Business Recovery Support for Lockdown 3.0: Locate in Kent’s Enhanced Service

Locate in Kent’s Future Forward business recovery service is back by popular demand to guide SMEs in the county through the challenges presented by the new lockdown, with access to free expert support now.

Future Forward will help businesses across Kent and Medway create a bespoke business plan, clear vision and offer the tools to become more productive, profitable and resilient, as they grow and carve out new opportunities for success in 2021.

Lasting six to eight-weeks, the enhanced free programme now features more expert support from Kent HR and digital transformation advice from Select Technology

All qualifying businesses will receive 12 hours of free consultancy, delivered by a team of Locate in Kent’s business advisors and industry experts, including Kreston Reeves and Azets, who work alongside each company to review key aspects of their business operations – from financial planning and marketing opportunities to digital transformation and skills development.

Gavin Cleary, CEO at Locate in Kent, commented: “We launched the Future Forward service at a time when small and medium sized businesses, which form the bedrock of the county’s economy, were finally able to plan ahead. Since then, we have given more than 350 hours of free consultancy, guiding businesses to become more resilient, explore new avenues for growth and invest in future proofing. As we now navigate this new national lockdown, it is imperative that businesses continue to gain new skills and access tools needed to achieve desired results and successes in 2021.

“Our Future Forward programme has already seen many success stories, including Sharp Relations, Canterbury Brewers & Distillers and Limewood Productions. Our 2021 offering has been reinforced with new expert advisors to provide businesses with vital support and advice they need to overcome the challenges they may now be facing, and plan for progress in this new economic landscape.”

Nigel Potter, Managing Director for Select Technology, said: “We are excited to announce our partnership with Locate in Kent on their Future Forward programme. With our expertise in digital transformation and business strategy we believe we are well-placed to help new and existing Kent-based businesses realise their potential through technology. We look forward to engaging with Locate in Kent and their clients over the coming weeks and months.”

Veronica Fox, HR Consultant at Kent HR, said: “We are delighted to be on the team of business advisors for Locate in Kent’s Future Forward initiative. As specialist HR consultants we have extensive experience providing support to SMEs to effectively deal with complex and sensitive HR issues, as well as implementing human resources strategies to ensure business continuity in the face of challenges posed by the pandemic. With many businesses now looking to the future and considering how best to achieve their strategic objectives, we are excited to be offering expert HR advice to help local businesses recover, grow and thrive in 2021.”

AJ Sharp, Managing Director of Sharp Relations, added: “This time last year, the agency was just me and one freelancer. One year later we have five employees and together we manage an exceptional portfolio of some of the best food and drinks brands from around the UK. Locate in Kent is a really effective advisory board, helping us with everything from messaging to HR, financials to setting up systems and processes. We’ve come away confident that we are ready for our next stage of growth, and we know how we’re going to make it happen.”

For more detail on the Future Forward service, including information on signing up, visit www.locateinkent.com/future-forward