Thinking Business April by Benham Publishing Limited

THINKING

BUSINESS • OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • April 2020 - May 2020 •

How businesses can help TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE n n n n n n

Chamber Awards 2020 Update P6 Sector Focus Property P16 International Trade P20 The Big Interview with EDF’s Dungeness B station director, John Benn P22 Health & Wellbeing P41 COVID-19 - Business Support P42-43

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Welcome

Welcome & Contents

By Jo James OBE, chief executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce on how quickly the virus spreads and how effectively it can be contained.

We live in uncertain times. The snap election in December was followed quickly by Britain’s protracted decision to leave the European Union on 31st January. Now we have the coronavirus to deal with – and the impact of this disease on local, national and global economies is impossible to quantify at present. Companies are doing their best to carry on – but it is anything but business as usual. Some companies have had to close temporarily, furloughing staff, while high-profile events including the Chamber Business Awards ceremony have had to be postponed. A lot will depend

Much will also depend on companies’ vigilance and their ability to implement sensible control measures, such as minimising staff travel where possible and ensuring they have the tools to work from home. Employees who do need to be in the workplace should strictly adhere to the clear government guidelines on social distancing and be sufficiently flexible to cope with and cater for the rapidly changing needs of clients. Fortunately, in Kent we have some strong, resilient and successful businesses and entrepreneurs, some of which are showcased in these pages. Paul Willett is driving forward the success of his business, Ikonix Telecoms, which he has grown into one of the leading go-to telecoms

solution providers in the country. John Benn of EDF explains how the Dungeness B nuclear plant on Romney Marsh is playing a vital role in supplying reliable low-carbon energy to meet our changing energy demands. Meanwhile, Bronwyn Rich of This Way Up Wellbeing highlights the value of mindfulness and positive thinking in the workplace – and how this can boost productivity and staff morale.

Clearly, we’re all facing several weeks or months of uncertainty in the business world and in the wider society – but we will get through this. The Chamber will do its best to support businesses and help them through these challenging times.

Jo James OBE

PLEASE NOTE: Some articles in this edition were written before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Article content therefore reflects this time lapse.

Contents 4 5 6-9 10-11 12 13 14-15 16 20-21

Chamber News Legal Update Chamber Awards Patron News Members News Business News Members News Sector Focus - Property International Trade

Our Patrons

22-23 The Big Interview 24-30 Cover Feature –Environment 33 Economy 34-35 Members News 36-37 Equality & Diversity 40 Ask the Expert 41 Health & Wellbeing 42-43 COVID-19 - Business Support

45 The Person Behind the Business 46

Business News

Members News

48-49 New Members 50

Last Word

Movers & Shakers

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.1717 Published April 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

An open letter to Chamber members from BCC Director General Adam Marshall We can only overcome those challenges by sticking together and supporting each other. That’s why every one of our Chambers of Commerce is working tirelessly to help businesses on the front line – as the ‘first responders’ on the ground.

And it’s why the British Chambers of Commerce team in London is working around the clock to ensure that the UK government and financial institutions get practical support to businesses – fast. Our priority is to ensure that businesses get clear, actionable information at speed in order to take critical decisions – and that government takes action on the pressing, real world needs of our business communities.

Dear friends, I wanted to write directly to you, as Chamber members across the UK and around the world. Every business – no matter its size, sector, age, nation or region – is currently facing unprecedented challenges.

We are making this point relentlessly right at the very top. Over the past three days, both I and my team have been in constant contact with Downing Street, with senior Cabinet Ministers, with the Governor of the Bank of England, and with the

banking industry. We are in the room, at the table, and we are making it clear that businesses and their employees need immediate support. We will do absolutely everything we can to ensure that your questions are answered, and above all, to get the UK Government to move faster to get cash to the front line to keep our businesses, communities and economy going. Chambers are in business for business – and we will be there every step of the way as we navigate the days and weeks ahead. Count on us – and on each other. Together we can bring our businesses and communities together and lead the fight for the future. With very best wishes always – and take good care.

Adam Marshall Director General, British Chambers of Commerce

Kentish Innovation: the Cutting Edge of the Assault on Climate Change RIFT, the UK's leading tax experts, are delighted to sponsor the 2020 Construction Project of the Year award. As an Invicta Chamber member for many years, we've been privileged to work with some of Kent's most inspirational and innovative companies, and we can't wait to see what they have to offer this year! The 2018's UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report mean the stakes couldn't be higher given the hard deadline for cutting global carbon emissions in half by 2030 To come close to hitting that target, we need to have a committed, co-ordinated plan in action in 2020. Governments around the world have recognised this year as a critical point, and the message is being received at every level, from individuals to businesses and

Thinking Business

beyond. In the UK, the amount of energy consumed per person is already down by a full 25% over the last 15 years. Brands showing a serious commitment to sustainability are seeing a genuine rise in recognition in the marketplace, while cleantech is making its mark in every sector. The challenge continues to be ensuring that innovation is embedded at the heart of British business, and Kent is leading the charge toward a more sustainable future. Second only to London in terms of both the number of R&D Tax Credits claims made and the amounts claimed, the South East is at the forefront of the UK's innovation surge. 16% of all research and development claims come from the region, along with almost a fifth of the total paid out. For the 2016/17 tax year, official HMRC figures show businesses

based in the South East making 7,975 claims for an impressive £810 million of R&D tax relief. When it comes to turning innovative thinking and investment into real-world benefits, London and Kent are clear front-runners. Now, this isn't intended to imply that there's no room for improvement. There are still UK industries that continue to lag behind. Construction, for example, ranks as one of the most aggressively innovative sectors in the world. Despite this, only about 4% of R&D claims came out of the building trade in 2016/17, totalling a little over 3% of the amount claimed. Given that the built environment accounts for 45% of the country's total carbon emissions and 32% of all landfill waste, there's still some way to go until the industry's results match its ambition.

Kent is entering a period of challenges, opportunities and potentially unprecedented growth. A 2018 KCC impact report cited a 36% drop in carbon dioxide emissions since 2005, a 9.6% reduction in household waste since 2012/13 and a 2% fall in average household energy consumption since 2015. With the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius firmly in our sights, the heat is definitely on to throw a solar powered spotlight on cleantech, sustainability and the innovation that drives them. Kent is taking a strong leadership position in that drive, but there's still work do be done in bringing home the full benefits of R&D. For more information on how RIFT R&D can help KICC members visit: RIFTresearch.com/kicc or call the KICC members hotline: 01227 653009.

Landlords and second property owners

Legal Update

Gemma Bath, Head of Residential Property at Girlings highlights some important legislative changes which may affect you.

2020 will undoubtedly be a challenging year for many landlords, and owners of second properties. Here is a quick review of just some of the changes which may impact you, focussing first on the punitive increases to Capital Gains Tax: Capital Gains Tax From 6 April 2020 any UK resident selling or gifting an interest in a residential property that gives rise to a taxable gain will be required to submit a ‘Payment on Account Return’ within 30 days of completion of the disposal, notifying HMRC of any capital gain. They will also be required to make a payment on account of the CGT liability within the same timescale, or incur penalties and interest charges. Changes to Principal Private Residence Relief (PPR) and Lettings Relief will also greatly increase the CGT payable. This is a big change and at Girlings we are fortunate, when working with clients on the sale of a second property, to have an in-house tax expert who can complete the Payment on Account Return and make the necessary payments to HMRC. This relieves our clients of this burden, avoiding any overdue penalties and interest being charged by HMRC. MEES Since 2018, landlords have been unable to let their property to new tenants unless it has a minimum

energy efficiency rating of an E (unless exempted) on its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). From April 2020, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) will be extended to cover all existing tenancies. This means it will be illegal for landlords to let properties which have F or G ratings. Tenant Fees Act The Tenant Fees Act came into force in England in June 2019. From June 2020 this will be extended to cover all existing tenancies. This means landlords and letting agents cannot charge fees other than rent, deposits, holding deposits and charges for defaulting on the contract – with additional restrictions on how much tenants must pay. Electrical Safety During 2020, rules forcing landlords to carry out regular electrical safety checks are expected to be introduced. Section 21 A new Renter’s Reform Bill is to be introduced to protect tenants. The Bill would remove Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, giving tenants more security through the abolition of ‘no fault’ evictions, as well as reforming grounds for possession. If you are affected by the changes to Capital Gains Tax or need advice on buying and selling residential property, ask the expert and contact Gemma.

Gemma Bath

Head of Residential Property

girlings.com

01233 664711

gemmabath@girlings.com Thinking Business

Chamber Awards

Chamber Business Awards UPDATE Regretfully, in light of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice regarding the COVID-19 virus, our Chamber Business Awards ceremony, due to be held at Westenhanger Castle on 19 March, was postponed.

Although it was a difficult decision to make, given the circumstances it was the right thing to do. We needed to put the welfare of our finalists, guests, sponsors and event partners first and we would like to thank you all for your patience, understanding and continued support.

Jo James OBE

A new date for our Chamber Business Awards ceremony will be announced as

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2020 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE Sponsored by: University of Kent YEAR 2020

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS THE YEAR 2020

n BJF Group

Sponsored by: Coface UK Services Ltd

Chamber Awards

Working at home: Some tips from a seasoned campaigner

With many offices making the transition to operating remotely for the first time, CEO of Cantium Business Solutions, Mark Scott, offers his advice. Home working sounds like a novelty but can be difficult to maintain over a sustained period. Only when you start to work alone do you appreciate the small office interactions that form an integral part of your day. How often do you ask a quick question to a co-worker, or have someone check your email before you hit send? These will be gone when you start working remotely. However, working at home has many benefits and if you apply some self-discipline and good practices, it can be highly productive and enjoyable. Here is how to optimise your remote working hours: Get up early and have your usual morning routine. Resist background distractions like the TV and social media. Set regular break times to get up and move around, even go out for some fresh air. Create a 'To Do'

list with more tasks than usual to keep yourself busy. You’ll be more productive once you settle into a good routine. Remember, the lack of social interaction is going to be the biggest shock to your system, so keep communicating with others through regular phone and conference calls. If you’re like me, you'll probably miss 'water cooler' conversations with co-workers. When you’re finished working, switch off. If you are spending all day and night at home, you must create a distinction between work and relaxation. As a seasoned campaigner and advocate of remote working, I do all of these things as second nature, but I do appreciate it's a new experience for many people. I hope you find these tips useful and settle comfortably into a new way of working.

Coface can help your business grow SMEs are great at building personal relationships with customers and suppliers but most focus on winning business and fulfilling orders, who has time to check the financial health of a new customer. Business Information – do you know the real financial position of your customers?

As an insurer, Coface has the infrastructure, resources and expertise to track the trading behaviour and financial strength of over 80 million companies worldwide. This ensures that our credit assessments are up-todate and reliable. Coface’s business information is available online and several

options are available, from a Snapshop Report containing key financial data, to a Full Report with more extensive information enabling you to dig deeper. Debt Collection – are all your invoices settled within the payment terms?

Chasing unpaid invoices can be distracting, time-consuming and soul-destroying so it makes sense to assign the task to the professionals.

To date, debts worth more than €1.6bn have been entrusted to Coface. As part of a global insurer, Coface has the resources to investigate debtor assets, and

the name to secure payment more quickly. When it comes to collecting overdue invoices from overseas, experienced collectors who speak the language and understand the culture can step in and recover the debt. For more information about Coface, call 0800 085 6848 or visit cofaceitfirst.com/kicc Thinking Business

Chamber Awards

New affordable homes coming to Kent

Much needed affordable homes are being developed across Kent over the next four years, thanks to a local housing provider. Golding Homes, based in Maidstone, recently exchanged contracts to deliver 164 new homes in partnership with three major UK developers; Countryside Properties, Millwood Designer Homes and Taylor Wimpey. The new homes, located across five different developments, will be built and delivered

over the next four years. Once complete the schemes, based in and around Maidstone, Ashford and Canterbury will provide 98 homes for affordable rent and 66 homes for sale through shared ownership.

contract with three very established housing developers to build new homes in Kent. Once complete these new homes will meet the need for high-quality housing, helping to make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Golding Homes currently own and manage over 7,650 properties, but as part of its latest strategic plan, have ambitions to grow their development portfolio by building 2,000 new homes between now and 2025.

The investment into these new homes has been achievable for the housing provider, thanks to £120m worth of funding from NatWest and Santander.

Tom Casey, Director of Development and Sales said: “At Golding we recognise the importance of providing affordable housing; building homes and communities where people choose to live. I am delighted we have been able to enter into

KC Weddings and Events and The Chamber of Commerce Being partnered with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce; KC Weddings and Events are staying hopeful and supportive whilst this pandemic continues. Even though the Virus is at large; our optimism hasn’t strayed, and we are still making sure that the KC Team are on hand via email to deliver happiness and positivity through these unprecedented times of hardship and sadness. We would like to keep you updated with what is happening this end and inform you of our further developments. We are an established Kent based company who specialise in the theming, planning and installation of props and equipment for all events whether that be a wedding, Corporate Event or a Private Party. Our business is still growing and expanding and we have no intention of slowing down. This immediate break in working conditions have allowed us to focus more on our on-line presence through our website, which will allow you to access more

informative and pictorial pieces that have never been viewed before. These will be going live with our new updated website that will be launched within the coming weeks. A virtual chance to seeing the faces of The KC Team, watch them work and hear what they enjoy best at making your special event and business function come true. From, how we plan the event with you, set up your tables on the day to draping and transforming an entire space; this content will show you how a blank space becomes a magnificent backdrop to anyone’s event. Our new lines of stock such as Tables; Chairs; Artificial Trees; Personalised Props and Coloured Drapery pushing this year’s colours and themes into a new dimension. Please don’t give up on thinking that this year’s colours are now out – THEY’RE NOT!!! If you’re designing any upcoming Business Events, then please utilise this time to make sure you have everything you require.

For us, at Lavender Blue Media, filming and producing the highlights of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards is always eventful and we have many stories to tell! We have been working with the Chamber for many years and this event brings together the business community in our county, showcasing the amazing achievements of companies and talented individuals alike. We’re really looking forward to being part of the rescheduled event later in the year. Filming Awards celebrations is just one of the many production specialisms we have within our business. Using video within marketing communications has exploded and will continue to grow, with every business now a ‘broadcaster’ the creative possibilities are endless. We’ve been producing films since 2002 and refuse to be beaten by the Coronavirus. We’ll be here to support you in the coming months, in telling your story, creating anything from social media content and documentaries to online courses, motion graphics and animation; engaging content that will inspire and connect with your audience.

Thinking Business

Golding Homes is the largest social landlord in Maidstone, currently providing homes and services to over 20,000 people across Kent. All profits are invested back into building more new homes, improving existing housing stock and providing services to customers and the wider community.

We must remember that this situation is only temporary; if anything, this is the time to reflect and start planning, after all, Weddings and Events will eventually go ahead and smiles, laughter and positivity will overcome this grave time we’re in. Even though you can’t visit Fayres and Exhibitions; the ideas are online waiting to be viewed. So, use this time to your advantage and experience the wealth of imagination and flair that we can offer you; The KC Team are always on hand to discuss your needs via email. enquiries@kcweddingsandevents.co.uk We don’t make your day – you make ours; stay positive and strong and we will always be ‘Innovating Excellence to Perfection’. Warmest Regards,

The KC Team. www.kcweddingsandevents.co.uk 0800 246 5496

Chamber Awards The University of Kent can help to support your future plans for innovation and growing your business. We believe in bringing innovation and creative approaches to increasing business productivity and growth. We achieve this by encouraging collaboration between our university and businesses, whether in a local, national or multinational landscape. If you are a business, a charity or a public sector organisation, our world-class expertise can help you, the business and innovation gateway team are here to help. We understand

that different businesses need different support and will work with you to find the right expertise for your needs. How can you access the help you need?

The team can help you make informed decisions about which direction to grow your business. Our subject experts are leaders in their field with real-world experience of delivering innovative solutions helping you achieve a range of business objectives including increased productivity, a growth in sales, reducing business costs and help you to develop new products and services. We can access collaborative funding to support your engagement with the University. Our dedicated Knowledge Transfer Partnership team, can work with you to improve your competitiveness by bringing new

skills and the latest academic thinking to deliver a specific strategic project. The University has talented, knowledgeable and highly motivated students studying on our degree programmes, eager to further develop and apply their skills and knowledge within a real organisational setting. We are here to support your business by giving you access to our talented students, our academic research, new technologies, and world-leading facilities. We also offer bespoke training opportunities for your staff with our leading academic staff. If you wish to find out more about the business opportunities available to you and your business you can contact the business and innovation gateway team at enterprise@kent.ac.uk. Visit our website for more details: www.kent.ac.uk/enterprise.

2. Know your projects. Recognising when things aren’t going to plan, and understanding the full cost of your work goes a long way towards mitigating losses on projects. 3. Don’t forget material costs! Materials used up in the R&D process can be really valuable. From prototypes to software consumables, make sure they’re included. 4. Using subcontractors? Subcontractor time can be claimed too, although capped by HMRC, proving a bonus when it comes to crunching the numbers.

Caught out on ‘at risk’ projects? There’s an R&D claim for that. The UK Research and Development tax relief scheme is the most rewarding of its kind, yet, it

Triple A Events can help you! We are based in Kent and cover the whole of the South East. Our team have years of event experience from corporate entertainment, product launches, seminars and award ceremonies to family fun days, firework displays, festivals and concerts. We are happy to be supporting Heart of Kent Hospice's ‘Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade’ campaign an exciting trail of fifty creatively designed Elmer elephants that will be arriving in Maidstone for people to follow around town. The decorated elephants that will be ‘on parade’ from 20 June to 23 August. We will have our

is one of the most underutilised. Available to all innovative businesses regardless of sector, a R&D claim in the current climate of economic uncertainty, can make a world of difference to cashflow. RIFTs top tips for maximising a claim:

1. Raise awareness in your ranks Projects considered R&D are best captured in real time, thus ensuring costs are maximised.

5. Speak to the experts. You wouldn’t go to your GP for heart surgery, in the same way that you wouldn’t expect your accountant to be an expert in innovation within your sector. Speaking to industry specialists, such as RIFT, really does go a long way to maximising your return. For more information on an making an R&D claim, refer to our article on page 4.

own Elmer (although much smaller) on tour with us this year. Follow his travels on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages . We can support you in any way you need, from simply advising and supplying the best equipment for your event, to a full project management service where we look after the whole process. If you prefer, our experts can stage-manage on the day. Our management team can even deal with booking venues, artists and sub-contractors on your behalf. Contact us to discuss your event or call 0800 772 3242. Website: tripleaevents.co.uk Email: info@tripleaevents.co.uk Thinking Business

Patron News

2020 Patrons appointed at Kent Business Leaders Dinner Held at Leeds Castle in February

Patrons receive their 2020 certificates The latest Kent Business Leaders Dinner, sponsored by Kent Invicta Chamber Patron MHA MacIntyre Hudson, was staged in the Henry VIII banqueting hall within the magnificent Leeds Castle. Over 60 guests were welcomed by Kent Invicta Chamber Chief Executive, Jo James OBE and Debbie Matthews, Hospitality Business Manager at Leeds Castle. Keynote speaker Joe Nellis, Professor of Global Economy at the Cranfield School of Management, gave a thought-provoking speech entitled 'The World Beyond the Horizonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. He focused on how our business environment has been transformed by unprecedented economic and political developments and how a new world order is shaping up with the establishment of new markets and growth opportunities. After dinner members of the Kent Invicta Chamber Board, along with fellow diners, recognised the businesses and organisations that will be the Kent Invicta Chamber Patrons for 2020. The Patrons represent key sectors in the county and organisations that support and service the local business community. Jo James addressed the eleven Patrons and thanked them for their commitment to the Chamber before presenting them with their prestigious certificates, designed and produced by local businesses Oak Creative and Frameworx.

10 Thinking Business

Jo James, Chief Executive

Patron certificates collected by:

H Carol Ford, Commercial Director,

AC Goatham & Son

H Tracey Kerly, CEO, Ashford Borough Council H Jo Worby, Managing Partner, Brachers LLP H David Gurton, Director,

Caxtons Chartered Surveyors

H Roddy Barrow, Group MD, HR GO plc H Nick Lee Evans, Partner,

Lee Evans Partnership

H Duncan Cochrane-Dyet, Partner,

Debbie Matthews from Leeds Castle welcoming guests

MHA MacIntyre Hudson

H Lewis O'Callaghan, Apprenticeship

Development Manager, MidKent College

H Lee Hutton, Senior Commercial Manager &

Shaun Staunton, Partnerships Manager, Sleeping Giant Media

H David Armstrong, Area Managing Director,

Towergate Insurance Brokers

H Carole Barron, Director, Kent Innovation &

Enterprise, University of Kent

Duncan Cochrane-Dyet from dinner sponsors MHA MacIntyre Hudson with keynote speaker Professor Joe Nellis Photography by Ali Kittermaster

Patron News

LET’S GO GREEN!

…Confessions of a not very sustainable business to install recycling bins, reduce paper, consider the environmental impact of everything they do. But that’s no longer enough. We may be late starters but we know we need to do more. This thinking was confirmed when we ran a survey asking staff what they thought about our sustainability performance. The answer: “Not a lot.” A whopping 83% said we could be more sustainable, while 59% claimed we did not support them enough to be sustainable. Time for action!

Jenny White, Canterbury Branch Manager, HR GO Recruitment, Canterbury, recycles Christmas Trees for Pilgrims Hospices in the first Act of Greenness for 2020 Let’s be honest. Not every business is as green as it should be. Yet we all worry about the environment. Not a day passes without scary news about global warming, melting ice, pollution, plastic waste clogging seas and killing wildlife, and rain forest destruction. Sir David Attenborough does a brilliant job explaining the issues and warning of dire consequences of not changing our ways. Most of us do green things at home – recycling paper, separating food waste, visiting bottle banks. But in business we could do so much more, couldn’t we? Sure, there are role model businesses out there – and well done to them. But all of us should embed green action in our business culture. Not that we at HR GO have been doing nothing. As an £85m company with offices in Kent, UK, Poland and Australia, we have encouraged them

To get us going HR GO is spearheading a GO GREEN campaign based around three pledges.

1. Going digital

We’ve done a lot in digital transformation for internal reporting, but are introducing in-branch tablets and

improved website registration to cut down on paper forms for candidates.

2. Eco-friendly Options

We spell out the damage caused by single use plastic and encourage the use of reusable bottles and cups, along with more recycling bins, a cycle-towork scheme and encouraging greener options for printing of marketing materials. Our branded seed pencils are a symbol of our commitment to greater sustainability – while promoting the company name to customers.

3. Acts of Greenness

We encourage employees to volunteer acts of greenness, with achievements promoted on social media. Jenny White, Canterbury Branch Manager at HR GO Recruitment in Canterbury, was quick off the mark by collecting Christmas trees for recycling and raising £2,100 for Pilgrims Hospices.

Green Team

We’re aiming to get everyone in the company involved so that we can create more pride in our efforts. We’ve formed a central Green Team of representatives from all parts of the business and aim to have a Green Champion in every office. Roddy Barrow, Group Managing Director, said: “We hope our Go Green campaign will see lots of engagement from all our teams across the UK and internationally and will generate a real sense of pride in our commitment to drive change.”

Let’s make a big green difference in 2020. It’s time for us all to: GO GREEN!

Members News

Plasticom staff complete forklift training commercial training and recruitment specialist, Mainstream Group. Most of the training was done in-house, although Maxima Simmonds completed her course at Mainstream’s newly refurbished centre in Sittingbourne, Kent. Maxima was very pleased with the training and impressed by the facilities on offer. Employees at a plastic moulding company in Ashford are celebrating after finishing their forklift training. The Plasticom Group was given the opportunity to receive the free training through its membership of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. It was carried out in partnership with

Don’t let Check, become Checkmate

Sonia Simmonds said: “The course was delivered in a timely manner and the training was excellent. It has been an incredible boost for us as a company and for our employees. We look forward to working with the Chamber and Mainstream Group on training in the future, as it brings so many benefits for employees as well as the employer.”

WonderHub arrives in Maidstone

ACAS / Employment Tribunal Advice If your employee is making an Employment Tribunal claim against you, we can help. We’ll tell you where you stand and advise you of your options. We pride ourselves on providing no-nonsense costeffective advice. Whether you decide to seek a settlement or to defend the claim, our experienced team will be with you every step of the way.

Tel: 01580 767525 Email: employment@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 2/20

12 Thinking Business

A Kent-based digital creative agency has developed a new coworking office space in Maidstone town centre.

creating the perfect location for entrepreneurs to launch new ventures, scale their brands and be part of an innovative business ecosystem.

Wonderful delivers website applications and digital transformation solutions, and creates content and campaigns which drive business growth. The company is passionate about delivering cutting-edge solutions and adding genuine value to businesses.

As working practices continue to change, with flexible and mobile working becoming the norm, demand for this type of creative office space has been steadily increasing in the county.

As an extension of the agency’s ethos, Wonderful’s MD Dan Maudhub partnered with local investor Simon Benton to develop an exciting new space engineered to facilitate business growth. The WonderHub provides a great working environment and in-house accelerator programmes, events, mentoring and investor support,

Wonderful said: “We are delighted to be part of this growth in Kent! With the aim to bring value to Maidstone, promote business growth within Kent, and create a vibrant community of like-minded, passionate entrepreneurs, you’d be crazy to not want to get on board with us!” For more information visit wonderhub.space

Multi-billion-pound boost for beleaguered businesses

Business News

wholesale disruption as a result of the pandemic. “The key to the success of these measures is whether they get cash to businesses on the front line, fast. Companies need practical details, at great speed, for these interventions to have the desired impact, and to reassure firms across the UK. “Both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor were clear that the Government would do whatever it takes over the coming days to support businesses, their employees, and the economy. Further measures will be needed to help all firms and their employees meet this unprecedented challenge.” Mr Marshall’s comments come after the BCC downgraded its economic growth forecasts amid disruption caused by the coronavirus. The organisation expects growth to fall from 1% to 0.8% in 2020 – which outside of the 2008-09 financial crisis would be the weakest full-year growth outturn since 1992.

The government has unveiled a £350 billion package of financial measures to shore up the economy against the effects of the coronavirus.

He said: “The measures I have announced are part of a comprehensive, coordinated and coherent response to what is a serious and evolving economic situation.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that £330bn will be made available in the form of loans, as well as £20bn in other aid.

“This is not a time for ideology and orthodoxy. This is a time to be bold. A time for courage. I want to reassure every British citizen [that] this government will give you all the tools you need to get through this.

The business rates holiday will be extended to all firms in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors irrespective of the rateable value of their business premises, and cash grants of up to £25,000 will be made available to smaller companies. In a move to allay widespread fears over the potential impact of the virus on businesses and everyday life, the Chancellor also said he would make further funds available should there be demand for it.

“We will support jobs, we will support incomes, we will support businesses, and we will help you protect your loved ones. “We have never faced an economic fight like this one. But we are well prepared. We will get through this. And we will do whatever it takes.” Responding to the Chancellor’s announcements, BCC Director

General Dr Adam Marshall said: “Businesses will welcome the scale of the Government's latest response, as well as the specific support it is offering to some of the worst-affected parts of our economy. These measures could be a lifeline for many businesses across the UK who are now experiencing

However, the BCC also said it expected growth to pick up in subsequent years, to 1.4% in 2021 and 1.6% in 2022. This forecast indicates that by the end of 2022, the UK economy will have grown below its historic average growth rate of 2.6% for eight successive years, the longest period since records began.

"This is not a time for ideology and orthodoxy. This is a time to be bold. A time for courage. I want to reassure every British citizen [that] this government will give you all the tools you need to get through this."

Thinking Business

Members News

Achieving excellence with team coaching What can your team achieve that no other can? That’s what innovative Ashford charity, Dads Unlimited, has been working on with support from new Chamber member Julie Flower.

Probiotics are the way forward There are currently many concerns about the effect that petrochemical detergents are having on the environment, and studies suggest that using conventional cleaning products can be as harmful to cleaning staff as smoking 20 cigarettes a day. No doubt there are impending repercussions against companies that continue to produce petrochemical-based products when there are sustainable alternatives available. The cleaning industry is changing globally, and there are positive vegetable-based products and probiotic cleaners replacing 90% of the traditional products within the next five years as more companies embrace the circular economic concept. These trends will have a big impact on traditional manufacturers. The UK cleaning industry will see a big shake-up; companies need to adapt and accept that what was appropriate in the industry two years ago is not acceptable now. We need to embrace circular cleaning by using concentrated cradle-to-cradle accredited (C2C) products. Shayne Warden, managing director of CICS, said: “I’m passionate about the environment and about supporting the world goals. If you think that this is something that could be of interest to your business, please contact me at info@cics.ltd so that I can explain some of the options we have available to trial the system. Probiotics do not cost a fortune and you will be doing your share for our environment.”

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Julie leads Canterbury-based training and development consultancy, The Specialist Generalist, and is coaching the senior team as part of her company’s pro bono work within the community. Dads Unlimited seeks to improve the lives of children of separated parents and is at an exciting point in its growth, having received national acclaim for its unique model of advice and support for separated parents. Nav Mirza, chief executive of Dads Unlimited, said: “It has been a real privilege working with Julie. We are now able to take a step back from our daily work and really examine the dynamics of my team, and look at areas closely where we can improve not only the way we work but, more importantly, the dividends that can be achieved by our beneficiaries as a result.

“The clarity that Julie’s support has provided has enabled us to reflect on our rapid growth and prepare for the future. The space we have created to examine our journey and appreciate how far we have come, with Julie’s help, was a stand-out moment for all of us. In particular, being able to understand the contribution of every member of the team to begin to work more dextrously in a challenging, not-for-profit sector will only help us innovate and deliver better services.”

SSP gets ahead of the game Specialised Sports Products (SSP) is an installer of sports and safety surfaces including wet pour rubber, rubber mulch, resin bound paving and artificial grass, providing outdoor surfaces to schools, businesses and domestic customers throughout the UK. Additional services for the schools market include its daily mile tracks which have been designed to encourage school children to walk, run or jog one mile each day.

The company also supplies and installs multi-use games areas (MUGAs), an artificial sports surface suitable for many different sports and activities including football, hockey, rugby and much more.

Julie added: “Team coaching is a powerful form of development because it is about working collaboratively with the whole team within its wider context. By looking both internally and externally, the team continuously develops its dynamic relationships and skills to deliver effectively and make real impact. I’m delighted to be working with Dads Unlimited.” For more information visit www.dadunltd.org.uk and www.specialistgeneralist.co.uk Based in Canterbury, SSP was established in 1994 and has progressed over the last decade to become a well-known playground flooring and sports facility surfacing installer which now includes surfacing for the golf market. Over the years, the company has developed into a thriving, energetic and innovative outfit, providing outdoor playground flooring and solutions for schools, children's play, safety, sports and learning and leisure facilities. It also supplies children’s playground equipment and solutions as well as offering full maintenance packages including 2G/3G/4G sports pitch and tennis court maintenance packages.

Budget fuel tax could drive a green transport revolution A fuel duty increase in this year’s budget should be matched by incentives to encourage motorists to drive cleaner vehicles, according to a Kentbased accountancy firm. MHA MacIntyre Hudson, which has offices in Maidstone and Canterbury, believes a tax hike needs to go hand-in-hand with targeted reliefs to support greener forms of transport. Glen Thomas, the firm’s head of tax in Kent, said: “It is widely believed the new chancellor will unfreeze fuel duty, and it is easy to see why he might be tempted to do so.

Although it would be unpopular, an increase of just 2p per litre for conventional internal combustion engine vehicles could raise £4bn over the next five years. “But rather than simply pocket the cash, the chancellor should consider returning it to motorists in the form of support for lowemission and electric vehicles. “The £4bn could help pay for some of the infrastructure – such as an integrated charging network – needed to support a green transport revolution and also fund targeted tax incentives.

Members News

“Two key ones are the Plug-in Car Grant (PICG), which should be maintained until 2025, at least in some form. Secondly, there needs to be more certainty about how long this April’s new Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates, which make it significantly cheaper to run an ultra low-emissions vehicle, will be maintained. “As well as benefiting motorists and the environment, these measures will help the Government meet its CO2 targets.”

BRITISH GROWERS OPEN FOR GLOBAL BUSINESS British apple and pear growers AC Goatham & Son from Kent, berry and soft fruit growers Angus Soft Fruits from Scotland and salad and vegetable growers Bedfordshire Growers have teamed up to put on a united display at Fruit Logistica in Berlin. The three companies highlighted a strong message that Britain has the best quality fresh produce on offer. Fruit Logistica is attended by grower organisations, buyers and the wider fresh produce industry

from around the world with around 100,000 visitors promoting the different types, varieties and flavours which consumers will be enjoying over the coming years.

put on a show of strength. British food has a strong provenance both at home and abroad and we want to be leading the opportunities for more people to enjoy it.”

produce. We have the opportunity through events such as Fruit Logistica to get better at exporting and putting our business in front of the key decision-makers globally.”

Carol Ford, commercial director of AC Goatham & Son, said: “We felt it was really important this year with Britain leaving the European Union to have a much stronger presence at Fruit Logistica and to show the world we are open for business. We are delighted to have teamed up with some of the other largest and most innovative UK growers to

Stephen Hedderly, managing director at Bedfordshire Growers, said: “Our business is keen to explore more export opportunities for our produce such as Sweet Red, a red onion which we have developed and bred ourselves as well as creating new British business opportunities to displace the need to rely on imported

Jill Witheyman, marketing manager at Angus Soft Fruit, added “Working with like-minded growers from around the world, we breed, grow, pack and supply berries to ensure 12-month supply to our UK and European retailers and food service partners. Our aim is to deliver berries that will delight our customers each and every day.”

Thinking Business

Sector Focus - Property

NEW STUDY SHOWS CONFIDENCE in South East property and construction sectors Confidence in the South East property and construction sector is high, according to new research carried out by law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore. The study surveyed local businesses that operate in the sector, including developers, construction companies, surveyors, banks and architects. Nearly one half of the 38 organisations that responded to the survey (42%) said they felt more confident about planning ahead compared with a year ago, with a further 47% saying they felt as confident as a year ago. Similarly, the vast majority (82%) said they felt either extremely or somewhat confident about the outlook for the property and construction sectors for 2020 and beyond.

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In terms of expectations for the residential property development market in 2020 and beyond, over three quarters of respondents (76%) predicted either increased or sustained growth. However, businesses did express some concerns. More than two thirds (68%) cited a shortage of skilled workers, 66% highlighted post-Brexit transition period uncertainty and 42% said access to and cost of materials would be a key challenge during 2020 and beyond. Respondents also voiced concerns about planning rules. When asked ‘how do you feel current planning regulations are impacting your business?’ nearly half (47%) said they were having a negative impact.

The Lower Thames River Crossing and Ebbsfleet Garden City were seen as offering the greatest scope for opportunity locally in the sector, followed by Paramount Pictures London Resort. Fifty-one per cent of respondents also believed that outlying developments associated with these major projects would provide significant scope for extra opportunities. Chris Whittington, head of construction at Thomson Snell & Passmore, said: “It is really positive to see that confidence in the South East property and construction sectors is so high. After periods of uncertainty over the past few years, it is encouraging that businesses are now keen to move forward and embrace the opportunities present in the region.”

Have your goals and aspirations for an upcoming project fulfilled, get in touch today.

n Architectural Design n Surveying n Visualisation n Draughting n Project Management n Plus much more

Andy Champion The Design & Surveying Consultancy

Tel: 07591 175 759

www.thedsc.co.uk

Innovo IT

Simple Steps To Work & Collaborate Securely From Home We’re all dealing with a sudden, huge, change to the way we need to live and work. As someone who’s evangelised about the benefits of remote working for some time, I have compiled this list of simple steps to help you and your teams work from home effectively and securely. Productivity:

1 - Internet. Before you do any work, check that your home internet connection is fast enough to cope. Run an internet speed test from https://broadbandtest.which.co.uk/. Anything over 2Mbps download and .5Mbps upload is fine. If you run the test while others in your household are using the internet, you’ll get a more real world result. Check that your mobile phone contract includes unlimited data. Your monthly bill will detail this. If your broadband goes down, you’ll still be able to work online by using your mobile phone as a hotspot. 2 - Save your files to the Cloud. Saving files on your computer is convenient, but risky. If your computer fails during this current crisis, your computer repair man may not be able to come and collect your laptop. Using a software toolset like Google’s G Suite, gives you business email, 1TB of data, video calling, instant messaging and much more. It’s built on cutting edge security and costs around £10 per month. If your laptop fails, you can just grab your mobile or another device, login and carry on where you left off. No need to install anything. 3 - Morning Standup. Call it a roll call, catch up, or whatever you

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want. Start a group video call for 15 minutes each morning, with your whole team. You can use it to discuss tasks for the day, issues to be dealt with, or just to check on health and mood. 4 - Chat reguarly. When in the office, you probably take a few minutes to walk to the coffee machine and chat with your team. Don’t stop that just because you’re not physically together. Send an instant message to say, “Coffee?”. Go and make a coffee, then fire up a video chat, together. I have a colleague, who runs his own IT company, and we do this a lot. A quick message saying, “got 5 minutes?” and we’re on an informal call working through problems, discussing progress, or talking about F1 or Rugby. It doesn’t matter. What’s important is maintaining the personal connections. It’s very easy to act as if you are alone, when in reality you are not.

Security:

Everyone is talking about practicing good hygiene, I will now talk about how to practice good IT hygiene. Many people are being targeted by scammers and criminals, taking advantage of the uncertainty around the current crisis. Good IT hygiene is simple to set up, easy to follow and

will help make sure you are not one of the victims. 1 - Email. Treat email like the front door to your home or office. You wouldn’t let just anyone waltz in and steal your valuables, so treat email the same way. Scammers are sending emails pretending to be from the NHS, or WHO, advising you to click a link for more information. Whatever you do, do not click on the link. It may install malicious software on your computer that will trigger a delayed response. Your files may be encrypted by the software and you’ll receive a Ransomware alert, demanding money. If you get an email from a sender you don’t recognise, the spelling is off, or it looks odd. Be alert. Ask yourself how the NHS, WHO, or whoever got your business email address and why they’d waste their own time and resources emailing individuals. The best thing to do is delete the email, or mark it as Spam. You can open a web browser, go to the website of the agency who supposedly sent you the email and call them to ask. Most likely they’ll tell you it’s not a legitimate email.

2 - Passwords. Please stop using your dog’s name as your laptop or email password. You think no one knows your dog’s name, but one look at your Facebook page shows you out walking with Fido, on his birthday. Hacking software picks these details out, chooses passwords from them and hammers your email and social media accounts until it hits the right one. Use a password manager, like LastPass. It’s free, simple to setup and means you never have to remember your passwords again. They are encrypted and secure from any attack. 3 - Back your files up. If you already use Microsoft Office 365, or Google G Suite, you will need an extra layer of safety to avoid accidental or malicious data loss. A cloud based tool like Backupify will give you peace of mind and ensure you can get files back if the worst happens. It’s inexpensive, too.

Summary

The beauty of these tools is that they are built to be flexible and informal and easy for you to use. You work hard for your customers and staff, these simple steps will ensure you don’t risk it all. Paul Goggin has over 20 years’ experience in the IT industry, if you’d like to find out more visit www.innovo-it.com

Chaucer House moves forward with Avante Care & Support Avante Care & Support is delighted to announce the addition of Chaucer House, a stunning care home in Canterbury, to its care home portfolio.

Avante Care The modern purpose-built nursing and dementia care home located on Littlebourne Road in Canterbury was acquired on 9 March and becomes the 10th home in the Avante family. Avante Care & Support is a not for profit charitable organisation that has provided dementia, nursing and mental health care for nearly 30 years. We care for over 1,000 people through our residential care homes and home care and wellbeing services across Kent, Bexley and Greenwich. All nine care homes and two home care branches are all rated as Outstanding or Good by the Care Quality Commission. Avante Care & Support is a popular and trusted care provider and already has a care home near Canterbury, Bridge Haven, located in the pretty rural village of Bridge. Stuart Cross, Managing Director says ‘I am delighted to be able to welcome the residents, relatives and staff of Chaucer House to Avante Care and Support. I have been very impressed by the obvious dedication of the staff I have spoken to, and the quality of the home. Our Vision for all our homes and services is ‘Communities where everyone has a vibrant and fulfilling life’. We will be looking to build on the excellent work that already goes on in Chaucer

L-R Home Manager Trisha King, Managing Director, Stuart Cross and Resident Les who was celebrating his 98th Birthday today 10/03/20 House in order to make this vision a reality for the people we care for. A key part of this will be introducing our philosophy of care, the Eden Alternative. All our existing homes and services are Eden accredited and we think this provides an ideal foundation for personalised, attentive care that promotes a vibrant and fulfilling life’.

If you would like to know more about Chaucer House and the care, it provides please call 01227 671985.

Thinking Business

International Trade

DIT support for exporters The Department for International Trade (DIT) has established a dedicated team to support British businesses facing disruption due to the spread of the coronavirus.

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International Trade

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak unveiled a £350bn package of measures to support public services, individuals and businesses through the economic disruption caused by the virus. However, with borders closed and much of the world in lockdown mode, exporters are concerned about the impact this will have on their business. DIT said it was now actively reaching out to firms to understand the challenges they are encountering and how best to support them. The organisation said: “Our teams are helping businesses engage with customs authorities to ensure smooth clearance of UK company products and are providing advice on IP [intellectual property] and other trade problems. “DIT has a global network of relationships with businesses across

the world and, where possible, we will seek to provide advice on alternative suppliers.

"£350bn package of measures to support public services, individuals and businesses through the economic disruption caused by the virus" “We are not able to recommend or promote any individual firms, but DIT can direct queries to professional service and advisory firms who

can assist UK companies to seek alternative suppliers.” UK Export Finance (UKEF) facilities are available to cover exporters disrupted by the coronavirus. The UK’s export credit agency, UKEF works with banks and insurance brokers to help companies of all sizes fulfil and get paid for export contracts. It provides guarantees, loans and insurance on behalf of the government to protect UK exporters facing delayed payments or transit restrictions. In the last five years UKEF has provided £14bn of support for exports and international trade. For businesses facing disruption due to late payments, UKEF can help ease cashflow constraints by guaranteeing bank loans through its Export Working Capital Scheme, which helps UK exporters

to access working capital finance for specific export-related contracts. The scheme provides partial guarantees of up to 80% of the risk to lenders to cover the credit risks associated with export working capital facilities, both pre and post-shipment. UKEF can also help overseas buyers to access finance through the Direct Lending Facility Scheme so they can continue to buy companies’ goods and services. UKEF has more than £4 billion of capacity to support UK firms exporting to China, as well as significant capacity across other markets affected by the coronavirus to help cover these risks. To find out more, visit: www.great.gov.uk/trade-finance

Thinking Business

The Big Interview

NUCLEAR ENERGY

POWERS LOCAL ECONOMY Nuclear power has been a part of life in Kent for more than 50 years. But for Dungeness B’s new senior manager, there’s never been a better time to be involved in the industry. 22 Thinking Business

The Big Interview “I’ve seen a lot of things change over my years in the energy sector,” says EDF’s Dungeness B station director John Benn. “In that time there’s been the massive growth of renewables, there’s been the go-ahead for Hinkley Point C in Somerset, the current proposal to develop a new nuclear power station in Suffolk and there’s been debate about how we’ll keep the lights on in years to come. “But no-one could have foreseen the speed and magnitude of the change in public opinion towards low-carbon energy that has happened in the past year or so. “Climate change has, quite rightly, shot up the list of things people care passionately about. “What’s less shouted about, but in my view crucial, is the part that nuclear power can play in meeting our changing energy demands by supplying reliable low-carbon energy. “EDF is the biggest producer of low-carbon power in the country. As well as our eight nuclear sites we also operate a significant number of windfarms. Of course, I understand that many people have strong opinions about nuclear power. But when we consider how the country is going to deliver net zero, meet electricity demand and keep the lights on, you soon realise nuclear has a vital part to play in the nation’s future energy mix.” Although a passionate advocate for nuclear power now, John hasn’t always worked in the nuclear sector. He started as a craft technician apprentice with the South of Scotland Electricity Board (SSEB) in 1985. After securing a company scholarship to study full time for an engineering degree, John held jobs in both the coal industry and then the renewables sector. After more study, this time securing a master’s in business, John made the leap into nuclear power and joined the team at Hunterston B in Scotland. By 2010 he’d moved to a more senior role at Sizewell B in Suffolk and then spent four years at EDF’s technical HQ in Gloucestershire, where he played a key role in the operational improvement team.

“Climate change has, quite rightly, shot up the list of things people care passionately about." It was in 2017 that he arrived in Kent, where he took up a post as plant manager at Dungeness B, and in December last year he was made station director. “It has been an unusual time for the station,” said John. “The station went offline in 2018 for a planned period of maintenance and improvements. During the outage the scope was increased to cover additional work needed, mainly in our main steam systems and external systems that had been impacted by our fairly harsh local environment. As well as completing a number of major improvement projects we’ve also taken the opportunity of being offline to complete hundreds of smaller maintenance tasks. “There are a few issues outstanding but we’re now working closely with colleagues to secure the permissions we need to restart our reactors and generate power once again. People sometimes don’t realise just how much low-carbon energy nuclear can generate. In 2017, our last full year of operation, Dungeness produced enough power for 1.4 million homes. That’s the whole of Kent – and that’s a lot of energy. “If that energy had instead been provided by gas, it would have meant two million more tonnes of

carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. That’s the difference that nuclear can make. “As things stand, Dungeness B has the capability to continue generating low-carbon electricity until 2028 – and it’s our plan to do just that.” Although the Dungeness B power station has been relatively quiet for a few years, it’s hard to overlook its contribution to the local economy. It is one of the biggest employers in the Folkestone and Hythe district. More than 550 people are directly employed onsite and 200 further staff carry out contract roles. Collectively more than £40m is paid out in salaries every year and with staff spread all over Kent, from Gravesend to Lydd, that’s a huge injection of cash into the local economy. And it doesn’t stop there. When the reactors are switched off for planned maintenance works known as outages, even more workers flood into the area and spend more money in hotels, guest houses, restaurants and shops. “This power station plays a critical role in the economy in this part of Kent and indeed across the county,” said John. “Every year our visitor centre welcomes thousands of people

through its doors and explains how nuclear power works. It’s always over-subscribed with schools from all over Kent and Sussex, desperate to come and learn more about what we do and how we do it. “But we also know that as a station we are part of a much bigger community. For the past few years those of us at the station have focussed hard on getting things in order and doing the work we need to do to ensure many more successful years of generation. “Now that work is drawing to a close, the time has come for us to start to look out into Kent and consider where else, and how else, we can make a difference. “We’ve always played an active role in the communities we’re part of – in Lydd and New Romney. We’ve always had really good relationships with our neighbours in Dungeness and have tried to ensure they’re kept fully up to date with the goings on at the station. “Now we are looking longer term and joining in with bodies considering the shape of the future business environment across Kent. One body I’ve joined has been the Folkestone and Hythe Advisory Business Board and that’s going to be a really critical part of mapping out the economic future for our area. “Our station will continue operating for about another ten years – but what comes after that? I think it’s vital that we as a business community start to plan for that future now because the changes that will come when we stop generating power will present threats to the economy of Kent and also opportunities. “It’s also why over the next year or two I’m hoping to be much more active in the Chamber of Commerce and in the business community more generally. I see this as a new phase of the life of Dungeness B and hopefully nuclear power in the UK.”

Thinking Business

ENVIRONMENT

Cover Feature

How businesses can help TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE The coronavirus pandemic has caused widespread concern for the future of many businesses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but it has had the effect of reducing emissions in the environment. With global economic activity ramping down as a result of the virus, reports say there have been significant falls in levels of air pollutants and warming gases over some cities and regions. On the face of it, this is hardly surprising; work-related travel has been prohibited or strongly advised against in many countries, with many professionals encouraged to work from the confines of their own home. In addition, the manufacture and shipment of goods to, from and within various countries has fallen

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dramatically, which has hit the global economy hard. However, when environmental campaigners stressed the need for all of us to think about ways of reducing our carbon footprint, this is probably not what they had in mind. Once the pandemic is under control and life gets back to normal, a more sustainable method of tackling climate change will be needed. What that method should be, and what shape it should take, is a matter of conjecture.

Recently one of the world's biggest money managers, BlackRock chief Larry Fink, predicted that concerns about climate change will drive a fundamental reshaping of finance in future, with more sustainable investment opportunities on offer. Those with money have the most power to do something about the problem â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yet a new study indicates they may be the biggest contributor to the climate change crisis.

The study of 86 countries by the University of Leeds showed that the wealthiest 10% of people consume roughly 20 times more energy overall than the bottom 10%, wherever they live in the world. Additionally, as income increases, people spend more of their money on energy-intensive goods such as package holidays or cars, leading to high energy inequality. Indeed, the researchers found that 187 times more vehicle fuel energy is used by the top 10% of consumers relative to the bottom 10%.

ENVIRONMENT

Cover Feature

"There needs to be serious consideration as to how to change the vastly unequal distribution of global energy consumption to cope with the dilemma of providing a decent life for everyone while protecting climate and ecosystems"

RECYCLING

The study examined energy inequality for income classes across 86 countries, from highly industrialised to developing nations. Researchers combined European Union and World Bank data to calculate the distribution of energy footprints, as well as the energyintensive goods and services that different income groups tend to spend their money on.

· Use paper recycling bins, including one next to the photocopier

Transport showed some of the greatest inequality, with the top 10% of consumers using more than half of the energy related to mobility – the vast majority of this energy was fossil-fuel based. In contrast, residential fuels, such as those used in cooking and heating, and electricity were much more equitably distributed, with the top 10% of consumers consuming roughly one third of the total. Lead author Yannick Oswald, PhD researcher in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds, said: “We found that none of the energy categories are free from energy inequality or benefit populations to an equal degree. “Transport-related consumption categories are among the least equal. Without reducing the energy demand of these services, either through frequent-flyer levies, promoting public transport and limiting private vehicle use, or alternative technology such as electric vehicles, the study suggests that as incomes and wealth improve, our fossil fuel consumption in transport will skyrocket.” The study highlighted the unequal distribution of energy footprints between countries, with 20% of UK citizens belonging in the top 5% of energy consumers, along with 40% of German citizens and

100% of Luxembourg’s population. Meanwhile only 2% of China’s population are in the top 5% of energy consumers, and merely 0.02% of the Indian population. The poorest 20% of the UK’s population still consumes more than five times as much energy per person as the bottom 84% in India, a group numbering roughly one billion people.

· Ensure that all photocopying and publications are produced in doublesided format on recycled paper · Consider setting aside one business printer for draft documents only – and load it with scrap paper · Use electronic material where possible to reduce printing and faxing

· Post reminder notices on the walls to ensure that staff remember to switch off lights, printers and faxes etc when not in use

HEATING

· Temperature control – keep a thermostat set at the minimum comfort level. Heating costs will go up by 8% each time the temperature goes up by just one degree.

Study co-author Julia Steinberger, professor of social ecology and ecological economics at the University of Leeds, said: “There needs to be serious consideration as to how to change the vastly unequal distribution of global energy consumption to cope with the dilemma of providing a decent life for everyone while protecting climate and ecosystems.”

While these macro schemes will be driven largely by governments in partnership with multinational businesses, what can an SME in Kent do to contribute to the fight against global warming? The answer is: plenty. Here are just a few measures that they can adopt:

· Replace high wattage lamps with low energy versions, which could make energy savings of 65-75% · Make the most of natural light - cleaning windows and skylights regularly will allow maximum daylight to enter the building and significantly reduce the need for electric lighting

The authors warn that without reductions in consumption and significant policy interventions, by 2050 energy footprints could double from what they were in 2011, even if energy efficiency improves.

However, the study suggests that several measures could be taken to reduce these inequalities. Energyintensive travel such as flying and driving, which the more affluent are mostly responsible for, could be regulated through energy taxes, while the energy footprint of heating and electricity could be reduced by large-scale public investment in housing retrofit programmes.

off lighting in unoccupied areas – some estimates suggest that they could cut lighting costs by as much as 15%, possibly more

· Don’t put equipment that generates large amounts of heat, such as photocopiers, near cooling vents – the cooling system will need to work harder to cool an area that is constantly being heated

ENERGY

· A single computer and monitor left on 24 hours a day can cost more than £50 a year, according to some estimates. Switching them off out of hours and enabling standby features could reduce this to £15 a year each and prolong the lifespan of equipment · Measure how much energy you’re using. Keep track of bills, and how they change after the introduction of energy-saving tips

LIGHTING

· Artificial lighting can be automatically controlled through daylight sensors, motion detectors and zoned controls to switch

· Maintain equipment properly – poorly maintained heating equipment could be adding as much as 10% to a heating bill

WATER

· Identify areas of wastage, including leaks. Keep waterusing equipment well maintained and check it periodically for leaks · Make sure staff are fully aware of the importance of water minimisation. Ensure they are encouraged to report leaks and that leaks are repaired quickly · When purchasing new equipment, take its water efficiency into account. Fit water minimising controls where possible, e.g. push taps, flow regulator/ restrictors, cistern displacement devices and low-flush toilets.

CONTINUED Thinking Business

ENVIRONMENT

Cover Feature

Industry and government tackle threat to future water supplies The Environment Agency has launched a long-term blueprint for meeting the challenges our water supplies are likely to face as a result of climate change and population growth. The National Framework for Water Resources brings together industry, regulators and government to transform the way we use and look after our water supplies. The framework will help reduce demand, halve leakage rates, develop new supplies, move water to where it’s needed and reduce the need for drought measures that can harm the environment. The latest predictions estimate that if further action is not taken, between 2025 and 2050 we’ll need more than 3.4 billion additional litres of water per day to meet future demand for public water supply. The framework looks to ease the pressure on our future water supplies by:

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• Reducing demand to an average of 110 litres per person per day by 2050 • Improving water efficiency across all sectors • Working with water companies to halve leakage rates by 2050 • Developing new supplies such as reservoirs, water reuse schemes and desalination plants • Making it easier to move water to where it’s needed through regional water transfers • Reducing the use of drought measures that can impact the environment

The framework introduces an ambitious aim for water companies to help consumers cut wastage and use water more wisely to reduce our average water use from 143 to 110 litres per day. Five regional groups across the country will work up plans tailored to the specific needs of their individual area, bringing together the 17 English water companies, industry regulators, government and other water users. The framework will guide these groups and deliver a national blueprint for future water resources planning from 2025 to 2050 and beyond. The framework also sets out the challenges that water-intensive industries such as agriculture and power generation are likely to face across different parts of the country as a result of climate change, and how we can overcome them. It also sets a greater level of ambition for restoring, protecting and improving the environment that is the source of all of our supplies.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “I am pleased to see the Environment Agency challenging water companies to work more collaboratively to increase water efficiency. This framework is a significant step in the right direction, bringing together consumers, businesses and industry to reduce our water demand, and to put in place the infrastructure we need while preserving our water environment for decades to come.” Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Environment Agency, said: “If we don’t take action many areas of England will face water shortages by 2050. The National Framework for Water Resources is the stepchange required to ensure that the needs of all water users are brought together to better manage and share resources. Collaboration is key if we are going to deliver the resilience and environmental enhancement we need.”

ENVIRONMENT

Cover Feature

Bay Carpets cares for the environment A New Romney-based flooring provider has announced it is now stocking underlay which is made from recycled plastic from the ocean. With 85% of the underlay made from recycled (PET) polyethylene terephthalate plastic bottles and other single use plastics, SpringBond Underlay is trying to combat the eight million tonnes that fill our oceans every year while improving household air pollution at the same time.

A spokesperson at Bay Carpets said: “This underlay offers a cleaner living environment for everyone. The average homeowner could see up to 900 recycled bottles used in underlay in their home. “Give plastic bottles and other single-use plastics a new lease of life and look for green alternatives

to everyday items. SpringBond is made from recycled plastic bottles which is inherently flame-resistant and contains no harmful VOCs [volatile organic compounds], resulting in better air quality throughout the home.” To find out more, visit: www.baycarpets.co.uk

5 Ways to Cut Down Plastic in Your Bathroom Many of us are aware of the negative impact of single use plastic to the environment and, inevitably, to our personal health and wellbeing. According to The Royal Statistics Society, only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled. There has been so much media attention on this issue, that it can appear overwhelming. The reality is that we can all make small steps to reducing our single use of plastic. As producers of natural soaps, candles, bath and body products it’s important to us that we can provide our customers with plastic-free alternatives. Here are 5 simple things you can do to cut down on your single use plastic in your bathroom:

• Forget liquid soaps – switch to soap bars which last longer • Use a shampoo bar – get rid of those plastic shampoo bottles • Try a natural alternative to plastic shower scrunchies (ramie is a great alternative!) • Ladies and gents – why not try a metal razor with a changeable blade? • Look for products that have a refillable option to reduce waste

To find out more about The Kentish Soap Co, visit: www.kentishsoap.com

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ENVIRONMENT

Cover Feature

Company Car Tax Remodelled

With the UK government now legally bound to reduce its carbon emissions and over a third of the UK’s carbon emissions coming from cars, they are introducing tax breaks to the company car tax regime from 6th April 2020 aimed at encouraging the uptake of environmentally friendly company cars. This presents employers with a great opportunity to provide staff with a company car without the hefty personal tax and National Insurance charges, which have severely restricted the take up of company cars in recent years. From 6th April 2020 until 5th April 2021, full battery electric vehicles will pay no company car benefit in kind. The 0% rate will also apply to company cars registered from 6th April 2020 with CO2 emissions up to 50g/km and have an electric mile range of 130 miles or more. For the next two tax years a rate of 1% and 2% respectively will apply to these types of car, giving some security that tax charges will remain low for the next three tax years. Reduced car benefit tax charges are also being brought in for other hybrid cars with shorter electric mile ranges albeit not at the 0% rate. To illustrate the reduction in tax due to these changes, an employee owning a fully electric car with a list price of £80,000, will see a reduction of £12,800 for their benefit in kind charge for the 2020/21 tax year. For

a higher rate (40%) taxpayer, this would save the employee £5,120 in income tax. The employer would see a reduction of £1,766 in Class 1A National Insurance Contributions. Employers are also able to benefit from Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) giving 100% tax relief for the purchase price of ultra-low emission vehicles when purchased from new (CO2 emissions of 50g or less). However, these ECAs are due to expire in April 2021 and no plans to extend this deadline have been announced yet so we have at present a one year window to take advantage. There are several other considerations to bear in mind when deciding which company car to choose and working out the best option as employer or as employee can be difficult. So if you are considering a new company vehicle, contact one of the tax specialists at MHA MacIntyre Hudson in Maidstone or Canterbury to help you make an informed decision.

Jonathan Harvey

Tax Advisor, MHA MacIntyre Hudson Maidstone 03330 100 221 | Canterbury 03330 100 220 www.macintyrehudson.co.uk

Thinking Business

Sustainable Energy

FOR THE FUTURE When discussing Energy Sustainability with a Finance Director you will not melt that icy heart by presenting a photograph of a polar bear on a small iceberg. That heart will only start to thaw when you show the (up to) 80% savings on the company’s year on year lighting costs by using LEDs. Then you present the, relatively small, capital cost and smile. Energy Sustainability means using electricity more efficiently thus ‘reducing both the amount of fuel needed to generate electricity and the amount of greenhouse gases and other air pollution emitted as a result.’ It also reduces operational costs, much to the delight of the Finance Director. According to the US Green Building Council, building and construction are responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions in the world, with operational emissions (from energy used to heat, cool and light buildings) accounting for 28%. The UK Government Policy Paper ‘Construction Sector Deal’ of July 2019 aims to ensure that we have: • Better Homes that are cheaper to run • Smarter, energy efficient office buildings • Lower Emissions and cleaner air The government sets out its determination to halve the energy use of new buildings by 2030 through the development of ‘innovative energy and low carbon technologies driving lower cost, and high-quality construction techniques. This will also reduce the cost of retrofitting existing buildings to make them more efficient and more sustainable.’

There are methods to assess the energy footprint of new and existing buildings: BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings. UK Government departments now require BREEAM ratings of all their buildings and most local authorities require BREEAM as part of planning approval for developments over a certain size. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). A ‘Green’ building assessment system developed in the US and now recognised in the UK, LEED relates to a comprehensive system of interrelated standards covering aspects from the design and construction to the maintenance and operation of buildings. ESOS is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the UK that meet the qualification criteria. Administered by the Environment Agency it applies to any UK company that: • employs 250 or more people, or

• has an annual turnover in excess of £45 million, and an annual balance sheet total in excess of £40 million

destinations, like new office blocks and supermarkets. The policies outlined will ensure new buildings are ready for the future.”

• is an overseas company with a UK registered establishment which has 250 or more UK employees (paying income tax in the UK)

LED lighting - Lighting is one of highest consumers of energy in a commercial building. LED lighting uses significantly less energy than standard or conventional alternatives, it also has a longer lifetime. Intelligent controls can also ensure that no light is needlessly left on.

There has been a rapid growth in energy consumption in public sector and commercial buildings over the last 50 years. Now your building’s floor space, heating, lighting and IT equipment must meet the new legislation and sustainability requirements. This means you may need to adapt your site to be compliant. Building Energy Management Systems can assist in this - the convergence of all aspects of building environment control can result in significant energy savings, e.g. more than 50% for thermal energy usage in an office building. EV Charging points for all new buildings – UK Government regulatory changes are proposed “which will result in thousands more charge-points across the UK, in homes and at key

Constructing Excellence and the Carbon Trust are both expert partners for the construction industry – client and suppliers alike. The aim is for a low carbon economy and increased efficiency. In short, Energy Sustainability. GCL Building Technologies understand that 21st Century buildings have got to perform significantly better for you in environmental, social and economic terms. The 6th utility – smart technology and infrastructure systems across the network  – can help significantly not only in reducing CO2 emissions through energy management and monitoring systems and information systems that provide ‘sustainable choices’ , but it also has a critical role to play in making the buildings we inhabit fit to support our needs in the future. In collaboration with our partners we can help you achieve this. Contact us now: London:  020 3906 6070 or Kent: 01892 576 950 or email us at hello@gcl.uk.com for more information.

Improving leaders and employee performance Now more than ever we need strong and principled leaders. Leadership is difficult at the best of times and is often confused with management. The difference is simple; leaders should be predominantly focusing on the business’s future, while managers work in the business delivering daily performance. Employees want to align with an inspiring shared purpose, and this starts with principled and predictable leadership setting people a clear direction. So, what distinguishes great leaders from good ones? Steve Nicoll, Director & Business Excellence Coach at The Lean Orange said, “In today's business environment, technical skills, experience and qualifications are not enough anymore. Great leadership requires a degree of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence enables principled leaders to maximise not only their own performance but more importantly that of their people, which ultimately contributes to increased collective productivity and sustainable business excellence. We are all born with certain levels of emotional intelligence, but this can be further

strengthened and developed through persistent practice and coaching.” Five principles for emotional intelligence: 1) Self-awareness: principles, supportive behaviours and influence. 2) Self-regulation: controlling or redirecting disruptive behaviours. 3) Motivation: relishing achievement and encouraging curiosity and ideas. 4) Empathy: understanding other people's emotional needs. 5) Social skills: building rapport with others to coach them as individuals. During turbulent times we look for leaders we can trust to guide us so that we emerge in a strong position with a strategy aligned to our purpose, principles and behaviours. For further thoughts on business excellence or to start a conversation with us, please visit www.theleanorange.com “Developing thoughtful leaders, inspired people and sustainable business excellence”

Developing thoughtful leaders, inspired people & sustainable businesses excellence Coaching and mentoring organisations and individuals to help them achieve sustainable business excellence, focusing on: • Aligned strategy • Principled leadership • Business systems Our services include: • Coaching & mentoring

• Virtual learning

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• Masterclasses

• Keynote speaking

We would like to offer our support, advice and/or guidance free of charge to all chamber members during these challenging times. To arrange a friendly chat with us, please get in touch.

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INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS DESIGNED TO COMPLEMENT YOUR NEEDS

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Members in this category enjoy full use and access to all the facilities on offer at London Golf Club, including our various social events, exclusive fitting days, and more. Members also enjoy privileged rates at some of the best golf courses around the world. For more information please contact the LGC Golf Sales department on 01474 875752 or email dominic@londongolf.co.uk JOIN THE CONVERSATION

BCC responds to the Chancellor’s Budget Measures to help companies and workers deal with the impact of the coronavirus dominated Rishi Sunak’s first Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The measures included a £5bn emergency response fund to support the NHS and other public services in England, as well as a £500m hardship fund for councils in England to help the most vulnerable in their areas. In the current climate, with the full impact of the coronavirus unknown, the Chancellor also took steps to help businesses that may be affected financially by the spread of the disease. The measures included: • “Business interruption” loans of up to £1.2m for small firms • A 100% business rates discount for retail, leisure and hospitality firms with a rateable value of under £51,000 • A £3,000 grant for any business eligible for small business rates relief • A freeze on fuel duty for the tenth consecutive year • Retention of the Entrepreneurs’ Relief scheme, which allows business owners to avoid capital gains tax on the sale of their companies. However, the lifetime allowance on which this relief is available will be reduced from £10m to £1m • A £600bn-plus spending spree on infrastructure projects (roads, rail, broadband and housing) by the middle of 2025 • A £3,000 cash grant for firms eligible for small business rates relief • A review of the high street business rates system later this year Reacting to the Budget, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Director General Dr Adam Marshall said: “There’s much to welcome in this Budget for business communities across the UK. The Chancellor has listened to our calls for support to help firms overcome cashflow challenges posed by coronavirus. “Increases to infrastructure spending and sharper investment incentives will help businesses grow over the longer term.

“The Budget has addressed the immediate challenges facing the economy but the Chancellor will have to do more to support businesses as they navigate changes to trading arrangements and the end of the Brexit transition period.” On the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Suren Thiru, head of economics, said: “Accessing finance remains crucial to the lifeblood of a business and so we are pleased that the Chancellor has listened to our call to maintain the flow of credit. The acid test for the scheme will be whether it is able to get credit flowing to firms who most need it, rather than the usual suspects.” On the cut to Entrepreneur’s Relief, Suren Thiru, said: “BCC called for the Chancellor to reform rather than abolish Entrepreneur’s Relief and are pleased that he has listened. It is vital to the UK’s economic prosperity that promising young firms and entrepreneurs continue to have access to the sort of long-term investment that may not otherwise happen.” On the announcement of a review of business rates, Suren Thiru, said: “While short-term business rates relief for many thousands of businesses is to be welcomed, larger firms will have to wait until the autumn for a further review of Britain's broken business rates system. This review must lead to real action to reduce high upfront costs across the board – something we have long campaigned for. Abandoning the goal of fiscal neutrality for the reforms would be an important starting point.” On infrastructure investment, Jane Gratton at BCC said: “BCC has long campaigned to eliminate mobile phone “not spots” and for improvements to the quality and capacity of Britain’s road and rail network. We therefore welcome the significant increase in infrastructure funding that will help boost connectivity and productivity across the country. “Removing barriers to infrastructure investment across all parts of the UK is vital. A review of the Green Book, which can be a roadblock to important local and regional infrastructure programmes, is welcome. Business engagement in the review is vital.”

Economy

Members News

Heart of Kent Hospice is chosen charity for Leeds Castle Concert Every year a charity benefits from a collection at the Leeds Castle Concert which takes place on Saturday, July 11 – and this year Heart of Kent Hospice has been selected. This hugely popular concert is the highlight of the Kent social party calendar. Whilst enjoying first-class entertainment in the beautiful setting of Leeds Castle, the audience is always generous with donations and the event will provide the perfect platform to promote the work of Heart of Kent Hospice.

Heart of Kent Hospice is a Kentbased charity which provides essential, free of charge specialist compassionate care to people with a terminal illness and those closest to them. It looks after more than 1,500 patients a year in their own homes, in the community, and in their hospice and last year was voted Kent Care Charity of the Year. Karen Newton-Anker, community partnerships fundraiser at Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to be the charity partner for the Leeds Castle Concert 2020 and look forward to using this event to raise

awareness of the range of support we can provide local families, and to fundraise for our hospice.” The event is sponsored by Kentbased law firm Brachers, which return as headline sponsor for the fourth year and is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Joanna Worby, Brachers managing partner, said: “As a firm, we understand the importance of supporting the community in which we have resided for almost 125 years and are delighted to get behind a cause with such positive values we believe help make a difference.”

The annual spectacular summer event, unique to Leeds Castle, will open this year with new performers ‘Down for the Count’ swing orchestra, celebrating 100 years since the roaring 1920s. The main concert follows with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and soloists performing a mix of much-loved classical favourites alongside new orchestral arrangements of popular songs. Field-guns an iconic Spitfire display and superb firework finale will ensure this is an event not to be missed. Visit LeedsCastleConcert.co.uk for tickets and more information.

environmental impact: managing change in the workplace effectively and getting buy-in from their staff.

buy into their employer’s mission, this can lead to improved staff retention and personal development.

Sustainability is a team effort With the planet facing environmental catastrophe, every business has a vital role to play by reducing their carbon footprint as much as possible, according to Kent Trainers.

environmental policies under increasing scrutiny from customers, partners and even potential employees. But how do you effect change in an impactful yet non-disruptive way?

Equipping managers with the right leadership and communication skills is essential whenever you need to implement change, in any area. By getting the message across in the right way, you can not only avoid resistance but also earn strong engagement from staff in your new project or strategy.

This is becoming a social issue too, with businesses finding their

Organisations face two key challenges when trying to cut their

Similarly, empowering employees to speak up and communicate their own ideas can help you tap into a whole new resource of passion and creativity. People care about the environment and research has shown that when employees really

So, the conclusion from Kent Trainers is this – communicate well to ensure staff understand the reasons behind the change, manage any change programmes with integrity and support your employees by developing a collaborative culture in which to share ideas. Give people the skills and the confidence to implement change and together, you really could play a meaningful role in saving our precious world. For more information, visit www.kenttrainers.co.uk

Community support vital for business bottom line Businesses across Kent are realising the importance of ensuring they have a properly structured way of giving something back to their community, according to an expert in the field. Tracy-Anne Barker, from T A Barker Associates, was speaking after the second event in the Corporate Social Responsibility 2025 – Fit for the future series organised to

34 Thinking Business

help businesses understand the commercial benefits of CSR. The conference was held at the Rochester home of the Friends of Wisdom Hospice, a local charity that has benefited significantly from CSR.

properly thought-out CSR policy is important for a number of reasons, not least because it can help them to win larger public contracts.

While CSR is clearly good for charities on the receiving end, Tracy-Anne was also keen to stress the benefits to the donor business, particularly since public sector tender documents are weighted heavily in favour of companies that show they give something back to their local community.

“Getting involved in the community and focusing on social responsibility is good for the morale of the workforce. It can increase productivity, help businesses win new clients and it can even reduce costs by making staff more environmentally aware. It’s a really good way of raising the company’s profile and boosting the bottom line.”

She said: “Businesses are starting to wake up to the fact that having a

One of the speakers at the event was Susan Buhagiar, community

liaison coordinator for John Lewis and Partners at Bluewater. She said the company believed the business “should give more than it takes – to our customers, the communities we operate in and each other”. Employees – or partners – at the Bluewater store have supported more than 1,000 charities over the past 20 years and given 20,000 hours of their time as volunteers. Charities supported recently include the Friends of Wisdom Hospice, set up in 1982 to support the building and ongoing funding of the Rochester-based charity.

Members News

EIGHTY-STRONG POLISH TEAM GIVES international flavour to conference homes in Kent The 2020 annual conference hosted by HR GO plc showcased an international dimension when 80 staff from its Polish joint venture flew in for a conference in Kent. More than 100 people work in the Wroclaw, Poland office of Eclipse, a joint venture with HR GO plc, the recruitment and business services group headquartered in Ashford. Eclipse is a specialist IT and digital business that has grown rapidly. HR GO Recruitment has also opened an office in Wroclaw.

Maidstone, attracted a record number of staff – 284 – from across Kent, the UK and Poland. It included the team from Mai Day Recruitment, based in Watford and Huntingdon, the group’s newest joint

venture. Directors Liz Braiden and Jacky Lloyd signed up on the eve of conference. The agreement was announced during business updates from directors Roddy Barrow, John Parkinson and Cindy Hare. The conference featured a teambuilding challenge and awards for exceptional staff achievement. A glitzy 1980s-themed dinner followed the conference, with dancing and entertainment including an Abba tribute duo and X-factor contestant Ben Mills.

Jack Parkinson, HR GO plc executive chairman, presented prizes and said: “I was delighted to see such a great attendance, especially by staff from our Polish joint venture. Eclipse is doing really well and it was great to welcome the large team to Kent. “We have a strong pipeline of potential joint ventures and I was pleased to welcome the team from our latest Mai Day Recruitment. I’m always interested in hearing from other businesses that might like to consider a JV with HR GO.”

Eclipse software developer and analyst, Mateusz Manka, updated staff on the latest innovations in the Polish operation. The group conference in the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, near

Chamber employee runs for Kent MS Therapy Centre This summer Ryan Harris, an area membership executive for the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, is taking to the streets of London to participate in the Vitality London 10,000 for the Kent MS Therapy Centre (KMSTC). Ryan decided to take on the challenge for KMSTC because a family member had been affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Ryan said: “With the new year, I had made the decision to be more active and improve my fitness. Moira emailed me with an opportunity to run for KMSTC and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to keep me on track for my new year’s resolution and also a great opportunity to raise money for a charity that is close to me and my family.” The Canterbury-based Kent MS Therapy Centre provides vital services for people living with MS from across the county. It is open six

days a week and therapies delivered include hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, high-dose oxygen therapy, gym and group exercise. In 2019, 10,557 one-to-one and group therapy sessions were accessed by 603 individual members, with a combined attendance of 18,741 – an average of 31 activities per member. It costs over £600,000 to deliver these services to the MS community. The Vitality London 10,000 takes place on Monday, May 25 2020 and is a fantastic running challenge for anyone who is not quite ready yet to take on a half or full marathon. The spectacular route takes in some of London’s best sights starting on The Mall and finishing opposite Buckingham Palace. More details about the event can be found at https://kentmstc.org.uk/event/vitalitylondon-10000

Thinking Business

Equality & Diversity

Supporting diversity can benefit the bottom line One of the biggest challenges facing businesses today is the need to ensure that their workforces represent the varied communities they serve. Research suggests that supporting equality and diversity in the workplace is not just â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a good thing to doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; but that it can benefit the bottom line as well, making businesses more attractive to would-be employees and customers alike.

According to the study compiled for office brokering service Instant Offices, millennials will make up approximately 75% of the worldwide workforce by 2025, occupying a growing number of leadership roles.

For example, a recent survey suggested that diversity is particularly important to the generation that will inherit the business world, both in the workplace and when making their purchasing choices.

About half of all millennial jobseekers said they were prioritising a culture of diversity and inclusion when choosing prospective employers, based on companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attitude to things like gender issues.

36 Thinking Business

According to Instant Offices, the treatment of women in the workplace is very important to younger people. The researchers say that studies show that 40% of people believe that men are likely to be hired over women, while further research shows that men are also 30% more likely to be promoted to a managerial position with many earning more than women. About half of all millennial jobseekers say that the way a company deals with LGBTQ issues

Equality & Diversity boost a company’s reputation and brand, making the company more ‘human’ and socially responsible.

is also important. Research from Engagement Labs, quoted in the study by Instant Offices, shows growing support for both the online and offline success of brands which support the LGBTQ community. Indeed, says Instant Offices, ‘belief-driven buying’ has gone mainstream, with 60% of consumers wanting brands to make it easier for them to see their values and positions on important issues. In 2018, the Earned Brand Report, which covered markets in the UK, USA, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India and Japan, revealed that: •

•

1 in 2 people will choose, change or boycott brands based on their stance on specific social issues Japan saw the most significant yearon-year growth in belief-driven buying, with a 21% increase. This was closely followed by the UK, with 20% year-onyear growth.

Further studies have also revealed that companies with a diversity performance that is above average see a 45% increase in innovation, while those who are below average see a 26% increase. Other advantages of having a diverse workforce, says the report, include: •

Increased creativity: People from different backgrounds tend to have different perspectives and experiences, creating a melting pot of new ideas

•

Reduced employee turnover: Companies that are dedicated to building a diverse workforce benefit from better employee retention and higher employee engagement

•

Better company reputation: A diverse and inclusive workplace can

According to the Instant Offices report, there are a few ways that companies can ensure a diverse and tolerant environment: •

Ensure there is a diverse pool of candidates when interviewing for positions

•

Encourage conversations around diversity and continuously look for ways to address any lack of diversity within your company

•

Work towards creating a workplace culture where people from all backgrounds feel comfortable and safe

•

Look for ways to partner with other companies that are known for diverse leadership.

More than half of female UK entrepreneurs ‘experience gender bias’

Recent research published by HSBC Private Banking reveals that half of female entrepreneurs in the UK believe that they experience gender bias when raising capital for their business. According to the report, when pitching for investment female entrepreneurs say they are asked questions about their family circumstances (44%), their credibility as business leaders and their attitude to loss prevention (41%).

The research found large differences across markets with female entrepreneurs in the UK saying that they experience the highest levels of gender bias, followed by the USA. HSBC’s research found that 70% of UK female entrepreneurs said they found raising capital the most challenging part of the process; more than half (53%) of female founders are denied funding, and those that secure it, receive 6% less than their male counterparts. This gender imbalance is also reflected in the make up of pitch panels. Although the UK has the most all-women investor panels (13%), it also has the lowest percentage of mixed panels (47%) across all markets. Despite the pressures of raising capital, the UK’s female founders are determined to succeed. The research shows that they are the second most confident entrepreneurs globally behind mainland China. Kirsty Moore, Managing Director at HSBC UK Private Banking in the UK, said: “It is concerning that half of female entrepreneurs in this country have experienced bias when trying to raise capital for their businesses. “This research shows how far we have to go to level the playing field for women to fulfil their ambitions.” Victoria Peppiatt, UK entrepreneur and cofounder of Phrasee, said: “This report shows the barriers female entrepreneurs face when trying to grow businesses. It’s important that institutions with the capacity to bring about change, like HSBC, continue to highlight these issues and draw attention to the ways in which gender bias can be overcome. “Mixed panels, more access to networking opportunities and a commitment from investors to review their investment choices are just some of the ways we can achieve more parity.”

"About half of all millennial jobseekers said they were prioritising a culture of diversity and inclusion when choosing prospective employers" Thinking Business

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How can my office staff and I work remotely? With recent events, we have been busier than ever helping our customers and some non-customers with making their staff agile by enabling them to work at home remotely so they can continue their business. We have done a 30 minute video and blog here:

https://bit.ly/homeandremoteworking We have even helped some new customers transition to HOME WORKING within just a few hours – it can be pretty easy REGARDLESS of what phone system or IT set up you currently have. You may have already made some provision for this. But there is a chance you have done this the quickest way possible and it may not be very workable or give your organisation or people access to all the tools they need. It may be ‘makeshift’. There are immediate answers to this. In our video and blog we cover:

INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

COMPUTING • Connection to your work servers

• Connections for your office

• Connection to your Office PC

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asktheexpert

Why mental health matters How can company owner-managers create a workplace environment where positive health and wellbeing can flourish in the workplace? The statistics don’t make for good reading. Sixty-one per cent of UK employees have experienced a mental health issue due to work or where work was a contributing factor. This accounted for 57% of working days lost in the UK in 2017-18. In addition, more than 15.8 million days of sickness absenteeism are caused by mental health issues including stress and anxiety in the UK. The cost to companies is a staggering £34.9 billion each year, with a further £3.1 billion spent on replacing staff due to mental health issues.

By Bronwyn Rich BSc, This Way Up Wellbeing

It’s therefore in employers’ best interests to ensure that their employees are happy and healthy in mind and body. We help employers tackle these vital issues by training and helping managers and key employees to make the workplace a safer place. Sometimes a few simple measures are all it takes; a healthy staff walk, for example. We also run laughter yoga workshops, which are a great stress-buster. But employers need to know how to deal with more serious problems,

such as when a member of staff feels suicidal. Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50 in the UK. That’s why we’ve launched our new Suicide First Aid Through Understanding Suicide Intervention course, to give employers the skills and knowledge to identify someone who may be thinking about suicide and to take practical measures to reduce the likelihood of this happening. While staff absenteeism leads to lost productivity for companies, presenteeism is also a big problem in the workplace. Many staff come to work even though they are suffering with poor mental health because they feel they’ll be letting their manager or team down if they take time off, or they’re worried about not getting paid. If they’re not in the right frame of mind, their productivity levels will inevitably drop. Companies should therefore take steps to mitigate this, but it seems as though the message is not getting through. Although statistics show that more than 85%

of managers feel that employee wellbeing is their responsibly, only 30% have taken part in mental health training and 30% report no workplace facilities or services that could help with mental health and wellbeing. Only 16% of employees feel able to disclose a mental health issue to a manager. It’s time to raise awareness of workplace wellbeing for if it is not addressed it could have devastating consequences – for employees and companies. For more information visit www.this-way-up-well-being.co.uk Bronwyn Rich is a director of This Way Up Wellbeing, which aims to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. An accredited trainer from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Bronwyn and her team have delivered training to personnel at many prestigious companies and organisations, schools, colleges and the armed forces.

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40 Thinking Business

CIPD HELPS FIRMS COPE WITH SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has produced a set of guidance tools to help employers deal with the consequences of COVID-19 – known as the coronavirus disease. The organisation took this step following the outbreak of the virus, which has sent stock markets into a tailspin and forced the cancellation of high-profile sporting events around the world. The CIPD has published a range of support materials, factsheets and guides for employers seeking practical advice on how to manage the situation in their workplace. The organisation said: “The spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus, is an exceptional event that’s becoming an increasing public and workplace priority. Employers will be called on to take every possible action to protect workers while maintaining business operations.

“Organisations should focus on planning and prevention with both urgency and calm. Do what you can to immediately protect staff and to plan for possible disruptions if things escalate. Your employees’ health and well-being is paramount. Employers have a statutory duty of care for people’s health and safety at work. “The CIPD will provide updated advice, resources and guidance to support employers and people professionals in their response.” The CIPD’s advice includes measures to protect employees and businesses, and guidance on sick pay, annual leave, flexible working and staff mental health and wellbeing.

Health and Wellbeing

they hadn’t sent any communications and were not planning to, and a further 4% said while they hadn’t sent any formal communications, they were encouraging managers to have conversations with staff. The study also found that a fifth of businesses had not considered pay for self-isolating staff, while one third had no plan in the event of an employee testing positive for coronavirus. Employers seeking further advice can visit www.cipd.co.uk for more information

It comes after a survey revealed one in ten organisations are yet to send any communications to staff addressing the issue of coronavirus. Conducted by People Management and the CIPD, the survey polled more than 640 HR professionals to find out what they were doing in their organisations to deal with the threats posed to the health of employees and their businesses. When asked how they were keeping employees informed in light of the coronavirus outbreak, 4% of respondents reported they were yet to send any formal messaging but intended to, 2% said

Thinking Business

COVID-19 - Business Support

COVID-19

HELPLINE LAUNCHED

for businesses in Kent The COVID-19 Business Helpline is provided by the Kent & Medway Growth Hub, the support service delivered by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Kent County Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. A dedicated team of six call handlers is backed up by eight business advisers, each working from home who can answer detailed enquiries specific to the individual business by telephone or video conference. The new service, which will initially operate for the next three months, has been made possible thanks to the financial support of Kent County Council and every one of the local authorities after being approached by the Chamber. The helpline team is handling the frequently answered questions to speed up the support with more complex enquiries being forwarded to the team of business advisers. Every adviser is up to speed with the latest Government advice and receiving daily updates from a variety of public and private sector sources.

A new helpline has gone live designed to help business of any size and sector across Kent and Medway to them navigate the current COVID-19 crisis has gone live. 42 Thinking Business

In the first five days since it was soft launched the helpline has received more than 800 calls. Of these calls more than 500 enquiries were passed on to the business advisers who have been tasked with responding within 48 hours. Cllr Mike Whiting, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, added: “The Government has stepped up to support businesses and the self-employed. We also recognised there was a local need and wanted to make sure there was additional support for those businesses wrestling with the issues impacting on their employees, customers and supply chain.

“The Growth Hub had the infrastructure in place and combined with Kent Invicta, were the obvious choice as our partner on this vital economic initiative.” Jo James, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: “As the scale of the impact on business became clear we knew we needed to develop a service to help local firms struggling to get to grips with the speed of the changes. “Thanks to the financial support of Kent County Council and every one of the local authorities, the Growth Hub is now able to provide a vital countywide support service.” It is expected that over the next three months the issues facing business will change with the hope that the virus will be brought under control and businesses can look at how best to recover. The team at the COVID-19 Business Helpline can be reached by calling 03333 602300. It is open 08.30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday and further information can be found at www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk

“Thanks to the financial support of Kent County Council and every one of the local authorities, the Growth Hub is now able to provide a vital countywide support service.”

COVID-19 - Business Support

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Person behind the business

Ikonix helps businesses to get connected Paul Willett, Ikonix Telecoms

Having enjoyed life in the armed forces, Paul Willett is now heading up a successful telecommunications business… Paul Willett has been on an unusual career path. After leaving the armed forces, he co-owned and ran a successful franchise before branching into various sales roles. In 2006 he decided to take the plunge and launch his own business, IKONIX Telecoms, which is now renowned as one of the go-to telecoms solution providers in the country. He says: “I always liked the idea of running a business and being a master of my own destiny. From our offices in Kent, we supply, deploy and maintain a range of telephony products to match our clients’ demands across the UK. This includes helping businesses to get the best mobile phone packages, modern telephony systems, CCTV and reliable internet connectivity. We also work with a wide range of energy suppliers to ensure clients get the best deals on their utility bills. “In recent years, we’ve helped many companies move to cloud VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions – also referred to as IP telephony – to future-proof their business. The technology converts a person’s voice into a digital signal, allowing him or her to make a call directly from a computer, a VoIP phone or another datadriven device. Our clients find that these solutions make it easier to communicate with their staff, customers and suppliers.”

Paul and his team of 12 staff pride themselves on providing the very best customer service – an approach that has resulted in high client retention rates. He says: “We offer a free audit consultancy service to build trusted relationships with all of our clients. We also have access to all of the major suppliers in the UK, which allows us to deploy the products and solutions that work for our clients. This gives them the confidence that they’ll receive the best advice and value. “Our philosophy is based on the premise that we’ll never compromise on quality service. We’ve helped customers save money, improve their communications and increase their productivity levels. Essentially, we take away a lot of the hassle for them so they have more time to get on with their day jobs.” Allied to his vast experience of sales and business operations, Paul’s people management skills enable him to get the most out of his loyal workforce. He says: “People are a company’s greatest asset so it makes sense to invest in them, to help them enjoy their work and be as productive as possible. I’m a firm believer that you get out of it what you put in.”

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Business News

HRH The Princess Royal opens Danemore sheltered housing scheme Prior to unveiling a commemorative plaque, Her Royal Highness was introduced to several dignitaries, including the vice lord-lieutenant of Kent Richard Oldfield, the high sheriff of Kent Paul Barrett, the mayor of Ashford Cllr Jenny Webb, the town mayor of Tenterden Cllr Jean Curteis, Ashford Borough Council CEO Tracey Kerly, and chair of Kent County Council Ann Allen.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has officially opened Ashford Borough Council’s new £7.5m Danemore sheltered housing scheme in Tenterden.

Earlier, during an escorted tour of the award-nominated scheme and its facilities, The Princess Royal was welcomed into the home of resident Mrs Barbara Williams who chatted to her about her experiences of living at Danemore.

Barbara said: “She was lovely. When I heard that The Princess Royal was coming to visit, I was thrilled and hoped I would get to see her. When she called into my home you can imagine how delighted I was to meet her. We had a lovely chat and a laugh.” Before unveiling the commemorative plaque, The Princess Royal met and chatted with residents of the scheme in the communal lounge, much to the delight of the people who are now proud to call Danemore home. The reopening is a major landmark in the council’s multi-million-pound modernisation plan for its sheltered housing schemes. Located a short walk

from the town centre, the new-look Danemore provides 34 homes for affordable rent for older people, together with four chalet bungalows which are being sold on the open market to subsidise some of the project’s costs.

Modelled on the multi-award-winning Farrow Court scheme developed by the council in Ashford, Danemore has 25 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom apartments, built to a high quality. Sharon Williams, head of housing at Ashford Borough Council, said: “All of the apartments are now occupied and I’m delighted to say that we are already seeing a really happy community atmosphere being generated here.”

FOLKESTONE & HYTHE DISTRICT COUNCIL AND COZUMEL ESTATES AGREE DEAL FOR LAND AT OTTERPOOL PARK comprises 50% green space, up to 10,000 homes and community facilities, delivered in phases over 30 years.

connectivity; and is an opportunity to deliver a beautiful garden community incorporating well-designed new homes.

The purchase includes the freehold of the former racecourse and several houses, a total of approximately 200 acres and includes the ability to purchase neighbouring farmland of a further 440 acres.

In 2016, the Council and Cozumel Estates entered into an agreement to develop plans for the garden town. As part of the Government’s garden communities programme, the project has attracted funding from the Ministry of Homes, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Homes England.

“Following a successful partnership with Cozumel Estates, which has seen us achieve important milestones including land assembly and the submission of the outline planning application, the council will now progress the project as the master developer.”

Otterpool Park is a proposed garden town near Folkestone in Kent. The masterplan for the innovative scheme

Speaking on behalf of Otterpool Park, Andy Jarrett said, “This is a site with fantastic potential and excellent

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has completed a purchase of the former Folkestone Racecourse site, land owned by Cozumel Estates at Otterpool Park for £25 million.

Cllr David Monk, Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council said, “We have worked productively with Cozumel Estates in an innovative public/private sector partnership arrangement and

have advanced the project to a stage where the council will now take the lead. “Otterpool Park is an exciting opportunity for us to deliver an exemplar garden town, bringing homes across a range of tenures, employment opportunities, leisure facilities, green spaces and major infrastructure improvements, together in a new, vibrant community. Our aspiration is to achieve high levels of sustainability and consider future ways of living and working in its design, so that it integrates and benefits the wider district. Find out more at: www.otterpoolpark.org

Further £5 million investment in Kent broadband provider A full fibre broadband provider has attracted a further £5 million in investment to support the rollout of its fast-growing network across rural Kent. Kings Hill-based Trooli, which was launched 18 months ago, secured the investment from NatWest to help fund operating costs as the network spreads to more local towns over the next few years. The new funding complements the €30 million secured from European investors in May 2019 to fund the capital costs of installing the network. Trooli delivers full fibre broadband connections directly into customers’ homes to overcome the issue of poor

46 Thinking Business

broadband speed in rural towns, providing guaranteed broadband speeds of between 300Mbps and 1GB. Work has already been completed in Kings Hill, West Malling, Leybourne, West Peckham, Paddock Wood and parts of Coxheath with work under way in the rest of Coxheath, East Peckham, Longfield and Wateringbury. In the next 30 months, the company aims to be available to 150,000 Kent homes and businesses, rising to 500,000 in five years. Ashley Atkins, CFO of Trooli, said: “We’re extremely passionate about rolling out our full fibre network to as many communities in Kent

as possible and delivering the broadband speeds they deserve. “Demonstrating the ability to deliver against our business plan was a critical factor in gaining the confidence of NatWest. It is testament to the hard work of the whole Trooli team that we have secured this investment at such an early stage in the company’s growth plan.” Ian Mason, relationship director at NatWest, said: “At NatWest, we are passionate about helping British businesses to prosper, and in turn to provide our regional communities with greater connectivity.

“With Trooli, we have not only found a business that is in a great position to succeed but one that will provide a real benefit to residents and business owners in Kent.” For information about Trooli, visit www.trooli.com

Members News

Crematorium was shortlisted. Undertaken for Wealden District Council, the contemporary, clean design incorporates a chapel, memorial gardens and series of buildings in a 30-acre landscaped site in East Sussex.

High five for Clague Five projects spearheaded by Clague Architects have been shortlisted in the regional finals of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Social Impact Awards. The awards recognise the positive contribution that buildings make to communities and society as a whole. The five projects include a residential development, a private home, two historic landmarks and a public building. Together they demonstrate Clague’s residential, heritage and commercial architectural skills. Tim Wolfe-Murray, partner at Canterburybased Clague Architects, said: “We are delighted to have five of our schemes shortlisted for the RICS Social Impact Awards. I’m very pleased with what we have created, and the project teams have much to be proud of.”

The restoration of the Grade II-listed Battle railway station is the fourth Clague project to be shortlisted and it follows the project’s recent success in the Craft Skills Awards at the National Railway Heritage Awards.

A finalist in the residential category, the Observatory is a high-end housing development sitting within a small, sensitively designed urban extension to Canterbury, consisting of 48 houses and four apartments. Clague was tasked with creating a collection of fresh, modern houses and considerable thought was given to their effect on the existing surroundings and the quality of the newly created spaces.

The final shortlisting is for work done to improve the experience of visiting South Foreland Lighthouse, an iconic Grade 1-listed Victorian building overlooking St. Margaret's Bay near Dover and owned by the National Trust. Clague was asked to design a new toilet block that did not detract from the visual impact of the striking lighthouse, which sits on exposed cliffs overlooking the English Channel.

Also shortlisted in the residential category is Clague’s design for a private home built into a slope and surrounded by woodland on the edge of Ashford. Known as The Levels, the five-bedroom family home takes its inspiration from a midcentury American ranch.

The whole building has been designed in close collaboration with the National Trust and within the charity’s conservation design guidelines. The project has been shortlisted in both the leisure and the land & rural categories.

Clague’s work for local authorities has also been recognised, after its design for the £6m Horam

The results of the RICS Social Impact Awards for the South East are expected to be announced in June.

SAFE CONNECT JOINS CHAMBER An electrical fire safety specialist is the latest company to become a member of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Safe Connect (Electrical Fire Safety) supplies a range of innovative products designed to visually highlight high temperature electrical issues to the naked eye. They give predictive warning which allows for intervention and planned maintenance repairs, reducing the chance of costly breakdowns or fire. Fires caused by high temperature electrical connections and/or overloaded circuits is a major concern throughout the electrical industry. In England alone there are more than 13,000 fires every year associated with electrical distribution, faulty leads and appliances. In addition, the problems of breakdown caused by overheated electrical connections or burnt-out wiring are well known and can cause expensive disruption.

The products bring an added layer of low-cost, 24/7 continuous safety monitoring to the facilities management and electrical maintenance process, and their simple push-on or self-adhesive application make them quick and easy to install retrospectively on existing electrical installations. Once installed, their 24/7 monitoring and memory colour change (permanent) provides preemptive indication of over-heating.

Safe Connect's products have won awards in the electrical industry since launching into the marketplace during 2018-19. These awards were sponsored, supported and judged by respected national organisations such as The Institution of Engineering & Technology, National Association of Professional Inspectors & Testers, and the Electrical Contractors’ Association. For more information visit safe-connect.co.uk

THE LATEST ON BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN An organisation that provides ecological planning advice has given an important update on the issue of biodiversity net gain. The main principle behind biodiversity net gain is to ensure that schemes which affect the environment deliver measurable ecological improvements, with habitats for wildlife left in a better state than they were predevelopment. Bakerwell, which has offices in Kent and Sussex, has highlighted the government’s recent announcement of a new requirement for developments to achieve biodiversity net gain. A metric will be used to calculate the baseline or “pre-intervention” biodiversity value of each habitat and to identify the total number of biodiversity units on a site prior to development. The process is then repeated for the post-development scenario. The ‘post-development’ units must exceed the baseline number of units to achieve net gain. Where the development will not achieve net gain, the scheme should be redesigned to increase the number of biodiversity units post-development. Where this is not possible, there will be an opportunity to purchase biodiversity units from off-site schemes; these are not yet available in most areas. The cost per biodiversity unit may range from £9,000 to £24,000. The requirement for biodiversity net gain will become mandatory when the Environment Bill is approved and receives royal assent, expected later this year. The minimum net gain level is expected to be set at 10% by the government. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) may set higher targets – for example, Lichfield District Council requires a 20% net gain. Biodiversity net gain assessments should be carried out early, ideally at pre-application stage to maximise the likelihood of achieving net gain on site and avoid potentially significant costs. For more information visit https://bakerwell.co.uk/ Thinking Business

New Members

Welcome to our new members ARM Concepts Ltd Ashford

01233 227695 www.armconcepts.co.uk Drylining/Ceilings/Plastering

Astec Computing (UK) Ltd St. Leonards on Sea 01424 460721 www.astec.website IT Services

Avante Care & Support Faversham

01795 597400 www.avantecare.org.uk Residential Care & Home Care

Avantee Logistics Limited Tunbridge Wells 01892 829037 www.avantee.co.uk Courier and Logistics Company

bdtl

Ashford 01233 229502

Celtic Technologies Limited Northfleet

01474 555300

www.celtic-ltd.com Construction

Dartford Valley Rugby Club Greenhithe

01322 226651

www.dvrfc.co.uk

Sports & Leisure, Community, Hospitality Venue

Direction Law

www.british-assessment.co.uk ISO Certification & Software Services

48 Thinking Business

Property Services and Project Management Consultancy

Guard Dog Security Ltd Bromley

020 8720 9388 www.guard-dog-security.com Safeguarding Commercial & Residential

Hellyar Plastics

Law

Whitstable

DPM Facts Ltd

01227 813211

01474 833005

Plastic Manufacturing and Distribution

Private Investigation & Enquiry Agency

Izzy PR

Gravesend

www.dpmfacts.com

Eco Electrical Contractors SE Ltd

Every Voice Counts (EVC)

0800 4047007

www.gen2.co.uk

www.directionlaw.co.uk

British Assessment Bureau West Malling

03000 417703

Premises, Valuable Assets, Venues & Projects

01227 764141

Transport Freight & Logistics

Training Courses for Construction, Warehouse

Maidstone

Canterbury

Ashford 07429 159519 www.ecoecse.com Electrical Contractors

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GENÂ˛ Property Limited

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Education/Corporate Surveys

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Faversham

07748 631100 www.izzypr.co.uk PR Consultancy

Kraus Kitchens Ltd Maidstone

01732 644797 www.krauskitchens.co.uk Supply of Beautiful Bespoke Kitchens. Furniture Fitting Services

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Luke Granger Photography

Regain Hearing Ltd

07845 907666

01843 210581

www.lukegranger.co.uk

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Masonry Frame Systems Limited

The Norton Knatchbull School

01233 813569

01233 620045

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Masonary Frame Contractors

Grammar School

MD Awnings and Blinds Ltd

The Reading Doctor Ltd

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Norton Group

Unique Accountancy Ltd

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www.norton-group.uk

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Accountancy

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Unicomp Ltd

01227 762265

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Connect Wells and White Bespoke Upholstery Ashford

07999 604250 www.wellsandwhite.co.uk Upholstery

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Gillingham

Borough Green

Join the Chamber TODAY contact us on 01233 503 838

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Last Word Tim Mulhall Hornby plc Chief Operating Officer Tim joined Hornby in 2017 as part of a complete change in the management team. He’s been involved in the toy industry for 20 years, having launched one of the first Internet toy retailers in the 1990’s. Previously he was in Financial Services as a Strategic Change leader. He lives in Wales, and is married with two daughters.Tim’s first challenge at Hornby was to revive the fortunes of their European operation – resulting in a 63% growth in sales. What was your first job and what was the pay packet? Saturday shelf filler, in the local Co-Op, £7 for the Saturday. What do you always carry with you to work? My phone, I went from hating traditional mobiles to loving my first Smart Phone. The convenience and scope of tools it offers is invaluable. What is the biggest challenge facing your business? The ease of access to sources of manufacturing. It’s now relatively easy to search the web and find manufacturers. This means individuals can produce products to complete with ours. If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business? The tax balance between UK companies and global players. We operate to specific standards and pay tax as our contribution to society. UK companies can be disadvantaged by this. What can you see from your office window? At the moment I’m working from home. So, I can see green fields, rising up to the hills flanking the Wye Valley where I live in Monmouthshire. If you could do another job what would it be? I love what I do! So that is tough, but it would probably involve travelling overseas – I love to experience new sights and encounter new cultures. As a business person, what are your three main qualities? • Resourcefulness • Thinking outside of the box • Integrity What was your biggest mistake in business? I designed an innovative product in conjunction with a European manufacturer. Once it was proving a success, he switched UK distribution to a bigger competitor of mine. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs? Do it differently to the rest and make the process simpler. It should give you a cost advantage and be harder for existing players to copy. Who do you most admire in business? Ray Kroc, he saw what others did not - 'do something Differently and Simplify the job'. He built a fast food restaurant into a global business – McDonalds.

50 Thinking Business

Movers and Shakers

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY EXPERT JOINS EXPANDING GIRLINGS’ TEAM Girlings Solicitors has just appointed talented Commercial Property specialist, Amy Husk who joins their growing team as a Senior Associate Solicitor, located in the Firm’s Ashford Office. Kent based for most of her life, Amy takes a keen interest in the agricultural sector and has acted for a number of

farmers and land owners. She also acts for a wide variety of clients from large corporates to small startups and property investors. Recent transactions include dealing with the property aspects of a number of multi-million pound corporate acquisitions in the veterinary sector, leasehold portfolio work for a chain of gyms and the refinancing of a Kent based kennels.

Commercial Property team which has grown considerably over the last two years to meet the growing demand for its services. The team has a high reputation locally for its technical excellence and I look forward to forging relationships with a diverse range of businesses in Kent and beyond as well as building on the agricultural side of Girlings’ services.’

Amy said: ‘It’s an exciting time to be joining the Girlings’

Girlings has offices in Ashford, Canterbury and Herne Bay.

Brachers specialist makes one thousand dementia friends Mary Rimmer, a senior associate solicitor at South East law firm Brachers, has reached a milestone by successfully helping 1,000 people in the region to become ‘dementia friends’.

The scheme, which is run by the Alzheimer’s Society, relies on people to put themselves forward and be trained to become Dementia Friends Champions, of which there are 10,000 volunteers nation-wide. It’s the role of these champions to go into their local community and inspire others to help those with dementia live better lives.

Mary, who heads the firm’s elderly and vulnerable team, became a champion last year and has visited local schools and businesses to share her expertise and knowledge about dementia and the challenges for those living with the condition. On top of that, she has also helped 75% of staff at Brachers to become dementia friends and the firm was recognised last year as working towards being dementia friendly. Mary said: “Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of the elderly but also affects younger people. There are more than 100 types of dementia and each person experiences dementia in their own unique way. “Astonishingly, Alzheimer’s Disease International estimates

that someone in the world is diagnosed with dementia every three seconds. In 2017, 50 million people were said to be living with dementia. As more people are affected, I have made it my priority to better aid those affected and give people the knowledge to help someone living with dementia. I believe that by making those with dementia feel included in conversations and better understood, the stigma can be reduced.” Mary was recognised for her efforts last year when she was a finalist at the Dementia Friendly Kent awards for the ‘Emma Kent Award for Outstanding Contribution’, while Brachers was a finalist in the ‘Dementia Friendly Organisation/ Company (More than 50 staff)’ category.

Kreston Reeves strengthens corporate and international tax team Accountants, business and financial adviser Kreston Reeves has announced the appointment of Andy Wallis.

He was previously head of tax at construction giant ISG and a senior tax manager at big four accountants PwC and EY.

He joins as a partner in the corporate and international tax team, strengthening the firm’s market-leading position in London and the South East.

Andy brings considerable experience and expertise in advising large businesses on complex international tax matters, including cross-border structuring and financing, permanent establishment and residency management, transfer pricing, withholding taxes and double tax treaties, controlled foreign companies, and supply chain management. He also specialises in UK corporate tax, financing and treasury tax, tax risk management and structuring M&A transactions.

Andy joins the firm from Pentland where he was head of corporate tax strategy and planning. Pentland owns some of the largest and most recognised sporting and lifestyle clothing brands including Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury of New Zealand, Mitre, Ellesse, Endura and Red or Dead, as well as being UK licensee for Kickers.

He said: “Kreston Reeves is recognised as one of the leading

accountancy firms for ambitious and fast-growing businesses. It has a growing international client base, with overseas businesses expanding into the UK and domestic businesses looking for opportunities overseas, all of whom need advice and support in navigating complex tax matters. I look forward to being part of the Kreston Reeves team.” Andrew Griggs, senior partner at Kreston Reeves, said: “We are excited by the arrival of Andy Wallis. He has a terrific track record working for some very large and truly international businesses as well the big four accountancy firms. He will be a real asset to the firm and our clients and I look forward to the contribution he will bring.”

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