South East Business

📢 The December/January edition is out now 📢 As we wrap up 2024 and welcome 2025, our cover story is one you won’t want to miss. We had the privilege of sitting down with Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Port of Dover. In an exclusive interview, he shared his ambitious vision for the Port, highlighting key initiatives such as sustainability milestones and digital transformation. Elsewhere in Kent, Panattoni Park (Panattoni UK) is making headlines with its transformative projects in Aylesford and Sittingbourne, which are setting a new standard for logistics hubs. For an in-depth look, check out our ‘Project Showcase’ feature on page 28. This issue’s ‘Functional Business feature’ takes a deep dive into marketing. We spoke to industry experts from Pillory Barn, Maxim, Fabrick, SHARP Relations, Oak Creative Design, Sharp Minds Communications and The Marketing Associates, who shared actionable insights on how to make your business stand out in today’s competitive market. On behalf of everyone at South East Business and Tandem Media, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Enjoy your well-earned break and let’s look forward to a successful 2025! ✨ Read the Dec/Jan digital edition here 🔗: https://lnkd.in/eNNmKJck #business #SouthEastBusiness #entrepreneurship #SMEs

The Private Business Awards 2025, sponsored by BDO, has officially launched, with nominations now open to private or PE-backed businesses with a turnover of £50m-£300m. The inaugural awards programme, which serves to celebrate the mid-sized businesses that drive UK economic growth, aims to recognise the very best of private business in the UK, with the awards divided into 10 categories. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dgtudNTy #business #SouthEastBusiness #entrepreneurship #SMEs #Kent #Sussex #Surrey #awards

Leading food redistribution charity FareShare Sussex & Surrey is urging food businesses to help tackle the annual ‘Hunger Gap’. Dan Slatter, CEO at FareShare Sussex & Surrey, said: “The Hunger Gap is a critical time of year for FareShare Sussex & Surrey as the growing demand to feed those in need during the cold winter months becomes increasingly challenging. “There is a shortage of fresh produce at this time of year in the UK as winter crops are depleted and new harvests have yet to begin. “In 2025 we’ve committed to increasing the number of partner charities and community groups we work with by more than 20% so the need to provide more food is greater than ever.” 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eA75ECvf #business #SouthEastBusiness #SMEs #Sussex #Surrey #HungerGap #donations #charity

Today, the government announced that Kent has not been selected for its Devolution Priority Programme (DPP). The decision means the county will not be part of the early devolution wave, which could have led to the abolition of all 14 local councils and the creation of a directly elected mayor. Kent County Council (KCC) leader Roger Gough called it "a totally incomprehensible decision" while Nick Fenton, CEO of Locate in Kent, commented: "It’s disappointing, but this is not the end of the story. While devolution may not happen as fast as we’d like, the direction of travel is set." Read more in the 🔗 below. https://lnkd.in/e6mfU2pG #business #SouthEastBusiness #entrepreneurship #SMEs #Kent #DevolutionPriorityProgramme

Family-owned drinks supplier Storefast Solutions, based near Gravesend in Kent, has agreed a partnership with Aldi to create an exciting new Spicy Margarita cocktail can, as well as continuing its Espresso Martini flavour. https://lnkd.in/eM6_Pbww #business #SouthEastBusiness #Kent #manufacturing #drinks #retail

New research from business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP finds that, while many businesses expect they will need to secure additional funding to support their growth this year, the majority are currently finding it difficult to access the funding required.  https://lnkd.in/ewuyV768 #business #SouthEastBusiness #funding #finance #research

Land and property company BTF Partnership is offering for sale a private and versatile property in the historic Alkham Valley designated Area of National Beauty, including an established vineyard, holiday cottages, ancient woodland and further potential for business development, with a guide price of £3,300,000. https://lnkd.in/enbgZNBY #business #SouthEastBusiness #property #land #forsale #Kent

South East law firm Brachers LLP, based in Maidstone and Canterbury, has joined fast-growing legal services group Lawfront. https://lnkd.in/eJv-Yn3K #business #SouthEastBusiness #legal #acquisitions

From green shipping corridors to digital transformation, the Port of Dover is steering a clear path toward the future. Chief executive Doug Bannister shares more in our latest cover story feature... “Dover enjoys a tremendous geographical advantage, and while our position is privileged, we’re not sitting back,” he asserts. “Our job isn’t just about moving goods and people; it’s about enabling prosperity, improving lives and building a better future for the South East and the nation." Missed the print or digital edition? You can now read the article online, along with all of our other Dec/Jan features: 🔗: https://lnkd.in/e2BkZ9C9 #business #SouthEastBusiness #PortofDover #ports #shipping #import #export #Kent #Dover

Cala Homes (Cala Group Limited) has submitted a Reserved Matters application to Horsham District Council to bring new homes to North Horsham. https://lnkd.in/ekrPNjh8 #business #SouthEastBusiness #construction #housebuilding #Horsham #Sussex