00:00Survival mode is what a lot of local businesses are finding themselves in today.
00:07But this first of its kind stress test in Maidstone, led by Dr Ant Webb, is looking to help business
00:15owners tackle a problem which could risk their livelihoods.
00:20The Kent Business Stress Test Survey revealed that 30% of the 77 businesses that took part in this research
00:32said they seriously considered giving in the towel on their business venture due to stress, money and exhaustion.
00:43What was really interesting, we've had a great group of business leaders and also representatives of business services that support
00:49business leaders.
00:51And one thing is actually, all of them have said, we're not surprised, we're not surprised at the severity of
00:57these numbers.
00:58However, what was really good was every single person around the room went, this is what we need, we've got
01:03to do something about it because we can't afford not to.
01:06And it's not just, you know, waving a flag saying no, the business owners are under pressure.
01:12It's much more than that, it's how it affects Kent's economy.
01:15I think today's meeting went incredibly well.
01:18I think it was the first time I've been in a room with a group of people like this that
01:22are really trying to understand how and what support entrepreneurs are looking for
01:29and how we might be able to be put into a position that will help us to be more successful
01:34inside Kent.
01:35This meeting in collaboration with Mind Mid Kent is just the tip of the iceberg in studying the issue,
01:44especially given the cost of living crisis, which has spiked in the last month.
01:50The focus now is on funding a dedicated county-wide support platform creating mental health support specifically designed for business
02:03owners and entrepreneurs.
02:05The main purpose of this meeting is to get a few heads together to have a general chinwag and a
02:11review of the situation as we see it now based on mental health and what seemingly is a bit of
02:18a crisis emerging in the business sector.
02:21Obviously, as mayor of Maidstone, I'm particularly concerned about the businesses in Maidstone, not just within the borough, but within
02:28the whole county of Kent.
02:29We've made a start. We need to take it forward.
02:32Another wellbeing conference led by Dr. Ant called Be Your Brand will be at the village hall in Maidstone on
02:43the 16th of April,
02:44which will give more insight into managing a business despite all the mental and financial challenges of 2026,
02:55showing this scheme is looking to improve lives one shop at a time.
03:01Henry Luck for Kane TV in Maidstone.
03:06He did not know mean that Ок.
03:06espouse ARCHOсть
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