Business confidence is on the rise

It was a fantastic event, as always, and congratulations to all the finalists and winners, who included Kent Crisps Ltd, which won Business of the Year 2024, Patrick Devine, of Devine Direct Labour Ltd, who scooped the Entrepreneur of the Year 2024, and TPF Recruitment, who was awarded the prize for Most Promising New Business 2024. It is a privilege to honour our business community with these awards.

Welcome to our new Patrons, who we officially appointed at a presentation ceremony at the Kent Business Leaders Dinner in November. The meal was based around Kent produce and accompanied by wines from Biddenden and Chartham Vineyards and it was truly delicious.

Our Patrons represent key sectors in the county and we are delighted to expand the team. The new Patrons join 10 others that were appointed in April. Thank you and welcome to the Kent Invicta Chamber Patrons for 2024/25: Ashford Borough Council, Brachers LLP, Caxtons Property

Consultants, Diamond Search Recruitment, Eurotunnel, Flowbird, MHA Baker Tilly, MidKent College, Nova IT Solutions, Smurfit Westrock, Stagecoach South East, Towergate Insurance Brokers and the University of Kent.

It is fantastic to see Advo’s continued success having acquired Cobdown House as their new headquarters and making several acquisitions. In the Big Interview, Chris McCracken explains how having centralised HR and payroll support can help SMEs to grow and concentrate on what they do best.

The Budget – the first one of the new Labour Government – was tough for businesses and we are hoping that there are better months ahead. The increase in employer National Insurance contributions, on top of a 6.7% increase in the National Living Wage, will further burden SMEs. However, if the Government’s plans to increase spending on infrastructure, sector-specific rates relief and more support for small business is realised soon, it will hopefully give businesses the boost they need.

Customs procedures are still holding back UK exports, according to a survey by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit, published during International Trade Week. We need customs procedures to be simplified to make international trading easier.

The latest annual Kent Property Market Report has revealed that the outlook for the property market is improving, with business confidence higher than last year and the economy looking more positive.

This edition focuses on health and wellbeing, something we should all ensure that we put first and foremost in our professional and personal lives.

Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. From all the Chamber team, we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.

Tudor Price Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce