KF Newsletter November 2020

In our last newsletter we were feeling a little more optimistic, lockdown appeared to be easing, and some confidence was starting to reappear. Over the summer we've seen a lot of our fantastic entrepreneurs bounce back with integrity and strength from what was a really difficult time. I am sure you all remember the days of Eat Out to Help Out Scheme too, and how good it felt, not just for the businesses that benefited but also being able to meet up with people again. There were a few staff meetings here over a nice coffee thanks to Rishi Sunak which was great for us to connect as a team again, and feel a little more normal. Fast forward a few months though and there is a concern again, as the numbers of infections increase, and an urgency to stop this current wave getting worse. Businesses continue to traverse their way through it with varying degrees of success, with some sectors still taking more of the brunt. And now we find ourselves in Lockdown again!

So, how do we find a way forward in such uncertain times? and what should be our response? As a team we have really grappled with this, like many other charities, and businesses, we have been just responding to the immediate needs, the support we could provide, with the resources we have. But, it has been clear for a while we needed to start look further, planning for our future and equally trying to understand more about what that looks like. There is never a wrong time to be in, or starting a business. Business has always been about the things we have been hearing a lot about since we first locked down, pivoting, innovation, adaptability and identifying and keeping up with the needs of customers. Over the next few months we will be actively promoting starting your own business as a good option. We have already seen many examples of how furlough has given opportunity for side hustles, over the years some of the world's strongest brands where started under really challenging circumstances. We want people to start thinking maybe I can take a little more control of this situation for themselves and explore new opportunities. We have recently adopted 3 words, Inspire, Inform and Educate to reminder us what we do, and continue to work towards our vision for Kent: A thriving community of young entrepreneurs and business owners, growing the Kent economy with experienced and successful business mentors, and peer support. To all the business we are already engaged with, please get in touch if you want any support, whatever that might be, especially as we have now entered lockdown 2.0. We are here to help, and make sure you have every opportunity to get through it. To our mentors just keep doing what you do, use the new networks we have created to connect with each other. And finally, to all our friends who follow us. Please spread the word that business is a great cause to support, The Kent Foundation needs to get through it as well, so keep following and get in touch if you would like to make a big difference for young business owners in Kent. Stay safe.

Stuart Tanton - Director of The Kent Foundation