Who We Are, What We Do.
Who We Are:
We are a dynamic and diverse networking group that fosters meaningful connections and professional growth. Our community comprises professionals from various industries and backgrounds, all united by a shared passion for collaboration and learning within the Aylesham and District vicinity. We meet every second Thursday at The Old School (Aylesham Community Trust) in Aylesham at 8 a.m.
What We Do:
At our core, we provide a platform where individuals can exchange ideas, experiences, and opportunities. Our activities encompass various networking events, workshops, and resources designed to empower our members in their personal and professional journeys.
Through our networking group, you can expect to:
Expand Your Network: Connect with like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and experts in your field or interest. Forge valuable relationships that can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.
-
Learn and Grow:
Access knowledge and expertise through our informative workshops, webinars, and panel discussions. Stay updated on industry trends and gain insights from experienced professionals.
-
Support and Mentorship:
Give and receive support from fellow members. We encourage mentorship and knowledge sharing, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
-
Build Confidence:
Hone your networking skills.
Develop your brand.
Enhance your communication abilities in a supportive and friendly atmosphere.
-
Social Impact:
Engage in meaningful initiatives and community projects that make a positive difference. We believe in giving back and using our collective strength for good.
Join us on a journey of networking, learning, and growth. Together, we can create a vibrant community where connections lead to success and individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.
OUR MEMBERS
![Logo Final [PNG].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4b2b34_96ede6dec4854e0689619f148807b84e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_152,h_152,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Logo%20Final%20%5BPNG%5D.png)
An award winning Estate Planning Consultant, who can help you put in place your Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney to protect you, your family and your asset, so that your family are not left with chaos at a very difficult time. With over 30 years experience, Sara can help you avoid the pitfalls of being without an effective Estate Plan, including advice about how to protect your business.
01304 577998
Sara Sheppard
Chair
Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers providing Accountancy Services to Individuals, Self-Employed Businesses and Limited Companies. The services we specialise in are Annual Accounts, Tax Returns, Payroll Services, VAT Returns and Bookkeeping.
We can help with starting a business and registering with the relevant tax authorities. As Chartered Tax Advisers we also provide tax planning, taking into account your various business taxes and your personal tax to ensure your finances are clear, tax efficient and under control.
Director, Chris Milsom, has over 20 years experience in the profession, is dual-qualified as both a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Adviser and prides himself in a varied and in-depth knowledge of Accountancy, Tax and Business Advice.
We understand businesses from a variety of different industries. We have a competitive fee structure which will always be agreed with you in advance and we don’t charge for telephone or email advice throughout the year. Please get in contact for a free introductory consultation if you think we can be of assistance.
Chris Milsom
Treasurer
0203 603 2304
Steve Manion Effective Training (SMET) is a Supply Chain Management Training company based in Aylesham East Kent, United Kingdom. Steve has been involved in production and inventory management since 1983 and training in supply chain management since 1994.
SMET is able to provide APICS Certification Courses and training across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe and has taught in China and Australia. Steve is an APICS authorised education instructor, and is happy to discuss clients individual needs and recommend appropiate
Aly Young has been a solicitor for nearly 30 years and is an expert at drafting commercial contracts including shareholder and partnership agreement and helping owners complete a sale or purchase of a business.
VITA OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH LTD
Vita Occupational Health Ltd is an Occupational Health and Wellbeing company based in Wingham. Heather Colthart founded it in 2019.
Heather has over 30 years of experience as a registered nurse and has worked in Occupational Health since 2000, gaining her BSc in Occupational Health and experience in many business sectors, including manufacturing, waste management, transport, seafaring, construction, primary, secondary, and tertiary education, NHS, civil and public service (local councils and the Home office). She also managed Occupational Health Services for Kent Fire and Rescue.
Regardless of the type of business you operate in, Occupational Health is key to reducing overall costs relating to ill health and injury, improving productivity and ensuring a safer workplace. Occupational health provides services designed to protect employees from potential risks and hazards on the job and enable employers to manage employee health and their statutory duties under the Employment and Health and Safety Law.
Vita Occupational Health Ltd can provide health surveillance, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome assessment (HAVs), DSE assessment, sickness absence management, management referrals, wellbeing and health education/promotion etc.
If you would like to discuss your needs or wish to have a free health needs assessment, please email operations@vitaoh.co.uk, call 01227 390728 or find us at www.vitaoh.co.uk
SHAPES
We are Shapes
Accounting and marketing for Better Businesses
Using digital technology & and design thinking we inspire small business owners and their teams to build better businesses
Better accounting
Accounting can be a headache. With our expertise in digital accounting, powered by Xero, we take the stress away and help you to focus more on your business.
Better marketing
We’re experts in digital marketing – from brand to web & and digital campaign strategy. We can help you with your ideas and execution at all stages.
PHAROS ACCOUNTS LIMITED
Mark Laughton
Mark has over 35 years experience in supporting owner managed businesses and personal clients.
Pharos Accounts Limited values client relationships with a focus on owner managed businesses and personal clients
We are experienced accountants providing: business accountancy; personal and business tax planning; rental accounts and charity reporting
Areas of expertise include:
• tax planning (income, capital gains and inheritance tax)
• accounts preparation (company, partnerships and sole traders)
• digital accounting (xero, FreeAgent)
• expert rental and property owner accounting and advice
• tax returns
• charity accounting
Please call Mark for a free meeting to see if we can support you.
Mob: 07540 426288
NOT ANOTHER MARKETING AGENCY
Tabitha Fox
More than a Marketing Agency
Not Another Marketing Agency is a small, passionate and effective Marketing and business Consultancy Agency in Kent. We combine business and marketing consultancy with creativity and data analysis to help you achieve your business goals.
Experienced with a broad range of company sizes and industries, from start-ups through to SME’s, encompassing Legal Services Marketing, IT and Technology providers, through to independent retailers and trade services.
07454 668 333
AYLESHAM COMMUNITY TRUST
Emily Barnes
Emily is an experienced Social and Economic Geographer and Spatial Analyst with qualifications from the Universities of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (BA), Cardiff (Msc) and Leeds (MGIS).
With over 20 years of professional experience (including 5 years as a Community Development Officer in Aylesham between 2016 and 2021) she has delivered project management and research work within Local Government, Housing, Voluntary, Community and voluntary sectors and as a freelancer. She lives in Kent.
01304 842 826
KINGSNORTH CONSULTANTS
KINGSNORTH CONSULTANTS is an executive support consultancy dedicated to helping businesses and professionals thrive and grow.
We provide advice to career change professionals and redundant executives, a listening ear to CEO’s and senior teams, as well as mentoring start-up and emerging businesses. In addition, we undertake research for specific projects, which enables businesses to focus on their primary objectives.
DAVID SOMERS BA (Hons)
David has over 30 years of experience in the private, public, and third sectors. He has worked with hundreds of professionals within a wide range of industries and across a broad spectrum of sectors within the UK and overseas. David has had his own business and has been a business partner, as well as holding positions of responsibility in senior and middle management for SMEs and public sector organisations.
David’s greatest strength is his innate ability to listen actively and quickly identify the key issue at hand. He is able to draw on a vast range of experience and understands the obstacles and challenges clients face. His considered approach allied to his openness puts clients at ease and this has earnt him the reputation of an inveterate professional.
In his free time he enjoys sailing, motorcycling and language learning.