KCC Business Advice

28/08/2026

Kent Trading Standards has welcomed new government measures aimed at tackling doorstep criminals and improving protection for consumers having home improvement work carried out.

While the vast majority of builders and tradespeople are honest professionals, a small minority continue to cause significant financial and emotional harm through poor workmanship and deceptive practices.

Clive Phillips, Operations Manager at Kent County Council Trading Standards, said:

"Measures that help people identify reputable traders and protect their payments are positive steps forward. However, strong enforcement remains essential, and we will continue to work with partners to investigate offenders, support victims and take action against those who profit through deception and poor practice."

Before agreeing to any work, always do your research and use trusted schemes such as Trading Standards Checked.

➡️Read the full story: https://loom.ly/pNxOEp4

Citizens Advice Consumer Service: 0808 223 1133

A database of trusted tradespeople and a system to protect customers' money is being launched by the government next month.

28/08/2026

🌟 Could your town be one of the UK's best?

Let's Celebrate Towns 2026 is now open! 🏘️

Businesses, community groups and local partners can help showcase the people and projects making a real difference to their town. Winning towns will receive a £20,000 grant to support community-led initiatives and local business growth. 💷✨

Find out more: https://loom.ly/Cvhias4

📅 Entries close 25 October 2026

27/08/2026

💼 Thinking about selling your business in the future?

Whether it's in 2, 5 or 10 years' time, the steps you take today can make a big difference to your business's value. 📈

Join Kent and Medway Growth Hub for a FREE workshop with business sales expert Nick Brooker (Beer Mergers) and discover how to build a stronger, more attractive, sale-ready business.

✅ Understand what your business is worth
✅ Learn what buyers look for
✅ Increase business value
✅ Reduce owner dependency
✅ Plan ahead for a successful exit

Plus, enjoy a live Q&A and networking opportunities with fellow business owners. 🤝

📍 Free to attend
📅 24th September 10:00 - 12:00
🎟️ Book your place today: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/build-a-business-that-works-without-you-4849246?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=odclsxcollection

🚀📊

26/08/2026

🚀 Put your brand at the heart of Kent & Medway's future!

Only 4 weeks to go until RESET KENT AND MEDWAY – Business Summit 2026 at .

✅ Sponsorship opportunities still available
✅ Atrium stand & speaking opportunities
✅ Network with regional leaders

📅 17 Sept | Canterbury
🎟️ Early bird tickets end 28 Aug

Find out more https://loom.ly/QUqVlMY

🚀

For booking, information and updates on the Kent and Medway Business Summit taking place on Tuesday 13 May 2025.

25/08/2026

The hot, dry weather has increased the risk of wildfires across the country.

That's why the Government has issued guidance advising that disposable BBQs should not currently be sold in shops or online.

If you're a Kent retailer, now is the time to remove disposable BBQs from sale and stay updated with the latest Government advice.

➡️ Stay updated: https://loom.ly/5OD6hqY

24/08/2026

📱🚀 Thinking about selling online?

Over 300,000 UK SMEs are now selling on TikTok Shop, with LIVE Shopping sales up 55% year-on-year. Businesses are using live shopping to engage customers, showcase products and boost sales in real time.

It could be a great opportunity to reach new audiences, grow your brand and increase sales. 📈🛍️

Read more: https://loom.ly/Q3tmU8Q

300,000 small UK businesses are now selling on TikTok Shop and LIVE sessions have grown 55% over the last year

21/08/2026

🔥 Do you sell single-use BBQs?

Kent businesses are advised to temporarily remove stock from sale, both in-store and online.

The ban has come from central Government following the increased risk of wildfires.

➡️ Stay updated: https://loom.ly/5OD6hqY

21/08/2026

📢 Are you ready for Making Tax Digital?

New research suggests that 45% of UK sole traders have considered leaving self-employment due to the administrative pressures of Making Tax Digital (MTD), while 23% have already started moving to a limited company structure.

The findings highlight the growing importance of staying on top of digital record-keeping, tax compliance and financial planning. With many businesses reporting increased costs and concerns about meeting HMRC requirements, now is the time to review your processes and make sure you're prepared.

✅ Review your bookkeeping systems
✅ Check your MTD readiness
✅ Seek professional advice if needed

Read more on the research here: https://loom.ly/I5Q7RXw

20/08/2026

🏡💼 Home businesses are booming across the UK!

New research shows that nearly three-quarters (74%) of home-based businesses are either a main source of income or make a significant contribution to household finances. Many entrepreneurs are choosing to work from home for better work-life balance, flexibility and lower overheads.

From garden offices to spare rooms, the UK's home business community is growing and proving that success can start right on your doorstep. 🌱🏠

Read more from Dunster House: https://loom.ly/WtrriVs

Britain's gardens, garages, spare bedrooms and kitchen tables are increasingly becoming fully functioning workplaces. Across the country, people are

19/08/2026

⚠️ Kent retailers: temporary ban on disposable BBQs

Due to the current drought and wildfire risk, the Government has issued guidance stating that disposable BBQs should not be sold in stores or online at this time.

If your business stocks disposable BBQs, you should remove them from sale.

➡️ Get updates: https://loom.ly/NKyGWk4