Forward thinking and collaborative

p.16-17 about why keeping ahead of technology is key to the success of his 40-year-old business, ADM Computing. He also shares his passion for the environment. He is an inspiration to other businesses looking to improve their green polices.

T-Level qualifications have been tailored to meet the demands of today’s workforce to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills. On p.20-21, Camilla Maurice from LSIP gives a full rundown of all you need to know about T-Levels and how they can benefit your workforce.

It is positive to see an improvement in import and export volumes as global demand slowly recovers, according to the latest ONS Trade figures published in April. The global political picture continues to have a strong bearing on international trade and we will have to see how projected growth is affected in the year ahead.

We are proud to announce that our chosen Chamber Charity Partner of the Year this year is Hypo Hounds. Hypo Hounds is a diabetic alert assistance dog charity which trains dogs to detect and alert their Type 1 diabetic owner or their family to dangerous changes in their blood sugars. These specially trained dogs can help prevent lifethreatening hypoglycaemic attacks (hypos) which result from low blood sugar levels. Diabetic alert dogs can also be trained to detect potential episodes of hyperglycaemia (hypers) when blood sugar levels are too high. Hypo Hounds services are focused on children and the dogs enable them to gain independence and freedom. We enjoyed a delicious meal of Kent produce – as well as wines from Biddenden Vineyards – for the Kent Business Leaders Dinner held in the Darwin Conference Suite at the University of Kent. We are thrilled that eight Patrons have continued in their role from last year and are joined by two new Patrons, Flowbird Ltd and Smurfit Kappa Recycling. Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber for the coming year. Our Patrons for 2024/25 are Ashford Borough Council, Brachers LLP, Caxtons Property Consultants, Flowbird Ltd, MHA, MidKent College, Smurfit Kappa Recycling, Stagecoach South East, Towergate Insurance Brokers and the University of Kent. There are a couple of events coming up in the autumn to mark on your calendars.

First, the Kent Construction EXPO will be held on Thursday, 3rd October at Kent Event Centre in Detling. Bringing together the Kent and South East construction community for more than 10 years, this year’s EXPO’s topics include digital construction, sustainability, the Building Safety Act and procurement.

And, on Thursday, 21st November, the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards 2024 will be held at Westenhanger Castle, Hythe. Keep an eye on our website as our Business Awards open for entry on 10th June. For further information see p.42.

The Awards are the most prestigious and popular event on the Chamber calendar and are an opportunity to showcase the talent and resilience of businesses and individuals in Kent. There are many reasons to enter but to name a few, they are a chance to showcase your achievements, raise your business profile, boost staff morale and are a powerful PR and marketing tool. You also receive an engraved glass trophy and certificate to display.

A huge thank you to our sponsors this year. Your support is invaluable.

Enjoy reading the magazine and I look forward to seeing you all at a Chamber event soon.

Tudor Price Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

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. © 2024. Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability