Council to host free knowledge and networking event for local businesses

Businesses in Thanet are invited to attend a free one day business knowledge and networking event taking place on Thursday 28 September. Hosted by Thanet District Council’s Regeneration Team, the drop in event will feature expert speakers, seminars, one-to-one appointments and a business breakfast and networking lunch.

BOSS – Business Owners Supporting and Sharing – started as a regular networking breakfast session for independent businesses to meet and exchange ideas. That has now expanded to its very first all day networking event taking place at the Kent Innovation Centre in Broadstairs.

The day runs from 7.30am to 5pm. Businesses are invited to drop in to access support including one-to-one expert advice and guidance, workshops and networking opportunities. The workshop and sessions are available to book on Eventbrite, on a first come first served basis. The event is free to Thanet businesses. Attendees are welcome to drop in and out as their schedules permit or stay for the entire day.

Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “This is the ultimate one-stop-shop for practical support to elevate you and your business. On the day we’ll be offering a diverse array of workshops to choose from. They range from unlocking strategies for growth, mastering the art of marketing, harnessing the power of social media and navigating the complexities of employing staff.

“I’d urge anyone who owns or runs a business to seize this opportunity to meet other business owners over breakfast or lunch, to forge meaningful connections, share ideas and expand your business network.”

The council’s business support programme began in 2020 in the wake of the pandemic when a need to provide additional help for the many micro, small and medium sized businesses in Thanet was identified.

Since then a number of initiatives have been set up to support local businesses to access funding, improve skills, build partnerships and raise their profile within the community. Participatory programmes that encourage people to ‘shop local’ such as Fiver Fest, Magic Tenner and other Totally Locally initiatives are being used as a way to bring businesses together and generate a collective buzz on the high street.

To find out more about the BOSS business roadshow which has been funded with a grant from the Kent County Council Helping Hands Fund, please visit thanet.gov.uk