Thinking Business Kent December 2020

THINKING

BUSINESS • OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • December 2020 - January 2021 •

Is remote-working THE FUTURE? n n n n

International Trade: Preparing for life after Brexit The Big Interview with Ben Geering, Quinn Estates Economy: Furlough scheme extended until March Government Kickstart Scheme Is live for businesses to apply

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Welcome & Contents

Resilience needed amid hopes for a better 2021 devastating blow to businesses still reeling from the impact of the first lockdown in the spring. The weeks in the run-up to the festive season are vitally important to many businesses – particularly retailers – as they seek to capitalise on increased demand at this time of year.

As we approach Christmas, the UK is still struggling to get to grips with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A second national lockdown in England was imposed in November in a bid to reduce the spread of the virus and relieve growing pressure on the NHS.

Some of our local firms have managed to adapt by moving their operations online but others are struggling. The extension of the furlough scheme until March will offer some protection, for companies and staff, but business owners will need all of their resilience to get through the challenging winter months ahead.

Although this move was totally understandable, it was another

While the pandemic is responsible for the unprecedented

Contents 4 5 7 9 11 12-15 16-17 18-19

Chamber News Legal Update Focus on Finance Members News Patron News Members News International Trade Big Interview

Our Patrons

uncertainty that now dominates our lives, it has also fast-tracked trends that may ultimately be beneficial to our work and social lives. It has made many people realise, for example, that they don’t necessarily have to do the daily commute and be in the office from 9am to 5pm. They can be as productive, or more so, by working from the comforts of their own home. Our cover story on remote working explores the advantages and drawbacks of flexible working and how this may shape our business practices in the months and years ahead.

We also look at another vitally important issue – the end of the Brexit transition period on January 1 – and explore the

0416 21-23 Members News 24-27 Cover Feature - Health & Wellbeing 31 Members News 32-33 Economy 34-35 Members News 36-37 Business News 39 Ask the Expert

steps that Kent exporters need to take to ensure they are prepared for this post-Brexit world.

This year has been the most challenging in recent memory and the hope is that 2021 will be a little easier as we try to return to some semblance of normality.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2021.

Jo James OBE Chief Executive Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

1847 41 Members News 42-43 Chamber Events 45 The Person Behind the Business 47 Skills 48-49 New Members 50 Last Word 50 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 OBE Tel: 01233 503 838 Fax: 01233 503 687 info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk Media No. 1756 Published December 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

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

Editor

Jez Davison Tel 0151 236 4141 Jez@benhampublishing.com

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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.

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Chamber News

Business Recovery Helpline passes 10,000 calls A business recovery helpline, set up by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and delivered through the Kent and Medway Growth Hub at the very start of the COVID-19 crisis, has now passed the milestone of 10,000 calls answered in less than 7 months.

The Business Recovery Helpline was set up and launched in only 3 days to provide a lifeline to businesses of all sizes at the very beginning of the lockdown.

Funded by Kent County Council and the 13 local authorities in the county, the dedicated helpline has supported the local economy by answering over 10,000 calls in less than 7 months. Businesspeople calling the helpline were both members and non-members of the KICC, ranging from self-employed individuals to larger established companies. Behind the 03333 602300 number was a team of 16 people at the peak of the crisis – call handlers and business advisers.

Tudor Price, Deputy CEO at KICC, said “When the country went into lockdown, the Chamber realised there was a crucial need to bring the information and resources available to Kent businesses as soon as possible, and to guide them through the processes and eligibility criteria.”

The Business Recovery Helpline has provided funding and recovery advice to over 4,000 Kent & Medway businesses, and helped them access £12.8 million worth of grants, loans, and business advice.

“We did not imagine the scale of despair and confusion,” Tudor concluded “There was certainly an element of emotional support involved to ensure the wellbeing of our local businesses.”

The Business Recovery Helpline remains open to help businesses navigate the resources available, access free business advice and start their recovery planning. www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk Tel: 03333 602300

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Thinking Business

Businesses are Taking Back Control with Smart Meters National restrictions continue to significantly affect businesses across the country and there is an enormous pressure on their financial situation.

Businesses may be juggling reduced income whilst navigating new income streams such as various government support measures. They might be facing unexpected expenditure on PPE and the cost of making their business Covid secure.

As such, it is extremely challenging to budget month to month; something which is especially true for smaller businesses, who may already be operating with limited cash flow.

Take control with a smart meter

More than ever, the battle to keep control of company outgoings is crucial if they are to survive in this tough climate. A straightforward place to start in this battle is a universal cost and key expense: energy bills.

While every business receives regular energy bills, the vast majority don’t track how – and where –they are using their gas and electricity.

A proactive way of taking back control of this expense is by installing a smart meter, to show exactly how much energy is being used in real time.

Only pay for the energy you use

Another key benefit of smart meters is that businesses get billed exactly for the energy they use. Unless very regular meter updates are provided, bills generated without the input of smart meters are estimated, based on the usage from a previous period.

If businesses have temporarily closed or furloughed some of their teams, this could be hugely damaging as they would be paying for energy they haven’t used yet, and might not use for several weeks, potentially making a big dent in their already fragile cash flow.

Don’t miss this opportunity

A smart meter is a positive step in taking control of business outgoings and if your firm has 10 employees or less your business could be eligible.

To see whether smart metering can work for your business, contact your energy supplier. It could be one of the best calls you make this week.

How Employers Can Support Wellbeing

Legal Update

During these difficult times, Employment Law Expert David Morgan urges employers to be mindful of their duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of staff.

As Christmas beckons and deadlines for articles loom, the minds of employment lawyers tend to turn to reminding employers and employees of the risks of overindulgence and misbehaviour at the office Christmas party; but in this most unusual of years cautionary tales of drunken antics and subsequent legal cases have faded into irrelevance.

As I write in November, we have just entered a second period of lockdown. Employees are again required to work from home whenever reasonably possible and many ‘non-essential’ businesses have been forced to close altogether. Employees who had returned to their place of work during the summer now face another period of enforced working from home and the furlough scheme, which has proved to be a lifeline to many employers and employees, has been extended yet again so that some employees may now face up to a year away from their workplace.

The effect of COVID-19 on the wellbeing of employers and employees has been immense. The mental health charity MIND believes that half of adults in the UK will have experienced a deterioration in their mental health during the pandemic, and as the economic climate becomes increasingly difficult these levels are unlikely to fall. Employers fighting tooth and nail for economic survival also face the challenge of ensuring they deal with the impact of COVID-19 on their employees and continue to comply with their legal obligations with regard to health and safety.

Some tips to assist employers to support the wellbeing of staff who

are furloughed or working at home for prolonged periods include: • Schedule regular meetings or phone calls with those working from home in order to maintain supervision and contact - almost a third of employees report feeling isolated during the pandemic.

• Increase the use of emails and other electronic communications to employees to keep them updated with news about the company and include furloughed employees in such communications.

• Keep in personal touch with employees who are furloughed – a chat to ask how the employee is will not constitute work and will not break the rules of the furlough scheme.

• Ensure staff are not overworking – significant numbers of employees report working additional hours and taking fewer breaks when working from home out of fear that they will otherwise be seen as taking advantage.

• Make employees aware of where they can obtain advice and support regarding their wellbeing.

This year has seen frequent and significant changes to employment law due to the impact of the coronavirus. However, one thing which has not changed is the employer’s duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of staff. Employers should take care to ensure that this does not slip under the radar in these pressured and difficult times.

For further advice on Employment Law issues, please contact David.

David Morgan

Associate Solicitor, Employment Law

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davidmorgan@girlings.com Thinking Business

5

SMEs Should Take a Strategic Approach to Wellness By investing in the wellbeing of their staff, SMEs can recruit and retain the best talent, lower absence costs and improve service quality.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has placed a tremendous demand on HR departments, the extent of which won’t have been experienced by businesses before. With HR encompassing so many aspects of an organisation, with the need to implement remote working, extend sick pay, furlough staff and undergo redundancies, this year will have presented challenges for HR departments globally.

As many SMEs continue on their journey toward recovery while facing reduced demand, new customer expectations, and operational challenges, effective HR management becomes more crucial than ever. Organisations need to think strategically about which aspects of HR are needed most and whether they can be fulfilled internally, or if support is needed from an external HR partner.

It may not be possible to recruit and train new HR personnel at this time, meaning an outsourced solution could offer an invaluable lifeline. Allowing SMEs access to specialist support quickly and cost-effectively so they can focus on their core business activity. Outsourced HR services provide small businesses with the opportunity to compete with larger companies who have the expertise and resource to offer improved services to staff and attract potential new talent.

One of the biggest challenges for HR departments is how to care for the wellbeing of their employees properly. Many of whom will be facing very different circumstances and possibly a range of sensitive or complex health issues specific to them.

An increased focus on supporting the mental health of those working through the pandemic is certainly reassuring. With many employers turning to Mental Health First Aid training as a long-term solution to equip staff with the tools they need to support their own and their colleagues’ mental health. However, with the array of challenges that the health crisis presents, employers need to look beyond this and consider a 360-degree approach to the support they provide. By focusing on the four key pillars of wellbeing; mental, physical, social and financial, business owners can ensure their workforce are armed with a comprehensive range of support tools to address the multitude of challenges they could face, now and in the future.

This is something that Cantium have benefitted from first-hand. By creating a sustainable strategy to support our remote workforce with a range of initiatives such as vaccinations, occupational health services, health screening and assessments, we work to maintain a physically healthy team. With social wellbeing key to Cantium’s culture, we empower staff with

the opportunity to acquire new skills through virtual training and learning programmes. At the same time, manager coaching teaches the strategies needed to promote healthy communication and behaviours.

Using our staff engagement platform, teams share achievements, encouraging and engaging with each other in a positive way. Creating a sense of purpose and partnership that we have found to be essential in a successful workplace and re-affirming our understanding that staff engagement is key to building an effective wellbeing strategy.

With our experience in supporting our 550+ staff, coupled with over 35 years of partnering with both public and private organisations, we are supporting SMEs with wellbeing solutions tailored to their specific needs. As part of our new service offering, HRSelect, business owners can select individual services to support their existing wellbeing strategy or opt for a fully comprehensive solution. In choosing this path, Cantium partner with you to develop a sustainable strategy that reflects the unique needs of your team.

There’s no doubt that there will still be many challenges for SMEs in the months to come. Still, through taking a strategic approach to HR, we believe that business owners can help to reduce the effects of the pandemic on their staff and return focus to where it is needed most within their organisation. With the wellbeing of employees a core enabler of organisational performance, by investing in the health of your staff, you invest in the health of your business too.

You can find out more about the wellbeing support we can provide at cantium.solutions/ service/hrselect/health-wellbeing/ or contact a member of the team on 03000 415555.

Focus on Finance

The Landlord Dilemma Is a Company an option?

There is no doubt that the taxation of landlords has been the unwanted focus of attention by the government of late. Over recent years we have seen increased SDLT for second home owners, the withdrawal of the “10% Wear & Tear allowance” and most recently the mortgage interest restriction.

The mortgage interest restriction applies to all landlords who own rental property individually. The new rules have been phased in over 3 tax years with the full effects taking place from April 2020.

Under the ‘old rules’ the full mortgage interest was deducted as an expense from your rental income to lower your taxable profits, with the final profit taxed at your appropriate tax rate (e.g. 20%, 40% or 45%). This meant that landlords who were higher or additional rate

taxpayers would save tax at 40% or 45% when claiming the mortgage interest.

However under the new rules from April 2020, the tax savings from claiming mortgage interest is restricted to just 20% irrespective of your tax band status. Now you must remove your mortgage interest from your rental profit computation, and when your tax is subsequently calculated you receive a “mortgage interest tax credit” of 20% of your mortgage interest to reduce your final tax liability.

Put simply, this means any landlord with mortgages who is a higher or additional rate taxpayer will now pay more income tax on their rental income. How much more tax you pay will depend on the amount of your mortgage interest, but the higher your mortgage interest the higher your tax bill will raise.

So what can be done about this?

There is no hiding the fact that for a lot of landlords the answer will be “nothing”, but for some there may be a viable option. The clue for which is in the second paragraph above.

So all I have to do is transfer my rental properties into a Ltd company and everything is fine?

Well yes, but there is a big BUT – transfer of properties to a company are usually subject to full SDLT and full CGT. This is obviously not good and makes the whole option prohibitive.

But – yes there is another BUT – it is possible that landlords with multiple rental properties can structure the transfer in such a way that they qualify for Stamp Duty and CGT relief so nothing is payable on transfer.

The key for qualification is demonstrating you have a “partnership” and demonstrating you have a “business”. This allows for SDLT relief (Sch 15, FA 2003) and incorporation relief (Section 162, TCGA1992) to be received.

Furthermore, you can seek HMRC approval prior to the transfer of properties to the company so the transfer can happen safe in the knowledge HMRC are already in full agreement.

It is not a quick process as time and care is needed to ensure tax relief qualification and a smooth transition. However the end goal is there for all to see.

The mortgage interest restriction rules apply only for individuals – it does not apply for companies. For rental properties owned by companies the full mortgage interest is still deducted to reduce the rental profits, and of course companies also boast a lower tax rate of currently 19% with no higher or additional rates like with individuals.

Adams & Moore are qualified UK accountants who act for over 2500 landlords in the UK, Asia and the Middle East.

For more information or to enquire about our services please contact our Tax Manager Richard Jepson richard.jepson@adamsandmoore.co.uk.

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Brachers advises on new acquisition Brachers acted for Blarney Ventures LLC on its first UK investment by establishing an English group of companies headed by Blarney Ventures UK Limited, and advising on the acquisition of the SalesWorks business from London-based SL Strategies Limited and Shabri Lakhani.

South East law firm Brachers has reported steady work in mergers and acquisitions despite challenging conditions in recent months, with the completion of another deal.

The firm advised Boston, Massachusetts-based investment holding company Blarney Ventures LLC on their acquisition of SalesWorks UK, a sales training and consultancy business in the B2B software space.

Shabri Lakhani will remain as the CEO of SalesWorks while becoming a partner in Blarney Ventures UK to continue to run and grow the business.

Although contracts were exchanged in May, the deal wasn’t completed until September due to challenges brought about

by COVID-19, including the SalesWorks business having to adapt to the new normal to prove it could still deliver. Travel restrictions also meant clients couldn’t come over from the US, which meant the deal was completed remotely.

Brachers corporate partner, Claire Williams, led the deal with support from solicitor Alistair Wickham in corporate and Antonio Fletcher in employment.

Claire said: “While this deal was partly delayed by the COVID-19 crisis, we were able to use technology to overcome distance and shielding issues to effectively complete the deal. We wish Blarney Ventures LLC the best of luck with this first investment in the UK and we look forward to working with them to help grow their portfolio.”

Blarney Ventures’ managing partner, Matthew Iovanni, said: “We are delighted by the recent acquisition of SalesWorks which we believe is a real asset to our portfolio and signals the next phase of growth for us as we expand into the European and North American markets.”

Where are the tax risks in your business?

UK tax risks, improve tax process efficiencies and prioritise where to focus their resources to guard against unexpected tax costs and adverse publicity.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic there has been an even greater emphasis on the processes and controls in place to ensure good tax governance across businesses.

National audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe has developed a free Tax Integrity Scorecard to help businesses understand their

Simon Crookston, corporate tax partner at Crowe’s Kent office, said: “Many large and ownermanaged businesses across the region are increasing their focus on tax governance; the emphasis is now on how tax compliance is dealt with and making sure the right amount of tax is paid at the right time. Additionally, ensuring that there is tax integrity within your business is now critical and reflects the wider changing climate in which businesses and tax advisors now operate.”

Tax has also become a reputational risk to businesses.

Organisations now operate in a world where tax is considered a moral issue and is front page news. Consequently, many

boardrooms and owner managers are focused on making sure they do not face negative publicity from their tax affairs.

Simon Crookston continued: “There will be continued and increased scrutiny by the media of the taxes paid and claims made by companies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the punitive measures being taken by HMRC to challenge tax evasion at difficult economic times.”

Over the last few years, HMRC’s powers have increased with the introduction of new information and data gathering powers and greater use of technology to identify people and organisations who are understating and underpaying their tax liability.

Members News

Winery survives COVID and is optimistic about the future

Balfour Hush Heath, a 400-acre wine estate in the heart of Kent, has faced challenges this year as most businesses have done. Wine producer Richard Balfour-Lynn said the company has had to adapt to the difficult circumstances.

He said: “Pre-COVID, our revenue was heavily reliant on the hospitality sector: bars and restaurants, which have been badly hit by the pandemic.

However, by carefully adapting to the circumstances, we’ve managed to build the visitor side of the business to a point where it has compensated for the fall in restaurant sales.”

Consequently, Richard Balfour-Lynn is confidently predicting that sales overall will even exceed last year, with supermarket sales also holding up well during lockdown.

He said: “This year has been an annus horribilis for so many, and whilst we’ve had to work harder than ever to maintain our position, we’re holding up okay. The quality of grapes from the 2020 harvest has been excellent so we’re really hoping for great things going forward.”

Export has been another area where the company has had a good year.

Hush Heath, one of the first wineries to export to the USA, is now exporting to Norway, and is the biggest shipper of English wines to the Japanese market.

Other markets include Germany and Finland and most recently a first shipment has landed in Singapore, with a new importer recently being signed up in Holland.

Founded by Richard in partnership with his American-born wife, Leslie, the company has always had a very strong Christmas gifting offer. This year, in addition to the traditional discounts on wine, Balfour Hush Heath Gifting is also offering a Balfour Wine and Dining Experience – an ideal way to celebrate Christmas with family, work colleagues or clients. https://hushheath.com

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

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Patron News

Our Go Green promise for 2020 was kept – but not in the way we expected!

At the start of 2020 HR GO plc decided to encourage our teams to be greener with a ‘Go Green’ campaign. We set out some pledges and established a Green Committee, made up of representatives from our various brands and functions.

There was a lot of positivity and commitment to changing our behaviours to benefit the planet.

Of course, we could not have foreseen the coronavirus pandemic which blew all our plans out of the water!

We are now nearing the end of 2020 and the business is functioning differently but sustainably in the new Covid-19 environment. So, it seems a good time to take stock and see where our ‘Go Green’ campaign has got us and where we go next.

Right from the start we were recognising that we had a lot of ground to make up. Environmental issues have rarely previously received any focus within the management teams. Paper recycling bins were in common use but that was it. In January we laid down three main pledges to help us to become greener: going digital, eco-friendly sourcing, and acts of greenness.

So how have we done?

1. Going digital

It is fair to say that the coronavirus quickly accelerated our plans to replace paper-based systems with digital ones. Luckily, we had already developed a platform for candidates to create an account online, to work alongside our in-branch app for registering temporary workers, and most software was already in the cloud.

As the regulations relating to face to face ID confirmation of workers were relaxed by the government, we were able to very quickly update the system to complete the registration process remotely, using video to interview candidates.

With all our staff successfully working from home, HR GO Recruitment

consultants were kept very busy recruiting into key worker roles in hospitals, national Covid test centres, track and trace, and for delivery companies. The new digital account process allowed us to get high numbers of people into work very quickly and all without a paper trail.

All meetings and communications were digital of course, so immediate savings were made in travelling costs (including fuel) and postage.

The numbers for this year compared to last, back up this positive change: • Our use of printers and copiers fell by 65% • Stationery expenditure fell by 59% • Travel costs 43% saving • Motor costs 54% saving • Postage 39% reduction Some people have been back in our offices for a few weeks now, but we are confident that the new digital applications will prevent the numbers creeping back up.

2. Sourcing Eco-Friendly Options

Wherever possible HR GO are aiming to go paperless, but that’s not always possible. So instead we planned to seek out eco-friendly alternatives, such as promotional items made from recyclable materials. We also planned to introduce more recycling points for plastic in addition to paper in all offices.

The pandemic has meant that almost all purchasing of print or promotional items stopped. Visits to clients have been curtailed to cut down on face to face contact and because many people are not back on site regularly.

So, we have by default succeeded in this objective – really without doing anything! As demand for items increases, we resolve to keep to this pledge to source ecofriendly options.

In a more positive and proactive move we have replaced 3 standard diesel cars with electric ones and are installing our first electric charging points at head office.

3. Acts of Greenness

Finally, following on from last year’s Acts of Kindness campaign where employees volunteered to raise money by organising their own sponsored event, or taking part in organising charity events, this year HR GO planned to encourage staff to volunteer their services in ‘Acts of Greenness’. For example, helping in local communities by litter picking or collecting recyclable waste or even help planting trees.

Unfortunately, with more homeworkers and difficulty in arranging group activities safely there hasn’t been the opportunity to pursue this pledge as we would have hoped.

However, we will continue to look at ways to support green charities.

Summary

In summary it seems that we have achieved better results than we would have expected if the coronavirus pandemic had not hit.

The disruption the virus caused to normal business operations has had a positive effect on our transition to digital, producing a knock-on saving in print and travel costs in particular.

While it’s heartening to see some positive results coming from a crisis that has brought pain and difficulty to many, the challenge for our business will be to sustain these good practices and not simply slip back into old ways once the virus is defeated. Certainly, more electric vehicles and less printing feel like changes for the long term, possibly also less travelling now that our teams are used to meeting virtually via video.

The HR GO management teams are united in ensuring our Go Green commitment will continue into 2021 and beyond.

Are you making the most of technology to support remote working?

As it looks like remote working will continue for many businesses well into 2021, is your business making the most of technology to stand out from your competition.

VoIP telephones: Maintain a professional appearance by having your work phones setup at home.

VoIP technology lets you access your work phone system on your mobile, maintain smooth handling of calls and keep up a great customer experience.

Embrace video calling: While Zoom fatigue might have hit many of us, video calling is still the best way to stay in touch with customers, prospects and most importantly your team. For many this is the first experience of remote working and employee isolation is a threat. Stay in touch with your staff on video calls to help keep them engaged with your business.

Stay secure: Cybercriminals are opportunists. They know most businesses were not set up for remote working at the start of the year and they have been spending 2020 looking for vulnerabilities in remote working setups. Review your cybersecurity and make sure you have accounted for all the ways in which your staff are working.

We will be exploring these and other technology issues that are important to business in a new webinar series that starts on December 10th. As a Patron of Kent Invicta Chamber, Infotech is pleased to be working in partnership to help business owners make the most of what technology can deliver. Details of the webinars can be found on kentinvictachamber.co.uk/events.

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Members News

Locate in Kent unveils new business support package Locate in Kent has launched a new business support offer designed to attract UK and international businesses seeking to set up, relocate to or expand in Kent and Medway.

As a response to major shifts in the way businesses operate owing to the pandemic, Locate in Kent has observed an increasing number of organisations in the UK searching for a cost-effective and well-connected foothold in the south east, and overseas businesses looking for a base in the UK with access to talent, international connectivity and a growing infrastructure.

Disputes Conflicts, failure to agree Not all business runs smoothly – disputes inevitably occur.

These can be costly, sour long term relationships and impact future profitability.

So it’s important to resolve them as effectively as possible.

Whitehead Monckton’s Dispute Resolution team can provide you with expert advice and strategies to resolve your business disputes. Ranked in Chambers and Legal 500, we have an enviable track record - achieving excellent agreements whilst preserving future relationships.

Take the first important step before the gloves really come off – contact us today on

Tel: 01622 698047

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

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

TB 05/19

12 Thinking Business

The inward investment organisation’s new “soft landing” offer has been designed to enable these businesses to set up operations in Kent with ease and expert guidance throughout the entire relocation or expansion process. Locate in Kent will help firms to maximise opportunities in the county and boost trade during and after COVID-19.

Greenish, Crowe UK, Growing Kent and Medway, HSBC, Kent Science Park, Kreston Reeves, London South Bank University, Maidstone Borough Council, Maidstone Studios, New Appointments Group, SELEP, Shores and Legal, University of Greenwich, University of Kent and Whitehead Monckton.

Gavin Cleary, CEO at Locate in Kent, said: “Kent has a vibrant mix of established home-grown SMEs and thriving multinationals.

We are now noticing an uplift in businesses from overseas and the UK, including those in London, looking for a new commercial base in Kent. The county offers a strong proposition, with its cost-effective property, excellent connectivity and large talent pool.

“Our soft-landing package means that relocating to Kent and Medway is now easier than ever before, with companies able to access all the help and support they need to succeed.”

The scheme is being delivered in conjunction with key partners including Azets, Brachers and Kent HR, Cripps Pemberton

To find out more visit https://www.locateinkent.com/ soft-landing-package/

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With us by your side, your business will be fully protected in our safe hands.

For more information visit www.kentk9guarding.co.uk

Kent charities receive £2m COVID funding boost Since March, grant maker Kent Community Foundation has awarded more than £2 million in emergency funding to individuals, charities and community groups across Kent and Medway that have either been affected by, or are working with, those who have been impacted by the pandemic.

More than 600 grants totalling just over £2m have been awarded to organisations and families from Kent Community Foundation Emergency Funds, which were set up in March in response to the overwhelming needs of communities across Kent and Medway.

The grants of between £250 and £16,000 have been awarded to grassroots charities that make a huge difference within their community. One beneficiary of the support was Curly’s Legacy charity, a smallholding and garden based in Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppey that schools young people and vulnerable adults' visit to meet and interact with animals including sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and llamas.

The foundation awarded the charity £3,000 to help it overcome the difficulties it was facing during the pandemic.

Members News

Kyle Ratcliffe, farm manager and head of Curly’s Legacy, said: “When the country was put into lockdown, we knew we would be in real trouble. Our expenditure to run the farm would remain the same as when we were open to the public. We still had to pay staff and there were rent and animal feed bills to pay. We had never approached Kent Community Foundation for help before and the £3,000 they awarded to us was an absolute lifeline to enable the farm to survive lockdown and ensure we were ready to welcome families and vulnerable adults back when restrictions were lifted.”

Josephine McCartney, chief executive of Kent Community Foundation, said: “Curly’s Legacy is just one of the hundreds of charities, community groups and struggling families that have received a grant from the Emergency COVID Fund. Most of the charities we have supported are small, but their size belies the huge difference they are making within their community.”

I am an accountant, coach and trainer and founder of my own coaching business, Sally Brady Limited. It’s aimed at ambitious SMEs and start-ups dedicated to educating business owners and leaders in the financial aspects of their business.

I worked as a successful accountant and senior manager in the corporate sector for more than 30 years. I understand and have experienced life when profit margins and people are squeezed and the overwhelming pressure this brings. I’m fully aware of the struggles of the business owner and the many hats we have to wear and how planning is imperative for businesses.

The problem I’ve found with SMEs is the lack of knowledge around the financials of their business and quite often they are running blind, they have no idea of outgoings and are oblivious to actual income.

I go beyond the annual accountancy practices in that I educate my clients to look beyond the boredom of financials and see areas for growth by developing knowledge in a simple, structured way.

Often the companies grow quickly and have little or no structure with no form of planning in place and no current information. They will have accountants they contact once a year and do not realise that they could have a simple structure with up to date information to make them more agile and assist with decision-making.

I work together with my client to build a simple suite of reports including the three key reports required for a business to thrive and grow and be able to adapt, even under the most extreme circumstances, to ensure sustainable growth.

I saw a gap in the market for my own niche expertise in business – financial planning – and my aim is to ensure that business owners have a simple process to create information and drive profit.

Office Space MidKent College brings new office space to Maidstone, launching in January 2021!

We are delighted to share with you our new office space initiative here at MidKent College, UCM Building Maidstone. Our state of the art facilities offer space for small businesses to join a collaborative working space.

Fed up with working from home?

Need a new space to make your own? Ready for a new way of working? Look no further...

Join a community of local businesses in our brand new office space, sit alongside like-minded individuals within a collaborative environment. Our office space, and break out areas offer the ideal space for networking opportunities.

We bring to you:

Financial planning is imperative for business success

By Sally Brady, business planning specialist

MidKent College

I have successfully turned struggling businesses with excessive losses into profit with continuous and sustainable growth. In one case, for example, I turned a 140% net loss into a 40% net profit within four months.

For information email Sally at sally@sallybrady.co.uk

• Free onsite parking included • Break out & kitchen facilities included • High quality broadband packages tailored to your requirements • Additional conference & meeting space available • Onsite catering facilities available • Flexible lease contracts – minimum 6 months • Furnished & unfurnished options available • Access to a pool of students to support your business with innovative and creative ideas Find Us! University Centre Maidstone (UCM) MidKent College Maidstone Campus Tonbridge Road, Maidstone Kent ME16 8AQ It would be our pleasure to show you around our fantastic facilities - to find out more pop us a message on 01634 383231 or send an enquiry to pavilionevents@midkent.ac.uk

Thinking Business

13

Members News

Genie Bio Clean Canterbury Servicing Schools & Businesses in Kent

Genie Bio Clean Canterbury Limited specifically targets cleaning sectors where anti-viral/ bacterial treatment and pathogen elimination are a priority, including COVID-19 infection control.

Our touchless eco-friendly dry thermal fogging technique using our GBM5 fogging solution achieves 99.9999% efficacy on over 100 listed pathogens, including COVID-19. It can be used as an efficient single eco-friendly decontamination service or as part of a monthly COVID secure cleaning plan delivering antimicrobial protection on surfaces for up to 27 days in the same single treatment. A regular treatment will enhance any cleaning plan and provide active additional protection for staff, clients, and visitors within your business premises. Our local clients include solicitors, accountants, schools, pub/ restaurants, retail, and private residences. Premises can be back to business within 2 hours of treatment.

We have recently opened an online store selling the main products we use in the fight against pathogens to new and existing clients. A 10% discount can be achieved

by Chamber members using the code CT-101-10 at the checkout on any size order. Refill solutions we sell online for hand sanitisers and trigger sprays can save any business a great deal of money over time. We also sell industrial size refill options for the larger companies/schools.

For further information visit https://www.genie-bio-clean. co.uk/canterbury/

14 Thinking Business

How to use your Chamber membership for your marketing Joining the Chamber is a great way to get yourself more known across the county, gain exposure for your business and make some great connections.

But it’s also a great marketing tool too, to raise your profile, gain credibility and share your news and knowledge with other members.

Content includes ‘how to’ advice, new appointments, awards won, contracts secured, and information pieces about changes to legislation or industry practices and what it means.

Here’s a checklist from Sarah Hawes at Izzy PR to help you use your membership for marketing.

Member offers: Share an offer with other members.

Just send them a graphic with your offer on it – they do the rest.

Editorial: Your membership includes a 250-word profile piece, published in this magazine. It can be an introduction to you and your business, a news piece sharing some company news, or even an ‘expert’ piece – where you share your tips to other businesses to help them.

Online blog: Publish your news or blog on the Chamber’s website blog section.

Advertising: Book a quarter, half or full page, or maybe have a look at their ‘advertorial’ pages you can buy ‘Person behind the business’ ‘The Big Interview’ or ‘Ask the expert’ features.

Networking: Everything is online at the moment, but each gives you the chance to meet other members – you never know who you might meet!

Webinars If you can present well and give easy to follow tips, talk to the Chamber about what you can offer. Hosting a webinar will ensure some great publicity for you and raise your profile to fellow members.

Social media Tag the Chamber in relevant posts and they will usually engage with them.

This is a great way of getting in front of a larger audience with what you have to say.

Izzy PR can help members with any marketing as outlined above. izzypr.co.uk

How Can I Get Paid?

Late-payment has been a commonplace problem within the construction industry for many years. The unprecedented times we are currently living in due to COVID-19 has certainly had an impact across all areas of our lives but has the pandemic exacerbated the issue of late-payment?

payment. Can the virus take full responsibility for a debt not being paid particularly considering the long withstanding poor payment practices within the construction industry? Although there are regulations in place relating to late payments of commercial debts, small businesses may either not be aware of the legislative requirements or do not feel confident with enforcing them, especially with a regular client during difficult times. What can you do about it?

Coronavirus has been attributed to the reason why certain practices and procedures within businesses have not been carried out as they normally would. This includes late payment or even non-

First and foremost, fully understand the payment provisions in your contract.

Provide the necessary supporting information and try to establish clear payment terms in advance.

Andrew Wooldridge-Irving, Senior Consultant from GVE Commercial Solutions discusses the impact of the pandemic on late-payment

Be flexible with payment methods, including facilitating automated payments from clients. Consider offering incentives for early payments and always follow up on late payments. Persevere with your actions to promote prompt payment and finally, whatever the frustrations, always be polite.

If your attempts at getting paid are not successful, you may need to consider legal action as a last resort. Beware of the stipulated procedure and timescales. No matter what the year 2021 has in store we can be certain that payment issues will continue to be a ‘hot topic’ for many businesses. more information visit: www.gvecs.co.uk

Incontrast – A local packaging and display manufacturer adapting their print offer to meet changing shopper and consumer demands Incontrast formerly known as Line Packaging and Display are part of STI group, and have been based on Gillingham business park for over 40 years.

The main business focus for our team of 40 employees is the design and manufacture of AwardWinning printed POS display & Packaging. Manufacturing displays from wood, metal and plastic are all options available but predominantly we are printing and manufacturing onto card with its excellent recycling qualities for sustainable end to end use.

Supplying the B2B market we are proud to have local companies as well as multinational brands as our customers.

During the Covid-19 pandemic the multi skilled team

Top tips on boosting your digital presence With the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic set to continue into 2021, web agency MSO has a few tips on how to ensure your website is prepared.

successfully switched production to manufacture PPE face shields & Barriers protecting many local businesses and have been quick to react to the changing behaviour of shopper and consumer needs, supporting online businesses with Direct To Consumer (DTC) Packaging.

In a growing market November 2020 saw the investment of a third digital print press to assist with the trend of rising numbers of new start-ups and their demand for DTC packaging.

AWARD WINNING VISUAL MERCHANDISING WWW.INCONTRAST.CO.UK

Accountancy firm approaches 30-YEAR MILESTONE The firm was established by Barney Lewis and, since his retirement, is now managed by Gary Cornwell.

Gary said: “I actually spent my school work experience with the firm and, 16 years later, I’m still here. Looking back, I was really lucky with how the team at Lewis & Co supported me during those two weeks, particularly Barney, who really took the time to introduce me to accountancy and gave me a real insight into what was going on.”

Based in Southborough near Tunbridge Wells, Lewis & Co has been providing tax and accountancy services to a wide variety of clients for nearly 30 years.

Members News

Starting from his dining room table before moving to offices in the centre of Southborough, Barney built a firm which prides itself on being friendly and approachable.

“We’ve remained fairly small and used that to our advantage,” said Gary. “Our clients know who they are speaking to when they call us and we are always prompt in replying to any enquiries.”

The firm currently has three full-time and three part-time members of staff.

Gary added: “Our long service has enabled us to build close working relationships with all of our clients, providing them with continuity and peace of mind whether they are individuals or families looking for personal tax advice, or small and mediumsized businesses with a range of accountancy and taxation needs.”

Visit https://www.lewisandco. biz/ to find out more.

Create or update your online shop If you have products to sell, ensure your online shop is selling. You need to make sure it is as informed and easy to use as a physical shop.

Update your website content There is nothing more frustrating to a consumer than seeing outdated information.

Improve your website design and functionality A good website design and practical functionality will give the user a great first impression and be easy to use.

Are you being found in search rankings?

Appearing high in a list of search results is vital to ensure your customers can find you.

Connect with your audience and stay in touch Continue creating and sharing content across your social media channels and in email campaigns or newsletters.

Brand consistency Maintain a consistent brand across all mediums i.e. anywhere your customer can find you.

Final thoughts It is a very tough time globally and there is no sugar-coating the pandemic. However, we can use this time to futureproof and continue our business plans, albeit in a slightly different direction than first thought at the start of 2020.

To view the full article and its tips and advice, visit www.mso.net/news

Thinking Business

15

International Trade

Preparing for life after Brexit

16 Thinking Business

International Trade

"UK Global Tariff (UKGT) replaces the EU Common External Tariff (CET). Exporters will need to secure for their goods a tariff number, or commodity code, which determines the customs duties and other charges levied on the goods."

Brexit is fast becoming the elephant in the room. Ordinarily it would be dominating the news agenda, especially with the end of the Brexit transition period on January 1 looming large on the horizon.

However, these are not normal times. Everything about our lives at the moment is coloured by the COVID-19 pandemic, with families and businesses rightly concerned about the impact of a second wave of the virus. All of this is overshadowing Britain’s longprotracted exit from the EU, which has major ramifications for thousands of companies that rely on the EU for some or all of their income.

For months, UK and EU leaders have been in intense discussions in an attempt to thrash out a deal, but with the transition period deadline fast approaching, these attempts have so far come to nought. At the time of writing, there remains a very real prospect that the UK will leave the EU without a trade deal, which is a frightening thought for the thousands of companies that export their products and services to the EU each year.

There are several sticking points over a new deal, from state aid to data protection and the Irish border. The extent to which EU fishermen can access UK waters, which they had been able to do under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), is also a bone of contention.

The difference between the impact of deal and a no-deal is stark. A free trade agreement would open up tariff-free trade of most goods, allow continuity of existing agreements and perhaps create an environment in which new deals could be done.

A no-deal, on the other hand, would see tariffs imposed on most goods, with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules applied to UK-EU trade.

It would also result in increased administration and the inevitable shelving of some existing trade deals.

In this most uncertain of climates, however, there are still things that businesses can do now to get their house in order before January 1, when the UK Global Tariff (UKGT) replaces the EU Common External Tariff (CET). Exporters will need to secure for their goods a tariff number, or commodity code, which determines the customs duties and other charges levied on the goods. They must also check to see how the goods are classified under the Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS), which is in place to ensure that the goods are shipped safely and in compliance with customs, tax and duties regulations.

The UKGT will apply to all goods that are imported from January 1, 2021 unless an exemption applies.

Exemptions include: • goods imported from a developing country that pays less or no duty because it’s part of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, which was established to help developing countries alleviate poverty and create jobs based on international values such as labour and human rights • goods imported from a country that has an existing trade agreement with the UK • imported goods that have a relief or tariff suspension operated by the UK Companies can visit https:// www.gov.uk/check-tariffs-1january-2021 to check the UKGT that will apply to goods that they import from January 1. Advice on finding the relevant commodity code can be found at https:// www.gov.uk/guidance/findingcommodity-codes-for-importsor-exports and https://www.gov. uk/guidance/ask-hmrc-for-adviceon-classifying-your-goods.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the UK government has been frantically trying to secure trade agreements with other countries (or groups of countries) to remove or reduce tariffs and other restrictions on exports/imports between them. In under two years, the UK has struck agreements with 51 countries including an historic one with Japan – widely regarded as the UK’s first major post-Brexit deal. Unveiled by UK trade secretary Liz Truss, the deal means that almost all of the UK’s exports to Japan will be tariff-free and British tariffs on Japanese cars will be removed by 2026. It is expected to boost trade between these countries by about £15bn.

Several other trade agreements are currently under discussion, and the UK government is currently pursuing an ambitious strategy of securing deals with countries that cover 80% of UK international trade within three years.

All of this is relevant to exporters and importers seeking to prepare for life after January 1, 2021.

These companies should: • find out if the UK has signed a trade agreement with the country with which they intend to trade • use UK government guidance to understand changes to trading with non-EU countries from January 2021: https:// www.gov.uk/guidance/uktrade-agreements-with-noneu-countries If a trade agreement with the destination country is in place, exporters will still need to ensure they have a Certificate of Origin for their goods to qualify for the preferential (lower) tariff rates. EU content and processing will still count towards meeting the origin threshold under “continuity” trade agreements as it does now.

Thinking Business

17

The Big Interview

Quinn Estates takes holistic approach to development

Ben Geering admits he forged a career in planning because he “wanted to find solutions to real-world problems”.

“If a project is done well it can improve the quality of life for local residents, help local businesses and create value in terms of economic and environmental impact,” he says.

“That’s why I got into planning in the first place. It can really make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

18 Thinking Business

As the head of planning at developer Quinn Estates, Ben Geering is now driving forward several projects that are creating sustainable communities and innovative practical solutions across the south east of England.

Quinn Estates flagship scheme is Highsted Park, a mixed-use development that incorporates

game-changing infrastructure and air quality improvements for the residents and businesses of Sittingbourne, Swale and the wider south east region.

The idea behind the scheme is to solve a significant issue that affects the functioning and economic success of the entire region. With land secured, the

proposal involves the building of a new junction on the M2, the creation of the Southern Relief Road and the completion of the Northern Relief Road to provide a fully functioning road network.

Crucially, this would result in a doubling of the number of motorway junctions serving the area and, by unlocking the value of the land in this way, it would

The Big Interview

“We look at many factors that are important to people’s lives: housing, transport infrastructure, amenities, air quality, the wider environment. They’re all interlinked; for example, energy-efficient homes can reduce the carbon footprint whilst making housing more affordable by reducing household bills for residents.” provide a major boost to Swale, Sittingbourne and the wider region.

In particular, the improvements would be a gamechanger for businesses at Eurolink and Kent Science Park, as they would remove the need to travel through Sittingbourne town centre.

Although the scheme could take up to 20 years to complete, headline statistics suggest it would be worth the wait. A total of 9,250 new homes would be built, a fifth of which would be affordable; 8,000 jobs created; 80 acres of new commercial space unlocked; four new primary schools, a secondary school and major new care facilities. All of this would be done in a sustainable way, with pioneering green technology deployed to create a carbonneutral development, including energy-efficient homes, publicly accessible cycle paths, parks, sports facilities and outdoor space.

The scheme fits well with the UK government’s garden communities programme, which aims to roll out large-scale new developments that will create well-planned, sustainable places for people to live. The same is true of Quinn Estates other schemes in Kent and the wider south east. Binbury Park in Detling, for example, would see the creation of a 50-hectare country park as well as a nature park, 1,750 energy-efficient homes, 60,385 sq m of commercial space, a hotel, sports hub, new schools and shopping facilities.

Additionally, the development will provide nationally significant highways safety betterment.

Again, the idea is to find a solution to an existing problem, as Ben explains.

“Binbury Park sits between three other major pieces of existing infrastructure including the Detling Aerodrome' industrial park and the Kent County Showground – a key driver of economic activity in the county,” he says. “Just as access to Swale is a problem, getting to and from the showground is difficult

due to the substandard surrounding infrastructure. What we want to do is to use the value of the land capture to improve this infrastructure – by creating road improvements and new schools, for example – so that the area becomes much more accessible and attractive to residents and businesses.”

Ben is keen to stress that these developments, along with others in Sevenoaks and Essex, are designed to complement rather than replace existing infrastructure.

“We don’t want the developments to have an adverse impact on existing communities,” he says.

“We’ve been very careful to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

“We look at many factors that are important to people’s lives: housing, transport infrastructure, amenities, air quality, the wider environment. They’re all interlinked; for example, energy-efficient homes can reduce the carbon footprint whilst making housing more affordable by reducing household bills for residents.”

Ben’s obvious keenness for this line of work stems from studying Geography at university before completing a Masters in Planning.

This paved the way for a career in planning in local authorities, first at Ashford Borough Council then at Folkestone & Hythe District Council, before he jumped at the chance to take up his current role at Quinn Estates in 2018.

The company works alongside local residents and stakeholder groups to ensure a legacy of community improvement is created as a result of each development.

Naturally, COVID-19 has brought challenges for the sector, not least the fact that it has slowed or postponed work on some schemes.

Ben says: “Local authorities have adapted well by setting up virtual planning committees so decisions haven’t been delayed too much.

House sales have gone well on some of our developments too.

The big risk with COVID is the unknown, although with a vaccine

hopefully around the corner it does give the market more confidence going into next year.”

And what of the future? How does Ben see the role of the developer evolving in a post-COVID world?

“I think that energy efficiency will become even more important as the country attempts to meet carbon emissions targets,” he says.

“Developments may come With battery storage facilities and more on-site electricity generation.

“Developers will also have to become more aware of the changing electricity market and the need for greater flexibility to manage peaks in demand. If everyone is charging their electric vehicle at the same time, the grid might not be able to cope.

“Flexibility will also be needed on big developments, like Highsted, that take many years to complete. The world moves so fast that what’s needed now might not be required in 5-10 years’ time. In this environment, developers who are agile and adaptable have a better chance of succeeding.”

Thinking Business

19

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Members News

Warning on payroll accuracy and compliance Many businesses are struggling to run their payroll due to the complexities around the furlough scheme, employment contract changes or redundancy, accountancy specialist and business advisor Kreston Reeves has warned.

The firm also said these struggles were leading to the greater possibility of mistakes and compliance issues.

Chay Took, partner at Kreston Reeves, said: “We have seen a number of new payroll clients who have decided to outsource their payroll to us as it has simply become too much of a headache for them to run it in-house. Payroll

used to be a simple function of finance teams but a lot of the issues we are seeing are in fact HR-related and their crossover onto the payroll are significant.

As well as the furlough scheme, we are seeing issues such as employees who are now working from other countries, changes to working days/hours, holiday, sick pay or redundancy to calculate.”

Government guidance on the furlough scheme is considered appropriate but it hasn’t answered all of the questions many firms have. It is widely believed that up to a third of businesses have in some way stretched the rules around furlough, but many may have inadvertently breached the rules.

What’s the purpose of social media?

By Linda Cloke, We Do Social Media

Social media was developed to maintain, strengthen and build relationships from ground zero.

Businesses have seen multiple benefits come from this so have naturally taken advantage of the huge visibility they can derive from it.

The reason businesses would want to maintain and strengthen relationships with existing clients is because it’s much easier to retain them than find new ones. Existing clients will spend more money than new ones and are more likely to refer you to others. As well as existing clients you can use social media to strengthen relationships with suppliers – an excellent referral source for your business.

To build new relationships, your message needs to be clear and consistent to build trust.

So, how do you do it?

1. Establish and write down what you want to achieve 2. Decide which social media platforms will help you attain these goals 3. Write a strategy plan so that you know the purpose of each post 4. If new to this, make sure you are part of a community that will help extend the reach of your content 5. Use an imaging tool to create authentic images or video content to attract consumers to the body of the post 6. Make sure that the post is useful, informative or even humorous

Businesses that are using the furlough scheme should also be looking ahead to January and the job retention bonus of £1,000 per previously furloughed employee who is still employed by the business. It will be important to make sure the payroll is up to date to have the evidence that they meet the rules to qualify for this payment.

Chay Took said: “Some firms also have legacy issues to resolve which are complicating payroll such as PAYE not being up to date, pension compliance issues or changing to a new pension scheme. Outsourcing the payroll function would allow businesses to concentrate more on their business. They should also be assured their most important resource – their people – are properly reported.”

For more information visit www.krestonreeves.com 7. Use a scheduling tool to ensure your content goes out in a timely manner 8. Measure the success of each post and ensure you use the most successful content in future posts Once you have posts going out on a regular basis, thereby establishing your business as a leader in your field, you need to engage with your audience.

Choose your best suppliers and clients on the chosen platform then start liking, commenting and potentially sharing their content.

For example, if a supplier has posted about a product that you use on a regular basis, you could share the benefits of the product with your audience.

For more information visit www.socialmediaworkouts.co.uk

Kent digital company urges firms to pledge cancelled Christmas party cash to charity

A Kent digital agency is encouraging businesses to join them in a #festivepledge to donate cancelled Christmas party funds to charity.

With Covid restrictions putting an end to many office Christmas celebrations, Sittingbourne-based Kayo Digital has opted to pledge the money they would have spent to a good cause. The company, which provides digital marketing services, has instead chosen to use their party budget to support Swale Foodbank.

And they want other businesses to do the same.

Christmas is always a particularly difficult time for people who visit foodbanks.

The extra pressures this year mean that demand for these services is greater than ever. It is also a challenging time for charities in general, with many struggling to survive due to funding deficits caused by the pandemic affecting their fundraising.

Whether businesses were originally planning a lavish three-course banquet or a casual get-together over mince pies, any unspent funds could make a huge difference to those in need.

Kayo Digital managing director, Richard Pilton said: “We realised that an office party is just not feasible this year. So, we decided it would be far better to use the money to bring some Christmas cheer to people who could really use it.

“It’s been a tough year for everyone but for some, much tougher than others. We do not want to see anyone going without at this time of year, which is why we have chosen to use our party budget to support the great work done by Swale foodbank.

“We’d love to see other companies doing the same by donating their party money to a charity of their choice. Even if your usual celebration is just a round of hot chocolates for the office, if all businesses join our #festivepledge, imagine the difference we could make.”

Kayo is asking all businesses taking part to tag them and use #festivepledge along with details of the charity they are supporting.

For more information about Kayo Digital, visit https://kayo.digital/ Thinking Business

21

Members News

THE PHARMACY THAT COMES TO YOU If you need something from a pharmacy and you can’t get out, what do you do?

New Chamber member Prash Patel’s business Chemist Extra solves the problem, as it’s an online pharmacy offering next day delivery for over the counter medicine, daily essentials and basics.

Everything you expect to find in a chemist shop can be ordered online through Chemist Extra.

The online service is not just for locals – they can deliver anywhere in the UK from their Whitstable warehouse, so you can order for yourself, a friend, or get something delivered to a loved one that doesn’t live nearby, the next day.

Prash trained as a pharmacist at university and has worked in the field ever since, before teaming up with his brother in 2006, opening 12 pharmacies in 14 years. Nine across Kent, two in Essex and one in Croydon.

The idea for the online service came after Prash, realized, that online shopping and home delivery were in demand in today’s digital world and he wanted to bring pharmacy services in line.

Prash said: “In a digital world, people want to find what they need quickly and easily online and have it delivered, that’s what we offer through our online chemist service.

“People can to ‘pop to the chemist’ without actually having to go, for themselves or others.

It’s easy and convenient.” For further information visit www.chemistextra.co.uk

Exclusive member offer: Chamber members are invited to use the exclusive code ‘Chamber’ on all online orders over £10 for 10% off.

Charter Tax builds on ten-year milestone Chartered accountancy firm Charter Tax, which has offices in London and Goudhurst, Kent, celebrated its tenth anniversary last year.

The firm primarily offers accounting and tax advisory services to businesses and high net worth individuals within and outside of the UK. Charter Tax was founded by principal Janet Pierce, who brought with her specialist skills in property tax, international tax and VAT. Soon after the firm was launched, clients were asking for an outsourced FD service. The expansion into this area of work meant that the workload grew enough for the firm to take on David Page after only a matter of months. Now a director at Charter Tax, he was then able to handle some of Janet’s

In 2015, the business had grown to a level where Janet felt it would benefit from the addition of another partner, so she approached Mark Howard who had worked with her previously in Tunbridge Wells. With his focus on providing advice to families, farms, trusts and estates, Charter Tax has seen its local client base and staff numbers grow.

Thinking Business charts the story of successful businesswoman Louise Clayson who has made it in a male-dominated industry…

I grew up in Faversham and after leaving The Abbey school in 2006, I went on to study art and design at Canterbury college and work in the kitchen in The Sun pub in Faversham. My passion then was to become a car designer.

Mark Howard said: “Our understanding of financial documents, particularly when it comes to calculating inheritance tax, income tax and capital gains tax, means we can carry out the probate and estate administration work quickly and efficiently.”

For more information visit https://www.charter-tax.com/

Today the firm has 32 people working across its corporate and private client teams.

In 2019, Charter Tax became licenced to carry out probate and estate administration work.

Route to success

I completed a level two art course in June 2007 before having my daughter Briony in October of that year. After taking three years out of

22 Thinking Business

accountancy and FD work, leaving her to focus on tax.

work and being a single parent, I decided to join college again, this time to complete qualifications in motor vehicle mechanics.

As I started college in September 2010, I knew I needed to gain some experience in the motor vehicle industry so I approached South East Coachworks in Faversham to see if they would let me join them one day a week on a voluntarily basis.

They soon gave me the opportunity to work one Friday a week and I gained new skills in metal welding fabrication, coachbuilding, and carpentry, working alongside their qualified coachbuilders.

In 2012 South East Coachworks offered me a part-time placement which I fitted around Briony's school hours, and eventually I completed my level three mechanics qualification and started working full time.

In May 2017 I landed the role of general manager at C & D Fabrications’ Dunkirk site, a role I really enjoy, and I have the privilege of looking after all aspects of the business including sales and accounts. Now I know all about truck bodies and how to price up estimates, although I am still hands-on in the workplace!

Recently I started the process of getting my class two licence and looking after our new apprentice Josh.

I look back and I think I have not done too badly as a woman making her way in a traditionally male-dominated industry! canddfabrications.co.uk

Kreston Reeves’ carbon neutral pledge Accountancy specialist and business and financial advisor, Kreston Reeves, has pledged its commitment to becoming a carbon neutral organisation after publishing its first CSR Impact Report.

The report outlines the firm’s impact on staff and wider communities by benchmarking its performance against four of the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as recommended by the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW). A copy can be downloaded from https://www. krestonreeves.com/impact-report The United Nations defines the core SDGs as a blueprint to achieve a

better and more sustainable future for all and they address the global challenges we all face. The four core SDGs that Kreston Reeves has chosen to focus on are: good health and wellbeing, quality education, reduced inequalities and climate action.

James Peach, head of corporate social responsibility at Kreston Reeves, said: “The last six months have certainly been challenging for everyone. However, the strong foundations that we have put in place to support our teams, especially their good health and wellbeing, means we have been able to carry on working towards these goals during lockdown and when working remotely.

Members News “During this period, we have been able to continue to deliver the exceptional service our clients expect to help guide them to a brighter future. We have embedded wellbeing into our firm’s culture and we are living our values of being human, understanding and making it personal, all of which have been so important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are also conscious that whilst the pandemic has certainly helped to reduce our carbon footprint – through reduced use of our offices and less commuting to see our clients – we have a responsibility to act towards solving the climate crisis that we all face. That is why we have committed to be a carbon neutral organisation by the end of 2021 and we will be implementing strategies to reduce our carbon footprint.”

For more information visit www.krestonreeves.com

Awards scheme recognises sterling work of third sector Since the launch of Rise Communications in 2014 we have enjoyed helping businesses across the UK reach new heights.

We have had many career highlights during the past six years, but one that lies close to our hearts, and one we are particularly proud of, was founding the Kent Charity Awards in 2015. We had previously managed events including the KEIBAs, Medway Business Awards and Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards and saw the need in Kent for an awards scheme that recognised and rewarded the hard work of the third sector.

The awards have gone from strength to strength over the

years and are now a firm date in the diaries of charities across Kent. Local and national (but Kent-focused) charities can enter the awards and we also have a Volunteer and Trustee of the Year category which is a great way of recognising someone that really goes that extra mile to help make the lives of others better.

The Kent Charity Awards are unlike other awards as they are very much a celebration rather than a competition. They are also a great opportunity for businesses to get involved with a charity and whether that’s as a sponsor, fundraiser, volunteer or trustee, we know your efforts will be much appreciated.

Furley Page celebrates recognition in new Chambers Guide Teams and solicitors working at leading South East law firm Furley Page, have been praised for their expertise in the renowned independent national legal guide, Chambers UK 2021.

Eight teams and 12 solicitors at Furley Page have been ranked in categories including Litigation, Real Estate, Personal Injury, and Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Furley Page’s Corporate Team was featured in the listings and received a distinguished testimonial from one source, who commented: "It is an excellent regional law firm that prioritises client relationships." Meanwhile, another added: "They have a unique ability to value local perspective."

In addition, the firm's Dispute Resolution Team was lauded for its knowledge and experience, with one source commenting: "The client service is very good and they always bring a vast amount of experience and commercial awareness to all disputes.”

This year’s awards were postponed due to the current pandemic but are now back on track and will take place on Thursday May 20, 2021, either as a live event or virtually.

The Kent Charity Awards are kindly sponsored by: Kreston Reeves, Kent County Council, Medway Council, Diggerland, CC Works, Kent Community Foundation, AMEY, Brachers, CAF Bank and Financial Advice & Services and the KM Media Group.

Full information on how you can get involved with the Kent Charity Awards can be found at www.kentcharityawards.com

Jeremy Licence, Managing Partner at Furley Page, said: “The Partners and I are extremely proud and delighted to see that our teams and solicitors have been recognised yet again by Chambers UK for their expertise.

“It’s a true testament to the hard work and dedication from our teams and individuals who have managed to ‘carry on regardless’ despite the challenges that 2020 has presented – well done to all.”

This achievement comes shortly after teams and staff at Furley Page were commended in the acclaimed Legal 500 rankings, released last month.

For more details, please visit the Chambers UK website - https:// chambers.com/law-firm/furleypage-solicitors-uk-1:148 Thinking Business

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Is remote-working THE FUTURE? The COVID-19 pandemic has spawned a new way of working. Instead of daily commutes to the office and regular travel on buses, metros and cars, working from home has become the new normal. With the virus still circulating around the country, it’s likely that remote-working will become the norm for the foreseeable future.

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Cover Feature

It may even become a longer-term trend, as more employers see the benefits of staff working from the comforts of their own home. A new report has revealed that the rise in remote working due to COVID-19 has boosted the productivity and quality of life of workers around the country.

The study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) said two thirds of employers reported that home workers were more or as productive as when they were in the workplace. Improved work-life balance (cited by 61% of employers), enhanced employee collaboration (43%) and improved focus (38%) were all benefits of home-working.

However, the research also highlighted the challenges of managing home workers, with employers citing reduced staff mental wellbeing (47%), problems with staff interaction/ cooperation (36%) and difficulties with linemanaging home workers (33%) and monitoring their performance (28%).

Nonetheless, the research shows that the benefits significantly outweigh the challenges, and that a large majority of employers are planning to introduce or expand the use of home-working once the crisis is over.

However, employers are much less likely to be planning to introduce or increase other forms of flexible working, such as annualised hours, term-time working, compressed hours or job sharing, which can be used by workers who are unable to work from home.

Peter Cheese, CIPD CEO, said: “The stepchange shift to home-working to adapt to lockdowns has taught us all a lot about how we can be flexible in ways of working in the future. This should be a catalyst to change long-held paradigms and beliefs about work for

the benefit of many. Employers have learnt that, if supported and managed properly, homeworking can be as productive and innovative as working in the office and we can give more opportunity for people to benefit from better work-life balance. This can also help with inclusion and how we can create positive work opportunities across our economies.

“However, it doesn’t suit everyone and increasingly organisations will have to design working arrangements around people’s choice and personal preference over where and when they would like to work, whilst also meeting the needs of the business.

“Employers will also have to redouble efforts to introduce flexible working arrangements for staff unable to work from home, otherwise they will increasingly have a two-tier workforce of those who have opportunity to benefit from homeworking and flexibility and those who don’t.

“It is often essential workers and lower-paid frontline staff who are not able to work from home and it is crucial that these workers are not left behind when we think about flexible working. Introducing the right to request flexible working from day one would support the uptake of a wider range of flexible working.”

Naturally, there are some workers, such as those who ply their trade in a factory, who cannot work from home. Employers have been urged to give these workers the necessary support to ensure their health and wellbeing is protected during the coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) has issued guidance for businesses at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/office-buildings.html

"The step-change shift to home-working to adapt to lockdowns has taught us all a lot about how we can be flexible in ways of working in the future. This should be a catalyst to change long-held paradigms and beliefs about work for the benefit of many"

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

How to create a wellbeing culture Wellbeing is basically happiness and security, hard to achieve in these challenging times!

Indicators of wellbeing include income, education, physical health, mental health, and quality of work.

“Work” is changing but the value of work is not. Our physical and mental health are often intrinsically linked to our work.

Security is provided – or not – by work. The environment in which we work can have far-reaching effects on us personally.

However, an ideal workplace might have these attributes.

• Relative levels of control over your role • The workplace and pay are generally fair • Clarity of expectation • A sense of personal and organisational purpose • Supportive management

Dancing delight for children

Established in 2002, Flair Performing Arts is based in Sutton Valence and has a dedicated dance academy that explores a range of dancing disciplines including ballet, tap, modern, ballroom, Latin, Acro, contemporary and street. We’re also a stage school and acting and vocal academy for young people aged from 18 months to 18 years with additional branches in Loose, Allington and Bearsted.

We believe that getting kids moving is more important now than ever. Statistics show that children lead more sedentary lives than ever before but it can be difficult to find a form of physical activity that fits into our busy schedules and that our kids will actually enjoy!

We all know about the mental and emotional health benefits of dancing – but did you know that the physical benefits are similar to that of other cardio activities?

26 Thinking Business

Dancing not only increases strength, it also improves balance, and scientists have found that the areas of the brain that control memory and skills, such as planning and organising, are improved by dance.

Exercise in general relieves stress and music can decrease anxiety and depression – an excellent combination. Being around other people while dancing is also great for children’s confidence, self-esteem and social and emotional health.

Lucy Merrett, founder and director of Flair Performing Arts, says: “The best thing about dancing is that it’s entirely inclusive. It’s about moving your bodies and having fun – there’s no winning and losing.”

Dancing can also help to teach discipline because students have to memorise and execute specific steps and body movements that require practice and perseverance.

All forms of dance allow kids to get their energy out, and they’re also a great, safe way for them to express themselves, meet new people and grow a skill – all while having fun. www.discoverflair.co.uk

• Variety • Opportunities to develop skills • Job security and career progression • Work/life balance • A safe work environment • Positive relationships with colleagues Research has shown that if wellbeing was placed at the forefront of the workplace agenda, worker productivity would rise by 10%. This has the knock-on effect of improved service quality, profitability and reduced staff turnover.

How can Every Voice Counts help to create the above? The unique combination of flexible anonymous surveying of staff and the ability for management to respond flexibly gives EVC the ability to create real and dynamic communication and engagement. The social wall allows staff to highlight the workplace positives and can be used to create a wellbeing culture. The blog area has a huge backlog of quality wellbeing articles to inform both staff and managers.

For more information visit www.everyvoicecounts.net

Cover Feature

doTERRA oils are a gift of the earth for Sue A Kent businesswoman has hailed the positive effects of doTERRA essential oils, claiming they have helped cure her physical and mental ailments.

A Latin name meaning “gift of the earth”, doTERRA was founded in 2008 and built on the mission of sharing high-quality essential oils with the world. The company has grown rapidly and now sells its products all over the world.

One of the beneficiaries of these products is Sue Boswell, who turned to them in a bid to improve her health.

She says: “I was suffering from acid reflux caused by a hiatus hernia and I even had surgery for it. The surgery failed after three years and it was at this point that I was offered a peppermint sample to try.

“I was very sceptical as I did not see how a little drop of oil could help. Besides, I had tried everything peppermint on the market – or so I thought! I was encouraged to take a drop internally and was completely blown away by the instant relief I experienced.

“Since that day I have taken one drop of the peppermint oil a day and that really has kept the doctor away. I was removed from the list for a second surgery on my chest.

“I am also pleased to say that I have been able to end a 28-year battle with anxiety and depression and all the medication that went with that.”

Sue and her husband have now made it their mission to spend the rest of their lives sharing the life- enhancing benefits of doTERRA’s pure grade essential oils.

Sue says: “We love what we do, simply educating people about how essential oils can be used as natural medicine.

We offer free samples for people to try and run plenty of online workshops and education classes.”

For more information about doTERRA, email Sue Boswell at sue_boswell@live.co.uk

Spencer Private Hospitals looking forward to working with Kent Invicta Chamber In 1995 the Thanet NHS Trust (now East Kent Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, EKHUFT) started a tender process to appoint a private sector partner to fund, design, construct and operate a private hospital facility together with a postgraduate medical education centre on the QEQM Hospital site in Margate as a means to attract Consultants to work in Thanet.

The Board appointed East Kent Medical Services Ltd (EKMS) as the preferred partner to the Trust.

Construction started in September 1997 and the Spencer Wing opened a year later.

Why “The Spencer Wing”? After Princess Diana’s death in August 1995 the consensus was that it would be appropriate to remember her in the naming of the new building. A written request was sent to Earl Spencer, her brother, who agreed to the use of the Spencer name.

In 2008 EKHUFT purchased the shares in EKMS Ltd and The Spencer Wing became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust.

The business expanded into William Harvey Hospital with an inpatient facility in November 2008 and a separate outpatient facility in February 2016.

In 2014 The Spencer Wing changed its name to Spencer Private Hospitals Ltd. (SPH).

In November 2019 an outpatient facility was opened within the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

As a Private Hospital, SPH carries out a wide range of procedures for both private and NHS patients. All profits are reinvested into the NHS making SPH unique in this way.

During the Covid Pandemic SPH returned all of its beds to the NHS under agreement with NHS England and continues to support EKHUFT in working towards reducing the waiting lists that have inevitably grown in the last few months.

SPH offer several services to assist the corporate client including private physiotherapy and health screening.

SPH’s health screening service provides a comprehensive medical check for senior executives/middle managers as well as those staff working in potentially hazardous surroundings, with a series of packages to meet a wide variety of needs. These can be tailored to an employer’s specific health and safety requirements while forming an integral part of the organisation’s occupational health programme.

Regular health screening is necessary to detect diseases which do not provide warning signs.

These include the silent killers such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancers. Each patient receives a personalised medical report and, during the consultation, is offered practical advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Health screening sessions can be easily arranged by calling 01843 234569. Appointments will be quickly confirmed in writing.

If you are interested in the services SPH provide, visit the website https://www.spencerprivatehospitals.com or feel free to contact us on enquiries@spencerhospitals.com

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If your business is recognising the need to implement a workplace initiative that will help protect employees’ wellbeing, then The Business Mile might be the answer. With COVID-19 impacting how and where people work, this is a pivotal time that calls for businesses to take action. The Mason Foundation’s workplace initiative, The Business Mile, provides a simple solution. From SME’S to large global companies, The Business Mile will support workforces to become more active, healthier and happier, by encouraging employees to walk a mile, whether on their own, or as part of a workplace team. The resulting impact will be a happier team, with increased productivity and reduced employee absenteeism.

The Mason Foundation is a wellbeing charity that recognises vigorous physical activity is often not obtainable for many people. In addition to The Business Mile workplace initiative, The Mason Foundation also offer The Silver Mile, specifically for residential/care settings, and The Family Mile, a wider community initiative in its second year of funding from Sport England. After a successful launch in Maidstone, The Family Mile is now expanding into other locations in Kent including Thanet and Medway, to provide that first step to activity for people who may otherwise, feel exercise is not for them. There are many CSR opportunities for local businesses, schools and councils with The Family Mile, so get in touch if supporting your community get back on its feet after 2020 is one of your business goals!

The Business Mile can be easily adapted to meet the constantly evolving needs of your workforce and their environments, so get in touch today to find out how you can help your employees do ‘Their Mile, Their Way’!

partnerships@masonfoundation.co.uk | www.themasonmile.com/the-business-mile

Helping to make your business premises a safer place for Staff, Customers and Visitors.

Antimicrobial surface treatment can stop the contamination and spread of COVID-19 and many other known pathogens.

Genie Bio Clean offers an ecofriendly touchless all in one service that decontaminates a whole room or premises and leaves an undetectable antimicrobial protection on surfaces that lasts for up to 27 days.

Tested against COVID-19 and over 100 other pathogens our GBM5 product delivers a 99.9999% efficacy rate.

Schools, Business Offices, Pubs/ Restaurants, Retail Outlets and Private Residences are all benefiting from our services in Kent Visit our website for more information and to contact us for a consultation.

Genie Bio Clean Canterbury

mike@genie-bio-clean.co.uk www.genie-bio-clean.co.uk/canterbury

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www.genie-bio-clean.co.uk/canterbury mike@genie-bio-clean.co.uk

East Kent Hospitals Charity raises funds for all acute hospitals managed by East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.

We make a real difference to patients, their families and the amazing staff that treat them.

We aim to enhance the hospital environment, fund ground breaking research, support the development and training of hospital staff and provide state-of-the-art equipment.

We rely on our generous communities to help us enhance the hospital experience for our patients, visitors and our NHS Heroes.

From supporting babies in our Neonatal and Special Care Baby Units, providing wellbeing initiatives to our staff during COVID19, to funding extra facilities & equipment for patients, our donors and businesses have helped us to make a huge difference.

We would love to hear from you if your business wishes to support East Kent Hospitals Charity as your Charity of the Year 2021!

We look forward to keeping you updated on our charity activities across all five sites, in Canterbury, Ashford, Margate, Dover and Folkestone.

Thank you for your continued support.

Find out more here: www.ekhcharity.org.uk @EKHCharity

@EKHCharity

East Kent Hospitals Charity

@ekhcharity

Interview with Jackie Hall, MTS Cleansing Services Limited Healthy Workplaces award programme for the last seven years and in February this year received their Platinum Award. They offer domestic, commercial and industrial waste management services and are a family business based in Medway.

‘Coming from a public sector background I had experience of successful workplace health initiatives. I knew that they were about so much more than getting ‘soft’ results, although the personal benefits for individual employees can be life-changing.

With businesses under enormous pressure, why should leaders invest their time and the time of their staff in work-place health programmes?

Improved wellbeing helps build a healthier, more motivated workforce with a positive team attitude. Beyond that, it can help businesses grapple with really important strategic issues, like reducing employee turnover and absence

We spoke to Jackie Hall, Communications Officer and Wellbeing lead at MTS Cleansing Services Limited (MTS) to find out why. MTS have participated in the free Kent and Medway

and increasing productivity, all of which ultimately improves the bottom line.’

Jackie continues, ‘I’d like to say how much I appreciate the support and initiatives provided by the Kent and Medway Healthy Workplaces programme.’ Since 2013 the programme has helped MTS train 12 Mental Health First Aiders, who are able to spot signs and symptoms of mental health problems and know how to support people to get help.

Employees have also benefited from on-site initiatives such as Stop Smoking support, a wellbeing kiosk, diabetes information and NHS health checks.

Reflecting on the last year Jackie adds, ‘When lockdown came the first time round we were able to support employees straight away because we could draw on what we’d learnt from the programme. Most of our staff work remotely in shifts, so sharing ideas and tips with them on how to look after their mental health was really important.’

Interested in finding out more?

Email workplacehealth@medway.gov.uk or call 01634 334307 and we'll be in touch to talk you through it.

Thursday, 21 January 2021 1-2pm

Reducing staff absences Free to attend online event 1 in 8 people of working age have a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition.

MSK disorders can be extremely painful and are a leading cause of long-term staff absences.

Find out how you can improve your workforce’s musculoskeletal health and increase their chances of leading long, independent, active and pain-free lives.

To book your place visit:

kentandmedwayhwpmskhealth.eventbrite.co.uk

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Lynne Gadsden named Financial Adviser of the Year The awards, which were hosted virtually this year by Professional Adviser, celebrate the achievements of women working within the financial advice community and also the broader financial services sector.

Lynne Gadsden from Tunbridge Wells-based chartered financial practice, Grovewood Wealth Management, has been named Financial Adviser of the Year – South East in the 2020 Women in Financial Advice Awards.

The judges hailed Lynne for her “positive attitude towards the industry and her clients’ wellbeing”.

Lynne said: “I feel overwhelmed and honoured to have won this amazing award. It’s a huge acknowledgement of almost 30 years I have spent helping my clients and their families but this is particularly special as it is about encouraging women to enter this wonderful industry and the part I have played in that.”

Lynne, who is a chartered financial planner and fellow of the CII (the highest qualification in the industry), runs Grovewood Wealth Management with her husband Michael, so it is very much a family business. Her focus is helping

people aged 50-plus who face the challenges of looking after their families and businesses financially as they come towards retirement and then on into later life.

Lynne uses her many years of experience and compassion helping people find reassurance and plan for their futures by maximising the efficiency of their investments and retirement plans, consolidating and analysing them to make sure they are going to provide for their well-earned retirement. This includes assisting business owners who wish to extract monies from their business in a tax-efficient way and create an exit strategy for themselves.

She also specialises in inheritance tax advice, making sure wealth is passed onto future generations, and over the years has saved her clients thousands of pounds in tax which will instead benefit their loved ones. www.grovewoodwealth.co.uk

Small changes can make a big difference helping businesses to develop their value chains and create profitable, sustainable brands.

The pandemic has prompted many companies to re-evaluate their business models – and Kent-based consultancy L’Eau is offering fellow Chamber members an opportunity to benefit from a fresh pair of eyes.

L’Eau director Adrian Gee-Turner, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, has spent more than 30 years working in the UK and Japan,

He said: “We are pleased to provide members with a free, twohour consultation in which we will identify strategic opportunities for value chain improvements, some of which may be immediately implementable.”

The most recent product to benefit from L’Eau’s services is Nemesis eH2O, a broadspectrum antiviral disinfectant.

With Adrian’s assistance in the strategic development of distribution channels, Nemesis eH2O is now available online, at more than 2,000 Boots stores in the UK and via a growing number of international distributors.

Nemesis eH2O is certified as one of the most powerful disinfectants on the market, but remarkably it is environmentally benign; it has no harmful chemicals, no waste product, no preservatives, no colour, no alcohol and no allergic reaction.

As a result, Nemesis eH2O can be used as a sanitiser on any surface, even sensitive human skin. This means that it can be used for the frequent spraying of “touch-points” and for the fogging of larger spaces such as schools, universities, offices, factories and gymnasiums.

Any member seeking to make their premises COVID-secure may purchase Nemesis eH2O from L’Eau at retail prices less 50%.

For further information email adrian.geeturner@leau-ltd.co.uk

Members News

Going for

GROWTH

At e business coaching we have one fundamental belief – if you work on the right thing at the right time, you and your business will move forward.

Let’s face it, many people work extremely long hours without getting the success they deserve.

As a result, they get tired and frustrated which simply isn’t fair.

We pride ourselves on the fact that we are neither cheerleaders (work with clients without giving them a game plan or playbook showing them how they can become successful), nor do we stick rigidly to a session plan that starts at A and ends at Z (usually sessions follow a step-by-step process to building a business starting with the vision, mission etc.).

In our view, both of these approaches are flawed.

You see, every business needs help in a different area, which is the place we will start. Some need sales, others need help with messaging whilst others may have people problems. We help our clients to identify those areas where, if they concentrate their efforts, they’ll see quick results.

We start every relationship with the client filling out a Business MRI. Just like a human body, a business needs all of its parts to work together. When all of the parts of your business are healthy and work together, they fuel profitable, sustainable growth. By assessing our client’s business, we can identify those areas that need immediate attention and provide the frameworks to strengthen them. www.ebusinesscoaching.co.uk

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Economy

FURLOUGH SCHEME EXTENDED UNTIL MARCH

"I’ve always said I would do whatever it takes to protect jobs and livelihoods across the UK – and that has meant adapting our support as the path of the virus has changed."

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Economy

Millions of businesses and workers have been handed further financial support amid a tightening of coronavirus restrictions across the UK – including a fourweek lockdown imposed in England.

“It’s clear the economic effects are much longer-lasting for businesses than the duration of any restrictions, which is why we have decided to go further with our support.

“Extending furlough and increasing our support for the self-employed will protect millions of jobs and give people and businesses the certainty they need over what will be a difficult winter.”

British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the measures would be a welcome boost for businesses but warned that more help should be given to those who had been excluded from the schemes.

BCC director general Adam Marshall said: “A further extension of the furlough scheme and more generous grants for the

self-employed are important steps in protecting jobs and providing certainty for our business communities beyond the immediate shock of a four-week lockdown.

“These changes give businesses significant reassurance over an uncertain winter, but many will understandably still wish for the government to give a clearer view of the road ahead. Government must set out longer-term measures over the next 12 months to give firms greater certainty and confidence to plan proactively, rather than to react to changes in support from week to week.

“As well as support on jobs, reduced demand will impact firms’ cashflow across the country, not just those placed under the toughest restrictions. More

generous grants will be required if those businesses are to weather a difficult winter ahead.

“Despite the chancellor’s announcement, there are still many businesses and individuals who have, through no fault of their own, been unable to access any government support since the start of the pandemic. They will require support if we are to avoid significant increases in unemployment and business failures.

“Ultimately, there can be no substitute for a fully functioning economy. Fundamentally, that means the government using the time afforded to them through another lockdown to significantly improve the test, track and isolate system, which remains key to keeping the economy open.”

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will now run until the end of March, with employees receiving 80% of their current salary up to £2,500 per month.

Similarly, support for millions more workers through the SelfEmployment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be increased, with the third grant covering November to January calculated at 80% of average trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500.

At the same time, the government has raised guaranteed funding for the UK’s devolved administrations from £14 billion to £16 billion.

However, many people remain ineligible for the financial schemes, including the newly self-employed, limited company directors who pay themselves in dividends, some freelancers and sole traders whose trading profits top £50,000.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “I’ve always said I would do whatever it takes to protect jobs and livelihoods across the UK – and that has meant adapting our support as the path of the virus has changed.

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Members News

Thinking differently about sales and selling

By Jon Forbes of Add Sales With the world being the way it is at present; we have all had to think of new approaches to do things that for years were done a certain and well-established way.

Many companies are being forced to reduce their headcount, often in departments where crucial personnel are still desperately needed but where the business has changed direction as a result of the current global situation.

Lots of people working in Sales or Business Development are finding themselves without a job and many companies are finding themselves having to reduce the numbers in the Sales Department, and not because they need fewer sales (who does?!).

Setting up a new business during a pandemic? It could be deemed either insane or genius (and Albert Einstein had something to say on that!).

Either way, this is what Add Sales has done to provide a much-needed outsourced means for SME’s to bolster their Sales Departments and help keep sales up and costs down.

Based in Maidstone and with over 20 years’ experience, mostly spent working for SME’s with Sales Teams of 1-3 people, specifically in the B2B service and installation industries, Add Sales work on a freelance sales, training and consultancy basis.

Now a proud member of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce; Add Sales has attended some of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce’s online networking meetings and we’re really enjoying meeting with and making new contacts, whilst busily forging a path for new thinking when it comes to sales. www.addsales.co.uk

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Vooservers celebrates 15th anniversary with rebrand Founded by Matt Parkinson in 2005, the company was established with the aim of using IT to help the day-to-day running of businesses. Since then it has grown from a part-time operation offering white box dedicated servers from a shared rack to a significant player in the hosting market with locations in the UK, Frankfurt, New York City and Seattle, serving hundreds of clients around the world.

Vinters branding reflects the firm’s evolution, the services it offers and the cloud-based world in which it is operating. While Vinters will still offer bare-metal servers, the company’s aim is to promote its managed services, cloud products and Oracle hosting.

and where we are as a company today, with a particular focus on managed IT, cloud and Oracle services. We chose the name Vinters in recognition of our location at Vinters Business Park and keeping the V is a subtle nod to our history as VooServers.

Matt Parkinson, technical director of Vinters, said: “As we approached our 15-year anniversary, it seemed the right time to refresh our brand to align all of the different aspects and services of the business together.

All of our company’s divisions are now under the same brand, including our US arm, Vinters Corp.

With the world experiencing digital transformation at a speed it has never seen before, the new

“We wanted to create a more cohesive and modern brand that best represents our services

“While our company has evolved over the past 15 years, we will still ensure customer service is at the heart of what we do. We want to reassure our customers that it is very much business as usual and the most noticeable change they will see will be our new branding.”

After 15 successful years in business, cloud solutions provider VooServers has completed a rebrand to Vinters.

For more information visit https://vinters.com/

Furley Page recognised in national legal guide senior solicitors are recommended for their legal expertise.

This year, three lawyers were also included in The Legal 500’s individual rankings, which highlight law firms’ next generation of partners and rising stars.

Individual lawyers and teams at law firm Furley Page have been recognised for their expertise in the latest annual rankings published by prestigious national legal guide, The Legal 500 2021.

Ethan Desai, head of the firm’s agriculture and rural business team, received the accolade of next generation partner, while his colleague on the team, senior associate Darren Philpot, is ranked as a rising star in the agriculture and estates category. Partner Deborah Geering from Furley Page’s dispute resolution team is similarly ranked for her expertise in corporate litigation.

Furley Page is recommended in 11 practice areas, placing the law firm among the region’s legal elite, while 20 of the firm’s partners and

Client testimonials form a key part of the inclusion criteria and numerous positive excerpts about Furley Page were included within the guide.

Jeremy Licence, managing partner at Furley Page, said: “We are delighted to see that despite the challenges 2020 has brought, the firm has continued to perform and these results once again reflect the excellent work carried out across the firm.

“The Legal 500 is based on independent research and client feedback, so to be recommended across so many practice areas, and with so many key individuals recognised, is a testament to the quality of the service we provide to our clients across the region.”

The Legal 500 is a research, ranking and publishing firm based in the UK. The company assesses global law firms and lawyers for its publications, which include annual lists and guides.

For more information visit www.furleypage.co.uk

From serviceman to sparky!

BJF Group’s multi-million-pound contract incorporates facilities management for a number of Ministry of Defence sites across Kent and Sussex. BJF Group undertakes all hard facilities management services including mechanical, electrical and building fabric works.

A former British Army soldier who assisted in the planning and delivery of the air security plan for the 2012 London Olympic games has swapped his defence career for the construction industry, joining BJF Group as an electrician.

Darren Wilks recently joined the company following 23 years in the army to work as part of the team delivering the facilities management contract at Ministry of Defence sites.

Darren said: “I had my first interview since the age of 16 and was offered the opportunity to join BJF Group for an initial work placement. In September I was thrilled to receive a permanent employment offer and happily accepted.

“BJF has aided my transition out of the army by identifying that the skills and experience I acquired could be transferred to the contract within the MoD setting, which I worked in for more than two decades. In the short time I’ve been here I’ve expanded my electrical abilities further, learning from the vast technical knowledge of my team.”

Lottery scheme helps charity tackle fundraising crisis The COVID-19 pandemic has created huge problems for fundraising across Kent’s charity sector, but The Kent Autistic Trust is hoping a boost in membership to its weekly lottery will raise much-needed income for its family support service.

fund its family support service, which reaches out to more than 5,000 people on the autistic spectrum and their families across Kent each year. The charity needs to raise a minimum of £117,000 every year to ensure it can continue to deliver this much-needed free service.

The trust provides support services for autistic adults and their families within various community settings across the county. Its Unity Weekly Lottery offers players across Kent the chance to win up to £25,000.

With a prize draw every Friday, members pay as little as £1 per week to gain the chance to win prizes of £25,000, £1,000, £25 and five free entries into the next draw.

Serita Boxall, fundraising and marketing manager at The Kent Autistic Trust, said: “The COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions have had a dramatic impact on our ability to fundraise, so we’re hoping that other initiatives can make up some of the shortfall.

Since it was launched a year ago, the lottery has helped the trust to

BJF Group MD Barry Foster, who himself started his early working life as an electrician, said: “We believe in providing opportunities for people to make the most of their talents and develop their careers.

Darren joined us at a time when he was looking to use the skills and experience acquired in the army, and specifically on MoD sites, for the next stage of his career. We are delighted to have Darren on board and wish him every success for his future at BJF Group.”

For more information visit www.bjfgroup.co.uk

“The lottery is a fun and engaging way people can support the charity from the safety of their home, and with 50p of every £1 spent donated directly to the trust, it makes a real difference to the work we do with so many families and people on the autistic spectrum.”

Nicola August, partner and head of Furley Page’s vulnerable client team, is a joint chair of The Kent Autistic Trust.

She said: “The trust does vital work supporting people on the autism spectrum and their families. The weekly lottery is an innovative way for people to support the trust during this difficult time, and gain the chance to win £25,000!”

For more information visit www.furleypage.co.uk and www.kentautistictrust.org

Members News

Revealing solutions

Kent businesses now have a new agency to support them understand and develop their market landscape. Weave Research has been set up by market research veteran Ali Barnes after 30 years at major firms such as IPSOS, Kantar and client-side.

2020 has been a traumatic year for many small and medium sized firms in all sectors, as customers and supply chains have been affected by Covid-19 as well as uncertainties around the new trading relationships with the European Union. This is particularly true for Kent based businesses, tied to both London and Europe.

Companies are having to ask fundamental questions such as ‘How do I keep existing customers with me?’ and ‘Which parts of my service really give me a competitive advantage?’ Answering these questions is at the heart of what we do.

Ali reflects “I’ve met a number of local firms since we set up Weave Research that didn’t have customer research as a priority, relying upon their own contacts and feedback from sales. However, there is always an element of bias in this feedback as people naturally modify their answers so they don’t offend long standing relationships.

Being independent, when we explore issues with customers they have the confidence of anonymity, giving them the freedom to be completely open. In fact most people enjoy this freedom and provide excellent feedback.”

If you have any questions about how research can help you improve your business design, delivery and strategy then please get in touch with Weave Research at www.weave-research.co.uk.

We would love to help.

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Business News

Be prepared for the unexpected

A small number of very lowfrequency/probability but highimpact events are difficult to predict and can result in truly catastrophic outcomes to every organisation and its ability to survive.

These events may materialize in the form of a terrorist attack, natural or man-made disaster and economic failure. But what happens if the challenge is of another nature, such as cyber terror or cyber-crime, a school shooting scenario, the damaging effects of drought or even having to deal with a new business competitor?

In the event of these scenarios, organisations need to ask themselves questions such as: • are we prepared?

• how will all departments work together during the crisis and especially during an emergency?

• do we have the right strategy and protocols in place?

These are questions that are rightly asked but very hard to answer without testing them against a real-life scenario. As an organisation faces greater dilemmas, it needs to make more decisions under time pressure and possibly with limited information.

The organisation’s managers and associates are often placed in these situations without adequate training, preparation or resources. They need to learn how to be resilient – that is, how to quickly design and implement positive adaptive behaviours that are matched to the immediate situation – while keeping stress levels to a minimum.

Apricot Consulting is a niche consulting firm based in Canterbury and provides training and consultancy related to critical business functions. For more information visit www.apricot-consulting.com

36 Thinking Business

Businesses receive recovery support from Locate in Kent Launched in July 2020, Locate in Kent’s Future Forward business recovery service was designed to guide Kent and Medway businesses through the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

The inward investment agency has already offered more than 300 hours of free consultancy time to 30 companies, with an additional 20 businesses going through the approval process to benefit from the scheme in the future.

Future Forward helps SMEs across Kent and Medway navigate challenges they may now be facing, helping them build the resilience they need to adjust to the new economic landscape and carve out opportunities for success.

All qualifying businesses receive 12 hours of free consultancy,

delivered by a team of Locate in Kent’s business advisors and industry experts, who work alongside each company to review key aspects of their business operations – from market opportunities, digital transformation, skills and processes to financial planning.

Canterbury Brewers & Distillers, located in the heart of Canterbury city centre, has already seen significant improvements from Future Forward.

Gavin Cleary, CEO at Locate in Kent, added: “We launched the Future Forward service at a time when SMEs, which form the bedrock of the county’s economy, were finally able to plan ahead following the lifting of national lockdown restrictions. We are thrilled with the results and successes that have already come out of the programme, with companies absorbing advice and moving forward strongly.”

For more information visit www.locateinkent.com/future-forward

Director Jon Mills said: “The Future Forward programme has been a real help in developing myself and my business through these challenging times. It has been extremely busy adapting and growing my business amidst a global pandemic, and challenging myself to commit to this programme has been very valuable.

It provides you with the opportunity

Funding offers grape-toglass research support for wine consortium As the country’s vineyards harvest this year’s crop, Kent-based scientists are raising a glass after securing funding to create a Wine Innovation Centre.

to not only learn new things but also gain confidence in what you are doing, which gives you the motivation to keep improving and growing your business.”

The team of viticulturists and scientists at NIAB EMR, together with the East Malling Trust, has secured a £600,000 loan to improve the region’s burgeoning wine industry. The finance has been provided by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) under its Growing Places Fund.

The South East is experiencing a viticulture boom following significant investments by English and French wine houses, with new vineyards transforming the landscape. The news also coincides with the strengthening of the partnership driving forward viticulture research at East Malling.

The scientists have joined forces with several new businesses that have teamed up with the East

Malling Viticulture Consortium, representing interests from growers and supply companies from the UK and near continent.

The region’s wine industry accounts for more than 70% of the wine produced in the country. In 2019, three million vines were planted with the amount of land under vine rising by 79% to 3,500 hectares over the last five years.

Geoff Taylor, chairman of the East Malling Viticulture Consortium, said: “This is excellent news and the NIAB EMR scientists can now build upon their high-level research to offer grape-to-glass support to UK winemakers.

“The quality of the area’s sparkling wine has been recognised around the world, winning many leading international awards. While sparkling white wine accounts for nearly 70% of all UK wine, there is the real opportunity to achieve the same reputation for our still white wines and bring quality red wines to the market.”

For further information visit www.emr.ac.uk

A sprinkle of Christmas magic

Business News

Property market can fire economic recovery Kent’s property market can support the muchneeded economic recovery from COVID-19 by helping the county respond to changes to how people live, work and do business.

That was one of the strong messages presented at the virtual launch of the 2020 Kent Property Market Report, attended by more 350 people.

Produced by Caxtons Chartered Surveyors, Kent County Council and Locate in Kent, the 29th edition of the Kent Property Market Report (KPMR) says the county looks set to benefit from its strategic position, affordability, and burgeoning life science and creative industry sectors.

Ron Roser, chairman of Caxtons – which has offices across Kent – said: “Little did we know at the start of 2020 how our collective worlds would be turned upside down.

We are extremely excited to announce that, like many events this year, our annual Carol Concert has moved online! Due to COVID-19 we are unable to hold our usual Celebration of Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral but as a result, we will be hosting our first Virtual Celebration of Christmas in its place.

Keeping our community safe is extremely important to us, but sadly we are facing a huge loss of vital funds that these much-loved family events would have brought in for the charity.

We would be delighted for you to join us and our special guests for a slightly shorter, but still as fabulous, festive evening of your favourite Christmas carols and readings, with a sprinkle of Christmas magic.

“The relative uncertainty of last year has been replaced by what is best described as apparent wholesale structural change in how we shop, work and socialise. Five years or perhaps even a decade of change has been accelerated into a matter of months.

“While there’s no getting away from the human cost of COVID-19 and its impact on our economy, there’s reason for optimism, with investor confidence in logisitics and distribution, healthcare and life sciences. All of these industries are bucking the trend in Kent and beyond.”

Leader of Kent County Council, Roger Gough, added: “The pandemic has required us all to be more flexible in how we work, which has implications for our town and city centres in terms of the use of office space.

“We believe there is the opportunity for growth in commercial property by combining flexible working with the office space we have available. Businesses are looking to Kent to provide more cost-effective and flexible office space.

“Combined with our close proximity to London, collaboration and co-working will become increasingly attractive as businesses refuse to commit to long fixed-term leases. These changes offer the county the potential for growth based on shared risk and reward.”

With Kent having attracted the attention of logistics operators for its relative affordability and connectivity over recent years, new stock is coming forward to serve London and the south east, including London Medway Commercial Park close to Junction 1 of the M2.

The pandemic has increased the demand for logistics and warehousing requirements, driving robust rental growth of 14% over the last year and building further investor confidence. Planning permission – subject to highways issues – has recently been granted for 800,000ft2 of flexible warehousing and office space with the prospect of 4,000 jobs brought forward by U+I in Tunbridge Wells, close to the A21.

For more information and to download a copy of the 2020 Kent Property Market Report, visit www.kentpropertymarket.com

To purchase tickets please use the link www.demelza.org. uk/virtualchristmas to sign up, the cost is £20 per device (including VAT). You will also have the opportunity, to purchase more tickets for friends or colleagues, and raffle tickets should you wish to be in for a chance to win one of our fabulous prizes: A beautiful John Lewis hamper, A £50 Amazon voucher, Bungee Jump with Red Letter Days, Distillery Tour with Maidstone Distillery, An iPhone 8SE, Gravity Trampolining vouchers

All just in time for Christmas!

With your help we can continue to give specialist care and emotional support for children with terminal conditions and their loved ones, so they can enjoy their time together as a family, for as long as they have.

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We are...

Your lifetime IT partner Discover more at www.select-technology.co.uk/prestige Get in touch today to see how we can transform your business

Call us 01892 830111

Email hello@select-technology.co.uk

asktheexpert Why should I consider home care as an option?

Care in the home has become increasingly popular in recent years. More people have been choosing to be cared for in this way as they realise it offers them the ability to continue to enjoy the comfort of their home, surroundings and community. It also provides the flexibility to choose the time when care can be delivered, and who should look after them once they’ve found the right home care provider.

That said, COVID-19 has brought challenges for companies that provide at-home care. In recent weeks PPE has become very expensive, which has increased running costs for care agencies.

Staffing has also been quite challenging because some carers have had to suddenly self-isolate if they’ve been in contact with an individual who has tested positive or shown symptoms of the virus.

We’ve also had to deal with isolated situations where a client’s close family were not following national guidance for self-isolation.

s a professional, compassionate, friendly and cari miciliary care), agency regulated by the Care Qual n (CQC); there to meet your home care needs.

OVIDE INCLUDE:

omplex care

spital to home hygiene

Home care has several advantages over traditional modes of care, such as those that take place in a residential care setting or nursing home. As well as being a more costeffective option, home care allows people to continue to enjoy their home and familiar surroundings for much longer. This is important as in life we all tend to make our homes and living surroundings look and feel the way we want them to.

Being at home means that people can continue to pursue their hobbies and interests and have full control over how they use their time. They can choose a service that suits them, either daily visits or a live-in carer, and have more control over the level of care that they wish to receive and the amount of time that they need a carer for. One-to-one care creates an environment where a better, closer relationship can be forged with the carer.

At KD Healthcare we provide a range of services as part of a tailored home care package, including palliative care, complex care, care at home, personal care and hygiene, help with getting in and out of bed, support with medication, respite and befriending care, 24-hour live-in care, daily visits, a sleep-in or overnight service, and endof-life care. We also get shopping and prepare meals for some of our clients, do light housework for them and help them to stay active.

Our clients range from adults aged 18 and upwards to the elderly who live with conditions such as dementia, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, complex needs and frailty, as well as those who just need a helping hand.

At KD Healthcare we value the relationships we have with our clients. We always aim to match the client with the most appropriate care giver who meets the client’s needs and interests.

The care giver is sometimes the only point of contact for the person receiving care and the outside world. This means that we don’t just provide home care; we offer a holistic, personalised care and companionship service.

Being cared for at home by a visiting or live-in carer can also reduce the chance of infection spread – particularly useful in the current environment where COVID-19 is dangerous to the elderly and vulnerable. In a traditional care setting, people will come into contact with multiple carers, which in turn could increase the For more information visit We are based in Ashford, Kent. We provide person centred chances of infection. care to adults, 18 years to the elderly, www.kdhealthcare.co.uk who live with:

Are You, Or A Loved One In Need Of Help Or Care At Home?

We Are There For You

of bed

ication

KD Healthcare is a professional, compassionate, friendly and caring home care, (domiciliary care), agency regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC); there to meet your home care needs.

nding care

Dementia • Physical disabilities • Sensory impairments Complex needs • Frailty, or just needing a helping hand

Are You, Or A Loved One In Need Of Help Or Care At Home?

We Are There For You

SERVICES WE PROVIDE INCLUDE: • Palliative care • Complex care

• Convalescent • Hospital to home

y active • Care at home

• Personal care and hygiene • Getting in and out of bed KD Healthcare is a professional, compassionate, friendly and caring

We are based in Ashford, Kent. We provide person centred care to adults, 18 years to the elderly, who live with:

Are you or a loved one in need of help or • Helping you to at stay active care home? We are there for you…

• Support with medication home care, (domiciliary care), agency regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC); there to meet your home care needs.

• Respite and befriending care

Dementia • Physical disabilities • Sensory impairments

Complex needs • Frailty, or just needing a helping hand

SERVICES WE PROVIDE INCLUDE:

• Palliative care • Complex care • Companionship

• Convalescent • Hospital to home

• Shopping and meal preparation • Care at home

KD Healthcare’s aim is to promote independence and choice so that our customers can remain in their own homes as long as

Contact us on info@kdhealthcare.co.uk possible, in a familiar and comfortable environment.

al preparation Personal care and hygiene • Light •housework • Getting in and out of bed

• 24hr Live-in care or daily visits • Support with medication

• Sleep-in or overnight service • Respite and befriending care • Helping you to stay active • End of life care • Companionship

• Shopping and meal preparation • Light housework • 24hr Live-in care or daily visits

KD Healthcare’s aim is to

We Pride Ourselves In Providing A Professional, Caring And High-Quality Service

Contact Us On: 01233 555 184

Email: info@kdhealthcare.co.uk

KD Healthcare’s aim is to promote independence and choice so that our customers can remain in their own homes as long as possible, in a familiar and comfortable environment.

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www.kdhealthcare.co.uk

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39

Are you a victim of The Great Training Robbery?

Why aligning training goals to your overall business strategy is key to improved performance.

The last year has been a big learning curve for all businesses, but how many of us have considered changing the way we learn within our organisations? UK companies spend eye watering amounts of money on employee training (it has been suggested as much as £40 billion in 2019, and in excess of £350 billion a year worldwide), but are we getting a good return from our investment and is it increasing business performance?

As many businesses look to reduce their overall costs in response to the impact caused by the coronavirus, training spend will undoubtedly come under scrutiny. Businesses therefore need to be sure that the training they provide is both purposeful and effective by creating a strategy for learning that is aligned to the needs of the business and

driven by the overall strategy and goals of the organisation.

A fully aligned learning strategy along with an environment that enables people to grow has been proven to result in greater and more effective organisational performance. A culture of learning is therefore critical, and while learning with the objective of individual growth is worthy in its own right, the learning itself must benefit the organisation as well.

Steve Nicoll, business excellence coach at The Lean Orange said, “For business performance to become sustainable we must challenge the way we have traditionally approached training. Becoming a learning organisation can be the missing piece of the jigsaw when aligned to overall strategy.

In my experience of results seen within organisations recognised for business excellence, it has the potential to increase performance by at least 20% or more.”

Following an inspiring training course or session, most people are eager to take their learning back into the organisation in a practical and meaningful way so that they feel they are adding value to the business. However, if training is only provided as a tick-box exercise with no higher purpose, they may find it difficult or even impossible to apply what they have learnt when they return to the workplace due to such constraints as managerial and organisational barriers, poor systems or cultural design. When training is not aligned to the business strategy the impact people are able to make is minimal, which is likely to result in a cynical, frustrated and disengaged team.

and reap poor returns from investment in training. A lack of strategic clarity, a politically charged environment or cross-functional conflicts can have a significant impact on our ability to maximise the opportunity that effective learning can deliver. But when we align it to operational strategy, performance benefits are increased, barriers to learning are removed and if approached in the right way, training can become cost neutral to the organisation.

So, is your learning strategy adding value to the performance of your organisation? If you would like to find out how The Lean Orange can work with you to increase your performance through effective coaching and learning in 2021, please call Steve on 07976 608521, or email steve@theleanorange.com

Without making changes to our learning system, we will continue to set our people (and businesses) up to fail

INSPIRING THOUGHTFUL LEADERS, CURIOUS PEOPLE & SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

www.theleanorange.com

40 Thinking Business

Members News

Knock and Law firm expands its expertise with new recruits check!

“We pride ourselves on providing an exceptionally high level of service – this is what drives us and we aim to deliver this to every single client,” says Victoria Sampson, partner and head of corporate and commercial services. “We are focused on establishing long-term relationships with our clients centred around excellent communication.”

Established for 40 years, CooperBurnett has built an enviable reputation for the high standard of its advice across both corporate and private law, with a client base which stretches across south east England.

Across the firm, growing and developing the team is recognised as key. A number of the partners joined CooperBurnett as trainee solicitors – including Victoria, who has been with the firm for 24 years – while support staff are also given opportunities to develop their careers. In addition, there is a successful apprenticeship scheme in place.

Recently CooperBurnett has continued to expand, with Natasha

Six new partners at law firm Law firm Cripps Pemberton Greenish has announced 26 promotions across its legal and business services teams.

Six people have been promoted to partner: Helen Garner (corporate); Stephen Horscroft (private wealth); Rebecca Hughes (residential property); Ben Johnston (real estate); Helen Hunnisett (real estate); and Nicola Paffard (legal support services).

A further six individuals have been promoted to legal director: Freddie Jackson and Richard Housley (property disputes resolution), Camilla Beamish (employment), Katie Haylock (corporate), Janet Higbee (real estate) and Annabel Goh (people services). In addition, five individuals have been promoted to managing associate and nine to senior associate.

Managing partner Gavin Tyler said: “Like many firms, we had to delay our promotions owing to COVID-19, so I am

Smith joining the employment team and Melissa Gire taking up a role in the family & matrimonial team.

The corporate department has welcomed Carla Loveday, while the residential property team is also set to grow.

“We are making the most of opportunities to acquire talent from the region despite these uncertain times,” says Victoria.

Last year, CooperBurnett was recognised as the first dementiafriendly business in Tunbridge Wells and, as a firm, is proud of its CSR programme. Last year, a team cycled from London to Paris in just 24 hours, raising more than £25,000 for Brain Tumour Research. Currently, the firm is supporting the stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands. particularly delighted this year to be recognising and rewarding so many of our talented staff now.

We already had the technology in place to continue to service our clients remotely but I have been incredibly impressed by how quickly our people adapted to our new environment.

“These have been challenging times for many, but we are glad we’re in a position to acknowledge the hard work, agility and capability of our people. The ongoing dedication to success is down to everyone, from the IT, business support and facilities teams to all of our lawyers. As we look to the future, the firm’s passion and expertise places us in a strong position to further support and promote our clients’ aspirations and challenges through this uncertain but interesting time.”

For more information on Cripps Pemberton Greenish visit www.crippspg.co.uk

This winter, Kent Community Foundation is asking you to Knock and Check on your elderly neighbours so that together we can support the lonely and isolated and save lives.

Kent Community Foundation wants to build on the fabulous community spirit shown in the county during lockdown, to reduce the number of avoidable deaths amongst the elderly this winter.

Every year there are 1,600 avoidable deaths in Kent and Medway. By getting involved in the Knock and Check campaign, together we can and will save lives by recognising when support might be required and getting help arranged.

Josephine McCartney, chief executive of Kent Community Foundation, said: “As part of our annual Surviving Winter initiative, the Knock and Check campaign is asking people to call on their vulnerable neighbours and check they are OK. Perhaps you could offer to do some shopping, share magazines or books or give them something you have baked?

“As we approach Christmas, and many lunch clubs for the elderly will not be able to offer their usual lunches, why not cook enough for an extra plate and take a Christmas lunch to your neighbour? If you can’t join us to Knock and Check, please consider donating to Kent Community Foundation so that we can ensure money gets to local good causes that will support your elderly neighbours this winter.”

“We sincerely hope that the amazing community spirit we know exists in the county will lead everyone to get involved, By being neighbourly and carrying out small acts of kindness, together we can reduce the shocking number of avoidable deaths that occur each winter. Even if we save one life, our campaign will have been successful.”

To find out more about the Knock and Check campaign, visit www.kentcf.org.uk/knockandcheck

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Events

Kent Invicta LIVE E-vents Every Tuesday and Thursday 10:30am

Every Tuesday and Thursday we bring you an eclectic mix of information sessions, workshops, panel sessions and training sessions with some of the top local business professionals from an array of different industries. Each event is designed to mirror our faceto-face events, offering invaluable information tailored to our attendee’s wants and needs.

So far, we have helped offer over 2,000 attendees throughout our online event programme, offering support and guidance though hardship.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

n 8th December Virtual Business Networking

n 9th December Forensic Leadership, What Traces Will

You Leave?

n 10th December The Technology Mistakes Putting Your

Business At Risk n 17th December Business Talks with Kaz Macklin n 22nd December Virtual Business Networking

Christmas Special

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Furley Page Solicitors to bring you a bi-weekly Virtual Business Networking event hosted by Luke Quilter, CEO of Sleeping Giant Media. ‘’This is the second time I have joined and found it very well run, well organised and an excellent opportunity to network. I have joined many zoom networking events and this is definitely one of the better ones! Keep up the good work!’’ – Norma Thomas, RIFT Group

n 5th January

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) LIVE: Bringing The Construction Industry Together

n 12th January

Virtual Business Networking

n 7th January

Business Talks with Kelly Chawner

PLUS Many More…

Each session we invite a guest speaker to join us for an open conversation touching on current topics and based on suggestions extracted from attendee’s during registration.

Utilising Breakout Room’s, attendees are put into virtual rooms to network and delve deeper into conversations making up to 15 new business connections.

Tuesday 22nd December, Virtual Business Networking Christmas Special.

Join us for an afternoon of exciting conversations, games and networking. We have planned some great surprises for the last event of the year!

Free to both Members and Non-Members

42 Thinking Business

‘The Chamber has produced some extremely good webinars this year, myself and other members of the team have found them very useful indeed. Thank you to all involved’ – Emily Rushton, Reginald Ames Ltd.

Events

Kent Construction Focus Group LIVE

Bringing the construction industry together.

The Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) brings local businesses together to discuss the future of Kent Development, giving companies access to local knowledge, contracts and expertise. KCFG promotes the future role of Kent land development and construction businesses in the growth and development of Kent and its environment.

The first Tuesday of every month 7:30am – 9am

Join us for a morning of networking and meet individuals from local businesses. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and receive a warm welcome from your Chamber representative, who will be on hand to help you meet new members of the business community.

Each session we will kick start the meeting with Business Walks, where we will take you on a virtual tour around a local business to see and hear first-hand how things are run and a ‘day in the life of.

These highly interactive sessions will include; • Business Walks! A virtual tour around our guest’s business and chat with them afterwards • A chance for everyone to introduce themselves • Breakout rooms to allow more in-depth conversations

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commere - 3 Day Business Start Up Course Do you have a business idea? Are you ready to strike out on your own? Do you want to give your new business the best possible chance of success? Are you a Medway resident? If “yes” then our KICC Start Webinar can help.

1 day per week: 9am to 12:30pm 9am till 12.30pm

6th, 13th and 20th January

3rd, 10th and 17th February

Speakers include: Catchpole & Rye, The Marlowe Theatre, Copper Rivet Distillery, Macknade, Sleeping Giant Media, Iron Pier Brewery, The Kentish Soap Company, Racing Events and more...

Every other Thursday, 10:30am - 12pm.

By utilising the breakout room facility, everyone has a chance to promote their business and make invaluable connections with local businesses in Kent.

‘We had high expectations for the session and were not disappointed! It was very well organised and kept us all engaged.

Following Business Talks we received multiple connections through LinkedIn proving it to be a valuable tool for networking with other local businesses to discuss future op‘portunities’ – Lauren MacKay, GSE Group.

BOOK NOW: www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/events Thinking Business

43

How has 2020 changed your customers’ needs?

Managed, objective, focused feedback from your customers is essential to meet the business challenges of 2021 and beyond. We can help you find answers to your biggest questions.

• How can I improve customer service?

• Is there a market for my new product?

• How can I differentiate my sales offer?

• Which competitors are a threat and why?

• Do I need to rethink my strategy?

• How do I keep my best people?

weave research is a full service market research agency.

To discuss the challenges you face please contact founder and Director, Ali Barnes on ali@weave-research.co.uk or visit the website www.weave-research.co.uk

A 100% herbal and halal brand

created for those who only want the best for their health

email: enquiries@safaainnovations.com | www.safaainnovations.com 44 Thinking Business

Person behind the business

The People Behind the Business – Shifa Uddin and Zaheeda Manjoo, Safaa Innovations

The art of adaptability

The most successful businesses are the ones that have managed to adapt quickly to change. With the country in the grip of a global health pandemic, change has been the order of the day and many businesses have sadly fallen by the wayside.

However, it’s a different story for Safaa Innovations. The company started out in 2017, originally with the idea of launching a skin care range – but COVID-19 forced a rapid change of tack or “pivot”, as it’s now commonly known.

Founder and CEO Shifa Uddin explains: “When lockdown hit, we reviewed our business strategy and decided that it wasn’t the right time to launch a skincare range in the current climate. People didn’t really need this type of product as they had more pressing matters to address, such as their health and livelihoods.

“Back in March, people were struggling to get the right medical advice and we saw a gap in the market for a product that could help to improve their health and boost their immune system. We had been desperately looking for alternative natural products that could increase immunity without any side-effects.

“When I visited Turkey, I came across a food supplement that was 100% herbal and thought we could apply this concept in the UK, where we couldn’t find such a product.

Along with her co-founder, operations director Zaheeda Manjoo, Shifa started working with Turkish scientists and doctors to develop food supplements that consist only of natural, clean and 100% herbal ingredients. Over the last few months Shifa and Zaheeda have been testing the concept by sending samples to people – and the feedback has been positive.

Shifa says: “One person had severe rheumatoid arthritis and had been taking painkillers for more than 20 years. Now he says his condition has improved by about 70%. We’ve created innovative, chemical-free and toxin-free products using only herbal ingredients.”

management. Meanwhile, Zaheeda forged a successful career in investment banking and played a major role in the expansion of Islamic Bank of Britain in the UK. She had been set on retirement before the chance to create and grow Safaa Innovations proved too tempting.

Shifa and Zaheeda are now in the final stages of creating an e-commerce site ahead of an expected launch in December, when they will step up their marketing drive to increase awareness of their food supplements throughout the UK. They’re confident that their supplements will help people of all ages to boost their immunity and alleviate conditions such as depression, pain and the menopause.

Shifa says: “We work well together because we have diverse backgrounds and different skillsets. Zaheeda looks at things in a consumer way whereas I take a more corporate approach.

“Initially we’re targeting the halal market,” says Shifa, “but we’re confident that the product will have a much broader appeal. If COVID-19 hadn’t have happened, I doubt whether we’d have taken the business in this direction.”

Shifa’s current job is markedly different from her previous career path, which saw her carve a niche as a high-flying programme manager with specific expertise in compliance and change

“We’re both really looking forward to our new venture, even though it is different from the business we’d originally envisaged. It just goes to show that it pays to be adaptable.”

As well as making their business venture a success, Shifa and Zaheeda are also keen to get involved in pioneering community initiatives. They have pledged to give 10% of their shares to My Child Trust, an academy they’re creating with other entrepreneurs for homeless, abused and orphaned children in developing countries. The idea is to give these children a safe, secure home and provide opportunities for them to get education, social and life skills that will help them to realise their potential in later life.

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45

Businesses in Kent benefit from EIRA enabled collaborations

By Janine Coomber, Knowledge Exchange Project Manager (EIRA).

The University of Kent has been working with businesses across the county on innovation projects through its part in the EIRA (Enabling Innovation: Research to Application) consortium. These projects are now gaining results, and so the programme is able to share the value of these business and academia collaborations through a number of case studies with Kent businesses.

The Research Network (TRN)

The Research Network (TRN) based at Discovery Park, provides pharmaceutical R&D consultancy, project management, and due diligence services. Their project with the University of Kent was funded by an EIRA Innovation Voucher and explored whether it was possible to use data mining techniques to extract accurate profile information of potential collaborators.

Web scraping was proved to be feasible for the information

sources, and natural language processing was applied to the data successfully. Network analysis produced meaningful and useful results, which described potential collaboration networks. The next phase of work recommended was to further refine and combine these techniques. The project team have a second EIRA Innovation Voucher underway exploring this next phase.

“This short project provided useful insights into available information on academic expertise and projects

and has positioned us well for the second project to pilot the analysis and use of this information to highlight collaboration opportunities.”

– Andy McElroy, CEO of TRN

productivity, whilst offering students and recent graduates meaningful employment within sectors that have a known market need within the region.

Wonderful

HR GO plc is a family owned group of companies, split into the Recruitment and Digital sectors. The main aim of this EIRA Innovation Voucher project was to produce recommendations on machine learning methods to better match candidates to jobs and to improve candidates’ experiences of the service.

Wonderful, a creative marketing agency, have increased their productivity as a result of an EIRA Innovation Internship. It was an opportunity for a student to work for an innovative company, whilst focusing on video production. The intern, Tyler Hamblin, undertook a range of projects, including 2D animation, live action filming and kinetic typography.

Tyler impressed the management team at Wonderful so much that his internship turned into a full-time permanent position in the company.

This is an excellent example of the EIRA Innovation Internships in action – providing businesses in the region with extra resource to boost

HR GO

The main tasks were to investigate and report findings on relevant data-driven machine learning tools and techniques within the context of candidate data, role matching and candidate support.

The final aim was to produce a research based, investigative report on the pros and cons of using various machine learning approaches on the data.

“The experience of working with Anna Jordanous and Don Shaw-Case from The University of Kent has been amazing. Both the management of the EIRA application process and the work with Anna thereafter has been simple, efficient, productive and exceptionally valuable. The project has been very focused on how technology and innovation can be applied to the commercial realities of our business. Anna and Don have taken real efforts to understand our business model, nomenclature and quirks, which has yielded a clear, relevant, actionable and commercial set of recommendations from Anna in her report." - John Parkinson, Group CIO, HR GO To find out more on these case studies, the wider EIRA project, and news updates visit www.eira.ac.uk

46 Thinking Business

Skills

Government Kickstart Scheme IS LIVE FOR BUSINESSES TO APPLY If you are hiring or considering hiring, the Chamber can help you make the most of government funding to ease your wage bill.

The government’s Kickstart Scheme will subsidise six-month work placements for people aged 16-24 and on Universal Credit.

The scheme is now open for employer applications – simply get in touch with us.

The Scheme is a £2 billion fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality 6-month work placements for young people.

Through the scheme, you will be able to access a large pool of young people with potential, ready for an opportunity. Initially the scheme will prioritise young people aged between 16 and 24 who are ready for an opportunity and will be supported by their Jobcentre Plus work coach to enrol in the scheme.

How the scheme works

You can use the Kickstart Scheme to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

Funding is available for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

Businesses looking to offer fewer than 30 places, can apply through the Chamber. Funding is available following a successful application process. Simply contact the Chamber to apply.

Kickstart is not an apprenticeship, but participants may move on to an apprenticeship at any time during, or after their job placement.

Who can apply for funding?

Any organisation, regardless of size, can apply for funding.

• Should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including: • Support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals • Support with CV and interview preparations • Supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their 6-month term.

How to apply

If your organisation is creating fewer than 30 job placements, we can help you do this. With a network of partners, we can also deliver a package that will support you through the process. For further information and to submit your application through us as your chosen Gateway, follow the link: www.kickstartkent.co.uk

• Replace existing or planned vacancies

If your organisation is creating more than 30 job placements as part of the Kickstart Scheme, you can submit your application directly on the Government Gateway: www.apply-kickstartgrant-employer.service.gov.uk

• If you are looking to create fewer than 30 placements, you can do this via the Chamber by visiting www.kickstartkent.co.uk

• Cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment

If you have any questions, please email: kickstart@kentinvictachamber.co.uk

• If you are looking to create more than 30 placements, you can apply by visiting www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-grantthrough-the-kickstart-scheme

• A minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months

If you are an employer looking to create job placements for young people, you can do so in two ways:

The job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs. They must not:

The roles you are applying for must be: • Paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group

Thinking Business

47

New Members

Welcome to our new members Add Sales Maidstone 07376 908465 www.addsales.co.uk Freelance Sales Consultancy

BPHR Consultancy Ltd Gravesend 07855 374511 www.bphrconsultancy.co.uk HR Consultancy

Article 27 Representation Marden 01622 820474 www.article27representation.co.uk Representative Service that allows you to fulfil your GDPR obligations

Buss Murton Law LLP Tunbridge Wells 01892 502309 www.bussmurton.co.uk Legal Services: Commercial & Personal Solicitors

Assent Building Control Ltd Margate 07951 891154 www.assentbc.co.uk/office-listings/ kent-office Building Control

Canterbury AI Ltd Canterbury 07797 936812 www.canterburyai.com Software, Artificial Intelligence, App Creations

AT Accounts Ltd Whitstable 01227 200744 www.ataccounts.co.uk Bookkeeping & Payroll

Coach Works Ashford Ltd Ashford 07801 221059 coach-works.co.uk Outdoor Venue - Food, Drink, Music, Events, Workspace, Art

ATI Coaching, Consulting & Training Ltd Ashford 07488 231754 www.aspiretransforminspire.co.uk Business & Corporate Trainer AZ Caring Services Ltd Ashford 01233 227841 azcaringservices.co.uk Domicilliary Care Agency & Supported Living

C-Pro Direct Ltd Edenbridge 01732 860158 www.c-prodirect.com Manufacture and Retail of Medical Devices DrillBuddy Maidstone 07956 902 416 www.DrillBuddy.net ecommerce

Gemmology Rocks Ltd Maidstone 01622 236142 www.gemmologyrocks.com Provide Commercially Relevant Gemmology & Jewellery Development Genie Bio Clean Canterbury Limited Canterbury 07951 073880 www.genie-bio-clean.co.uk/ canterbury Bio Cleaning Company GPS Capital Markets London 07902 022922 www.gpsfx.com Global Foreign Exchange & Treasury Management GSE Building & Civil Engineering Ltd Ashford 07795 288712 www.gse-group.com Civil Engineering, Construction & Plant Hire Services Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells Tunbridge Wells 01892 547702 www.handelsbanken.co.uk/ tunbridgewells Bank

HR Advise Me Tunbridge Wells 01892 773 979 www.hradvise.me Providing Ad-Hoc and Retailed HR Support Solutions InContrast Gillingham 01634 377590 www.incontrast.co.uk Packaging and Display Invicta Moulds Ltd Folkestone 01303 257426 www.invictamoulds.co.uk Bespoke Pre Cast Concrete Mould Manufacturers Latin Growers Direct Ltd Maidstone 01622 535644 Website under construction Fresh Produce Importer Le Petit Voyage Folkestone 07703 348595 Translator/ French Teacher LED Limited Ashford 01233 502380 www.ledlimited.co.uk Distribution - LED Lighting Products

Beviqua Ltd Dartford 0845 2411959 www.beviqua.com Beer, Wine & Spirit Importers & Distributors

Expense Reduction Analysts Dartford 01322 274561 www.expense-reduction.co.uk Cost Management Consultancy

Hilltop Holiday Services Gillingham 01634 570703 www.hilltopholidayservices.net Touring Caravan Rentals and Maintenance

Mappin & Webb Bluewater Greenhithe 01322 624104 www.mappinandwebb.com Jewellers

Blow Garden Hair Ltd West Malling 01732 757357 www.blowgarden.com Blow Dry Bar with Make Up Services

Fuelled By Design Ltd Folkestone 07870 433835 www.fuelledbydesign.com Graphic Design/Marketing

Hospices of Hope Sevenoaks 01959 525110 www.hospicesofhope.co.uk Charity

Margo Selby Ltd Whitstable 01227 282758 www.margoselby.com Manufacture, Art, Craft, Retail

48 Thinking Business

New Members

Enhance

Protect

Connect

Marlow Wealth Management Faversham 01795 700269 www.marlowwealth.co.uk Financial Adviser

Paramount Timber Frame Ltd Chatham 01634 893821 paramounttimberframe.com Innovative Building Concepts with Timber Frames

The Bigwood Partnership Ltd Tonbridge 07917 763606 www.thebigwoodpartnership.com Management Consultancy

Mercer Accountants & Consultants Ltd Folkestone 07419 778029 www.merceraccountants.com Accountants

Re Generation Earth Ltd Ashford 01233 733433 re-generationearth.org Climate Change Reversal and Enviromental Services

People Pillar Ltd Hythe 07974 392798 www.peoplepillar.co.uk HR Consultancy

Rebecca L Martin Whitstable 07743 419745 www.rebeccalmartin.com Editor & Brand Consultant

The Original Drinks & Food Company Ltd Sevenoaks 01732 823449 www.rochester-drinks.com Award Winning New Presse Drinks

MHC Mortgage and Protection Ltd Herne Bay 01227 807087 www.mhcmortgages.co.uk Mortgage & Protection Broker Olive Management Ltd Canterbury 07843 081184 www.olivemanagement.co.uk Funding Identification, Bid Writing & Project Management One Zebra Ltd London 07543 623533 www.onezebra.com Marketing Consultant OTG Precision Engineering Ltd Borough Green 01732 783844 www.otg-ltd.com Manufacturing/Precision Engineering P&P Consulting Ashford 07766 102886 www.pandpconsulting.co.uk Management Consulting Paragon Drones Ltd Rochester 03303 326236 paragondrones.co.uk Drones Service to Businesses

Pink Spaghetti PA Services Thanet & Canterbury Margate 03333 556621 www.pink-spaghetti.co.uk PA Services Pitman Training Dover Dover 01304 212500 dover.pitman-training.com Digital, Finance and IT Training Power of Chi Ltd London 0208 0163850 www.powerofchi.com Content Production & Marketing Practice Labs Dartford 0203 5887252 www.practice-labs.com Supporting IT Certification, Work Readiness, Digital Skills Development and Career Progression Pure Life Homecare Whitstable 01227 207340 www.purelifecare.co.uk Domiciliary Care and Assisted Living RAD Fire Sprinklers Ltd Tunbridge Wells 01892 680090 www.radfiresprinklers.com Design & Installation of Fire Sprinkler Systems

Screen South Folkestone 01303 259777 www.screensouth.org Cultural Development, Training, Film Making Support & Production SEC Catering Ltd Deal 07720 997178 www.themeatballcompany.co.uk Restaurant Second Chance Medway Support Charity Chatham 01634 408840 www.2ndchance-charity.org Support Charity SES Ltd Chatham 07368 257930 www.seservicesltd.co.uk Cleaning Services Sheree Owen Sales Strategist Epsom 07939 550536 www.shereeowensalesstrategist.co.uk Business and Sales Coaching & Training Spencer Private Hospitals Dover 01304 222691 www.spencerprivatehospitals.com Hospital

Tilney Financial Services Maidstone 01622 538588 www.tilney.co.uk/contact-us/southeast/maidstone Financial Advice and Wealth Management TimeQuest Tonbridge 01622 872627 www.timequest.net Escape Rooms TopFoto Edenbridge 01732 863939 www.topfoto.co.uk Image Licensing Archive Tournay-Godfrey Ltd Hove 07855 121236 www.tournay-godfrey.com Engineering, Construction, Mechanical & Electrical va-Q-tec Ltd Rochester 01634 868618 www.va-q-tec.com Temperature Controlled Container Rental

Thinking Business

49

Last Word Amber Judges Business owner Wells and White Bespoke Upholstery I started my business with my sister Jade in 2014 after studying the AMUSF diploma in upholstery. We wanted to start a business that was creative and client centred and really listened to what they wanted and worked closely with them to achieve their vision using our knowledge to guide them.

Our next vision now is to become more ecologically friendly in the disposal and use of our materials. We also run classes for like minded people twice a week to share our love of upholstery.

What was your first job and what was the pay packet? Not to give my age away, but my first job when I was a student was in Wimpy for £1.75ph. I have had a few jobs since then including being a nurse for fifteen years, starting on £17,000 a year. My first Upholstery post was for Shoreditch design rooms as a teacher to AMUSF students.

What do you always carry with you to work? I always have my toolbox and phone on me and now the added covid friendly kit so I’m ready for anything the day may bring.

What is the biggest challenge facing your business? Finding experienced staff as it’s not something you can learn overnight. I'm still learning loads 6 years in and it’s expensive to train and there aren't many apprenticeships available.

If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business? Bring in vocational training earlier in more diverse areas to those who aren't academic, like in France.

What can you see from your office window? Not very exciting I’m afraid, cars and other units to include a gun shop and a funeral directors.

If you could do another job what would it be? I used to be a nurse and if you could cut out the politics and paperwork I’d still love to do that.

As a business person, what are your three main qualities? I’m still learning the business side of things but: being organised, listening to clients and attention to detail.

What was your biggest mistake in business? Where do you start, when we first started my sister and I were new to running a business but you learn and learn fast. The biggest thing I've learnt is that accounting is key, this was a steep learning curve; Xero is my life saver.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs? Go for it, don't be afraid. You'll soon learn what you don't know. Keep a work life balance, keep your phone off at the weekend.

Who do you most admire in business?

It can only be Elon Musk. My son got me into him as he's been his idol since he was little. I admire his determination to achieve whatever he puts his mind to.

50 Thinking Business

CEO hands over the baton Carousel Logistics co-founder and CEO Graham Martin has announced that he will be handing over the reins of the company and moving to a non-executive director position on Carousel’s strategic board.

Jonathan SimpsonDent, former Cardtronics International and WLT Europe CEO, joined Carousel in September and will take-up the position as Carousel’s new CEO. Commenting on his decision, Graham Martin said: “Every founder knows that at some point the time must come to hand over the baton and for me, that point is now. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved; specifically, a strong

foundation that enables Carousel to enter the next phase of its journey and this feels to me like a really great time to hand over that baton.”

During the last three decades, including 20 years as CEO, Graham has led the business through a transformative period in the company’s history, growing group revenues fourfold since receiving private equity backing in 2013. Over the last four years Carousel has expanded its operations into new European markets and made three strategic acquisitions in as many years.

A “brand” new chapter for Geo companies such as TNT, Hitachi and Philips.

In his new role, Terry will advise and consult on developing the business and securing new opportunities.

Maidstone-based design agency GeoBrand has announced the appointment of Terry Hewett as its new chairman.

Previously MD of another agency, Zest, Terry joins GeoBrand as it launches its new brand identity and website. With more than 30 years’ experience in the design and advertisement industry, he has delivered high-level advertising and marketing campaigns with

Brachers partner becomes president of Kent Law Society

Brachers partner Alexandra Gordon has been appointed president of Kent Law Society (KLS) after holding the position of vice-president for oneand-a-half years.

Alexandra is a highly regarded private client partner at Brachers, advising clients on tax and estate planning, wills, trust creation, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney. Qualifying as a lawyer

He said: “When I first met GeoBrand, I must say I was massively impressed with the levels of experience displayed by such a young team and their ability to produce some outstanding work.

“It was really important for me to be with a team that had the dedication and know-how to deliver good branding, high-level campaigns and really good strategy. The future is going to be very bright for GeoBrand.” in 2010, she has spent much of her career working at firms around Kent.

One of the youngest ever presidents of the KLS, Alexandra has been named in eprivateclient’s “top 35 under 35” list and in Citywealth’s list of “top 100 future leaders”. She is ranked as a “next generation partner”

by Legal 500, and ranked individually in band three in the Chamber’s high net worth guide. A chartered tax advisor, she is involved with the University of Kent’s Kent Law Clinic.

Commenting on her appointment, Alexandra said: “In such challenging times, I am excited by the opportunity to support the legal community. As president of the Kent Law Society I have made it my mission to promote mental health within the profession, which

Movers and Shakers During his time as CEO, Graham has future-proofed the company by establishing a distinctive valuesled culture and built a strong team that will support the company as it continues to expand. The recruitment of high-performance service-logistics expert (now Carousel board chair) Franz-Joseph Miller in 2017 and Nigel Ward as CFO in 2019, have been critical milestones on that journey. Graham and Franz-Joseph have worked in close cooperation to prepare the company for long-term growth and structured this transition to support its future expansion.

Commenting on his new position, Jonathan Simpson-Dent said: “I am honoured and excited to be joining Carousel not least because, during the last three decades, Graham has built a hugely respected business that has enormous potential.”

GeoBrand has been delivering design services to national and international companies for more than ten years from its base in Kent. The company, which has clients including Costa Coffee, London’s Air Ambulance and The Portman Estate, recently orchestrated a rebranding campaign which saw it change its name from GeoMedia to GeoBrand.

Director Andrew Dicker said: “In the era of optimisation, clarity of message and getting to the point, we wanted to shift towards a much clearer name.

“Everything we do, whether that be design, illustration, digital or print, sits beneath the banner of brand. As an agency we will always be Geo. But going forward there will be no mistaking what we are. We are and always will be brand specialists.” is so important when many of us are still working from home and not interacting with other lawyers in the ways we were used to.

“KLS plays a key role in supporting and promoting the profession in Kent. I have played an active role in the society for seven years and to be appointed to this position is a great honour. I am really looking forward to taking up the reins alongside my work at Brachers and helping to drive the society’s activities forward.”

Now in its 202nd year of operation, KLS exists to promote the interests of the legal profession in Kent and be its voice locally. It provides members with training, marketing, recruitment, guidance, networking and social interaction.

Copy Deadline: News items for the February-March issue to be submitted by 8th January.

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