I need to start with an apology to Kent Business. I have deliberately missed my deadline in order to be able to mention the Kent County Show IoD Breakfast.

Hopefully they won’t mind. They are terribly accommodating. I feel it was worth it though – what a great start to an unfortunately dull day.

We had a packed turnout for a full English in the wonderful new Maidstone Exhibition Hall, which was later officially opened by HRH the Duke of Kent.

Our sponsors, Southern Water, were particularly fitting with the rain as our backdrop, and they brought with them their Learn to Swim ambassador Duncan Goodhew MBE.

The Olympic gold medallist was a joy to listen to and so full of enthusiasm that I couldn’t help tweeting and taking a shameless selfie on stage.

I am almost inspired to swim again after his fantastic back to basics reminder of how fascinating it is to take a dip in the eyes of a child.

After a quick visit to our stand with the Village Hotel to celebrate their 10th anniversary, I was honoured to be invited to the President’s Lunch (this year I read the dress code properly).

I spent it collaring Damian Collins MP into joining us for some IoD events so watch out for our East Kent Expo in September.

The rest of the month was busy as usual, with some new events and locations too.
We held a wonderful lunch at Thackeray’s restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. It was in partnership with the Start Up Loans Company, a government scheme designed to help new businesses.

It was designed to recruit some mentors to provide support, beyond the purely financial.
Several interested members are in the process of being matched up with suitable candidates.

We hosted an MD Forum in the Burlington Hotel, Folkestone, with new members Castlewood Hotels. Another busy breakfast and great to see new faces able to come due to the location. Thank you to MHA McIntyre Hudson for their advice on employee share schemes.

Finally, I must mention the big evening event of the year – the KEIBAs.
It was another great night which ran brilliantly. Well done to Rob Knight of Ecoegg Maidstone who won the IoD Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

It was good to see a strong percentage of other winners were IoD members and I have issued my own award too.

The Going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty for Photo Opportunities award goes to Bramley apple producers Fourayes for managing director Phil Acock’s suit.

Congratulations everyone.