Get the inside track from a former Dragon at the East Kent B2B

With the latest statistics from the British Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Quarterly Survey showing the continuing stabilisation of the UK economy, many would-be entrepreneurs, who for the past few years have had to reign in their ambitions may now start to look at growing their businesses once more. The BCC recently upgraded its’ annual growth forecast for the economy - moving from 1.9% to 2.2%. The manufacturing sector is also recovering and for the most part, the figures are moving in the right direction. With such positivity now could be the time to grasp your entrepreneurial spirit and move your business forward.

Entrepreneurial South East region

Interestingly, almost half of the businesses listed in the Investec Hot 100 in 2013 were based in London and the South East. The list is compiled by looking at the compound annual growth rates of the fastest growing private companies in the UK. It is used as a gauge of entrepreneurial
business spirit and the South East featuring so highly would seem to point to a growing
entrepreneurial spirit within the region. Furthermore East Kent has been highlighted across many channels as the “go to” area in the South East for new tech start-ups and initiatives like “Grow for it East Kent” are successfully promoting the areas abundant resources and benefits to both the local markets and those from further afield.

Jo James, Chief Executive of the Chamber explains the focus of the next Kent B2B, “Fitting the needs of the region is one of the key points of the Chambers’ remit and so our next business to business event has a truly entrepreneurial slant across its’ programme, including Doug Richard booked as keynote speaker. We are looking forward to a great day of informative speeches,
practical workshops and abundant networking opportunities.”

Leading entrepreneur booked for business conference

Doug Richard is one of the original members of the BBC television programme, Dragons Den and has an incredibly successful career. He initially worked in Silicon Valley, building and selling two successful businesses before coming to Britain where he has, amongst other things, developed Cambridge Angels - an investment society looking to “pay it forward” offering advice, guidance along with financial help to new entrepreneurs. He now also dedicates time to “School for Startups”, a social enterprise dedicated to training and supporting entrepreneurs and helping small businesses around the world thrive. 

Appearing at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerces’ East Kent B2B on the 11th September at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury, Doug will be offering tips and candid, jargon free advice on the day. A must for any business person, whether you are an established business that’s looking to grow or a start-up firm.

Alongside Doug is Andrew Priestley as breakfast speaker who will share with you the 8 questions to make your business more profitable and QJ speaking about his Rockstar Approach. Add in the great exhibitors with workshops planned throughout the day, speed networking and lots of other opportunities to connect with new businesses and the event looks set to be a great day for businesses across East Kent.

Director General of the British Chamber of Commerce urges the Government to not be hasty with interest rate rises as he takes to the stage at Kent B2B

The annual Kent B2B took place on Tuesday 8th July at the Ashford International Hotel hosted by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Amongst the keynote speakers was John Longworth, the current Director General of the British Chamber of Commerce. Following the release of the 2nd Quarterly Economic Survey by Mr Longworth to the press in London he travelled to the Ashford event to discuss the results with the business audience from across Kent.

Survey results show stabilisation in growth

The survey is the result of 7,000 businesses across the UK and amongst the key headlines of the latest report were what the Director General called an “unsurprising” decline or stabilisation of the growth of the economy after it had “jolted forward” in the first quarterly survey results. However, these figures should be taken in context as many of them are actually still higher than their pre-recession 2007 levels and should therefore be viewed in a positive way.

Mr Longworth commented “these are strong results that show the recovery is moving forward.” As the first survey of the quarter to be released the BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey is keenly anticipated by both the Treasury and the Bank of England. As such Mr Longworth argued that the Bank of England should consider carefully whether now was the right time to raise interest rates in the “very short term” or whether this would serve to limit the growth ambitions of many businesses.  At the Kent B2B Mr Longworth’s speech was wide ranging touching on key current political issues such as the Scottish referendum and the upcoming General Election along with key business issues such as infrastructure and exporting.

Alongside Mr Longworth’s key note the Kent Invicta Chamber’s business to business exhibition and conference saw 2 marketing experts take to the stage offering invaluable advice to businesses across the county. Daniel Priestley spoke of the Key Person of Influence concept, outlining how any business person can begin to build their influence to become a key player within their niche. Warren Cass spoke of the recent trend of disruptive marketing and its impact on they way firms do business.

High quality content and networking opportunities

With 90 exhibitors and nearly 1,000 people attending the Kent B2B successfully mixes the needs of businesses to keep up-to -date with the latest innovations within business alongside offering fantastic networking opportunities for exhibitors and delegates alike.

Jo James, Chief Executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce commented “The Kent B2B is the longest running of our B2B events, as such it offers a broad range of businesses the opportunity to learn, network and do business. Today has been a fantastic success with many people commenting on the high quality contacts that they have made. Our keynote speakers and workshops are firmly focussed on offering delegates the very best advice and leaving them with real life actions that they can immediately implement in their business - whatever sector they operate in and at whatever level.”

Jo continued “All in all I think it was great day for businesses in Kent - finished off with a brilliant evening with our Annual Dinner hosted by the inimitable Gordon Banks. We will now focus our attention on our next B2B which will be in East Kent, in Canterbury on the 11th September. With ex Dragons Den star Doug Richards, Andrew Priestley and QJ confirmed as keynote speaker it’s shaping up to be another great event for businesses in Kent, and from further afield.”