Overview

Is your business ready for the future of digital marketing – and protected from cyber threats?

Join us for a FREE Digital Marketing & Cyber Security Workshop for Kent businesses, packed with practical advice you can start using straight away.

Nick Huxsted, Gooey Digital – discover how AI and LLMs are changing the way customers find businesses, and how to adapt and future-proof your digital marketing.

Paul Lopez & Arran Ostridge, Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre – learn about common cyber threats and the practical, proactive steps you can take to protect your business.

Plus, take part in a live Q&A and networking with fellow businesses and our event partners.

Wednesday 7th October 2026
10am–12pm
Ashford International Hotel
FREE for Kent businesses

Book your place: https://tinyurl.com/8fvx3tec

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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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Kent & Medway Growth Hub are excited to launch their enhanced business support programme: Recover, Pivot, and Scale! 

The Programme is designed for driven Kent businesses that want practical support, expert guidance and a clear plan for growth. Whether businesses are looking for an increase in sales, improved productivity, exploring new opportunities, or are trying to prepare for their next stage of scaling. 

Kent & Medway Growth Hub will be completing this Programme across the financial year, running three cohorts of 15 businesses at a time, supporting a total of 45 Kent Businesses.

Businesses accepted onto the programme will receive:

Up to 36 hours of Tailored Business Support: Working with experienced business advisers who will take the time to understand their business, challenges and goals.

A Growth Plan Built Around their Business: Tailored guidance that will help them identify growth opportunities, overcome barriers and put together practical plans and steps that will move their business forward.

Expert Support Across Key Areas of Growth: Access specialist advice in areas such as, Digital Transformation and Technology Adoption, Improving business Efficiency and Productivity, Leadership and business planning, workforce development and skills, preparing for investment and future growth.

Businesses get access to experienced advisers, practical support, and an outside perspective to help make progress faster with greater confidence.

For this programme, we have a certain eligibility criteria business’ should fall under:

Scale-Ready SMEs

7+ Employees

£250k+ turnover

3+ years of trading

Growth ambitions of 15%+ annually.

As well as a focus on certain priority sectors:

Agri-Food & Agri-Tech, Digital & Technology, Energy& Sustainability, Ports & Logistics, Transport, Life Sciences and MedTech

Applications for this programme are now open, through the application link: Recover Pivot Scale

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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.

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

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As part of this work – delivered by independent consultants Lichfields on behalf of Folkestone & Hythe District Council – local businesses, residents and community groups are being asked to complete a short survey to help shape the future approach.

The strategy will cover several key themes, including new opportunities for green innovation and low‑carbon growth, skills transition (including from the impact of AI), workforce development, strengthening the visitor economy, the decommissioning of the Dungeness nuclear power stations and making better use of land and employment sites.

It will also look at the wider regional and national context, including the impact of local government reorganisation, to ensure the district is well‑positioned for long‑term prosperity.

The results of the survey will influence the council’s strategic planning and support the district’s case for future funding bids.

Cllr James Butcher – Cabinet Member for Place Plan, Heritage, Tourism and District Economy – said: “This is a great opportunity to help future growth in our district. Even better, it takes less than 10 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

“The more people, businesses and community groups that get involved, the better we can develop a strategy that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in our district.” Residents can share their comments online before 3pm on Monday 16 March.

Paper copies of the questionnaire are available on request. If you need a paper copy, email economy@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk, call 01303 853000 or visit the Civic Centre in Folkestone during business hours.

Click here to complete the survey

Notes to Editors:

For more information, please email communications@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk 

Follow us on Facebook: @FolkestoneandHytheDC

Follow us on Twitter: @fstonehythedc

Follow us on Instagram: @folkestonehythedc

Follow us on LinkedIn: Folkestone & Hythe District Council

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Cyber Security Essentials for small businesses (1100am – 1230pm)

Fraud Prevention & Cyber Safety: protecting yourself and the business (130 -3pm)

Book either workshop by:

• scanning the QR code below
• visiting www.romneymarshbusinesshub.co.uk
• or calling 07355 092369

The location for both free in person workshops is:

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

Free parking is available, admission is with prebooked ticket

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