Small business bulletin for Kent and Medway

Local News 30 Oct 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 30 October.

In summary

This month’s newsletter has very useful information on upcoming events for the end of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, a Christmas Carol Service, opportunities on the Networking Radio Show, as well as engaging events for our members to widen their business networks.

Featured news and events

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.

Ashford Networking

Join us on 25 November at the Edge Salon in Ashford for an evening of informal networking. Hosted by our Membership Advisor Jane Martin, we will also hear from Salon owner Kaysha Allen on her business journey. Tickets are free.

Book your free place now >


In other news

A new co-working space in Chatham

Ascend Co-working is launching in November.  Based at the Pentagon Centre in Chatham, their flexible workplaces are meticulously designed to accommodate teams of all sizes and stages. Whether you're craving a virtual setup, a dynamic hot desk to ignite your next project, a dedicated space for deep work, or a private office that reflects your company's personality. To find out more click here.

Networking Radio

Our friends at Channel Radio offer slots for FSB members on the Networking Radio Show.  This is an opportunity to talk about your business and your networking journey.  The show airs every weekday between 1-2pm.  Members can find out more about appearing on the show by emailing Katherine Castle on [email protected]


Still in the news

Christian Business in Kent (CBIK) Carol Service

Join us on 10 December in Maidstone for a carol service hosted by CBIK with music led by local musician and composer Michael Coltham.

The venue for this special occasion is The Life Church Maidstone — located in Brewer Street, with several car parks close by and only 5 minutes walk from Maidstone East train station (around 10-15 mins from Maidstone Barracks). You can find booking information here.

Upcoming Business Masterminds

Masterminds are a useful business format to solve business problems and get feedback on ideas and innovation.  Upcoming events are as follows:

  • 13th Nov Sevenoaks for dinner in the Cote
  • 19th Nov Ashford for lunch in Stubbs
  • 20th Nov Maidstone for dinner in the Black Horse
  • 22nd Nov Rochester for lunch in Amore 
  • 26th online at 2pm
  • 4th Dec Sevenoaks for dinner in the Cote
  • 11th Dec Maidstone for Christmas dinner in the  Black Horse

Please contact Nigel Whittaker on [email protected] for more information on joining any of these mastermind groups.


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.