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. 

The post Social Media that works – free workshop appeared first on Folkestone Works.

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

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Overview

Ready to grow your personal brand and make a real impact online?

Join our Influencer Workshop, available online or in person in Ashford, Kent, and learn what it truly takes to become a successful content creator in today’s digital world.

Guest Speaker: Ciara Attwell – My Fussy Eater
Ciara has built a thriving Instagram and TikTok presence, inspiring parents with practical, delicious mealtime ideas, and she’s sharing exactly how she did it.

You’ll learn:
How to build and grow your audience
How to work with (not against) the algorithm
How to create content with purpose and impact

This hands-on session provided by Kent & Medway Growth Hub is perfect for aspiring influencers, business owners, and anyone looking to grow their online presence with confidence.

Online & In Person (Ashford, Kent)
25^th February
In person ticket https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1978404202226?aff=oddtdtcreator
Online ticket https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1978405665603?aff=oddtdtcreator

Location for attending in person:

Coachworks Ashford, Dover Place, Ashford TN23 1HU

The post How To Become an Influencer – Free Workshop appeared first on Folkestone Works.

Click here for further information which can be found on our Folkestone & Hythe District Council corporate website.

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We still have some funding left to allocate from the central government funded Rural England Prosperity Fund. Businesses can have up to 75% of a project funded & organisations up to 90%, up to to maximum of £20,000. (£10,000 is the normal maximum, a higher sum may be considered is some circumstances).

To ensure we maximise the impact of our remaining budget, we are issuing a special call for “quick win” projects – initiatives that require minimal lead time and can be installed rapidly, yet deliver a significant boost to your operations.

Our mission is to back projects that deliver – whether this be capital upgrades for new income streams, equipment for diversification that will strengthen your future or improvements that surge footfall and make your business a destination. Whatever your vision for growth, we are here to provide the funding to make it happen!

We are looking for projects that can be delivered at pace and fully completed by the end of July 2026. This is a final call to grab this funding milestone – click here for the full guidelines to check if you meet the eligibility criteria and complete an expression of interest form. Once your EOI form has been received, we will check to see if you fully meet the criteria and if so we will invite a full application from you.

The post Free grant Funding available for Rural based businesses & organisations 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 

Follow us on Facebook: @FolkestoneandHytheDC

Follow us on Twitter: @fstonehythedc

Follow us on Instagram: @folkestonehythedc

Follow us on LinkedIn: Folkestone & Hythe District Council

The post HELP SHAPE THE DISTRICT’S FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH appeared first on Folkestone Works.

Are you ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

Join Kent & Medway Growth Hub for an empowering Unlock Growth with Powerful SEO Workshop, presented by Matthew Dorrington from Tootle Works, designed to help you grow your visibility, attract the right customers, and build long-term success online.

What you’ll learn:

How to optimise your website for better search rankings
Simple, actionable SEO strategies you can implement right away
Insider tips to boost your digital presence
How SEO can fuel rapid growth for new and existing businesses

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your current strategy, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to elevate your business through smart, effective SEO.

Don’t miss out on this chance to strengthen your digital footprint and get your business seen!

Click here for more details and to book your place

The post Unlock growth with powerful SEO – free workshop for businesses appeared first on Folkestone Works.

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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