Networking proves a blast for young business people

Budding young entrepreneurs showed off their skills at a popular networking event.

The A Blast! gathering in Maidstone was attended by owners of Ashford companies including Cycle Moore, Podplus and Lady Lavender Tea.

It is designed to create a business community across Kent, and invites young company owners to showcase their firms for free.

The charity behind it, the Kent Foundation, provides free business support to young people and it attracts around 300 people each time.

Podplus at the Julie Rose Stadium in Willesborough, was there. The shop provides a free personal shoe fitting service with a wide stock of footwear, clothing and sporting and injury accessories, while its clinic offers professional private healthcare services.

Brother and sister Tom, 36, and Kate Austen, 34, started the business in 2005. Miss Austen elliott Moore from Cycle Moore said: “It was great to celebrate the success of the Kent Foundation in helping so many new business start-ups in Kent at A Blast.

“Podplus has had continued support from the Kent Foundation.”

Elliott Moore, 27, of Cycle Moore, a mobile bicycle repair business set up three years ago was another Ashford businessman there.

Mr Moore, 27, a keen cyclist with a passion to ensure others enjoy cycling too, said: “It was well organised, enabling myself to talk to other young entrepreneurs and business people in the local area, about my business and learn about theirs.

“I’m looking forward to a busy year.”

Also showcasing was Lady Lavender Tea, which specialises in vintage crockery hire and tea parties.

For more information visit www.kentfoundation.org

tom and Kate austen from podplus