‘Supported Employment’, so individuals and businesses can experience its impact.” bemix helps young adults make the transition from education to employment by organising unpaid supported internships for them within local companies. Mark Rose from bemix said: “All recruiters know that the standard application, shortlist and interview process barely scratches the surface of who a person really is. Imagine replacing that with an extended work trial for someone well-matched to your vacancy need, backed by end-to-end expert support, and you’ll begin to get the idea. There’s a clear hope that paid work will follow, but employers aren’t locked into a contract or obligation. “The key to success is taking time to get to know you and your business needs. Yes, it’s a ‘feel good’ to give someone disadvantaged a chance with a job, but we make sure it’s also a business good. Independent health and safety checks and risk assessments are all part of the package. As an education programme, it’s fully funded. Think of it as recruitment agency support without the hefty fees.” It’s an arrangement that can benefit the company as well as the individual. Zest, a Medway-based creative agency, found exactly that when it took on Robert, an autistic young man with a passion for graphic design. Skilled workplace support enabled him to adjust to a lively open-plan workplace with 22 colleagues and Nipa, his bemix coach, was able to gradually reduce the level of support as his confidence grew. Bruce Smith, director of creative at Zest, said: “It may sound unusual, but I didn’t want to research autism too much before Robert arrived. I wanted us to be natural and downto-earth, while making flexible working arrangements with clear lines of communication.” Find out more about Supported Internships at bemix.org/employers

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Developing a more diverse and profitable business Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) has been at the forefront of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work for more than 25 years. CACT’s EDI work has been recognised as an “outstanding example of excellence and innovation in urban integration practice” by the International Cities of Migration: Good Ideas from Successful Cities and recognised as an example of best practice in the Government’s Integrated Communities Strategy green paper. A spokesperson at CACT said: “EDI in the workplace is an asset for businesses and their employees in its capacity to foster innovation, creativity and empathy. Companies are discovering that, by supporting EDI, they are gaining greater productivity benefits.

Cover Feature

“Embracing a culture of EDI helps businesses deliver better operational outcomes as well as exceed financial targets – EDI Training is one part of this process. EDI goes beyond legal compliance and adds significant value to an organisation.” For more information about CACT’s EDI Training, visit cact.org.uk/editraining

New qualification aims to create career-ready students

Boosting productivity and adding value are key goals for most businesses – and they can only achieve them if they have the right skills at their disposal. That’s why the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) has been introduced: to equip young people with the skills, confidence and attributes that companies need.

Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre in Tenterden, the largest school in the county with a student roll of more than 2,000, is now offering the IBCP to its Key Stage 5 students to broaden their horizons and increase their employability. The programme combines traditional academic subject study with practical, real-world approaches to learning but with more depth, diversity and scope than level 3 vocational qualifications.

According to Dr Claire Tyson, IBCP coordinator at Homewood, the new qualification not only helps students to engage in career-related learning, it also ensures they can build lifelong skills, thrive on problem-solving and become better time managers. “These are the kind of transferable skills that employers need from a modern workforce,” said Dr Tyson. “The IBCP will therefore deliver a better match between employer expectations and potential candidates’ skill sets.”

"Latest news: In the latest DfE 16-19 performance tables, Homewood Sixth Form Centre has risen up the rankings for both academic and applied courses, taking 8th place in Kent with an overall progress score of +0.24 based on its 2019 A level results"

HOMEWOOD SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM CENTRE Learning

Respect

Belonging

SIXTH FORM

OPEN MORNINGS

Tuesday 17th March and Wednesday 18th March 2020

9AM - 11AM

“There is a commendably wide range of subjects to choose from” “Teaching in the Sixth Form is strong” Ofsted - Sixth Form provision: Good (2019) Principal’s Speech at 9.00am Homewood Sixth Form Centre Open Mornings are a great opportunity to see the school and speak to teachers about the courses available, student life and to see our fantastic facilities Please register your interest by emailing ks5@homewood.kent.sch.uk www.homewood-school.co.uk Thinking Business

Education

YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN When was the last time you decided to learn something new? What has been stopping you from starting a course or changing career? At Broadstairs College we offer a range of part-time and short courses designed to meet the needs of local people and businesses. Although it can be a daunting prospect, learning something new can be extremely rewarding and help you progress both personally and professionally. Still not convinced? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you decide if adult education is for you. What are the benefits of adult education? Adult education can help you to gain new skills, be it for your own personal development or to progress in your

career. Our Computing courses can help you update your IT skills and gaining a GCSE with our English, maths or science programmes can help improve your CV. We also offer short courses that can just be fun and help you learn something new, like our Catering courses in Chocolate Skills or Dessert Cookery. Is there any help with course fees? Thanks to Government funding some of our courses are completely free. Where a person is on a low income or is currently receiving certain unemployment benefit the course may be funded. In addition to this, courses offered at Level 3 and above are eligible for an advanced learner loan, which doesn’t need to be repaid until you earn over £25,000.

We also offer instalment plans for any courses over £750. Are lessons flexible? We have a wide variety of courses and some of these can be flexible on how they are delivered. For example, our Level 2 courses in Support Work for Schools, Understanding Autism and Working with Learning Disabilities only require attendance at four workshops and distance learning. We also can offer some courses as bespoke training, for example our Abrasive Wheel Training for engineers can be taught as staff development and we can deliver at your place of work. What prior experience do I need? For many of our courses you will not need any prior experience. Our Beauty

short courses offer you the chance to learn new skills without any experience but are still perfect for those looking to start a career in the beauty industry. Likewise, our Digital Photography course is ideal for hobbyists but can also lead to an accredited qualification at the end of the course. Am I not too old to be at college? There is no such thing! However, many of our courses are exclusively for adults aged 19+ and take place outside of normal college times. If you would like to find out more, visit our next Open Day or send us an enquiry via our website: broadstairscollege.ac.uk

FURTHER YOUR CAREER *FREE adult short courses in: z z z z z

Beauty Catering Computing Creative Media Construction

z z z z z

Early Years and Health Engineering English, Maths and Science Motor Vehicle Sign Language

TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK ONLINE VISIT: broadstairscollege.ac.uk

*Subject to eligibility Kent Business Part time ad V2.indd 1

28 Thinking Business

28/01/2020 16:44:54

asktheexpert

Ask the Expert

Why is training so important in helping you to retain your staff? staff coming back from a holiday because very often someone would hand in their notice. A break gives staff a chance to reflect on their situation. And if they are not being challenged or don’t feel valued in their current role, they will be tempted to seek new opportunities elsewhere. “A recent study found that a third of staff that left their jobs did so for career development reasons. Only pay motivated more resignations (46%). We live in uncertain times so maybe a pay rise is out of the question, but I believe the next best alternative is to invest in training and development so that your staff are less tempted to jump ship.

By Sue Hopgood, senior lecturer – project management at MKC Training “A local business owner once told me that she dreaded her

“Of course, I’m biased. I’m a project and programme management trainer at MKC Training. I’ve trained thousands of active or aspiring project managers in the last five years. But for too many it had taken years of asking before they were given permission to attend a

course. Given that improving the knowledge of a project manager could save many thousands of pounds in the long run, this is frustrating to hear. Take a look around your office. Could any of your staff benefit from a project management course? “This discipline is a popular choice for staff that want to develop themselves. Project managers don’t usually appear fully rounded, you see. It starts when they are asked to help out on a project and do well. They are asked to take a more leading role on the next. One day they look around and realise that they are looking after several projects as well as their day job. Their job title hasn’t changed, or their salary, and they don’t have any formal qualifications. “What happens next is heavily influenced by the attitude of the employer. The projects might have finished nearly on time, mostly on budget, and delivered something of value to the business, but

it wasn’t easy. Mistakes were made. The staff member knows that they could do better and is keen to learn how to improve. They’d also like recognition of their professional experience. A project management qualification is the obvious next step. If the request is turned down, frustration can set in. “There are several project management qualifications to choose from. There is usually a three-day foundation level course to sit before taking a two-day practitioner course. The decision of which course to go for will depend partly on the industry and partly on the level that the learner is working at in their organisation. You will find more information on our website: https://www.mkctraining.com/ “My final thought? If you are going to invest in your staff and intend to give them a training budget to spend, it might be wise to tell them before they go on their next holiday. Just saying...

Introduction to AutoCAD Course Architecture Engineering 01634 822 146 | enquiries@mkctraining.com | www.mkctraining.com/courses

Thinking Business

Education

DOES YOUR CHILD LOVE TO GET MUDDY? Set within beautiful grounds, Muddy Knees Nursery and Forest School is located within the grounds of Dover College Prep School, offering a spacious and stimulating environment for children from aged three. Firmly embedded within the whole school community, the nursery benefits from a full range of outstanding facilities and specialist teaching – including languages, P.E and music amongst other exciting activities. Early Years children share a delicious, nutritious, home cooked meal served in the Refectory each day

alongside the rest of the Prep School children, where pupils and teachers sit together as a family. Our meticulous Early Years staff are dedicated to the development of each child. Tailored activities capture the imagination of the children where each child’s learning journey is crafted through the careful delivery of adult-led activities, extending children’s interests. Daily Letters and Sounds and maths challenges place a strong emphasis upon the development of key skills whilst ensuring that children’s creative opportunities are both plentiful.

Children enjoy the freedom to explore and discover their environment, which is reinforced through our Forest School accreditation. Outdoor suits and wellington boots are essential at Muddy Knees Nursery as the children make full use of our extensive outside space – with adventures commonplace come rain or shine! Outdoor sessions engage our pupils in active learning opportunities proven to increase vocabulary, build greater self-awareness and promote empathy. Our aim is to facilitate freethinking, motivated

individuals who are keen to meet the challenges of life. Passionate and dedicated, we believe vehemently that every child deserves to feel happy, safe, confident and valued. We consistently surpass the ordinary; we think differently. Don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself at a time that is convenient to you. Contact the Admissions office admissions@dovercollege.org.uk or 01304 24452

ud M , h t Mir and Magic... Places available for children aged 3+ Weekly Forest School sessions in our dedicated Discovery Garden. Phonics and numeracy taught from age 3. Weekly PE and Sport, Music and Languages. Funded places for Children age 3 and 4 from eligible families To find out more T: 01304 244535 or E: admissions@dovercollege.org.uk

THINK DIFFERENTLY. THINK DOVER COLLEGE. Muddy Knees Half Page.indd 1

30 Thinking Business

28/01/2020 19:23

Clear Voice

Clear Voice Interpreting Services wins national social enterprise award Clear Voice Interpreting Services, a social enterprise based in Dover, Kent has won the Social Enterprise Tech for Good 2019 Award at the UK Social Enterprise Awards, held at the Guildhall in central London on the evening of 4 December. The national Awards, organised by Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) recognise excellence and outstanding achievements by social

enterprises, businesses set up to for a social or environmental purpose. Director Anna Ware said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The team at Clear Voice are incredibly proud to be winners in the Tech for Good category and will keep working on our solutions to make sure they continue to be customer focused. We hope this award will show more businesses and charities how working with a professional social enterprise can add value to their organisation.â&#x20AC;?

Thinking Business

SAVE ENERGY

SAVE MONEY

GO GREEN

Get in touch if you are • Planning a new build • Currently building or

• Have an existing home, office or commercial unit

Contact info:

Tel: 01227 913 398 Email: info@sgs-energy.co.uk www.sgs-energy.co.uk

• Established in 2010 to design, supply and install solar panel systems • Rapid growth enables us to focus on renewables across the country • Major suppliers of air source heat pumps and solar PV • Working with quality suppliers such as Mitsubishi and Daikin

78 The Oaks Manston Business Park Ramsgate Kent CT12 5FD

The Economy & Us

One Planet: Cottoning on… “No generation has a freehold on this earth. All we have is a life tenancy – with a full repairing lease.” Margaret Thatcher, Conservative Party conference 1988

Nick Rowell

Director of Policy Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Direct line 01622 753568 Email nicktpbs@cantab.net

[Companies’ current policies are] “consistent with warming of something in the order of 3.7 to 3.8 degrees.” Mark Carney, BBC Today, 30/12/19

Financially, after 40 years of runaway growth fuelled by the TREBLING of debt as a % of global GDP, a mechanism for common sense is emerging: disclosure of PLCs’ climate risks is becoming standard; and more than 370 investors with $35tn of assets have joined the Climate Action 100+ initiative to hold greenhouse gas emitters to account. One investment bank recommends stocks “focused on sustainable investing, digital transformation, genetic therapies and alleviating water scarcity” (FT, 9/1/20). We know we are entering a serious, and worsening, climate emergency but not many know how to talk about this (see FT and Royal Court Theatre’s video “What do you want me to say?”). Yet all is not doom & gloom. To arrive at a ‘Sustainability Narrative’, first we have to structure the problem. Actually, two overlapping problems: (i) how to contain/mitigate our climate emergency and (ii) how to protect earth’s natural resources of land,

Urgent

sea, air, foods and biodiversity including humankind … all without destroying capital, and the choices that capital bestows. Physically, the most urgent threat is the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) which has 21 times the ‘global warming potential’ of CO2. Growing @ 1.8%pa, the CO2 blanket doubles every 39 years – so if global warming exceeds pre-industrial levels by 2 degrees it’d take only another

Individuals/ Pension funds

Replace fossil fuels with renewable power. Insulate. Save up, for making choices

39 years to exceed by 4 degrees (There is No Planet B, Berners-Lee, 2019). And we still don’t know the tipping-point where warming would become irreversible – a real concern given the accelerating ice-melt and the unknown amounts of methane awaiting release as tundra unfreezes.

Can our ingenuity maintain economic growth whilst we clean up the planet? As yet we’ve no convincing vision of how to bring that about. Even so, understanding the basics (no fossil fuels; forest protection; ecofriendly farming, consuming and investing) is a reasonable start.

So, within our complex ecosystem, two underlying strategies emerge to contain global warming: leave fossil fuels in the ground; and farm less cattle and sheep, which as ruminants produce lots of methane.

Below is a template for steps towards a ‘Sustainability Narrative’. There’s masses of information available to drown in, so this focuses on prioritysetting. Could it help frame your own sustainable pathway?

Civic

Drop fossil fuel for office energy and travel. Insulate. Bus services – big upgrade.

(Inter)national

De-subsidise fossil fuels. Ease switch to renewables. Engage voters, to earn their buy-in to UK strategy.

Respect, don’t blame or rubbish: “THEY ARE US” (after Christchurch mosque shootings, 2019).

Important

No fossil-fuel fly or drive. Live near work. Eat more local produce, less meat & dairy.

Install battery-chargers, cycle tracks. Cooperate. Maintain rule of law.

Build renewable power know-how, capacity – and strategic exports. International pro-Earth protocols.

Use climate/ species know-how, including for investments, to capitalise on what we’ve got.

Unhelpful

Over-consumption. Divisive public discourse.

Vanity projects. Public services in silos.

War. Unregulated usury. ‘Spin’. Slagging off those with other ideas.

Thinking Business

Members News

RAP HOMELESS FUNDRAISER

PROVIDES 360 CHRISTMAS DINNERS dropped off food and gifts to the Rap Interiors Maidstone office. With the help of the contributors, Rap was able to provide an incredible 360 Christmas dinners for homeless people in Maidstone. Additionally, each homeless person received a gift pack containing essential items and sweets. The incredible results have been met by some excellent feedback from the four associated charities, who were extremely thankful for the help. Maidstone design and fit out company Rap Interiors was proud to lead the way in another ‘Help the Homeless at Christmas’ campaign for December 2019. Following a successful campaign in 2018, which saw 95 homeless people fed a Christmas dinner, the Rap team was determined to do even better in 2019. Like 2018’s campaign, Rap encouraged local companies and

residents to support the campaign and join in to donate money, food and essential items and presents. The donations were shared by four local charities: The Salvation Army, Maidstone Day Centre, Hungry Hearts for the Homeless and Lily Smith House. Through getting in touch with local contacts and spreading the word on social media, Rap managed to receive plenty of contributions. While some people donated money to the campaign’s Just Giving page, others

We were overwhelmed this year; our offices turned into a drop off centre and managing the split between the clothes became my full-time job – but I loved every minute of it. 2019’s campaign was simply amazing and seeing the incredible results makes all the hard work worthwhile. With so many gifts to wrap – the Rap elves became a production line of Sellotape, wrapping and packing, even whilst singing.”

Julie Anderson, Rap Interiors Design Director, comments on the success of the campaign:

To add to the good news, Julie Anderson and co are planning to do another Help the Homeless campaign this year. Their aim is to help even more homeless people during Christmas 2020, which looks like a realistic goal following the success of 2019’s campaign. Everyone at Rap will be hoping that the momentum of last year’s campaign carries on through into Christmas 2020 to make this goal a reality!

“Everyone at Rap Interiors is delighted by what has been achieved and would like to say a huge thank you to those who contributed. In fact, Rap received so many donations that some of the food and essentials were distributed to another homeless charity in Brighton!

Rap’s charitable work will continue through the year by supporting Alzheimer’s research and helping a local school deliver a ‘Dementia café’, where students will meet those suffering and bring a day of fun and singing. To keep up to date with the exciting campaigns, follow Rap Interiors on its social media channels.

For commercially focused and pragmatic advice, speak to CWJ Our team are able to assist with a range of legal matters including: • • • • • •

Business sale and purchase Commercial disputes Debt recovery Employment advice Property acquisition/disposals and lease renewals Supply of goods and service agreements

www.cwj.co.uk 34 Thinking Business

Call us now on 01689 887887

LAWYERS SCOOP HAT-TRICK OF AWARDS Three lawyers at Cripps Pemberton Greenish have been recognised in awards schemes that celebrate the achievements of talented professionals in the sector. Rebecca Hughes, managing associate at the firm, was unveiled as the “Gold Winner” in the Lawyer of the Year – Associate (Regional) category at the Citywealth Future Leaders awards dinner.

This accolade came hot on the heels of a double success at the Kent Junior Lawyers Division Annual Achievement Awards, held at the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and District Law Society annual dinner, where Natasha Holme won “Trainee Solicitor of the Year” and David Pike was named “Paralegal of the Year”. Rebecca trained at Cripps before qualifying into the residential

Kent hotel at the double in tourism awards A glamorous coastal hotel has been crowned the winner of two categories in the 2019 Kent Tourism Awards. Hythe Imperial, the spa, hotel and golf resort, not only won the Taste of Kent award and the International

Tourism award but was also a finalist in the Large Hotel of the Year category. Nick Gauntlett, managing director of the hotel, said: “My team works tirelessly to give our guests firstclass service and memorable

Members News conveyancing team, where she has made her mark as a highly competent problemsolver. Natasha, who qualified last September, is an associate solicitor in the contentious private client team and has a particular focus on professional negligence, and trust and estate disputes. Meanwhile David, who has been at the firm for just over two years, provides a range of legal services to support teams throughout the firm and manages complex real estate transactions to tight deadlines. Gavin Tyler, managing partner of Cripps, said: “We are proud of

experiences. These awards confirm what I have always known – the Hythe Imperial Hotel is awardworthy, and our customers love it just as much as we do.

what Rebecca, Natasha and David have achieved already in their careers. It’s heartening to see our view being shared and endorsed on a national and local level.” With offices in Tunbridge Wells, London and Kings Hill, Cripps offers well-respected apprentice and trainee programmes for those interested in careers in the law spanning corporate, real estate and private client areas of work. Its agile working, cloud-based IT and forward-thinking approach creates a broad range of opportunities for individuals looking to achieve success.

and reward exceptional standards of customer service.

“I am very delighted we won and I would like to thank every single member of staff at the Hythe Imperial for their hard work.”

Following an initial round of judging by an expert panel, the winners are selected by a round of mystery shoppers. Overall category winners go on to be entered into the Visit England Awards for Excellence – the highest accolade in English tourism.

Launched in 2017 by Visit Kent and Go To Places, the Kent Tourism Awards are a celebration of the 77,000 people employed in the county’s tourism industry. Recognising dedication and excellence, the awards are designed to share best practice

For more information on the awards visit www.visitkentbusiness. co.uk/visit-kent-awards and www. visitbritain.org/visitengland-awardsexcellence. For more information on the Hythe Imperial visit www.hytheimperial.co.uk.

INSPIRATIONAL HORIZON NAMED AS ONE OF BRITAIN’S TOP COMPANIES

Horizon International Cargo has been recognised by the London Stock Exchange (LSE) as one of the UK’s Top 1000 Companies for the second consecutive year.

The company made it into the LSE’s prestigious list, which showcases the countries’ most inspiring and fastest-growing firms. To be selected for this list, businesses had to demonstrate not only positive growth in revenue over the past three years, but also had to outperform their sector peers. The result is a unique and varied list of the UK’s most dynamic companies, which

represent more than 40 sectors from across every region.

Horizon provides innovative freight forwarding, logistics and supply chain solutions. Its growth over recent years is reflected by its recent investment in a 76,000 sq ft fulfilment facility in Aylesford, Kent. This location provides a full range of logistics, warehousing and efulfilment services as well as being Horizon’s UK Oceanfreight hub, managing inbound and outbound consignments to and from global points. Horizon is able to manage the entire supply chain from creation to customer, seamlessly moving products from supplier to customers

around the world. By combining decades of experience with an integrated global network and cloudbased infrastructure, the company has streamlined the logistics process, reducing costs and increasing speed to market in the process.

Having had a presence in Kent for almost 20 years, Horizon is proud to be one of the fastestgrowing companies in a crowded logistics and supply chain sector and is eager to support other local Kent companies with their global shipping and warehousing needs. For more information, visit https://www.hicargo.com/ network/contact-us/ Thinking Business

Members News

New corporate tax consultant for law firm South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has appointed corporate tax lawyer Nitzan Cohen to work as a consultant alongside its corporate and commercial teams, providing expert advice to clients on a range of business tax-related matters. With more than 19 years of delivering specialist advisory services to clients, Nitzan will consult on tax implications in connection with issues such as mergers and acquisitions, corporation tax, property taxes, share acquisitions and disposals, company restructuring, private equity financed transactions, employment tax, options and share schemes. Joanne Gallagher, partner and head of corporate and commercial at Thomson Snell & Passmore, said: “By tapping into Nitzan’s considerable expertise, we will be able to further broaden and strengthen the already excellent service we deliver to clients. As we head into our landmark 450th year, we are actively looking to continue to expand our service offering and grow our team.”

Air Ambulance LIVE STREAMS vital patient data Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (AAKSS) has teamed up with a health technology firm to come up with a worldfirst solution for healthcare practitioners. AAKSS can now live stream patient data directly from the helicopter to the hospital it’s heading to, and to its consultants wherever they are, thanks to a partnership with Philips RDT. The charity’s medical team is the first helicopter emergency service in the world to be equipped with the Philips RDT Tempus ALS and Philips IntelliSpace Corsium web-based software platform, developed in conjunction with the European Space Agency. The collaboration allows doctors and paramedics to transmit

electrocardiogram (ECG), body temperature, heart rhythm, pulse and respiration rate and blood pressure data from the scene to the receiving hospital, as well as the on-call air ambulance consultant back at base. Professor Richard Lyon, associate medical director of AAKSS, said: “In emergency situations where every second counts, having the ability to live stream a patient’s vitals from the scene of an incident on the ground or in the air offers a tremendous opportunity for our team to improve outcomes for our patients. “This collaboration with Philips RDT allows our consultants to give better remote medical advice to the receiving hospital so they can be better prepared for the patient’s arrival.”

AAKSS attends nearly 2,500 life-saving missions a year, many requiring urgent transfer of patients from across Kent, Sussex and Surrey to major trauma centres in London, Brighton and Southampton. David Welch, chief executive of AAKSS, added: “This collaboration strengthens our position as a world-leading service bringing the most sophisticated technology to support the highly skilled medical teams we deploy across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.” For further information about the work of the air ambulance visit www.aakss.org.uk

Construction Youth Trust recognised at charity awards An organisation that helps young people forge a career in construction has scooped a prestigious award. The Construction Youth Trust won the Focus on Kent category of the Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust’s 2019 Charity Awards. For more than 25 years, Kentbased Caxtons Chartered Surveyors has been acting on behalf of Colyer-Fergusson and, when approached by them to sponsor a category at their charity awards last year, saw an ideal

36 Thinking Business

opportunity to support the trust’s laudable objectives and address their own concerns. Caxtons sponsored the Focus on Kent category, which is designed to recognise and reward the best use of a grant by a national organisation that has extended its reach into Kent, sharing learning from other areas and making an impact in the county. Neil Chatterton, managing director of Caxtons, said: “It was a privilege to sponsor the award; in ColyerFergusson’s own words, it was an

opportunity to thank organisations that the trust has funded over the last five years and show them how much we appreciate what they do. “At Caxtons we like to support local charitable endeavours but this is particularly close to our hearts. “A worthy winner, Construction Youth Trust assists and enables the very lifeblood of our industry. The property sector encompasses many and diverse fields - from land, architecture, construction, surveying, sales, lettings and managing – and is a vital part of the

built environment and our day-today existence.” Construction Youth Trust aims to inspire and enable young people to overcome barriers and discover a career in the construction and built environment sector. From its hub at Ebbsfleet in Kent, the trust is building long-term relationships with schools, organisations and employers to tackle local issues of low skills and youth unemployment. In addition, it is challenging misconceptions about the career opportunities available in these key sectors.

SEAFRONT DEVELOPMENT GATHERS PACE Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company has announced that work is due to start on the construction of the first 84 homes on a seafront development in the town.

Folkestone-based Jenner Contractors Ltd will build this phase at the western end of the site, which received detailed planning permission at the end of 2018. Design has been undertaken by award-winning architects ACME, which has developed detailed proposals that take full advantage

of the location overlooking the English Channel to create an outstanding new community in which to live, work and visit. Outline planning for the entire harbour and seafront site, including up to 1,000 new homes, was secured in 2015.

Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company is led by Sir Roger De Haan, who has been responsible for a wide range of regeneration projects in Folkestone. He said: “This is an important step in our mission to bring new

Mark Wallis (left) and Grahame Patterson of Stagecoach South East Stagecoach South East has appointed two new members to its senior team to continue improving services for its millions of customers. Mark Wallis and Grahame Patterson have been appointed to the roles of engineering director and fleet engineer respectively. The new positions will ensure advances are continuously made in areas that matter most to people using Stagecoach services.

purpose to one of Folkestone’s most prominent sites. Our careful renovation of the harbour and railway heritage has already succeeded in attracting visitors to Folkestone in greater numbers than at any time in many decades, and now we can turn our attention to reinforcing the town’s reputation as a great place to live.” Martin Sandall, managing director of Jenner Contractors, said: “As a locally based business, having been established in Folkestone 145 years ago, the strength of the

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CGI by ACME relationships we have developed with our known and trusted supply chain will be of paramount importance to the success of the project, and we are delighted with the opportunity this will generate for them.” Friedrich Ludewig, director of ACME, said: “The new houses will contribute to create a vibrant place for residents and visitors to enjoy, reconnect the seafront to the town, and put the harbour back at the heart of Folkestone.”

Transport firm hires senior team to drive customer improvements

Mark said: “With 32 years’ experience in the bus industry, I am confident that in my new role I can help Stagecoach South East make strides in making sure our buses are even more punctual, reliable and clean. I’m very pleased to be joining the team and look forward to working together to help make our customers happy.” Mark previously worked for bus manufacturers Alexander Dennis and Optare before becoming an engineering director for Stagecoach South Wales. Meanwhile Grahame, who was previously acting

engineering director, has worked in various roles within Stagecoach South East for more than 25 years and is a highly experienced transport manager. Grahame said: “I’m excited to take up the position of fleet engineer. Having worked for Stagecoach South East for many years, I am well aware of what we do well but also of what we can do to improve. We believe in acting on feedback and a large part of my new role will focus on the issues that people have told us matter to them.”

Joel Mitchell, Stagecoach South East’s managing director, added: “Both Mark and Grahame come to their new roles with a plethora of experience. We know our customers expect a reliable and clean bus network and I have no doubt in my mind that both Mark and Grahame will work tirelessly to deliver that to the people who matter; customers, colleagues and communities.” For more information visit www.stagecoachbus.com

Thinking Business

A Care Home with a Difference

Rectory Court combines a warm, supportive community with luxurious facilities and beautiful gardens to share and appreciate. It is a special place where our residents can enjoy all the comforts of home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; delicious home-cooked cuisine using the best fresh produce, regular activities and events, day trips and, above all else, excellent standards of person-centred care from our dedicated team.

Respite Care

Day Care

Luxury Care Home in Blackheath Rectory Court, The Glebe, Blackheath, London SE3 9TU w: cinnamoncc.com/rectory

Residential Care

TOP

Whether you are seeking care for yourself or a loved one, please call 0203 925 3431 or email rectory.haa@cinnamoncc.com to arrange a visit any time.

AWARD

In coversation with...

Kiesha McLeich-Dawkins is relishing her appointment as the new General Manager at the Cinnamon Care Collection’s Rectory Court care home in Blackheath. Who are you and what is your job?

My career in care began when I studied adult nursing at London South Bank University, qualifying as a registered nurse in 2006. Three years later, I completed a management training course at the Institute of Leadership & Management. I bring over 14 years’ experience working in neurodisability and the private care home sectors and I’m very proud to work at Rectory Court. My role at Rectory Court includes ensuring that our residents maintain a good quality of life and are cared for with dignity and respect. I am very passionate about leading an innovative team to provide holistic care to meet the full needs of our residents. Whether residents need simple support with daily activities such as mobility, washing or dressing, or more complex round-the-clock care, our fantastic team, who put the ‘extra’ into ordinary, are always on hand to assist or offer reassurance and advice to family members.

Tell us about Rectory Court and what makes it special?

Joining Rectory Court has been amazing – it’s great working with a team who really make a difference to the people they care for. Opened in 2017, Rectory Court is a luxurious care home, from the vibrant café and the cosy lounges, to the delightful conservatory overlooking our mature garden, every detail of the design and environment is second to none. In addition to our 41 spacious en-suite rooms, we offer a wide variety of engaging activities and outings to keep our residents stimulated, connected and happy. Our aim is to help older people live more fulfilled lives and give peace of mind to their families who entrust us with their care. Our compassionate care team are equipped with new technology which allows them to update daily care records instantly, so they can devote more time to getting to know residents’ personalities, preferences and concerns.

“Life is always fun at Rectory Court. Residents can join in with a host of activities inspired by their interests. Having our own transport opens up opportunities for days out to the many local attractions.”

We are proud to have been recognised as one of the Top 20 Recommended Care Homes in London by the UK’s leading care home reviews website carehome.co.uk.

What plans do you have for 2020? Life is always fun at Rectory Court. Residents can join in with a host of activities inspired by their interests. Having our own transport opens up opportunities for days out to the many local attractions. Whether it’s dining out in Blackheath Village, a

trip to the O2 Arena, or a stroll around Greenwich Park, every single outing – spontaneous or planned – is arranged to keep our residents feeling stimulated, and connected. We continue to add new trips to the list for 2020. Rectory Court is fast becoming part of the community of Blackheath and we will further extend the many close relationships with community groups and clubs forged by our sister care home Leah Lodge in the year ahead.

For more information please call 0208 297 5860 or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/care-homes/rectory-court/

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Health and Wellbeing

Holistic approach

IS BEST

To get the most out of their workforce, employers should think about employee welfare holistically, a recent study has shownâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Health and Wellbeing Creating a workplace culture that recognises and supports employees holistically can bring out the best in them. That’s the stand-out conclusion of a recent study by life insurance specialist MetLife, which said employees are increasingly favouring health and wellness benefits that fit around their needs both in and outside of the workplace. The report revealed several key insights: When employees are supported as individuals, they are more engaged. Staff now expect their employer to recognise their ‘whole selves’ — from their unique values, backgrounds and talents to their perspectives on the workplace. Finding purpose at work is multifaceted. Employees’ definition of what purpose means to them is broad and varied: 72% said creating value for their employer contributes to the sense of purpose they felt at work; 71% said doing work they were passionate about was the key motivator, while regularly accomplishing work tasks gave 79% a sense of purpose. The study found that 88% of employees who feel a strong sense of purpose when working are significantly more satisfied with their job. Eighty-three per cent felt more engaged, 89% more productive and 82% more successful. By taking a holistic approach, employers can do several things to make employees feel valued and appreciated, such as offering a comprehensive benefits programme, recognising achievements and providing training opportunities and incentives that fit around their lifestyles. Technology is driving a new mandate for training. From social media to artificial intelligence (AI), new and evolving technologies are revolutionising job roles and industries. To adapt, employers must prepare and equip their workforce with new skillsets — often in short supply — and reskill employees who will be most affected. Through the right planning and training, employers will not only get more appropriately skilled employees, but also happier, more engaged employees. Indeed, 68% of staff said work skills made them a better person in their personal life. The study said training helps reinforce companies’ commitment to their staff, building a holistic culture of caring that drives employees’ trust in their employers. Flexible careers are reshaping the workplace. Not only do employees expect employers to offer flexible work policies, they also want more longer-term flexibility that can help them achieve a better work-life balance.

Offering structured programs such as paid sabbaticals can not only help employees take the time to follow passions or recharge, but also give them a sense of purpose and pride. Sixty-eight per cent of employees surveyed in the study said they would be interested in a paid sabbatical program.

"employees are increasingly favouring health and wellness benefits that fit around their needs both in and outside of the workplace."

MetLife

The gig economy can be a challenge and an opportunity for employers. The same technologies and evolving expectations that have driven flexibility and the need for new skills have also blurred the distinction between work and life. The evolution of mobile infrastructure, for example, has made part-time work accessible at the tap of a finger. These technologies are fast-tracking the revolution of the gig economy, an increasingly popular way of working often based on a fixed-term contract or projects paid via a third party or online marketplace. This poses a challenge for employers; 47% of IT workers surveyed said they were planning on leaving employment for contract or freelance work in the next five years. To counter this, employers could create benefits packages that gig opportunities can’t compete with or introduce policies and experiences within the workplace that replicate the flexibility offered by gig working.

Healthy Workplace

Update

As the largest independent hospital in Kent, KIMS Hospital has been working closely with a number of organisations, including the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, to improve the health and wellbeing of local people; just as we have for our own staff. From our own experience at KIMS Hospital, we know the benefits of investing in our staffs’ Health and Wellbeing and how this in turn benefits our patients. In our November 2019 Patient Satisfaction Survey, 99.6% of patients would recommend KIMS Hospital.

The Facts: According to the Health and Safety Executive’s 2018/19 report, 1.4 million working people across the UK suffered from a workrelated illness. With this in mind, providing prompt access to healthcare must be a focus for any business, irrespective of size. We all know that having healthy and motivated employees is fundamental to the success of our businesses. KIMS Hospital: In conjunction with our staff and in addition to implementing wellbeing initiatives focusing on increasing physical exercise through to healthy eating and stress management, we ensure everyone has prompt access to diagnostic tests and healthcare treatment. This means any health issues are identified promptly and treated swiftly. Local Businesses: At KIMS Hospital, we take very seriously our commitment to local business and believe we have a key role to play in delivering economic growth in Kent by helping your staff stay healthy and in work. Over the coming months you’ll be hearing more from us about various health awareness campaigns and promotions we’ll be running to keep you and your staff healthy and treat them if they fall ill. How We Can Help You: - We'd be happy to visit you and discuss how you and your staff can benefit from our Health Assessments, Private GP appointments and fast accesses to diagnostics and treatment - We would also be delighted to arrange for you to have a tour of our hospital, which is just off junction 7 of the M20, so you can see first hand the state-of-the-art facilities we have - We currently support a growing number of businesses across Kent, and with our diagnostic and treatment facilities set to increase across the county, accessing care is straightforward - We are recognised by all the leading Private Medical Insurers and offer self-pay packages. To request further details or book an appointment, please contact a member of our corporate liaison team at corporate@kims.org.uk or telephone 01622 237727 Thinking Business

Chamber Events

Behind the 'Preparing For A New Scenes Trading Environment' with The Marlowe Theatre

Guest Speaker, Mark Gaisford After a successful ‘Behind the Scenes’ networking event last year, we bring to you another opportunity to enjoy a morning of relaxed networking, whilst having a tour of behind the scenes of ‘The Russian State Ballet’ at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. Meet like-minded individuals from an array of local businesses and have an opportunity to make new connections. PLUS you will get to hear our guest speaker Mark Gaisford from Red Sprout Ltd, who will be discussing his social media journey and how he became an internet sensation with his video ‘I have NO friends and I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE’. Mark Gaisford’s video went viral last year, after he realised despite his successful career with over 46,000 connections on LinkedIn, a wife and two kids, he was missing something – friends. This video is just one of many that saw Gaisford gain huge success attracting the likes of The BBC and The Independent. On the day, you will hear about Mark’s social media journey and how social media has helped shape his business and future.

BCC and HSBC HSBC, one of the largest banking and financial services organisations, have teamed up with the British Chambers of Commerce and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce to bring you a unique event exploring businesses preparedness for the new trading environment. • Has your business taken steps to prepare for a post-Brexit trading environment? • Do you know the practical challenges that will impact your business going forward? • Are your suppliers and customers concerned about how the new trading environment will affect them?

• Is your financial services provider proactively supporting your business in this time of uncertainty? Drawing on the experience of speaking to businesses across the UK, HSBC bring you this seminar to share insight from your peers and practical advice to ensure businesses are resilient and prepared to trade internationally once the UK has left the European Union. The event will explore the business impact of:

Attendees need to have a turnover of £2-10m, be importers or exporters, or introducer’s (Accountants or Solicitors) and delegates will need to be Senior Managers or Director level and above (COO, CEO, MD, CFO).

This event is Free to Attend. 27th February 8:30am – 10:30am Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Head Office, Ashford, TN24 0LH

• Human resources and staffing • Contract fulfilment and supply chain management • Regulatory compliance.

READY 2020

Leadership and Financial Targeting Workshop

13th February 8am - 10am

As the rate of change is ever increasing, these workshops will help you identify what accelerating change means to you, and the main leadership areas where you need to focus in order to prepare and thrive. 12th February 9am – 1pm. Mercure, Tunbridge Wells. These events are free to attend.

Member Ticket - £10 + VAT Non-Member Ticket - £15 + VAT

FURTHER DATES; 19th February – Discovery Park, Sandwich. 25th February – Mercure Brands Hatch, Dartford. 12th March – Oakwood House, Maidstone. As we come into the new decade, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce are holding a series of workshops with specifically chosen Leadership Coaches

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on how to build your business resilience, and how to identify and implement the changes needed to survive the ever changing future of today.

26th March – Hempstead House, Sittingbourne. https://www.kentinvictachamber. co.uk/are-you-ready/

Prioritising Workplace Mental Health One in six employees are experiencing a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety or stress. West Kent Mind’s mission is to equip organisations with the skills needed to promote a sustainable culture change and create a mentally healthy workplace. We can help your organisation improve workplace wellbeing through a range of bespoke training programmes. These range from certified Mental Health First Aid England courses, to shorter workshops on topics such as mental health awareness, stress management and workplace wellbeing. We can also offer

individual places on our open access courses, to ensure smaller organisations are included. We are offering a 10% discount on all training courses booked by Kent Invicta Chamber members. Quote Kent Invicta when making your booking. Training through West Kent Mind is the first step in supporting your employees, whilst also supporting the vital work we do within the community.

For further information, please contact the team at training@westkentmind.org.uk or visit www.westkentmind.org.uk

RIP Windows 7 - Are YOU Prepared?

If you’re one of the estimated 40%+ of businesses still on the outdated Windows 7 platform, consider this your wakeup call. As of today, January 14, 2020, Microsoft has ended support for Windows 7. That means no more updates, security or otherwise, will be offered by the company.

The clock’s been ticking on Windows 7 ever since Microsoft ended mainstream support back in 2015. While it’s important to note that Windows 7 will still technically be usable after today, this upcoming shift will spell trouble for users who’ve stuck it out to the platform’s bitter end. If you’re running a business, this is a risk you can’t afford. You can still contact your IT provider and make preparations to upgrade. Whether you’re planning on seamlessly transitioning to Windows 10 or moving on to an alternative operating system, this is a task that needs to be at the top of your list.

Don’t Leave Yourself Vulnerable

Since Windows 7 will continue to work, you may wonder why you

44 Thinking Business

can’t just stick it out and keep using the platform. You can – but you absolutely shouldn’t. In fact, the risks and problems this decision would pose to your business make an upgrade less of a decision and more of an eventuality. Modern software and hardware is no longer designed with Windows 7 in mind. As technological progress continues at breakneck speed, more and more key programs will become unusable in Windows 7. As time goes on, new vulnerabilities are discovered in even the most well-designed operating systems. To fight against hackers, developers continuously search for ways to remove these security gaps and release them in the form of those annoying updates you’re forced to install on your machine.

These updates will now dry up. Meaning, not only will Windows 7 become progressively more unstable, you will be exposed to cybercriminals attracted to the lowest-hanging fruit. Staying on an operating system after it’s no longer supported is like leaving the digital door open on your business. Don’t do it.

Time Is Up

Upgrading dozens, or hundreds of PCs is more laborious than you probably realize. With so many other companies scrambling to do the same, IT providers are likely to get bogged down with service requests. You may have put it off until the last minute, so contact your IT provider urgently to get started.

When your business is on the line, it just doesn’t make sense to delay. Don’t risk losing everything you’ve worked so hard to build. Make preparations to leave Windows 7 behind today! For further information call 01634 766055 or email info@innovo-it.com

Person behind the Business Lucy and her team are always happy to hear from people who may need support or are interested in training and education for their organisation. For more information, visit www.westkentmind.org.uk

Inside story on Lucy Adams Favourite food: Anything with prawns and aubergines but not necessarily in the same dish! Favourite tipple: Can’t beat a gin and tonic and my current favourite is locally distilled Greensand Ridge made in Shipbourne.

West Kent Mind is one of around 130 local Mind associates affiliated to the national mental health charity, Mind. As an independent charity, it works tirelessly to raise funds to provide vital services to benefit the West Kent community. West Kent Mind’s mission is to work with and on behalf of people with mental health problems, ensuring fair and equal treatment and to promote better mental health for all. Its services are more in demand than ever and the key focus is on early intervention, both in recognising signs and symptoms in ourselves and for those around us. Spearheading the charity’s community development team, is director Lucy Adams. Lucy and her team are focused on reaching and supporting as many people as possible, raising awareness and providing education and training which in turn generates revenue to enable the charity to continue supporting the local community. Lucy says: “As our strategy has developed, we find ourselves working more closely with businesses and schools who are looking to change the culture around mental health through training and awareness sessions and we have never been busier.”

We have and always will rely heavily on charitable acts and people taking part in fundraising events on our behalf, both of which are still vital to our survival and profile within the community. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who supports us in this way. However, we have needed to adapt our programme of work to respond to the need for education in mental health within organisations and schools. We have been able to develop a comprehensive and bespoke training programme to meet this demand.” Lucy heads a dynamic team of eight who are each dedicated to the charity’s work and always go above and beyond to ensure they continually extend their reach and spread their message as widely as possible. According to Lucy, it is this dedication and deep-rooted belief in the need for better understanding of mental health and the provision of services which is key to her team’s success.

“People come to work here for a reason and that reason, while different for everyone, is evident in the passion and commitment that is shown by not just my team but by all of our staff and volunteers.” “My personal motivation for working for West Kent Mind stems from my previous career in television and media, working for more than fifteen years as a freelance production manager on a variety of programmes. I loved working in TV but at times I found it stressful and I don’t think I was alone. Challenging schedules, decreasing budgets, tight deadlines, long hours, weekend working, travel and pushing to do my very best on every show took its toll. My stress manifested itself in disrupted and poor sleep patterns, a known trigger for poor mental health, and I knew I was at risk of burnout. It was at this point that I made the decision to change career and started volunteering at West Kent Mind. “In hindsight, I would have benefited hugely from understanding my own mental health better and being able to put effective coping strategies in place earlier to help me when under pressure. What drives me now is ensuring that the people we talk to and train learn the skills to do this.”

How do you spend your downtime? Trying to exercise, trying to be mindful and always trying to have fun. Interesting or unusual hobbies: I play stoolball in the summer months. No-one has ever heard of it! Favourite holiday destination: Paxos in Greece – a little piece of paradise. Your key strengths: Being able to connect with people. Putting everything on a spreadsheet! Any limitations you have? I find it hard to switch off but am working on it. Famous person you’d most like to dine with: Angela Hartnett (hopefully she’d be cooking and not me!)

“What drives me now is ensuring that the people we talk to and train learn the skills to do this.”

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Business News

The council’s corporate property portfolio includes Park Mall shopping centre in Ashford Repton Community Centre in Ashford was designed and built by DCB

ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL FOR CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Royal British Legion industries (RBLI) welcomed Her Majesty the Queen to its village at Aylesford to mark the military charity’s 100th anniversary. The Queen was introduced to representatives from Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC), the charity’s on-site social enterprise which employs 70 veterans and people with disability, and produces road and rail signs and wooden products.

Property maintenance firm lands £1m contract Ashford Borough Council has appointed a Kent-based company to handle maintenance, servicing and repairs to its growing corporate property portfolio. The council has awarded a £1m, five-year contract to property and building maintenance specialist DCB (Kent) Limited. The Sittingbourne-based firm is now responsible for a large corporate property portfolio which includes the largest office complex in the town, a shopping centre, several business and industrial estates and a town centre cinema and leisure complex. Paul McKenner, head of corporate property and projects at Ashford Borough Council, said: “DCB already had an impressive track record of delivering high-quality projects in Ashford. In recent years the firm has designed and built the Repton Connect community centre

46 Thinking Business

and dozens of new homes for the council and housing associations. “DCB is hugely experienced in providing maintenance and property support services to local authorities and we look forward to reaping the benefits of their expertise in this area.” DCB delivers a range of building, refurbishment and maintenance services throughout Kent, Sussex, Essex and London. Established in 1998, it has grown steadily to become one of the leading independent contractors in the South East. Paul Baker, commercial director for DCB (Kent) Limited, said: “We are pleased to have secured this new contract with one of our longeststanding clients and look forward to working with the council team to deliver these vital maintenance services for the next five years.”

Formed in 1919 to provide support to sick and wounded soldiers returning from the First World War, RBLI launched a campaign this year to build a new village to mark its centenary. During the visit, the Queen toured the completed first phase of the Centenary Village, which includes 24 specially-adapted apartments for wounded former military personnel. She also officially opened Appleton Lodge, RBLI’s new luxury care facility for veterans and their families, which is also part of the proposed £22 million development. Work will begin immediately on the second phase of the Centenary Village. When complete, the latest development will add a further 22 apartments, each designed to be

fully accessible and house single veterans in urgent need, plus 18 new family homes and 24 assistedliving apartments. At the heart of the new development, which will sit alongside RBLI’s existing village, care homes and manufacturing facility in Kent, will be a state-ofthe-art community centre with accessible gym. Steve Sherry CMG OBE, chief executive of RBLI, said: “One hundred years ago, a group of philanthropists and forward thinkers came together to set up a community encompassing homes, welfare and employment to support vulnerable veterans. We are immensely proud to still be doing this today. “This century of experience has culminated in our most ambitious project yet, the Centenary Village, which will place us at the very forefront of veteran support, ensuring RBLI is there for those who need us most in the future. We are delighted that Her Majesty’s attendance marked the beginning of the next stage of this exciting development.” To learn more about the project, visit: www.rbli.co.uk/ centenaryvillage

Business News

The Platform business incubator hub: photos courtesy of GG Archard)

ASHFORD REGENERATION SCHEME OPENS FOR BUSINESS An exciting urban design scheme in the heart of Ashford town centre welcomed an estimated 1,000 visitors during its opening weekend. A cluster of former industrial buildings owned by Ashford Borough Council have been transformed by architect Carl Turner to provide a cultural, business and leisure space in the town. The project has breathed new life into disused buildings in Dover Place, close to the town’s

international railway station. Three distinct spaces have now opened: • The Hot House – empty since 2016 and known locally for its distinctive external artworks, the former Ashford Youth Theatre building has been transformed into a home for food and drinks outlets, with event space added. An eye-catching mezzanine level bar provides seating overlooking the indoor events area • The Platform – the three-storey Corn Store is now a ‘business

Green light for new pub at Ebbsfleet Garden City Planning permission has been granted for a new pub and boutique hotel for Shepherd Neame – Britain’s oldest brewery. Planning permission has been granted for a new pub and boutique hotel for Shepherd Neame – Britain’s oldest brewery. The architectural and planning teams at Lee Evans Partnership worked closely with the brewery to develop the design for the landmark building, which will be called The Chalk Yard. It is located on a key transport route, ‘Fastrack’, at the centre of the Castle Hill development at Ebbsfleet Garden City. Shepherd Neame’s chief executive, Jonathan Neame, said: “This is an exciting project at the heart of a major development in North Kent at the strategic crossroads between London and the Garden of England.

incubator’ with start-up work spaces and shared facilities to host up to 200 people • The Event Yard and Yard Bar – an open-air space that is ideal for events such as theatre, cinema and live sports screenings Carl Turner said: “We were delighted to finally open our doors. We have had fantastic feedback, so it was great to be able to give these buildings a new lease of life. Watch this space for a regular line up of exciting events.”

key elements of the building will be finished with Corten Steel to provide a strong connection with the site’s industrial past. Planning permission was granted by Ebbsfleet Development Corporation.

“This fits perfectly with our programme of investment in our pub and hotel estate, providing a great drinking and dining experience and high-quality accommodation for our customers in unique and interesting locations.”

The corporation’s chief planning officer, Mark Pullin, said: “We’re very pleased that so much consideration has been given to the look and appearance and that it is so strongly based on the area’s history in what will be a high-quality building.”

The scheme will provide extensive bar and restaurant facilities catering for 150 covers, together with flexible function space and external terraced seating and garden. Above, accommodation will comprise staff apartment space with 17 boutique hotel rooms. Externally, car parking is provided, incorporating electric charging points.

Construction is scheduled to start this spring and be completed by the summer of 2021. .

The distinctive roof form draws influence from the original industrial buildings which would have sat within the quarry, together with the quarry edge itself. The grey/buff tonal brickwork is reflective of the quarry walls, while

The Chalk Yard

SELEP cash boost for clean tech sector The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) has made funding available to help strengthen links between local environmental and innovation businesses. SELEP’s strategic board will provide £129,500 from its Sector Support Fund for a project that will map supply chains for clean energy industries across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock. The cash injection will be a boost for the clean growth and low carbon clean tech sectors, which are expected to grow four times faster than the rest of the economy. Christian Brodie, chairman of SELEP, said: “The low carbon economy is big business and getting bigger. We want to make sure all of our area’s 170,000 businesses who are directly or indirectly involved can make the most of the future commercial opportunities. “By having a detailed understanding of how the clean tech sector works in terms of its supply chain, we will be able to identify barriers and challenges, and identify how our local businesses can be successful in this emerging and growing sector.” The project will help to deliver the clean growth priorities of SELEP’s Local Industrial Strategy and how this can drive business expansion and employment opportunities for the 4.7m people who live in the area. It will be delivered across the SELEP area by Kent County Council and build upon the work of LOCASE (Low Carbon Across the South East), the £6m EU-funded project which assists SMEs. The SELEP Sector Support Fund totals £500,000 per annum with a maximum of £200,000 available per project. Since its inauguration in 2017, it has provided funding for ten projects worth a total of more than £1m, helping everything from coastal communities through to investment in the arts, food growth, teaching and beyond. Thinking Business

New Members

Welcome to our new members Absolute Plant Services Ltd Aylesford 0800 170 7373 www.absoluteplantservices.com Construction Equipment Repair and Maintenance

Arriva Kent

Maidstone 07884 004103 www.arrivabus.co.uk Passenger Transport

Austen Allen Homecare

Bullet Digital Solutions Canterbury 01227 378748 www.bulletdigitalsolutions.co.uk Digital Solutions (IT)

C.L.E.A.N Commercial Cleaning Services Gillingham 01634 957595 www.cleanccs.co.uk Commercial Cleaning

Dymphna D'Costa Consultancy Ltd London 07834 274077 www.dymphnadcosta.co.uk Consultancy

GrapVyn Ltd

Ashford 07980 891246 www.grapvyn.com App and Analytics to Businesses

Canterbury Office Supplies

Gusbourne Estate Ltd

Canterbury 01227 374285 www.bemix.org Supporting People with Learning Difficulties and/or Autism

Cirpro Limited

Hawk Surveying Ltd

BIM Outsourcing

(D4 Group) D2 Fire & Security Ltd

HiQ - Network Tyre & Autos

Dartford 01322 424558 www.aa-healthcare.co.uk Social Care

Bemix CIC

Maidstone 07917 355994 bimoutsourcing.co.uk Engineering Services

Bizspace Maidstone

Maidstone 07384 896601 bizspace.co.uk/spaces/maidstone Rent Offices: Storage, Workshops, Industrial

Boundary Metalstock Ltd Folkestone 01303 890640 www.boundarymetalstock.com Industrial Sales Agency

Brightday Cleaning Services Ashford 01233 500332 brightday.co.uk Commercial Cleaning

48 Thinking Business

Canterbury 01227 501054 www.canterburyofficesupplies.co.uk Ink, Toner & Office Supplies West Malling 01732 897514 www.cirpro.co.uk Building Surveyors

Chatham 01634 713000 www.d2fireandsecurity.co.uk Fire & Security, Electrical (Commercial) Reactive Maintenance/Fit Out

Damage Genie Ltd Rochester 01732 647000 www.damagegenie.co.uk Surfact Repair Specialists

Ashford 01233 758666 www.gusbourne.com Vineyard and Winery

Herne Bay 01622 434466 www.hawksurveying.co.uk Quantity Surveying & Cost Consultants Maidstone 01622 600252 hiqonline.co.uk Garage Services

JCB Group

Gillingham 01634 649551 www.thejcbgroup.co.uk Car Dealership

Discover Equity Release

John Bourne & Co Ltd

West Malling 07546 854119 www.discoverequityrelease.org.uk Equity Release, Wills, LPA, Funeral Plans

Cranbrook 01797 252298 www.bourne.uk.com Haulage

Drop 'N' Go Laundry Services Ltd

KC Weddings & Events

Ashford 01233 611119 no website Launderette

Ashford 0800 246 5496 www.kcweddingsandevents.co.uk Wedding & Event Planner

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Enhance Kentstone Properties Ltd Ashford 01303 813155 www.kentstone.co.uk Investment Property

Lamberhurst Golf Club Lamberhurst 01892 890591 www.lamberhurstgolfclub.com Golf Club

Mail Master Ltd

Ramsgate 0333 224 8053 www.mailxmaster.com Cloud Based Email Management Solution Provider

MGO'Reilly Assessment Services Ltd Whitstable 07966 454159 www.moras.co.uk NVQ Assessment Services

Module Caspi UK Ltd

Ashford 07908 822064 www.modulecaspi.co.uk Supplier of Energy, Mining, Drilling, HSE & Medical Equipment

Moondance

Rochester 01634 863000 www.moondancebar.co.uk Bar

Rapture Group

Dover 07513 994713 www.rapturegroup.co.uk Photography, Design, Management Training

Protect Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa

Wilmington 01322 615136 www.alexanderhotels.co.uk Hotel, Spa, Restaurant, Conference Suite

Searle Management Consulting Ltd

Maidstone 07973 423844 www.ba4cs.co.uk Business Consulting for Construction Companies

Sico Europe Limited

Hythe 01303 234000 www.sico-europe.com Manufacturer & Sales of Mobile Folding Equipment

SSP (Specialised Sports Products Ltd) Canterbury 01227 463606 www.ssp-uk.co.uk Safety Surfacing

Steve Payne Consultants Ltd Canterbury 01227 687810 No website Construction Consultancy

TCS Computer Services Limited

Bexley 01322 559840 www.tcscs.co.uk Computer Consultancy or Computer Services

Connect The Holistic Home-Beauty & Wellbeing Centre New Romney 01797 363128 www.theholistichome.co.uk Beauty/Wellbeing Centre

The Kentish Soap Company Ltd Sittingbourne 01795 437305 www.kentishsoap.com Manufacturer & Retailers of Natural Body Care Products

The Lean Orange

Ashford 07976 608521 www.theleanorange.com Coaching - Business Excellence Coach

Think Big Tech

Sandwich 01843 570000 www.thinkbigservices.co.uk IT Support & Consultancy. Managed Service Provider

Turner Contemporary Margate 01843 233000 turnercontemporary.org Arts Organisation/Gallery

Water Process Solutions Ltd (WPS Ltd) Aylesford 01622 719945 www.waterprocesssolutions.com Water Treatment

Weweld Services Ltd Romney Marsh 01797 362779 www.weweldservicesltd.co.uk Welding, Manufacturing

Thinking Business

Last Word Nicola Wood Kent Association for the Blind (Charity) Fundraising Manager (Partnerships) I am a wife, mum of two (almost) grown up children, crafter and occasionally play pickleball (you may want to google that)! I am a Fundraising Manager at Kent Association for the Blind and at last I have a job that I love! It’s taken many years but at 50 have finally got there. Learning every day and loving what I do, helps to better the lives of others which drives my passion to succeed. What was your first job and what was the pay packet? I worked as a chambermaid, aged 12 – I fibbed about my age and got away with it because I was tall, think I got about £4 for a Saturday morning’s work. What do you always carry with you to work? Flask of coffee for the journey – travel into Maidstone from Margate most days – need the caffeine for the never ending M2 and A249 tailbacks What is the biggest challenge facing your charity? Engaging with key stakeholders and decision makers in Kent businesses that want to make a difference within their community. If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business? By working at a local level to help create a society where sight loss and associated disabilities is not a barrier to living life to the full. To improve accessibility in the workplace and career opportunities for those with a sight impairment. What can you see from your office window? A busy road with regular traffic jams (well I am in Maidstone!!) If you could do another job what would it be? Running a sports business with my husband that would employ all my friends in jobs that get the best out of them! As a business person, what are your three main qualities? Personable, hardworking and tenacious What was your biggest mistake in business? Not following my gut! What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs? Be brave, take risks and embrace challenges. Learn from your mistakes. Who do you most admire in business? The late Dame Anita Roddick, DBE, who is best known as the founder of The Body Shop and who shaped ethical consumerism. She was a trailblazer of her time and a successful businesswoman in a male dominated business world.

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Movers and Shakers

Girlings Solicitors appoints high-flying conveyancing expert Property Law specialist, Gemma Bath, has been appointed as Partner and Head of Residential Conveyancing at leading south east law firm, Girlings Solicitors. Gemma specialises in the acquisition and disposal of

property across the south and has considerable experience dealing with high net worth conveyancing transactions such as country houses and properties on private estates - including purchases up to £10,500,000.00. She has extensive experience of dealing with high profile personalities and complex property transactions. Originally from Kent, Gemma joins Girlings from a Richmond based

law firm having worked in Surrey and Greater London for most of her career. Based in Girlings’ Ashford Office, Gemma will lead a team of 18 which works across the Firm’s offices in Ashford, Canterbury and Herne Bay. Gemma said, ‘Girlings Residential Property team has a reputation for its technical expertise, high quality advice and excellent customer service which fits well with my own ethos and values. I look forward to working with the team and also returning to practice law in Kent which is my home county.’

Familiar face steps up to lead Dungeness B EDF Energy has appointed John Benn as station director of Dungeness B power station. John has been plant manager at Dungeness B for the past two years and acting station director since October 2019. He brings to the role a wealth of experience, having spent more than three decades working in the energy sector. After starting as a craft technician apprentice with the South of Scotland Electricity Board (SSEB) in 1985, he moved to the company’s renewables division in 2000 and held several senior management roles at Cruachan Power Station.

In 2007 John joined EDF Energy’s predecessor British Energy as maintenance manager at Hunterston B power station in Scotland. Three years later he moved to Sizewell B in Suffolk as plant manager before taking up the post of head of operational improvement at the company’s centre in Barnwood, Gloucestershire. A Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), John has also been assisting the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) on its global peer review process. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be offered the opportunity to lead the station during this very exciting time for Dungeness B. All the work that we’ve done over the

Griffin Law hires new administrator Griffin Law has appointed Kenisha Frett as an administrator at its offices in West Malling, Kent. Originally from Tortola BVI, Kenisha graduated from the University of Kent with a joint honours degree in psychology and law. To further her legal career, she is currently undertaking the Legal Practice Course online. Donal Blaney, principal at Griffin Law, said Kenisha would be a welcome addition to the team.

He said: “I first visited the BVI to live and work when I was admitted to practise there in 2004. Today, I remain heavily involved in Tortola, being co-director of a law firm, Sterling Griffin, and owner of Griffin Trustees, which holds a Class One Trust Licence. I think it’s an excellent turn of the wheel that as well as employing people in BVI, we are now in a position to employ someone from there over here!”

past 14 months has put us in a great position for the future. We’ve completed hundreds of pieces of work to maintain and improve our station and with the hard work of staff here, I’m confident that we’ll hit best-ever generating levels in the months and years to come. “A key part of this job will be to make sure that everyone pushes to continually improve the safety and generation performance of Dungeness B so we can continue generating low carbon power until 2028 and beyond.” Dungeness B is the biggest employer in the area bringing some £40m each year into the local economy. More than 550 people are directly employed at the site on the Kent coast with a further 200 carrying out contract roles.

Griffin Law, which is ranked in The Legal 500, is a niche litigation firm of innovative, proactive, tenacious and commercially-minded lawyers who guarantee to share the risk of litigation with every client. The firm deals solely with litigation cases and its expertise has been recognised by peers and the media in the form of awards and testimonials. Its reputation has been built on providing innovative, cost-effective legal advice to individuals and businesses. Sterling Griffin is a BVI law firm regulated by the BVI General Legal Council and co-owned by Donal Blaney and Sherri-Ortiz-Fahie.

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