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

The post Digital Marketing in an AI World & Cyber Security Workshop appeared first on Folkestone Works.

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

The post Business Start-Up Course with Kent and Medway Growth Hub appeared first on Folkestone Works.

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

The post ‘Recover, Pivot & Scale’ Business Support Programme appeared first on Folkestone Works.

Scheme period: 25 June to 1 September 2026. Great British Summer Savings is a UK Government campaign to cut VAT for eligible businesses this summer, reducing the rate on qualifying children’s meals, tickets and family attractions from 20% to 5%, while helping families find discounted days out, entertainment and meals and supporting businesses with summer footfall.

Consumer website: https://summersavings.gov.uk/

Business registration: https://register.greatbritishsummersavings.gov.uk/

Who can take part?

• UK businesses registered for VAT.
• Venues and attractions operating during the scheme period.
• Businesses willing to offer a discount to Great British Summer Savings visitors.
• Relevant business types include cinemas, theatres, museums, heritage sites, soft play, adventure and theme parks, cafés, restaurants and other family attractions offering family dining.

What offers can be listed?

• Children’s tickets.
• Family tickets.
• Children’s meals eaten out.
• Offers must genuinely reflect discounts available to the public during the scheme period.
• Adult-only deals are not suitable for the scheme website unless they form part of an eligible family-ticket offer.

How businesses sign up

1. Go to the business registration site and create an account using an email address and password.
2. Have the business VAT number ready; the site verifies VAT registration.
3. Add each site or location that will run an offer.
4. Enter the offer details, including the discount, original price, discounted price, eligibility and which site the offer applies to.
5. Provide a short description of the establishment and a website page where customers can find out more or book.
6. Submit the listing for review.
7. Complete address verification using the code sent by letter. Businesses can create listings while waiting for the code.

Time needed: Registration takes around 10 minutes. Most approved listings are expected to go live within 48 hours after review.

What businesses need before they start?

• VAT number.
• Business name and nominated business address.
• Site names and addresses for all participating locations.
• Brief description of the business or attraction.
• Offer details, including discount, original price, discounted price, eligibility and availability dates.
• Customer-facing web page or booking page.
• Contact email address for the review process; this will not be published.

Important notes for businesses

• Registering an offer does not confirm eligibility for the reduced VAT rate. Businesses should seek their own tax advice.
• Listings are reviewed before they go live and must comply with content rules.
• Submitted content must be accurate, lawful, non-misleading and directly related to the offer.
• Businesses can edit offers later, but changes may need a brief review before publication.

Messages to promote locally

• “If you are offering children’s tickets, family tickets or children’s meals this summer, register to be featured on the national Great British Summer Savings website.”
• “The scheme helps families search for local summer offers by postcode and can help businesses attract more visits during the school holidays.”
• “Registration is free, takes around 10 minutes, and approved listings can usually go live within 48 hours.”

Business support contact: support@greatbritishsummersavings.gov.uk for registration, listings, verification codes and portal questions. The team aims to respond within 2 working days.

Public enquiries: info@greatbritishsummersavings.gov.uk

The post The Great British Summer Savings Scheme appeared first on Folkestone Works.

There is still time to submit an application to our green grant scheme, the deadline date for submissions has been extended until 24th July 2026.

Smaller grants of up to £2,000 or large grants of up to £20,000 can be applied for, depending on the type of project and organisation or business.

Full details and a link to the application form can be found by clicking here. 

The post Green Grant Programme 2026 appeared first on Folkestone Works.

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.

The post Calling all hospitality businesses interested in sustainability appeared first on Folkestone Works.

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.

23 categories. 20 years. One incredible night on the 8^th October at the GlassBox Theatre, Gillingham.

Calling Hospitality and retail businesses across the district – entry is open now and free via a public vote. So, enter your business and spread the word.

Click here for full details and to enter

Overview of the Taste of Kent Awards

The Taste of Kent Awards celebrate the very best of Kent’s food and drink industry. Established in 2006 and organised by Produced in Kent – the county’s leading membership organisation for independent food and drink businesses – 2026 marks a landmark 20th year of recognising excellence across the sector. Open to all food and drink businesses based in Kent, the awards champion quality, innovation, and sustainability across the full spectrum of the industry – from growers, producers and manufacturers to retailers, wholesalers and hospitality venues. The awards now run biennially, making each edition a genuine milestone moment for Kent’s food and drink community.

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