KCC Business Advice

28/05/2026

🚨 Two criminals convicted in major Kent doorstep scam case

Kent Trading Standards has successfully prosecuted two fraudsters who targeted residents in their own homes, pressuring them into paying thousands for unnecessary or unfinished work.

Victims were left out of pocket and in some cases living in unsafe homes, with total losses exceeding £1.3 million.

⚠️ This is a reminder to never agree to work from cold callers.

✅ Always use safe, local traders from Trading Standards Checked: Phone 03000 421870 during office hours or leave a message

➡️ Read more: https://loom.ly/Rw5LqxU

28/05/2026

📊 New research from IPSE shows that almost half of the UK’s self-employed workforce is aged 50 or over, and one in five is over 60.

It’s a strong reminder that experience, flexibility and ongoing learning continue to play a big part in freelance life. 💼✨

🔗 Read more here: https://loom.ly/WIj6snA

IPSE’s Vicks Rodwell argues businesses must adapt hiring as more professionals over 50 move into freelance and fractional work in an ageing workforce.

27/05/2026

Recommendations for micro businesses support



📢 New recommendations from the National Enterprise Network set out how Government priorities could better support start-ups and micro businesses.
The paper calls for stronger regional growth plans, better links between enterprise support and local economic development, and more community finance and micro grants to help small businesses grow. 🌱

💼

🔗 Read more here: https://loom.ly/bM8Y0VI

Aligning National Policy Priorities to the Needs of 5.4 Million+ UK Micro Businesses Executive Summary Micro businesses are the foundation of the UK economy. They represent the overwhelming majority of UK enterprises, sustain high streets and rural communities, support local employment, and provide....

26/05/2026

📣 Funding cuts could put apprenticeship hubs at risk, threatening trusted support that helps small businesses take on apprentices and helps young people find opportunities.

Industry bodies including the Edge Foundation have warned that without action, local brokerage services could be scaled back or lost altogether. 💼🎓

These hubs give employers practical help and make it easier for more young people to get started in work. Losing them would be a real setback for local skills and growth. 🌱

🔗 Read more here:
https://loom.ly/815Icgg

Edge Foundation and 12 leading skills organisations have written to Pat McFadden MP, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, urging action to protect funding for apprenticeship brokerage hubs across England. The letter calls on the Government to provide a sustainable funding stream for apprent...

25/05/2026

🍎🏆 The Taste of Kent Awards 2026 celebrate the best food and drink businesses in the county and mark 20 years of recognising local quality, innovation and sustainability.

If you run or support a Kent food or drink business, you can enter products and business categories directly. Public vote categories are free to enter and the top businesses go through to judging.



📣 Ask your customers and supporters to vote by choosing a category, finding their favourite and clicking VOTE https://loom.ly/9vSsFw4

22/05/2026

Funding to develop innovative farming solutions


Innovate UK and Defra have launched a funding competition which will provide up to £5 million to SMEs to develop innovative farming solutions.

The aim of the competition is to develop solutions, technologies, systems or approaches that will make significant steps towards improving productivity, profitability, increasing sustainability and resilience in the agriculture sector.

Read more about the competition at: https://loom.ly/UZEJvVI

Defra is partnering with Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to fund projects that benefit farmers, growers and foresters in England. 

21/05/2026

Recruitment company Reed has launched a fund to support at least three 18- to 26-year-olds to start up and run a business.

The All About Business Entrepreneurs Fund will provide each entrepreneur with funding of £20,000, as well as expert mentorship. Applicants must have been trading for less than three years and have at least one paying customer.

➡️Read more about the fund at: https://loom.ly/-9oLbkw

Register your interest today for the ‘All about business entrepreneurs fund’ - awarding £20,000 to help take your business to the next level.

20/05/2026

Struggling to access finance for your business? A new UK platform could help.

SME Funded has launched as a one-stop finance solution for manufacturing and construction SMEs, giving businesses access to 130+ lenders alongside its own funding.

It’s designed to make funding faster, simpler and more flexible, with tailored options including loans, asset and equipment finance, and working capital support.

With a quick 3-step process and hands-on support, it aims to help businesses grow, manage cash flow and navigate challenging trading conditions.

👉 Read more: https://loom.ly/POWOlAM

20/05/2026

🚀 Starting a business or recently launched?


Join this free two-day online course from Kent and Medway Growth Hub for practical advice, useful tools and support to help you build your business with confidence. 💼✨

You will cover business planning, customers, funding and the steps needed to turn your idea into action. 📈💡

💻 Online | 📅 8 and 9 July | ⏰ 10am to 3pm

🎟️ Book your free place: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989392656990?aff=oddtdtcreator

19/05/2026

Have you shared the new tenant Information Sheet yet?

Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords and letting agents must provide tenants with the official government Information Sheet — by 31 May 2026, where applicable.

👉 Get the official version: https://loom.ly/TwMW2c0