Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Kent

If you are thinking about starting a business in Kent or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.

Start Your Own Business in Kent contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.

Grants | Networking groups | Business advice | Mentoring | Co-working spaces

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Kent but where can it be found?

Select classification:

Advice & Support

Accountancy

Bookkeeping

Co-Working

Funding

Grants

Mentoring

Networking

Office Services

Online Marketing

Web Design

Workplaces

If you're considering starting a business or already running one in Kent, this section is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Located in southeastern England, Kent offers a thriving business environment, diverse demographics, and a range of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Demographics of Kent

Kent has a diverse population with a wide range of business potential. As of the latest available data, the estimated population of Kent is over 1.8 million residents. Known as the "Garden of England," Kent boasts beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and a strong agricultural industry. The county offers a dynamic market for various business sectors.

Major Towns and Cities in Kent

Click on name of location to find local help and resources.

Canterbury: Canterbury is a historic city in Kent, with a population of over 55,000 residents. It is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canterbury Cathedral, and attracts a significant number of tourists. Canterbury offers business opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and education sectors.
Maidstone: Maidstone is the county town of Kent, with a population of over 170,000 residents. It serves as the administrative and business hub of the county. Maidstone offers diverse business opportunities, including retail, professional services, and technology.
Tonbridge: Tonbridge is a market town in Kent, with a population of over 40,000 residents. It has a rich history and a vibrant community. Tonbridge presents business prospects in sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, and logistics.

Local Authorities in Kent

Understanding the local authorities in Kent is essential for navigating regulations and accessing relevant services. Here are some key local authorities in Kent along with their website links:

Kent County Council : The official website of Kent County Council provides comprehensive information on local government services, including business rates, planning permissions, and economic development initiatives. They offer guidance on starting a business, provide access to grants and funding opportunities, and support business growth in the county.
Ashford Borough Council : Ashford Borough Council is responsible for local services in the Ashford area. Their website provides information on business support, planning and development, and licensing.
Canterbury City Council : Canterbury City Council oversees local services in the Canterbury district. Their website offers information on business rates, planning applications, and economic development initiatives.
Dartford Borough Council : Dartford Borough Council provides local services in the Dartford area. Their website offers business support information, planning and building control services, and access to licensing and permits.
Gravesham Borough Council : Gravesham Borough Council is responsible for local services in the Gravesham area. Their website provides information on business rates, planning applications, and economic development opportunities.

Business Support Organisations in Kent

To help you succeed in your business venture, Kent offers various business support organisations that provide guidance, advice, and resources. Here are a few notable ones:

Kent Business Portal : The Kent Business Portal is a comprehensive online resource for businesses in Kent. It provides access to business support services, funding opportunities, networking events, and useful tools and resources.
University of Kent Enterprise : The University of Kent Enterprise offers support and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses. They provide business incubation, access to expertise, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful ventures.
Kent and Medway Growth Hub : The Kent and Medway Growth Hub is a government-funded initiative that provides free business advice, guidance, and support to help businesses start, grow, and thrive in Kent. They offer access to specialist advisors, workshops, and funding opportunities.
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce : Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is a membership organisation that supports businesses in Kent. They offer networking events, training programs, and business support services to help businesses succeed.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Kent. Exploring the websites of local authorities and business support organisations will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Wishing you every success on your entrepreneurial journey in the vibrant county of Kent!

Can you help start-ups in Kent?

If so, your logo, company details and link to your site could be here!

If you are based in in Kent or offer a product or service which could help existing local businesses and start-ups, we would love you to help you reach them. Our aim is to increase the chances of every new business's success by highlighting the help that is available in the area.

You are able to add a free listing or act as our recommended local partner for only £10 per year!

Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Chris Dowling Business Consultant & Mentor

SEPAT South East Portable Appliance Testing

Free Startup Resources

Getting it right from the start can help to prevent problems later.

To help you with this we have created a vast selection of resources and they are all completely free!

Latest articles

You don't know what you don't know!

The prospect of starting a new business can be incredibly exciting but should be approached with care. You have probably heard scary stories about how many start-ups fail in the early stages. You can make sure that you are not one of them by learning as much as possible before you launch. Over the years, we have collected lots of articles which will show you what has worked well for other start-ups and the putfalls to avoid.

Creating A Safety Policy To Fit Your Business

Anyone running a new business or planning to do so in the New Year will appreciate the importance of having a robust health and safety policy in place.

Selling your Brand to Retail Chains.

At Ideas Fest 2024, Mentors for Makers’, Rachel Birrell-Gray sat down with some of the UK’s champion challenger brands and talk, “how attract a retail buyer”.

How is AI and Automation Changing the Future of Entrepreneurship?

If you’ve been a resident of planet earth over the past couple of years, it’s been impossible to ignore the meteoric impact of AI on business-to-business (B2B) and consumer spaces.

Is it Really Artisan vs. Automation?

The Impact of Filling Machines on Artisanal Production

90 days to plan your business

If you're already dreading Christmas and New Year because your new business is going to take up all your free time - don't panic, you've got 90 days to plan for it.

Strategies to Help Startups Scale Effectively

Scaling a startup business can be an exciting journey full of promise, but it’d be naive to ignore the potential challenges along the way.

4 Ways to Get Known Fast

Want to know one of the biggest challenges women face when trying to grow their idea, knowledge, or service based businesses?

AI Made Simple: Practical Tips for Start-Ups

There is plenty of talk about how AI can benefit new and existing businesses, but what does that mean for YOU?

Starting a Home Baking Business in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Does everyone compliment your baking and suggest that you should start your own business?

Getting Yourself Into a Business Mindset

Being an entrepreneur is a challenging journey and here are many obstacles to overcome on your way to success - that can be overwhelming and daunting.

10 ways to cope with entrepreneurial stress

Do you know what the source of your stress is?

5 Ways That New Businesses Are Losing Money (And What You Can Do About It)

Small businesses can only survive if they are consistently generating a profit.

11 Reasons to a Choose Cloud Accounting Solution

You finally get to be your own boss and focus on what you're good at and be free from office politics, the bureaucracy of filling in endless forms or being sent in all directions.

Ever thought of taking the plunge?

In today's world, more and more people are not just thinking about setting up their own business, but are taking action.

Free Cashflow Template and Instructions

Download our free cashflow forecast template together with the instructions required to help you create and update an accurate guide to your business finances.

Free Business Plan Template and Instructions

Designed to make the task of compiling a business plan as painless as possible.

Starting a Business: A Guide for UK Service Leavers

Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be challenging, but starting your own business offers an exciting and rewarding path forward.

How to Start a Not-for-Profit Business in the UK

If you are thinking about starting a social enterprise but not sure of the correct legal status to adopt, we hope that this article will help you understand the advantagaes and disadvantages of your available options.

Starting a Business as a Young Person: Your Comprehensive Guide

The great news is that there is no minimum age requirement to set up your own business.

Show Me The Money!

How can my contracts ensure prompt payment from my customers?

Starting a Business Over 50: Your Comprehensive Guide

Starting a business can be a thrilling and rewarding endeavour, regardless of age.

3 tips for taking holidays away as a small business owner

Will you ever have an undisturbed holiday again?! Yes, some advanced planning is all it takes.

Stress isn't always a bad thing - it can be positive too

Looking at the stressors in our work lives and finding the positives.

Top Tips to Get Your First Business Event Off the Ground

As a startup business owner or entrepreneur looking for their first venture, hosting your first business event can be equal parts nerve-wracking and exciting.

Unlocking the Potential of Unique Event Locations

If you’re looking to wow your guests and set your business apart when it comes to events, you need to look outside of the traditional realm of event spaces.

Things you ought to know but probably don't want to!

A brief description of the major new employment laws (UK, 2024).

Women and neurodiversity in business start ups

Recognising neurodiversity as a challenge, but celebrating it's positive force for women in new business.

Why Business Owners Should Consider AI in Their Marketing.

Let's look closer at Common Fears and Apprehensions.

Marketing through storytelling

Consider storytelling as part of your overall marketing strategy.

How To Establish And Nurture A Healthy Workplace Culture

For startups of any size and in any industry, creating a strong and positive workplace culture is a good foundation for growing a healthy business and team of staff.

See: Full List of Latest Start-Up Articles

Free Startup Guide

Download the 2024 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.

There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.

Key Contacts in Kent

'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.

Kent is a great place for start-ups but your chances of success are dramatically improved if you make the most of the support that is available locally. Click on logos to visit their websites.

Education

Social Enterprise Kent

Social Enterprise Kent offers advice and support to social enterprise startups. To help you and your team develop new skills to grow your business, we also provide high-quality training in our venues in Ashford, Margate and Folkestone. Whether youre looking for courses to be compliant with the legislation and regulations, or management training to develop a high performing team, we have the courses every startup, and small business requires. From interactive one-day workshops, productive online training, to full-blown qualifications awarded by the Institute of Leadership and Mangement, you can build a skilled workforce. To chat about your latest social enterprise startup or training for your business, give us a call. Its the perfect opportunity to assess whether were right for each other. How does that sound? Lets get the conversation started today on 01227 469970.

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Networking

Muesli Mafia Cereal Networking

The Kent Invicta Chamber Muesli Mafia Ceral Networking provides an informal business 2 business networking breakfast in a congenial and relaxed atmosphere where local business people can get together, enjoy mutual fellowship, share their good news, views and discuss topics of mutual interest. Members are from all types of businesses. Events are held at the Ashford International Hotel, Mercure Maidstone and Mecure Tunbridge Wells.

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Marketing

Let's Do Marketing

Let’s Do Marketing is a subsidiary of Let’s Do Business Group that is here to help small businesses grow through marketing. Focussed on providing affordable and accessible support to new and small businesses, they offer consultancy and marketing services that can help you to achieve your big marketing ideas. Whether you’re just starting out with a brand new business or looking to grow, we can give you the guidance to create a marketing strategy that matches your goals. Let’s Do Marketing can also provide training to help you take control of your own marketing strategy, from learning new software and tools to creating award winning campaigns! Find out more about our services https://www.letsdomarketing.co.uk/ Want to chat about how Let’s Do Marketing can help you to level up your business? Get in touch at https://www.letsdomarketing.co.uk/contact or email us at hello@letsdomarketing.co.uk!

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Supreme Cleaning

Are you looking for a commercial cleaning company based in the South East of England? If so, Supreme Cleaning are the team for you. Discover their full range of services today through the website.

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Advice

South East Business Hub

The South East Business Hub (SEBH) is here to help your business on the path to growth and prosperity. SEBH can connect you with the services that match your business needs and help you make your mark in Englands most enterprising economy.SEBH is provided by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), the business-led, public/private body established to drive economic growth across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock.

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Marketing

Custom Marketing Resources

Marketing your business at every opportunity is crucial today, ensuring your potential clients instantly understand the benefits your business has to offer them. Creating a professional image and linking the different parts of your promotions to one another is not an option, it is vital. It is not surprising then, that one of the most essential areas for new and existing businesses to get right, is the area of creative design and marketing. Custom Marketing Resources are professional, experienced and qualified to provide design for marketing, printing and websites. Just take a look at this website and see for yourself - and see what others have said about Custom Marketing Resources too. Unique creativity comes from listening, asking questions, understanding and making experienced decisions to find the best solutions for your business. Skill and judgement are the major players when it comes to the art of image creation. We offer an hour long conversation about how to set up your business andor how to market your business. One call does it all - creative design, logos, ads, artwork, printing, websites, PR, copywriting, even van liveries and carrier bags if that is what you need!

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Funding

Access business finance up to £150k

Let’s Do Business Finance offers funding to both start-up businesses and businesses wanting to grow and invest in their future. Start up finance We’re one of the official Business Support Partners of the British Business Bank and Start Up Loan Company. We can offer loans from £500 up to £25k with a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum, and that includes 12 months of free mentoring to help you get off to the best start. Could you be eligible? Find out more https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/lets-start-up Business loans Let’s Do Business Finance are able to offer business loans to help established businesses to grow. We’re accredited lenders of the Recovery Loan Scheme under the British Business Bank, and we’re able to lend from £25,001 to £150,000 on terms from 3 months to 6 years. This business finance can be used to help you secure anything from new premises, equipment, and capital, and our team can help you to assess your cash flow and finances, build your marketing strategy and more with our built-in business support which is tailored to your needs. Want to learn more about business loans, and see if you’re eligible? Visit our website https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/ or send us an enquiry https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/contact-us

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Office Services

SEPAT South East Portable Appliance Testing

Here at SEPAT we offer competitive PAT Testing services for any size business.

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Networking

Let's Do Business

We regularly run events across Kent to help entrepreneurs and business owners learn new skills. From start up skills to learning about marketing, sustainability, finance and more, we might have an event coming up to suit you! See our upcoming events https://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/events

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Advice

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Kent Invicta Chamber is the ultimate business support network in Kent. The Chamber provides, Membership services, Business Advice, International Trade services, Representation and much more. Covering the County of Kent the Chamber is perfectly placed to promote, support and facilitate business across the Count We are the main Chamber of Commerce for Kent and the only British Chamber of Commerce affiliated chamber in Kent. We have a full range of both paid and free, local authority funded business support. Which services are free depends on which local authority you are a resident of or pay business rates in as funding varies in each Local authority. A full range of our free and paid services can be found here http:www.kentinvictachamber.co.ukbusiness-advicelocal-business-support

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Online Marketing

Whitefish Marketing

Welcome to Whitefish Marketing! We are a specialist Digital Marketing agency based in Kent, servicing clients throughout UK and abroad. Our core services focus on helping clients to grow traffic to their website, improve sales leads that come in, and to increase brand loyalty and retention of their existing customer base for future repeat business. We call this our ACQUISITION, CONVERSION, and RETENTION services. With our experienced team of digital marketing professionals, we know we can enhance your online visibility to increase your bottom line figures. Our marketing promise is – “we won’t accept your business unless we are 100% confident we will add value to your company”. Offering you specialist services such as: - Professional Web Design and Development - SEO (search engine optimisation) - PPC (Whitefish Marketing are an official Google PPC Partner) - Social Media Marketing - Email Marketing - Content marketing and blog writing - Digital Public Relations - and much more... We are there to provide business with a compete Multi-Channel-Marketing campaign bespoke to your needs and budget. The choice and flexibility is yours. We work remotely from our offices in Kent, but will gladly arrange face-to-face meetings as required. Our friendly and professional team will always be on hand to help Call us today for a frank and no obligation discussion to see how Whitefish Marketing can measurably help your business grow 01303 720 288.

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Advice

Let's Do Business Group

With the ability to help businesses across all sectors, our team can offer business consultancy services to help you achieve your goals. The Let’s Do Business Group can provide virtual business consultancy services through our team of business professionals and quality assured consultants. Whether its developing a business plan or strategy, coaching or mentoring of senior staff and business owners, or just being a sounding board our team are here to help. We offer a free initial consultation so that we understand your needs, and you get to know us. We will then agree how we will work together and our fees – this could be from a one off session, a short support programme or a longer term project. We also have access to a range of other business specialists to help you with anything from Marketing to HR – so whatever your need, we can find a solution. Contact the team today at https://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/contact-us or email info@ldbgroup.co.uk

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Advice

Let's Do Business - Start up Support

If you've got your business idea but dont know where to take it next, we offer support that can help you learn the skills you need to succeed. How can we help your business to #StartUp? - A free online session with one of our specialist business advisers - A free online session with one of our finance & funding experts - Access to business information fact sheets - Support to apply for a Start Up Loan Get in touch https://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/contact-us or call 0844 415 2272 (Calls cost 5p/min plus your phone company's access charge. If your mobile tariff allows free calls to landlines, you can call 01424 205 500.) Email info@ldbgroup.co.uk

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Marine & Industrial Transmissions Ltd

Operating from two bases in the North and South of England, the MIT Group serve clients throughout the UK, maintaining and repairing a wide range of service transmissions and driveline systems. Visit their website to see the full range of services they have to offer.

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Networking

The Lonely Middle Club - From Startup Hive

Starting a business is exciting, and succeeding is rewarding, but what about the bit between? You know, that bit that’s full of self-doubt, endless repetition and feelings of being out of your comfort zone? We call it ‘The Lonely Middle’ and it’s one of the hardest parts of creating a successful business. We know, we’ve been there. So, we created The Lonely Middle Club to help you through it. Each month you get exclusive content to help give you the knowledge and inspiration to succeed. Plus, you get access to a private members-only Facebook group where you can get advice and network with small business owners who are going through similar challenges to you. If you want even more, you can download our 51 worksheets, guides, and journals all designed to do one thing, and one thing only… help you get through ‘The Lonely Middle’ and achieve your business goals. Visit our website today to join the club and benefit from our members price lock and full no questions asked money-back guarantee.

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Networking

FSB Kent & Medway

FSB Kent & Medway is the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). It was formed in 1974 as the National Federation of Self Employed and represents the interests of small and medium-sized businesses locally and nationally. They offer a great package tailored to your needs if you are thinking about starting a business in the area. Contact: Alison Parmar Development Manager Alison.Parmar@fsb.org.uk

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Networking

Kent Live covers breaking news, features, What’s On, events and sport for readers across all areas of Kent and parts of east Sussex. It has regularly attracted more than four million page views per month since its launch in 2016. Part of the Reach PLC group, our newspapers are the award winning Kent and Sussex Courier, Sevenoaks Chronicle, Isle of Thanet Gazette, Dover Express and the Folkestone Herald.

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Marketing

Kent Online

Kent Online includes a section which contains the latest business news across Kent. There are interesting articles as well as the opportunity to advertise or promote your events.

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Into The Blue

In addition to our range of thrill-seeking adventure days, Into The Blue offers activity breaks, romantic getaways, hotel retreats, glamping holidays and city breaks. So if there's a destination on your bucket list or you've ever fancied escaping to a log cabin or tree house for a weekend, we have options to suit everyone's tastes. Our variety of breaks can all be found on our website.

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Education

Kent Adult Education

Have you ever considered taking a course in Business Management? From Social Media for your Small Business and Applying for Loans to Strategies for Small Businesses, whether you’re starting from the beginning or need an accredited qualification, we’ve got it covered. Improve your employability and business knowledge with a Business course from Kent Adult Education. From learning the ins-and-outs of Microsoft Office and Bookkeeping to Search Engine Optimisation and Website Development, we have the Business courses to help you achieve your goals. All of our business courses are run by tutors with extensive industry experience who will be able to help you get the most from your learning, and take away a valuable skill which will benefit you and your business.

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Start-up articles

100's of free startup articles

We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.

You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business

FREE Start-up Pack

This FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.

Start-up Guides

Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.

How to Start a Business in Kent

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Kent

Local help for startups

Demographics of Kent

Major Towns and Cities in Kent

Local Authorities in Kent

Business Support Organisations in Kent

Can you help start-ups in Kent?

Local partners

Free Startup Resources

Startup checklist

Startup map

Startup pack

Startup guide

Startup articles

Latest articles

Creating A Safety Policy To Fit Your Business

Selling your Brand to Retail Chains.

How is AI and Automation Changing the Future of Entrepreneurship?

Is it Really Artisan vs. Automation?

90 days to plan your business

Strategies to Help Startups Scale Effectively

4 Ways to Get Known Fast

AI Made Simple: Practical Tips for Start-Ups

Starting a Home Baking Business in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Yourself Into a Business Mindset

10 ways to cope with entrepreneurial stress

5 Ways That New Businesses Are Losing Money (And What You Can Do About It)

11 Reasons to a Choose Cloud Accounting Solution

Ever thought of taking the plunge?

Free Cashflow Template and Instructions

Free Business Plan Template and Instructions

Starting a Business: A Guide for UK Service Leavers

How to Start a Not-for-Profit Business in the UK

Starting a Business as a Young Person: Your Comprehensive Guide

Show Me The Money!

Starting a Business Over 50: Your Comprehensive Guide

3 tips for taking holidays away as a small business owner

Stress isn't always a bad thing - it can be positive too

Top Tips to Get Your First Business Event Off the Ground

Unlocking the Potential of Unique Event Locations

Things you ought to know but probably don't want to!

Women and neurodiversity in business start ups

Why Business Owners Should Consider AI in Their Marketing.

Marketing through storytelling

How To Establish And Nurture A Healthy Workplace Culture

See: Full List of Latest Start-Up Articles

Free Startup Guide

Read more about what our Free guide contains and how you can download it.

Key Contacts in Kent

Social Enterprise Kent

Muesli Mafia Cereal Networking

Let's Do Marketing

Supreme Cleaning

South East Business Hub

Custom Marketing Resources

Access business finance up to £150k

SEPAT South East Portable Appliance Testing

Let's Do Business

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Whitefish Marketing

Let's Do Business Group

Let's Do Business - Start up Support

Marine & Industrial Transmissions Ltd

The Lonely Middle Club - From Startup Hive

FSB Kent & Medway

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Ask a Kent Librarian

Kent County Council - Grow Your Business

Locate in Kent

Ask Phil

Kent Invicta Chamber - Starting a Business

Kent County Council - Start a Business

The National Centre for Micro Business

Kent International Business

Thames Gateway Kent

Kent International Business

University of Kent Hub for Innovation & Enterprise

Visit Kent - Business