Business Stories
Maidstone start-ups tell you how they started, wrote their business plan, found customers and overcame hurdles...
-
Adding a dash of diversity to the Maidstone food scene
Michelle Ayling, co-founder of Total Jerk, explains how Lockmeadow gave her and husband, Ben, the chance to make a go of their Caribbean food business.
-
The education recruitment specialists aiming for top of the class
George Mair, Director and Co-Founder of EdEx, explains why a Maidstone base is so important for his flourishing start-up.
-
Creating a culture of trust in the world of work
Committed to helping workplaces create a safer, more open environment with the help of a revolutionary new app, CEO of iTrust Assurance, Nick Inge, is spreading the word about speaking up.
-
The luxury travel agent going the extra mile
Despite the pandemic hitting the travel industry hard, sheer determination plus support from the Maidstone Business Boost (MBB) team means Your Travel is thriving and ready to expand, as MD John Stephenson explains.
-
Sporlab set to score big with launch of sports photography platform
Tolga Senel, founder of sports marketing agency, Sporlab, explains how support from WSX Enterprise has helped him develop an innovative new service for the sports industry.
-
How a ‘planet-first’ ethos is revolutionising business at BISON®
When the pandemic prompted managing director Mark Bidewell to rethink the way his printed graphics business operated, he knew a purpose-led approach was the way forward.
-
How co-working is helping Get Fruitful Marketing sow seeds of success
With a new hire and a growing business, a move from home working to an office was on the cards for Anwen Cooper…and she knew just the place…
-
The family team brewing an award-winning business.
Linda Pizani-Williams explains how her husband and son’s shared passion led to the creation of Musket Brewery.
-
The illumination trail debut bringing winter magic to Maidstone
Believing ‘the arts is for all’, Lisa Carpendale, founder of visual arts and production company, Glow Arts, is set for a sparkling launch at Maidstone’s Cobtree Manor Park.
-
The century-old equine clinic staying loyal to its Maidstone roots
When a move was on the cards for Newnham Court Equine Clinic, remaining in the borough the practice had served for so long was the top priority for owner and head of hospital, Katie Snalune.
-
Funky Feast – the chef bringing first class flavour fusions to Lockmeadow
Setting up a permanent dining spot together wasn’t part of the plan for couple Eric and Paula Allangba until they chanced upon an opportunity they couldn’t miss.
-
Grandma's Home Bakes - Maidstone Market regular keeps punters coming back for more
Stallholder June Austin explains how a supportive community and personal touch is helping her to bake a living at Maidstone Market.
-
The top-rated burger bar with ethics at its heart
With strong principles around quality, eco-friendly sourcing and staff wellbeing, Jonny Wall is bringing Notorious B.R.G.'s winning recipe to Maidstone’s LoveFood@Lockmeadow.
-
Zero Waste on Wheels - The mobile business on a mission to make Maidstone greener
A simple shampoo bottle sparked a lightbulb moment for Alicia Sharp, inspiring her to start a business helping people to reduce their plastic use.
-
Maidstone move marks a fresh start for Moondance
The pandemic may have forced Dayzee Potter to close her successful fledgling cocktail bar, but a relocation to Maidstone’s LoveFood@Lockmeadow signals a new beginning for the determined businesswoman.
-
Caro commends council’s support with Maidstone move
Finding the right location for a foundry is no easy task but Dave Lowe, Group Finance Director for Caro, was bowled over by the support he received when the company relocated to Maidstone.
-
How Outreach Tuition learnt valuable business lessons
When Jodie Devlin started Outreach Tuition at The Business Terrace, she had one goal – to help change children’s lives.
-
SEIHSI – the black hair salon aiming to be styles ahead
Elizabeth Demuren and sister and business partner, Sarah, have their sights set on making Maidstone THE destination for stylish black British women looking for a premium hair salon experience.
-
Hire and hire – the recruitment specialists with their sights set on national expansion
Having officially opened the doors of CPR Recruitment in February 2019, founders Tim Sutton and Rami Khoury already have plans to build on the success of their Maidstone office.
-
Meteoric growth sees Firemind blaze a new trail
Established at The Business Terrace in January 2018, Firemind provides custom end-to-end technology solutions for businesses.
-
Reflecting the digital landscape of Maidstone
Founded in 2011, Reflect Digital is located at Turkey Mill business park.
-
Borough’s leisure offer scaling new heights as Maidstone welcomes The Climbing Experience
Maidstone’s leisure offer will be significantly boosted when Kent’s first multi-discipline indoor climbing centre and leisure facility opens in the town centre this summer.
-
Making business brighter in Maidstone
Maidstone-based business owners Anwen Cooper and Dan Corpe have joined forces to deliver an exciting programme of events across the county to inspire Kent’s business community.
-
Thinking outside the Syncbox with cutting edge connection systems
Now in its fourth year of operation, Syncbox is the producer of the world’s only universally adaptable, invisible wiring and hidden socket system.
-
Adplan Creative: A sign of the times
Adplan Creative is one of Maidstone's up and coming signage and graphic design agencies. Founded by Director Scott Walker in 2016, the business was originally run out of Scott’s Maidstone home. As the company – and his young family at home – grew, Scott decided 2018 would be the year to move the business to the next level.
-
Films with heart and soul – Wildwood Media shares the love for Maidstone
Chris Newberry, Managing Director of Wildwood Media shares his success story and talks about the part Maidstone has played in establishing the business as one of Kent’s most sought-after video production companies.
-
Making the case for Maidstone
Award-winning Brachers is one of Maidstone's leading law firms.
-
Stalwart law firm sings Maidstone’s praises
Gullands Solicitors is one of Maidstone’s most well-established law firms.
-
VooServers - Boom in IT outsourcing propels VooServers to new heights
VooServers is a leading data centre solutions specialist, providing IT services to businesses in Maidstone and across the globe.
-
Arriva - All aboard the Bus to Maidstone!
Arriva’s Oliver Monahan explains why Maidstone’s charm made it the perfect location to set up home.
-
CREATION - Global health care consultancy sings Maidstone’s praises
CREATION is a digital consultancy that provides innovative market research services to the global healthcare sector.
-
Green Gate - how one Maidstone business is enjoying solar success
A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes
-
The Milky Tee Company - A start-up is born
When Lauren Hampshire had an idea for a new business, The Business Terrace was there to support her every step of the way.
-
Jelf - Insurance giant chooses Maidstone
Jelf is working in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council as part of its campaign to support the town's business economy.
-
Pentascape Ltd.
Husband and wife entrepreneurs, Chris & Liz Willmott, are enjoying rapid growth of their internet technology business just 15 months after starting at home in Maidstone
-
Intec Select
Stuart Kennedy started his company in Maidstone this year with 20 years’ previous experience of recruiting staff in the technology industry.
-
Intelligent Linking
After a 30-year career spent travelling the world as a business manager and consultant, Roger Williams has started his dream business in Maidstone.
-
Third Eye Procurement
A Hungarian emigre has started her own business consultancy to help other companies after making a 15-year successful career in the fruit trade.
-
Bedfont Scientific
Move to Maidstone gives award-winning health tech firm room to breathe