Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin?

Whether you’ve got the beginnings of a great idea or you’ve recently started your business and want to make sure you’re getting the basics right, our FREE 2-day online Business Start-Up Course is here to help.

Join Kent and Medway Growth Hub for two practical sessions covering the essential building blocks you need to start and run a business – without the jargon or unrealistic advice.

You’ll hear from people who have real experience of starting and running businesses, alongside our experienced Business Growth Mentors, who understand the challenges business owners face and can give you realistic, practical advice based on what actually works.

Over the two days, we’ll cover the basics every new business owner needs to think about, including:

Turning your idea into a viable business

Understanding your customers and target market

Getting to grips with your finances and pricing

Marketing your business and finding customers

Exploring finance and funding options

Understanding the practicalities of running a business

Building strong foundations for future growth

Most importantly, this isn’t about sitting through two days of theory. You’ll get practical advice, useful tips and realistic guidance that you can start putting into action straight away.

Whether your business is still an idea on a piece of paper or you’ve already taken your first steps, come along and get the knowledge and confidence to start your business journey today.

Join us online, from anywhere in Kent & Medway

3rd & 4th November 2026

9:30am–2:30pm each day.

Further information and reserving your spot can be done using the links below:

https://shorturl.at/vZ4UP

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1997666639695?aff=oddtdtcreator

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1100am – 1230pm – Human Resources: What you need to know  

Delivered by employment professional Patrick McNamee from Lamplight HR. Patrick will guide you through the latest developments in HR, providing  ‘clarity with expertise.’

In the fast changing world of HR regulations hiring someone can be a minefield. Expert led by Patrick McNamee this workshop will give attendees the space and time needed to ensure they are up to date with the major changes, know where to find further information and have confidence to make any necessary changes in a timely manner.

Just 10 places available advanced booking only, click here to reserve your spot

1330 – 1500pm – How to write a bid or tender 

Funding for CICs, community groups & businesses simplified. Uncover where to start, key resources and how to write effective bids or tenders

This expert‑led workshop offers practical, jargon‑free advice and space to explore your ideas. Previous attendees described it as “led by a true professional with plenty of time for questions,” making it ideal for anyone wanting clarity and confidence in their next bid or tender.

Just 10 places available advanced booking only, click here to reserve your spot

Both workshops are being held at:

Romney Marsh Business Hub, Mountfield Road, New Romney TN28 8LH

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Folkestone & Hythe District Council has a few spaces remaining for a workshop focusing on what being sustainable could look like for your business.

This in person session will be held in Folkestone. Attendance is on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to attend, please email:

communications@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk   

Don’t worry if you are unable to attend, the key points discussed will be shared on our Folkestone Works business support website following the session.

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Overview 

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Headlines

• Small Business Protections Bill introduced to Parliament to back small businesses with the toughest late payment regime in the G7
• Stronger new powers for the Small Business Commissioner to investigate, adjudicate disputes and fine persistent late payers with potential penalties worth tens of millions
• New 60-day cap on payment terms for large firms, mandatory interest on late payments, and action to ban the practice of retentions in construction

Click here to read the full news release issued by central government 19th May 2026 

The post Ministers announce the introduction of legislation to tackle late payments and protect small businesses appeared first on Folkestone Works.

Workshop 1 – Financial Planning & Management with Terry Botfield

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your financial toolkit, this free session is packed with real-world advice tailored to the challenges small businesses face every day.

Smart strategies to help your business thrive.

Managing your money to support your business decisions.

Click here to book your place 

Workshop 2 – Essential UK-GDPR for All: What you need to know

What every business person and employee needs to know to keep data safe.

With plenty of real-life scenarios to help identify potential problems and how to keep compliant and avoid being fined.

Ideal as the recommended annual UK-GDPR refresher

Plenty of time for Q & A.

Click here to book your place

Workshops are in person at: Romney Marsh Business Hub, Meeting Room 15, Mountfield Road, New Romney TN28 8LH.

Admission by pre-booked ticket only and limited to 10 attendees to allow plenty of time for Q and A.

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Overview

Organisations are navigating a perfect storm: rising costs, hybrid working, AI disruption, shifting employee expectations, increasing need for neuro-inclusion adaptations and looming legal change with the Employment Rights Act. It’s no wonder many organisations are spending more time and money managing underperformance, absence and grievance activity, and less time building the kind of workplace that high performers want to join and stay in.

This webinar is for organisation leaders and those responsible for HR and people management who want a practical, joined-up approach, where recruitment, culture, wellbeing and benefits work together to reduce risk, improve retention and build a workplace that attracts and keeps the right people.

Click here for further details and to secure your place 

The post Recruit and Retain: Building a workforce and benefits plan that attracts and engages great talent appeared first on Folkestone Works.

Overview

Trying to keep up with social media but not really seeing results from it?

You’re not the only one.

If you’re running a business and feel like you should be posting more… but don’t really know what’s working (or why it’s not), this workshop is for you.

Kent & Medway Growth Hub are hosting a practical session on organic social media marketing, designed for busy SME owners who want to get better results without social media taking over their day.

Led by Thom Cakebread from Cakeshop Media (who works with businesses every day to turn content into real enquiries), you’ll learn:

-How to get your posts seen without paying for ads
-What actually makes people engage with your content
-What works across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & LinkedIn
-How to make social media feel simpler and more manageable
-How to build visibility that genuinely supports your business

No fluff. No theory overload.

Location: St Mary’s Church, Dover and online

Click here to book your place. 

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Overview 

Curious about AI but not sure how it fits in your business?

Join our AI for Business Growth workshop, a practical, straight-talking session for business owners who want to:

Understand where AI can genuinely add value
Explore a few real-world ways to work smarter and save time
Get clear, actionable ideas without the jargon
Gain confidence to make AI work for your business

The guest speaker, John Speed from Heliocentrix Limited, will share practical examples and guidance to help you think differently about how AI could support your day-to-day operations and future growth.

Town Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells
28^th April 10am-12pm

Whether you’re just starting with AI or want a fresh perspective, this session will help you move forward confidently and strategically.

Click here for further information and to book your place.

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Planning for growth: Monday 23rd March 1-2pm 

Learn how to adapt, evolve, and grow sustainably in a fast-changing high street environment, before standing still leads to decline.

Practical. Relevant. Action-focused.
Perfect for high street businesses ready to thrive, not just survive.

Click here for further details and to secure your place

The post Adapt or face declining sales by planning for growth appeared first on Folkestone Works.