BUSINESS + TECH
and innovation. On the other hand, it has the power to overwhelm faster than you can say“ take me back to 2002, please …”.
Yet the numbers don’ t lie. Global management consulting firm, McKinsey, estimates that companies adopting AI in their operations can generate productivity gains of up to 40 %, with cloud adoption alone saving businesses an average of 30 % on IT costs annually, and firms embracing automation in manufacturing boosting output by up to 25 %.
In Kent alone, companies are leading the charge. Thanet Earth, the UK’ s largest greenhouse complex, uses robotic pollination and LED lighting to grow 400 million tomatoes a year while slashing environmental costs. Meanwhile, Webcomm, in collaboration with the University of Kent, has developed a platform that helps manufacturers track and reduce their carbon footprints in real-time.
Investing in technology doesn’ t always mean splashing millions on AI labs or robotic arms. Sometimes it’ s about upgrading everyday tools: better Customer Relationship Management( CRM) software to streamline customer service, cybersecurity measures to protect your data, and hybrid-working tech to keep teams connected across locations.
Ignore technology, though, and you risk looking like Blockbuster in a Netflix world. And we all know how that ended. RIP Blockbuster( seriously, take me back to 2002).
Here’ s the golden thread tying all of this together: investment is less about money and more about mindset. It’ s about believing that success tomorrow requires action today- and not just in one area, but across people, processes, partnerships and platforms. It’ s also hinged on being honest about sequencing: don’ t adopt AI before your data is findable; don’ t scale sales before your onboarding works; and don’ t open a second site expecting the first one to run on happiness and heroics.
Whether you’ re buying new machinery, funding training sessions, mentoring a start-up or adopting AI tools, the act of investment signals that you’ re committed and you’ re in it for the long haul, which is what success in modern business really demands. Not quick wins or shortcuts, but a willingness to continually pour time, energy, resources and belief into the things that matter most.
So, ask yourself, what are you investing in today that will make you proud tomorrow? If the answer is‘ not enough’ then perhaps it’ s time to dust off that strategy document, rally your people and channel your inner Dragon. Just don’ t forget the pizza on Fridays. inDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
AS WE KICK OFF THE SEASON OF GIFT GIVING, WE’ RE SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON THE CHERISHED LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS WHO ARE ALL SET TO ADD STYLE AND HEART TO OUR KENTISH SHOPPING THIS CHRISTMAS.
OOLO oolohome. com oolohome
Holding a background as a commercial buyer, but longing to return to her creative roots, Whitstable-based Sarah Harris set up the wonderful oolo after her first little one was born in 2020. Growing naturally from items Sarah herself needed as a new mum, such as relaxation eye pillows made using Kentish Lavender, oolo has now expanded to also offer fantastic‘ mini oolo’ kidswear and homewear ranges including cushions and seasonal decor.“ So much of what I do is inspired by my African roots, my children and my love of nature and interiors,” says Sarah.“ I also love finding vintage or preloved fabrics and giving them new life, always striving to be as sustainable as possible in the fabrics I source and packaging I use.” Be sure to visit oolo’ s newly launched website or catch Sarah at her next festive pop-up from 17- 23 November at 5a Oxford Street in Whitstable.
BIRDY BISCUITS birdybiscuits
Based in Sandwich, Birdy Biscuits launched in February 2024 following years of encouragement from loved ones who saw founder Debbie Setterfield’ s love of baking as something that could become so much more.“ After reaching a crossroads in my career, I finally took the leap,” says Debbie.“ With 15 years of experience in beauty and fashion buying, I was ready to change things up and explore a more creative outlet.” Today, Birdy Biscuits specialises in hand-decorated, fondant sugar cookies, creating bespoke treats for every occasion- from corporate events and weddings to hen parties and everything in between.“ Whether it’ s a single Valentine’ s biscuit pop or 750 personalised edible logos, each biscuit is lovingly made by hand in my home kitchen.” With a Food Safety Level 2 certification and a five-star hygiene rating, Debbie is excited to continue growing Birdy Biscuits and pushing the boundaries of what’ s possible in the world of creative edible treats!
JOURNEYS MADE journeysmade. co. uk journeys _ made
As both an avid traveller and crafter, in October 2020 Jade Scammells was searching for a meaningful way to see all of her adventures together; something special that she could carry with her everywhere she went.“ I crafted the first prototype from scraps of leather and metal stamping tools and kept it on my own keys,” says Jade.“ It quickly became a conversation starter; a reminder of my past journeys and the excitement of those still to come.” In January 2021, Journeys Made was born and has since grown into an award-winning small business creating handcrafted leather travel keyrings and engraved tokens, each token representing a place visited and memory made.“ Travel has always been part of my journey- I’ ve been to over 20 countries, worked as a travel agent, and even ran my own travel agency before the pandemic forced me to pivot. I guess in a way I went from booking holidays to helping people remember them.”
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