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December 2024

Simpler recycling in the workplace

From the 31st March 2025 businesses will need to separate the following groups of recyclable materials:

• Glass, metal and plastic
• Cardboard and paper
• Food waste as a dedicated collection.

The new guidelines apply to all businesses, healthcare establishments and academic institutions but small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees are temporarily exempt until the 31st March 2027.

Budget Consultation

Every year, the council must set a balanced budget to make sure the money we spend delivering services is in line with the money we have available.

We will set our budget for 2025/26 in February 2025, and we want to hear your views on our proposals.

The consultation closes at 5pm on Wednesday 8 January 2025.

Rural Swale Small Business Grant

The Rural Swale Small Business Grant offers up to £7,000 to projects that help develop the local visitor economy or implement carbon reduction measures. Eligible projects must be completed by the 31 March 2025.

If you are considering applying, please submit your application by Sunday 19 January 2025.

Kent Big Weekend

The Big Weekend is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April 2025 and is open to all Kent tourism businesses to participate and Visit Kent hope you can join them as they celebrate all that is great about the county on one special weekend in April. The Big Weekend is a fantastic way to reward and to encourage residents to visit or to rediscover what's on their doorstep. Residents will be given the opportunity to win tickets to explore attractions that they might not have otherwise visited. The advantages for businesses are that they: Take part in a cost effective solution for raising awareness with their key resident audience Enjoy a dedicated listing on the Big Weekend website and complimentary display posters Gain additional exposure through the campaign marketing and PR Receive opt-in data for all those who bid for your tickets, allowing you to build a relationship with an engaged audience Can sign up before 20th January to secure a place in InsideKent magazine

Kent HealthCheck

Kent HealthCheck is delivering a new initiative on behalf of Kent County Council to provide Free CVD (cardiovascular disease) Health Checks throughout workplaces in the Kent area. The aims of the health checks are to identify risks of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia to enable early intervention and improved health. This Health Check is a great initiative for employers to promote a healthier workforce. Their team will bring everything required to deliver the health checks. All that they require is a private space / room to carry out the checks alongside a few tables and chairs. To organise a free event, contact Kent HealthCheck on Kent.HealthCheck@randox.com

Swale Borough Council Commissioning and Procurement: Current Opportunities

Installation of Solar PV system at Swale House (Sittingbourne). Closing date: 12:00 noon on 20 January 2025.

Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park Visitor Centre Management - Expressions of Interest for Visitor Centre and Catering Provision. Closing date: 12 noon on 24 January 2025.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Thank you for your help and support throughout 2024, which has been another productive year for businesses in Swale.

Our phone lines will be closed from 12pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and will reopen again at 9am on Thursday 2 January 2025. Find out more on the Swale Borough Council website by clicking here, and for out of hours and emergency contact details, please click here.

Finally, it only remains for us to wish you a restful and restorative festive break and a Happy New Year!