Archives: Pen Portraits

Infinity Fitness-UK Ltd was incorporated in 2012, and operates from two locations in Kings Hill and Margate, providing easy, affordable and high quality gym facilities and memberships to people living in Kent and Medway, with ease of accessibility supported by their mobile app technology. The Innovation Loan will be used to open a third site to be located in the Spirit of Sittingbourne development in Sittingbourne Town Centre, covering the fit out costs and professional fees.

West Design Products Ltd have successfully secured planning permission for a warehouse extension at their Folkestone site. The extension will bring together both warehouse and admin functions on the Folkestone site, creating 25 jobs across all functions of the business.

Webcomm Limited T/A Sustainable Engineering was formed in 1996 and is based in Canterbury, it researches and reports on innovations within the global engineering design and manufacturing sectors, providing engineers within these sectors a low-energy , parametric design tool which reviews and disseminates information on sustainable engineering products, technologies and services. The KCC Loan will be used for development of the low carbon Viridis design tool which will assist help environmentally conscious engineers make better informed design decisions to reduce the environmental impact of their future manufactured products.

Unsolved Mysteries Escape Rooms Limited was formed in 2021 and is based at Fort Amherst in Chatham. It provides fully immersive Escape Room experiences featuring live actors, to their customers and enthusiasts through their current “The Basement, Chapter 1” story. The KCC funding will be used to fund the build and creation of a further escape room “The Basement, Chapter 2”, which will enable the business to double their capacity and attract both new and returning customers.

Tillett Limited are a manufacturer of high end motor racing seats for a variety of vehicle racing markets operating in a high growth and innovative sector. The loan was used to assist in the purchase of new plant and machinery to support their move to new premises in Sittingbourne.

Tillett Limited was formed in 2000 and is based near Sittingbourne. It manufactures world class car and go kart racing seats for both the commercial and hobby markets, and now has dealerships located in 60 countries across the world. The KCC Loan will be used to expand their existing office and factory space by installing a mezzanine floor, which will enable them to develop new products, improve productivity and employ new staff.

A long established Kent Company, primarily manufacturing innovative product for the professional beauty market (hair removal), which accounts for 53% of their market. Other products include wax polish, agricultural/horticultural waxes, raw materials for such as paints and inks.
At the time of their loan, the company were operating at the maximum capacity in terms of both space and machinery, and the i3 loan was used to invest in new premises, equipment and improved processes to increase production to meet market demand both within the UK and beyond.

Task Masters (UK) have heavily invested in their facility to date, and to ensure their innovative approach to the Offshore Wind Industry and achievement of their expansion plans, they will be installing an indoor structure to enable advanced rescue training to be delivered all year round.

R&B Star (Electrical Wholesalers) Limited will be expanding their product range by developing new and innovative which they will manufacture themselves; enabling them to compete for major contracts within the low carbon electrical industry sector.

Ovenden is a family-run business with over 45 years’ experience in haulage, plant hire, demolition, aggregate supply and waste transfer. Following the acquisition of an old industrial site in Dover, the funding will be used to turn the site into a modern waste transfer facility; to include general processing and recycling, a refuse derived fuel processing facility, dry mixed recycling processing, and a baling and wrapping facility.

MEP Ltd was established in 1976 and is based in Aylesford, the business manufactures mouldings and complex precision machined components to the aerospace industry with a global client base. KCC’s investment will be used to invest in new equipment and machinery as well as a new manufacturing manager and will work to support the business in further automating and digitalising processes to increase efficiency and continue to meet demand.

Matches Sports Bar & Grill (Canterbury) Ltd was formed in 2022 and is based in Canterbury, it offers a unique sports themed leisure and social, premium bar and restaurant experience to customers. KCC’s investment will assist the business in expanding from it’s original site in Ashford to a second site in Canterbury, with funding being used to renovate and fit out the new premises to expand into a new local market.

Knockout Print Services Limited was incorporated in 2010 and is based in Tonbridge. It manufactures print, signage and merchandise for local and national businesses, with a mixture of B2B and direct to consumer services. KCC’s investment will be used to fund the purchase and installation of a new direct wide format hybrid printer and solar panels which will enable the business to increase efficiency, boost capacity and productivity, and enable them to increase sales.

Kewell Converters Limited was incorporated in 1971 and is based in Edenbridge, it is a B2B Business and a specialist foam fabricator and foam converter for batch production parts, trading in both UK and International markets. KCC’s investment will be used to fund the purchase of new machinery and equipment which will allow the business to complete a new manufacturing thermoforming process, which will help to develop and expand existing products, services and processes leading to new jobs and business growth.

Guscott Heating Services Ltd was formed in 2018 and is based in Medway, it provides gas and heating services, focussing on the installation and maintenance of domestic heating systems, including installation and maintenance of eco-friendly heat pump systems. The KCC Loan will be used to further expand its operations into the renewables sector, including the hiring of a specialist renewables engineer, new vehicles and training for their staff.

Garage Coffee Ltd was formed in 2017 and is a speciality coffee roastery offering both wholesale premium coffee to other businesses as well as direct sales through a chain of coffee shops based in Whitstable, Margate and Herne Bay. KCC’s loan will be used to purchase a new coffee roaster and oven as well as bring on new staff which will enable the business to expand its production capacity and quality to meet demand as well as support the launch of a new barista training school in Kent.

G Marsh Company Ltd T/A The Diamond Setter was incorporated in 2020 and is based in Tunbridge Wells, it manufactures fine jewellery with precious metals and sustainable semi-/precious stones, as well as offering repair and restoration services to both trade and retail customers. KCC’s investment will enable the company to relocate to new premises in The Pantiles which will enable them to reach a new range of clientele through displaying sample and manufacturing work in a prominent location, as well as purchase new equipment and machinery which will allow them to offer new and improved services to their customers.

Eco Electrical Contractors (South East) Limited was formed in 2015 and is based in Ashford. It provides electrical contracting services, mainly to the construction industry but also to business end users. The KCC loan will be used to enable a move to new freehold premises in Ashford, the fit out of the new premises to create a carbon negative commercial space, and to bring in new staff to expand their product offering and grow their customer base.

Drink Warehouse UK Ltd will use the funding to set up a new depot in West Kent and build the management team to support a period of rapid growth.

Condimaniac Limited was formed in 2019 and is based in Chatham. It manufactures innovative, award winning condiments sold directly to the consumer online, including via its own website and Amazon, as well as providing wholesale sauces and seasonings for large brands such as Ooni and The Prodigy.
KCC’s investment will be used to purchase new production machinery and bring in two part-time production assistants which will allow them to increase their capacity and productivity to assist in the launch of their new “Club Maniac” subscription service for their customers.

Clean Line Laundry Limited was formed in 2014 and is based in Broadstairs. It specialises in laundry and linen hire for both the commercial and private sector, with the large majority of its customers being local, including hotels, restaurants, cafes and holiday homes. KCC’s loan will be used to enable the business to move to larger premises and includes the fit out, equipment and machinery, supplies and new staff, to enable the business to meet existing demand and bring on new customers.

Manufacturing luxury bespoke, high quality cast iron baths, bathrooms & sanitaryware. Expansion is planned, employing new staff, creating capacity for innovation and increased productivity.

Bulgaro Limited was established in 2010 and produces upholstery and joinery work for commercial and residential properties. Primarily, “high end” clients for the London market. The owners are now looking to expand the finishing and upholstery department of their Sittingbourne factory and seek a loan from KCC for £350,000 as part of a total investment of £700,000 in premises, machinery and additional staff.

Aquaread Limited was established in 2009, it develops and manufactures environmental water testing instruments, enabling customers to monitor water quality in remote areas from distance. KCC’s investment will enable the business to expand into new regions by increasing capacity through new premises and machinery at their base in Broadstairs.

Algaecytes is a private company founded in 2010, commercialising 25 years of algae research by world leading bio-scientists. It is seeking to raise finance to build 2 demonstration units in Sandwich to produce high purity Omega 3 oils from freshwater algae.

Craft’d Bus Ltd was formed in 2019 and is based in Hadlow, it is a children’s party bus business, utilising a minibus to offer mobile, creative activities in the on-board classroom to children for a range of parties and events. The purpose of the loan is to assist in the purchasing, converting and equipping of 2 new (second-hand) minibuses to increase the capacity of the existing business and meet increased customer demand.

Expansion of salon and accredited academy from Folkestone to Thanet. To open a salon where apprentices would be trained on the job in a commercial salon by fully qualified therapists / Assessors. The academy would also be open to other salons in the area to send their apprentices to train with us.

Pips Pooches Ltd has been operating since 2021 and is currently based in Aylesford. It is a professional dog grooming salon serving customers across the local area. The KMBF Loan will be used to fit out and equip the company’s new premises on Aylesford High Street, in order to provide new specialised space for the business with the capacity to bring on an extra groomer and bring in new services offered to customers.

All About Home Care Ltd was established in 2014, is based in Sevenoaks, but operates across West Kent and beyond. It is a private home care provider providing domiciliary care & personal care to the elderly and disabled. The KMBF loan will be used to expand the capacity of the business through the recruitment of 3 new staff members and their associated costs.

The Miller&Cotton Limited was formed in 2016 and is based in Swanley. It is a family owned micropub providing food and drinks to the local community sourced from both local suppliers and breweries. The KMBF Loan will be used to support the purchase, refurbishment and expansion of their current premises to increase service capacity and to meet growing customer demand.

Wareham Wholesale has been operating since 2023 and is based in Marden, it is a meat wholesale business serving customers in the Kent and South East area. The KMBF Loan will be used to support the growth of the business through the purchase of a refrigerated van which will help increase the capacity of the business in order to serve their customers.

Tamu Homes Supported Accommodation Limited has been operating since 2023 and is based in Maidstone. It offers a supported housing service for young people aged 16+, transitioning from care environments to adult life. The KMBF Loan will be used to support the provision of a third property in Maidstone for use as a care transition property, through the hiring of new PAYE staff to staff the property and provide support to its residents.

I Track Direct Ltd was established in 2019 and is based in Maidstone. It is a supplier and installer of GPS trackers and Dash Cameras for vehicles to both the Commercial and Retail Sectors, as well as other advanced security services and products. The KMBF Loan will be used to purchase new ICT equipment and bring on more specialist technical staff to enable the production of a new platform to support their existing clients and enable new services to be delivered to bring in new customers.

Corkk Ltd has been operating since 2019 and is based in Canterbury, it is an independent English Wine specialist with a bottle shop and bar in Canterbury offering both in-store sales, a subscription service and wine tasting evenings. The KMBF Loan will be used to open a new Corkk store in the High Street in Tunbridge Wells, helping the business to increase capacity and the provision of service delivery to a new area of Kent.

The Tonbridge Brewery was established in 2010 and now offers a wide range of beers, lagers and ales for sale to both the trade (pubs, clubs & restaurants), off trade (grocery shops, farm shops and off licenses), as well as direct sales to the public. KCC’s investment will be used to support the brewery’s expansion through the purchase of new brewing equipment and supporting infrastructure in order to expand brewing capacity and meet demand.

The Digital Lookout Limited launched in July 2021 and is based in Maidstone. It is a full service digital marketing agency with a specific focus on the construction industry. KCC’s investment will be used to hire new skilled staff into the business to expand their existing capacity and meet demand.

Retroelectric Limited was established in 2019 and is based in Borough Green, Tonbridge & Malling. The company provides a unique service, converting vintage petrol cars into Electric vehicles and have already converted classic models such as the VW Beetle, Fiat 500 and Land Rover Defender. The KMBF loan will be used to purchase new equipment including a 3D Scanner, Laser Cutter and 3D Printer to enable the business to build more components in house and enable them to grow their capacity to meet demand and expand their customer base.

Innovative Resources Limited T/A Willow Farm was formed in 2002 and is based in Yalding, Maidstone. It is a family farm that produces hay, eggs and fruit and which also operates as a Care Farm providing Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children weekly visits with their support workers. The KMBF Loan will be used to build a barn to give the business more space and facilities to provide a greater level of support to SEND children.

Black Saucers Ltd was formed in 2021 and is based in Maidstone. It is an event and wedding tableware hire business providing high quality cutlery and crockery for hire to customers across the South East. The KMBF loan will be used to expand the range of tableware on offer through providing new “design-led” product lines and expanding the capacity of more basic lines.

Agape Health Care Investments Ltd was established in 2024 and is based in Chatham. It is a supported living service providing accommodation and support services to vulnerable adults aged between 18 and 30 years old. The KMBF loan will be used to support the leasing of a new premises in Chatham to be used as supported living accommodation, including the hiring of new staff and CQC registered manager.

Yomo Finance Ltd started trading in 2024 and is based in Aylesford. It is a firm of mortgage brokers offering intermediary and provision services to customers across Kent, Medway and beyond. The KMBF funds will be used to support the initial growth of the business through the employment of new brokers and case handlers as well as associated equipment and costs to support the growth of their customer base and offer an attractive and effective service to their customers.

SIM Motorsport Ltd started trading in 2022 and is based in Gillingham. It operates race car simulators focussed on corporate entertainment and driver training, both in the professional and amateur racing markets. The aim of the KMBF Loan is to support the development of a second facility at Brands Hatch and upgrade the existing facility at Gillingham, through the purchase of new software and the associated staff costs.

Leiach Electrical Contractors Ltd has been operating since 2012 and is based in Rochester, it is an electrical contractor focussing on the commercial and high-end private residential market. The KMBF Loan will be used to build and implement a new Quality Management System, hire new staff and purchase new equipment in order to build greater capacity within the business to meet demand.

Peninsula Care Ltd was formed in 2023 and is based in Hoo, Medway. It is a social care provider based on the Hoo Peninsula providing dementia respite and aiming to expand this to provide domiciliary care to people in the local area. The KMBF loan will be used to contribute towards the bringing on of new staff, including team leaders and dementia befrienders as well as lease costs.

Elevey Ltd was formed in 2020 and is based in Rochester. It is a business planning, book-keeping and marketing services provider offering a range of support and promotion services to its customers. The KMBF Loan will be used to bring in new staff and expand the existing capacity of the business to meet demand through servicing additional clients or business lines.

Sustainable Garden Solutions Ltd was established in 2019 and is based in Rochester. It provides garden design, gardening and landscaping services for both residential and commercial projects in Kent & Medway. The KMBF loan will be used to hire new staff, as well as to purchase the necessary vehicles and equipment to support these new staff. The new capacity in the business will allow them to meet demand and to enable the expansion of the product and services range offered to customers.

Brook Blast Limited provides blasting and coating services to rail, highway and utility companies both in Kent and across the UK. The KMBF Loan will be used to expand its portfolio by adding waterproofing and other surface preparation (namely, cryogenic blasting) services through the purchase of new equipment and machinery.

JRS Early Years Limited T/A Stepping Stones Nursery has been operating since 2017 and is based in Sittingbourne. It is an early years education and care provider for children aged between 2-4 years old. The KMBF Loan will be used to expand the company’s premises and therefore increase capacity and the provision of service delivery to a wider group of children, including babies and SEND learners.

Oceans Green Dry Cleaners Limited was formed in 2020 and is based in Gillingham, it is an independent garment dry/wet cleaning provider, including repair ,alteration and shoe cleaning services. The KMBF loan will be used to expand their service offering to include a delivery & pick up service, further shoe and leather cleaning services and improved IT infrastructure to support the delivery of these new services.

eXroid Technology Ltd was incorporated in 2012 and is based at Discovery Park near Sandwich,. It is a manufacturer of an innovative haemorrhoid medical device and associated treatment kits. The KMBF loan will be used to expand service delivery and grow the business through the hiring of new staff including Clinical Quality Management and Marketing roles as well as professional fees related to quality improvement projects."

Salt Training Ltd was incorporated in 2023 and is based in Herne Bay it is a provider of specialist training to the construction industry. The KMBF loan will be used to expand the range of services and courses available to their customers including the purchase of new equipment, workshops, and hiring of new lecturers and staff.

Green Hub Recycling Ltd was established in 2021 and is based in Aylesham. It is a plastics recycling business specialising in granulating post-industrial plastics to produce raw materials that plastics production companies can use to create recycled products. The KMBF loan will be used to support the expansion of capacity in the business through the purchase of additional trailers dedicated to their largest suppliers, in order to support existing sales and open up capacity for new customers.

Ramsgate Art Club CIC was formed in 2024 and is based in Ramsgate, it is seeking to convert an old wine storehouse building to a new arts & hospitality venue which will be used to host both exhibition space, a food and drink offering, “speakeasy” style club and some space for those from the creative sector to rent. The KMBF Loan will be used to help fund the refurbishment and fit out of the new building.

Commar Services Ltd trading as “GROW” was incorporated in 2006 and is based in Ashford. It grows, conserves and sells rare and heritage fruit trees to both commercial and retail customers across the UK. The KMBF Loan will be used to help support the growth of the company through enhancing their online presence, expanding their educational offerings and create a more immersive customer experience at their new base in Mersham near Ashford.

Bears Ice Cream Company Limited has been operating since 2016 and is based in Whitstable, it is an ice cream parlour serving a range of tailor-made high quality ice creams to its retail customers. The KMBF Loan will be used to upgrade the Company’s machinery and equipment, and develop custom packaging to service increased customer demand to both retail and wholesale markets, as well as the bringing on of new staff.

Pickle Goods Ltd, trading as PICKLE, has been trading since 2017 and is based in Folkestone. It designs, manufactures and sells a baby and children’s wear brand to customers across the UK and abroad. The KMBF loan will be used to support the growth of the business through the hiring of new staff, and the purchase of new ICT equipment to support and improve marketing efforts, in order to reach new markets and increase sales.

Verdant Carbon Ltd was established in September 2021 and provides soil sampling and analysis services/consultancy to farmers in Kent and the South East. It intends to combine a novel, solid sample carbon assessment machine with a sampling system which will provide farmers with a scale map of their sequestered soil carbon. KCC’s investment will be used to purchase the required machinery and employ additional staff in order to bring this new service to market.

Sharp Relations Ltd has been providing public relations and communications services to businesses in Kent, the UK and Europe since 2010 and specialises in the Food & Drink Sector. It provides a variety of different PR services to suit different clients based on their needs. KCC’s investment will be used to bring in new staff as well as purchase new media equipment in order to expand their capacity and facilities to meet demand.

HatHats Coffee Company Ltd was formed in 2015 and is based in Whitstable, it operates five coffee outlets across East Kent offering a range of hot and cold drinks, crepes, snacks and other foods sourced from local producers. The KMBF Loan will be used to support the opening of three new outlets in East Kent and the renovation of their vintage Citroen van for use as a mobile coffee shops to the events industry.

Docker Fermentation Ltd was formed in in 2016 and is based in Folkestone & Hythe producing high quality bread and plant-based patisserie, growing from a small unit on the Folkestone Harbour Arm via wholesale, retail and on-line sales to a new larger site in West Hythe. The KCC loan will be used to purchase a new sustainable wood pellet oven and accompanying equipment as well as take on new staff to support a growth in sales and expand the product range provided to customers.

Campbell 2021 Ltd trading as Tre Fitness is a gym/fitness centre located in the centre of Folkestone. It seeks to offer a premium gym experience to the local community and since its opening in 2021 its membership has grown significantly. KCC’s investment will be used to purchase new gym equipment and bring on new staff, in order to meet demand and grow the business further.

Leisure King operates a successful event equipment hire business and will use the KMBF Recovery Funding to develop new products and utilise new premises.

Established in September 2012 the company provides photo-booth and other photo experiences for its customers. The Co captures memorable photos or videos at its customers’ events which are then delivered to the customer’s own clients as a memento. Loan funding will assist with working capital requirements.

An ice cream manufacture and distribution business based near Ashford established in 2005. Loan funding will be used to cover salary costs over the next 9 months as well as providing a level of contingency to support the day to day running costs of the business over that period.

Lighting Effects Distribution (Projects) Ltd are a Kent based business that designs and builds LED lighting sets for film studios, fitness centres and bars. It has recently developed a new technology for an immersive lighting system for use in gyms and fitness centres. Loan funding will support new production and staffing costs.

Kent Cookery School was established in 2012 as a purpose-built cookery school, offering a range of courses. Funding will be used to develop the on-line capability to expand the online service, as well as working capital to cover the salaries for new staff to help develop the other new services in 2021.

George Cursons Ltd (t/a Blue Oceans) was established in 2011 and is based in Herne Bay. The business supplies frozen seafood direct to the wholesale and food service sector. KCC’s investment will allow the business to establish a seafood processing factory to handle MSC certified seafood and cover all requirements including freezing, packing, breading, and onsite training, as well as a R&D centre for Quality Control and Product Testing.

Thomas Cookie Company Limited was formed in 2014 and is based in Maidstone. An artisan bakery business that bakes and sells cookies, cookie cups, and other sweet treats online, at farmers’ market, to corporates and at events and festivals. KCC’s investment will be used to grow and expand the business and its product offerings through improvements to their property, and new machinery.

Kent Housing Limited was incorporated in March 2014 and is based in Maidstone. It provides accommodation to a range of different workers, as well as rental management/rent guarantee services. The business is seeking a Capital Growth loan of £93,000 to expand its service offering.

The Food Machinery Co Ltd are specialists in the design, supply, manufacturing, installation and maintenance of Industrial Food processing & packaging machinery to independent and major Blue Chip clients throughout the UK.

Fairtrade Vending Limited was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Rochester. It sells a wide range of vending and beverage equipment, as well as ingredient supplies to a variety of customers, including the NHS. KCC’s investment will be used to help the business move to new premises and provide the company with sufficient space to hold the stock required to meet growing demand.

Plasticom was established in 1993 and is based in Ashford. It undertakes precision injection moulding, and tool making for a range of industries including medical products. KCC’s investment will be used to purchase new machinery and employ new staff to help Plasticom grow to meet new demand.

Hotcraze Ltd design and build bespoke merchandise. The primary markets are promotional materials and marketing events as well as retail and charity shops.

Fundraising Services (UK) Ltd trading as You sell we buy, was formed in 2011. The Company has 16 employees and is based in Sandwich. The business buys unwanted clothes, shoes accessories, toys and bric- a- brac from the general public and then sells in bulk to less fortunate countries. The company is seeking funding of £70,000 to expand towards project costs of £77,000 to increase their premises and purchase new equipment.

Bloomsburys Biddenden was established in 2006 and is based in Biddenden. It is an established glamping site providing a range of luxury tents, yurts and cabins, as well as a host of wedding and events. KCC’s investment will be used to invest in and upgrade the quality of the site’s existing accommodation and create a greener, more tailored experience aimed at couples and retreat based accommodation away from groups, as well as expand their existing “retreat services” which already include electric bike hire, hairdressers, therapy, chiropractic centre and dog spa.

A.L.E. Business Machines Limited was incorporated in 2000 and is based in Canterbury. It supplies printers and copiers on a managed print service agreement, along with software and professional services that enable companies to reduce costs, improve productivity and workflow as well as data security. KCC’s investment will be used to invest in new staff to enable it to become a complete communications solution provider, with a new sales office in Ashford.

Gilda Bakery Ltd is a newly established artisan bakery in Bishopsbourne, that produces fresh bread and pastries, the business undertakes a mix of direct to public sales and wholesales to local restaurants, farm shops and cafes. KCC’s investment will be used to expand the operation through investing in new machinery allowing new capacity to be created to expand existing sales channels as well as open new ones.

Biowaived Ltd was formed in 2024 and is based in Sandwich, it is a pharmaceutical services business focussing on biopharmaceutics and dissolution strategies for regulatory submissions and biowaiver applications. The KMBF loan will assist the business in setting up new operations within legacy laboratories at Discovery Park, Sandwich to provide research and consultancy services through the purchase of scientific equipment, software and staff costs.

The Tamasha Group U.K. Ltd will launch a new high-end Pan Asian restaurant, Sekkoya, in Canterbury. Using an extensive range of Kent and other local suppliers it will seek to offer a fine dining experience to its customers, KCC’s investment will be used to support the fit-out of the new premises as well as the purchase of kitchen equipment.