You have the power to build a thriving business in Kent. Yes, the statistics tell us that challenges exist with over 40% of startup businesses failing because there’s no market need for their services or products, demonstrating a lack of preparation before launching.
But here’s what those figures don’t tell you: with proper planning and support, your Kent business can beat the odds.
The Kent Foundation stands ready to provide valuable mentorship and coaching to young entrepreneurs, helping them master the fundamentals of business development.
Kent County Council offers extensive resources for startups, including funding, grants, and business advice.
What makes today’s Kent business environment particularly exciting? While 29% of startups fail due to cash flow issues and 18% because of pricing problems, there’s also a growing consumer preference for sustainable products and services. This shift creates fresh opportunities for environmentally conscious businesses.
Have you considered what sets successful Kent entrepreneurs apart from those who struggle?
Understanding Kent’s Market and Business Landscape
Each sector thrives in its own conditions, yet they’re all interconnected. Kent’s business landscape showcases remarkable diversity and strategic positioning as the UK’s gateway to Europe. With a population of over 1.8 million and annual gross value added of approximately £44 billion, Kent represents a significant economic force in the South East.
Let’s explore this landscape together, starting with the sectors that drive Kent’s economy.
Key Industries and Growth Sectors in Kent
Manufacturing is part of Kent’s economy with manufacturing enterprises accounting for nearly 5% of all businesses in the county. It generated £2,901 million in GVA during 2022 Advanced engineering dominates, representing almost half of all manufacturing enterprises.
The visitor economy is supporting the economy by bringing in around £3.8bn annually, while the Port of Dover handles £122 billion of international trade each year. These figures demonstrate economic strength and opportunity.
We also see thriving activity in food production, construction, and creative industries. Major employers such as BAE Systems, Coty, Pfizer, and Laing O’Rourke have established significant operations across the county. Their presence creates ripple effects, generating opportunities for smaller businesses throughout their supply chains.
Demographics and Consumer Behaviour
Kent’s population story reveals both opportunity and challenge. The county has grown, increasing between 2010 and 2021 by 8.4% rise compared to 6.8% nationally for that same period. However, the working-age population has grown more slowly, reflecting an ageing demographic profile.
Consumer behaviour has shifted and unsurprisingly online retail continues its substantial growth and tourism patterns continue to change after the recent economic challenges. These shifts create new market niches for businesses willing to adapt and innovate, rather than try to replicate existing models. .
Local Competition and Market Saturation
Here’s where careful planning becomes essential. The county hosts a higher than national average of small and micro business enterprises. What does this mean for your business? Market gaps exist, but they require careful identification before you launch because with a high number of small businesses already operating, you may find your intended market is already being sufficiently served. We’ll explore how to spot these opportunities throughout this guide.
Economic Trends Affecting Small Business in Kent
Kent continues to experience a productivity gap. The Small Business Strategy, due in Summer 2025, aims to increase small business productivity through five core policy pillars:
- High streets revitalisation
- Finance accessibility
- Market development
- Business capabilities enhancement
- Creating stable entrepreneurship environment
The workforce skills deficit presents both challenge and opportunity. Consider this alongside Kent’s excellent transport infrastructure and commercial property costs up to 60% cheaper than London. Smart entrepreneurs can turn these factors into competitive advantages.
Remember, understanding your local market isn’t just about statistics, it’s about recognising where your business fits within this diverse ecosystem.
Accessing Local Support and Funding
Kent provides support mechanisms for new businesses with funding, mentoring programmes and expert guidance. These resources can provide the expertise you need to establish a thriving enterprise.
Kent County Council business support services
Start with the Kent County Council’s dedicated Business Support Centre. This hub connects you with essential resources and guidance tailored to your specific stage of business development. The Kent and Medway Growth Hub serves as your first point of contact, directing you to local support programmes specific to your council area.
Grants and funding schemes available in Kent
Financial assistance comes in various forms, each designed for different business needs:
Major funding programmes:
- Kent and Medway Business Fund – Between £100,000 and £600,000 for established small and medium businesses looking to expand
- KMBF Small Business Boost – From £26,000 to £99,000 for smaller enterprises
- Start Up Loan – Up to £25,000 at a fixed interest rate for pre-start and early-stage businesses
Specialised funding options: Beyond these core programmes, you can access targeted support through West Kent Rural Grants (£5,000-£20,000 grants requiring 50% match funding) and sector-specific options like the Growing Green Grant, providing up to £7,000 for sustainability projects.
Business mentorship and networking programmes
Growing Kent & Medway offers a support package that includes up to 12 hours of free one-on-one mentoring. You’ll gain access to group peer network sessions, assistance with grant applications, and world-class research facilities.
The Food Accelerator programme guides entrepreneurs through four development stages:
- Idea validation
- Business model consolidation
- Prototyping
- Market entry
How to apply for local funding opportunities
Contact the Kent and Medway Growth Hub first. Their Business Support Navigators can identify suitable options for your specific situation.
Your application will likely require:
- Detailed business plan demonstrating growth potential
- Evidence of job creation capabilities
- Sector-specific criteria compliance
- Match funding (generally 20-50% of total project cost)
Remember: preparation is key. The more thorough your application, the stronger your chances of securing funding.
Building a Team: Skills, Talent & Recruitment
Kent’s diverse talent pool offers excellent opportunities for first-time business owners looking to recruit skilled staff and establish robust workforce systems.
Finding skilled workers in Kent
Kent’s resident population exceeds 1.8 million and continues to rise as development meets housing demand. The county attracts numerous professionals from London and other parts of the South East, thanks to competitive property prices and three quarters of people in Kent find work within the county12, indicating strong local workforce availability.
We recommend exploring these recruitment channels:
- Specialised recruitment agencies – These provide access to hidden talent pools and industry-specific expertise – although there will be costs to budget for using this type of service.
- Kent County Council jobs portal – Offers a straightforward avenue for finding local talent
- Local networking events – Connect directly with potential candidates in your community
Understanding employment law and contracts
Every employee must have an employment contract with their employer that sets out employment conditions, rights, responsibilities, and duties. As soon as someone accepts a job offer, they have a contract with their employer.
Essential terms and conditions you must provide to employees include:
- Names of employer and employee
- Date employment commenced
- Pay calculation method and intervals
- Working hours terms
- Holiday entitlements
- Job title and brief description
- Expected place of work
Payroll setup and HMRC requirements
Setting up payroll requires you to register as an employer with HMRC and get a login for PAYE Online. Use payroll software to record employee details, calculate pay and deductions and report to HMRC.
You must operate PAYE if employees are:
- they’re paid £96 or more a week
- they get expenses and company benefits
- they’re getting a pension
- they’ve had another job
- they’ve received Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit
If the criteria is not met and you do not need to register, you must still keep payroll records.
Apprenticeships and training programmes
Apprenticeships offer an excellent pathway to build skilled teams while supporting local talent development. Kent County Council actively promotes apprenticeships, offering expert advice and support to Kent employers. Essentially, apprenticeships combine practical work experience with tailored academic study, ensuring participants gain relevant skills and knowledge.
Kent businesses can choose from over 250 career paths across multiple sectors, with qualifications ranging from GCSE equivalent up to degree level. The result? Enthusiastic team members earn whilst learning, bringing fresh perspectives to your workplace.
Building the right team takes time and careful consideration. Start with clear job descriptions, follow proper legal procedures, and consider apprenticeships as a pathway to developing loyal, skilled workers who grow with your business.
Local Marketing, Community Engagement & Sustainability
Your local marketing strategy can make or break your Kent business success. Building visibility requires a thoughtful approach that connects with your community whilst establishing sustainable practices.
Building a local brand presence
Start by defining the core qualities that represent your product or service. Your brand should capture everything you want customers to think about your business whilst setting you apart from competitors. Keep all branding elements, names, symbols, and logos, simple, self-explanatory, and memorable. Consistency matters: maintain the same look and feel across all stationery, mailers, advertisements and website materials.
Canterbury, for instance, offers strong historical associations that can be woven into logo design, giving your business a distinctive local edge.
Engaging with Kent’s business community
Join the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and watch your network expand. Member testimonials reveal that a high percentage of new business can stem from Chamber networking events. Your membership unlocks exclusive discounts on essential services, legal expenses insurance, health and safety guidance, and discounted fuel.
The Chamber delivers valuable webinars and hosts regular events including Chamber Connexions, Virtual Business Networking, and industry-focused groups like the Kent Construction Focus Group. These connections could prove more valuable than traditional advertising.
Sustainable practices for small businesses
Small businesses account for around 50% of all UK business-driven emissions. Here’s how to reduce your environmental impact without breaking the bank:
- Partner with suppliers actively reducing their carbon footprint
- Establish carpool schemes or bike-to-work initiatives
- Switch to LED lighting (each replacement saves 5kg of CO2 per halogen bulb)
- Install smart power strips to eliminate energy waste
- Fix those leaking taps (the average office uses 50 litres of water per person daily)
- These changes benefit both your bottom line and your business reputation
Using local events and media for promotion
Kent hosts numerous business-focused events throughout the year. The Medway Business and Skills Showcase attracts over 200 attendees from across the region. Mark your calendar for the Kent and Medway Business Summit and relevant sector-specific gatherings.
For media exposure, look for Kent specialist media firms to assist you. Other county focused opportunities could be with KentOnline (3.5 million monthly visitors), and kmfm radio (315,000 listeners every four weeks). Local media coverage could deliver better results than national campaigns for Kent businesses.
Useful Links for Business Owners in Kent
Smart entrepreneurs know where to find the right resources. These official platforms provide crucial support throughout your business journey, from funding opportunities to compliance guidance.
Kent County Council business portal
The Kent Business Portal serves as the county’s electronic tendering site where all opportunities to provide goods and services are advertised. Registration costs nothing and provides automatic email notifications when business opportunities become available.
Here’s what makes this platform particularly useful: registered organisations can advertise their own sub-contracting opportunities to other suppliers. The platform extends beyond Kent County Council, with 12 other organisations across Kent using the system, including Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, and Kent Fire and Rescue.
Kent Foundation for young entrepreneurs
Since 1985, the Kent Foundation has provided tailored support specifically for young entrepreneurs throughout the county. Each young business person receives a mentor for one-to-one support throughout their business growth journey.
Their comprehensive services include:
- Specialist education sessions
- Problem-solving discussions
- Networking events designed to connect new business owners
The Foundation’s mission centres on helping young people turn business ideas into reality whilst contributing to Kent’s prosperity through business growth and job creation.
Chambers of Commerce and networking groups
The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, with over 1,200 members, offers comprehensive business support ranging from networking and international trade assistance to representation. They organise more than 100 events annually, including business exhibitions and informal networking opportunities.
East Kent Chambers of Commerce provides business networking events, facilitated introductions, and free business advice for members across the eastern region. These chambers encourage strong links within the business community to ensure skills exchange and best practice sharing.
HMRC and Companies House resources
Regulatory compliance becomes manageable with the right guidance. HM Revenue & Customs provides a series of free online webinars giving tax help to businesses and the self-employed. Companies House serves as the official registry for company details and accounts.
First-time business owners should explore the government’s comprehensive business guidance website (gov.uk/browse/business), which offers specific advice for setting up a business alongside a Business Support Helpline (0800 998 1098).
Remember: these resources exist to support your success. Take advantage of them.
Conclusion
Taking the First Steps Towards Kent Business Success
With the right preparation, you have the power to build a successful business in Kent. The journey presents challenges,but the manufacturing, tourism, and creative sectors offer fertile ground for your business ideas.
Kent does come with challenging statistics to overcome but this needn’t define your outcome. TBusinesses that fail often lack proper preparation, market research, or support systems and we have covered off just some of those available to you.
Kent’s business landscape continues evolving, with small and micro enterprises dominating even more than the national average. This environment requires you to identify market gaps carefully before launching. Success depends on persistence, adaptability, and community engagement.
