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Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business magazine. We look forward to seeing what the new Government will bring to the business community in Kent. As a Chamber, we have called on the new Government to help a community of 40 Northfleet businesses which are facing the prospect of losing their premises and halt the Northfleet harbourside development.

We recognise there is a need to regenerate this part of Kent, however, the pressure to deliver new homes shouldn’t be at the expense of businesses already here. Chamber member Baxall Construction Ltd Managing Director Malcolm Clarke, tells us how their style of ‘doing it differently’ is the key to their success over the past 60 years and its Green Plan - their road map to delivering Net Zero ahead of the national target. It is always interesting to hear other business leaders’ journeys, why they do what they do, their road to success and how they overcome challenges to achieve that success. It is encouraging to see the Port of Dover’s buoyant 2023 results.

The UK’s busiest international ferry port has published its annual report, and the figures show a strong return towards pre-pandemic numbers. Passenger numbers have increased by 35 per cent to 8.9 million and a rise of 26 per cent to 1.6 million tourist vehicles from 2022’s figures.

The countdown is on for the Kent Construction Expo, which will be held at Kent Event Centre on Thursday, 3rd October. I am really looking forward to this event, catching up with Chamber members and listening to the panels’ talks, which I know will be informative and interesting. Topics covered by the talks will include Shaping the Future of Digital Construction, The Procurement Act, Tendering, Sustainability and Mental Health in the Construction Industry, to name a selection.

With a skills gap in the construction industry, it is vital that we harness the potential of Generation Z and look at how we can encourage more young people to learn, train and work in the sector. A huge thank you to our speakers, organisers, sponsors and the Chamber team. It is a busy events season ahead so make sure you jot down all the key dates in your diary, including our ever-popular Chamber Business Awards, which will be held at Westenhanger Castle, Hythe, on Thursday, 21st November. Thank you to our sponsors, whose invaluable support means we can continue hosting these fantastic awards celebrating our members’ achievements.

Categories include Outstanding Contribution to Business in Kent, Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Most Promising New Business. Entries are now open. A very warm welcome to our new members. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the team to fi nd out more about how we can support you and your business and come along to as many events as possible.

I look forward to seeing you all at a Chamber event very soon. Tudor Price Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce