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SHORTLIST UNVEILED FOR DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

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Three-Hills

Three-Hills Shortlist unveiled for development awards

The finalists in the 2014 Kent Design and Development Awards have now been revealed.

Eighteen projects from across the county have been shortlisted in the awards, which celebrate design and construction excellence and take place every two years.

Four projects have been shortlisted twice: Three Hills Sports Park in Folkestone (Public Buildings – Community, and Environmental Performance), The Skinners’ Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells (Public Buildings – Education, and Environmental Performance), Goat Lees Primary School (Public Buildings, Education and Environmental Performance) and Cyclopark in Gravesend (Civils and Infrastructure and Public Buildings – Community).

Goat-LeesThe remaining 14 finalists are: Ambleside, Faversham; Armstrong Road, Maidstone; Centre for Environmental Technologies, Broadstairs; Farningham House Cottage; Forge Fields, Bethersden; Hadlow Tower; Hermitage Court Units G&H, Maidstone; Horsted Park, Chatham; Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery, Maidstone; Maidstone High Street;
Medway Crematorium; Pobble House, Romney Marsh; Sandwich Town Tidal Defences; and St Michael’s School, Otford.

Alex Hicken of DHA Planning, sponsors of the overall Project of the Year award, commented: “The shortlist demonstrates that Kent is home to a wide range of innovative projects. Once again this shows how good quality design is being adopted by the county’s developers and having a positive impact on communities.”

Skinners-KentJointly organised and sponsored by DHA Planning, Kent County Council, and PR and marketing agency Maxim, the awards showcase the many excellent construction projects taking place around the county.

Mark Dance, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Kent County Council, said: “Economic improvements, combined with a positive outlook for the county’s property industry, mean there is a lot to celebrate in Kent and we look forward to honouring the winners in November.”
The categories to be decided include Civils and Infrastructure; Commercial, Industrial and Retail; Environmental Performance; Public Building – Commercial and Education; and Residential – Minor and Major. The winners of the five categories will go forward to compete for the Project of the Year trophy.

CycloparkDHA Planning, Kent County Council and Maxim are joined in delivering the awards by CTP Consulting Engineers; Kent Construction Focus Group; Liberty Property Trust UK, developers of Kings Hill; and construction and cost management consultants The Woodley Coles LLP.

Judges’ site visits are currently under way, with the winners to be announced at an awards ceremony on 6th November. See www.kentdesigndevelopmentawards.co.uk for further information and the full shortlist.

 

SOUTH EAST DECLARED ECONOMIC DYNAMO OF ENGLAND BY MP

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kent-science-parkOn Friday 19th September, Gordon Henderson – MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey – returned to Kent Science Park to take part in a question and answer session with local businesses. This was a general Q&A, inviting business owners to ask Mr. Henderson about anything affecting their business. The event was well attended and, with the Scottish Referendum Result announced the previous evening; a hot topic for debate was the implications of the result to the local economy.

Mr. Henderson’s discussion began with a presentation from Shaw Trust, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping disabled people or those at a disadvantage to find and sustain employment.

Hasan Hijazi, Lead Employer Relations Consultant, explained the importance of business owners being involved with the Shaw Trust and its nationwide programmes.

He said: “We work in partnership with the Job Centre but access benefits in a different way. We understand the problems faced when trying to obtain work and encourage employers’ participation in offering work experience, work trials and potential paid work for people with disabilities and health issues who consider themselves job ready”.

The Scottish Referendum was an important matter to be addressed, proving its magnitude to local businesses. Mr. Henderson said: “The Scottish Referendum is an extremely important issue across the whole country, it is a common misconception that the Scottish Referendum will only affect Scottish people and business. I am absolutely delighted that we are staying as one nation but I am even more delighted with what the Prime Minister had to say about the voice of England having to be heard.

Mr Henderson added: “We have an English Parliament in place; we just need to make sure that English MPs vote on English matters. We have sometimes been dominated by Scottish and Welsh MPs. Under any new government structure, we English are more likely to have a business friendly government”.

Amongst the topics discussed was the problem of unemployment in Sittingbourne and Sheppey, with local business owners seeking advice from Mr. Henderson on finding skilled workers who wish to be employed. This is something that the MP has been championing for some time, with previous Q&As suggesting an unsympathetic government to business.

Mr. Henderson commented: “Sheppey has always been an unemployment black spot but we are starting to see improvement in job prospects even on the Island. We have lowered the unemployment level in Sittingbourne and Sheppey from 3,500 to 1,700.

“The South East is the economic dynamo of England and I would like to see Kent become the economic dynamo of the South East and Sittingbourne and Sheppey the economic dynamo of Kent. In five years, the Eurolink Industrial Park will be the biggest of its kind in Southern England.”

Mr. Henderson said that he was continuing to focus on employment and small business growth: “We have to break the cycle of the benefit culture and I am keen to instigate change. I believe that the introduction of Universal Benefits will help that change because one element of it will allow the unemployed to earn a certain amount of money whilst keeping their benefits.

“In addition, we must encourage youngsters to develop the desired work ethic and attitude needed in society. This will mean involving everyone from small businesses taking on apprentices to schools preparing their students better for the workplace.

“I believe that Sittingbourne and Sheppey has a bright future, but no one can do it on his or her own. This is one of those occasions when are all in it together”.

The Q&A was followed by a topical presentation from Lorna Wyrill, Business and Skills Officer in the economy and Community Department at Swale Borough Council. Lorna discussed how important it is for local businesses to ‘think local’ and utilize the skill set readily available in our district. She also discussed the Council’s plans for introducing easier access for small businesses to supply the needs of Local Government procurement.

James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park, concluded by adding, “Kent currently has 42,000 businesses each employing less than four people and it is important that business owners have the opportunity to participate in lively debates with their local MP, addressing issues that directly affect them. The presentations from The Shaw Trust and Swale Borough Council were valuable additions to the event, highlighting alternative routes for small businesses in terms of employment and access. The Q&A is always well attended at Kent Science Park, but this one in particular was lively and superbly debated; an encouraging sign for the redevelopment of our borough”.

 

FINANCIAL REPORTING CHANGES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

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DSH Accountants Kent

DSH Accountants KentThe accounts of small businesses should become easier to compile following a new consultation process by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), according to DSH Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors.

On September 1 the FRC issued its ‘Accounting standards for small entities – Implementation of the EU Accounting Directive’ consultation document, following changes in EU Law.

The new EU Accounting Directive was approved in June 2013. It introduces a number of accounting changes for small businesses including a restriction on the disclosures that member states can require small companies to give in their accounts, as well as defining new financial thresholds for what constitute small, medium and large businesses.

“The Government has until July 2015 to adopt the new EU directive into Company Law, and it must be in force for accounting periods starting on or after January 1, 2016,” said Stephen Farrant, Partner at DSH.

DSH-Steve-CarpenterThe FRC proposals define micro-businesses as those typically turning over less than £632,000 a year with 10 or fewer employees, and small businesses as those with a turnover of less than £10.2 million with no more than 50 employees.

Stephen added: “The proposed new financial reporting standard for micro-businesses will make their accounts simpler.

“The standard for small businesses will become consistent for those used by other unlisted companies, company subsidiaries and charities, but the presentation and disclosure requirements will be more straightforward.

“On the face of it, this is good news for small and micro businesses and their accountants.”

The FRC consultation on the new standards runs until November 30.

For more information, or to find out how the changes could affect you, contact DSH Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors, on 01622 690666 or visit www.dsh.co.uk.

 

WARD SECURITY SPONSORS AYLESFORD BULLS RFC

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WARD-SECURITY

National Security Provider Ward Security, who has offices in Rochester and Chatham, is pleased to announce that it has become a main sponsor of Aylesford Bulls RFC for the 2014/15 season. The sponsorship agreement is for an initial 12 month period and includes shirt sponsorship for the men’s and ladies first teams, ground and club sponsorship.

Speaking about the agreement, David Ward, Managing Director of Ward Security said, “Aylesford Bulls RFC is a reasonably young club, having been formed in 1975, but in a short space of time has become an important community asset. However, the club needs support from business to keep functioning and growing.

“At Ward Security we take seriously our commitment to the communities in which we are based and operate. We actively support a range of local organisations and good causes and recognise the important and positive effect we can have on local communities. We are delighted to be able to support the ongoing success and growth of the club and we will look on with pride as Aylesford Bulls teams take the field in Ward Security shirts.”

Frank Prescott, Chairman at Aylesford Bulls RFC said “Aylesford Bulls RFC is extremely pleased to have secured a sponsorship deal with Ward Security and we hope it will be the start of a long term partnership. This sponsorship will put us in a strong and healthy position for the coming season. It is also a great opportunity to give a successful local business exposure every Saturday at matches across the region. Thank you to Ward Security for their much valued support.”

Ward Security is a national provider of security guarding, providing a full range of security services including guard dog security, CCTV security systems, key holding and patrol services. For further information see www.wardsecurity.co.uk

Aylesford-Bulls-Rugby-Football-Club

LEGAL ADVICE ADDS FIZZ TO FUNDRAISING

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Chapel-DownThe market leader in English wines is set for fresh growth following the launch of a major crowdfunding initiative.

Tenterden-based Chapel Down Group aims to attract up to €5m in what is believed to be the first time a quoted company in the UK has used crowdfunding to reach investors.

The award-winning wine and beer producer, whose shares trade on ISDX, worked with solicitors Cripps in developing the proposals, which allow wine lovers to share in Chapel Down’s success.

“This is a very smart move by Chapel Down and just the sort of step you would expect from the most innovative brand in English wine production,” said Salim Somjee, who worked with Phil Cunningham, partner, and Helen Garner, associate, as part of the Cripps team advising Chapel Down.

“Not only is it an efficient method of raising money to invest in new capacity but it also offers an easy way for people with a passion for good quality wine to take a direct interest in a company that leads the way in English wine production.

“It is also equitable as all investors – whether individuals, management or big institutions –will pay exactly the same price for the shares being offered.”

The money raised will be used by Chapel Down to plant more vines, build a new winery, brewery and visitor attraction, and extend its hospitality facility in Tenterden.

Chief Executive Officer Frazer Thompson added: “We have leading brands – Chapel Down in wine and Curious in beer and cider – that we want to grow.

“This requires more money.  We’d rather get that money from people who care – people who want to see our company flourish and grow and can help us spread the word about the quality of our produce.

“When we were looking for our legal partners for such a new endeavour, we wanted City excellence, Kent prices and people we knew were up for the challenge. People who really understood the brief and who we could trust. That was Cripps.”

 

THE PERFECT STORM FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS

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B2B-KENTEx-dragon Doug Richard forecasts “The Perfect Storm” for creative entrepreneurs

The Kent County Cricket Club at the Spitfire Ground, Canterbury hosted the third of the Best of Kent Shows on Thursday 11th September for the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. This leading business to business event encompassing an exhibition and a conference with leading speakers and workshops welcomed over 600 delegates and 60 exhibitors, who used the day to network, building existing and new business contacts.

Doug Richard & the creative entrepreneur

Keynotes came courtesy of Andrew Priestley, QJ and serial entrepreneur Doug Richard, who gave an inspirational speech on the rise of the creative entrepreneur in the UK. As the greatest nation for creativity – a recent report published in January by Department for Culture Media and Sport revealed that the creative industries in the UK outperform all other sectors, generating over £70 billion a year – he laid out a case for now being the perfect time to start a creative business. He argued that with the democratisation of access to finance making it easier to tap into alternative means of funding such as peer to peer or equity lending and the growth of websites such as Kickstarter plus the fact that economically the UK is at the start of a new cycle equals, in Doug’s words, the perfect storm for new creative businesses to establish and grow.

Having worked with a number of new businesses in the East Kent area he continued he felt confident that the area was also in great shape to support new creative firms in the future. As part of a strategy for success he also spoke of the need for businesses to re-contextualise their offering dependant on their location, that contrary to what many would argue, new businesses do not need to be able to create innovation for innovations sake in order to be successful. In fact, some of the most successful new businesses are created by taking an existing product or service and bringing it to a new area. By the very act of moving it to a new region the product or service changes becoming different and unique due to it being re-localised.

Carole Barron, Chair of The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, who hosted the day commented “It was a great day for local, regional and national businesses. There was a great buzz around the event with exhibitors and delegates making new connections and building relationships. All the workshops and keynotes were well attended with incredibly positive feedback on the topics and delivery.” She continues “Now, we look forward to the next Best of Kent Show; the North Kent B2B on Thursday 16th October at the Woodville, Gravesend. Keynotes are from CEO and co-founder of Angels Den, Bill Morrow, Lauren Lovett and Barnaby Wynter.”

B2B-1Offering opportunities to all types and sizes of business

With all this on offer the North Kent B2B is an event where you can give your contacts list a boost and meet a range of diverse, interesting businesses. You can gain insight through attending the sessions scheduled by industry leading speakers and find out how to apply their lessons to your business to increase your sales and profitability.

The Best of Kent Shows’ North Kent B2B is sponsored by Caxtons, chartered surveyors, one of the largest independent property consultants in Kent. The event is run by the Kent Invicta Chamber of

Commerce, and members of the Chamber will also be available to offer free business advice. Jo James, the Chief Executive of the Chamber, comments “The Kent B2B is the biggest event in our calendar and it draws businesses from across the county and the UK. This year’s event is shaping up to be a great mix of inspirational speakers, exhibitors, masses of networking opportunities and workshops. I look forward to welcoming businesses from across the county and further afield to an informative day.”

MILLWOOD HOMES BUILDS ON SUCCESS

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cripps-harries-hall-kentAward-winning Millwood Designer Homes Ltd is set for further growth after attracting a £10m investment in a deal managed by law firm Cripps.

The Tonbridge-based housebuilder specialises in high quality, individually designed homes and will use the money to accelerate its housebuilding programme across Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

Cripps’ Katie Haylock, who worked on the transaction with colleague Phil Cunningham, said: “it was a complex deal involving a large London-based property investment company with some £3bn in assets. Its successful completion provides Millwood with the resources to unlock the potential of a large number of its development sites across the South East.”

Managing Director John Elliott said: “The housing market is robust in the South East and there is strong demand for good quality new homes.

“The industry is building homes at the fastest rate for a decade. There is still a long way to go before we meet the current shortfall but we are confident there will be an ever greater requirement for the homes Millwood provides – well-built, energy-efficient, attractive housing that will stand the test of time.

“The £10m we have received with help from our longstanding legal advisers Cripps will enable us to bring forward a greater number of sites over the next four years, with knock-on benefits for homebuyers and the local economy.”

Millwood’s projects, which are renowned for reflecting the architectural heritage of their settings, have won numerous accolades, most recently an Evening Standard 2014 New Homes Award In the best family home category.

For further information about Millwood and the range of properties it has for sale, visit www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk or call 01732 770991.

Cripps has offices in Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill, London and Sandwich.

SUCCESS FUNDING IS MUSIC TO THE EARS OF SONIC CONCEPT

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Locate in Kent

Locate in KentA new company is aiming to make a big noise in the audio market and create up to 20 jobs from a base in east Kent with the help of advice from Locate in Kent, the county’s investment promotion agency.

Founded by Darren Hollands, Sonic Concept designs and manufactures mid to high-end audio speakers and integrated amplifiers for the home and professional market.

The business launched from a unit in Rowe’s Yard, Manston Business Park, in July, with the help of a £150,000 SUCCESS grant, funded from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund covering Thanet, having been alerted to the availability of the funding by Locate in Kent.

With six months of design and development work ahead before releasing its products to market, the company has a team of four, including Darren, with a fifth joining at the end of August and plans to expand to 20 over the next three years.

“I’m from Kent and we were looking for factory units in the county that had an area that we could use for design, as well as manufacturing bays,” said Darren “I was finding it frustrating and as I knew Chris Broom from Locate in Kent I gave him a call to see if he could help.”

Sonic-ConceptIt was Chris who suggested Darren apply for a grant from the South East Urban Coast Creative Enterprise Support Scheme (SUCCESS), which supports new or expanding creative SME’s who wish to create jobs in the district and have match funding.

“If it wasn’t for Chris, I wouldn’t have known about the scheme and we wouldn’t have been able to start up the business,” said Darren.

“I was able to match the £150,000 grant with my own money and loans from family, and that has allowed us to start developing products and to buy a company called O’hEocha which, although technically still trading, had been dormant for a couple of years.

“That has been important, as having an established brand name with a history and product range has opened doors to specialist suppliers and potential high street retailers and has given us a really positive start.”

Locate in Kent also helped identify the Rowe’s Yard unit where the start-up team is busy developing new products, updating those bought from O’hEocha, and developing a range including a streaming unit that allows for downloaded music to be streamed directly to speakers.

“The premises are perfect,” said Darren. “They are new, very clean and smart and ideal for the image we are looking to project to suppliers and customers. We are really keen to identify local suppliers as I am a huge advocate of keeping business as local as possible.”

Paul Wookey, Chief Executive of Locate in Kent, said the range of financial support schemes across the county had made it an even more attractive location for businesses looking to launch or expand.

“All the statistics and feedback we have show that businesses from the UK and beyond are increasingly aware that much of Kent and Medway is covered by Regional Growth Fund support. There are various schemes that support companies of all sizes and at all stages of their development and which are looking to grow and create jobs,” he said.

“Sonic Concept is a prime example of a company whose start-up has been made possible by one of those schemes, launching in an area where investment and growth is helping transform the economic landscape.”

To find out more about Sonic Concept, visit www.sonicconcept.com.

To find out how Locate in Kent can help you grow or set up in Kent, visit www.locateinkent.com.

To find out more about SUCCESS visit www.success-creative-fund.biz

 

NEW WEBSITE TO BOOST KENT TOURISM BUSINESSES

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visit-kentVisit Kent has created a new campaign and B2B website to provide tourism businesses, investors and the media with its most up-to-date information and research into the county’s visitor economy.

The mobile and tablet-friendly website, www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk, is packed full of vital tourism business planning tools for Kent’s 3,000 plus tourism businesses and divided into four key sections – Learn More About Visit Kent, Press & Media Enquiries, Tourism Business Support, and Hotel Development and Investor Enquiries.

The new website matches the branding and style of the award-winning consumer website, www.visitkent.co.uk.

Sandra-Matthews-Marsh-Visit-KentSandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive at Visit Kent, said: “Our county’s tourism industry’s success depends on businesses and potential investors having access to the latest research, advice, and details of our many support and training programmes – all just a click away.

“Travel and businesses journalists too need round-the-clock access to our latest media information and photographic support.

“The new website offers that service in a straight-forward and simple-to-search format making it quick and efficient for users at all times.”

Mrs Matthews-Marsh said development of the website and the campaign to provide advice and help to the sectors businesses was part of the tourism champions’ mission to grow tourism across the county.

Kent’s tourism businesses currently welcome more than 57 million visitors each year, support 64,600 jobs and contribute £3.4 billion to the county economy.

LOANS ARRANGERS RISK BEING CORRALLED BY HMRC

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DSH Accountants Kent

DSH Accountants KentWorkers who have avoided tax by being given loans rather than being paid with salaries or fees are the latest group to be targeted by HM Revenue & Customs, DSH Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors has warned.

Steve Carpenter, Director of Taxation at the Maidstone-based company, explained that typically the schemes saw a contractor employed by an organisation based somewhere such as the Isle of Man.

“The contractor will receive a nominal salary but will also be ‘loaned’ a further amount,” said Steve. “The combination of the nominal salary and the loan represent the total fee agreed for the work.

“It may well be that the loans have been declared and taxed as a benefit, but at a lower rate than would have been applicable if the sums had been declared as income.”

Steve added that HMRC believes that such ‘loans’ fall foul of anti-tax avoidance regulations as they are not true loans and are instead employment income. It has launched a campaign aimed at giving those who have used such a system a chance to settle with the taxman.

DSH-Steve-Carpenter“Anyone who has used such a loan scheme has until January 9, 2015 to come to a settlement with HMRC,” said Steve. “That will involve paying unpaid income tax on loans, plus any interest on that unpaid tax, but HMRC will then consider that file to be closed.”

However, Steve added that failure to reach a settlement would see HMRC pursue the case and seek to recover the income tax owed, National Insurance Contributions if the income is taxed as employment/self-employment income, and inheritance tax if the loan arrangements involve a trust fund.

In addition, HMRC will claim more interest on unpaid income tax if it has to pursue a case than if individuals come forward to seek a settlement.

“HMRC is sending letters to all those it believes has benefitted from employer loan schemes,” said Steve.

“If you receive one, or if you know you have used such a scheme, I strongly advise you to talk to your accountant or business advisor about what to do next.”

To find out more about DSH Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors, visit www.dsh.co.uk or call 01622 690666.

 

KSP TENANT HITS FILM PRODUCTION LANDMARK

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kent-science-parkKent Science Park (KSP) tenant Lavender Blue Media has produced its 1,000th film since it was set up in 2002. Lavender Blue is a full service video and content creation agency, which has been based on the Park for 11 years. Lavender Blue clients range from international, national and local companies, as well as businesses on Kent Science Park itself. This means they can produce anything from short testimonials to cinema commercials depending on requirements.

The 1,000th film was produced by Lavender Blue Media for South East Water – a business providing drinking water to over two million people in the South-East. The three-minute video is a hand-drawn animation, which explains how water travels to your tap. It also features a number of handy tips for saving water – all using images hand-drawn by the Lavender Blue team. Lavender Blue has been offering hand-drawn animation services for four years now and it is one of the fastest growing areas of the business. Hand-drawn animations are an excellent format for conveying complex business issues in an engaging and entertaining way, and can really bring a subject to life.

Claire Ashford, Producer and Owner of Lavender Blue Media, commented on the business’ achievement, “We are thrilled to have produced our 1,000th film and are seeing a great deal of success in a number of areas. Today, more and more businesses are using video in their marketing, as there is higher engagement with visual mediums. Hand-drawn animation is a key area for us and we are receiving an increase in requests for this type of work. Our plan is to continue to enhance this format for clients, as well as all of our other video services.

“We love helping businesses to develop their content creation strategy and are constantly seeking new projects to meet our growth objectives. So far, we have seen success by creating films that are fit for purpose and provide a return on investment for our clients. This is coupled with a high-level of customer service where the client always comes first, which is why several of our clients have worked with us since day one. Being based at Kent Science Park has certainly helped with this as it is a very professional place to be, with good security and a community feel.”

Christine King is the Campaign and Media Manager at South East Water. She explained about Lavender Blue’s contribution to the company’s communications activities, “Nothing is too much trouble for Lavender Blue. We have asked the team to do some quite complex filming during our construction projects, and have even sent them deep underground to film inside one of our aquifers. Every time all the stops are pulled out, resulting in a highly professional film.”

James Speck, Site Director at KSP, concluded by adding, “Lavender Blue Media has been a tenant on the site for 11 years, and has grown steadily during this time. KSP has used their services on a number of occasions and has always been impressed by the quality of their work. It is no surprise that Lavender Blue is now a market-leading video production company used by businesses as far as the USA. It is wonderful to be celebrating this milestone with Lavender Blue and I wish them every success in the future.”

For more information on Lavender Blue Media please visit www.lavenderbluemedia.com. To view South East Water’s ‘Water: Let’s save it?’ animation please visit www.southeastwater.co.uk/news-and-information/our-videos.

SPECULATIVE DEVELOPMENT ON THE HORIZON AGAIN?

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Locate in Kent

Locate in KentCommercial property experts in Kent believe that the upturn in business confidence is strengthening the case for speculative development, while recent planning regulation changes are in danger of leading to a shortage of small office premises.

The Kent Developers Group, made up of commercial and residential developers operating across the county, has suggested that the latest data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Commercial Market Survey, demonstrates that now is the right time for the county to push ahead with new office, warehousing and distribution development.

The RICS Q2 2014 survey suggests that the overall availability of commercial property declined at its fastest rate since Q3 1999 with a net balance of 34% more surveyors reporting shortages. There were also sharp declines in the availability of office (-49%) and industrial space (-42%).

James Speck, Commercial Property Chairman of Kent Developers Group, and the man heading up Kent Science Park, said: “With demand from businesses for commercial property returning, and interests rates still low, now could be the right time for developers to consider investing in speculative development.

“Across Kent we are seeing a growing levels of enquiries. However, the supply of modern space available for immediate occupation is at low levels and unless we build more, and quickly, the county could lose out on attracting new companies.”

The RICS survey highlights that recent planning changes, which has seen the drive to convert offices to residential, is leading to the prospect of commercial property shortages in the South.

The survey also found the south saw a rise in the number of transactions of commercial properties being sold with Permitted Development Rights (PDR) to be converted into residential properties – the highest level of any region.

Regionally, a net balance of 32% of South respondents said the activity was having a ‘substantial’ impact on activity, while 45% said reported it as having a ‘moderate’ effect.

In terms of supply, Kent has seen a 10% reduction in industrial property supply since July 2012, particularly in terms of small and large sized industrial units, according to Locate in Kent.

Available units over 100,000ft2 have fallen by nearly 45 per cent, and those available and ranging from 5,000-10,000ft2 have fallen by 23 per cent, during the last two years. In sharp contrast, demand for units of 5,000-10,000ft2 has increased by 175 per cent over the same period.

Paul Wookey, Chief Executive of Locate in Kent, said: “Small sized town centre offices are an important part of Kent’s property mix and we continue to see a growing demand for serviced offices by overseas businesses as the first step to planning their larger long term investment into Kent.

“While the conversions of former commercial offices may be making a much-needed contribution to the region’s undersupply of new homes, local authorities will undoubtedly become concerned if business growth can no longer be accommodated – and hopefully be more open minded to permitting commercial development.”

 

INTERNATIONAL DEAL TO BOOST UK HIGH TECH GROWTH

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cripps-harries-hall-kentInternational legal expertise from law firm Cripps has opened the way for a high tech French company to invest in the UK.

Environnement S.A, Europe’s leading supplier of environmental monitoring equipment, has bought Cambridgeshire-based PCME Ltd, a specialist in the development, manufacture and supply of continuous particulate emission monitors for industrial processes.

The complementary strengths of the two businesses will enhance the enlarged group’s global position, enabling it to offer a wide range of advanced solutions to meet current and future environmental monitoring requirements.

“As well as the complex legal documentation that needed completing, there were also cultural sensitivities to manage. I am delighted we were able to help steer this deal to completion, the most important to date for Environnement S.A, a €55m turnover group, listed on the Paris stock exchange,” said Olivier Morel, Partner, head of international corporate investment, who led the Cripps team.

Olivier-MorelEach entity will keep its own autonomy, retaining the current management team and employees.

François Gourdon, President and founder of Environnement S.A, said: ”We are very enthusiastic about the opportunities we’ll be able to provide to our worldwide industrial customers and are grateful to Cripps for their help in making this acquisition a success.”

William Averdieck, Managing Director and founder of PCME Ltd, added: “Both management teams have known and respected each other for many years. This new partnership will boost our growth, allowing us to double revenue within five years, reaching new customers, new markets and new applications worldwide.”

The Cripps team advising the acquirer consisted of Olivier Morel, Rachel Butler and Will Squires. Peter Watson, Prism Corporate Broking, provided corporate finance advice to the seller, with taxation advice from Mark Jackson of Rawlinsons and legal advice from Duncan Walker at Greenwoods LLP.

 

KENTS CROP OF BERRY EXPERTS GROWS

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Driscoll-JubileeProof positive that Kent offers a great location for experts in the strawberry industry has seen Driscoll’s Genetics more than double the size of its operations at East Malling Research.

The company has doubled its space from 2,500ft2 to 5,400ft2. The 500 acre parkland estate is owned by East Malling Trust, the UK’s largest independent funder of horticultural research.

Commenting on the expansion Dr Carlos Fear, Director of Plant Breeding & Variety Development of Driscoll’s Genetics, said: “East Malling has provided a company like ours and ideal place to bring its research organisation. Not only is it an easy gateway for travel to the rest of Europe, but East Malling Research provides the facilities we require such as laboratories, offices, glasshouses and a site for field trials.”

The expansion of Driscoll’s Genetics, a Californian family-owned company, was negotiated by Smiths Gore, the Kings Hill-based chartered surveyors and property consultants which manages East Malling Trust’s property portfolio.

Tim Cathcart, Partner at Smiths Gore said: “With a reputation for high level scientific advancements spanning more than a hundred years, the buildings at East Malling Research and community of scientists on site, make it an attractive proposition for soft fruit and top fruit related businesses, such as Driscoll’s Genetics.”

Last month, Smiths Gore successfully let the 18th century Grade II tithe barn adjacent to Bradbourne House, which now provides 2,323ftof open plan office space to landscape design consultants Murdoch Wickham.

In addition to the scientific work undertaken at East Malling Research, the estate is also home to English Apples and Pears, the organisation which champions UK growersOther companies include Evogro, the high-tech plant growing equipment company; specialist market research OMB Research, and seismic and drilling advisers Zebra Geosciences and Zebra Datasciences.

Further information on the properties available at East Malling can be found at www.eastmallingtrustestate.co.uk

 

 

END OF THE BEGINNING FOR TAX AVOIDANCE?

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Simon-WarneTax avoidance schemes signed up to by high profile celebrities are back in the news, with specialists at Crowe Clark Whitehill advising those who have not paid the correct amount to take urgent notice as it could have consequences for them.

Many will welcome HMRC’s success in the ‘Icebreaker’ tax avoidance scheme, and the fallout from the ‘Ingenious Media’ scheme which saw many well known names back the British film industry and write-off losses against other income.

The reporting of the facts in the ‘Icebreaker’ case revealed that some wealthy individuals had entered into complex arrangements to avoid paying in the region of £120 million of tax by investing in the music industry.

Despite hearing that the celebrities had invested in the music industry, the Tribunal judge Colin Bishop ruled that the main aim was rather to secure tax relief. He ruled that the claimed tax relief had been inflated by a mechanism of ‘entirely circular’ loans which resulted in the value of the tax claims exceeding the amounts invested.

Simon Warne, Tax Partner at Crowe Clark Whitehill, a leading national audit, tax and advisory firm with offices in Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone, said: “In striking out the scheme the judge ruled he was satisfied that the borrowed sums, a key feature in many avoidance arrangements, were not used for the purpose of the trades. Following that decision, the tax claims were dramatically diminished so as to make the scheme effectively valueless.

“Although the scheme promoters are considering their position, and a further appeal is possible, it appears that HMRC is enjoying the moment and will continue to challenge those who engage in tax avoidance, leading some advisers to stop offering such schemes.”

The ruling will have a significant impact on those 950 individuals, including high profile music industry figures, who invested as partners of these schemes with HMRC likely to issue demands which may include back tax, interest and penalties.

While there will be relatively few businesses and individuals caught up in the Icebreaker case, Crowe Clark Whitehill believes that the ruling could have wider implications, as similar schemes will also be affected by the new Follower Notices tax mechanism.

Simon Warne added: “First announced in the Autumn Statement 2013, Follower Notices are now in force, allowing HMRC to issue a notice to any taxpayer who has, in its view, used a tax avoidance scheme similar to one which it has successfully litigated before the First-tier Tribunal or courts.”

The Follower Notice will require that the taxpayer settles its dispute with HMRC so the tax due will have to be paid. Failure to do so will risk a penalty and payment of the tax in dispute will become due in any case within, normally, 90 days. This represents a significant erosion in the value of tax-avoidance schemes, which previously had allowed users to not pay their tax until the legal process had been exhausted.

Accelerated Payments Notices are another new power under which HMRC can order the taxpayer to pay certain elements of disputed tax before the resolution of any enquiry process. This affects existing avoidance schemes, not just new arrangements going forward, so tax payers who have been in dispute with HMRC for many years will now be receiving demands for the tax which HMRC believes is due.

Simon Warne concluded: “It is clear that HMRC now has greater power to tackle avoidance. While some may consider these new powers a step too far, high tax payers will need to work more closely and earlier with their tax advisers than ever before.”

 

PHONE HACKING – ARE YOU PREPARED?

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mf-communicationsMF Communications to offer Exceptional call reporting service from September 2014

MF Communications will launch its ‘Exceptional Call Reporting’ service (ECR) for all customers, from 1st September 2014.   The ECR service will monitor calls for any sign of fraudulent activity. In the event of an attack to a customer’s PBX telephone system, the company will cover from £250 to £5000 per incident.

Most people automatically think of celebrity voicemails when they hear the words ‘phone hacking’. However, there is a different kind of phone hacking that is less widely publicised. Also known as ‘Toll Fraud’ or ‘Phone Phreaking’, it is costing UK businesses billions of pounds in lost revenue. Many businesses are still unaware of how much their telephone systems are at risk, but it is becoming an increasingly common problem in the UK.

The ECR service provided by MF Communications aims to protect business telephone systems from fraudulent attack. The company are leading the way in taking steps to protect their customers and increase awareness of the problem.

‘There is a huge risk of toll fraud to all users, even those who do not have a telephone system: there have been instances of single analogue lines being hacked at exchange level. We therefore feel it is very important for our customers to protect themselves against telephony fraud,’ says Fraser Young, managing partner.

MF Communications is offering this service to its customers free for the first month. Charges for the ECR service from 1st October 2014 are £1.49 per channel/line.  The service applies to all channels/lines that the customer has on their account.

‘We strongly recommend that our customers take advantage of this service. Full liability for any telephony fraud lies with the customer if they choose to opt out. Having this cover will help limit their liability and hopefully provide some peace of mind,’ says Mr Young.

Please contact the office on 01892514687 or info@mfcomm.co.uk if you require any information regarding toll fraud or the new ECR service.

For more information about the risk and repercussions of toll fraud, see the link below:

http://www.mfcommbusiness.co.uk/fraud-advice/

DSH MAKE NEW APPOINTMENT

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DSH Accountants KentDSH Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors has appointed Marc Farmer as Senior Client Manager within its Audit and Business Services team.

For Marc, it is a return to his past as he began his accountancy career in 1990 as a trainee with DSH in their Rickmansworth office. Since then Marc has built up considerable experience through working for a number of different firms, including Deloittes and BDO, as well as spending some time working in industry.

Marc now works principally with corporate clients across a range of sectors and has particular expertise with owner-managed businesses.

Marc, who is based at DSH’s Maidstone office, said: “The move to DSH is a great one for me. Although it may look like a return to the past, DSH is unrecognisable from the firm I knew. It is going through a period of transition and innovation and as a result is stronger than ever before and looking to a healthy future.”

Marc-FarmerPhil Wilson, DSH Partnership Chairman, said: “We are very pleased to have Marc on board again. His expertise and experience reinforces our commitment to offering our clients the best possible service, and we wish him all the best in his new role.”
Marc, who lives in Ashford, enjoys travelling, sport and exploring the UK with his partner, Jackie, and two energetic Border Collies.

To find out more about DSH Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors, visit www.dsh.co.uk or call 01622 690666.

A CONCISE GUIDE TO SETTING UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS

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businessSetting up your own business is a complicated task. However, the rewards if you’re successful can be immense and there is plenty of information and advice on hand to help.

If you want to be your own boss and think you’d make an effective entrepreneur, take a look at this concise guide to establishing a business.

 

Think of an idea

First and foremost, you’ll need a good idea and this means spotting a gap in the marke. If you don’t get this right, you’ll struggle in all subsequent stages of the process. For help with developing business ideas, you can turn to organisations such as the National Enterprise Network.

Do plenty of research

Once you know what you’re aiming to do, it’s time to get stuck into some thorough research. For example, it’s helpful to identify potential customers and speak to them about whether or not your idea is meeting a genuine need.

If possible, make a basic version of your product or service and test it out on people. Also, find out what people are willing to pay. Make sure you take any feedback into account.

In addition, you’ll need to see if existing firms are offering similar goods or services and, if they are, think about what you can do differently.

Create a business plan

At this stage, you should start putting together a business plan that sums up the customer need you plan to meet and how your business will achieve this while making a profit.

The document should show the results of your customer research and explain how you can turn your idea into a viable enterprise. Business plans are vital in terms of providing you with focus and direction and as a means of convincing others of the value of your idea. This includes possible sources of funding and business partners.

Decide on a legal structure

Before you register your business, you’ll need to decide on a legal structure. Will you set up as a sole trader, a limited company or a partnership?  The route you take will impact on the level of financial risk you face, the way you pay tax and how much control you have over the way your company is run.

Access funding

Unless you have savings that will cover your initial expenditure, you will need to access funding from somewhere. You may be eligible for money under government-backed schemes and there is also the option of bank loans. Depending on the structure of your company, you might also be able to sell shares. Meanwhile, equity funding is worth looking into as well.

Choose the right premises

Another key consideration is the premises you operate from. If you’re starting off small, you might decide to run your business from home. However, if you are taking on employees, you will need a larger base.

One strategy that could save you money is to move into modular buildings. Firms such as Springfield offer portable offices designed to clients’ individual specifications. One advantage of these premises is the fact that they can adapt to firms’ needs. For example, additional modules can be added as companies grow.

By selecting the right business structure, funding, premises and so on, you can boost your chances of success.

 

 

LONDON TRAVELLERS ENJOYING A TASTE OF KENT SUMMER TIMES

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Summer-Times-VISIT-KENTTravellers from the UK and overseas passing through London’s St Pancras International are being treated to a taste of the Garden of England and an insight into the cultural delights to be discovered along the coast and in Medway this summer.

The six-week pop-up promotion of the county at the busy rail station has been organised by the tourism champions at Visit Kent.

Representatives from key attractions, food producers and popular visitor destinations are displaying their wares, handing out free samples and running fun competitions from three eye-catching colourful beach huts on the station concourse.

Potential visitors are also being given copies of The Summer Times, a two issue newspaper from Visit Kent, packed with colourful photographs and the latest information about top places to visit, events and cultural attractions.

The Visit Kent promotion, backed by transport partners High Speed One, Southeastern, Arriva and Stagecoach, is also offering a wealth of special offers on attraction tickets and refreshments to everyone travelling into or around the county by public transport.

Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive at Visit Kent, said: “Pop-up Kent is creating quite a stir at the station.

“Different tourism partners are taking advantage of the brilliant beach huts during the campaign to promote their specialities. So regular travellers are treated to changing displays and can see what a wide range of treats can be discovered in the Garden of England on London’s doorstep.

“And we are handing out 8,000 copies of each of the two issues of The Summer Times which is proving very popular. People are taking it on their trains and browsing through all the current and forthcoming events making the season special in Kent.

“Once again, Visit Kent is demonstrating how tourism businesses and local authorities can make a really big marketing impact when they join forces and work in partnership.”

Find out more about what’s happening in Kent this summer and special offers available to everyone taking advantage of trains and buses for their day out or short break at www.visitkent.co.uk

 

FORMER DRAGON AT EAST KENT B2B

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Jo-JamesWith the latest statistics from the British Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Quarterly Survey showing the continuing stabilisation of the UK economy, many would-be entrepreneurs, who for the past few years have had to reign in their ambitions may now start to look at growing their businesses once more. The BCC recently upgraded its’ annual growth forecast for the economy – moving from 1.9% to 2.2%. The manufacturing sector is also recovering and for the most part, the figures are moving in the right direction. With such positivity now could be the time to grasp your entrepreneurial spirit and move your business forward.

Entrepreneurial South East region

Interestingly, almost half of the businesses listed in the Investec Hot 100 in 2013 were based in London and the South East. The list is compiled by looking at the compound annual growth rates of the fastest growing private companies in the UK. It is used as a gauge of entrepreneurial
business spirit and the South East featuring so highly would seem to point to a growing
entrepreneurial spirit within the region. Furthermore East Kent has been highlighted across many channels as the “go to” area in the South East for new tech start-ups and initiatives like “Grow for it East Kent” are successfully promoting the areas abundant resources and benefits to both the local markets and those from further afield.

Jo James, Chief Executive of the Chamber explains the focus of the next Kent B2B, “Fitting the needs of the region is one of the key points of the Chambers’ remit and so our next business to business event has a truly entrepreneurial slant across its’ programme, including Doug Richard booked as keynote speaker. We are looking forward to a great day of informative speeches, practical workshops and abundant networking opportunities.”

Leading entrepreneur booked for business conference

Doug Richard is one of the original members of the BBC television programme, Dragons Den and has an incredibly successful career. He initially worked in Silicon Valley, building and selling two successful businesses before coming to Britain where he has, amongst other things, developed Cambridge Angels – an investment society looking to “pay it forward” offering advice, guidance along with financial help to new entrepreneurs. He now also dedicates time to “School for Startups”, a social enterprise dedicated to training and supporting entrepreneurs and helping small businesses around the world thrive.

Appearing at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerces’ East Kent B2B on the 11th September at the Spitfire St Lawrence Cricket Club in Canterbury, Doug will be offering tips and candid, jargon free advice on the day. A must for any business person, whether you are an established business that’s looking to grow or a start-up firm.

Alongside Doug is Andrew Priestley as breakfast speaker who will share with you the 8 questions to make your business more profitable and QJ speaking about his Rockstar Approach. Add in the great exhibitors with workshops planned throughout the day, speed networking and lots of other opportunities to connect with new businesses and the event looks set to be a great day for businesses across East Kent.