KCC Business Advice

21/10/2026

💷 Could high-cost loans be putting your business under pressure?
New research from Responsible Finance warns that some small businesses are taking out several high-interest online loans to manage cash flow. 📉

Refinancing through a community development finance institution (CDFI) could cut repayments by an average of £120,000 a year. The research also found that commercial finance brokers were involved in 70% of the high-cost loans. 🔍

If you are considering business finance, check the total cost, affordability and broker fees before signing an agreement. ✅
Responsible Finance is calling for clearer pricing, stronger affordability checks and broker fees to be disclosed upfront, helping small businesses make informed choices. 🤝

Read the full research: Responsible Finance https://loom.ly/1LXcqG0

21/10/2026

📣 Make your digital marketing work harder for your business

Join Kent & Medway Growth Hub and Maidstone Borough Council for a free practical workshop with Paul Temple from Maidstone Digital.

Get useful tips on:
✅ Improving your SEO and online visibility
✅ Creating a website that generates more enquiries
✅ Making better use of social media and digital marketing
✅ Taking simple steps that can make an immediate difference

You can also ask questions about your own website or digital marketing during the interactive Q&A.

📅 24 November 2026
🕙 10am–12pm
📍 The Business Terrace, Maidstone, or join online
🎟️ Free for businesses in Kent and Medway

👉 Book your free place: https://loom.ly/4gtSGi4

Practical digital marketing workshop covering SEO, websites, social media, AI and online visibility to help attract more customers.

20/10/2026

The new rules are not only for specialist to***co and v**e shops.

They may affect any business selling to***co, v**es or ni****ne products, including:
• convenience stores
• newsagents
• off licences
• petrol stations
• supermarkets
• mobile phone shops
• gift shops
• barbers and hairdressers
• market traders
• online retailers.

If your business sells any of these products, check the guidance now.

Find out what is changing: https://loom.ly/pSUmv_s

16/10/2026

📢 Sole traders and landlords: get ready for Making Tax Digital

From 7 April 2027, sole traders and landlords with an annual turnover of more than £30,000 will need to follow Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax rules. This means using recognised software to keep digital records and send quarterly updates about income and expenses to HMRC. 💻🧾

✅ Check now whether the rules apply to you and start preparing: https://loom.ly/gzrFetQ

16/10/2026

Do you sell to***co, v**es or ni****ne products?

New rules are coming into force on 29 October 2026 and 1 January 2027.

They could apply to convenience stores, supermarkets, petrol stations, v**e shops and other retailers.

Kent Trading Standards is here to help you understand the changes and prepare your business.

Over the next few months, we will explain:
• what is changing
• when the rules start
• which products are affected
• what your business needs to do.

Take the quiz and get prepared: https://loom.ly/Lod8TmI

Know the rules. Protect your business.

09/10/2026

🚨 Manufacturing businesses: could you cut your electricity costs by around 25%? ⚡🏭

The new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) could help eligible businesses in Industrial Strategy growth sectors reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour. Eligible businesses may also receive an additional payment in 2027. Applications are open from 1 October to 30 November.

✅ Check if your business is eligible and apply today:
🔗https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/british-industrial-competitiveness-scheme

Don't miss the opportunity to reduce your energy costs and improve your competitiveness.

⚡📈🏭

08/10/2026

📢 From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal to sell to***co products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.

ACS' campaign is helping retailers get ready with clear, practical resources and customer-facing materials.

🔗 Learn more here: https://loom.ly/AjLwV5g

07/10/2026

🏠 Working together for a fairer, safer private rented sector in Kent
Kent County Council Trading Standards, Kent Housing Group and Kent’s 12 district and borough housing authorities have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding.

The agreement sets out how partners will work together, with clearer enforcement responsibilities, stronger intelligence sharing and a coordinated approach to tackling poor landlord and letting agent practices.

By working in partnership, we can better protect tenants and support a fair, safe and well-managed private rented sector across Kent.

Find out more through the Kent Housing Group website: https://loom.ly/tVRZRL4

07/10/2026

🎨 A simpler way to apply for Arts Council England funding
Arts Council England is simplifying applications for its main grants programme. Applicants will complete less paperwork and can describe their work and ambitions in their own words. ✍️

Successful applicants will also receive funding for five years instead of three, giving organisations more certainty to plan and grow. 📈

New regional boards will help make sure local priorities, opportunities and challenges are considered when funding decisions are made. 📍
Could this funding support your organisation? Find out more about the new process: https://loom.ly/aVFpio4

Share your opinions and receive the published report for free. One lucky person will also win a seasonal hamper. Submissions are due by 9th October.

05/10/2026

🏙️ New funding to bring high streets back to life
The Government has announced £210 million to help transform empty and run-down high street buildings across England into useful spaces, including workspaces, community hubs and cafés. 🏢☕

A further £65 million will help communities protect valued local buildings and businesses at risk of closure, such as pubs and sports clubs. 🤝

This investment could create new opportunities for local businesses, encourage more people into town centres and support thriving high streets. 📈
Could your local area benefit? Find out more about the funding: https://loom.ly/F-wCZes

Delivers on the Prime Minister’s promise to put power back in local hands and bring good growth to every postcode.