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

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

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 

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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

The post How cyber secure are you? appeared first on Folkestone Works.

Details of both workshops……

2025 Budget explained & explore how it will impact in 2026 (1100am – 1230pm)

Start the year with clarity and confidence. This fully funded 90-minute workshop is designed for small business owners and professionals who want to get ahead of the curve on the latest fiscal updates.

The session will unpack the key announcements from the Autumn Budget 2025.

You’ll gain practical insights into how these changes could impact your business—and what steps you can take now to prepare.

Plenty of time for Q&A ensures your specific concerns are addressed.

This workshop is led by Peter Allen FCA, Client Manager at Beresfords Accountants.

Click here to book your place

Only 10 spaces available — pre-booking is essential

Financial planning, credit control & cashflow (130pm – 3pm)

Running a small business means wearing many hats—and making every decision count. This fully funded, 90-minute workshop is designed to give you practical, high-impact strategies to strengthen your financial foundations without the fluff.

In just an hour and a half, you’ll gain actionable insights into:

• Financial planning that aligns with your business goals
• Credit control techniques to reduce late payments and improve cashflow
• Cashflow mastery to help you stay agile, resilient, and growth-ready

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.

Click here to book your place

The location for both in person workshops is:

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

The post Free Workshops for businesses appeared first on Folkestone Works.

Are you ready to strengthen your business, grow your skills and reach more customers?

Whether you are part of one of our town centre and hospitality community or a rural or home-based enterprise, these two free programmes are designed to help you connect, adapt and thrive….

High Streets Connect:

The programme will offer independent town centre retail and hospitality businesses a unique opportunity to build resilience and grow.

Join free mentoring and interactive workshops that will deliver specific support:

• Harness AI and digital tools to save time and work smarter
• Improve your visual merchandising and in store experience
• Build your online presence to reach locals and visitors alike
• Access to one-to-one mentoring for businesses.

Ideal for high street retailers, cafes, hospitality venues and visitor facing independents.

To register your interest email: economy@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

Grow Rural:

The programme will empower rural enterprises, creative makers and diversification projects across Romney Marsh, the North Downs and our rural communities.

Learn practical ways to:

• Turn a great idea or side hustle into a viable business
• Build your digital visibility and reach wider audiences
• Access mentoring support to take your next step with confidence

Ideal for farm enterprises, rural producers, accommodation providers, home based makers and start ups.

To register your interest email: economy@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

The post A FREE District Wide Programme to help Businesses Adapt, Attract Customers and Grow appeared first on Folkestone Works.

Overview 

Are you ready to Turn Your Passion for Photography Into a Profession?

Join us for our inspiring Storytelling Through Photography workshop, presented by Andy Jones, an experienced Press, PR and Commercial Photographer from Ashford.  This workshop is perfect for aspiring and emerging photographers ready to elevate their craft and build a successful creative career.

What you’ll discover:

How to capture meaningful, impactful images
Techniques to develop your own unique visual style
Ways to create compelling photo stories
Tips to use your camera with more confidence and creativity

But that’s not all, we’ll also dive into the business side of photography, including:

Building a strong portfolio
Finding and working with clients
Marketing your services
Growing a sustainable photography business

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this workshop will give you the tools, techniques, and inspiration to grow into a confident and successful professional photographer.

Don’t miss your chance to take the next step in your creative journey!

Click here to book your place on this free session

The post Storytelling Through Photography with the kent and medway growth hub appeared first on Folkestone Works.

Overview

Are you ready to Turn Your Passion for Photography Into a Profession?

Join Kent & Medway Growth Hub for their inspiring Storytelling Through Photography workshop presented by Andy Jones, an experienced and successful press, PR, sports and commercial photographer. This will be perfect for you if you are an aspiring and emerging photographer ready to elevate your craft and build a successful, creative career.

What you’ll discover:

-How to capture meaningful, impactful images
-Techniques to develop your own unique visual style
-Ways to create compelling photo stories
-Tips to use your camera with more confidence and creativity

But that’s not all, we’ll also dive into the business side of photography, including:

-Building a strong portfolio
-Finding and working with clients
-Marketing your services
-Growing a sustainable photography business

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this workshop will give you the tools, techniques, and inspiration to grow into a confident and successful professional photographer.

Don’t miss your chance to take the next step in your creative journey!

Click here to secure your place

The post Storytelling through Photography appeared first on Folkestone Works.

The Romney Marsh Business Hub is taking bookings for our final 2 fully funded and FREE in-person workshops of 2025 at the Romney Marsh Business Hub, New Romney .

The workshops are taking place as follows:

Is your business just beginning? Or ready for a fresh start?   

Wednesday 19th November 2025   1100am – 1230pm

Sometimes you just have to reset when your first plan isn’t working!

We’ve refined the focus of our workshop to better support those navigating a pivotal moment in their business. We are now including the practical steps to take when it’s time to reset or refocus your business but still including full advice on business development.

This workshop is for you whether you are starting from scratch or looking to reset your business model and want to make sure you are heading in the right direction.

Led by Terry Botfield of Botfield Associates and The Marsh Network , fully funded, in-person workshop at Romney Marsh Business Hub all booking information www.romneymarshbusinesshub.co.uk on the free workshop tab. Admission by prebooked tickets only

Where would you start writing a bid or tender?  

Wednesday 19th November 2025   130 – 300pm

Only 10 places per workshop — pre-booking is essential

These sessions will help you:

-Understand what goes into starting a business
-Learn how to write effective bids and tenders
-Get practical advice to turn your ideas into action

Whether you are exploring possibilities or laying the groundwork, this is your chance to plan with confidence.

Visit www.romneymarshbusinesshub.co.uk and click the Workshop tab to book your place.

• Or follow the link on the QR code below to go straight to the booking page.

The hub can help you get your plans off the ground — one smart step at a time.

Venue: The meeting room, Romney Marsh Business Hub, Mountfield Road, New Romney, TN28 8LH

The post Free in person business workshops at New Romney appeared first on Folkestone Works.

Overview

Business Bites are a series of short webinars on topics relevant to your company irrespective of your size or industry. These are brought to you by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

In this session Ben Fitter-Harding from Dodgems and Floss will be exploring your website’s readiness for AI. AI search is rewriting the search rulebook, and most sites aren’t playing the new game. Join the session to unpack Neural Web Optimisation (NWO): what it is, why it matters, and how to make sure your site is discoverable in the age of AI.

Click here for further details & to book your place. 

The post Business Bites – Is Your Website Ready For AI Bots? appeared first on Folkestone Works.