Business News

Rail operators have warned of major disruption to passengers and services as the latest round of strike action begins.

Jobless figures in county rise ahead of Budget

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to unveil ways to get more people back in work at the Budget this week as figures reveal an increase across Kent.

Cafe gets £50k makeover as owners set sights on rooftop restaurant

An award-winning chain of cafes has given one of its venues a £50k revamp – and could be in the pipeline to run a rooftop restaurant.

Clarkson's Farm-style barn conversion in village without a pub

A bid to convert a vacant barn into a pub in a Clarkson's Farm-style project has been approved.

Sweet success sees bakery open fourth branch

An independent bakery chain which only began serving tasty treats last summer is set to open a fourth shop just months after its latest expansion.

Bid to demolish shops and build 'rabbit hutch' flats set for approval

Plans to tear down a row of popular shops and erect a four-floor block in its place appear set to be given the green light.

Glamping site to open for months despite 'parking pandemonium' fears

A glamping site described as "quirky" by supporters will operate for up to seven months a year - despite fears it would spark parking "pandemonium".

Hundreds of homes planned for former Royal Mail site

Plans have been put forward to build 220 homes on a former sorting office site in a town centre, as well as shops, a café and a restaurant.

Rooftop restaurant bid for former Burton building

A long-neglected high street building once home to Burton and Dorothy Perkins could soon be transformed into a rooftop restaurant.

Owner's dying wish honoured as historic hotel reopens under old name

11 March 2023

A much-loved hotel has gone back to its roots after 20 years by reopening under its original name following a major refurbishment.

Couple's plan for DIY nights at 200-year-old pub

11 March 2023

A couple is hoping to reinvent one of a town's oldest pubs for the 2020s by hosting "DIY events" and street food vendors to take over the kitchen.

Butchers retire after 50 years of serving community

10 March 2023

Owners of one of the first butchers of its kind in Kent who brought a community together have retired after five decades.

'I'm destroyed – it's my first one-star hygiene rating in 40 years'

10 March 2023

A restaurateur says he is losing customers after an unfair food hygiene rating, which has led him to delay the opening of two new eateries.

Start of £9bn tunnels 'to be pushed back two years'

Campaigners say a two-year delay announced by the government should be 'the beginning of the end' for a controversial road-building scheme.

'A car wash? Really? We had a golden opportunity - and blew it'

Proposals for a car wash and a tyre shop on a derelict site have been criticised by councillors who are powerless to stop it happening.

Village shop reopens after major revamp

A community store has been re-launched by an MP after undergoing a three-year redevelopment.

Celebrity hairdresser opens hair academy in Kent

Celebrity hairstylist Lee Stafford has launched a hair academy in his name at a college.

New shop moves into former Burton store

Speculation is growing about the future of a former high street clothing store after work began to fit it out.

Huge caravan park expansion over fields given green light

Plans to expand a caravan park over land the size of 18 football pitches has been given the green light.

Six new restaurants to open at tourist hotspot