In summary
A very happy new year to you and yours, we hope you had an enjoyable and restful Christmas break. This month you will find information about expos in 2025, support for SMEs and our first FSB events for 2025.
Featured news and events
New Business Support Group: Stepping Out
Stepping Out is a monthly community event for local entrepreneurs and business owners at various stages of development. Starting on January 10th, 2025, the event will occur on the second Friday of each month, running from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Franlin Rooms, Gillingham. Attendees can dip in and out as their schedules allow.
This will be a safe space for people to get honest feedback on their plans, strategies and marketing proposals. It’s a chance for people to share their fears and problems, which can overwhelm many business owners. In addition to practical problem-solving, techniques for reducing anxiety, being overwhelmed and building confidence will also be covered by fully qualified therapists and trainers. To find out more contact Sian Murphy at [email protected]
Thanet Networking
Join us for our first networking event in Margate on 5 February with our hosts Jane and Joyce CoomberSewell.
Bring your business cards and get ready to make some new connections. You never know who the next person is that will benefit your business.
In other news
West Kent Expo 2025
Join us at the West Kent Business Expo in Tonbridge on 12 March 2025. The Expo will showcase and celebrate the businesses of West Kent as well as provide information on business support opportunities.
This event is brought to you as part of the West Kent Business programme, which is managed by Invest West Kent (the three West Kent local authorities of Sevenoaks District Council, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council) in collaboration with Smarter Society. Exhibitor info and tickets can be booked here.
Kent Business Show 2025
Join us for an exclusive one-day Business-to-Business Expo on 13 March 2025 at the Ashford International Hotel. The event is designed to equip you and your company with essential knowledge and skills for success in today's dynamic market. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your business!
Tickets, stands and more information can be found here.
Still in the news
Reorganisation of local government in Kent
You may have seen in the news that the government are proposing significant reorganisation of local government in Kent. Under the outline plans the existing tiers will be abolished and replaced with larger unitary authorities and a ‘metro-mayor’. Please do keep yourself informed of these developments as they will have an effect on businesses in Kent. To read more click here.
Business loans and funding
Kent County Council still has funding available, through very competitive loans, for small and medium sized businesses. Better still, there is a team available within the Council to guide you through the application process. Given the reorganisation of local government that is likely to occur, please do make contact with KCC if you are considering applying sooner rather than later. More details can be found here.
More news and activity near you
- Surrey
- Sussex
- More from FSB South East England
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Kent and Medway is Tim Aker. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBKent
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Kent