Ramsgate Space CIC has announced its next phase of the Thanet Business Support Programme, building on a successful launch in December and a well-attended January networking event focused on funding and investment opportunities for local businesses.
Delivered by Ramsgate Space CIC on behalf of Thanet council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme has already engaged businesses across Thanet through practical workshops, expert-led sessions and peer networking.
December’s programme provided hands-on support around business planning and professional advice, while January involved a busy networking event delivered with the BOSS network, bringing together entrepreneurs and funders to explore routes to investment and growth.
The programme now moves into a packed schedule of talks, panels and high street-focused support running throughout February and March, with a strong emphasis on the visitor economy, leadership, finance and the practical challenges facing independent businesses.
The headline event on 9 February is Building a Global Brand from the Kent Coast, featuring Dom Bridges, founder of Dulcie (formerly Haeckels).
Dom will share the story of growing a much-loved Margate-based business from a single shop in Cliftonville into an internationally recognised brand.
Dulcie is also the local brand behind the community sauna at the Walpole Bay tidal pool, reflecting Dom’s commitment to Margate’s coastal culture, wellbeing and community alongside commercial growth. The talk will offer honest insight into growth, investment, risk and resilience.
Full event details and booking: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981738901401
February & March highlights
The February and March programme includes a series of talks, panels and practical sessions delivered across Thanet’s town centres.
Full programme details and booking information are available at:
https://www.ramsgatespace.co.uk/thanetbusinesssupport
Talks & Panels
Building a Global Brand from the Kent Coast
9 February | 6:00–7:30pm | Olby’s Creative Hub, Margate
An interview with Dom Bridges, Founder of Dulcie (formerly Haeckels)
Patterns of Success: What the Best Entrepreneurs Have in Common
26 February | 6:00–7:30pm | Ramsgate Space HQ, Ramsgate
With Emma Jones, Small Business Commissioner at the Department for Business and Trade
From Founder to Leader: Growing Yourself as Your Business Grows
9 March | 1:00–2:00pm | Royal Albion Hotel, Broadstairs
With Simon Millington, wellbeing and leadership coach and former UEFA Coach Developer
Core Business Skills
Developing a Funding Plan for Your Business
26 March | 9:30–11:30am | Queens Road Baptist Church, Broadstairs
Led by the Ramsgate Space CIC team
High Street Businesses Support
The Business of Tourism: Place, Promotion and the High Street
10 February | 6:00–7:30pm | Gather &, Ramsgate
A panel discussion and roundtable exploring tourism, place marketing and the visitor economy
Accessing Finance for Your Business
24 February | 8:30–9:30am | Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs
With Lisa Young, Let’s Do Business
AI for High Street Businesses
17 March | 8:30–10:00am | Olby’s Creative Hub, Margate
With Rebecca Bradley, AI Strategist
High street businesses can also access 1:1 business support sessions. These focused one-hour sessions offer practical guidance on challenges, opportunities and next steps, with limited availability across the programme period. Interested businesses can [email protected] for more details.
Business Essentials
First Aid for Small and Micro Businesses
18 February | 9:00am–4:00pm | Kent Innovation Centre, Broadstairs
22 February | 9:00am–4:00pm | Droit House, Margate
Louise Brooks, founder and director of Ramsgate Space CIC, said: “The response to the programme so far has shown just how much appetite there is for practical, locally delivered business support. Building on the momentum from December and January, we’re excited to be launching a strong February and March programme, starting with Dom Bridges’ talk, which we expect to be a real draw for businesses across Thanet.”
The Thanet Business Support Programme is open to new and established businesses across the district, with sessions delivered in accessible venues across Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs.
