Ten Kent Start-Ups Awarded Free Stands At 90th Kent County Show

The Kent County Agricultural Society has awarded a free stand to ten new businesses based in Kent at this year’s County Show on 5, 6, 7 July.

The Enterprise Zone at the Kent County Show was set up in 2018 to support new and developing businesses in the county. The companies needed to be based in the county and be less than a year old. This year, the recipients include a pet groomer, handcrafted kitchenware designers and an animal photographer, demonstrating that new businesses in Kent are still developing despite Brexit uncertainty.

The Electrical Academy, based in Maidstone, are a new City and Guilds accredited electrical training school providing upskilling for electricians and electrical engineers. With the Government recognised skills shortage in this industry, the Electrical Academy have created an ethos of getting people into skilled employment within an area with a large skills deficit. Whether you’re looking to start a career or to have a change, Electrical Academy can provide the training required to get into electrical engineering.

Jurola’s Handmade Gifts, from Cranbrook, makes country themed gifts and homeware with a focus on practicality and usability. Jurola’s Handmade Gifts was started by Tammy Charlesworth with a view to make quality, bespoke items with a promise to use every last scrap of fabric to do her bit for the environment.

Based in Rainham, Pet Owners First Aid is owned by Kerry Stubbs and delivers accredited animal first aid courses. Their courses are ideal for pet owners or those in the domestic pet industry and they also provide first aid kits and training books. Visit Pet Owners First Aid at the Kent County Show to learn canine CPR and practice bandaging on their dummy dog.

Bucolic Bockees was founded by Charlotte Garrett and makes countryside themed boxer shorts that are bold, colourful, and full of character. Charlotte’s shorts are so much more than just boxers, they aim to capture the everyday activities of the county’s pleasant countryside and celebrate bucolic life. Bucolic Bockees’ colourful designs have already been modelled by Made in Chelsea’s Julius Cowdrey so are set to be a fashion hit.

Equikit, from Canterbury, is an online shop and showroom providing equestrian goods. Their team offer full training, fitting, and advice for their products and are looking to grow a community of equestrians in the county. Visitors to Equikit’s stand at the Show can expect to meet product specialists who can demo their stock as well as having boot and hat fittings.

From Sheldwich, Rico and Plato make handcrafted teak kitchenware. Their unusual cutting boards, charcuterie platters, utensils, wine racks, and bowls come in all shapes and sizes and offer a wholesome alfresco style of dining. Their stand will house their traditional market cart where visitors can peruse and purchase their unique wares.

Queenie’s Dog Grooming and Spa is based in Paddock Wood and offers grooming for your pet pooch. Queenie’s offer spa bath sessions which are perfect for dogs with skin conditions, elderly dogs, those with joint problems or just to treat your pet to a pampering. Queenie’s will be bringing one of their spa baths to the Show to demonstrate how they work.

Based in Ashford, Hydro Beard Graphics offer hydro dipping and custom clothing. Hydro dipping is a water-based transfer printing system and can be used to jazz up items such as cars, agricultural machinery, sports equipment, hats, and more. The Hydro Beard Graphics team will be on hand at the Show to discuss how you can customise your kit with bookings made at the Show receiving a discount.

Field and Fur Photography are based in Shepherdswell and provide professional photography services for the equine and canine market. Owners, James and Maddi Burchell, offer private and bespoke photoshoots, high quality printed products, and event photography. Their styles include portraiture, action, and fine art. Make sure to visit Field and Fur Photography to book your own pet portrait.

Anna Outdoors, from Canterbury, delivers outdoor activities in Westgate Parks and Reculver Country Park through creative children’s activities inspired by nature. Make a visit to the Anna Outdoors stand to find out more about her activities, such as the seashore safari and river ranger parties, and kindle a love for the great outdoors.

Trade and sponsorship co-ordinator, Rosie Gouldsworthy, said: “it’s great to be able to run the Enterprise Zone for its second year and we’re so excited to see all these new businesses at the Show. Our ten start-ups represent such a range of different businesses and it’s so encouraging to see new and exciting concepts are still being developed in Kent given the current climate. Make sure to visit them at the Show to give them your support.”

The Enterprise Zone is part of a collection of shopping and retail areas at the Kent County Show. Craft marquees, the Antiques and Vintage Village, Food Halls, and Produced in Kent area offer a mix of food, crafts, antiques, and Kent produce to peruse. Tickets for the Kent County Show are now on sale. Visit www.kentshow.co.uk or call 01622 633030 to find out more and to book your tickets.

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