Small business bulletin for Kent and Medway

Local News 29 May 2024

Local small business news from Tim Aker, your FSB Development Manager. Updates cover Dartford, Gravesend, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Rainham, Sittingbourne, Sheppey, Faversham, Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate, Folkestone, Ashford, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Maidstone and surrounding areas. Last updated Wednesday 25 June 2024.

In summary

Summer is finally here and what a month of great activity we have for you all. One of the highlights we have for you in July is our summer networking reception at the Copper Rivet Distillery in Chatham on 17 July from 5.30pm. You can find the booking details below as well as other opportunities from the University of Kent, iTrust, as well as skills and employment resources from Medway Council.

Featured news and events

Free Skills and Employment resources from Medway Council

Medway Council, in collaboration with local partners and stakeholders, have developed a new individual skills and employment plan for businesses.  This is a free resource and includes support from one of the team to discuss each of the objectives:

  • To support you to meet your recruitment needs.
  • To support you to engage with education initiatives.
  • To support you to retain your staff.
  • To support you to upskill your staff.
  • To support you to be part of the community

If you would like to know more about this exciting resource and book your space, please email Melanie Phelps below.

Email to book>

FSB Kent Summer Reception

Unwind with a relaxed summertime evening overlooking the River Medway on Wednesday 17 July.

We would like to welcome you to our FSB Kent Summer Reception on the terrace of the splendid Copper Rivet Distillery at Chatham Dockyard. With glorious views over the river Medway, this will be our highlight of the summer season.

We will hear from owner, Matthew Russell, who will speak about the history of the Distillery, and guests will be given the opportunity to tour the Distillery.

This is a free to attend event and guests can purchase drinks and light snacks from the bar.

Book your free place now >


In other news

The Women in Business Big Show Returns to Kent

On Thursday 8 August, the Women in Business Big Show returns for another year at the Longfield Academy just outside of Dartford. This event is open to all and is a great day for members to meet,collaborate, and showcase their business. Sian Murphy does a terrific job organising this event and we are delighted to be the headline sponsor for another year.  It is free to attend on the day and more information can be found on the show website.

Find out more >

Cyber Resilience for SMEs

The Institute of Cyber Security for Society (iCSS) are excited to announce an upcoming study focusing on Cyber Insurance and Cyber Security for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). As part of their commitment to understanding and improving the cyber resilience of SMEs, they are inviting SMEs of all sizes and industries to participate in this important research project.

The study will provide participants with insights into the latest trends and best practices in cyber security and the opportunity to learn how to better protect their business from cyber threats and improve cyber insurance coverage. Participants will help shape future policies and solutions designed specifically for SMEs and receive a summary of the findings and recommendations based on the study results.

Participation will be especially valuable for business owners, managers, and IT professionals, and will involve a 30 – 60 minute interview about cyber security in their business.

To register your interest in participating in this study, please email with details of your company name, industry, size, and contact information.  The project team will aim to respond within the same day.

Register your interest >


Still in the news

Mini expo with networking in Sandwich

To whet your appetite, a mini King’s Summit will be taking place in Sandwich from 3pm to 6pm on Thursday 4 July at the Fleurs de Lis Hotel, 6-8 Delf Street, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9BZ. A buffet will be provided at £25 per head. If you wish to attend, please email and we will put you in touch with the team organising the day.

Email for more info >

Feedback resources for businesses

iTrust is revolutionsing the way businesses approach feedback and culture improvement. With its innovative feedback software, iTrust empowers companies to foster a culture of openness, transparency and continuous improvement. By providing a platform for employees to share their feedback, concerns, and suggestions, iTrust ensures that every voice is heard, regardless of hierarchy or position. This not only enhances communication and collaboration but also helps identify areas for growth and development within the organisation.

In any business effective communication and teamwork are vital for success and iTrust's software can play a crucial role in enhancing productivity, safety, and overall job satisfaction. By promoting employee feedback and fostering a culture of trust and accountability, iTrust enables companies to thrive in a competitive market whilst prioritising the well-being and safety of their workforce.

Find out more >


More news and activity near you 


Get in touch

Ann Scott

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.