Thinking Business December 2022

THINKING BUSIN E S S

The importance of HEALTH & WELLBEING

n Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards Winners and Finalists 2022 p10 n The Big Interview with SEC Works p15 n International Trade – UKCA Marketing update welcomed p36 n Chamber Events p42 n New Members p48

Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business. As the nation is gripped by inflation and a costof-living crisis, there is inevitably a focus on the financial wellbeing of a business or individual. But what about the physical and mental wellbeing?

A wellness culture is led from the top down

In this issue we look at the support and advice on offer to people and companies across the County to ensure they are in a good place. How can employers create an environment where staff feel valued and how can a ‘wellbeing framework’ make a difference to the workplace culture?

The clear message in this special report is that a ‘wellness culture’ is led from the highest level showing the best business leadership.

There needs to be buy-in right across the business and the leaders have a duty of care to ensure employees feel engaged, encouraged and able to achieve their potential.

Also in this edition we feature the winners and finalists who

celebrated their success at our recent Chamber Business Awards.

We also consider the importance of the UK government’s decision to give businesses an additional two years to comply with the new UKCA marking requirements. CE marking can now continue to be used for certain goods placed on the GB market until the end of December 2024.

Businesses will be breathing a huge sigh of relief as this decision pushes back costly alterations on product marking that were due to come into effect straight away.

While the time extension is welcomed, the British Chambers of Commerce view is that future clarity is needed.

In the latest Chamber news, we look at the best ways to use your customer data for marketing in 2023 and how to turn Christmas customers into loyal buyers.

On that positive note, from a business perspective I hope 2023 is a prosperous year for you all and from a personal perspective, I wish you all good health and happiness in 2023.

Jo James OBE, Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

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. © 2022. 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.

Kent Business Leaders Dinner

The latest Kent Business Leaders Dinner, staged in association with the Kent Invicta Chamber Patrons, was held at Frasers in Egerton.

Frasers is a small private estate and eco venue near Ashford in Kent. The venue has won numerous awards and is leading the way with its sustainability and eco credentials.

Over 50 guests were welcomed by Kent Invicta Chamber Chairman, Chris Hare and Lisa Fraser, owner and founder of Frasers along with her husband Adam.

Guests enjoyed a truly delicious meal created from local produce accompanied by wines from Westwell and Biddenden vineyards and Chapel Down beers.

After dinner Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation spoke about the latest trends and challenges in the labour market. Neil, who was previously Managing Director of the CBI, spoke in depth about the current issues employers are facing and gave some advice on how the recruitment and retention of staff could be improved.

by Ali Kittermaster

Photography

An evening of fine food and good conversation

Chris Hare, Chairman, Kent Invicta Chamber, welcoming guests

Jo Worby and Alex Cosgrove from Brachers in conversation with Andrew Metcalf, Deputy Chair of Kent Invicta Chamber

Graham Mitchell, Caxtons Property Consultants

Tracey Kerly, Ashford Borough Council

Roddy Barrow, HRGO, with speaker Neil Carberry

Michael Horgan, Air IT

Lisa Fraser, owner and founder of Frasers

Ventsi Tsankova, MHA MacIntyre Hudson

Sue Piper , Kent Association for the Blind, our Charity of the Year for 2022

Terry Edwards, Towergate Insurance Brokers

Consider Making your Lasting Power of Attorney

By Poppy Cooke Girlings Solicitors

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that gives you the opportunity to appoint an attorney (or several) to make decisions on your behalf, should you be unable to do so for yourself. There are two different types of Lasting Powers of Attorney, which relate to health and welfare and property and financial affairs.

What do they do?

Property and financial affairs LPAs deal with financial matters and any decisions made in relation to your property. Health and welfare LPAs cover issues such as where you should live, arrangements for day-to-day care and consenting to or refusing life sustaining medical treatment.

Why they are important?

A Lasting Power of Attorney can only be made when an individual has the requisite capacity to consent, and is aged 18 or over.

Without the appropriate authority in place, it can make things very difficult for your family and friends to help you when needed. This can result in the need to apply to the Court of Protection to request such authority, which is a far lengthier and costly process.

When making Lasting Powers of Attorney, you have the authority to decide who you appoint. It is important to ensure you nominate somebody who you believe will carry out your wishes – this is particularly important when making a health and welfare LPA.

Many people do not feel there is a need for a health and welfare LPA, for example if they already have a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’, agreement in place. However, a health and welfare LPA is

just as important to have in place as one relating to property and finances. There is no automatic legal right for family or friends to make medical or care decisions on your behalf and therefore appointing someone gives them the authority to make those decisions as if they were you.

If your family is aware that you have made these arrangements, it is more likely to save any frustration or feelings of being side-lined at the lack of involvement in your care or medical decisions.

If you have not prepared an LPA we can still make any necessary Court of Protection applications, in addition to preparing Lasting Power of Attorney.

Dementia Friendly

We are committed to, and working towards, becoming an accredited Dementia Friendly organisation. Our dedicated team work with those already living with dementia. We recognise when they may require

For further advice on LPAs please contact a member of the Wills, Tax & Estate Administration team.

Poppy Cooke Associate Solicitor

Tel: 01227 367 355

Email: poppycooke@girlings.com

additional assistance, and we offer meetings with them in their own homes or areas of comfort. We aim to work with people to ensure that they are as in control of their own affairs as much as possible.

Things to consider when planning your LPAs

• How many attorneys would you like to appoint?

• If appointing more than one, how would they make decisions – jointly, or both jointly and individually?

• Is/Are your chosen attorney(s) able to assist in emergencies? Is it practical to appoint this person?

• Is/Are your chosen attorney(s) trustworthy and have the appropriate mind-set to make decisions on your behalf?

• Is there anybody you would like to notify that you are making LPAs?

The Kent and Medway Business Summit returns on Friday 13 January 2023 in the awardwinning Sibson building on the Canterbury campus of the University of Kent.

Organised by the Kent Business School, in association with the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors, the Summitbrings together over 300 businesses, key policymakers and leading academics.

The sixth annual Summit will focus on the latest news from key projects in the county as well as leading expert speakers. Alongside the keynote speeches, collaborative workshops will facilitate debate on topics including productivity, sustainability, place-making and skills.

THE KENT AND MEDWAY BUSINESS SUMMIT RETURNS

Confirmed keynote speakers include Cllr Roger Gough, Leader, Kent County Council and Richard Hicks, Director of Place, Deputy Chief Executive, Medway Council.

There will be four panel sessions for delegates to attend.

1 Placemaking – Can ‘Brand Kent’ draw and retain investment, businesses, jobs and talented people?

Chair: Richard Hicks, Director of Place, Medway Council.

Panellists: Emily Dawson, Lower Thames Crossing, Graham Galpin, High Street Expert, Professor Samer Bagaeen, Kent School of Architecture and Planning, University of Kent

2 Skills – Developing Culture. How can building loyalty and diversity in the workforce impact on skills, training, retention, and recruitment?

Chair: Professor Nicholas Clarke, Deputy Dean (Planning and People), Kent Business School

Panellists: Rebecca Smith, CEO, Social Enterprise Kent, Sapphira Waterson, CEO, Management Development Services (MDS), Michelle Clarke-Cowell, Associate Director, Holiday Extras

3 Productivity – How can digital tools boost profits and drive measurable efficiency improvements?

Chair: Catherine Robinson, Deputy Dean (Medway), Kent Business School

Panellists: Harry Dance, Digital Marketing Director, KAYO Digital Limited, Dr Maria Balta, Researcher in business model pivoting through the use of digital technologies, Kent Business School. Further panellists to be announced.

4 Sustainability – Funding your green future. How sustainability can improve your business' bottom line.

Chair: Martin White, Founder, Green Business

LOWER THAMES CROSSING PLANS accepted for examination

On 28 November 2022, the Government’s independent planning authority, the Planning Inspectorate, confirmed it has accepted National Highway’s application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for detailed examination of the Lower Thames Crossing project.

National Highways submitted its planning application for the road project on Monday 31 October following a comprehensive programme of assessments, consultation, and engagement with its stakeholders and communities. The project has been shaped by almost 95,000 consultation responses.

The decision to accept the application means the Planning Inspectorate is satisfied that National Highway’s consultation was conducted properly and a rigorous examination of the proposals by a panel of independent, government-appointed experts can begin at a date set by the Planning Inspectorate.

Should consent be granted, construction could start as early as 2024. The planning process is likely to take around 18 months including 6 months of examination, some taking place at public hearings. National Highways will provide information to local communities and road users to keep them informed of the process and how they can participate and provide their views on the proposals. Ahead of the examination, the public can register to become an Interested Party by making a Relevant Representation to the Planning Inspectorate.

Matt Palmer, Executive Director for the Lower Thames Crossing said: “The Planning Inspectorate has accepted that our comprehensive programme of consultation and design development has been undertaken properly, meaning our plans can now be taken forward for robust and thorough examination by independent, government-appointed experts."

Panellists: Susan Elliott, Senior Manager, Southeast UK British Business Bank, Paul Gannaway, Director, b&m, Josh Pitman, Manager Director, Priory Direct, Lisa Carlson, Chief Executive Canterbury Business Improvement District.

Tickets to the Summit cost £40, including refreshments and a sustainable Kentish buffet lunch.

For full details and to book tickets visit https://thegulbenkian.co.uk/ events/the-kent-and-medwaybusiness-summit/

National Highways is designing the Lower Thames Crossing to be the greenest road ever built in the UK. A tunnel was chosen rather than a bridge to avoid protected wetlands and marshes, seven green bridges would provide safer crossing points for people and wildlife, and viaducts are planned to protect a nearby flood plain. Over 60km of new or improved pathways would be made available for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The scheme is also a Pathfinder project, exploring carbon neutral construction, and is the first UK major infrastructure project to put carbon reduction at the heart of its procurement process, where contractors incentivised to drive down carbon at every step, and throughout the supply chain.

For further information contact info@lowerthamescrossing.co.uk

The number of registered company insolvencies soar with latest figures indicating little relief for businesses as costs continue to climb

National audit, tax, advisory and risk firm, Crowe, also announces the appointment of Insolvency Practitioner, Mark Holborow as it bolsters its Recovery Solutions practice.

Government statistics released on 14 October 2022 for the month of September 2022 show that the number of registered company insolvencies in September 2022 was 16% higher than the same month in 2021 and 11% higher than the number registered three years previously (pre-pandemic). These figures, together with current economic pressures, indicate little relief for businesses or individuals in the short to medium term.

With inflation topping 10% in September 2022 and forecast to peak around 11% in the next few months, household incomes and consumer confidence will continue to be under pressure, with knock on impact for business on both demand for goods and also employees pushing for substantial pay rises. While the government has announced a business energy price cap until 31 March 2023, the rate has been locked in at nearly double the unit price that businesses were paying in 2021. The shortterm stability will be gratefully received over the winter months, however the squeeze on margins remains. Prudent management teams will also need to have an eye on what they may be paying come 1 April 2023 and

plan ahead for how the business can adapt to afford it.

Many businesses have struggled through the period of the pandemic and are now facing financial difficulties due to repayment of government loans, in certain industries significant increase in material costs and lack of labour. A sharp increase in the general cost of living has also affected the hospitality industry.

Vince Green, Head of Recovery Solutions at Crowe says “What the statistics cannot show us is the level of restructuring advice and solvent rescue work which is also being undertaken. Much of the work undertaken by most insolvency practitioners is to help businesses avoid a formal insolvency procedure by taking early advice and working with their key creditors and other stakeholders to restructure and find a consensual solution that shares the burdens and benefits.”

The Crowe Recovery Solutions team has seen an increase in requests for support and advice in recent months and given the expected continued pressure for businesses through 2023 it has bolstered its Recovery Solutions practice with the appointment of new insolvency practitioner, Mark Holborow. Mark is an experienced appointment taker to support partners,

Please get in touch with Vince Green, Steven Edwards or Mark Holborow who are licensed insolvency practitioners, or your usual Crowe contact. www.crowe.co.uk

Vince Green and Steven Edwards as well as the wider team.

Vince Green, Head of Recovery Solutions, commented “We are very pleased to announce that Mark Holborow is joining our team to complement our services offered to the local and national business community. Mark’s expertise and skills will further strengthen the services that we are able to provide in respect of general advisory and the restructuring market. Mark is well known in the local business community and we are confident that he will be a great addition to our team.”

Mark Holborow, Director and Insolvency Practitioner at Crowe added “I am looking forward to working with Vince and Steven to continue building the Recovery Solutions service line. Crowe already has a fantastic breadth and depth of services nationally and I’m excited about the opportunity to use my prior experience of advisory and restructuring work to help shape the future of Crowe’s restructuring practice.”

New state-of-the-art education facility to address national skills gap and support economic growth

£1.2 million Civil Engineering Training Centre Officially Opens

The EKC Group Civil Engineering Training Centre has officially opened at an event attended by local councillors and stakeholders.

Located on the southern side of the A28 off Island Road in Hersden, EKC Group’s new facility is focused on construction and civil engineering. It was built in response to the national skills gap to ensure there are the right skills locally to deliver economic growth.

A report by the Construction Skills Network in June 2022 found that more than a quarter of a million extra construction workers will be needed by 2026 to meet projected demands in the UK civil engineering sector, so this centre, a first of its kind, is a hugely positive and innovative step in addressing this.

It will cater for around 300 students at any one time, studying courses ranging from construction certifications to full civil engineering apprenticeships. The 3,000 sq. ft facility includes a series of outdoor ‘stations’ where students can develop skills including drainage and bricklaying. Inside is a training centre, office and other facilities.

The ground-breaking centre has been funded in its entirety by leading South East mixed-use developer, Quinn Estates and gifted to EKC Group. With a S.106 obligation to spend £400,000, the final build costs ultimately reached £1.2 million with Quinn Estates covering the excess costs highlighting their commitment to delivering what is set to be a considerable asset in supporting the next generation into employment.

The new centre is testament to this approach and is part of the Hoplands Park development, an ambitious village extension developed across 70 acres which includes a new 35-acre park.

The new community includes 250 homes and community facilities in a village centre including a new children’s nursery.

Mark Quinn, CEO and Chairman, Quinn Estates, said: “We are delighted to be able to launch this fantastic new facility for East Kent, providing hundreds of students each year with the transferable skills they will need to thrive in the construction and engineering industries.

“With all the developments we create, leaving a positive community legacy is at the heart of what we do and our development in Hersden is no exception.”

Graham Razey, Chief Executive Officer of EKC Group, said: “As a Group we are committed to addressing skills gaps and ensuring businesses have the talented employees they need to thrive, so we’re proud to launch this fantastic new training centre today. The centre will support employers in the civil engineering sector, enabling them to access the skilled staff they need to continue to flourish and grow.

“Today marks the culmination of a lot of hard work over a number of years, and we are very appreciative of what Quinn Estates has done in delivering our new centre. It is important to recognise the massive social impact that this will have, giving young people the opportunity to build great careers in a growing sector.”

L to R Mark Quinn, Cllr Georgina Glover and Graham Razey

CLIMBINGan exercise in creative thinking

Climbing helps you focus on the task at hand. There’s no time to think “what shall I have for dinner later?” or “I need to send that email”.

Instead, you’re focused on your next move. To be more mindful, you only need to show up at your local climbing gym and be prepared to try something new!

IT CAN HELP REGULATE & STIMULATE EMOTIONS

Climbing allows you to be present and regulate your emotions. A positive feeling can leave you buzzing after a good session but experiencing the negative emotions we all experience in life allows us to work through these feelings in a safe environment.

In climbing you may feel:

• A feeling of fear on the wall, training you to deal with anxiety and stress

• Feelings of frustration when you cannot complete a climb help you to manage these negative feelings better.

• Gains in confidence from overcoming a particular move or problem that you never thought possible.

INSPIRING INNOVATION & CREATIVE THINKING

When we are more mindful, we are more able to think innovatively. Climbing too can help your team achieve this...it is an exercise in creative thinking: in exploring the different ways a route can be climbed and figuring out the best way for you and your style.

COMBINE IT WITH A CLASS IN OUR WELLBEING STUDIO

For us, the connection climbing has to wellbeing was clear from the start. Which is why at The Climbing Experience we boast a dedicated wellbeing studio with Yoga, Pilates, Breathwork and Mindfulness classes. You can combine our climbing activities with a class in our studio. Get in touch to tailor the perfect wellbeing focused away-day to help your team reach their full potential, both on and off the wall.”

By Robert Woods, Founder and CEO The Climbing Experience

W: www.theclimbingexperience.co.uk

Dispute?

Not all businesses run smoothly – disputes inevitably occur. Partners fall out, Directors disagree, and once harmonious relationships can sour, impacting business performance and profits. So it’s essential to resolve commercial disputes as quickly as, and as effectively as possible.

Disagree?

Our Dispute Resolution team provides expert advice, short-term tactics and long-term strategies to resolve business disagreements. Ranked in Chambers and Legal 500, we have an enviable track record in achieving mutually acceptable agreements, and preserving future relationships.

Divided?

To find out how we can help, call us on 01622 698000 or email enquiries@wmlaw.uk

Much of our ability to succeed depends on our ability to focus on the present and not worry about what has been or what is to come.

Chamber Business Awards 2022

An evening of celebration in association with Kent County Council Chamber members joined together to celebrate business success at the Chamber Annual Business Awards Dinner on Thursday 17 November 2022 at the prestigious Westenhanger Castle. The Awards have been a great catalyst to promote excellence in business and showcase the amazing achievements of a range of businesses and talented individuals within the County.

The quality and quantity of applicants continues to increase year on year and this year was no exception. The Awards attracted a wide range of entries from across a variety of sectors, but the finalists and winners all have one thing in common, they are truly excellent at what they do and have proved this in their entry.

The Awards were in 10 categories:

Business of the Year

Sponsored by University of Kent Sustainability & Decarbonisation Business of the Year

Sponsored by MidKent College Construction Project of the Year

Sponsored by RIFT R&D Tax Credits Employer of the Year

Sponsored by McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford

Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by University of Greenwich

Excellence in Customer Service Sponsored by Azets

Family Business of the Year Sponsored by Stagecoach South East

Innovative Business of the Year Sponsored by Research & Innovation, University of Kent

Most Promising new Business Sponsored by Kent County Council

Success in International Trade Sponsored by Kent International Business

Sustainability & Decarbonisation

Business of the Year

Winner: BISON

Finalist: Woodpeckers of Kent Ltd

Finalist: Hayne House

Business of the Year

Winner: ER Productions

Finalist: Total Machining Solutions Ltd

Finalist: Hornby Hobbies Ltd

Construction

Project of the Year

Winner: b&m and Hazle McCormack Young

Finalist: BJF Group Finalist: Jenner

Employer of the Year

Winner: Reflect Digital

Finalist: Knauf UK

Finalist: MKC Training

The Chamber would like to congratulate all this year’s Winners and very worthy Finalists.

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Need more leads?

Give this a read.

Box Crab Digital is a newly created marketing agency by marketing veteran, Joe Bennett. It's been created for people who are looking for a marketing agency that gets you leads, appointments and sales, rather than just impressions and likes. Although it's just 2 months old, they're already making a big impact to businesses in the Kent area.

Every service-based business knows that one of the hardest aspects of growing the business is keeping a steady stream of leads coming in. Here are 3 tips from Box Crab Digital to keep those leads coming in!

Ask for referrals

If you organically get referrals from customers because you do a great job, definitely ask for referrals from previous customers that haven’t sent you any in the past. Referrals have a 3-5x conversion rate than any other source.

Always get reviews

When someone is looking for a business to use, reviews and testimonials are going to massively affect their decision. Make sure to always get reviews when you finish a job to use on your website and in your marketing.

• Have an entry-level offer

Especially if you offer a service that is higher ticket, it’s important to have a lower ticket offer. Examples of this could be a free estimation, free downloadable piece of content or a taster session.

If you’d like any more help with getting more leads into your business, Joe from Box Crab Digital is always happy to help and is offering a free digital marketing audit that you can access via his website: www.boxcrab.digital

How will you be using your customer data for your marketing in 2023?

audiences; thank new customers for finding you; welcome back previous buyers and for those who didn’t buy, say you’ve missed them and offer something to tempt them back.

Targeted communications are always more effective than generic ones sent to everyone.

Send regular mailers featuring special tips and offers – short and sharp.

FAQs

Your Christmas sales went well, but how do you use it for more sales in 2023? Plan ahead and take a look at a few ideas from Izzy PR to give you a busy new year.

New Year mailer

A discount or offer is a great way say thanks for their custom and make them feel valued.

Send a different message for each of your customer

Turn FAQ questions into blogs. Use the question as your blog title, give a good and focused answer and add some tips too. Sharing your knowledge builds credibility and trust.

Share them with your audiences through mailers and on social media.

Social media engagement

Keep old and new followers engaged by ensuring your timelines are active and ask them

to get involved. Invite comments on how they are using your product or service, or even ask them to post pictures of their purchases.

Use a content planner (We use HootSuite and ContentCal) to easily plan and automate your posts.

Reviews

You can tell your customers and potential customers all day long, how great your products and services are, but third-party endorsements in the shape of reviews are so powerful.

Contact new and old customers for their thoughts on their purchase, in return for a discount or special offer. Include the reviews in mailers, on your website and social media.

Izzy PR izzypr.co.uk

How to turn your Christmas customers into loyal buyers in 2023

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have been and gone, and Christmas is just weeks away.

If your sales spike at this time of year, then you are in a great position to start 2023 well if you use your customer data.

The Insight House specialises in using customer data to generate growth, create targeted marketing campaigns, retain and regain customers.

Director Angela Hall gives her tips on how to use your customer data in early 2023 to capitalise on Christmas success.

New customers

Target your marketing resources to keep in touch soon after a first purchase.

You want them to buy again and turn into a regular customer, who buys more, more often and also buys different things from you. Let them know about more products in your range that might suit them. You can use their initial purchase to help predict what they would buy next by identifying common customer product journeys.

Regular customers

They already know about you, trust you and have confidence in you, so make sure they find out the best deals to reward their loyalty. Use their own and other customers’ purchase and engagement history to find the next best product or next best promotion that is likely to appeal specifically to them and let them know.

Prospects

These are people on your database who have enquired or shown an interest in some way but have not yet bought. Your marketing should be targeted at getting them to make that first purchase so you can move them into being a longer-term customer. How they arrived on the database can be a really useful insight for how to get them to take the next step.

What are their barriers to buying? Let them know why your product breaks them down.

www.insighthouse.co.uk

Dukes Meadows Regeneration

pedestrians, cyclists, rowers, and runners every day, which has made the works particularly high profile.

To keep the public fully informed, the division’s community engagement team created a bespoke project website, www.dukesmeadowsfootbridge.co.uk and they have published monthly newsletters.

Knights Brown delivers civil engineering, marine, and building schemes throughout Southern England and Wales from divisional offices in Kent, Hampshire and South Wales.

The Kent-based South East Division is a strategic partner of the Port of Dover, having been delivering planned and reactive civil engineering maintenance projects for the port for the past five years. Recently, the division has also been working closely with the London Borough of Hounslow to design and build a footbridge on the Thames Path.

The site, which sits alongside Barnes Rail Bridge, is passed by thousands of

Knights Brown is also in a charity partnership with Shelter UK, for which the South East Division has already raised £4,381, in just a few months. Most recently, five of the divisional team took part in a 5k run, generating healthy competition between colleagues and more donations for the fundraising pot, which is to support a 10 day trek to Everest Base Camp next Easter.

Knights Brown is always keen to work with charities local to its project sites. The Dukes Meadows team recently took part in a boat race on the River Thames against Thames Tradesmen’s Rowing Club, raising £3252.50 for the nearby youth charity, Hogarth Centre.

For enquiries please contact: E: southeast@knightsbrown.co.uk

Everon puts user at the centre of digital system

Everon UK provides wireless digital health solutions to support the health, housing and care market.

Its’ digital systems are designed for older or disabled people as well as those with dementia or learning difficulties.

Everon was established in Finland in 2004 by Markus Merne. The company has become the European market leader in digital grouped living solutions and operates in Finland, Sweden, Germany and the UK.

The founder Markus Merne, at the time was dissatisfied with the very basic analoguebased technology characterised by a ‘one size fits all’ approach. As a result, he changed the approach by putting the user at the centre

and building a bespoke solution around them and their care needs. Pete Kerly, M.D, Everon UK, expands on this point: “For real impact, the industry needs to get to people before they have an issue, so the use of AI to identify falls, slumps, staying in bed, UTIs etc. can all be used to design appropriate interventions”.

Everon is is proud to have been awarded the TSA quality standards framework – QSF.

It continues to expand its commitment to wireless digital health solutions by entering into partnerships with like-minded organisations.

A unique partnership between Everon and Clarion Housing will see over 7,000 residents provided with the latest digital telecare solution.

• We deliver creative know-how brand building expertise

Building a brand that people want to work for

Believe it or not, a healthy brand doesn’t always mean new business wins and profit.

Those things are important, but there’s an increased shift towards brands which are focused on employee engagement and retention.

Individuals are seeking a harmonious work life balance - working to live vs living to work. The role that employers play in their staffs’ wellbeing, mentally and physically, is critical. Whatever size business you're in, the way the people in your business feel will have a direct impact on your business’ long term success.

The secret here is that your brand and your company culture go hand in hand. By realising and communicating your company culture in the right way, you will create a business that people want to work for. But, how do you build a company culture?

Marketing & Advertising

It begins with your brand values. Values must capture and articulate that which is genuinely believed within the company. In human terms, those brand values translate into tangible actions or qualities. Start by defining your brand values and the behaviours that those will follow.

Secondly, businesses need to live by their brand purpose. Purpose is incredibly important to feel motivated, for employees to know they are moving towards a common goal, they are part of the bigger picture. Values and purpose are closely linked. When you pursue what you see as a worthwhile goal, you are demonstrating your values (Armstrong, 2012).

Illustration & Animation

In essence, developing a company culture is setting foundations for the future. Creating a values led business with a purpose at the core has real meaning to individuals. Ultimately, customers in both B2B and B2C markets choose to buy from brands who they align with, and employees are no different.

• We value people and have network of clients and

When it comes to financial advice, it’s important to find someone you can trust.

When it comes to financial advice, it’s important to find someone you can trust.

When it comes to financial advice, it’s important to find someone you can trust.

As we celebrate over 30 years of providing unbiased holistic financial planning to clients and businesses across Kent, we are proud of our success, our independence and our reputation of being a friendly, professional practice.

As we celebrate over 30 years of providing unbiased holistic financial planning to clients and businesses across Kent, we are proud of our success, our independence and our reputation of being a friendly, professional practice.

As we celebrate over 30 years of providing unbiased holistic financial planning to clients and businesses across Kent, we are proud of our success, our independence and our reputation of being a friendly, professional practice.

For more information about the many services we offer, please visit our website or follow us on Linkedin for regular FAS news, views and financial updates.

For more information about the many services we offer, please visit our website or follow us on Linkedin for regular FAS news, views and financial updates.

Folkestone Office: 01303 273 273 Maidstone Office: 01622 238 230

Folkestone Office: 01303 273 273 Maidstone Office: 01622 238 230

Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority

Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority

Folkestone Office: 01303 273 273 Maidstone Office: 01622 238 230

For more information about the many services we offer, please visit our website or follow us on Linkedin for regular FAS news, views and financial updates. ifa@financial-advice.co.uk www.financial-advice.co.uk

ifa@financial-advice.co.uk www.financial-advice.co.uk

ifa@financial-advice.co.uk

Kent designer’s double-decker solutions

The company which has offices in both Faversham and Canterbury has built up a reputation across the country for bespoke conversion of buses, coaches, vans and trailers into promotional, educational and exhibition vehicles.

As director Chris Bichard explains the design team start from an initial wish list from the client, then work alongside them throughout the project to ensure the finished vehicle is delivered on schedule and to the client’s full satisfaction.

SEC has converted double-decker buses into additional classrooms for schools –increasing classroom space with many projects including direct input from the staff and students themselves.

Bus conversions for mobile catering is another area in which SEC Works excels. For one of its clients, Omnibus Kitchen Co, SEC was tasked with squeezing all of their kitchen equipment into a single deck bus! SEC fabricated stainless steel counter tops and extractor fan housing as well as creating serving hatches on the side of the bus.

Paddington Bear bus number one has been delivered and bus number two has been

completed for delivery to Brigit’s Bakery afternoon tea tours in London.

To date, SEC Works has delivered over 3,000 projects, from growing potatoes in a branded educational bus. To fitting porcelain bathrooms in an exported bathroom showroom vehicle.

SEC’s design skills are not just restricted to bus conversions. The company has designed and fabricated a giant interactive Perspex piano for the Elton John blockbuster movie ‘Rocketman’ and a large Perspex ‘W’ for a Waitrose campaign to display fresh foods.

Helping companies reduce their carbon footprint is something that SEC Works is fully committed to. It specialises in interior and exterior ECO signage. The signs use recycled and PVC-free alternative materials that are much better for the environment.

In addition to converting vehicles, SEC creates ECO signage for all types of business from vehicle branding to shop fronts, restaurants, bars and offices.

It designs external welcome signs and enclosure directions to cafeteria decals and hotel room door plaques.

Examples of SEC’s fine handiwork can be seen in the local area at The Pound Bar & Kitchen and the Alberry wine bar, both in Canterbury; and Oscar’s of Faversham, an artisan bakery.

SEC Works is headed by co-directors Chris Bichard and Michael Bichard, with Justin Good heading up design work and Paul Chapman overseeing logistics.

The company has a track record of working with big brands as well as SMEs. Whoever the client company is, the approach is the same - to create an eye-catching and engaging branding strategy for that business.

SEC Works is keen to emphasise the benefits of its ties with the Chamber of Commerce.

“Chamber membership has enabled us to both network and use the export/import services. We have converted open-top buses to export to Malta and Philadelphia in the US”. Chris adds: “We have also imported old Malta buses which were used for the Olympics and for other clients including Lloyds/Bank of Scotland”.

Kent-based SEC Works is a dynamic company with an interesting story to tell.

Did You Know?

SEC Works Group based in Kent are the largest bus conversion company, premier sign manufacture and vehicle branding company

To date, we have delivered over 3,000 projects, from growing potatoes in a branded educational bus. To fitting porcelain bathrooms in an exported bathroom showroom vehicle. Designed and fabricated a giant interactive Perspex piano for the Elton John movie, “Rocketman” and a large Perspex W for a Waitrose campaign to display fresh foods.

We work with agencies and SME businesses to deliver:

Commercial Vehicle Conversions andOperationalServices.

Vehicle Graphics design, print and application.

Signage, site surveys, design,artworkmanufacture,conceptual installationandmaintenance.

Enviromental

Do you prefer choosing eco-friendly products? Reduce your carbon footprint by choosing our new sustainable recycled signs. From external welcome signs and enclosure directions to cafeteria decals and hotel room door plaques. Which means we can produce premium eco-friendly signage for all your needs. Our exciting range of durable, sustainable products involves recycled and PVC-free alternative materials that are much better for the environment. Vehicle graphics are also available which can transform any vehicle large or small into an effective mobile advertising unit for your business.

SEC Works Group takes pride in knowing they offer professional signage solutions to clients across the country.

Meet The Team

Meet The Team

SEC Works Group understands the requirements of quality and delivery. SEC Works Group has traditional,modern equipment and techniques. SEC Works Group uses environmental materials and applications to specific requirements.

Paul Chapman Logistics Director-

Paul Chapman Logistics Director-

"We look after clients' assets and offer–ongoing maintenance, insurance, storage, delivery of our own drivers to deliver assets in pristine condition. Which means if the asset is needed it is ready and delivered on time."

"We look after clients' assets and offer–ongoing maintenance, insurance, storage, delivery of our own drivers to deliver assets in pristine condition. Which means if the asset is needed it is ready and delivered on time."

Mike Bichard

Mike Bichard

Graphic and Sign Director -

Justin Good Design and Coachbuild Director

Graphic and Sign Director -

"We offer a variety of marketing solutions –using modern materials and applications. Design, manufacture, and installation , with our own fitters. Which means accurate design, installation and quality material.

"We offer a variety of marketing solutions –using modern materials and applications. Design, manufacture, and installation , with our own fitters. Which means accurate design, installation and quality material.

Justin Good Design and Coachbuild Director

"When we are involved in a conversion project be it a bus, truck, van or trailer everything undertaken is done in-house by our own team of skilled craft people. Which means we deliver on time and on budget."

"When we are involved in a conversion project be it a bus, truck, van or trailer everything undertaken is done in-house by our own team of skilled craft people. Which means we deliver on time and on budget."

Signage & Marketing

Signage & Marketing

Do you need professional and affordable signage?

Do you need professional and affordable signage?

We work alongside the client throughout the project which means we ensure that the finished vehicle meets all expectations and that the project is delivered on time to the client’s satisfaction. We work with big brands and SMEs, no job is too small.

We work alongside the client throughout the project which means we ensure that the finished vehicle meets all expectations and that the project is delivered on time to the client’s satisfaction. We work with big brands and SMEs, no job is too small.

Looking to create an eye-catching and engaging branding strategy for your business?

Looking to create an eye-catching and engaging branding strategy for your business?

SEC Works Group is a professional sign design company that can help you create the perfect retail signage for your business. We have a wide range of options to choose from, our team of experts will work with you to create a bespoke sign that perfectly represents your brand.

SEC Works Group is a professional sign design company that can help you create the perfect retail signage for your business. We have a wide range of options to choose from, our team of experts will work with you to create a bespoke sign that perfectly represents your brand.

For more information or enquires please contact our team: Sales@secworks.co.uk

For more information or enquires please contact our team: Sales@secworks.co.uk 01795 534888

01227 766229

01795 534888 01227 766229 Follow us on social media for more content.

Follow us on social media for more content.

SEC Works Group understands the requirements of quality and delivery. SEC Works Group has traditional,modern equipment and techniques. SEC Works Group uses environmental materials and applications to specific requirements.

Creative solutions for innovative Kent firms

are making and creating in the county.

Cornelius Creative is a product design and marketing company based in Fawkham, north Kent.

technical expertise, creativity and commercial acumen into product development.

Brachers advises on sale of TurgenSec to US firm

Over the past five years 175 more manufacturers have made Kent their home, an increase of 5.8%, meaning nearly 3,200 enterprises

Founded by ex-Dyson engineer Simon Cornelius in 2020, the company specialises in bringing new and innovative ideas to market, supporting clients with new product development from concept generation to market launch and everything in-between.

They work with global corporations, SMEs and innovative start-ups to solve challenges like; how to sell more products; how do we plan a killer product launch; and what products should we be developing next?

Simon started the business after recognising a need to blend

“Too many times in the past I have worked with industrial designers and marketers separately, but the key to launching a successful product is to create desirable, functional and well-crafted products that will perform commercially. After all, why invest in developing a product that’s not going to sell?”

Cornelius Creative’s core services centre around market research, product development and visualisation (CGI). They’ve recently worked with Barton Marine, Hansgrohe, SharkNinja and Bathroom Brands to launch new products into the marketplace.

www.corneliuscreative.uk

Laura Chambers Digital introduces podcast to help local business

Laura Chambers Digital is celebrating the launch of its first podcast series.

What’s the worst that can happen? provides daily bite-size episodes to encourage business owners to make the most out of their social media and digital presence.

Laura’s business has been running since 2019 from

Rainham, Medway. She wants to ensure local businesses understand how to use social media to maximise their profits, brand awareness and customer relations.

Laura originally built up a community to support mums and businesses in Kent called On the Doorstep. Her accounts blossomed quickly to a following of just under 10,000 across Facebook and Instagram.

It was at this point Laura realised that perhaps

businesses could benefit from social media support as well.

From this Laura Chambers Digital was born. Laura understands the barriers facing small business owners when it comes to digital marketing.

Laura says, “I am so happy I have found another way to support businesses here in Kent. I’m excited about what the podcast will achieve and also my growing community”.

Laurachambersdigital.co.uk

Brachers Corporate team has advised on the sale of Londonbased, digital risk protection platform, TurgenSec to a US technology firm.

Brachers advised on all UK aspects of this deal, from offer letter through to structuring through to due diligence and documentation.

Founded in 2019, TurgenSec offers cost-effective and bespoke cyber security to individuals and organisations.

The international aspects of the transaction meant that the Brachers team had to overcome the differences of dealing with UK and US legal approaches.

Corporate Partner

Claire Williams led the deal for Brachers, alongside Corporate and Commercial Solicitor Kieron Cummins and Employment Partner Colin Smith.

Claire Williams commented: “We’re glad that we could overcome the complexities and transatlantic differences involved in this deal to achieve a result that both parties were happy with and that will give the TurgenSec business fantastic opportunities for growth”.

After the global disruption of Covid-19, manufacturing in Kent is getting back on track.

Re-developing the landscape with DDS

With 45 years’ experience providing services in demolition, enabling works, asbestos removal and civil engineering, DDS is recognised for doing things the right way, without compromising on safety or community values.

Kent based 'Downfast Demolition and Salvage Ltd was established in 1977, originally undertaking projects with high volumes of architectural salvage (e.g. Bricks, Tiles etc) which were cleaned, processed and resold back into the local market. As time progressed, so did our reputation as an honest and fair family-run business, which spurred our growth in the construction industry and began our evolution into the DDS Group.

Now involved in projects across a wide range of sectors for an even broader range of clients nationally, we are committed to excellence across all areas of our business, none more so than our consideration for the environment, for the communities we work within and for the health and safety of our team.

Whether demolishing, or preparing the ground pre-construction, we are ultimately engaged as specialists who deal with constraints inherent to existing structures, the location or state of the ground.

Providing open and unbiased advice from project conception, and throughout the evolution of the design principles, DDS work as a trusted consultant, both technically and commercially.

At DDS, our mission is to provide our clients with the highest quality turnkey solution in an ever-changing environment, defined by safety, integrity, honesty and trust.

www.dds-group.co.uk

Men are more likely to ignore problems with their eyes

Most of us will look after our health. So when something is wrong, we’ll call the doctor or visit the pharmacy. But we don’t often think about looking after our eyes.

Men are 16 percent more likely to present with advanced vision loss at eye clinics compared to women, according to researchers at City, University of London.

The study, which is published in the journal of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, highlights that men are more likely to ignore symptoms and not seek early medical attention until disease is significant. This presents a public health challenge for glaucoma and other diseases that benefit from early detection.

Do not lose sight of what is important

It is therefore vitally important to have an eye test at least every two years. An eye test does not just check if you need glasses, it’s also an important health examination.

Your optician can spot early signs of eye conditions and other health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Most people should have an eye

test every two years, although this may be different in certain circumstances. If you are over 40 and have a close relative with glaucoma, you are entitled to a free eye test.

Love your Eyes

Kent Association for the Blind’s Love your Eyes campaign raises awareness of the importance of looking after your eyes. Tips include regular eye tests, wearing sunglasses and eating the right foods.

Visit www.kab.org.uk/love-your-eyes/ for more information.

This Christmas, Bridgewood Manor Hotel is proud to partner with Ellenor Hospice to help spread some festive joy and make every child’s Christmas special.

Ellenor Hospice is the provider of exceptional palliative care for both adults and children living in North Kent and Bexley.

The hospice strives to improve the lives of those affected by terminal or life-limiting illnesses, giving them and their carers the confidence to cope and enjoy the best quality of life possible.

The hospice supports children and their families by providing care at their place of choice, which is often in the familiar surroundings of their own home.

Bridgewood Manor Hotel is inviting guests and local residents to take part in a toy donation so that each and every child under the care of the hospice receives something extra special this Christmas. The hospice kindly requests new toys if possible but ALL donations are greatly appreciated.

Toys are to be dropped off at the hotel by 12 December where the hotel’s resident Elf is busy packing them up ready to be collected by the hospice in good time for the big day.

Steve Brazil, General Manager of Bridgewood Manor said:

“Giving back is very important to the hotel and is a fantastic way to help raise awareness of the truly inspirational work the staff and volunteers do at Ellenor Hospice. We know that Christmas won’t be magical for every child this year so, with the help of our community, we want to help bring a smile to the faces of these brave children at this special time of year.”

Donate a toy and help make every child’s Christmas extra special this year

Woodpeckers of Kent - a timber recycling success

The labour-intensive activity provides opportunities to a wide range of disadvantaged people. Everyone in the team is able to learn new skills and Woodpeckers of Kent offers training and helps volunteers overcome barriers to finding employment.

Everything collected is reused or recycled – nothing is returned to the waste stream.

How much are you worth to your business?

In October, Woodpeckers of Kent a not-for-profit community wood recycling project, were able to showcase their operation to a host of local dignitaries.

The visitors included local MP, Damian Green, Andrew Osborne, Head of Economic Development at Ashford Borough Council, and Kent Invicta Chamber President and Chair of Ashford Economic Development Group, Richard Lavender.

They were able to see first-hand how recycling using a waste wood collection service can save 40% or more on skip charges.

In 2022, Woodpeckers of Kent rescued more than 600 tonnes of timber from the waste stream and saved more than 300 tonnes of CO2

The group is very proud to be shortlisted as a finalist from the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce for this year’s Chamber Business Awards in the category of Sustainability and Decarbonisation Business of the Year 2022.

If you would like to use the service, volunteer or buy recycled timber then visit www.woodpeckersok.com

New Kent base for local business coach

Action Coach, the business coaching company, has opened new offices in Kent.

Based in north Kent, the franchise owner, Harminder Hayer, says it’s a fantastic opportunity for him to work with business owners.

An experienced businessman, Harminder started his first business at age 19 and since then has built up and sold successful ventures across different sectors.

His vast experience over the last 30 years meant the transition to coaching was easy to make.

Since setting up, Harminder has coached over 175 start-up and growth companies. Using the Action Coach system, he helps businesses owners to systemise their operation, take better control and grow.

The businesses he has coached typically have three main issues.

They are good at what they do but they’re working too many hours and this has a knock-on effect on their health and family time.

Secondly, some have built up a team but fail to delegate and end up doing too much of the work themselves and this has an impact on efficiency in general.

Thirdly, business owners say they’re making good money but they're bad at the numbers. They’re not sure on a week-toweek or month-to-month basis where their business is. The impact of this is that it causes a certain amount of anxiety and it’s harder to plan for the future.

By Peter Colechin at Advanta Wealth

How much are you worth to your business?

A lifetime of saving, a Lifetime Allowance

By Peter Colechin at Advanta Wealth

By Peter Colechin at Advanta Wealth

• Market contacts and industry reputation

With the recent furore over tax rates and allowances, Peter Colechin FPFS takes a look at one allowance that wasn’t subject to change, the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) for pensions.

• Contribution to turnover

• Cost of replacement i.e., head-hunter fees, joining bonus and equity participation

• An assessment of a multiple of profits impact

The allowance remains at the current level until the tax year ending April 2026 so keeping an eye on the value of benefits and planning how you are going to take them is a must for every saver and employer with a pension scheme.

What is the Lifetime Allowance?

Sadly, history is full of stories of successful business leaders who have died and whilst everyone’s immediate thoughts are for the welfare of their family, the business they ran finds itself with a leadership vacuum and a financial challenge. This financial challenge impacts everyone from the remaining directors, employees, investors, lenders, trade creditors and debtors.

• Market contacts and industry reputation

Shareholder Protection

First implemented in 2006, the LTA is the maximum level of pension benefits that you can take, without being subject to a lifetime allowance charge.

So, what steps can a business take to protect itself?

• Cost of replacement i.e., head-hunter fees, joining bonus and equity participation

Originally set at £1.5m it is now £1,073,100. This figure does not include your State Pension, but does include any personal or occupational pension that you have.

How do I calculate my LTA?

Sadly, history is full of stories of successful business leaders who have died and whilst everyone’s immediate thoughts are for the welfare of their family, the business they ran finds itself with a leadership vacuum and a financial challenge. This financial challenge impacts everyone from the remaining directors, employees, investors, lenders, trade creditors and debtors. So, what steps can a business take to protect itself?

Loan Protection – this is protection for the bank that any business loans will be repaid in the event of the death of one of the directors. Whilst the bank can insist on the insurance cover, they cannot insist which insurance company or adviser arranges this for you.

Type of Pension Calculation*

At the simplest of levels, the calculation depends on the pension plans you have.

Money Purchase – also known as Defined Contribution/Personal Pension/Workplace Scheme/Group Personal Pension/SIPP

– established to enable the company or its directors to purchase the shares held by a deceased director shareholder. Shares normally pass to a surviving family member in a Will so unless the company doesn’t want control over who the inheritor sells the shares to, a competitor perhaps, then agreements need to be in place alongside the insurance to protect the business.

Final Salary or Defined Benefit pension 20 x the annual pension payable after any lump sum taken.

The value of the fund when you take benefits

Partnership Protection

*Different arrangements may apply to schemes where benefits were taken before April 2006

What happens if I exceed the LTA

Loan Protection – this is protection for the bank that any business loans will be repaid in the event of the death of one of the directors. Whilst the bank can insist on the insurance cover, they cannot insist which insurance company or adviser arranges this for you.

Shareholder Protection – established to enable the company or its directors to purchase the shares held by a deceased director shareholder. Shares normally pass to a surviving family member in a Will so unless the company doesn’t want control over who the inheritor sells the shares to, a competitor perhaps, then agreements need to be in place alongside the insurance to protect the business.

– for partnerships, many of the same keyperson issues exist but added to this, is the requirement to repay partnership capital on death.

Having benefits in excess of the LTA doesn’t create a tax charge, the tax position is only tested after what is known as a crystallisation event. This could be when you take benefits, when you die or when you reach the age of 75.

If you take benefits and have funds in excess of the LTA, the following charges apply:-

• 55% of any lump sum taken in excess of the allowance

• 25% of any income taken in excess of the allowance

Partnership Protection – for partnerships, many of the same keyperson issues exist but added to this, is the requirement to repay partnership capital on death.

Common mistakes to avoid include: -

You may be able to protect your fund by applying for Fixed Protection or Individual Protection.

• Incorrect tax treatment resulting in policy proceeds being treated as a trading receipt.

Common mistakes to avoid include: -

Fixed Protection is only available to savers who do not want to make any further contributions to their pension funds and don’t have any further benefit accrual.

Keyperson Protection – usually a requirement by an investor in the business or by the business itself to ensure corporate survival in the event of losing someone who is key to the success of the company. Typically, this would be the CEO, MD, or Sales Director but we are now often seeing the CFO, Compliance and IT directors included as well as the employee who wrote the code for a business operating or IT system. Generally, this insurance cover would be expected to be for a short period of time, say up to five years.

Type of Protection

Fixed protection 2016 £1.25m

Putting a specific value on a director or employee requires a mix of science and art and will usually include a combination of factors: -

Keyperson Protection – usually a requirement by an investor in the business or by the business itself to ensure corporate survival in the event of losing someone who is key to the success of the company. Typically, this would be the CEO, MD, or Sales Director but we are now often seeing the CFO, Compliance and IT directors included as well as the employee who wrote the code for a business operating or IT system. Generally, this insurance cover would be expected to be for a short period of time, say up to five years.

• Incorrect tax treatment resulting in policy proceeds being treated as a trading receipt.

Limit of Protection

• Insurance for a purpose not allowed under the Memorandum & Articles of Association such as the company not having legal powers to purchase the shareholding.

Individual Protection enables you to continue building up your pension but you will be subject to the LTA charge on any funds that exceed the protected amount.

If you would like to discuss how we can help you protect your business, please call us on 020 3668 7480

• Insurance for a purpose not allowed under the Memorandum & Articles of Association such as the company not having legal powers to purchase the shareholding.

If you would like to discuss how we can help you or your business understand your pension, please call us on 020 3668 7480.

Advanta Wealth

Putting a specific value on a director or employee requires a mix of science and art and will usually include a combination of factors: -

130 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SA www.advantawealth.co.uk

pcolechin@theadvantagroup.co.uk

Advanta Wealth

130 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SA www.advantawealth.co.uk

If you would like to discuss how we can help you protect your business, please call us on 020 3668 7480

RUNNING LOW ON HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE STAFF?

If your healthcare business is struggling to find new employees, you’re not alone.

In July, a Parliamentary Committee heard NHS vacancies had reached 105,000 in number, while a Care England survey last December found 95% of respondents struggled to recruit staff.

That’s why training the next generation workers is so important to the health and social care sector, with a pressing need for new talent to maintain the standard all of us desire. With your help, EKC Group can be the solution to the problem.

Four of our six Colleges – Broadstairs, Canterbury, Folkestone, and Sheppey – offer high-quality qualifications in Health and Social Care, with hundreds of students being trained in the area each year.

Both ambitious and eager, these learners are taught the most up-to-date knowledge and skills available to practitioners, ensuring they are ready to enter the job market immediately after graduating.

However, no matter how excellent they are, in-class lessons can only go so far. What’s needed to truly inspire students and prepare them for a career in the healthcare sector is face-toface contact with those already in it.

Whether that’s through talks, demonstrations, field visits, or work placements, every opportunity can enhance learning and crystallise what has been taught in theory. While our

lecturers come from Health and Social Care backgrounds, meeting those currently in the profession is all the more impactful.

That’s where you come in.

If you’re in the sector and wish to help us inspire the next generation of passionate workers, you can get in touch with us today. We can work together to remain at the forefront of Kent’s Health and Social Care education and provision.

Your organisation can be a beacon of best practice and be at the forefront of learners’ minds when they complete their courses. By offering work experience or business and administration apprenticeships, you get instant access to young people with modern training fresh in their minds.

If you think you can help train the health and social care workers of the future, get in touch with us at ekcgroup.ac.uk today.

KEEPING STAFF WELLBEING AT OUR CORE

As

Nearly 1 in 4 UK employees met the criteria for ‘clinically relevant symptoms’ of anxiety and depression, according to a study published this year by Champion Health.

At EKC Group, we strive to maintain a holistic approach to tackling this among our own staff body. Not only does this combat staff turnover, it also creates a welcoming and positive environment for both our employees and students.

A simple way of minimising stress and anxiety is ensuring employees have channels of communication with their managers, encouraging them to be open about their wellbeing during regular one-to-one meetings. This enables us to support the staff member individually, as well as identifying areas we can focus on as a Group.

We recognise that flexible working can be very beneficial to staff members. People are invited to discuss with their managers possible amendments to start times and working hours, as well as opportunities to work from home. This flexibility ties in with our policies for those with children or dependents, which have been crafted to meet the disruption parents and carers can face.

As a Group, we’re dedicated to easing already stressful situations and supporting our staff through them. In this endeavour, days off may be allowed to care for sick or injured children and dependents, for fertility treatment, and even for their child’s first day at school.

Another way we assist staff through stress is by offering confidential counselling with an external service, ensuring employees can speak openly and honestly about any issues they’re facing both in and out of work.

Our Group also runs a virtual hub packed with courses for building confidence, boosting happiness and increasing organisation in everyday life. Accessible to anyone across the Group, these courses are enhanced through the provision of one-to-one wellbeing action plans for those who would like one.

We believe it is important for organisations to focus on employees’ stresses outside of work as well, so our support doesn’t end when the work day does.

Staff across the Group can benefit from discounted membership at our Canterbury College Sports Centre. We also facilitate employees creating after-work clubs, with our most popular being the running, yoga, and crocheting clubs.

By keeping our staff happy and healthy, both physically and mentally, we as an organisation reap benefits in return. If you want to find out how you can create a similar work environment, or how you can join our Group to enjoy our wellbeing strategy, search ekcgroup.ac.uk today.

After the pandemic and its resultant lockdowns, maintaining health and wellbeing in the workplace is increasingly important.

a Group, we’re dedicated to easing already stressful situations and supporting our staff through them. In this endeavour, days off may be allowed to care for sick or injured children and dependents, for fertility treatment, and even for their child’s first day at school.

health

wellbeing

The Bottom line though - How can a company manage its relationships with its workforce, the societies in which it operates, and the political environment?

To align to the importance of the S – People, and their environment is fundamental. GRI Standards under occupational health and safety (403) bring this to light and good strategies should always align to standards.

Therefore, creating accountability and transparency for employee well-being is no longer a nice to have. But how we do measure it? Companies are increasingly expected to be proactive, and not simply leave interventions to the staff.

By Mark Lumsdon-Taylor Partner, MHA MacIntyre Hudson.

When asked to write an article for Thinking Business’ Health and Wellbeing edition I reflected on how the workplace has changed and what we now value as important. As part of my role at MHA I am the lead individual for the Social aspect of Environmental Social Governance. This is something I am both passionate about and have seen first-hand the

and threats that exist.

In reality there is often a lot more focus on E than S in the press, with investors and with stakeholders, but that’s because E is much more measurable – it’s straightforward to look at degrees Celsius and tonnes of emissions (i.e. the route to net zero!).

Social factors, by contrast, can be much harder to measure: “Planet isn’t necessarily more important than people, it’s just easier to measure.”

A positive team impacts the company’s bottom line as well as ensuring a positive workplace environment (lower turnover and burnout). Take the WELL Building Standard – a measurable performance based standard that monitors the feature of a building that affects health and well-being. I know this first hand with the environmental project I was involved as one of the first planned adopters.

We cannot do everything, but we can put some culture structures in place, for example:

- Set up a Wellbeing Framework; Including where, who and work type

- Identify the low hanging fruit (Care and Inclusion; Technology use and not overpromising)

- Consider investment: Health insurance; Assistance programs and Workplace standards

With wellbeing – a fundamental point is not to confuse proactive performance management and delivery of objectives with bullying or inappropriate business behaviours. You cannot tick the box with wellness and then be complicit in poor behaviour at work. A wellness culture is led from the highest level showing the best business leadership.

As leaders we have a duty of care, and its more than a writing a policy. Talk to the people that have lived, learnt and become better leaders as a result of cultural change. Don’t let the ‘S’ drop down the priority list.

With wellbeing – a fundamental point is not to confuse proactive performance management and delivery of objectives with bullying or inappropriate business behaviours. You cannot tick the box with wellness and then be complicit in poor behaviour at work. A wellness culture is led from the highest level showing the best business leadership.

opportunities

How to find a healthier you during the winter months

As the autumn days draw upon us and the evenings get darker, it is tempting to want to stay indoors and cosy up under the blanket. But there are many benefits to finding a healthier you and making the smallest of lifestyle adjustments, even in the colder months.

Taking regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep active, finding 10 minutes out of your day to get out in the fresh air for a walk is proven to boost your mood as well as fitness. Why not get out at lunchtime or if you have a dog get out with your beloved pooch to enjoy an early evening stroll..

There are many benefits that a daily 10-minute walk can have:

1. It reduces stress and improves your mental health

2. Walking is one of the best exercises for losing weight

3. It helps lower blood pressure, improves sleep and re-energises

4. Kills your food cravings

5. Improves your cardiovascular fitness

6. Strengthens bones

7. Boosts immune function

Staying motivated is one of the hardest things to do, so try to incorporate it into your daily routine and make it enjoyable, vary your route and track your progress. Seeing your results is also a great motivator.

Everyone’s journey is different, but it all starts with the same end goal – a healthier you, so get your winter wellies on and get walking!

For more information visit www.benenden.co.uk

Kent graduates creating change for vulnerable young people

Donna Leigh and Laura Ballantyne first met at the University of Kent while studying social work.

Both shared a passion for creating change for young people and once they graduated, worked for Medway Children’s Services. Donna worked in referral and assessment and Laura in the 16-plus leaving care team.

“Many of the young people we work with will have experienced trauma, loss and rejection to name a few and as a result can often display challenging or risk-taking behaviours. They may have felt let down by those who are meant to care for them and professionals and are often very reluctant to trust,” Laura says.

The pair set up Maslow Residential Support Services.

“We decided that we would develop a warm, safe and stable environment for these young people to grow, to feel and to develop with our support. A home for young people to invest emotionally in, with staff who offer unconditional warmth, a hot drink and a welcome home at the end of a tough day”.

Laura adds: “We want young people to guide us, have a voice and be heard at Maslow.”

Donna and Laura are keen to connect with other Chamber members so that they have trusted people around them to help them grow the business and rely on.

Help Your Employees stay fit this Winter

During the winter months, more people suffer from muscle and joint issues leading to time off work to recover.

Here we look at what causes this pain and what can be done to help.

What can cause muscle and joint issues?

• When you repeatedly use the same muscles at work or during exercise, you may develop sore muscles from overuse

• Decreased activity levels can cause muscles to become stiff

• Sitting still for too long such can cause lower back pain

• Stress can cause pain

So, what can be done to help employees prevent muscle and joint issues?

• Encourage employees to move often as stretching regularly can help muscles and improve overall circulation

• Encourage employees to go for a walk at lunchtime as walking helps keep us mobile

• Recommend activities such as yoga, pilates, the gym and swimming when the weather is bad

• Drinking enough water is important to maintain muscle and joint health

We decided that we would develop a warm, safe and stable environment for these young people to grow, to feel and to develop with our support.

Rob Thomas, Senior Osteopathic Clinic tutor at the European School of Osteopathy says, “It is important for employees to keep moving in the winter to prevent muscle and joint issues. However, if they are suffering with a muscle or joint injury, it is recommended they see a professional as a priority to stop it becoming a significant and long-term problem.”

I Do Marketing helps Take Off in mental health support

I Do Marketing are supporting Take Off in its effort to build awareness of the charity’s mental health and physical wellness groups throughout Kent.

Encouraging individuals to seek help for their mental health has never been more critical. With their 100% user-led approach, Take Off are making it their mission to reach and help as many people as possible with their groups and services.

Having just celebrated their fifth anniversary, I Do Marketing are supporting their local community by helping strengthen Take Off's brand and showcasing their amazing work pro-bono. I Do Marketing will be working with the Take Off team to

introduce market penetration strategies, graphic design, website development, increasing visibility online via Google and social media, campaign planning and monthly review meetings.

Health and Wellbeing in the workplaceThe Benefits of Good Coffee

By Matthew Schmidt Café Couture

Following the pandemic we are seeing a massive shift in attitude towards our positive physical and mental well being, both at home and in the workplace. We are all looking at ways to promote a healthy lifestyle and drinking coffee can help form part of that, as with all things drinking in moderation is also advised.

The main recognised benefits of coffee consumption include helping to burn fat and lowering your risk of liver disease, to helping improve energy levels and improving cognitive functions whilst also being rich in antioxidant’s and essential nutrients.

Whilst traditionally the workplace has been the bastion of the jar of instant and a kettle drinking habits in the UK have changed drastically over the last 10 -15 years with consumers wanting quality fresh coffee and there’s no reason why employers cannot give our staff a quality drink whilst at work.

The products and systems available are largely dependant on volume of drinks consumed so starting with a small pod system, which requires little investment in equipment but can be expensive per cup through to a fresh bean to cup machine starting at c.£12 per week rental with a better value per cup and also I believe greater quality.

Giving staff access to free or subsidised drinks brings many benefits among them as mentioned above, a happier work force with greater energy and may even help with staff retention levels in the long run as this will be seen as a perk, especially if staff can save on buying a cup of coffee on the way to work and grab one in the office saving them up to £12 per week, which over the year could be significant in these challenging times.

Along with coffee, good quality drinking water is also an essential part of a healthy balance diet and these should also form part of our staff offering, with multiple systems on offer from the humble cooler to a fully integrate tap system with chilled, hot and sparkling options.

With over 25 years experience in helping customers feed and water their staff we have a range of options available so for a no obligation chat why not call us and see what we can assist you with providing your team.

The main recognised benefits of coffee consumption include helping to burn fat and lowering your risk of liver disease, to helping improve energy levels and improving cognitive functions whilst also being rich in antioxidant’s and essential nutrients.

• Staying dry and warm helps prevent muscle tension so a simple step such as encouraging employees to wear thermals outdoors can help

Ready for ‘Better Health’ this New Year?

Healthy weight

One You Kent can help you lose weight and get with lots of free tools and support at www.kent.gov.uk/healthyweight where you can also try the ‘How are You?’ quiz, Easy meals app or Active 10 app, and find the NHS 12 week diet and exercise plan, plus a referral form to speak to a One You Kent advisor.

One You Kent services are commissioned by Kent County Council and are provided by partners Kent Community NHS Foundation Trust in east Kent, and the district councils in west Kent.

Smoking Cessation Support

Kent residents who are facing increasing health issues from poor key lifestyle behaviours including inactivity and unhealthy eating, along with smoking and drinking too much alcohol, could be seeing short and long term effects on their emotional and physical health, leading to an increased risk of many types of cancer, heart and lung disease and stroke.

For advice about small changes you can make to improve your health and wellbeing including quitting smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink, and to find more support in your area regarding your lifestyle, see www.oneyoukent.org.uk

Meanwhile, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust provides smoking cessation services across Kent through One You Kent, offering a range of support to suit people at times convenient for you. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/smokefree

Reducing alcohol consumption

And One You Kent can help you address how much alcohol you are drinking with tips and advice to cut back. Find information on local support services and the online tool ‘Know Your Score’ which encourages Kent residents to find out how much drinking may be affecting their health and relationships, as well as giving potentially life-saving advice from key health professionals www.kent.gov.uk/knowyourscore

Mental wellbeing

One You Kent services can also support you with mental health and wellbeing issues. At www.kent.gov.uk/EveryMindMatters site, you can find the online tool Every Mind Matters plus signposting to local support including community mental health services Live Well Kent, the NHS Kent and Medway’s Mental Wellbeing Information Hub and also the Release the Pressure campaign which offers a text service to people who are struggling to cope and need immediate help.

People can text the word “Kent” or “Medway” to 85258, to start a conversation with one of the many trained and experienced volunteers who can give help at any time, wherever you are.

Help is also available via the Release the Pressure 24/7 freephone helpline 0800 107 0160.

‘Healthy changes start with little changes’ that’s the message from the Better Health campaign which is being supported by One You Kent services.

One You Kent services are commissioned by Kent County Council and are provided by partners Kent Community NHS Foundation Trust in east Kent, and the district councils in west Kent.

Kent MS Therapy Centre

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Established in 1984 the Kent MS Therapy Centre aims to improve the quality of life of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The Charity benefits from a modern, stateof-the art therapy centre which provides a warm and welcoming environment in which a range of non-invasive therapies and support services are provided.

Since the opening of the new building in 2015 the Charity has supported more and more people with other conditions, not just those living with MS. We invite members throughout the community who might benefit from the therapies that we provide at the Centre. We currently have 550 members, 330 of whom

The charity provides a range of non-invasive therapies which include: high dose oxygen therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, complementary therapies and counselling. We are fortunate to have our own on-site hydrotherapy pool and gymnasium which are regularly used by our members. Activities such as aqua yoga, swimming, pilates and complementary therapies are extremely popular. We also have an on site café as well as fantastic charity shop within the Centre.

Self-funded, the charity receives no regular or core funding from the government or NHS and relies on other sources of income to sustain its services. We welcome support from local businesses and community supporters in a variety of ways including volunteering schemes for businesses who encourage their staff to support local charities.

To find out more about the Kent MS Therapy Centre and discuss how you and/or your business can support us please contact the Chief Operating Officer, Heidi Coleman.

Telephone: 01227 470876 Website: www.kentmstc.org

Kent MS Therapy Centre (Registered Charity No: 801382), Bradbury House, Merton Lane (North), Canterbury, Kent, CT4 7DZ.

Supporting The Centre provides therapies and support including: Hydrotherapy Physiotherapy Oxygen Therapy Aqua Yoga Massage

01227 470876 www.kentmstc.org info@kentmstc.org Registered Charity no. 801382 Reflexology Acupuncture Counselling APS Therapy Pilates

Staff wellbeing boosted by free workplace health programme

The Kent and Medway Healthy Workplaces programme has worked with more than 250 businesses since its launch in 2020. It gives organisations resources, advice and training to support the wellbeing of their staff.

Financial worries aren’t being left at home

Senior Public Health Manager and programme lead, James Flower comments “Financial worries are affecting people’s mental wellbeing at work. Employers want to help but don’t always feel confident about broaching this sensitive subject matter. We can help employees have positive and constructive conversations with staff about their financial and mental wellbeing and signpost them to the right sources of support”.

Once a business has signed up to the programme, trained advisers work with them to develop a wellness programme that also goes toward a Kent and Medway Workplace Wellbeing Award. As well as mental health, the programme also covers physical activity, healthy eating, stopping smoking and work-related back or neck pain.

ADM Computing completed their Platinum Kent and Medway Workplace Wellbeing Award after joining the programme in May 2021. Jolene Bullock, Service Manager, said: “Staff who know that their employers care are more motivated, they’re more willing to do a better job. And there is no tie in and there is no cost, which I think is a big thing.”

Normalising conversations about mental health helps

BJF Group are Bronze Award winners. With a workforce of 250 people based across multiple sites, promoting staff wellbeing presented them with a particular challenge. Jo Smith, Compliance Officer, comments ‘I think a lot of businesses would agree that it’s taking off on the subject of mental health that can be hard.’

Using resources put at their disposal by the Kent and Medway Healthy Workplace Programme, Jo and her team were able to launch a campaign called Better BJF to tackle common issues like anxiety and stress in the workplace.

Jo Smith comments “The response has been a positive one. We’re finding that staff are more inclined to talk to a colleague and or a line manager about how they’re feeling.”

Also thanks to the programme, BJF Group now have seven trained mental health and wellbeing champions who can support staff in crisis and connect them with appropriate services.

Businesses can choose between two levels of membership in the Kent and Medway Healthy Workplaces Programme.

• Award level membership. Designed to recognise the achievements of workplaces who commit to several health and wellbeing pledges. Open to any business – regardless of size or sector –awards are given at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum level.

Businesses receive free resources and training, including a staff wellbeing survey and advice on policy writing, as well on-site health checks and group activities.

• Associate membership.

Perfect for organisations who aren’t yet ready to start the award programme but still want access to a monthly newsletter and help with ad-hoc workplace health queries.

Free support and advice is available to Kent businesses to help them create an environment in which staff feel valued, connected to the business and able to reach their full potential.

IS BUILT ON PEOPLE

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By Sharon Bowles

Company culture is a key asset for any business to promote. To win new business, retain customers and, what is becoming more and more important in today’s world of work, to attract and retain the best talent for your team.

Gone are the days when a business can just wave a flag and shout about what their values and points of difference are. Anyone can talk the talk; it’s how you walk the walk that matters. So how do you start to create great company culture?

In the construction industry, businesses have one commonality when it comes to their service delivery. Whether consultant, contractor, subcontractor, or building product manufacturer they are all looking to create places and spaces that meet the needs and wants of the people that occupy them. Human beings. Businesses in every other industry can learn a lot from the construction industry’s objectives and standards when it comes to considering the needs and wants of the people who occupy the buildings and places they create.

Health and wellbeing appear in the brief and objectives of every building being constructed in today’s world, whether residential or commercial, and quite rightly so. For too long we’ve built for speed, for necessity, and now we are realising we need to build for people, and for our planet.

They say you can tell how much a business cares about its people by the standard of their washrooms. But that’s just one area of welfare. In this day and age, in a world where so many were ‘spoiled’ by their individually comfort-controlled workspaces at home during Covid, businesses need to offer a lot more to keep their employees coming into the office and ultimately, within their workforce. In fact, what some businesses refer to as benefits, are actually considered to be basic human living conditions by England’s building regulation standards. If you want to treat your people in ways better than ‘basic’, you need to think about them as individuals, not a workforce. Think about the comforts they enjoyed whilst working from home and the potential to introduce more choice into the workplace.

Hygiene, temperature, ventilation, lighting, general comfort conditions and the overall environment quality provided, are fundamental to our satisfaction within a building, as well as our ongoing health.

Changes could be as simple as introducing more plants to the working environment, changing your lighting system to warm coloured LEDs, or upgrading any outdoor space you have available to you. We direct our clients to the WELL Building Standard for inspiration and in some cases the ‘WELL’ accreditation for commercial buildings.

The International WELL Building Institute spend all day, every day acting as advocates for the

premise of occupant health and wellbeing; to prioritise a businesses’ people, and in turn maximise real estate value and optimise the human and social capital performance of the business. Their WELL Building Standard applies the science of physical and social environments to benefit the health, wellbeing and performance of a business’ people.

Implementing design and change to create healthy and wellbeing conscious spaces to the ‘WELL Building Standard’ provides the foundations for great company culture. By following the concepts, it provides proven overall occupant satisfaction increase of nearly 30%, occupant perceived wellbeing score increases of 26% and reported mental health improvement of 10%.

A workplace which invests in promoting the health and wellbeing of its people will be rewarded with those people being more productive and having increased pride in being part of the business. Doesn’t that sound like a company culture you want?

As a marketing agency who are dedicated to the construction industry and built environment, The Digital Lookout add value by understanding and continually educating themselves on industry issues to support their clients’ needs.

Sharon Bowles, Client Services Director at The Digital Lookout, is currently studying to become an Accredited Professional in the WELL Building Standard.

“Is

Without you necessarily realising it, the technology you use in your organisation can become a sprawling, unwieldly, inefficient animal.

Furthermore, many IT and Telecoms providers are purely reactive, not PROACTIVE.

So, there are possibly better and cheaper ways of working that you could introduce, if you knew what they were. Our audit is FREE and includes a site visit and report on our findings which may include both QUICK WINS and other improvements.

Are you setting up your Christmas marketing to benefit your business in 2023?

Data protection legislation might leave you as cold as the winter weather, but it’s a great framework for making the most of customer information, especially if you’re planning a big Christmas marketing campaign.

But have you given some thought to the data you’re going to collect and how you may want to use it in 2023?

Here are 3 top tips from Judith Andrew at Business Tamer on making sure your Christmas marketing is set up correctly:

1. Returning and existing customers: make sure your privacy notice is written so your customers understand what you’re going to do with the details they give you and, even better, look forward to getting your marketing content going forward.

2. New customers: write your consent wording so it’s very clear why you want their details – not just for that sale but to use in marketing messages in 2023. You shouldn’t be sending them any marketing messages if they didn’t agree to it. A sale isn’t consent.

3. Browsing but not buying customers: review your newsletter sign-up wording so that’s its attractive. Let’s be honest “sign up to our newsletter” or “accept our privacy policy” are both really dull. Why not say “sign up to receive special offers” or “be the first to know about our new collection” instead?

Customer and contact personal information is a valuable business asset that can be used for customer growth and retention. Used badly, it can cost you customers and sales and risk your reputation.

Make sure you’re set up to use it to benefit your business in 2023!

Want to learn more?

Contact Judith Andrews at Business Tamer on hello@businesstamer.co.uk

Six reasons to use a professional commercial cleaner

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Karen Thomas from Calibre Cleaning explains why

Reduces sickness absence

The cleaner your premises is, the harder it is for germs to spread and the less likely your staff will catch any bugs – or pass them around.

A proper clean

Professional cleaners take time to clean properly. They know exactly the areas where germs thrive and give extra attention where it is needed.

Extra jobs

As well as a daily clean, some areas need a regular deep clean – kitchens, toilets, or high-traffic areas. A professional cleaner will advise on when they need doing.

Never run out of the essentials

Your cleaner can replenish everyday necessities such as loo rolls, hand soap and sanitiser, plus kitchen products such as washing-up liquid and kitchen roll.

It’ll save you time, money and effort to have it all done by the cleaning company.

The correct products

Commercial cleaners will use strong, professional products and equipment for different surfaces such as desks, kitchen surfaces, toilets, carpets and floors. They’ll know how to use them safely avoiding any damage to health, or expensive machinery, fabrics or materials.

Morale

An investment in a cleaner is an investment in your staff. Being surrounded by a clean, fresh environment demonstrates to your team that you prioritise creating a healthy, pleasant space for them to work in.

If you’d like to find out how we can make a difference to your workspace, get in touch today calibrecleaning.co.uk

How print on demand works

If your business involves any kind of printing or personalising of products print on demand could save you time, money and effort whilst giving you an efficient and flexible service to your customers.

What is print on demand?

It is printing only what you need and when you need it, so an individual product is not created until it’s actually been ordered and paid for by your customer.

What are the benefits of print of demand?

• No bulk orders needed.

• Exact orders taken.

• No large upfront costs.

• No storage required.

• No holding stock that isn’t selling.

• No loss to write off.

• Print and fulfilment taken care of –integrates with your ordering system.

• Less storage means you may be able to save by downsizing your premises.

When should I use print on demand?

When you need lower volumes or are selling a customised product – clothes, books, stationery, ceramics, prints, to name a few.

If you are offering personalisation, it allows for printing of one-offs and unique items. It is also great for testing a new product idea without the risk of holding a large amount of stock.

Is print on demand expensive?

The price per item is slightly higher for print on demand but this can be offset against the time and cost involved with storage and delivery fulfilment associated with traditional printing services.

Consider how many items would need to be printed to achieve a lower cost per product – it could be thousands, far exceeding the quantity you actually need or are likely to sell.

If you have any questions about how print on demand could help save you money and provide a faster, more efficient service for your customers, get in touch.

burnttoastsolutions.co.uk

Michael Humphrey-Smith from Burnt Toast Solutions explains.

Boys & Maughan’s property litigation and family lawyers have achieved listings in the 2023 edition of legal industry guide, The Legal 500.

Boys & Maughan’s ranked highly in legal industry guide Hastings business coach scores big in client ratings

The Legal 500 additionally identified Andrew Baker, Jonathan da Costa, Paul Reeves, Matt Champ, Zoey Arscott and Max Konarek amongst its individual Recommended Lawyers.

Zoey Arscott, a Chartered Legal Executive and member of Resolution at Boys & Maughan’s Canterbury Broad Street office, was identified as a Recommended Lawyer by the guide for the first time.

Boys & Maughan’s family lawyers are singled out for particular praise and described as having

“a very high reputation for the quality of their work and their high professional standards.”

Boys & Maughan’s Legal 500 submission was subjected to detailed analysis and clients, referees and other firms gave views to the editors.

Known in the legal marketplace for identifying all the key players, more than 40,000 clients took part in The Legal 500’s 2023 UK research.

www.boysandmaughan.co.uk

Brachers celebrates legal rankings from leading directory Chambers and Partners 2023

Brachers is celebrating another year of excellent rankings by the leading legal directory Chambers and Partners, with the firm being ranked in seven practice areas and 11 lawyers recommended by the guide.

Chambers and Partners is an independent research company operating across two hundred jurisdictions delivering detailed rankings and insight into the world's leading lawyers. The directory conducts tens of thousands of interviews a year with in-house counsel and thirdparty experts, such as barristers and accountants.

The insight delivered by the directory enables organisations to make an informed decision when

selecting legal services which save time and reduce risk.

This year Brachers saw seven practice areas ranked by Chambers and Partners; Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Corporate/M&A, Employment, Family and Matrimonial, Litigation, Real Estate and Real Estate Litigation. Clients praised the expertise of the firm’s lawyers, noting “they are excellent solicitors who know their specialisms inside out” and “who can deal with the more complex transactions.” They also recognised the firm’s focus on its clients, saying “Brachers are dedicated and driven by clients’ best interests” and “care deeply about getting the right and fair result for them.”

The firm has also had a successful year in regard to recognition for its individual lawyers. Partners Allis Beasley, Ash Jilani, Catherine Daw, Claire Williams, Colin Smith, James Bullock, Mark Leeson, Matthew Simmonds, Mei-Ling McNab, Michael Oatham, Sarah Gaines have all been ranked by the directory.

Managing Partner, Joanna Worby, said: “This year’s rankings are a fantastic result for our teams across the firm. The recognition from Chambers and Partners, along with the feedback from our clients, reinforces our position as a leading law firm in the South East.

Congratulations to ActionCOACH Hastings on their recent success winning ‘Best Client Ratings 2022’ for the South-East Region.

They received a Net Promoter Score (‘NPS’) of 88 which is considered excellent.

To put this into context anything above 1 is considered good with companies like Apple scoring 47, Amazon 25, IKEA -9 and Accenture management consulting 1.

Simon Marshall, owner of ActionCOACH Hastings said: “We’re delighted to have received this award based on how likely our clients are to recommend our services.

“It measures customer loyalty, satisfaction and enthusiasm and the results reflect the positive impact we’ve had on our client’s businesses and lives as well the strong and trusted relationship we’ve developed.”

The award was presented to Simon by James Vincent, ActionCOACH UK Performance Director and Frank Dick the British Athletics Federation’s Director of Coaching from 1979 to 1994. Frank is widely acknowledged for coaching and mentoring the British Athletics team into its ‘golden era’.

Joanna Worby

UKCA Marking update welcomed - but future clarity needed

CE marking can now continue to be used for certain goods placed on the GB market until December 31, 2024

Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain was encouraged by the news.

“In the midst of a cost of doing business crisis for many firms across Great Britain, this announcement brings welcome respite from major changes on electrical and consumer products.

He added: “Businesses will be breathing a huge sigh of relief as this decision pushes back costly alterations on

product marking that were due to come into effect in a matter of weeks.

BCC research carried out last year found that only 8% of business were in favour of getting rid of the current EU marking system, called CE, by the start of 2023, and 59% of businesses, affected by the decision, wanted to keep it.

Bain commented: “They see strong benefits in having a single system for testing and marking of industrial and electrical goods for business. Having to use two marking systems, one for in the UK and one for the EU market, will increase costs and also lead to limited choice for customers if firms decide not to do both”.

The BCC view is that there should be no changes on product marking until beyond 2026, and for the issue of UKCA and CE certification to be resolved then for all products.

“Today’s push back is a welcome first step, but much deeper engagement with industry is still needed to devise a plan that works to avoid extra costs for both importing and exporting businesses, and consumers”.

William added: “Ultimately we also need a system that will avoid any unnecessary future cliff-edges on compliance.”

The UK government announced in November that businesses have been given an additional two years to comply with the new UKCA marking requirements.

Slowdown hits UK trade as impact of cost pressures grows

All eyes will be on the next batch of trade data for November 2022 which will be released in January 2023.

The most recent numbers available (for September 2022) certainly provided food for thought.

As William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, explains the effects of higher inflation and reduced consumer spending globally on UK trade are growing clearer as both imports and exports of goods in September slowed.

On the plus side, he pointed out that UK services trade held up, and although areas such as hospitality were being hit at home, the demand for financial and business services products abroad remains stronger.

“To counter these strengthening headwinds for goods trade, we urge the UK Government to implement the recommendations of our Business Manifesto,” Bain said.

“To have any hope of expanding goods export opportunities for firms, the UK’s Export Strategy must be reinforced. This and other measures, such as negotiating reduced red tape in the EU trade agreement, will help mitigate the impacts of rising inflation on consumers and businesses at home.”

Analysis - imports

In September, overall goods imports to the UK fell by 5% (£2.8bn) with EU imports down by 7.3% (£1.9bn) and non-EU imports down by 3% (£1bn), primarily down to lower gas imports from Norway and the fall in oil prices globally.

Excluding inflation overall imports fell by 6.1% (£2.6bn) in September.

Among the largest falls in imports from the EU by sector was in chemicals (down by £0.7bn).

Fuel imports from outside the EU, principally Norway, fell the most in September - down by £1.3bn.

Analysis - exports

UK goods exports fell in September by 4.7% (£1.6bn). The drop in exports to the EU was higher than to the rest of the world - 5.1% (£0.9bn) compared with 4.2% (£0.7bn).

Excluding inflation, overall goods exports fell by 4.8% (£1.4bn) in September.

On exports to the EU the largest falls were in machinery and transport equipment (principally to Germany) and in fuel exports.

Falls in non-EU exports were led by drops in the same goods and commoditiesmechanical and transport equipment, as well as oil exports.

The deficit

The overall trade deficit fell by £1.3bn to £23.7bn during September - fairly constant over the past nine months.

In Q3, total UK goods imports rose by 2%, and UK goods exports rose by 3.2%.

Imports of machinery and transport equipment from the EU fell by £1.7bn over the quarter and chemicals by £1.4bn over the same period.

Total services imports and exports both rose by 3.3% in the same period. Trade in pensions, travel, intellectual property and insurance services remained strong in the third quarter.

The company he works for Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) has an even longer connection with Greenwich which goes back centuries!

ASN in one form or another has been based in Greenwich for over 170 years. It has been a key manufacturer of subsea telecoms equipment during this time. It manufactured the first successful transatlantic cable laid in 1858.

Fast forward to the 2020’s and ASN’s skills in providing subsea cabling is in demand more than ever.

“The requirement for live data connectivity is massive. If you are connected to the Internet –could be via TV or a smart phone – no matter where you are in the world, the chances are you are using equipment made in Greenwich.”

Taj who is now managing director at ASN (he has worked at the company for over 23 years) explains that with the exception of a six-week factory closure during the pandemic, it has been full-steam ahead at ASN’s Greenwich facility.

“One thing that Covid accelerated was the need for connectivity for those working from home. If the pandemic had happened 15 years ago then there is no way the same level of support could have been provided.

“You must remember that 4K, 8K televisions and red buttons are all driving the need for data transmission”.

This consumer demand has contributed to the growth of ASN’s business. Over the last 4-5 years the company has expanded, its refurbished Greenwich factory has doubled both it permanent and contract staff numbers. The workforce is currently just shy of 1,000.

ASN received the Queen’s Award for International Trade 2022 and has been recognised for its excellence in international trade over the last three years. Across various categories the company has chalked up at total of eight Queens Awards – so far. Now in its 56th year, the Queen’s Awards are the most prestigious business awards in the country.

ALL AT SEA IN GREENWICH - in a good way!

Building local relationships

As a long-standing and respected employer in the area, ASN is keen to play an active role in the local business community. Taj elaborates: “We were heavily involved with the local SE London Chamber 20 years ago but when the tech bubble burst we didn’t really connect for a while. Now we want to inspire local business and work with other Chambers so that local companies are aware of us and that we can help them”.

So, what sort of ‘help’ can ASN offer local businesses?

“We have presented at things like Greener Greenwich. Outlining how we can make our site greener and improve waste management. But also explaining how ASN as a whole is reducing CO2 emissions. There is a ‘company strategy’ a ‘local strategy’ and an ‘individual strategy’ and all can have a positive impact on the Greenwich borough.”

As Taj is keen to stress presentations allow ideas to be shared from both sides.

“We also want to understand what other local businesses are doing in this area and learn from them”.

This improved engagement between ASN and the local business community has been well planned. The company set up five separate internal committees to look at ways to work closer and share ideas and resources with local firms and organisations.

ASN is a fundraiser for a Greenwich hospice and it has set up links with a Greenwich food bank. In addition to regular donations, it has positioned collection points around the factory.

In order to recruit local talent and boost the talent pool overall, ASN has actively built a stronger relationship with the University of Greenwich’s engineering department.

“We are going to be using some of their learning modules for our staff. The link also enables introductions to students studying in this area,” Taj explains.

He would like to have more local talent working at ASN but concedes recruitment is a constant challenge. “We have a training school on site and there are great opportunities to work in what is a growth industry. But you have to remember that we manufacture here 24/7. Hybrid working mode (WFH) doesn’t apply in manufacturing so recruitment can be difficult.”

Staffing challenges aside, ASN is likely to be a major presence in Greenwich for some time to come. Optical fibre represents the main channel of communications to connect continents around the world. Traffic is expected to continue growing as global users of the internet demand higher bandwidth.

Since submarine cable systems currently carry more than 99% of the worldwide broadband traffic– data, voice and video – the numbers are favourable. And as the market leader in this space, ASN looks in good shape for the years ahead.

Taj is keen to mention the support to ASN offered by Nokia (ASN is part of the Nokia Group) and how this has helped the business finance its development and maintain its market-leading position.

“Nokia provide the investment we need, particularly supporting our base line infrastructure which is hugely important.”

With accolades like the Queen’s Award already won, Taj is hopeful further recognition will come ASN’s way in future years and he proudly points to the company’s efforts to implement Industry 4.0.

Industry 4.0 refers to the ‘smart’ systems designed to sense, predict, and interact with the physical world in order to make decisions that support production in real-time.

In manufacturing, it can increase productivity, energy efficiency, and sustainability. It also should reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

As Taj explains, this is a forward-thinking company that is always looking to develop its capabilities and build on its success.

Tajinder Bhambra has a long-standing connection with the Greenwich borough – he was born and bred in the area.

Photo by Warren King

USE YOUR TAX ALLOWANCES WHILE YOU’RE STILL ABLE!

Following the Autumn Statement on 17 November 2022, tax director Stephen Metcalf examines the impact on tax allowances

There have been many changes to process over the last seven months since the Spring Statement in March thanks to the September mini-Budget (Growth Plan) swiftly followed by a statement from Jeremy Hunt in October which undid the miniBudget – and now the Autumn Statement.

It is fair to say taxpayers can be forgiven for scratching their heads and wondering what allowances are now available?

Fiscal drag are the two words of the moment with many allowances frozen until 2028.

The dividend allowance, introduced in April 2016 when it was £5,000, will now be reduced from its current level of £2,000 to £1,000 in April 2023 and then £500 in 2024. This will not only impact owner managed businesses but investors too as their allowance shrinks.

The headline move in the latest statement was to lower the 45% tax rate band from £150,000 to £125,140. A hidden impact of this will come to those who have previously enjoyed the £500 savings allowance, which will be lost completely when income hits £125,140.

The other major change announced was the allowance for capital gains tax (CGT), which has been more than halved from £12,300 to £6,000.

This reduction will ensure many more people will pay CGT. A report out last year suggested that only 96,000 people were filling out CGT pages on their tax return. The reduction to £6,000 increases that figure to an estimated 235,000.

Remember that if you sell a residential property you must now deliver a CGT return within 60 days of completion. Taxpayers must have their own government gateway account (as a part of the government’s Making Tax Digital project) so it’s good to get that sorted early.

The inheritance tax threshold will remain frozen at £325,000 until 2027/28. It is worth noting that the last time the allowance was raised was in 2009, meaning it will be nearly 20 years since it was last increased. IHT receipts have more than doubled in that time.

Other allowances have remained unchanged for longer – the £3,000 annual exemption for gifts, for example, hasn’t changed since 1981.

So, what can people do to minimise the impact of frozen allowances and tax increases?

1. Personal pension contributions – these are a really good way of preserving the personal allowance when your income is over £100,000 and can also assist with high income child benefit charge, where income is above £50,000.

2. Gift Aid donations – work in a similar way to pension contributions with the basic rate tax paid to the charity, and the higher rate relief given to you personally.

3. Remuneration planning – review how much income you have taken from your business so far in the tax year, ensure all allowances are used up, and consider what level of dividends and salary produce the optimal result.

4. Ensure other family members have used their allowances eg ISA allowances.

5. Review shares and property values now and take advantage of the current CGT annual exemption by selling ahead of the new tax year in April 2023.

6. Consider the availability of many other allowances, such as the trading allowance, property allowance and savings allowances, and consider how to structure your business affairs to get the maximum benefit.

It should be noted that the measures announced by Jeremy Hunt in his Autumn Statement will have a significant impact on HMRC. After years of taking taxpayers out of annual tax reporting, these latest changes create the opposite effect, bringing many more individuals into the self assessment net.

STEPHEN METCALF

Every week we bring you an eclectic mix of information sessions, networking events, workshops, panel sessions and training sessions with some of the top local business professionals from an array of different industries.

Every week we bring you a mix of information sessions, networking events, 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 offer invaluable up-to-date information tailored to our attendee’s wants and needs, as well as networking opportunities to help you grow your business.

Each event is designed to offer invaluable up-to-date information tailored to our attendee’s wants and needs, as well as networking opportunities to help you grow your business.

With many events held online and across Kent, you’re sure to find the right one for your business.

With many events held online and across Kent, you’re sure to find the right one for your business.

Kent Construction Expo 2022

take advantage from. In this information event, you will hear from a number of speakers about what benefits each of them provide to you and how you can maximise your membership benefits.

Virtual Business Networking is a bi-weekly, fun way of networking which is highly interactive, sparking interesting conversations and aims to bring like-minded people together, guide forward new ideas and form new business relationships.

talk us through why you should consider employing sales staff for your business, when you should start planning for this, and what needs doing before starting a recruitment drive. Your business doesn’t exist without sales – fact.

Conversation with our guest speaker will be followed by three breakout room sessions where attendees can delve deeper into discussion, or discuss their own topic in more depth.

Come along and hear from Keith Brown, Business Support Manager at Quest and Caroline Mason, Health & Wellbeing Consultant from Westfield Health.

If you have ambitions to grow your business, how will you achieve this?

Each event will be an eclectic mix of conversation topics as we interview our guest business and encourage questions from the attendees.

Tuesday 11th October 2022

10:30am - 11:45am

Every other Tuesday | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Members: Free to attend

Tuesday 18th October 2022

9:30am - 11:30am

Members: Free to attend

Members: Free to attend | Non-Members: Free to attend

Non-Members: Free to attend

Non-Members: £5.00 + VAT

Thursday 6th October 2022

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)

Kent Event Centre, Detling

Tuesday 10th January 2023

The Village Hotel, Maidstone

Maximise Your Membership Tuesday 11th October 2022

Virtual Business Networking Tuesday 10th January 2023

Chamber Connections Networking Special With Kent Asscoiation for the Blind

Thursday 13th October 2022 Givaudan, Ashford

Virtual Business Networking Tuesday 24th January 2023

Why You Should Consider Employing Sales Staff For Your Business

Tuesday 18th October 2022

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) Tuesday 7th February 2023

Venue - TBA

Kent Business Leaders Dinner Wednesday 19th October 2022 Frasers, Ashford

Virtual Business Networking Tuesday 14th February 2023

Business Talks: Networking and Tour Thursday 20th October 2022

Virtual Business Networking Tuesday 28th February 2023

The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Chatham

Virtual Business Networking Tuesday 25th October 2022

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Thursday 3rd March 2023

How To Spend Your Marketing Budget Thursday 27th October 2022

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)

Tuesday 1st November 2022

The Village Hotel, Maidstone

More events to follow soon... Keep an eye on the website for further details.

Chamber Connections Networking (Sittingbourne)

Thursday 3rd November 2022

Hosted by members of the KCFG committee, Cheryl Causebrook and Ella Brocklebank, we bring you KCFG Live!

Hosted by members of the KCFG committee, Cheryl Causebrook and Ella Brocklebank, we bring you KCFG Live!

The

The Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) is a one-stop-shop for local businesses to discuss the future of Kent development, giving companies access to local knowledge, expertise and contracts.

KCFG promotes the future role of Kent land development and construction businesses in the growth and development of Kent and its environment.

The session will start promptly at 7:30am for a chance to be put into breakout rooms and network with the other attendees.

The first Tuesday of every month

During

7:30am - 9:30am | The Village Hotel, Maidstone

KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT

The first Tuesday of every month

7:30am - 9:30am

KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT

Business Talks:

Business Talks

Networking and Tour

of Chatham Historic Dockyard

Join others as we explore Chatham Historic Dockyard and network with other business professionals from the local area.

Grab a cup of tea or coffee and join others for a morning of networking. Receive a warm welcome from your Chamber Team who will be on hand to help you meet new members of the business community.

For more than four centuries The Historic Dockyard Chatham was one of Britain’s most important centres of warship building and repair.

During each session there will be a tour around a local business to see and hear first hand how things are run with a “day in the life of”.

During this event there will be plenty of networking opportunities, giving you the chance to connect with like-minded individuals from local businesses of all sizes.

Thursday 20th October 2022

In the past we’ve had wine tasting, backstage tours, gallery and museum visits and a walk around a safari park.

10:30am - 12:30pm | The Historic Dockyard Chatham Members: £15.00 + VAT | Non-Members: £20.00 + VAT

The third Thursday of every month

10:30am - 12:30pm

Members: £15.00 + VAT | Non-Members: £20.00 + VAT

Virtual Business Networking is a bi-weekly, fun way of networking which is highly interactive, sparking interesting conversations and aims to bring like-minded people together, guide forward new ideas and form new business relationships.

Conversation with our guest speaker will be followed by three breakout room sessions where attendees can delve deeper into discussion, or discuss their own topic in more depth.

Every other Tuesday | 10:30am - 12:00pm Members: Free to attend | Non-Members: Free to attend

This informal event will give you an opportunity to promote your business and make invaluable connections. ‘Chamber Connections Networking’ are very popular networking events, FREE to both members and non-members. Each month will be in a new location, somewhere around Kent.

Chamber Connections

Any business, any size, we know and understand the pressures and ambitions your business has. Imagine what you could achieve being part of a local, national and international business community.

These informal events will give you an opportunity to promote your business and make invaluable connections with local businesses in Kent. ‘Chamber Connections Networking’ is a new networking event, free to both members and non-members.

‘It is not just who YOU know, its who they know – the power of connections!’

Each month will be in a new location, so to be inclusive of all businesses in Kent.

The first or second Thursday of every month

‘It is not just who YOU know, its who they know – the power of connections!’

10:30am - 12:00pm

Members: Free to attend | Non-Members: Free to attend

10:30am - 12:00pm

Members: Free to attend | Non-Members: Free to attend

Members: Free to attend | Non-Members: £5.00 + VAT

Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) is a one-stop-shop for local businesses to discuss the future of Kent development, giving companies access to local knowledge, expertise and contracts.

KCFG promotes the future role of Kent land development and construction businesses in the growth and development of Kent and its environment.

the morning you will enjoy a full English breakfast which will be followed by a presentation from our guest speakers.

NFU Mutual donation funds a lovely new home for Kenward alpacas

Ben Warner, Marketing Manager at NFU Mutual Sevenoaks & Meopham recently presented a generous £6379 in support of The Kenward Trust.

This donation is specifically in support of Kenward Trust’s residents of the animal variety! Kenward Trust’s 8 gorgeous alpacas are an important asset in many ways, the residents in addiction recovery receive animal care education and receive daily walks as part of their wellbeing recovery plan. Daily walks are also open to the public as part of Kenward’s social enterprise.

The NFU Mutual charity funds have gone towards building the alpacas a well-deserved new home on site at Kenward, giving the current field a rest. By rotating our alpacas, the caring staff can ensure the animals stay in optimum condition and will reduce food costs as the Trust will need to purchase less hay. The cost of living crisis means Kenward has to

tighten its belt all round, and this is just one of the many ways in which the charity will make long term investments for a sustainable future.

Ben Warner at NFU Mutual says: “NFU Mutual have been a champion of rural communities the length and breadth of the UK for over 100 years, supporting local causes is part of what we do day to day. We are proud to be supporting Kenward Trust, we love the fact that by using their land efficiently, raising and caring for alpacas as part of their offering at a rehabilitation centres, whilst providing a valuable service to the community.”

Penny Williams, CEO Kenward Trust; “We are so grateful to the NFU Mutual, the existing alpaca paddock was becoming tired, and after having sought advice and receiving the NFU Mutual charity donation, we are now in the process of creating an alternative paddock to keep the alpacas rotating and remain healthy. A Big thank you to NFU Mutual"

Avondale clearing the way for Kent’s footpaths

If you’re using footpaths across Kent, they might be maintained by Chamber member, Avondale Environmental Services.

The Chatham-based company is responsible for clearing 82 miles of footpaths and bridalways across Canterbury, Tonbridge and Thanet to make sure they are accessible and safe for everyone who uses them.

They’ve been out either twice or thrice this year to each area, to make sure that walkers, ramblers, hikers, dog walkers and horse riders can make their way through, both easily and safely, taking care of vegetation that can cause irritation to human, hound and horse.

It’s a thankless task; when the first cut in May is completed by late June, they go back and start all over again for the July/August cut.

A third cut takes place in October ahead of winter.

They’re a company that has invested in technology to speed the process up, relying on their custom-built machinery to cut and shred the vegetation quickly and easily.

Innovation for efficiency is what’s behind the business, with MD, engineer Andy Back having looked extensively at how machinery can be designed to do a job quicker and more safely.

Avondale works with both the highway and railway industry to clear vegetation along road or railway verges. For highways, they are contracted to wash road tunnels too. These clients need to avoid lengthy closures of tracks and roads to minimise disruption to passengers and drivers and Avondale has developed the most efficient way to do this through their use of customised plant machinery.

Speak to Avondale about their services –they work across Kent and also across the UK too.

Avondale Environmental Services https://avondaleuk.com/

Ben Warner, Marketing Manager at NFU Mutual Sevenoaks & Meopham and Hetty Palmer, Marketing & Fundraising Manager and Idris the Alpaca.

Restoring Kent's Nature

In July, Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust released three bison into West Blean and Thornden Woods as part of a ground-breaking wilding project funded by Players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

These eco-system engineers represent the concept of Wilding. They create an environment for nature to thrive through their natural behaviours of grazing, dust bathing, eating bark and felling trees.

Nature is our life support system, it’s the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the energy that sustains us. Wilding projects like Wilder Blean are giving nature the opportunity to recover and grow.

Kent’s nature and wildlife is in real and dramatic decline.

• 80% of Kent’s rivers and lakes are below standard

• Pollution levels in Kent are double the World Health’s average annual maximum recommended limit

• Population growth and projected expectations for a county that is already the most densely populated county in the country is growing at a rate that is higher than the national average.

• 10% of the species found in Kent are classified as threatened with extinction

Data taken from The State of Nature in Kent Report 2022 https://kentnature.org.uk/state-of-nature/

But all is not lost because nature has the power to heal itself and to heal us if we let it. That’s what wilding is all about; restoring ecosystems to the point where nature can take care of itself and sustain us.

CAROLS at Christmas

Tree of Hope are delighted to be hosting ‘Carols at Christmas’ at the beautiful St Augustine’s Chapel at Tonbridge School!

Join us on Wednesday 21st December from 3:30pm and for the service to start at 4pm, with a reception of mince pies and refreshments to follow afterwards.

We are very pleased to be joined by The Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover who will deliver the Christmas message.

Musical performances will be led by children from the Pauline Quirke Academy, a performing arts Academy providing tuition for children and young people, and students from Radnor House School, Sevenoaks, an “outstanding” co-educational day school.

We will also be joined by the Tonbridge Community Singers and the Orpheus string quartet who will be performing some well-loved Christmas Carols, for you to join in with. Readings will be delivered by some of Tree of Hope’s generous supporters, including Great British Bake-off Finalist Jane Beedle, and the Deputy Mayor of Tonbridge, Cllr James Lark.

Ticket proceeds will be donated to Tree of Hope, a charity which supports families with sick and disabled children, to help them fundraise for medical treatment, equipment, therapies and operations which are not available on the NHS. Fundraising under the umbrella of a registered charity offers donor reassurance and ensures that families are able to benefit from gift aid donations, corporate support and match funding potential, enabling them to get to their target quicker. This truly is the perfect way to start your festive celebrations.

To find out more information visit: https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/event/carols-at-christmas/

Find out how your business can restore Kents nature in real and practical ways. Email our Corporate Team corporate@kentwildlife.org.uk

South East Create Growth Programme Award

The award acknowledges the highly entrepreneurial pool of high-growth potential creative businesses in the South East not yet at the scaling stage, who can benefit from intensive, targeted, expert support to help them secure the investment they need to grow their business.

This free programme will provide the South East’s creative businesses with the support, the networks and the investment they need –transforming their innovative creative ideas into the leading businesses of the future.

Following a competitive process, a consortium of partners led by Kent County Council working on behalf of the South East creative, cultural and digital sector has secured one of only six awards of £1.275m to regional partnerships across the UK to deliver the Create Growth Programme.

The Create Growth Programme is a Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) initiative to support high-growth potential creative businesses outside of London to become investment ready. It will also increase the number of investors willing to invest in creative businesses, by educating and developing investor networks.

Eligible businesses will be able to access an intensive business support programme designed to improve the leadership capacity of pre-scale-up creative businesses, so that they are better placed to access finance, particularly investor finance. They will also have access to national and regional angel investor networks that are interested in creative industry investment opportunities.

The programme supports the significant growth of the creative industries across Kent with more than10,600 people now employed in the creative industries across the County and 1500 creative companies relocating here in the last five years. Digital start-ups, film & TV studios, artistic producers, games manufacturers, and entertainment companies have created an ecosystem of expertise and growth from household names to SMEs.

Investment in the Thames Estuary, connecting the County to London as a global leader, and strategic locations that are primed for creative and digital businesses to expand, include the Folkestone Creative Quarter, Maidstone TV Studios, and Margate Creative Land Trust. On top of these creative hotspots, towns such as Tunbridge Wells, Gravesham, Margate, Folkestone and Ashford have also been taking full advantage of the county’s booming creative sector, building creative communities.

Eligible businesses will be between the seed and scaling stages and will fall into one of the following sub-sectors:

• Film, TV, Video, Radio & Photography

• Design & Designer Fashion

• Music, Performing & Visual Arts

• CreaTech, Augmented Reality (AR) Aritificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Extended Reality (XR) and Gaming

They will:

• Be Intellectual Property-rich micro and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises

• Have turnover growth of 10% year-on-year over approximately 3 years (including either prior to or during the pandemic)

• Employ a minimum of 2 people over the last two years (full-time, part-time or freelance)

• Have created a revenue generating product, launched a new platform or service or reached a market of scale

• Have generated a sales revenue in the last 2 years

• Be located within the administrative boundaries of Greater Essex, Kent, Medway, East Sussex, West Sussex or Brighton and Hove.

Businesses within the Consortium’s local authority areas who meet the eligibility criteria will also be able to access a share of £7million finance. Companies applying for finance will need to demonstrate their potential to scale rapidly and become sustainable through private investment. The investment fund and investor building activities will be delivered by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK.

These interventions will support the development of new business models, creating investable propositions that bring these creative sub sector closer to the investor markets. Simultaneously, investor markets will be coached by Innovate UK on the benefits of creative sector investment

The programme is being set up now and will launch in January 2023. The funding must be spent by March 2025. Access to the programme is likely to close in October 2024 when the final cohort of businesses will be recruited (to be confirmed).

Trailblazing Kent skills partnership ready to deliver on ambitious skills accelerator programme with new courses and learning centres launching in 2023

Further education providers across Kent will come together early next year for the launch of four exciting and innovative business focused learning centres to support the region’s transition to Net Zero.

Buildings that will be home to students studying for new courses focused on ‘decarbonisation’ will launch in January 2023, the latest part of a government backed Skills Accelerator project launched in October 2021 by EKC Group, MidKent College and North Kent College, in partnership with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

New ‘decarbonisation’ learning zones will ensure businesses and their future employees can call upon the skills and best practice needed to support the transition to Net Zero and make a significant contribution to the UK’s reputation as a global hub for the green economy.

Opening in January 2023, these important new centres will help to power the growth of sustainable skills and employment opportunities in Kent and Medway with a focus on three sectors key to the economy of this part of the South East of England: Construction, ManufacturingEngineering and Horticulture.

They will include the following:

• A Green Engineering and Design centre at EKC Group’s Ashford College, and a Green Engineering and Mechatronic lab with Electric and Assisted vehicle centres based at EKC Group’s Canterbury College.

• A Green Construction and Design Centre based at MidKent College’s Maidstone campus, providing young people and adults with the skills and training they will need to thrive in the modern workplace.

• A Green Horticulture Centre at Hadlow College, part of North Kent College and Kent’s only rural, land-based college.

Business incubator spaces for start-up SMEs specialising in products or services related to decarbonisation are also being set up alongside each of the three learning zones.

Graham Razey, OBE, Chief Executive Officer of EKC Group, said: “The COP27 Climate Summit highlighted the urgency with which the impact of Climate Change on the planet needs to be addressed. The importance of equipping adults and young people across Kent and Medway with the skills that employers will be looking for in the transition to Net Zero has never been more important.

“We are very excited to be launching our Green Construction and Design Centre in Ashford College, and our Green Engineering and Mechatronic lab at Canterbury College early next year to help businesses flourish and unlock these valuable new skills in the years ahead.”

Simon Cook, Principal and Chief Executive, MidKent College and Chair of Kent Further Education (KFE), which champions the FE sector across Kent and Medway, said: “These new learning centres are a key component of our joint response as a FE sector to the transformation in skills demand that Kent is facing, and that our partnership is determined to tackle head on.

“In launching our new Green Construction and Design Centre we have considered key localised evidence of demand from the Local Skills Improvement Plan evidence base, including the roles and expertise employers will need in navigating the transition to a low carbon economy.”

David Gleed, Chief Executive and Executive Principal, North Kent College, said: “The £5.6 million secured from the Government’s Skills Accelerator programme is not just about securing skills and training opportunities for adults and young people.

“As this project progresses, we will be looking to engage with as many businesses as we can and invite them to join us and our FE sector partners in devising new skills solutions that will support career opportunities now and in the future. The opening of our new Green Agriculture Centre at Hadlow College is just the start.”

The innovative Kent-wide skills partnership launched in October 2021 is aimed at developing a world leading curriculum focused on creating jobs, opportunities, and a more sustainable future.

EKC Group, MidKent College and North Kent College, in partnership with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, secured £5.6m in funding from the Government’s Skills Accelerator Programme to help support the region’s transition to Net Zero.

The focus on decarbonisation will ensure the colleges drive efforts to equip the workforce with the knowledge, skills and technological innovation to reduce the environmental impact of industry and play a key role in the area’s economic development.

Blue Strawberry creates global interest

Kent-based Canterbury Ai is making in-roads at Discovery Park in Sandwich with its social media marketing software called Blue Strawberry, which uses artificial intelligence to help users post and schedule Social Media.

The software is not only uniquely named after one of Kent's favourite fruits, albeit in a different colour, but it is helping thousands of users globally to save time and money.

However, this is not where the story ends; the company is seeing interest from some of the world's largest technology companies that are looking to help stimulate business growth and a closer partnership with this Kent-based business. It is also being seen as a potential unicorn business, with the potential to be valued in the billions. It has successfully completed multiple investment rounds as it edges towards series A investment in 2023.

Wesley Baker, the company CEO, said, "we have seen tremendous interest in what we are creating with Blue Strawberry, which is exciting", and this interest includes the likes of Google, Amazon, IBM and Microsoft. He went on to say, "the support we have received at Discovery Park has allowed us to grow the business quickly and effectively in a truly innovative environment, which is a credit to the area to have this facility on the doorsteps for companies like ours".

The company initially had not planned for this product but pivoted towards it once it became apparent that they had something unique and world-first. Dr Bing Tian, the company's Chief Business Officer, was eager to point out that this entire focus on Blue Strawberry did not really occur until September 2021 when the company crystalised the vision of what the company had actually developed.

The company is currently offering 30 days free trial of its software; you can take advantage of this by visiting bluestrawberry.app

Welcome to our new members

A4G LLP

Sevenoaks 01474 853856 www.a4g-llp.co.uk Accountants

Acoustic GRG Products Ltd Folkestone 01303 230944 www.acousticgrg.co.uk Acoustic Absorbers, Diffusers & Reflectors

Action Coach - Gravesend Gravesend 01474 770530 dartford.actioncoach.co.uk Management Coach Amazon UK Services Ltd Dartford 07723 577904 www.amazon.co.uk Fulfilment

Austen Powers Electrical Contractors Tenterden 07496 555364 www.austenpowers-ec.co.uk Electrical Contractors

Bearsted Golf Club Bearsted 01622 738198 bearstedgolfclub.co.uk Golf Club

Betteshanger Country Park Deal 01304 619227 www.betteshanger-park.co.uk Country Park

Blueco Ltd Dartford 01322 475475 www.bluewater.co.uk Bluewater Shopping Mall Box Crab Digital Maidstone 07902 385412 www.boxcrab.digital Full Service Digital Marketing

Burnt Toast Solutions Ltd Dunkirk 01227 390606 burnttoastsolutions.co.uk Branded Products

Capital Real Estate Group Ltd Canterbury 07378 422004 www.capitalrealestate.co.uk Property Investment and Lettings

CES Security Solutions Ltd Rochester 01634 713369 www.cessecurity.co.uk Security Ironmongers

CHIP 25 Faversham 07515 170806 www.chip25.com Business Coaching Cobbs Property Services Ltd Strood 01322 288254 www.cobbsproperty.co.uk Commercial Chartered Surveyors, Valuers & Property Managers

Connect it Chatham 03456 885122 connect-it.co Telecommunications

Copier Systems South East Ltd Ashford 01233 221081 www.copiersystemssoutheast.co.uk Copier Systems

Cornelius Creative Ltd Fawkham 01474 368654 www.corneliuscreative.uk Product Design and Marketing

Enaflo Interiors Ltd Paddock Wood 01892 834794 www.enaflointeriors.co.uk Design & Build Workplaces

Everon UK Ltd Maidstone 01233 557000 everon.net Health IT

Executive Event Transfers Sittingbourne 01795 843396 www.executiveeventtransfers Chauffeur & Concierge Service

Gillingham Football Club Ltd

Gillingham 01634 350350 priestfield.com Football Club

Gillingham Street Angels

Chatham 01634 819013 www.thestreet-angels.org Charity - Supporting and Helping the Homeless and Anyone in Need, No Matter the Reason

Goldberg Engineering West Malling 01732 424061 goldberteng.com Chartered Structural Engineers Iconology Ltd Hythe 01303 813700 www.iconology.co.uk IT Services

Ideas & That Ltd Sittingbourne 07794 016792 www.ideasandthat.co.uk Advertising Agency

JSN Automotive Ltd Folkestone 01303 241000 www.jsn-automotive.co.uk Automotive Repairs

Kent Pest Management Ltd Sevenoaks 01732 905576 kentpestmanagement.co.uk Pest Management

Kentinental Engineering Ltd Borough Green 01732 882345 www.demtruk.com Commercial and Industrial Equipment Supplies

Knights Brown Construction Ltd Rochester 01634 226830 www.knightsbrown.co.uk Regional Construction Business with Specialist Energy Sector Capability Delivered Nationwide

Enhance Protect Connect

Leiach Electrical Contractors

Rochester 07583 070897 leiach.co.uk Electrical Contractors

Mackenzies Accountants Ltd

Maidstone 01622 358280 www.mkchartered.co.uk Accountants

Maslow Residential Support Services Ltd

Westerham 07923 494233 maslowrss.co.uk Social Care - Residential Support Services Nextminute UK Ltd Rochester 0800 810 1861 www.nextminute.com Residential Construction Job Management Software Purpose Built to make Business Life Easier

Opulence - Bespoke Wine Experiences

Marden 07801 575283 opulenceofengland.co.uk

Bespoke Wine Experiences

Perimeter Solutions Ltd Fawkham 01474 700679 www.perimeter-solutions.co.uk Security Fencing, Access Control, Security

Pharmtick Limited Ashford 07311 762167 pharmtick.com Pharma Export

Playle & Partners LLP Sidcip 0208 300 6811 www.playleandpartners.co.uk Multi-Disciplinary ConsultancyConstruction & Property Advice

RSL (Rochester Scaffolding & Co Ltd)

Rochester 01634 811588 www.rochesterscaffoldingservice.co.uk Professional Scaffolding Service

Shaker2go

Ashford 01233 820764 www.shaker2go.co.uk Replacement Door Specialists

SJM Projects East Peckham 01892 882228 sjmplanning.com Manage the Planning and Design Stages of Projects, within the Residential, Commercial, Agricultural & Industrial Industries

SLM Waste Management Ltd Ramsgate 07958 395436 slm-waste.com Waste Management Services Snag Doctor t/a S D South East Ltd Bromley 0208 058 1964 snagdoctor.co.uk Surface Repair Specialists

Speakers for Schools London 0300 365 5888 speakersforschools.org Charity

Sprint Engineering and Lubricants Ltd Gravesend 01474 534251 www.sprint-uk.com Distribution of Engineering Consumables & Lubricants to Industry

Steer Your Business Ashford 07771 714221 steeryourbusiness.com Publication

Teenage Cancer Trust

London 0204 534 2389 www.teenagecancertrust.org Charity - Teenage Cancer Trust offers Unique Care and Support, Designed for and with Young People That Nail Place Ltd t/a TNB Skills Training Folkestone 01303 256385 www.tnbskillstraining.co.uk Apprenticeship Training

Turo Architects Ltd Dartford 0207 459 4113 www.turoarchitects.co.uk Architects

Weald Construction Training Group Tonbridge 01732 365847 thewctg.co.uk Promoting Training Activity to the Construction Industry Williams Giles - Xeinadin Group Sittingbourne 01795 478044 www.williamsgiles.co.uk Accountants

Willow Pumps Ltd Maidstone 01634 201111 willowpumps.co.uk Commercial Pumps Yeames Ltd Ramsgate 01795 702270 www.yeames.com Guest Room Technologies & Access Control

Dionne Tester HTC Training Founder

I used to be a teacher but after getting cancer last year and no longer being able to teach I decided to start HTC Training with the view to change the world and reduce the stigma of mental health.

What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

Helping out in a care home … £3ph (showing my age!)

What do you always carry with you to work?

Chocolate… I have an incredibly sweet tooth, and could (and do) sometimes treat myself to chocolate for breakfast.

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

People not seeing the value of training their team in Mental Health, and the importance of why this is needed (and crucial) to reduce absences, saving money and improving team morale.

If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business?

Make it compulsory to have Mental Health First Aid in the workplace – making it just as important (and a legal requirement) as physical first aid.

What can you see from your office window?

A beautiful apple tree (and also seagulls, living near the sea they’re never too far away).

If you could do another job what would it be? Be Captain Marvel (just waiting for that position to become available).

As a business person, what are your three main qualities?

Passion, Drive, willingness to always want to ‘learn more’.

What was your biggest mistake in business? The naivety that everyone would put the same importance on mental health training that I was driven by.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

To keep going, keep evolving even when it feels like the chips are down and just wait for that ‘break’.

Who do you most admire in business?

Raoul Fraser, Founder of Lovat Parks, because of his vision, belief, kindness for his team and customers and the genuineness of wanting to do good by those inside, and outside of the business.

Furley Page’s Family team expands in size to provide specialist legal services across three offices

of family law, Josie Triffitt qualified as a solicitor with Furley Page having successfully completed her training contract with the firm. Josie advises on all aspects of family law and brings the team’s headcount up to seven specialist lawyers, with two Partners, three Associates and two Solicitors.

Leading South East law firm Furley Page has virtually doubled the size of its Family law team with a number of new appointments. This bold move has been made to ensure the firm is able to meet the growing demand for specialist family legal services across all three of its offices.

The firm, has made several key appointments recently, which have further strengthened its highlyregarded Family law team.

Solicitor Megan Bennie joined the firm early in 2021, with

Associate Joanne McDonald following later that year. Josie Triffitt was added to the team on her qualification as a Solicitor with the firm in January 2022.

Having qualified in 2013, Associate Joanne McDonald has many years of experience advising clients going through relationship breakdown and divorce about their finances, as well as child related issues.

Solicitor Megan Bennie joined the team having gained a wealth of experience at a large city firm specialising in international family law. Megan advises on all aspects

Celebrating our amazing staff at Avante Care & Support

On the 19th October, Avante Care & Support, a not-for-profit care organisation, held their annual Sparkle award ceremony celebrating, recognising, and rewarding the excellent work that goes on across the organisation.

There were 15 award categories including Awesome Deputy, Achiever, Catering Star and Best Boss

awards. The ceremony took place at the Alexander Centre in Faversham with over 140 staff members, Trustees and residents in attendance.

Veronica Anthony-David, Director of People & Organisational Development, opened proceedings with a warm welcome congratulating all those who had been nominated and also took the opportunity to thank all staff across the organisation

Rayma Collins, Partner and Head of the Family law team at Furley Page, said: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw increasing demand for our family law services, particularly due to the stresses placed on families during lockdown.

“As a result of these additions, the expanded team can draw on wide-ranging experience in family law and divorce, offering a comprehensive range of family law services and specialist advice at the right level to meet every client’s needs and resources.

For more information about Furley Page’s Family law services email Rayma Collins at rlc@furleypage.co.uk

for their hard work and dedication. There were speeches from the Directors, including Sarah-Jane Clapson, Director of Care Operations, who gave an overview of the year. The afternoon was closed by one of their Trustees, Gill Gibb who is Chair of the Care and Quality Committee.

L-R back row, Megan Bennie, Joanne McDonald, Josie Triffitt, Rosie Eastwood, Laura Sinclair. L-R front two, Naomi Hayward, Rayma Collins